bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of extent of disease on 1-year healthcare costs in patients who undergo cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for colorectal peritoneal metastases: retrospective observational cohort study
Authors: Kooijman B J L , Hentzen J E K R , Hilst C S , Been L B , Ginkel R J , Hemmer P H J , Klaase J M , Kruijff S
Published: July 2020

Background

The goal of this retrospective observational study was to determine the impact of the extent of peritoneal disease on 1-year healthcare costs in patients with colorectal peritoneal metastases (PM) who undergo cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS + HIPEC). The extent of peritoneal disease, expressed by the Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI), directly affects the complexity of CRS + HIPEC and ultimately survival outcomes. The impact of the PCI on treatment-related healthcare costs remains unknown.

Methods

Data from patients with colorectal PM who underwent CRS + HIPEC between January 2012 and November 2017 were extracted retrospectively from an institutional database. Patients were divided into four subgroups with PCI scores ranging from 0 to 20. Treatment-related costs up to 1 year after CRS + HIPEC were obtained from the financial department. Differences in costs and survival outcomes were compared using the χ2 test and Kruskal−Wallis H test.

Results

Seventy-three patients were included (PCI 0–5, 22 patients; PCI 6–10, 19 patients; PCI 11–15, 17 patients; PCI 16–20, 15 patients). Median (i.q.r.) costs were significantly increased for the PCI 11–15 and PCI 16–20 groups (€51 029 (42 500–58 575) and €46 548 (35 194–60 533) respectively) compared with those for the PCI 0–5 and PCI 6–10 groups (€33 856 (25 293–42 235) and €39 013 (30 519–51 334) respectively) (P = 0·009).

Conclusion

Treatment-related healthcare costs are significantly increased among patients with extensive tumour burden (PCI score 10 or above) who undergo CRS + HIPEC for the treatment of colorectal PM.
Determination of the immunostimulatory drug—glucosoaminyl‐muramyl‐dipeptide—in human plasma using HPLC–MS/MS and its application to a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Moskaleva Natalia E. , Markin Pavel A. , Kuznetsov Roman M. , Andronova Tatiana M. , Appolonova Svetlana A.
Published: July 2020

GMDP (glucosoaminyl‐muramyl‐dipeptide), a synthetic analog of the peptidoglycan fragment of the bacterial cell wall, is an active component of the immunomodulatory drug Licopid. But the pharmacokinetic parameters of GMDP in humans after oral administration have not been investigated yet. The present study aimed at developing and validating a sensitive LC–MS/MS method for the analysis of GMDP in human plasma. The sample was prepared by solid‐phase extraction using Strata‐X 33 μm polymeric reversed‐phase 60 mg/3 mL cartridges Phenomenex (Torrance, CA, USA). The analytes were separated using an Acquity UPLC BEN C18 column, 1.7 μm 2.1 × 50 mm Waters (Milford, USA). GMDP and internal standard growth hormone releasing peptide‐2 (pralmorelin) were ionized in positive electrospray ionization mode and detected in multiple reaction monitoring mode. The developed method was validated within a linear range of 50–3000 pg/mL for GMDP. Accuracy for all analytes, given as the deviation between the nominal and measured concentration and assay variability , ranged from 1.61 to 3.02% and from 0.89 to 1.79%, respectively, for both within‐ and between‐run variabilities. The developed and validated HPLC–MS/MS method was successfully used to obtain the plasma pharmacokinetic profiles of GMDP distribution in human plasma.
Improving timely treatment with a stroke emergency map: The case of northern China
Authors: Zhang Tianli , Zhang Xiaodong , Sun Huisheng , Zhou Feng , Lin Shiqin , Sang Hui , Zheng Nannan , Zhao Ziyi , Shi Jing , Li Weirong
Published: July 2020

Objective

The Chinese stroke emergency map (SEM) was implemented in 2017 to reduce prehospital and hospital delays for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients suitable for intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt‐PA) thrombolysis. However, data on the time delay following the implementation of an SEM in China are limited.

Methods

Data for suspected stroke patients from the SEM registry center of Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, from August 2017 to July 2019, patients’ characteristics, thrombolysis rate, and functional outcome at 90 days were analyzed.

Results

One thousand seven hundred and eighty six patients who arrived at hospitals within 4.5 hr of onset were included; 35.9% arrived by emergency medical services (EMSs), and 1,207 (67.6%) of the population received intravenous rt‐PA. As a result of the SEM, the number of patients treated with rt‐PA increased from 63.9% in phase 1 (August 2017 to July 2018) to 70.5% in phase 2 (August 2018 to July 2019). The median onset‐to‐door and onset‐to‐needle times decreased by five minutes (100 [IQR: 62–135] vs. 105 [IQR: 70–145], p = .005) and nine minutes (158 [IQR: 124–197] vs. 167 [IQR: 132–214], p = .001), respectively. Patients in phase 2 achieved greater independent function outcome at 90 days (79.9% vs. 72.1%; adjusted odds ratio, 2.010; 95% confidence interval, 1.444–2.798). The binary logistic regression models revealed that shorter onset‐to‐needle time (OR: 0.994; 95% CI: 0.992–0.997; p < .001) and lower baseline NIHSS scores (OR: 39.120; 95% CI: 23.477–65.188; p < .001 and OR: 18.324; 95% CI: 11.425–29.388; p < .001 and OR: 3.123; 95% CI: 2.044–4.773; p < .001) were significant predictors for the independent function outcome.

