bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anorexia nervosa and inflammatory bowel diseases—Diagnostic and genetic associations
Authors: Larsen Janne Tidselbak , Yilmaz Zeynep , Vilhjálmsson Bjarni Jóhann , Thornton Laura M. , Benros Michael Eriksen , Musliner Katherine L. ,   Eating Disorders Working Group of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, Werge Thomas , Hougaard David M. , Mortensen Preben Bo , Bulik Cynthia M. , Petersen Liselotte Vogdrup
Published: September 2021

Background

Anorexia nervosa (AN), a serious eating disorder, and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) share a number of key symptoms, for example, discomfort during eating and early satiety. Despite the symptom overlap, studies on comorbidity are limited and mostly conducted in relatively small samples. This study investigates the comorbidity of diagnosed AN with IBD, and the subtypes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, in a population‐based sample and explores whether genetic factors could play a role in the overlap.

Methods

The study included 1,238,813 individuals born in Denmark 1981–2005 selected from the population register (5067 diagnosed with AN and 6947 diagnosed with any IBD), including a subsample of 23,236 individuals with genetic information (4271 with AN and 176 with any IBD). By combining hospital‐based diagnoses recorded in health registers until 2013 with polygenic scores (PGS) of AN and IBD, we investigated possible associations between diagnoses of each disorder, both within individuals and families, and between PGS of one disorder and diagnosis of the other disorder. Analyses were conducted using Cox regression and logistic regression.

Results

We found that a prior diagnosis of AN was associated with hazard ratios of 1.44 (1.05, 1.97) for any IBD, 1.60 (1.04, 2.46) for Crohn's disease, and 1.66 (1.15, 2.39) for ulcerative colitis, whereas IBD diagnoses were not significantly associated with later AN diagnosis. No significant within‐families associations were observed. We found no associations between AN and IBD using PGS.

Conclusions

AN was associated with later risk of IBD, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis; however, the reverse was not observed. It is important for clinicians to be aware of this association to evaluate IBD as a differential diagnosis or an emergent condition in patients with AN.
Uptake of genetic counseling and multi‐gene panel testing among women in the Intermountain West with previous negative BRCA1 and BRCA2 results contacted for updated testing
Authors: Mooney Ryan , Espinel Whitney , Elrick Ashley , Kehoe Kelsey , Kohlmann Wendy , Kaphingst Kimberly A.
Published: September 2021

Women with a personal history of breast or ovarian cancer who previously had BRCA1/2 testing now have the opportunity for additional genetic risk information through multi‐gene panel testing. However, little is known about women's receptivity to further contact and uptake of genetic counseling and updated genetic testing. Utilizing a clinic database to identify potential participants, we prospectively contacted women in the United States with a personal and/or family history of breast or ovarian cancer who had negative BRCA1/2 testing, which was performed primarily between 2011 and 2018. Eligible and interested participants were scheduled for a genetic counseling appointment to discuss updated genetic testing using a multi‐gene panel. We attempted to contact 455 participants, screened 203 (45%), and 103 (23%) completed a pre‐test genetic counseling visit to discuss updated testing. Of these, 88 participants had updated multi‐gene panel testing. Participants had an average age of 59 years, and most (78%) had breast cancer with an average age of 45 at diagnosis. The majority (97%) of participants were white. Of participants who underwent panel testing, 13% (n = 11) had at least one pathogenic variant identified. Most participants (86%) had an out‐of‐pocket cost of $100 or less for their panel. There is a sizable population of women with a personal and/or family history of breast or ovarian cancer and negative BRCA1/2 test results who would qualify for updated multi‐gene panel testing. In our study, 59% of those reached who were eligible completed a pre‐test genetic counseling visit. Clinics could consider an outreach program to offer genetic counseling and updated genetic testing. Supports for this type of effort may include coordinators and genetic counseling assistants and an available database with patients’ contact information and prior genetic test results. Updated testing allows women more information about their risk and may expand the value of genetic counseling.
The wisdom of mistrust: qualitative insights from transgender women who participated in PrEP research in Lima, Peru
Authors: Perez‐Brumer Amaya , Naz‐McLean Sarah , Huerta Leyla , Salazar Ximena , Lama Javier R , Sanchez Jorge , Silva‐Santisteban Alfonso , Reisner Sari L , Mayer Kenneth H , Clark Jesse L
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Although pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a remarkable biomedical advance to prevent HIV, ongoing research on PrEP contributes to and interacts with a legacy of HIV experimentation on marginalized communities in resource‐limited settings. This paper explores the complexity of PrEP research mistrust among Peruvian transgender (trans) women who completed a PrEP adherence intervention and those who refused participation (i.e. declined to enrol, voluntarily withdrew, and/or were lost to follow‐up).

Methods

Data were derived from 86 trans women (mean age 29 years) participants in the formative (four focus groups (n = 32), 20 interviews) and the evaluation stages (34 interviews) of a social network‐based PrEP intervention for trans women in Lima, Peru. The formative stage took place from May to July 2015, while the evaluative stage took place from April to May 2018. Audio files were transcribed verbatim and analysed via an immersion crystallization approach using Dedoose (v.6.1.18).

