bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STING pathway expression in low‐grade serous carcinoma of the ovary: an unexpected therapeutic opportunity?
Authors: Huvila Jutta , Cochrane Dawn R , Ta Monica , Chow Christine , Greening Kendall , Leung Samuel , Karnezis Anthony N , DiFeo Analisa , Huntsman David G
Published: June 2021

Ovarian carcinoma histotypes are distinct diseases with variable clinical outcomes and response to treatment. There is a need for new subtype‐specific treatment modalities, especially for women with widespread and chemo‐resistant disease. Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is a part of the cGAS–STING pathway that mediates innate immune defence against infectious DNA‐containing pathogens and also detects tumour‐derived DNA and generates intrinsic antitumour immunity. The STING signalling pathway is suppressed by several mechanisms in a variety of malignant diseases and, in some cancers that may be a requirement for cellular transformation. The aim of this study was to use immunohistochemistry to evaluate STING protein expression across normal tissue, paratubal and ovarian cysts, and ovarian tumour histotypes including ovarian carcinomas. Herein, we show that the fallopian tube ciliated cells express STING protein, whereas the secretory cells are negative. STING expression differs among ovarian cancer histotypes; low‐grade serous ovarian carcinomas and serous borderline tumours have uniform high STING expression, while high‐grade serous and endometrioid carcinomas have heterogeneous expression, and clear cell and mucinous carcinomas show low expression. As low‐grade serous carcinomas are known to be genomically stable and typically lack a prominent host immune response, the consistently high STING expression is unexpected. High STING expression may reflect pathway activation or histogenesis and the mechanisms may be different in different ovarian carcinoma histotypes. Further studies are needed to determine whether the STING signalling pathway is active and whether these tumours would be candidates for therapeutic interventions that trigger innate immunity activation.
Efficacy and safety of transvenous lead extraction in the Chinese octogenarian patients
Authors: Zhou Xu , Ze Feng , Li Xuebin , Wang Bin
Published: June 2021

Background

Managing elderly patients with infection or malfunction deriving from a cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) may be challenging. We report the safety and effectiveness of transvenous lead extraction in Chinese octogenarian patients.

Hypothesis

Transvenous lead extraction can be performed safely and successfully in the Chinese octogenarians.

Methods

We retrospectively identified all patients who underwent TLE at our institution between March 2013 and January 2021. This population was divided into the following two groups based solely on age: octogenarians and non‐octogenarians. These two groups were compared on the basis of several characteristics and clinical outcomes.

Results

Consecutive 1106 patients were analyzed, including 184 (16.6%) octogenarians and 922(83.4%) non‐octogenarians. The octogenarians presented more comorbidities. A total of 378 leads and 2004 leads were removed from the patients in the octogenarian group and non‐octogenarian group, respectively. The mean lead implant duration was 6.1 ± 5.1 and 5.8 ± 4.6 years for octogenarians and non‐octogenarians (p = 0.296). The majority of the patients in both groups underwent TLE through the femoral approach (67.5% vs 61.6%, p = 0.14). The complete procedure success rate was similar between the octogenarian and non‐octogenarian group (96.7% vs.95.3%, p = 0.39). There were no differences with respect to the proportion of minor, major complications and deaths. Long‐term mortality (median time 3.3 years) after TLE in octogenarians was significantly higher compared with younger individuals.

Conclusions

At experienced centers, transvenous lead extraction can be performed safely in Chinese octogenarians with procedural success rate and complication rate comparable to younger individuals.
Production of Structured RNA Fragments by In Vitro Transcription and HPLC Purification
Authors: Karlsson Hampus , Feyrer Hannes , Baronti Lorenzo , Petzold Katja
Published: June 2021

The understanding of the functional importance of RNA has increased enormously in the last decades. This has required research on the RNA molecules themselves, with the concomitant need for obtaining purified RNA samples, such as for structural studies by NMR or other methods. The main method to create labeled and unlabeled RNA, T7 in vitro transcription, suffers from sequence‐dependent yield and often low homogeneity for short constructs (<100 nt) and requires laborious purification. Additionally, the design of structured RNA fragments mimicking the structure of a larger biological RNA is often not straightforward. Secondary structure simulations can be used to make reliable predictions about the folding of a particular RNA fragment. In this article, we describe how to design an RNA construct of interest from a larger sequence, and we combine several previously published improvements of the in vitro transcription method, such as the use of 2′‐methoxy modifications and dimethyl sulfoxide or the use of tandem repeats, to increase yield and purity of in vitro–transcribed RNA. Together with a high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) purification procedure using both reversed‐phase ion‐pairing and ion‐exchange HPLC, we provide a robust protocol to obtain highly pure RNA of short to intermediate length in large quantities. The protocol optimizes yield, especially for RNA starting with nucleotides other than G. At the same time, it is simplified, and the required time is reduced. The protocols described here constitute a versatile pipeline for the production of purified RNA samples and are suitable for users with little experience in liquid chromatography. © 2021 The Authors.

Basic Protocol 1: RNA construct design

Basic Protocol 2: DNA template production and in vitro transcription

Alternate Protocol: Tandem transcription and RNase H cleavage

Basic Protocol 3: Reversed‐phase ion‐pairing HPLC purification

Basic Protocol 4: Ion‐exchange HPLC purification
A case series of CBT‐T in routine clinical practice
Authors: Rose Charlotte , Bakopoulou Ioanna , Novak Tamas
Published: June 2021

Objective

CBT‐T is a relatively new, brief cognitive behavioral therapy eating disorder treatment for non‐underweight patients. This study evaluates CBT‐T independently from the team that developed the protocol, and examines the relationship between eating disorder duration and CBT‐T effectiveness.