Conclusion

The implementation of a stroke emergency map is more likely to reduce prehospital delays and improve function outcomes. Future efforts should attempt to increase EMS usage.
Knockdown of DNA‐binding protein A enhances the chemotherapy sensitivity of colorectal cancer via suppressing the Wnt/β‐catenin/Chk1 pathway
Authors: Tong Cong , Qu Kai , Wang Guorong , Liu Ruiting , Duan Baojun , Wang Xiaoqiang , Liu Chang
Published: July 2020

DNA‐binding protein A (dbpA) is reported to be upregulated in many cancers and associated with tumor progress. The present study aimed to investigate the role of dbpA in 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU)‐resistant and oxaliplatin (L‐OHP)‐resistant colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. We found that 5‐FU and L‐OPH treatment promoted the expression of dbpA. Enhanced dbpA promoted the drug resistance of SW620 cells to 5‐FU and L‐OHP. DbpA knockdown inhibited cell proliferation, induced cell apoptosis, and cell cycle arrested in SW620/5‐FU and SW620/L‐OHP cells. Besides, dbpA short hairpin RNA (shRNA) enhanced the cytotoxicity of 5‐FU and L‐OHP to SW620/5‐FU and SW620/L‐OHP cells. Meanwhile, dbpA shRNA inhibited the activation of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway that induced by 5‐FU stimulation in SW620/5‐FU cells. Activation of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway or overexpression of checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) abrogated the promoting effect of dbpA downregulation on 5‐FU sensitivity of CRC cells. Importantly, downregulation of dbpA suppressed tumor growth and promoted CRC cells sensitivity to 5‐FU in vivo. Our study indicated that the knockdown of dbpA enhanced the sensitivity of CRC cells to 5‐FU via Wnt/β‐catenin/Chk1 pathway, and DbpA may be a potential therapeutic target to sensitize drug resistance CRC to 5‐FU and L‐OHP.
Stitching your way to venous hemostasis
Authors: Turi Zoltan G.
Published: July 2020

Key Points

Venous compression using a purse string suture is a potential alternative to device suture of the venotomy or to the more extensively described Figure of 8 closure technique.

The technique is likely to prove cost effective although the optimal methodology and overall risk remain to be determined.

A general comment regarding the common femoral vein: it is a fragile structure. All venous closure techniques require special care not to obstruct, lacerate or sever the vein and operators should be vigilant for both bleeding and thrombosis.
Intervention in coronary bifurcation lesions: Staying on top of the proximal optimization technique (POT)
Authors: Seth Ashok , Singh Vivudh Pratap
Published: July 2020

Key Points

Proximal optimization technique (POT) restores the stent to the fractal geometry of coronary bifurcations and is the final step when using two‐stent strategy.

Optimal positioning of balloon during final POT is vital to achieve best results without side branch compromise.

In vitro studies provide valuable insights to define procedural strategies and help achieve best outcomes for coronary bifurcation lesions.
Transcatheter versus surgical aortic valve replacement in the digital era: Meta‐analysis based on the reconstruction of time‐to‐event individual patient data
Authors: Tarantini Giuseppe , Giacoppo Daniele
Published: July 2020

Key Points

Clinical benefits of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) over surgery emerge soon after intervention and show durable, consistent trends within 1 year.

TAVR by transfemoral access is associated with improved outcomes compared with TAVR by transthoracic access.

Reconstructing time‐to‐event individual patient data is advantageous and allows higher flexibility in terms of meta‐analysis design and modeling of data.
True caring is protecting who is at your side
Authors: Aranzulla Tiziana Claudia , Musumeci Giuseppe
Published: July 2020

Key Points

The modified jailed balloon technique (MJBT) is a safe and effective tool for preserving immediate and long‐term side branch (SB) patency when treating true bifurcation lesions.

This technique could be routinely implemented, or selectively chosen when the risk of SB occlusion is high and a two‐stent technique is not desirable.

A randomized study comparing provisional stenting with the MJBT versus systematic two‐stent strategy for the treatment of true bifurcation lesions is warranted.
Ticagrelor monotherapy in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for bifurcation lesions
Authors: Piccolo Raffaele , Esposito Giovanni
Published: July 2020

Key Points

Ticagrelor monotherapy after a short course of aspirin is emerging as the predominant aspirin‐free strategy among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

In patients included in the GLOBAL‐LEADERS trial, the treatment effect of the experimental (dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and ticagrelor for 1 month followed by ticagrelor monotherapy) versus control strategy remained consistent irrespective of the presence or absence of coronary bifurcation.

Ticagrelor monotherapy represents a safe and effective antiplatelet strategy for the treatment of patients who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention of bifurcation lesions.
Peripheral vascular disease in women: Are we analyzing the costs correctly?
Authors: Back Steven H. , Gray William A.
Published: July 2020

Key Points

Women treated with a peripheral vascular intervention, on average, have more comorbidities and cost more per hospital admission than women treated with a percutaneous coronary intervention.

The impact of critical limb ischemia on these results is likely significant, but not available in these data.