Results

Three paradoxes of trans women’s participation in PrEP science as a “key” population emerged as amplifying mistrust: (1) increases in PrEP research targeting trans women but limited perceived improvements in HIV outcomes; (2) routine dismissal by research physicians and staff of PrEP‐related side effects and the social realities of taking PrEP, resulting in questions about who PrEP research is really for and (3) persistent limitations on PrEP access for trans women despite increasing involvement in clinical trials, fostering feelings of being a “guinea pig” to advance PrEP science.

Conclusions

Findings highlight the wisdom inherent in PrEP mistrust as a reflection of trans women’s experiences that underscore the broken bonds of trust between communities, researchers and the research enterprise. PrEP mistrust is amplified through perceived paradoxes that suggest to trans women that they are key experimental participants but not target PrEP users outside of research settings. Findings highlight the urgent need to reframe mistrust not as a characteristic of trans women to be addressed through education and outreach, but as a systemic institutional‐ and industry‐level problem replicated, manifested and ultimately to be corrected, through global HIV science.
Polypide anatomy of hornerid bryozoans (Stenolaemata: Cyclostomatida)
Authors: Tamberg Yuta , Batson Peter B. , Napper Ruth
Published: September 2021

Bryozoans are small colonial coelomates whose colonies are made of individual modules (zooids). Like most coelomate animals, bryozoans have a characteristic body wall composition, including an epidermis, an extracellular matrix (ECM) and a coelothelium, all pressed together. The order Cyclostomatida, however, presents the most striking deviation, in which the ECM and the corresponding coelothelium underlying major parts of the skeletal wall epidermis are detached to form an independent membranous sac. It forms a separate, much smaller compartment, suspended in the zooid body cavity and working as an important element of the cyclostome lophophore protrusion mechanism. The polypide anatomy and ultrastructure of this group is best known from studies of one family, the Crisiidae (Articulata). Here, we examined four species from the phylogenetically and ecologically contrasting family Horneridae (Cancellata) from New Zealand, and provide the first detailed ultrastructural description of the hornerid polypide, including tentacles, mouth region, digestive system and the funiculus. We were able to trace continuity and transitions of cell and ECM layers throughout the whole polypide. In addition, we identified that the funiculus is a lumen‐free ECM cord with two associated muscles, disconnected from interzooidal pores. Except for funicular core composition, the polypide anatomy of hornerids agrees well with the general cyclostomate body plan.
Axillary vein access using ultrasound guidance, Venography or Cephalic Cutdown—What is the optimal access technique for insertion of pacing leads?
Authors: Davis Lloyd , Chik William , Kumar Saurabh , Sivagangabalan Gopal , Thomas Stuart P. , Denniss A. Robert
Published: September 2021

We reviewed the different approaches used for central vein access during insertion of cardiac implantable electronic devices. The benefits and hazards of each approach (cephalic vein cutdown, axillary vein cannulation using venography and ultrasound) are discussed. Each approach has its advantages and hazards that need to be considered for the individual patient and balanced against the skills of the operator. The benefits of ultrasound guided venous access in reducing radiation exposure to the patient and implanter, avoiding the need for angiographic contrast and in minimizing the risk of pneumothorax and inadvertent arterial puncture are highlighted. Trainees should be taught each approach to deal with patient variability. Ultrasound guidance should be considered as a mainstream option for most patients.
Improving norbixin dispersibility and stability by liposomal encapsulation using the pH‐driven method
Authors: Liu Hang , Zhang Junbing , Xiong Yong , Peng Shengfeng , McClements David Julian , Zou Liqiang , Liang Ruihong , Liu Wei
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND

Norbixin, a carotenoid extracted from annatto seeds, is widely utilized as a natural pigment in foods, cosmetics and medicines. Its water solubility is relatively high under neutral or alkaline conditions but low under acidic conditions, which limits its application in some food products.

RESULTS

This problem was overcome by utilizing liposomes to encapsulate the carotenoids so that they could be easily dispersed within acidic solutions. The norbixin was loaded into the liposomes using the pH‐driven method. Liposomes were produced by passing aqueous phospholipid dispersions through a microfluidizer under high pressure. Norbixin was then added to the liposome dispersions at pH 7.0 and then driven into the hydrophobic domains of the phospholipid bilayers by acidifying the system. Measurements of the encapsulation efficiency showed that the norbixin was successfully loaded into the liposomes using the pH‐driven method. X‐ray diffraction analysis showed that the norbixin was in an amorphous state after incorporation into the liposomes. Encapsulation of norbixin within the liposomes was also shown to increase its water dispersibility and chemical stability under acidic pH conditions.

CONCLUSION

The pH‐driven method therefore provides a useful means of increasing the application of this bioactive carotenoid within functional foods and other products. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Reliability and Convergent Construct Validity of Quantitative Ultrasound for Synovitis, Meniscal Extrusion, and Osteophyte in Knee Osteoarthritis With MRI
Authors: Oo Win Min , Linklater James M. , Bennell Kim L. , Daniel Matthew S. , Pryke Danielle , Wang Xia , Yu Shirley P. , Deveza Leticia , Duong Vicky , Hunter David J.
Published: September 2021

Aims

To determine: 1) inter‐rater reliability of quantitative measurements of ultrasound‐detected synovitis, meniscal extrusion, and osteophytes; and 2) construct (convergent) validity via correlations and absolute agreements between ultrasound‐ and gold‐standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐outcomes in knee osteoarthritis.