Method

A case series design was used, comprising N = 40 adults with bulimia or atypical anorexia type eating disorders. CBT‐T was delivered by CBT therapists in a specialist outpatient service. Mixed model analysis examined the interactions between eating disorder duration and change to eating disorder psychopathology and secondary impairment from pre‐post treatment. Abstinence, good outcome, and remission rates were also provided.

Results

Intervention effect sizes were large. Treatment completers reported abstinence from binge eating and purging over the final 28‐days, and 7‐days of treatment at 30.1%, and 73.1%, respectively; 76.9% reported good outcome; and 23.1% reported remission. No relationship between eating disorder duration and treatment effectiveness was found.

Discussion

These findings build on existing evidence supporting provision of CBT‐T in routine clinical practice, for patients with eating disorders of any duration. Replication, extension, and RCT will strengthen comparability with other evidence‐based approaches.
Examining depression scores as predictors and moderators of treatment outcomes in patients with binge‐eating disorder
Authors: Grilo Carlos M. , Gueorguieva Ralitza , Pittman Brian
Published: June 2021

Objective

A substantial proportion of patients with binge‐eating disorder (BED) do not derive sufficient benefits from available evidence‐based psychological interventions. We examined depression scores as predictors and moderators of response to cognitive‐behavioral therapy (CBT) and behavioral weight‐loss (BWL) for BED. We explored associations between changes in depression scores and changes in treatment outcomes.

Method

Ninety adults with BED with obesity were randomized to CBT or BWL (6 months) and were evaluated independently throughout treatment, at posttreatment, and 12‐month follow‐up after treatments (18 months post‐randomization). Pre‐treatment depression scores, early changes in depression, and changes in depression from pre‐ to post‐treatment were tested as predictors/moderators of outcomes (binge‐eating frequency and eating‐disorder psychopathology).

Results

Baseline depression scores did not predict nor moderate outcomes at post‐treatment or 12‐month follow‐up. Changes in depression scores (both early and throughout treatment) were not associated significantly with changes in binge‐eating frequency or eating‐disorder psychopathology at post‐treatment or 12‐month follow‐up.

Discussion

Findings suggest depression scores do not predict nor moderate acute‐ or longer‐term outcomes in patients with BED receiving CBT or BWL. Findings reinforce need to improve treatments for BED overall, although they provide confidence that patients with elevated depression scores derive benefits from existing CBT and BWL interventions.
Detection of drought‐induced blue oak mortality in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, California
Authors: Huesca Margarita , Ustin Susan L. , Shapiro Kristen D. , Boynton Ryan , Thorne James H.
Published: June 2021

From 2011 to 2016, California experienced a millennial‐intensity drought, generating high levels of tree mortality. Remote sensing has been used to monitor the long‐term impacts of drought; however, discriminating dead from live trees in arid and semiarid deciduous woodlands is challenging. The goals of this study were to assess and map the spatial patterns of drought‐induced tree mortality in a blue oak (Quercus douglasii) woodland, a highly drought‐tolerant species forming savannas along the lower foothills surrounding California's Central Valley. Airborne hyperspectral imagery was used to identify the most important wavelength regions predicting drought‐induced blue oak mortality. The best metric to predict canopy stress was a normalized ratio using the spectral bands 937.53 and 1100.08 nm with a correlation with tree mortality of R2 = 0.83. The image prediction of mortality for nine field plots found that 16 of 98 trees died (17.9%) during the drought. We further evaluated tree mortality in 82 independent plots, and we found the greatest image predictive accuracy for tree mortality between 1% and 10%. When applied at the landscape level, the regression‐based index found mortality ranged from 1% to more than 51% in oak stands with an average mortality of 10% over the entire study region. In addition, tree mortality at landscape level showed higher tree mortality in blue oaks on south‐facing aspects probably because of higher insolation rates and in sites with low potential for accumulated drainage.
A meta‐analysis of amino acid δ15N trophic enrichment factors in fishes relative to nutritional and ecological drivers
Authors: Nuche‐Pascual M. Teresa , Ruiz‐Cooley Rocío I. , Herzka Sharon Z.
Published: June 2021