Physicians need to be more aware of the differences in the risks and manifestations of cardiovascular disease in women.
Effective removal of solar lentigines by combination of pre– And post–fluorescent light energy treatment with picosecond laser treatment
Authors: Scarcella Giuseppe , Gerber Peter Arne , Edge Deirdre , Nielsen Michael Canova Engelbrecht
Published: July 2020

We present a novel treatment for removal of SL that is efficient and enables removal or lesions not immediately visible. Kleresca® FLE technology combined with picosecond laser treatment removes SL lesions and improves skin quality and appearance.
Pd/Lewis Acid Synergy in Macroporous Pd@Na‐ZSM‐5 for Enhancing Selective Conversion of Biomass
Authors: Liu Jia‐Wen , Wu Si‐Ming , Wang Li‐Ying , Tian Ge , Qin Yuan , Wu Jing‐Xian , Zhao Xiao‐Fang , Zhang Yan‐Xiang , Chang Gang‐Gang , Wu Lu , Zhang Yue‐Xing , Li Zhao‐Fei , Guo Cheng‐Yu , Janiak Christoph , Lenaerts Silvia , Yang Xiao‐Yu
Published: July 2020

Pd nanometal particles encapsulated in macroporous Na‐ZSM‐5 with only Lewis acid sites have been successfully synthesized by a steam‐thermal approach. The synergistic effect of Pd and Lewis acid sites have been investigated for significant enhancement of the catalytic selectivity towards furfural alcohol in furfural hydroconversion.
Addressing the Structural Complexity of Fluorinated Glucose Analogues: Insight into Lipophilicities and Solvation Effects
Authors: St‐Gelais Jacob , Côté Émilie , Lainé Danny , Johnson Paul A. , Giguère Denis
Published: July 2020

In this work, we synthesized all mono‐, di‐, and trifluorinated glucopyranose analogues at positions C‐2, C‐3, C‐4, and C‐6. This systematic investigation allowed us to perform direct comparison of 19F resonances of fluorinated glucose analogues and also to determine their lipophilicities. Compounds with a fluorine atom at C‐6 are usually the most hydrophilic, whereas those with vicinal polyfluorinated motifs are the most lipophilic. Finally, the solvation energies of fluorinated glucose analogues were assessed for the first time by using density functional theory. This method allowed the log P prediction of fluoroglucose analogues, which was comparable to the C log P values obtained from various web‐based programs.
Synthesis of Antiviral Perfluoroalkyl Derivatives of Teicoplanin and Vancomycin
Authors: Bereczki Ilona , Csávás Magdolna , Szűcs Zsolt , Rőth Erzsébet , Batta Gyula , Ostorházi Eszter , Naesens Lieve , Borbás Anikó , Herczegh Pál
Published: July 2020

The limited scope of antiviral drugs and increasing problem of antiviral drug resistance represent a global health threat. Glycopeptide antibiotics and their lipophilic derivatives have emerged as relevant inhibitors of diverse viruses. Herein, we describe a new strategy for the synthesis of dual hydrophobic and lipophobic derivatives of glycopeptides to produce selective antiviral agents without membrane‐disrupting activity. Perfluorobutyl and perfluorooctyl moieties were attached through linkers of different length to azido derivatives of vancomycin aglycone and teicoplanin pseudoaglycone, and the new derivatives were evaluated against a diverse panel of viruses. The teicoplanin derivatives displayed strong anti‐influenza virus activity at nontoxic concentrations. Some of the perfluoroalkylated glycopeptides were also active against a few other viruses such as herpes simplex virus or coronavirus. These data encourage further exploration of glycopeptide analogues for broad antiviral application.
MXene Ti3C2Tx Modulator for Robust Generation of Soliton Molecules
Authors: Wang Chong , Wu Ziyan , Li Xiaohui , Feng Jiangjiang , Luo Wenfeng , Ge Yanqi , Qu Mengjia , Jing Lirong , Shu Tikang
Published: July 2020

In recent years, two‐dimensional materials have been widely used in the field of optics due to their unique nonlinear optical properties, broadband saturation absorption and ultrafast recovery time. MXene Ti3C2Tx is a kind of emerging two‐dimensional materials with large modulation depth, high damage threshold, and excellent electrical conductivity with near zero bandgap structure. However, MXene has seldom been applied in ultrafast photonics, especially the generation of ultrastable soliton molecules. In this paper, MXene is prepared and applied in the erbium‐doped fiber laser. The nonlinear optical properties of MXene Ti3C2Tx are studied experimentally. The center wavelength, 3‐dB bandwidth, fundamental frequency and the pulse duration of the conventional soliton are 1566.1 nm, 1.21 nm, 6.09 MHz and 993 fs, respectively. By adjusting the polarization state and pump power, the soliton molecules can be obtained in the laser cavity. Especially, two kinds of soliton molecules with CW peak and without CW peak are observed, respectively. Experimental results show that MXene saturable absorber (SA) can bear a high pump power. This work demonstrates that MXene Ti3C2Tx can be used as an excellent SA. Hence, we believe that this kind of optical material has many applications such as optical communication, optical logic gates and nonlinear devices, etc.
Phototaxis Motion Behavior of a Self‐propelled Submarine‐like Water Droplet Robot in Oil Solvent
Authors: Sun Daxing , Zhou Dekai , Gao Yuan , Yue Honger , Wang Wuyi , Ma Xing , Li Longqiu
Published: July 2020

