bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of government- and institution-implemented COVID-19 control measures on tertiary- and regional- level intensive care units in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa
Authors:   Department of Anaesthetics and Critical Care, School of Clinical Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, Rangai K , Ramkillawan A ,   Department of Anaesthetics and Critical Care, School of Clinical Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, Smith M T D ,   Department of Anaesthetics and Critical Care, School of Clinical Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
Published: May 2022

Background. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on healthcare systems globally as most countries were not equipped to deal with the outbreak. To avoid complete collapse of intensive care units (ICUs) and health systems as a whole, containment measures had to be instituted. In South Africa (SA), the biggest intervention was the government-regulated national lockdown instituted in March 2020. Objective. To evaluate the effects of the implemented lockdown and institutional guidelines on the admission rate and profile of non-COVID-19 patients in a regional and tertiary level ICU in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal Province, SA. Methods. A retrospective analysis of all non-COVID-19 admissions to Harry Gwala and Greys hospitals was performed over an 8-month period (1 December 2019 - 31 July 2020), which included 4 months prior to lockdown implementation and 4 months post lockdown. Results. There were a total of 678 non-COVID-19 admissions over the 8-month period. The majority of the admissions were at Greys Hospital (52.4%;n=355) and the rest at Harry Gwala Hospital (47.6%;n=323). A change in spectrum of patients admitted was noted, with a significant decrease in trauma and burns admissions post lockdown implementation (from 34.2 - 24.6%;p=0.006). Conversely, there was a notable increase in non-COVID-19 medical admissions after lockdown regulations were implemented (20.1 - 31.3%;p<0.001). We hypothesised that this was due to the gap left by trauma patients in an already overburdened system. Conclusions. Despite the implementation of a national lockdown and multiple institutional directives, there was no significant decrease in the total number of non-COVID-19 admissions to ICUs. There was, however, a notable change in spectrum of patients admitted, which may reflect a bias towards trauma admissions in the pre COVID-19 era.
Pharmacological management of post-traumatic seizures in a South African paediatric intensive care unit
Authors:   Department of Paediatrics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Yachad N , Naidoo K D ,   Department of Paediatrics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
Published: May 2022

Background. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common cause of paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admissions in South Africa. Optimal care of these patients includes the prevention and control of post-traumatic seizures (PTS) in order to minimise secondary brain injury. Objectives. To describe the demographics of children admitted to a South African PICU, to describe the characteristics of PTS, and to describe the prophylactic and therapeutic management of PTS within the unit. Method. A 3-year retrospective chart review was conducted at the PICU of the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH) in Soweto, Johannesburg, from 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2018. Results. Seventy-eight patients were admitted to the PICU, all with severe TBI. A total of 66 patient files were available for analysis. The median age of admission was 6 years (interquartile range (IQR) 4 - 9) with the majority of trauma secondary to mechanical injury (89%). Prophylactic anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) were initiated in 44 (79%) patients. Early PTS occurred in 11 (25%) patients who received prophylaxis and 4 (33%) who did not. Three (5%) patients developed late PTS, resulting in an overall incidence of PTS of 43%. The most common seizure type was generalised tonic clonic (82%). Children diagnosed with PTS were a median of 2 years younger than those without PTS, with increased prevalence of seizures (83% v. 38%) in children below 2 years of age. Maintenance therapy was initiated in all patients consistent with recommended dosages. Of the total 167 anti-epileptic levels taken during maintenance, only 56% were within target range. Of the initial 78 patients, 8 died (10%). The median length of stay was 7 (IQR 5 - 12) and 8 (IQR 8 - 24) days longer in ICU and hospital respectively, in children with PTS. Conclusion. PTS is a frequent complication of severe TBI in children. There was considerable variation in the approach to both prophylaxis and maintenance therapy of PTS in terms of choice of agent, dosage, frequency of drug monitoring and approach to subtherapeutic levels. It is clear that more high-level studies are required in order to better inform these practices
Prediction of in-hospital mortality: An adaptive severity- of-illness score for a tertiary ICU in South Africa
Authors:   Department of Statistics, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa, Pazi S , Sharp G ,   Department of Statistics, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa, van der Merwe E ,   Adult Critical Care Unit, Livingstone Hospital, Gqeberha, South Africa; Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, South Africa
Published: May 2022