The use of amino acid (AA) nitrogen stable isotopes (δ15N) from consumer tissues aims to provide precise estimates of trophic position (TP), but the drivers of AA isotope fractionation remain unclear. In particular, the main factors driving the variability in TEFAA among taxonomic groups and trophic levels remain largely unexplained, which challenges the application of universal values for TEFs. While the relationship between protein content and quality and TEFs has been examined, studies have yielded inconsistent results, and the role of protein and lipid nutritional requirements as well as feeding regime have not been considered. Likewise, drivers that influence physiological and nutritional processes have not been examined relative to TEFAA variation. We conducted a meta‐analysis of controlled feeding experiments within a single group, teleosts fishes, to evaluate the relationship between five nutritional factors (protein and lipid content, protein and lipid content relative to nutritional requirements, and feeding regime) and three ecological drivers (diet type, life stage, and habitat type) on TEFAA. We considered a broad range of protein levels (8–71%) in diets and found no relationship between source TEFAAs and percent protein relative to nutritional requirements, whereas lipid content relative to nutrient requirements, feeding regime and habitat type partially explain the variability in TEFs of Lys, but not for Phe and Met TEFs. The variability for the latter was representative of robust source AAs. Among trophic AAs, Asp, Ile, Pro, and Leu TEFs were significantly higher in species from brackish than marine habitats possibly due to osmoregulation involvement. TEFGlu was sensitive to protein content and feeding regime within teleosts, but relatively constant when comparing TEFs among teleosts, non‐teleosts, and all taxa. Our results indicate that TEFAA is less variable within a single taxon than among multiple taxa and that such variation is not negligible. Our results indicate that δ15NAA values could provide better TP estimates if using taxon‐specific values, and highlights the need to explain the mechanisms of AA fractionation and quantify the variability in TEFs used during error propagation for TP estimates.
Disparities in clinical features and outcomes of peripartum cardiomyopathy in high versus low prevalent regions in Nigeria
Authors: Karaye Kamilu M. , Ishaq Naser A. , Sai'du Hadiza , Balarabe Sulaiman A. , Ahmed Bashir G. , Adamu Umar G. , Mohammed Idris Y. , Oboirien Isa , Umuerri Ejiroghene M. , Mankwe Abaram C. , Shidali Vincent Y. , Dodiyi‐Manuel Sotonye , Njoku Paschal , Olunuga Taiwo , Josephs Veronica , Mbakwem Amam C. , Ogah Okechukwu S. , Tukur Jamilu , Okeahialam Basil , Stewart Simon , Henein Michael , Sliwa Karen ,   Peripartum Cardiomyopathy in Nigeria (PEACE) Registry Investigators
Published: June 2021

Aims

The prospective, multicentre Peripartum Cardiomyopathy in Nigeria (PEACE) registry originally demonstrated a high prevalence of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) among patients originating from Kano, North‐West Nigeria. In a post hoc analysis, we sought to determine if this phenomenon was characterized by a differential case profile and outcome among PPCM cases originating elsewhere.

Methods and results

Overall, 199 (81.6%) of a total 244 PPCM patients were recruited from three sites in Kano, compared with 45 patients (18.4%) from 11 widely dispersed centres across Nigeria. Presence and extent of ventricular myocardial remodelling during follow‐up, relative to baseline status, were assessed by echocardiography. During median 17 months follow‐up, Kano patients demonstrated significantly better myocardial reverse remodelling than patients from other sites. Overall, 50.6% of patients from Kano versus 28.6% from other regions were asymptomatic (P = 0.029) at study completion, with an accompanying difference in all‐cause mortality (17.6% vs. 22.2% respectively, P = 0.523) not reaching statistical significance. Alternatively, 135/191 (84.9%) of Kano patients had selenium deficiency (<70 μg/L), and 46/135 (34.1%) of them received oral selenium supplementation. Critically, those that received selenium supplementation demonstrated better survival (6.5% vs. 21.2%; P = 0.025), but the supplement did not have significant impact on myocardial remodelling.

Conclusions

This study has shown important non‐racial regional disparities in the clinical features and outcomes of PPCM patients in Nigeria, that might partly be explained by selenium supplementation.
Electrochemical and Photophysical Study of Homoleptic and Heteroleptic Methylated Ru(II) Bis‐terpyridine Complexes
Authors: Rupp Mira T. , Auvray Thomas , Hanan Garry S. , Kurth Dirk G.
Published: June 2021

In this study, we investigate the impact of N‐methylation on the electronic and photophysical properties of both homoleptic and heteroleptic Ru(II) bis‐terpyridine complexes based on the recently reported ligand 4’‐(4‐bromophenyl)‐4,4’’’ : 4’’,4’’’’‐dipyridinyl‐2,2’ : 6’,2’’‐terpyridine (Bipytpy), with pyridine substituents in the 4‐ and 4’’‐position. The first reduction of the methylated complexes takes place at the pyridinium site and is observed as multi‐electron process. Following N‐methylation, the complexes exhibit higher luminescence quantum yields and longer excited‐state lifetimes. Interestingly, the photophysical properties of the heteroleptic and homoleptic complexes are rather similar. TD‐DFT calculations support the experimental results. Furthermore, the complexes are tested as photosensitizers for photocatalytic hydrogen production, as the parent complex 1 [Ru(Bipytpy)(Tolyltpy)](PF6)2 (Tolyltpy: 4′‐tolyl‐2,2′ : 6′,2′’‐terpyridine) was recently shown to be active and highly stable under photocatalytic conditions. However, the methylated complexes reported herein are inactive as photosensitizers under the chosen conditions, presumably due to loss of the methyl groups, converting them to the non‐methylated parent complexes.
Synthesis of Two New Ni12‐Cluster Substituted Sandwiched Phosphotungstates Organic‐Cluster and their Magnetic Property
Authors: Su Zhao‐Min , An Qingqing , Xu Xiaomei , Zhang Niu , Bao Lixia , Jia Zhiyu , Yang Guo‐Yu
Published: June 2021