Methods

Dynamic ultrasound images for supra‐patellar synovitis, meniscal extrusion, and osteophytes were acquired and quantified by a physician operator, musculoskeletal ultrasonographer, and medical student independently. On the same day, 3T MRI images were acquired. Effusion‐synovitis, meniscal extrusion, and osteophytes were quantified on sagittal or coronal proton‐density‐weighted fat‐suppressed noncontrast TSE sequences, respectively. Intra‐class correlation coefficients (ICCs), Pearson's correlations (r), and Bland–Altman plots were used to analyze inter‐rater reliability, and correlations, and agreements between the two imaging modalities.

Results

Eighty‐nine participants [48 females (53.9%)] with mean (standard deviation) age of 61.5 ± 6.9 years were included. The inter‐rater reliability was excellent for osteophytes (ICC range = 0.90–0.96), meniscal extrusion (ICC range = 0.90–0.93), and synovitis (ICC range = 0.86–0.88).

The correlations between ultrasound pathologies and their MRI counterparts were very strong (ICC range = 0.85–0.98) except for lateral meniscal extrusion [0.66 (95% CI, 0.52–0.76)]. Bland–Altman plots showed 0.01, 0.05, 0.10, 0.53, and 0.60 mm larger size in ultrasound medial tibial and medial femoral osteophytes, medial meniscal extrusions, synovitis, and lateral meniscal extrusions with 95% limits of agreements [±0.39, ±0.44, ±0.85, ±0.70, and ±0.90 (SDs)] than MRI measures, respectively. The lines of equality were within 95% CI of the mean differences (bias) only for medial osteophytes and medial meniscal extrusion.

Conclusion

The quantitative assessment of synovitis, meniscal extrusion, and osteophytes generally showed excellent inter‐rater reliability and strong correlations with MRI‐based measurements. Absolute agreement was strong for medial tibiofemoral pathologies.
Bone‐Adhesive Hydrogels Based on Dual Crosslinked Poly(2‐oxazoline)s
Authors: Sánchez‐Fernández María J. , Rutjes Jens , Félix Lanao Rosa P. , Bender Johan C. M. E. , van Hest Jan C. M. , Leeuwenburgh Sander C. G.
Published: September 2021

The development of bone glues based on bone‐adhesive hydrogels to allow for facile bone fracture fixation remains a major challenge. Herein, dual crosslinked hydrogels that combine tunable stiffness, ductility, and self‐healing capacity are successfully synthesized. The resulting double network hydrogel is formed by chemical crosslinking of N‐hydroxysuccinimide‐functionalized poly(2‐oxazoline)s(POx‐NHS)"?> with amine‐functionalized poly(2‐oxazoline)s, and physical crosslinking of alendronate‐functionalized poly(2‐oxazoline)s (POx‐Ale) with calcium ions in solution. The use of an excess of alendronate‐functionalized POx‐Ale polymers also ensures affinity toward calcium cations in the mineral phase of bone, thereby rendering these hydrogels adhesive to bone. The mechanical and bone‐adhesive properties of these novel hydrogels are superior to commercially available fibrin sealants. Moreover, hydrogels retain their bone‐adhesive properties under wet conditions. Although the dual crosslinked hydrogels swell considerably, they are stable upon immersion in phosphate‐buffered saline (up to 12 d) and even in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid solution. The enhanced mechanical and bone‐adhesive properties of these hydrogels, as well as their in vitro stability, indicate that they have much application potential as bone‐adhesive glues.
Neuroimaging of situational urgency and incontinence provoked by personal urgency cues
Authors: Clarkson Becky D. , Wei Zhiyang , Karim Helmet T. , Tyagi Shachi , Resnick Neil M. , Salkeld Ronald P. , Conklin Cynthia A.
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Situational triggers for urinary urgency and incontinence (UUI) such as “latchkey incontinence” and running water are often reported clinically, but no current clinical tools exist to directly address symptoms of UUI provoked by environmental stimuli. Previously we have shown that urgency and leakage can be reproduced during urodynamic studies with exposure to personal urgency‐related images. Here we investigate the neural signatures associated with such situational triggers to inform potential therapies for reducing reactivity to these personal urgency‐related cues among women with situational UUI.

Method

We recruited 23 women with situational UUI who took photographs of their personal “urgency trigger” and “safe” situations and were exposed to them in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. We identified brain areas that were more active during urgency versus safe image exposure.

Results

We found that, during urgency image exposure, main components of the attention network and decision‐related processes, the middle and medial frontal gyri, were more active (p < 0.01). In addition, areas well known to be involved in the continence mechanism, such as the cingulate and parahippocampal areas, were also more active during urgency image exposure.