Background. A scoring system based on physiological conditions was developed in 1984 to assess the severity of illness. This version, and subsequent versions, were labelled Simplified Acute Physiology Scores (SAPS). Each extension addressed limitations in the earlier version, with the SAPS III model using a data-driven approach. However, the SAPS III model did not include data collected from the African continent, thereby limiting the generalisation of the results. Objectives. To propose a scoring system for assessing severity of illness at intensive care unit (ICU) admission and a model for prediction of in-hospital mortality, based on the severity of illness score. Methods. This is a prospective cohort study which included patients who were admitted to an ICU in a South African tertiary hospital in 2017. Logistic regression modelling was used to develop the proposed scoring system, and the proposed mortality prediction model. Results. The study included 829 patients. Less than a quarter of patients (21.35%;n=177) died during the study period. The proposed model exhibited good calibration and excellent discrimination. Conclusion. The proposed scoring system is able to assess severity of illness at ICU admission, while the proposed statistical model may be used in the prediction of in-hospital mortality.
Mortality risk prediction models: Methods of assessing discrimination and calibration and what they mean
Authors:   Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa, Solomon L J
Published: May 2022

Mortality prediction models, which this author prefers to call outcome-risk assignment models, are ubiquitous in critical care practice. They are designed to assess the risk of dying for any given patient by assigning risk based on indices of physiological derangement, high-risk diagnoses or diagnostic categories, or the need for therapeutic intervention to support organ function. It is important to recognise that predictive models derived to date are not accurate enough to allow reliable prediction of individual patient outcome, and therefore cannot be used as criteria for admission to intensive care. Patients identified as high risk for mortality must be flagged for appropriate intensive intervention and close monitoring in order to reduce the risk of dying due to the current illness.
Prioritising preventive cancer services in Zimbabwe as the country struggles with unaffordable healthcare
Authors:   Unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe, Murewanhema G , Gwinji P T ,   Humanitarian Conflict and Response Institute, School of Arts, Languages and Cultures, Faculty of Humanities, University of Manchester, UK, Musuka G ,   ICAP at Columbia University, Harare, Zimbabwe, Dzinamarira T ,   School of Health Sciences and Public Health, University of Pretoria, South Africa; ICAP at Columbia University, Harare, Zimbabwe
Published: May 2022

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The profile of patients presenting with intentional self-poisoning to the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital emergency department, South Africa
Authors:   Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Laher A E , Motara F ,   Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Gihwala R ,   Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Moolla M ,   Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
Published: May 2022

Background. With 23.5 suicide-related deaths per 100 000 population, South Africa (SA) has the eighth-highest age-standardised suicide rate in the world. Intentional self-poisoning is associated with significant morbidity, mortality and cost. In SA, self-poisoning is the leading method of suicide in females and the second leading method in males. Objectives. To determine the profile of patients presenting with intentional self-poisoning to the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital emergency department. Methods. The study was a cross-sectional, retrospective audit of the medical records of patients who presented over a 12-month period with intentional self-poisoning. Results. Of the 288 patients included, 62.8% were female, 62.1% were aged 18 - 30 years, 22.2% were foreign nationals, 88.9% were single, 62.8% were unemployed, 82.3% reported that the episode was precipitated by an acute stressful event, 5.6% required intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and 4.5% died prior to hospital discharge. Organophosphate/carbamate pesticide ingestion was the most common method of self-poisoning (25.3%) and was responsible for the majority of ICU admissions (81.3%), cases requiring hospitalisation for >6 days (56.5%) and deaths (69.2%). Conclusion. A large proportion of patients were female, 18 - 30 years of age, single, unemployed, and reported an acute stressful event as a precipitant. Organophosphate/carbamate pesticide ingestion was the most common method of self-poisoning and accounted for the majority of deaths and ICU admissions. Nationwide efforts should be aimed at enhancing awareness and implementing strategies to identify those at increased risk of suicidal behaviour.
Hypertriglyceridaemia in adolescents may have serious complications
Authors:   Division of Chemical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa, Korf M , Zöllner E W ,   Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa, Solomon G E A ,   Division of Chemical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa, Zemlin A E ,   Division of Chemical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa, Marais A D ,   Division of Chemical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
Published: May 2022