Two new Ni12‐substituted sandwiched phosphotungstates organic‐cluster, H2[Ni6(OH)3(H2O)9(PW9O34)(1,4‐NDC)1/2(H2O)1/2]2 ⋅ 14 H2O (1), Ni(H2O)2(en)2[Ni6(OH)3(H2O)6(en)2(PW9O34)(2,6‐NDC)1/2]2 ⋅ 11H2O (2) (en=1,2‐ethylenediamine; 1,4‐NDC=Naphthalene‐1,4‐dicarboxylic acid; 2,6‐NDC=Naphthalene‐2,6‐dicarboxylic acid) which are composed of {Ni6PW9} as second building units (SBU) and organic molecular as the bridging molecule have been synthesized by a hydrothermal method under mild condition. From single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography, we could observe two different configurations between 1 and 2. Two {Ni6PW9} SBUs were connected through 1,4‐H2NDC molecular and 2,6‐H2NDC molecular, respectively. Thought the connection of organic molecular, we successfully increase the nuclear number of transition‐metal‐substituted polyoxometalates. Meanwhile, both of two compounds have ferromagnetic interactions, which guides us to synthesize novel phosphotungstates with ferromagnetic property.
One‐step Conversion of Amides and Esters to Acid Chlorides with PCl3
Authors: Li Fangshao , Wu Xiaofang , Guo Fengzhe , Tang Zi‐Long , Xiao Jing
Published: June 2021

A general and efficient iodine‐promoted chlorination of amides and esters with phosphorus trichloride is described. For the first time. Various inactivated amides including secondary and tertiary amides were directly converted to the corresponding acid chlorides in one‐step. The substrate scope of methyl esters including aromatic and aliphatic esters was also explored under this system. This method is simple, scalable and wide in scope, which provides an approach to preparation of these acid chlorides.
High‐efficiency adsorption of various heavy metals by tea residue biochar loaded with nanoscale zero‐valent iron
Authors: Liu Shuang , Zhang Shuaizhong , Fan Minghao , Yuan Yongkai , Sun Xun , Wang Dongfeng , Xu Ying
Published: June 2021

Nanoscale zero‐valent iron (nZVI) loaded on tea residue biochar activated with phosphoric acid composites was synthesized. This adsorbent can efficiently adsorb multiple heavy metal ions such as Pb (II), Cr (III), Cu (II), and Ni (II) simultaneously. The adsorption process was found to follow the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. Equilibrium adsorption capacities reached 288.18, 162.34, 242.72, and 267.22 mg·g−1 for Pb(II), Cr(III), Cu(II), and Ni(II), respectively. The common interfering ions exhibited lower influence on its adsorption capacity. The adsorption mechanism includes reduction, ion exchange, surface complexation and precipitation. Furthermore, the waste adsorbent was converted into a catalyst in situ, which could catalyze the degradation of Congo red by establishing an electron transfer pathway. This research provides a new concept for the sustainable utilization of industrial tea residues and the harmless treatment of waste nZVI composite adsorbents.
The effect of plasma treated carbon felt on the performance of aqueous quinone‐based redox flow batteries
Authors: Permatasari Agnesia , Shin Jeong Woo , Lee Wonmi , An Jihwan , Kwon Yongchai
Published: June 2021

4,5‐dihydroxybenzene‐1,3‐disulfonic acid (Tiron) and anthraquinone‐2,7‐disulfonic acid (AQDS) are interesting redox couples for aqueous quinone‐based redox flow batteries (QRFBs) because of their high solubility and good reaction reversibility in acidic condition. Tiron is rate‐determining material due to its slow reaction kinetics. To improve that, Tiron is transformed into 2,4,5,6‐tetrahydroxybenzene‐1,3‐disulfonic acid (TironA), which is effectively formed during the first cycle of QRFB. Once TironA is formed, a desirable two‐electron redox reaction with stable and reproducible charge and discharge step of QRFB occurs, although the electron transfer of TironA is still lower than that of AQDS. To further facilitate that of TironA, oxygen (O2) and nitrogen (N2) plasma‐treated carbon felt (CF) electrodes are suggested. Oxygen functional groups formed onto CF by O2 plasma become the active sites for redox reaction of TironA. As the amount of oxygen functional groups formed increases, the redox reactivity of TironA is enhanced. In contrast, when N2 plasma is used, pyrrolic N and quaternary N are mainly formed. With the formation, (i) hydrogen atoms within pyrrolic N act as proton donor and interact with oxygen groups of TironA and (ii) nitrogen cations within quaternary N interact with the negatively charged atoms of TironA by electrostatic interaction. Thus, both reaction kinetic of TironA and performance of QRFB increase. Regarding the performance of QRFB using N2 plasma‐treated CF, its energy efficiency (EE), discharging capacity, and state of charge are 62%, 17.3 Ahr·L−1 and 64.5% for 50 cycle, which correspond to excellent achievements.
Levenberg‐Marquardt backpropagation algorithm for parameter identification of solid oxide fuel cells
Authors: Yang Bo , Chen Yijun , Guo Zhengxun , Wang Jingbo , Zeng Chunyuan , Li Danyang , Shu Hongchun , Shan Jieshan , Fu Ting , Zhang Xiaoshun
Published: June 2021