Controllable self‐propelled droplet robots show great potential to be used as carriers, sensors and actuators in biological medicine and oil exploration. Current research mainly focuses on studying oil droplet robots floating in water phase which has limited application. Different from the previous robots, a light‐driven self‐propelled water‐phase droplet micro robot, which is doped with Fe2O3 nanoparticles, moving in oil solvent is proposed. Unlike light‐driven oil droplets, the water drop robot is constantly diving towards the light source like a submarine moving in oil environment under blue laser irradiation. Numerical simulations are performed to investigate the water/oil interface behavior and the motion mechanism of micro robots. It is found that a photocatalytic Fenton reaction occurs on the irradiated Fe2O3 nanoparticles of water droplet robot, which causes uneven ion concentration to change the interfacial tension distribution of the water drop generating Marangoni flow. In addition to phototaxis behavior, further experiments confirmed that multiple water droplet micro robots show collective behavior under the control of surface light source. The proposed water droplet micro robot provides new possibilities for the development of targeted drug delivery, oil‐water separation as well as oil pollution treatment.
Bovine Serum Albumin Catalysed Hydrogen and Deuterium Evolution at Mercury Electrodes
Authors: Dorčák Vlastimil , Černocká Hana , Paleček Emil
Published: July 2020

The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), catalysed by proteins at mercury electrodes and reflected in chronopotentiometric stripping peak H, provides a label‐free and reagentless analytical technique that is sensitive to protein structure. Here we show how the kinetic isotope effect affected the HER catalysed by the protein bovine serum albumin (BSA). We found that the deuteron bond, which is stronger than that of a proton, contributed to less effective transport of deuterons mediated by BSA at the Hg|D2O interface, and enhanced structural stability of the surface‐attached native BSA in D2O solution. A structural transition was also observed in the surface‐attached urea‐denatured BSA, and is probably due to the destabilisation of some secondary structural remnants retained by the 17 SS‐bonds. Because the catalytically active groups involved in proton or deuteron transfer in native proteins are often exposed towards solutions and their protons exchange almost instantly, no signs of H/D exchange were observed in native BSA using peak H under the given conditions.
Induced CO2 Electroreduction to Formic Acid on Metal−Organic Frameworks via Node Doping
Authors: Geng Wenhao , Chen Wei , Li Guihua , Dong Xiao , Song Yanfang , Wei Wei , Sun Yuhan
Published: July 2020

Metal−organic frameworks (MOFs), combining the advantages of heterogeneous and homogeneous components, have been explored as catalytic materials for the CO2 electroreduction reaction (CO2ERR). However, the unmatched metal nodes result in MOFs having lower faradaic efficiencies (FEs) and limited current densities in CO2ERR. Herein, we report a general strategy to promote activities of MOFs via node doping in CO2ERR. With ion exchange, an active tin node was doped into zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8) to facilitate the reduction kinetics of CO2. The divalent Sn2+ node accelerates the formation of formic acid (HCOOH), resulting in the highest HCOOH FE of 74 % and total current density (Jtotal) of 27 mA/cm2 at −1.1 V (vs. reversible hydrogen electrode, RHE) over 0.6 wt% Sn‐doped ZIF‐8 with stable catalytic performance after seven reuse cycles, which is clearly better compared to the catalytic properties of pristine ZIF‐8 (FEHCOOH=0 %, Jtotal=13 mA/cm2). This work opens an avenue for promoting the CO2ERR performance of MOFs by node doping.
Increased inflammasome activity in subcutaneous adipose tissue of patients with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Pahwa Roma , Singh Anand , Adams‐Huet Beverley , Devaraj Sridevi , Jialal Ishwarlal
Published: July 2020

Aims

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is an inflammatory disorder associated with an increased risk for diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Studies in patients and animal models of obesity and diabetes have shown increased NOD‐like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLPR3) inflammasome activity. However, there is scanty data on the activity of the NLRP3 inflammasome in patients with nascent MetS. The aim of this study was to determine the status of the inflammasome in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) of patients with nascent MetS without concomitant diabetes, ASCVD and smoking.

Materials and Methods

Patients with nascent MetS and controls were recruited from Sacramento County. Fasting blood samples were collected for biomediators of inflammation and SAT was obtained by biopsy for immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for caspase 1, IL‐1β and IL‐18.

Results

Caspase1, a marker of inflammasome activity and its downstream mediators IL‐1β and IL‐18 were significantly increased in SAT of patients with MetS compared to controls. Significant positive correlations of caspase 1 were obtained with certain cardio‐metabolic features, biomediators of inflammation and markers of angiogenesis and fibrosis in SAT. Both mast cell and eosinophil abundance but not macrophage density correlated with caspase1.

Conclusions

We make the novel observation that the SAT of patients with nascent MetS displays increased NLRP3 inflammasome activity manifest by increased caspase 1 in SAT and this may contribute to increased insulin resistance, inflammation and SAT fibrosis in these patients.
Management and outcomes of heart failure patients with CKD: experience from an inter‐disciplinary clinic
Authors: Nguyen Mai , Rumjaun Samir , Lowe‐Jones Racquel , Ster Irina Chis , Rosano Giuseppe , Anderson Lisa , Banerjee Debasish
Published: July 2020

Aims

CKD‐HF patients suffer excess hospitalization and mortality, often under‐treated with life‐prolonging medications due to fear of worsening renal function and hyperkalaemia. Yet, role of inter‐disciplinary working in improving therapy is unknown, which this study aims to investigate.

Methods and results

Clinical, biochemical data, and medications at first and last clinic visit were obtained from patient records for 124 patients seen in kidney failure–heart failure clinic (23 March 2017 to 11 April 2019). Medication dose groups (none, low, and high dose), number of RAASi agents, and blood test results were compared between first and last visit in patients with at least two clinic visits (n = 97). Patient characteristics were age 78.5 years (IQR 68.1–84.4 years), male 67.7%, diabetes 51.6%, moderate (45.2%) vs. severe (39.5%) CKD, HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) (49.2%), follow‐up 234 days (IQR 121–441 days). HFrEF was associated with increased risk of death (adjusted OR 4.49, 95% CI 1.43–14.05; P = 0.01).