Acute pancreatitis is an often-overlooked cause of acute abdominal pain in children and adolescents. Severe hypertriglyceridaemia is an important cause of recurrent acute pancreatitis. Monogenic causes of hypertriglyceridaemia, such as familial chylomicronaemia caused by lipoprotein lipase deficiency, are more frequently encountered in children and adolescents, but remain rare. Polygenic hypertriglyceridaemia is more common, but may require a precipitant before manifesting. With the global increase in obesity and type 2 diabetes, secondary causes of hypertriglyceridaemia in children and adolescents are increasing. We report two cases of severe hypertriglyceridaemia and pancreatitis in adolescent females. Hypertriglyceridaemia improved markedly with restriction of dietary fat. An inhibitor to lipoprotein lipase was found to be the cause in one patient, while in the other limited genetic investigation excluded chylomicronaemia owing to deficiency of lipoprotein lipase, its activators and processing proteins.
The role of the Minister of Health in the National Health Insurance Bill: Challenges and options for the Portfolio Committee on Health
Authors:   Senior Specialist Scientist, Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa, Solanki G C ,   Honorary Research Associate, Health Economics Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa,   Principal Consultant, NMG Consultants and Actuaries, Cape Town, South Africa, Cornell J E ,   Director of Institutional Development and Planning (retired), Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance, University of Cape Town, South Africa, Wild S ,   Postgraduate student, MPhil Public Law, University of Cape Town, South Africa, Morar R L ,   Chief Operating Officer, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Senior Director, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Pretoria, South Africa, Brijlal V ,   Senior Director, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Pretoria, South Africa
Published: May 2022

The Portfolio Committee on Health (PCH) is responsible for obtaining public input on the National Health Insurance Bill, reviewing the Bill based on these inputs, and presenting the final Bill to the National Assembly. More than 130 individuals, organisations and institutions requested to make oral presentations, which commenced on 18 May 2021. Drawing on Parliamentary Monitoring Group meeting summaries and the presentations and submissions made by 82 respondents between 18 May and 10 September 2021, we examine governance concerns, especially in relation to the role and powers of the Minister of Health, and respondents’ proposals for addressing them, and outline the challenges and options for the PCH in responding to the proposals.
COVID-19 in the South African Medical Journal
Authors:   Universidad Católica del Maule, Chile, Gallegos M ,   Pontificia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, Brazil,   Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Argentina,   Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Argentina, de Castro Pecanha V ,   Department Chair, International Psychology, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (Online campus), USA, Caycho-Rodríguez T ,   Universidad Privada del Norte, Peru, Cervigni M ,   Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Argentina, Martino P ,   Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Argentina, Razumovskiy A ,   Arizona College of Nursing, USA, Barboza-Palomino M ,   Universidad Privada del Norte, Peru
Published: May 2022

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Renoprotection in hypertension and diabetes – management problems lie ahead
Authors:   Emeritus Professor of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Meyers A M ,   Chairperson, National Kidney Foundation of South Africa
Published: May 2022

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A new forum to discuss health economics and genomics in South Africa
Authors:   Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa, Malherbe H L ,   Rare Diseases South Africa (RDSA) NPC, The Station, 63 Peter Place, Bryanston, Sandton, South Africa, Alant J ,   Head of Department, Genetics Laboratory, National Reference Laboratory, Ampath Laboratories, Centurion, South Africa, Bornman L ,   Ampath Chair in Human Genetics, Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa
Published: May 2022

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What Was Expected of William Gibson’s Early Fiction: Themes in Negative Reception
Authors: Stachura Paweł
Published: May 2022

The article presents various reader responses to Gibson’s early fiction, ranging from reviews, through general discussions of Gibson and cyberpunk, through writings by fans, to scholarly articles. Most of the texts under discussion are relatively recent. The aim of the analysis was to determine what is the function of Gibson’s work nowadays, and what stylistic and thematic features matter for today’s readers. The conclusion is that Gibson’s Neuromancer has been treated as an epic work, performing an “epic incantation” comparable to the functions and stylistics of Walt Whitman’s nation-building poetry, but critics have so far been preoccupied mostly with the ideological aspects of the novel, rather than its literary qualities.
Plus ça change? Translating William Gibson into Polish: “The Gernsback Continuum” and The Peripheral
Authors: Krawczyk-Łaskarzewska Anna
Published: May 2022