Fast and precise identification of several unknown parameters for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) models play a critical role in modeling analysis, optimal control, and behavior prediction. However, inherent high‐nonlinear, multi‐variable, and strongly coupled features usually lead to thorny obstacles that hinder conventional methods to identify them with a high speed, high accuracy, and reliable stability. Hence, a Levenberg‐Marquardt backpropagation (LMBP) algorithm‐based parameter identification technique is proposed in this study, which is applied to efficiently train designed artificial neural networks (ANNs) to implement the identification task. Furthermore, two typical models, for example, electrochemical model (ECM) and steady‐state model (SSM), are taken into account to validate the identification performance of the LMBP algorithm under different operation conditions. Simulation results based on MATLAB demonstrate that the LMBP algorithm can extremely improve the accuracy, speed, and stability for estimating these unknown parameters via a comprehensive comparison with four mainstream meta‐heuristic algorithms, that is, artificial ecosystem‐based optimization (AEO), equilibrium optimizer (EO), grey wolf optimization (GWO), and moth‐flame optimization (MFO).
Research on the reliability allocation calculation method of a wind turbine generator set based on a vine copula correlation model
Authors: Wu Yuanyuan , Sun Wenlei
Published: June 2021

To consider the failure correlation among key subsystems, based on the reliability allocation method of the series system, a wind turbine reliability allocation calculation method based on the vine copula correlation model is proposed. The reliability modeling method of the series system is adopted to model the reliability of each subsystem, combined with the copula function to model the correlation between the variables, and then, the multidimensional variable problem is converted into the two‐dimensional variable problem through the vine copula function. The reliability calculation model of the copula function model, under the influence of factors such as the complexity, importance, and failure hazard of each subsystem, allocates the reliability of the key component systems of the wind turbine generator set. Finally, through three allocation methods based on the independent, multivariate copula function and vine copula function and other distribution methods, the calculation and analysis of the wind turbine generator set are performed. The results show that the allocated control system has the lowest reliability, and the tower has the highest reliability; compared with the assumption of the independent allocation method, the allocation result of this paper's method is lower; compared with the allocation method of the multidimensional copula function, the allocated failure rate is increased by more than 20%. This paper verifies that the proposed method is not only effective and reasonable but also more consistent with the actual situation.
Effect of a diet containing a mixture of soybean isoflavones and soyasaponins on contact hypersensitivity and gut microbiota in mice
Authors: Nagano Takao , Katase Mitsuru , Tsumura Kazunobu
Published: June 2021

Dietary soybean isoflavones (SIs) and soyasaponins (SSs) individually exert inhibitory effects on contact hypersensitivity (CHS), which is an animal model of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD); however, the beneficial effects of diets containing a mixture of SIs and SSs on CHS remain unclear. Here, we investigated the CHS‐suppressive effects of diets containing a mixture of SIs and SSs at physiologically relevant doses, and the role of the gut microbiota. The diets attenuated ear swelling and reduced the number of Gr‐1‐positive cells infiltrating the auricle tissues. Ear swelling was inhibited in the SI‐ and SS‐treated mice compared to the SI‐treated mice. Compared to the CHS controls, the levels of chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligand 2 and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells‐1 (TREM‐1) were lower in the auricle tissues of SI‐ and SS‐treated mice, whereas TREM‐1 production was not suppressed in SI‐ or SS‐treated mice. In addition, vancomycin treatment had little effect on the CHS‐inhibitory activity of SI and SS diets, whereas ciprofloxacin and metronidazole treatments blocked the effects of SI and SS diets. These antibiotics exhibited differing effects on the microbiota composition deduced from the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequences. Therefore, consuming a mixture of SIs and SSs has ACD‐preventive effects and is affected by the gut microbiota.
Concurrent axon and myelin destruction differentiates X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy from multiple sclerosis
Authors: Bergner Caroline G. , Genc Nafiye , Hametner Simon , Franz Jonas , van der Meer Franziska , Mitkovski Miso , Weber Martin S. , Stoltenburg‐Didinger Gisela , Kühl Jörn‐Sven , Köhler Wolfgang , Brück Wolfgang , Gärtner Jutta , Stadelmann Christine
Published: June 2021

Cerebral disease manifestation occurs in about two thirds of males with X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy (CALD) and is fatally progressive if left untreated. Early histopathologic studies categorized CALD as an inflammatory demyelinating disease, which led to repeated comparisons to multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of this study was to revisit the relationship between axonal damage and myelin loss in CALD. We applied novel immunohistochemical tools to investigate axonal damage, myelin loss and myelin repair in autopsy brain tissue of eight CALD and 25 MS patients. We found extensive and severe acute axonal damage in CALD already in prelesional areas defined by microglia loss and relative myelin preservation. In contrast to MS, we did not observe selective phagocytosis of myelin, but a concomitant decay of the entire axon‐myelin unit in all CALD lesion stages. Using a novel marker protein for actively remyelinating oligodendrocytes, breast carcinoma‐amplified sequence (BCAS) 1, we show that repair pathways are activated in oligodendrocytes in CALD. Regenerating cells, however, were affected by the ongoing disease process. We provide evidence that—in contrast to MS—selective myelin phagocytosis is not characteristic of CALD. On the contrary, our data indicate that acute axonal injury and permanent axonal loss are thus far underestimated features of the disease that must come into focus in our search for biomarkers and novel therapeutic approaches.
Risk and Outcome of Venous and Arterial Thrombosis in Patients With Cirrhosis: A Danish Nation‐wide Cohort Study
Authors: Jepsen Peter , Tapper Elliot B. , Deleuran Thomas , Kazankov Konstantin , Askgaard Gro , Sørensen Henrik Toft , Vilstrup Hendrik , West Joe
Published: June 2021

Background and Aims

Cirrhosis affects hemostasis, but its effects across the spectrum of thromboses remain poorly understood. We examined risks and outcomes of venous and arterial thrombosis.