Conclusion

Exposure to personal situational urgency images activated different areas of the brain compared with safe environments, highlighting the complex brain mechanisms that provoke real‐world urgency. Using brain and behavioral‐based therapies which target the attentional areas identified here and extinguish cue reactivity might reduce symptom burden in this subset of UUI sufferers.
Multiscale analysis of thermal problems in heterogeneous materials with Direct FE2 method
Authors: Zhi Jie , Raju Karthikayen , Tay Tong‐Earn , Tan Vincent Beng Chye
Published: September 2021

Multiscale thermal analysis is motivated by efficient modeling of complex microstructural response (nonlinear conduction, transient conduction, coupled thermomechanics, etc.) without resorting to fully resolved simulations, direct numerical simulation (DNS). It is typically conducted with an FE method that couples two levels of finite element simulations in a nested manner. This article presents a Direct FE method for modeling heat transfer problems in heterogeneous solids. The proposed method is developed based on the same theoretical framework as the FE method, namely downscaling and upscaling rules. However, the scale transitions are achieved through temperature/nodal thermal force in Direct FE rather than temperature gradient/heat flux in common FE implementations. The two‐level simulations can be solved in a monolithic scheme where the macroscopic and microscopic DOFs are coupled through multi‐point constraints. This feature allows an easy implementation in standard FE packages without resorting to repeated transfer of data between two scales. For transient thermal problems, the implementation provides an option to either incorporate or exclude thermal inertial effects and heat generation at the microscale. The performance of the Direct FE is demonstrated by several numerical examples including coupled thermal‐mechanical analysis and transient heat conduction, and the results are compared with DNSs.
Comparing individuals buried in flexed and extended positions at the Greek colony of Chersonesos (Crimea) using cranial metric, dental metric, and dental nonmetric traits
Authors: Rathmann Hannes , Stoyanov Roman , Posamentir Richard
Published: September 2021

The Greek colony of Chersonesos was founded in the 5th century BC on the coast of the Crimean Peninsula in the northern Black Sea region. Extensive archeological research has investigated the timing and mode of the Greek land seizure and the responses of the local Taurian tribes, focusing on a large necropolis dating to the earliest period of the colony, somewhere between the 5th and the 4th century BC. Relying on burial traditions as an indicator of the biogeographic origin of the deceased, it was hypothesized that individuals buried in flexed positions were Taurian whereas individuals buried in extended positions were Greek. Here, we test the hypothesis that individuals in flexed and extended burial positions are biologically different by directly analyzing the human skeletal remains. For this, we collected three different types of phenotypic data commonly used for biodistance analysis, namely, (1) cranial measurements, (2) dental measurements, and (3) dental nonmetric traits, recorded for 47 individuals. Using Gower distance coefficients, we combine the three data types in a single analysis and estimate biological relationships among a subset of well‐preserved individuals with documented flexed (n = 8) and extended (n = 13) burial position. The estimated distances show a large amount of overlap between the two groups, with the exception of two individuals that are more divergent. To statistically corroborate this finding, we use distance‐based permutational multivariate analyses of variance (PERMANOVA) and dispersion (PERMDISP). Both analyses reveal no statistically significant differences between the groups, neither in group centroids nor in group dispersions. Our results therefore contradict the idea that burial position was determined by ancestry of the deceased. This has implications for future archeological research at Chersonesos and other Greek colonies of the northern Black Sea region.
Land degradation in South Africa: Justice and climate change in tension
Authors: Mani Suma , Osborne Colin P. , Cleaver Frances
Published: September 2021

Land degradation is a global problem impacting biodiversity and livelihoods, with profound effects on resource‐based livelihoods. As such, it impedes progress towards sustainable development goals (SDGs) and overcoming climate‐related poverty. Interrelated biophysical and social factors are driving further land degradation, and, internationally, there is a range of policies and initiatives designed to address these.

In this paper, we argue that analysis of land degradation must encompass three key dimensions: firstly, that the causes are both physical and social; secondly, that they are shaped by historically unjust land tenure and resource allocations; and thirdly, that outcomes are the result of entwined processes at the global, national and local levels. To do this, we modify an analytical framework derived from structuration theory and populate it with illustrative material from the case of rangeland management in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. In this way, we show how understanding land degradation requires an analytical approach that is simultaneously bio‐social, historically informed and multiscalar.

Land degradation caused by woody encroachment is a major bio‐social issue for the rangelands of South Africa, exacerbated by intersecting factors including climate change, historical land tenure policies and post‐apartheid reforms. However, contemporary land use policies in South Africa designed to redress historic land injustices and enhance rural livelihoods are not directly connected with those which prioritise the protection of ecosystems and biodiversity, or climate mitigation. Finally, South African policymakers face the challenge of reconciling political commitments to improve the lives of local populations whilst meeting international targets to address degradation, carbon emissions and SDGs.