Distributions of patients according to number of RAASi agents they were on differed between first and last visit (P = 0.03). Dosage was increased in 25.9% for beta‐blockers, 33.0% for ACEi/ARBs, and 17.5% for MRAs. Distributions of patients across MRA dosage groups was different (P = 0.03), with higher proportions on higher dosages at last visit, without significant changes in serum potassium or creatinine. Serum ferritin improved (131.0 vs. 267.5 μg/L; P < 0.001), and fewer patients had iron deficiency (56.7% vs. 26.8%; P = 0.002) at last visit compared to the first.

Conclusions

This inter‐disciplinary clinic improved guideline‐recommended medication prescription, MRA dosages in CKD‐HF patients without significant biochemical abnormality, and iron status. A prospectively designed study with medication titration protocol and defined patient‐centred outcomes is needed to further assess effectiveness of such clinic.
Differential effect of cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with diabetes mellitus: a long‐term retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kahr Peter C. , Trenson Sander , Schindler Matthias , Kuster Joël , Kaufmann Philippe , Tonko Johanna , Hofer Daniel , Inderbitzin Devdas T. , Breitenstein Alexander , Saguner Ardan M. , Flammer Andreas J. , Ruschitzka Frank , Steffel Jan , Winnik Stephan
Published: July 2020

Aims

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has become an important therapy in patients with heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The effect of diabetes on long‐term outcome in these patients is controversial. We assessed the effect of diabetes on long‐term outcome in CRT patients and investigated the role of diabetes in ischaemic and non‐ischaemic cardiomyopathy.

Methods and results

All patients undergoing CRT implantation at our institution between November 2000 and January 2015 were enrolled. The study endpoints were (i) a composite of ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation, heart transplantation, or all‐cause mortality; and (ii) reverse remodelling (improvement of LVEF ≥ 10% or reduction of left ventricular end‐systolic volume ≥ 15%). Median follow‐up of the 418 patients (age 64.6 ± 11.6 years, 22.5% female, 25.1% diabetes) was 4.8 years [inter‐quartile range: 2.8;7.4]. Diabetic patients had an increased risk to reach the composite endpoint [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.48 [95% CI 1.12–2.16], P = 0.041]. Other factors associated with an increased risk to reach the composite endpoint were a lower body mass index or baseline LVEF (aHR 0.95 [0.91; 0.98] and 0.97 [0.95; 0.99], P < 0.01 each), and a higher New York Heart Association functional class or creatinine level (aHR 2.14 [1.38; 3.30] and 1.04 [1.01; 1.05], P < 0.05 each). Early response to CRT, defined as LVEF improvement ≥ 10%, was associated with a lower risk to reach the composite endpoint (aHR 0.60 [0.40; 0.89], P = 0.011). Reverse remodelling did not differ between diabetic and non‐diabetic patients with respect to LVEF improvement ≥ 10% (aHR 0.60 [0.32; 1.14], P = 0.118). However, diabetes was associated with decreased reverse remodelling with respect to a reduction of left ventricular end‐systolic volume ≥ 15% (aHR 0.45 [0.21; 0.97], P = 0.043). In patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy, survival rates were not significantly different between diabetic and non‐diabetic patients (HR 1.28 [0.83–1.97], P = 0.101), whereas in patients with non‐ischaemic cardiomyopathy, diabetic patients had a higher risk of reaching the composite endpoint (HR 1.65 [1.06–2.58], P = 0.027). The latter effect was dependent on other risk factors (aHR 1.47 [0.83–2.61], P = 0.451). The risk of insulin‐dependent patients was not significantly higher than in patients under oral antidiabetic drugs (HR 1.55 [95% CI 0.92–2.61], P = 0.102).

Conclusions

Long‐term follow‐up revealed diabetes mellitus as independent risk factor for all‐cause mortality, heart transplantation, or VAD in heart failure patients undergoing CRT. The detrimental effect of diabetes appeared to weigh heavier in patients with non‐ischaemic compared with ischaemic cardiomyopathy.
The E3 ubiquitin ligase Itch deficiency promotes antigen‐driven B‐cell responses in mice
Authors: Fang Ying , He Youdi , Zhai Bing , Hou Chunmei , Xu Ruonan , Xing Chen , Wang Xiaoqian , Ma Ning , Han Gencheng , Wang Renxi
Published: July 2020

Deficiency of Itch, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, usually induced severe systemic and progressive autoimmune disease. The Itch function is well studied in T cells but not in B cells. We hypothesize that B‐cell‐specific Itch deficiency promoted antigen‐induced B‐cell activation and antibody‐expressing plasma cell (PC) production. We found that unlike Itch KO, Itch cKO (CD19creItchf/f) mice did not demonstrated a significant increase in the sizes of spleens and LNs, antibody level, and base mutation of antibody gene. However, in line with the fact that Itch expression decreased in GC B cells, PCs, and plasmablast (PB)‐like SP 2/0 cells, Itch deficiency promoted B‐cell activation and antibody production induced by antigens including lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and sheep red blood cells (SRBCs). Mechanistically, we found that Itch deficiency promotes antigen‐induced cytokine production because Itch controls the proteins (e.g., eIF3a, eIF3c, eIF3h) with translation initiation factor activity. Altogether, our data suggest that Itch deficiency promotes antigen‐driven B‐cell response. This may provide hints for Itch‐targeted treatment of patients with autoimmune disease.
Tissue‐resident mucosal‐associated invariant T (MAIT) cells in the human kidney represent a functionally distinct subset
Authors: Terpstra Matty L. , Remmerswaal Ester B.M. , van der Bom‐Baylon Nelly D. , Sinnige Marjan J. , Kers Jesper , van Aalderen Michiel C. , Geerlings Suzanne E. , Bemelman Frederike J.
Published: July 2020