Approach and Results

We used nation‐wide Danish health care registries to identify outpatients with cirrhosis and a sex‐ and age‐matched comparison cohort without cirrhosis from the general population. Patients with cirrhosis and comparators were followed until they had a venous thromboembolism (VTE), acute myocardial infarction (AMI), or ischemic stroke (IS) or died. We computed absolute risks and HRs of thrombosis and compared outcomes after thrombosis. We included 5,854 patients with cirrhosis (median Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease score, 9; interquartile range, 7‐13), and their risk of any of the thrombotic events was 0.8% after 1 year and 6.3% after 10 years. They were more likely than the 23,870 matched comparators to have a VTE (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 2.0; 95% CI, 1.5‐2.6) or IS (aHR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.3‐2.3), but not AMI (aHR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.5‐0.9). Among patients with cirrhosis, decompensation increased the risk of AMI, but not the other thromboses. Following thrombosis, patients with cirrhosis had higher 90‐day mortality than comparators (after VTE: 17% vs. 7%; after AMI: 27% vs. 5%; after IS: 10% vs. 7%) and were less likely to receive antithrombotic treatment.

Conclusions

Patients with cirrhosis had an increased risk of VTE and IS, but not AMI. Among patients with cirrhosis, decompensation increased the risk of AMI, exclusively. Mortality after thrombosis was higher in patients with cirrhosis than in other patients. These findings are relevant for decisions about antithrombotic prophylaxis in patients with cirrhosis.
Flow felid and heat transfer enhancement investigations by using a combination of corrugated tubes with a twisted tape within 3D circular tube based on different dimple configurations
Authors: Al‐Obaidi Ahmed Ramadhan , Alhamid Jassim , Hamad Faik
Published: June 2021

Different dimple geometrical configurations with a combination of corrugated tubes and twisted tape are numerically investigated. Water is used as a working fluid for constant heat flux heat transfer conditions at the pipe wall. The dimensionless diameter of the dimples (d/D) used in this study is 0.09, 0.18, 0.27, and 0.36. However, the corrugation configuration diameter is 1 mm. The numerical simulations are carried out at the Reynolds number in the range of 1500–14,000. The outcomes reveal that the friction factor (f) and Nu number are augmented as the dimple diameter increases. The Nu number ratio of 1.25 is found for a dimple pipe tube with a diameter of 4 mm. The numerical outcome presented more mixing, secondary, and vortex produced in the main flow direction and near the pipe wall to the rotating flow induced by twisted tape. Moreover, mixed, secondary vortices and rotational flow originate behind and near the dimple, twisted tape, and corrugation surfaces. These rotational and vortices can promote mixing in flow between the thermal boundary layer and velocity boundary flow layer. So, increase the heat transfer enhancement. The improved pipes with different dimple diameters produce a maximum performance evaluation factor of is more than 1.25.
Entropy generation analysis of free convection radiative MHD Eyring–Powell fluid flow between porous parallel plates with Soret and Dufour effects
Authors: Ramesh K. , Patidar Deepesh , Ojjela Odelu
Published: June 2021

In this present study, we have investigated the entropy generation analysis and Dufour and Soret impacts on unsteady incompressible free convective radiative MHD Eyring–Powell fluid flow between parallel plates with periodic injection and suction. The governing PDEs are converted into nondimensional coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations by using similarity variables then numerically solved by Runge–Kutta fourth‐order scheme with shooting technique. The results are discussed in detail for different flow, mass, and heat transfer profiles corresponding to various active parameters and presented in tables and graphs. Also, it is noticed that the temperature profiles are enhanced with the fluid parameter, whereas the concentration profiles are decreased with the Prandtl number. The validations of present results with the existing outcomes for the viscous case of skin friction are included and have found to be in good agreement. The present numerical study is useful for the enhancement of heat transfer in various industrial and chemical processes.
Parental care deficiency and non‐suicidal self‐injury among Chinese rural left‐behind adolescents: The mediating role of negative emotion and the moderating role of emotion regulation ability
Authors: Wang Yulong , Lin Fan
Published: June 2021

Lack of parental care is a common disadvantage faced by Chinese rural left‐behind children and an important factor leading to various psychological and behavioural problems. Although parental care deficiency may play an important role in Chinese rural left‐behind adolescents' non‐suicidal self‐injury (NSSI), the underlying mediating and moderating mechanisms of this relationship have not been explored. The sample consisted of 633 rural left‐behind adolescents in China, including 318 males (50.24%) and 315 females (49.76%) aged 12–17 years, from middle and high schools in Hunan Province. Participants completed self‐report questionnaires that assessed parental care deficiency, negative emotion, emotion regulation ability, and NSSI. Parental care deficiency not only directly affected NSSI of Chinese rural left‐behind children but also indirectly affected NSSI by increasing negative emotions. At the same time, the mediating effect of negative emotion was moderated by emotion regulation ability. Specifically, when emotion regulation ability was low, the mediating effect of negative emotion was significant, but when emotion regulation ability was high, the mediating effect of negative emotion was not significant. In order to prevent and intervene in NSSI among Chinese rural left‐behind children experiencing parental care deficiency, we should focus on developing their emotion regulation ability.
Pattern of methane levels with lactulose breath testing; can we shorten the test duration?
Authors: Shaker Anisa , Peng Billy , Soffer Edy
Published: June 2021

Background and Aim

Methane levels in methane‐positive lactulose breath tests are frequently elevated at time zero. We hypothesized that baseline methane level is sufficient to detect excessive methane production and thereby avoid extended testing. Our aim was to determine if baseline methane levels were sufficient to identify methane‐positive individuals as defined by current guidelines.