Whilst the South African case is unique, many countries face the simultaneous challenges of trying to prevent ecological degradation whilst mitigating historical patterns of unjust access to land and natural resources. More broadly, this talks of the global challenge of reconciling goals of poverty alleviation with climate mitigation.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Exploring parity in female authorship of pharmacoepidemiology articles: A case study of the Canadian Network for Observational Drug Effect Studies and its citing articles
Authors: Sketris Ingrid S. , Traynor Robyn L. , Helwig Melissa , Burland Elaine , Stewart Samuel A.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The Canadian Network for Observational Drug Effect Studies (CNODES) studies the benefits and risks of post‐market drugs and evaluates its research mobilization efforts for accountability, demonstrating value, and learning. As part of these evaluation efforts, and acknowledging gender disparity in authorship across many academic disciplines, CNODES examined the relationship between gender and authorship in its own journal articles and the literature citing them.

Methods

CNODES articles (published 2012–2017) and all citing articles were identified and extracted using Scopus. Scopus author IDs were used to extract full names and a web service (www.genderapi.com) was used to estimate gender, converting all probabilities <80% to “indeterminate.” T‐tests and visualizations were used to compare the proportion of females between CNODES and the citing literature.

Results

Twenty‐eight CNODES articles and 463 citing articles were identified. The mean number of authors per article was 9.5 in CNODES articles and 5.7 in the citing literature. CNODES articles had a female authorship rate of 36%, compared to 29% in the citing literature (7% difference, 95% CI: [1%, 13%]). There were no female authors in 14% of CNODES articles versus 36% of the citing literature. Women were first authors in 25% and corresponding authors in 14% of CNODES articles.

Conclusions

This analysis provides a benchmark and method to monitor progress in female parity in pharmacoepidemiology authorship. Further work is needed to determine and address barriers and facilitators to women's recruitment and advancement in the field of pharmacoepidemiology.
NR3C2 genotype is associated with response to spironolactone in diastolic heart failure patients from the Aldo‐DHF trial
Authors: Dumeny Leanne , Vardeny Orly , Edelmann Frank , Pieske Burkert , Duarte Julio D. , Cavallari Larisa H.
Published: September 2021

Study Objective

This study aimed to determine if variants in NR3C2, which codes the target protein of spironolactone, or CYP11B2, which is involved in aldosterone synthesis, were associated with spironolactone response, focused on the primary end point of diastolic function (E/e′), in Aldosterone Receptor Blockade in Diastolic Heart Failure (Aldo‐DHF) participants.

Design

Post‐hoc genetic analysis.

Data Source

Data and samples were derived from the multi‐center, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled Aldo‐DHF trial.

Patients

Aldo‐DHF participants treated with spironolactone (n = 184) or placebo (n = 178) were included.

Intervention

Participants were genotyped for NR3C2 rs5522, NR3C2 rs2070951 and CYP11B2 rs1799998 via pyrosequencing.

Measurements

In the placebo and spironolactone arms, separate multivariable linear regression analyses were performed for change in E/e′ with each single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), adjusted for age, sex, and baseline E/e′. To discern potential mechanisms of a genotype effect, associated SNPs were further examined for their association with change in blood pressure, circulating procollagen type III N‐terminal peptide (PIIINP), and left atrial area.

Main Results

Carriers of the rs5522 G allele in the placebo arm had a greater increase in E/e′ over the 12‐month course of the trial compared to noncarriers (β = 1.10; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.05–2.16; p = 0.04). No corresponding E/e′ worsening by rs5522 genotype was observed in the spironolactone arm. None of the other genotypes were associated with change in E/e′. Compared to noncarriers, rs5522 G carriers also had a greater increase in left atrial area with placebo (β = 0.83; 95% CI: 0.17–1.48; p = 0.01) and a greater reduction in diastolic blood pressure with spironolactone (β = −3.56; 95% CI: −6.73 to −0.39; p = 0.03). Serum PIIINP levels were similar across rs5522 genotypes.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that spironolactone attenuates progression of diastolic dysfunction associated with the NR3C2 rs5522 G allele. Validation of our findings is needed.
Light management of PERC solar cell with the front and back dielectric multilayers
Authors: Ding Jianming , Zou Shuai , Wu Chengkun , Shen Leilei , Choi Jonghyung , Cui Junhu , Yuan Dichun , Sun Hua , Zhang Xiaohong , Su Xiaodong
Published: September 2021

Light management is one of the important methods to increase the efficiency of passivated emitter and rear cells (PERCs). With the help of simulation, we designed and fabricated the industrial Ga‐doped single‐crystalline silicon (sc‐Si) PERC solar cells by integrating the silicon oxynitride (SiOxNy) with the traditional silicon nitride (SiNx) dielectric films on both the front and rear surfaces. In the front, the SiOxNy capping effectively decreased the reflectance in the short‐wavelength light range, thus increased the cells' short circuit current (Isc) by ~50 mA. In the back, the SiOxNy layer was inserted into the rear SiNx film, thus increased the internal reflection at the rear surface in the long‐wavelength light range, resulting in an about 24‐mA Isc gain. Totally, with the front and rear light management, the champion samples showed the significant improvement with an about 80‐mA increment in Isc of cells compared with the baseline group.
On the use of intra‐molecular distance and angle constraints to lengthen the time step in molecular and stochastic dynamics simulations of proteins
Authors: Pechlaner Maria , van Gunsteren Wilfred F.
Published: September 2021