This article has been inspired by the most recent Polish edition of William Gibson’s 1986 collection of short stories Burning Chrome. By focusing on the new Polish translation of one of Gibson’s earliest tales, “The Gernsback Continuum,” and juxtaposing it with the Polish version of his latest novel, The Peripheral, I intend to comment on the reception of his prose (both by the source culture and the target culture readers) and its translatability. Apart from the idiosyncratic aspects of Gibson’s work in general, various extraliterary factors will also be taken into account in order to elucidate the context in which Polish translations of his works continue to be created, distributed and assessed.
Superiority of Cubic Perovskites Oxides with Strong B‐O Hybridization for Oxygen‐Anion Intercalation Pseudocapacitance
Authors: Liang Tingting , Zhang Xiaqing , Su Lijun , Hou Ruilin , Yang Bingjun , Lang Junwei , Yang Shengrong , Yan Xingbin
Published: May 2022

Perovskite materials can store charge through rapid oxygen anions intercalation. Although numerous perovskite materials owing to rich selections of A and B‐site elements are reported as electrodes of supercapatteries, the effect of the crystal structure of perovskite materials on their electrochemical performance has never been studied so far. Herein, using SrCo0.9Mo0.1O3−δ, SrFeO3−δ, Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ, and LaMnO3−δ as research targets, it is proved that their corresponding cubic structure materials display the best electrochemical performance. And then, the origin of such superiority of cubic structure for SrCo0.9Mo0.1O3−δ is explored through experimental investigations and theoretical calculations. The results show that the increase in the content of oxygen vacancies and the enhancement of B‐O hybridization of cubic structure can optimize the electronic structure of the perovskite materials, thereby improving its conductivity and accelerating the reaction kinetics. The filtering strategy based on crystal structure proposed by this report will provide a new perspective to faster and more efficient choice of perovskite materials for supercapatteries.
Twisting Linear to Orbital Angular Momentum in an Ultrasonic Motor
Authors: Liu Jingjing , Li Zhengwei , Ding Yujiang , Chen An , Liang Bin , Yang Jing , Cheng Jian‐Chun , Christensen Johan
Published: May 2022

An ultrasonic motor built with a contactless meta engine block (MEB) is designed and experimentally demonstrated for twisting the linear momentum of sound emanating from a Helmholtz resonator‐based metasurface into orbital angular momentum (OAM). The MEB is capable of hosting highly efficient excitations of eigenmodes carrying desired OAM whose Bessel acoustic intensity patterns are enhanced by over ten times compared to the incident wave. Thanks to this efficiency, bidirectional ultrasonic OAM is capable of driving loads at speeds up to 1000 rpm at 4 W and remarkable sound radiation torque levels. Moreover, the possibility of using arbitrarily shaped MEBs is also demonstrated by engineering its physical boundary condition based on an analytically derived criterion to guarantee the high twisting efficiency of man‐made OAM. The results show how noninvasive driving of an ultrasonic motor can be made possible through appropriately designed momentum twisting, which opens the door to a new class of integrated mechanical devices solely powered by sound.
Stable Zinc Anodes Enabled by a Zincophilic Polyanionic Hydrogel Layer
Authors: Yang Jin‐Lin , Li Jia , Zhao Jian‐Wei , Liu Kang , Yang Peihua , Fan Hong Jin
Published: May 2022