Methods

A retrospective study of lactulose breath tests was conducted at an open access motility lab. A methane‐positive study was defined as a methane level ≥10 ppm at any time. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) was defined as a ≥20 ppm rise in hydrogen from baseline by 90 min. Dual‐positive SIBO and methane studies were identified. Demographics, symptoms, and indications were recorded.

Results

Of 745 tests, 33.1%, 15.0%, and 3.1% were SIBO, methane, and dual‐positive, respectively. Precisely 96.4% of methane‐positive studies had methane levels ≥10 ppm within 90 min and 75.9% had levels ≥10 ppm at time 0. An additional elevation of ≥20 ppm over baseline within 90 min was observed in 32.1%. Of 22 methane‐positive patients with constipation, methane levels were ≥10 ppm at baseline in 81.8% and were ≥10 ppm within 90 min in all cases.

Conclusions

Nearly 25% of methane‐positive studies were not identified by a fasting methane level, but 96% were identified within 90 min. Most methane‐positive studies did not have a rise of 20 ppm above baseline. Our findings suggest the lactulose breath test for hydrogen and methane can be complete at 90 min.
Gold nanoparticles‐mediated fluorescent chemical nose sensor for pathogenic diagnosis and phenotype
Authors: Shen Yuanyuan , Lei Feifei , Meng Tian , Li Chaoyang , Yang Zhiqing , Huang Jiaomei , Song Fengge , Wan Yi
Published: June 2021

Pathogens are one of the important factors affecting national economic construction. An ideal detection system for pathogen control with excellent sensitivity, high specificity, and time‐saving is needed. Here, we reported a method for bacterial detection using gold nanoparticles‐mediated fluorescent “chemical nose” sensors (GFCEs). The technique consists of gold nanoparticles‐coated magnetic particle using benzaldehyde, octyl aldehyde, and pyrimidine‐4‐formaldehyde modified, respectively. And these positively charged nanocompound interacting with three different fluorescent proteins (FPs) to form three kinds of GFCEs, respectively, named GFCE1, GFCE2, and GFCE3. Upon binding with pathogenic cells, functionalized gold nanoparticles could identify patches on hydrophobic/functional surfaces of microorganisms, and self‐assemble with living bacteria by complementary electrostatic interactions. The binding ability between GFCEs and bacteria determines the change of fluorescence response of three FPs from GFCEs. These feature fluorescent level are pathogen‐specific, highly repeatable, and can be analyzed by Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA). The combination of GFCE1 and GFCE2 has the best performance when detecting pathogens with concentrations of 106 cfu mL−1. The first discriminant within 15 minutes is 93.8%, which could be used for subsequent identification of unknown samples. The commonly applicable system provides a simple way for the rapid bacterial detection without preprocessing procedures.
Characteristics of Intrinsic Brain Functional Connectivity Alterations in Major Depressive Disorder Patients With Suicide Behavior
Authors: Chen Ziqi , Xia Mingrui , Zhao Youjin , Kuang Weihong , Jia Zhiyun , Gong Qiyong
Published: June 2021

Background

The intrinsic brain functional connectivity of suicide attempts in major depressive disorder (MDD) remains incompletely understood.

Purpose

To investigate graph‐theoretical based functional connectivity strength (FCS) alterations in MDD patients with suicidal behavior.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Fifty medication‐free MDD patients, with (suicide attempters, SA, N = 15) and without (non‐attempters, nSA, N = 35) a history of a suicide attempt, and 37 healthy controls (HC).

Field Strength/Sequence

Resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) using a gradient‐echo imaging sequence was acquired at 3.0 T.

Assessment

For each individual, voxel‐wise whole‐brain functional network was constructed and graph‐theoretical based FCS map was calculated. For each individual in two patient groups, the seed‐based functional connectivity map was constructed.

Statistical Tests

Non‐parameter permutation tests, analysis of covariance, two‐sample t‐test, Chi‐square test, and Pearson correlation analysis. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Relative to the HC group, two MDD patient groups showed significantly lower FCS in the left hippocampus, while nSA patients showed additionally lower FCS in more widespread regions (P < 0.05). Importantly, comparing to nSA patients, SA patients had significantly higher FCS in the right orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and bilateral dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) (P < 0.05). Further seed‐based functional connectivity analysis revealed that the right OFC exhibited significantly higher connectivity to right middle frontal gyrus and lower connectivity to the left anterior cingulate cortex and left calcarine sulcus, and the bilateral dmPFC had significantly higher connectivity to the left middle frontal gyrus and right inferior temporal gyrus in the SA patients than in the nSA patients (P < 0.05).