Computer simulation of proteins in aqueous solution at the atomic level of resolution is still limited in time span and system size due to limited computing power available and thus employs a variety of time‐saving techniques that trade some accuracy against computational effort. An example of such a time‐saving technique is the application of constraints to particular degrees of freedom when integrating Newton's or Langevin's equations of motion in molecular dynamics (MD) or stochastic dynamics (SD) simulations, respectively. The application of bond‐length constraints is standard practice in protein simulations and allows for a lengthening of the time step by a factor of three. Applying recently proposed algorithms to constrain bond angles or dihedral angles, it is investigated, using the protein trypsin inhibitor as test molecule, whether bond angles and dihedral angles involving hydrogen atoms or even stiff proper (torsional) dihedral angles as well as improper ones (maintaining particular tetrahedral or planar geometries) may be constrained without generating too many artificial side effects. Constraining the relative positions of the hydrogen atoms in the protein allows for a lengthening of the time step by a factor of two. Additionally constraining the improper dihedral angles and the stiff proper (torsional) dihedral angles in the protein does not allow for an increase of the MD or SD time step.
Evaluating the pesticidal impact of plant protease inhibitors: lethal weaponry in the co‐evolutionary battle
Authors: Pandey Ankesh , Yadav Reena , Sanyal Indraneel
Published: September 2021

In the arsenal of plant defense, protease inhibitors (PIs) are well‐designed defensive products to counter field pests. PIs are produced in plant tissues by means of ‘stable defense metabolite’ and triggered on demand as the perception of the signal and well established as a part of plant active defense. PIs have been utilized for approximately four decades, initially as a gene‐alone approach that was later replaced by multiple gene pyramiding/gene stacking due to insect adaptability towards the PI alone. By considering the adaptive responses of the pest to the single insecticidal gene, the concept of gene pyramiding gained continuous appreciation for the development of transgenic crops to deal with co‐evolving pests. Gene pyramiding approaches are executed to bypass the insectʼs adaptive responses against PIs. Stacking PIs with additional insecticidal proteins, plastid engineering, recombinant proteinase inhibitors, RNAi‐based methods and CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated genome editing are the advanced tools and methods for next‐generation pest management. Undoubtedly, the domain associated with the mechanism of PIs in the course of plant–pest interactions will occupy a central role for the advancement of more efficient and sustainable pest control strategies. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Accuracy of cancer diagnostic probe for intra‐surgical checking of cavity side margins in neoadjuvant breast cancer cases: A human model study
Authors: Dabbagh Najmeh , Abbasvandi Fereshteh , Miripour Zohreh Sadat , Hoseinpour Parisa , Jahanbakhshi Fahimeh , Moradi Afshin , Riazi Hooman , Moradian Farid , Zanjani Fatemeh Shojaeian , Parniani Mohammad , Akbari Mohammad Esmaeil , Abdolahad Mohammad
Published: September 2021

Background

Background Recently, a real‐time system, named cancer diagnostic probe (CDP), has been developed to diagnose the presence of pre‐neoplastic/neoplastic cells in breast cavity side margins. Detecting mechanism is real‐time determination of the ROS/H2O2 released from cancer or atypical cells, through reverse Warburg effect and hypoxia glycolysis pathways.

Aims

Here, we designed a human model study based on real‐time checking of 387 internal margins (IM) from 39 neoadjuvant breast cancer cases by CDP.

Materials & Methods

Each lesion was checked by entered needle sensor and electrical scores were recorded. The permanent pathology result of each tested lesion was our gold standard to evaluate CDP scoring. CDP results were compared with permanent pathology of tumour side margins (as a conventional margin evaluation procedure).

Results

Results showed that the sensitivity of CDP in scoring the cavity side margins of those cases is 91%. A total of 18 involved IM which had been detected by CDP were declared as free margins in pathology section of tumour side samples. Just five involved IM were missed by CDP.

Discussions

Such sensitivity revealed that metabolism based (here: hypoxia glycolysis) tracing of cancer cells show distinct electrochemical responses between clear and involved cavity side margin evaluation.

Conclusion

This human study showed the promising role of CDP to achieve clear margins after BCS of neoadjuvant cases.
Residual's influence index (RINFIN), bad leverage and unmasking in high dimensionalL2‐regression
Authors: Yatracos Yannis G.
Published: September 2021

In linear regression ofYonX(∈Rp) with parametersβ(∈Rp+1), statistical inference is unreliable when observations are obtained from gross‐error model,Fϵ,G = (1 − ϵ)F + ϵG, instead of the assumed probabilityF;Gis gross‐error probability, 0 < ϵ < 1. Residual's influence index (RINFIN) at (x,y) is introduced,with components measuring also the local influence ofxin the residualand large valueflagginga bad leverage case (fromG), thus causing unmasking. Large sample properties ofRINFINare presented to confirm significance of the findings, but often the large difference in theRINFINscores of the data is indicative.RINFINis successful with microarray data, simulated, high dimensional data and classic regression data sets.RINFIN's performance improves aspincreases and can be used in multiple response linear regression.
Additive Destabilization of Porous Magnesium Borohydride Framework with Core‐Shell Structure
Authors: Dun Chaochao , Jeong Sohee , Liu Yi‐Sheng , Leick Noemi , Mattox Tracy M. , Guo Jinghua , Lee Joo‐Won , Gennett Thomas , Stavila Vitalie , Urban Jeffrey J.
Published: September 2021