Mucosal‐associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are innate‐like T‐cells that recognize bacterial riboflavin metabolites. They are present in human blood but are abundant at barrier sites, including the liver, lungs, and kidneys, where they possess a CD69+/CD103+/− tissue‐resident phenotype. In renal tissue, MAIT cells likely defend against the ascending uropathogens responsible for urinary tract infections (UTIs), which are common, especially among renal transplant recipients (RTRs). Nevertheless, the functional role for MAIT cells in renal tissue and the influence of renal transplantation on MAIT cells remains unclear. Using multiparameter flow cytometry and the MR1‐tetramer, we characterized MAIT cell phenotype and function in healthy renal tissue (n = 6), renal transplants explanted after allograft failure (n = 14) and in blood from healthy controls (n = 20) and RTRs before and 1‐year after transplantation (n = 21). MAIT cells in renal tissue constitute a distinct CD69+CD103+/− population that displays typical phenotypic features of tissue‐resident T‐cells and is skewed toward IL‐2, GM‐CSF, and IL‐17A production upon stimulation. The circulating MAIT cell population was not decreased in number in RTRs pre‐ or post‐transplantation. Tissue‐resident MAIT cells in the kidney represent a functionally distinct population. This shows how MAIT cells in the kidney may be involved in the protection against microorganisms.
Self‐powered light‐induced plating for III‐V/Ge triple‐junction solar cell metallization
Authors: Laucher Clément , Hamon Gwenaëlle , Turala Artur , Volatier Maïté , Darnon Maxime , Aimez Vincent , Jaouad Abdelatif
Published: July 2020

We present a new process to deposit thick front emitter contact on multijunction solar cells using a self‐powered light‐induced plating (SP‐LIP). This electrochemical deposition method is based on the use of the light‐induced polarization of the cell to drive the plating current instead of the use of an external power supply as for standard electroplating. The electrical characterization of the process is performed by current and potential measurements at various light intensities and enables the deposition of thick layers of various metals (Ag, Ni, and Au) on triple‐junction solar cells with a precise control of the metal thickness. The potential of SP‐LIP for the deposition of an ohmic contact layer directly on the solar cell front side without any seed layer is also demonstrated. A triple‐junction solar cell fabricated with both ohmic and thick metal front contact deposited only by an electrochemical method is reported.
Issues of theory and method in the analysis of Paleolithic mortuary behavior: A view from Shanidar Cave
Authors: Pomeroy Emma , Hunt Chris O. , Reynolds Tim , Abdulmutalb Dlshad , Asouti Eleni , Bennett Paul , Bosch Marjolein , Burke Ariane , Farr Lucy , Foley Robert , French Charles , Frumkin Amos , Goldberg Paul , Hill Evan , Kabukcu Ceren , Lahr Marta Mirazón , Lane Ross , Marean Curtis , Maureille Bruno , Mutri Giuseppina , Miller Christopher E. , Mustafa Kaify Ali , Nymark Andreas , Pettitt Paul , Sala Nohemi , Sandgathe Dennis , Stringer Chris , Tilby Emily , Barker Graeme
Published: July 2020

Mortuary behavior (activities concerning dead conspecifics) is one of many traits that were previously widely considered to have been uniquely human, but on which perspectives have changed markedly in recent years. Theoretical approaches to hominin mortuary activity and its evolution have undergone major revision, and advances in diverse archeological and paleoanthropological methods have brought new ways of identifying behaviors such as intentional burial. Despite these advances, debates concerning the nature of hominin mortuary activity, particularly among the Neanderthals, rely heavily on the rereading of old excavations as new finds are relatively rare, limiting the extent to which such debates can benefit from advances in the field. The recent discovery of in situ articulated Neanderthal remains at Shanidar Cave offers a rare opportunity to take full advantage of these methodological and theoretical developments to understand Neanderthal mortuary activity, making a review of these advances relevant and timely.
Out‐of‐sample performance of bias‐corrected estimators for diffusion processes
Authors: Guo Zi‐Yi
Published: July 2020

We investigated the out‐of‐sample forecasting performance of six bias‐corrected estimators that have recently emerged in the literature for the Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process: the naïve estimator, the Tang and Chen estimator, the Bao et al. estimator, the bootstrap estimator, the Wang et al. estimator, and the bootstrap estimator based on the Euler method, along with the benchmark least squares (LS) estimator. Our Monte Carlo simulations illustrated that the bias‐corrected estimators, except for the Bao et al. estimator, produced much worse out‐of‐sample forecasting performance than the LS estimator because these other estimators have a tendency to generate negative estimations of the mean reversion parameter when the true value is close to zero. However, if we set a zero lower bound to all of these estimators, including the LS estimator, all the bias‐corrected estimators improved the out‐of‐sample forecasting performance of the LS estimator as long as the true mean reversion parameter was not very large. These main results also hold for the Cox–Ingersoll–Ross process. Our real data applications confirmed these overall findings.
Moringa oleifera Lam.ameliorates the muscles function recovery following an induced insult to the Sciatic nerve in a mouse model
Authors: Razzaq Aroona , Ahmad Malik Shoaib , Saeed Farhan , Imran Ali , Rasul Azhar , Qasim Muhammad , Zafar Shamaila , Kamran Syed Kashif Shahid , Maqbool Javeria , Imran Muhammad , Hussain Ghulam , Hussain Muzzamal
Published: July 2020