Data Conclusion

This study identified disconnections of the OFC and dmPFC which were putatively related to a higher risk of suicidal behavior in MDD patients, thus extended the understanding of suicidal behavior at a brain circuit level.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy Stage

3
A radiation therapist’s guide to health literacy: A narrative review
Authors: Kelly Toni , Surjan Yolanda , Rinks Marianne , Warren‐Forward Helen
Published: June 2021

Radiation therapist (RT) communication plays an essential part of patient‐centred care in achieving better patient outcomes within radiation oncology. Patients present from a range of social circumstances, education levels and cultural backgrounds, all of which may significantly impact their level of health literacy (HL). Using literature sourced from databases such as EMCare Nursing & Allied Health Database, MEDLINE(R) and APA PsycInfo, this narrative review explores HL definitions, international comparison rates and indications of individual low HL. It also reviews HL assessments as well as exploring enablers and barriers to HL from the RT perspective. Strategies from both the individual or organisational perspective are provided for RTs to begin or continue their HL interest. By educating the radiation therapy profession about health literacy and making small changes in interpersonal interactions, there is the opportunity to impact patients’ experiences and outcomes significantly.
Medium‐term serostatus in Spanish case series recovered from SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Moreno‐Pérez Oscar , Ramos Jose Manuel , Gimeno Adelina , Rodríguez Juan Carlos , Andres Mariano , Leon‐Ramirez Jose‐Manuel , Valero Beatriz , Llorens Pere , Boix Vicente , Gil Joan , Merino Esperanza
Published: June 2021

The medium‐term serologic response of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection recovered individuals is not well known. The aims were to quantify the incidence of seropositive failure in the medium term in a cohort of patients with different COVID‐19 severity and to analyze its associated factors. Patients who had recovered from mild and severe forms of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in an Academic Spanish hospital (March 12–May 2, 2020), were tested for total anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (Elecsys Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 test; Roche Diagnostics GmbH). The non‐seropositive status (seropositive failure) incidence (95% CI) was determined. Associations were tested by multiple logistic regression in a global cohort and severe pneumonia subpopulation. Of 435 patients with PCR‐confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2, a serological test was carried out in 325: 210 (64.6%) had severe pneumonia (hospitalized patients), 51 (15.7%) non‐severe pneumonia (managed as outpatients), and 64 (19.7%) mild cases without pneumonia. After a median (IQR) of 76 days (70–83) from symptom onset, antibody responses may not consistently develop or reach levels sufficient to be detectable by antibody tests (non‐seropositive incidence) in 6.9% (95% CI, 4.4–10.6) and 20.3% (95% CI, 12.2–31.7) of patients with and without pneumonia, respectively. Baseline independent predictors of seropositive failure were higher leukocytes and fewer days of symptoms before admission, while low glomerular filtrate and fever seem associated with serologic response. Age, comorbidity or immunosuppressive therapies (corticosteroids, tocilizumab) did not influence antibody response. In the medium‐term, SARS‐CoV‐2 seropositive failure is not infrequent in COVID‐19 recovered patients. Age, comorbidity or immunosuppressive therapies did not influence antibody response.
Association of IL‐32 rs28372698 polymorphism with active chronic HBV infection
Authors: Zheng Shuo , Li Mei , Pan Xingfei , Huang Xiaoping
Published: June 2021

Interleukin‐32 (IL‐32), a multiple proinflammatory cytokine, plays a vital role in immune‐related diseases and infectious diseases. The promoter region of IL‐32, which showed functional polymorphism, could regulate IL‐32 expression. Although IL‐32 rs28372698 polymorphism has been related to a lot of inflammatory diseases, the association of IL‐32 rs28372698 polymorphism with a hepatic flare of chronic HBV infection has not been reported. In the present study, IL‐32 rs28372698 polymorphism was genotyped in 104 chronic HBV carriers and 151 active chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. The frequency of IL‐32 T/T genotype in patients with active CHB was significantly higher than that in chronic HBV carriers. Furthermore, the frequency of the T allele at IL‐32 rs28372698 in active CHB patients was also higher than that in chronic HBV carriers. The serum level of IL‐32 in active CHB patients was higher than that in chronic HBV carriers. Our results imply that IL‐32 T/T polymorphism might be associated with a hepatic flare of chronic HBV infection.
Lower growth arrest‐specific 5 level in endometrium is related to endometriosis via promoting cell proliferation and angiogenesis
Authors: Song Ge , Yu Mei , Mi Dong‐Qing , Jiang Yan , Tian Geng , Geng Cai‐Ping , Yuan Jing‐Chuan , Miao Sui‐Bing , Wu Xiao‐Hua
Published: June 2021

Long noncoding RNAs are a group of more than 200 nt, nonprotein coding RNAs, some of which are dysregulated in many pathophysiological processes including endometriosis. This study aims to clarify the roles of dysregulated growth arrest‐specific 5 (GAS5) in patients with endometriosis, and unveil the underlying mechanisms. We obtained endometrium samples from 37 patients with endometriosis and 23 controls without endometriosis. Primary endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) and endothelial cells were separated from the endometrium. Levels of GAS5 were quantified using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and levels of p27, cleaved caspase‐3, cleaved poly (ADP‐Ribose) polymerase 1, vascular endothelial growth factor A, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 3 (TIMP3), and trypsin‐modified soy protein 10 were assessed by immunoblotting. Cell viability was examined using MTT assays, and the cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. Endothelial cell tube formation capacity was assayed in vitro. GAS5 and p27 levels were found lower in the endometrium samples from patients with endometriosis. Primary ESCs from patients with endometriosis had increased viability, reduced apoptosis, and a relatively uncontrolled cell cycle. Gain‐ and loss‐of‐function studies confirmed that GAS5 regulated p27 expression in ESCs. Furthermore, GAS5 level was relatively low in primary endothelial cells from patients with endometriosis and GAS5 acted as an angiogenesis inhibitor by regulating the miR‐181c‐TIMP3 axis. Thus, lower GAS5 level in endometrium might be related to endometriosis by regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, and angiogenesis.