Design of interfaces with thermodynamic and kinetic specificity is of great importance for hydrogen storage from both an applied and fundamental perspective. Here, in order to destabilize the metal hydride and protect the dehydrogenated products from oxidizing, a unique core‐shell structure of porous Mg(BH4)2‐based framework with a thin layer (no more than 5 nm) of MgCl2 additives on the surface, has been proposed and synthesized via a wet‐chemical method. The local structure and electronic state of the present complex system are systematically investigated to understand the correlation between the distribution of additives and dehydrogenation property of Mg(BH4)2. A significant improvement is achieved for hydrogen desorption with chlorides: initial hydrogen release from MgCl2 decorated γ‐phase Mg(BH4)2 particles commences at 100 °C and reaches a maximum of 9.4 wt% at 385 °C. Besides the decreased decomposition temperature, an activation barrier of about 76.4 kJ mol−1 lower than that of Mg(BH4)2 without MgCl2 is obtained. Moreover, MgCl2 decoration can also prevent the whole decomposed system (both Mg‐ and B‐ elements) from oxidizing, which is a necessary condition to reversibility.
Characteristics, Protein Engineering, Heterologous Production, and Industrial Applications of Microbial Isoamylases
Authors: Dong Zixing , Yang Shuangshuang , Dong Xiaoxiao , Yang Yongna , Yan Xueting , Su Jiejie , Tang Cunduo , Yao Lunguang , Kan Yunchao
Published: September 2021

Isoamylase (EC 3.2.1.68), belonging to glycoside hydrolase subfamily GH13_11, catalyzes the hydrolysis of the α‐1,6‐D‐glucosidic linkages in amylopectin, glycogen, and derived oligosaccharides. The high debranching efficiency and transglycosylation activity enable its use in food, feed, detergent, and other industries. However, the low catalytic efficiency and insufficient stability of currently known isoamylases prevent their widespread applications. To meet the requirements set by specific applications, therefore, there is a continuing demand to obtain isoamylases with good stabilities and high expression levels by protein engineering and development of novel fermentation strategies. Herein, the microbial sources, biochemical properties, and distinct sequence and structural features of microbial isoamylases are summarized. Current developments in the protein engineering, heterologous expression, and industrial applications of isoamylases are also discussed. Finally, the future research perspectives of microbial isoamylases are provided.
Effect of inorganic mercury exposure on reproductive system of male mice: Immunosuppression and fibrosis in testis
Authors: Li Siyu , Han Bing , Wu Pengfei , Yang Qingyue , Wang Xiaoqiao , Li Jiayi , Liao Yuge , Deng Ning , Jiang Huijie , Zhang Zhigang
Published: September 2021

Mercury as a toxic heavy metal will accumulate in the body and induce various diseases through the food chain. However, it is unknown that the detailed mechanism of reproductive disorder induced by inorganic mercury in male mice to date. This study investigated the toxicological effect of mercuric chloride (HgCl2) exposure on reproductive system in male mice. Male Kunming mice received normal saline daily or HgCl2 (3 mg/kg bodyweight) by intraperitoneal injection for a week. The reproductive function was evaluated, and the HgCl2 exposure induced the decline of sperm quality, pregnancy rate, mean litter size, and survival rate. Notably, we firstly found the HgCl2‐induced immunosuppression and fibrosis in mice testis according to the results of RNA sequencing. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that HgCl2 exposure disrupts the reproductive system and induces testicular immunosuppression and fibrosis via inhibition of the CD74 signaling pathway in male mice.
Municipal wastewater sludge rheology: Impact of temperature, solid content, and settling solids
Authors: Infusino Ernesto , Caloiero Tommaso
Published: September 2021

The analysis of the rheological properties of the sludge produced in biological purification plants is paramount for the design of equipment (pumping, mixing, conditioning, aeration, filtration, etc.) and the management of these plants. In particular, solid content in the sludge plays a significant role in the rheological quantities. In this study, an investigation of the sludge rheology produced in different sectors of an activated sludge plant (aerated sludge, recirculation sludge, and thickened sludge) has been performed. Specifically, for each sludge sample, various physical–chemical parameters have been analyzed, and rheological tests have been performed at different temperatures (10°C, 20°C, 30°C, and 40°C ± 0.1). The sludge was considered as a non‐Newtonian Bingham fluid. Viscosity and critical stress were determined, and their dependence at different temperatures, on some physical parameters, such as solid content and settling solids, has been studied. Results evidenced that viscosity and critical stress increase with increasing solid concentration. Moreover, at the same concentration, as the temperature increases, the viscosity decreases, whereas the critical stress decreases until temperature values of about 30°C and then increases again.

Practitioner Points

An investigation of the sludge rheology produced in different sectors of an activated sludge plant has been performed.

For each sludge sample, various physical–chemical parameters have been analyzed, and rheological tests have been performed at different temperatures.