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is an incapacitating situation and has no effective therapy until now. We examined the possible role of crude leaves of Moringa oleifera Lam. at 200 mg/kg body weight in accelerating the functional regain in the sciatic nerve lesion induced mouse model (Adult male albino mice (BALB/c). Motor functions were evaluated by using the sciatic functional index, muscle mass, and muscle grip strength measurement, whereas the sensory functions were evaluated by using the hot plate test. Blood glucose levels and blood cell composition were also analyzed. We found that the Moringa oleifera crude leaves endorse the sensory and motor functions reclamation following the PNI with a statistically significant difference (p < .05). It also revitalizes the gastrocnemius muscle by mass restoration with glycemic management perspective. Conclusively, the crude powder of Moringa oleifera leaves exhibited a function restoration boosting property and further detailed studies for its application as a therapeutic agent are strongly recommended.
A study on the energy and exergy of Ohmic heating (OH) process of sour orange juice using an artificial neural network (ANN) and response surface methodology (RSM)
Authors: Vahedi Torshizi Mohammad , Azadbakht Mohsen , Kashaninejad Mahdi
Published: July 2020

The nonmodern statistical methods are often unusable for modeling complex and nonlinear calculations. Therefore, the present research modeled and investigated the energy and exergy of the ohmic heating process using an artificial neural network and response surface method (RSM). The radial basis function (RBF) and the multi‐layer perceptron (MLP) networks were used for modeling using sigmoid, linear, and hyperbolic tangent activation functions. The input consisted of voltage gradient; weight loss percentage, duration ohmic, Input flow, Power consumption, electrical conductivity and system performance coefficient and the output included the energy efficiency, exergy efficiency, exergy loss, and improvement potential. The response surface method was also used to predict the data. According to the result, the best prediction amount for energy and exergy efficiencies, exergy loss and improvement potential were in RBF network by sigmoid activation function and after this network, RSM had the best amount for energy efficiency, Also for exergy efficiencies, exergy loss and improvement potential obtained acceptable results in MLP network by a linear activation function. The worst amount was at MLP network by tangent hyperbolic. In general, the neural network can have more ability than the response surface method.
Priming of microglia with IFN‐γ impairs adult hippocampal neurogenesis and leads to depression‐like behaviors and cognitive defects
Authors: Zhang Jinqiang , He Hui , Qiao Yan , Zhou Tao , He Haili , Yi Saini , Zhang Lijuan , Mo Li , Li Yahui , Jiang Weike , You Zili
Published: July 2020

Neuroinflammation driven by interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) and microglial activation has been linked to neurological disease. However, the effects of IFN‐γ‐activated microglia on hippocampal neurogenesis and behavior are unclear. In the present study, IFN‐γ was administered to mice via intracerebroventricular injection. Mice received intraperitoneal injection of ruxolitinib to inhibit the JAK/STAT1 pathway or injection of minocycline to inhibit microglial activation. During a 7‐day period, mice were assessed for depressive‐like behaviors and cognitive impairment based on a series of behavioral analyses. Effects of the activated microglia on neural stem/precursor cells (NSPCs) were examined, as was pro‐inflammatory cytokine expression by activated microglia. We showed that IFN‐γ‐injected animals showed long‐term adult hippocampal neurogenesis reduction, behavior despair, anhedonia, and cognitive impairment. Chronic activation with IFN‐γ induces reactive phenotypes in microglia associated with morphological changes, population expansion, MHC II and CD68 up‐regulation, and pro‐inflammatory cytokine (IL‐1β, TNF‐α, IL‐6) and nitric oxide (NO) release. Microglia isolated from the hippocampus of IFN‐γ‐injected mice suppressed NSPCs proliferation and stimulated apoptosis of immature neurons. Inhibiting of the JAK/STAT1 pathway in IFN‐γ‐injected animals to block microglial activation suppressed microglia‐mediated neuroinflammation and neurogenic injury, and alleviated depressive‐like behaviors and cognitive impairment. Collectively, these findings suggested that priming of microglia with IFN‐γ impairs adult hippocampal neurogenesis and leads to depression‐like behaviors and cognitive defects. Targeting microglia by modulating levels of IFN‐γ the brain may be a therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders.
Diabetes mellitus in major head and neck cancer surgery: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Caputo Mathew P. , Shabani Sepehr , Mhaskar Rahul , McMullen Caitlin , Padhya Tapan A. , Mifsud Matthew J.
Published: July 2020

Background

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a risk factor for surgical complications and a common comorbidity in the setting of head and neck (H&N) cancer. Our objective was to determine if DM is associated with increased rates of H&N cancer surgery complications.

Methods

We conducted a search of Pubmed, Embase, and the national clinical trials database focusing on H&N cancer surgery or free flap reconstruction and diabetes. Two reviewers screened studies by title/abstract and then full text. We then collected data using a pre‐made template. Meta‐analysis was performed using Revman 5.3.

Results

Of the 272 results from Pubmed and 559 from Embase, we selected 16 studies for inclusion. Meta‐analysis revealed DM was associated with increased rates of flap failure (risk ratio [RR] = 1.83 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18‐2.85; P = .007) and local complications (RR = 1.87 95% CI, 1.24‐2.80; P < .00001).

Conclusion

Although DM is associated with increased risk of flap failure and local H&N cancer surgery complications, further research is required to optimize care in this population.
Nonlinear Boussinesq buoyancy driven flow and radiative heat transport of magnetohybrid nanoliquid in an annulus: A statistical framework
Authors: Thriveni K. , Mahanthesh B.
Published: July 2020

The effect of nonlinear Boussinesq buoyancy force on the flow of Cu‐Al2O3‐H2O hybrid nanoliquid in a vertical annulus, which is adjacent to the radial magnetic field and thermal radiation, is analyzed through a statistical approach. The phenomena of movement of annuli are taken into account. The aspect of nonlinear density temperature is also accounted based on nonlinear Boussinesq approximation (NBA). The exact solution is obtained for the two‐point boundary value problem comprised dimensionless governing equations. The skin friction coefficient and Nusselt number expressions are also estimated. The impacts of various physical parameters on the velocity, temperature, skin friction coefficient, and Nusselt number distributions are analyzed. The statistical techniques, such as correlation coefficient, probable error, and a multivariate regression model, are employed for the detailed analysis. It is found that the NBA is favorable for the skin friction coefficient and the rate of heat transfer. The maximum heat transfer is found on the wall of the internal annuli.
Multimodal medical image fusion based on the spectral total variation and local structural patch measurement
Authors: Liu Yanyu , Hou Ruichao , Zhou Dongming , Nie Rencan , Ding Zhaisheng , Guo Yanbu , Zhao Li
Published: July 2020

Masses of research decompose the image into different levels of feature maps, but the structures and edges may not appropriately separated. This may cause the loss of image detail in the fusion process. Therefore, we design a robust method for multimodal medical image fusion using spectral total variation transform (STVT). In our method, the source images are first decomposed into a series of texture signatures (referred to as deviation components) and base components via STVT algorithm. Then combine the local structural patch measurement (LSPM) to fuse the deviation components, and the base components are merged using a spatial frequency (SF) dual‐channel spiking cortical model (SF‐DCSCM), in which the SF of base components are regarded as stimulus to activate DCSCM. Finally, the final image is reconstructed by the inverse STVT with the restored images together. Experimental results suggest that proposed scheme achieves promising results, and more competitiveness against some state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Sense of community, pathway to, or bridge from alienation?
Authors: McMillan David W. , Lorion Raymond P.
Published: July 2020

Psychological Sense of Community (PSOC) represents a formative conceptual offering of Community Psychology to the social sciences. Nearly five decades ago, PSOC offered a window into the influence of ecological factors to understanding the emotional and behavioral well‐being of members of disenfranchised and underserved segments of the population, especially members of minority and low‐income subgroups. Our discipline's founders viewed PSOC as one promising vehicle for pursuing the desired paradigmatic shift from individual to systemically focused interventions to achieve intended outcomes of the emerging community mental health movement. This Commentary reflects the authors' shared thoughts to the adoption of PSOC by conservative spokespersons to explain the resistance of some to the diversification of the population and growing voice of progressive advocates.
Improving understanding of how mentoring works: Measuring multiple intervention processes
Authors: Tolan Patrick H. , McDaniel Heather L. , Richardson Malachi , Arkin Nora , Augenstern Julia , DuBois David L.
Published: July 2020

The objective is to develop and test dimensionality and validity of a new measure of five mentoring intervention processes drawn from emphases across prior mentoring efforts that might be the basis for effects: identification with the mentor, social and emotional support, teaching and education, and advocacy, and shared time and activity. Partial validation of value was drawn from moderation role in a meta‐analysis of mentoring (Tolan, Henry, Lovegrove, Schoeny, & Nichols, 2014. J. Exp. Criminol., 10, 179–201). Data collected of candidate items completed by 740 mentors and 302 mentees (mean age = 16.59 years) were subjected to confirmatory factor analyses based on the five theorized dimensions. Scales derived from best‐fitting solutions were examined for convergent validity in relation to other indicators of mentoring relationship qualities. A bifactor model with five specific factors was supported for adult mentor reports while a simplified single factor model fit youth reports. Correlations between derived scale scores and validity indicators of mentoring relationship qualities were consistent with expectations. Multiple activities that comprise mentoring can be identified in adult mentor reports but not youth reports. This scale provides a promising basis for testing how variation in emphasis during mentoring affects impact and help guide training emphases.
Investigating mentor commitment in youth mentoring relationships: The role of perceived program practices
Authors: Drew Alison L. , Keller Thomas E. , Spencer Renée , Herrera Carla
Published: July 2020

Highly committed mentors may be less likely to end their mentoring relationships with their mentees. Theory suggests commitment is predicted by relationship satisfaction, investment, and perceptions of available alternatives. Mentoring program practices may influence commitment, but little research has investigated potential mechanisms. Using data from 537 mentors representing 55 mentoring programs, this study examined a theoretical path model in which mentor perceptions of program practices, specifically setting expectations, prematch mentor training, and matching based on mentor preferences, predict mentor satisfaction, investment, perceptions of available alternatives, and ultimately, relationship commitment. As expected, commitment was associated positively with satisfaction and investment and negatively with available alternatives. Perceptions of the program setting clear expectations, the amount of prematch training, and matching by preferences predicted mentor commitment. These associations were mediated by relationship satisfaction, investment, and available alternatives, respectively. These findings identify program practices that can support mentor commitment.