Viscosity and critical stress were determined, and their dependence at different temperatures, on some physical parameters, has been studied.

Results evidenced that viscosity and critical stress increase with increasing solid concentration.
Medium-induced radiative kernel with the Improved Opacity Expansion
Authors: Barata João , Mehtar-Tani Yacine , Soto-Ontoso Alba , Tywoniuk Konrad
Published: September 2021

Abstract

We calculate the fully differential medium-induced radiative spectrum at next-to-leading order (NLO) accuracy within the Improved Opacity Expansion (IOE) framework. This scheme allows us to gain analytical control of the radiative spectrum at low and high gluon frequencies simultaneously. The high frequency regime can be obtained in the standard opacity expansion framework in which the resulting power series diverges at the characteristic frequency ωc ∼ $$ \hat{q} $$

q
̂

L2. In the IOE, all orders in opacity are resumed systematically below ωc yielding an asymptotic series controlled by logarithmically suppressed remainders down to the thermal scale T « ωc, while matching the opacity expansion at high frequency. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the IOE at NLO accuracy reproduces the characteristic Coulomb tail of the single hard scattering contribution as well as the Gaussian distribution resulting from multiple soft momentum exchanges. Finally, we compare our analytic scheme with a recent numerical solution, that includes a full resummation of multiple scatterings, for LHC-inspired medium parameters. We find a very good agreement both at low and high frequencies showcasing the performance of the IOE which provides for the first time accurate analytic formulas for radiative energy loss in the relevant perturbative kinematic regimes for dense media.
The nested Sinkhorn divergence to learn the nested distance
Authors: Pichler Alois , Weinhardt Michael
Published: September 2021

The nested distance builds on the Wasserstein distance to quantify the difference of stochastic processes, including also the evolution of information modelled by filtrations. The Sinkhorn divergence is a relaxation of the Wasserstein distance, which can be computed considerably faster. For this reason we employ the Sinkhorn divergence and take advantage of the related (fixed point) iteration algorithm. Furthermore, we investigate the transition of the entropy throughout the stages of the stochastic process and provide an entropy-regularized nested distance formulation, including a characterization of its dual. Numerical experiments affirm the computational advantage and supremacy.
Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies and the Impact of COVID-19 on the HIV Care Continuum, Economic Security, Risky Health Behaviors, and Mental Health Among HIV-Infected Individuals in Vietnam
Authors: Matsumoto Shoko , Nagai Moeko , Luong Dieu An Dang , Nguyen Hoai Dung Thi , Nguyen Dung Thi , Van Dinh Trang , Van Tran Giang , Tanuma Junko , Pham Thach Ngoc , Oka Shinichi
Published: September 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and associated social responses may uniquely affect people living with HIV (PLHIV). SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing and a cross-sectional survey on COVID-19’s socio-behavioral impacts were conducted among a large PLHIV cohort in Hanoi, Vietnam. We examined anonymous antibody test results for 1243 PLHIV (99.8%) from whom plasma was obtained and completed surveys were collected in June/July 2020, just after the end of the first COVID-19 outbreak and nationwide lockdown. Three participants (0.2%) tested positive for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies. HIV treatment was generally maintained without antiretroviral therapy interruption, but COVID-19 had substantial impacts on economic security and risky health behaviors among PLHIV, which may have amplified psychological stress. These findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring of COVID-19’s impacts on PLHIV and for efforts to mitigate these impacts.
Impact of systemic adjuvant therapy and CYP2D6 activity on mammographic density in a cohort of tamoxifen-treated breast cancer patients
Authors: Thorén Linda , Eriksson Mikael , Lindh Jonatan D. , Czene Kamila , Bergh Jonas , Eliasson Erik , Hall Per , Margolin Sara
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Change in mammographic density has been suggested to be a proxy of tamoxifen response. We investigated the effect of additional adjuvant systemic therapy and CYP2D6 activity on MD change in a cohort of tamoxifen-treated pre- and postmenopausal breast cancer patients.

Methods

Swedish breast cancer patients (n = 699)  operated 2006–2014, genotyped for CYP2D6, having at least three months postoperative tamoxifen treatment, a baseline, and at least one follow-up digital mammogram were included in the study. Other systemic adjuvant treatment included chemotherapy, goserelin, and aromatase inhibitors. Change in MD, dense area, was assessed using the automated STRATUS method. Patients were stratified on baseline characteristics, treatments, and CYP2D6 activity (poor, intermediate, extensive, and ultrarapid). Relative density change was calculated at year 1, 2, and 5 during follow-up in relation to treatments and CYP2D6 activity.

Results

Mean relative DA decreased under the follow-up period, with a more pronounced MD reduction in premenopausal patients. No significant effect of chemotherapy, aromatase inhibitors, goserelin, or CYP2D6 activity on DA change was found. DA did not revert to baseline levels after tamoxifen discontinuation.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that other systemic adjuvant therapy does not further reduce MD in tamoxifen-treated breast cancer patients. We could not confirm the previously suggested association between CYP2D6 activity and MD reduction in a clinical setting with multimodality adjuvant treatment. No rebound effect on MD decline after tamoxifen discontinuation was evident.