The practical application of the Zn‐metal anode for aqueous batteries is greatly restricted by catastrophic dendrite growth, intricate hydrogen evolution, and parasitic surface passivation. Herein, a polyanionic hydrogel film is introduced as a protective layer on the Zn anode with the assistance of a silane coupling agent (denoted as Zn–SHn). The hydrogel framework with zincophilic –SO3− functional groups uniformizes the zinc ions flux and transport. Furthermore, such a hydrogel layer chemically bonded on the Zn surface possesses an anti‐catalysis effect, which effectively suppresses both the hydrogen evolution reaction and formation of Zn dendrites. As a result, stable and reversible Zn stripping/plating at various currents and capacities is achieved. A full cell by pairing the Zn–SHn anode with a NaV3O8·1.5 H2O cathode shows a capacity of around 176 mAh g−1 with a retention around 67% over 4000 cycles at 10 A g−1. This polyanionic hydrogel film protection strategy paves a new way for future Zn‐anode design and safe aqueous batteries construction.
Unusual Mesoporous Titanium Niobium Oxides Realizing Sodium‐Ion Batteries Operated at −40 °C
Authors: Liang Haichen , Liu Liangliang , Wang Nan , Zhang Wei , Hung Chin‐Te , Zhang Xingmiao , Zhang Zhenghao , Duan Linlin , Chao Dongliang , Wang Fei , Xia Yongyao , Li Wei , Zhao Dongyuan
Published: May 2022

Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) are a promising candidate for grid‐scale energy storage, however, the sluggish ion‐diffusion kinetics brought by the large radius of Na+ seriously limits the performance of SIBs, let alone at low temperatures. Herein, a confined acid–base pair self‐assembly strategy to synthesize unusual Ti0.88Nb0.88O4−x@C for high‐performance SIBs operating at room and low temperatures is proposed. The confinement self‐assembly of the acid–base pair around the micelles and confined crystallization by the carbon layer realize the formation of ordered and stoichiometric mesoporous frameworks with opened ion channels. Thus, the mesoporous Ti0.88Nb0.88O4−x@C exhibits rapid Na+ diffusion kinetics at 25 and −40 °C, which are one order higher than that of the nonporous one. A high reversible capacity of 233 mAh g−1, excellent rate (a specific capacity of 103 mAh g−1 at 50 C), and cycling performances (<0.03% fading per cycle) can be observed at 25 °C. More importantly, even at −40 °C, the mesoporous Ti0.88Nb0.88O4–x@C can still deliver the 161 mAh g−1 capacity, a high initial Coulombic efficiency of 60% and outstanding cycling stability (99 mAh g−1 at 0.5 C after 500 cycles). It is believed this strategy opens a new avenue for constructing novel mesoporous electrode materials for low‐temperature energy storage.
Pentafluorophenyl Group as Activating Group: Synthesis of α‐Deuterio Carboxylic Acid Derivatives via Et3N Catalyzed H/D Exchange
Authors: Peng Mengqi , Li Hengzhao , Qin Zixuan , Li Junyu , Sun Yanhao , Zhang Xiaoxu , Jiang Ling , Do Hainam , An Jie
Published: May 2022

We discovered that highly regioselective H/D exchange can be achieved on the α‐position of the pentafluorophenyl (Pfp) ester using Et3N as the catalyst and D2O as the deuterium source. Our computational and experimental results showed that the Pfp group can significantly increase the acidity of the α‐hydrogen of the ester. This mild reaction condition tolerated a variety of functional groups. 90%∼98% yields and 91%∼98% deuterium incorporations were obtained with all the tested Pfp esters. Taking advantage of the high reactivity of Pfp esters, a series of valuable α‐deuterio carboxylic acid derivatives, including herbicide, drugs and drug intermediates, have been synthesized using α‐deuterio Pfp esters as precursors.

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Copper‐Catalyzed Chan‐Lam Coupling of NH‐Diaryl Sulfondiimines
Authors: Wang Yangyang , Meng Tingting , Su Shuaisong , Han Limin , Zhu Ning , Jia Tiezheng
Published: May 2022

Sulfondiimines, which contain a tetrasubstituted sulfur centre bearing two nitrogens and two carbon substituents, are a class of underexplored scaffolds in organic chemistry. Fascinated by some unique yet intriguing properties, sulfondiimines appear as leads in discovery industry, but the lack of efficient synthetic approaches holds back their further uptake by medicinal chemistry. Herein, a general and practical copper‐catalyzed Chan‐Lam coupling of NH‐diaryl sulfondiimines with arylboronic acids is presented. A simple copper catalyst efficiently facilitated the highly chemoselective construction of C−N bond, allowing the preparation of a variety of N‐arylated diaryl sulfondiimines in good yields under mild and environmentally benign conditions. An array of protecting groups on imine moieties were well tolerated, offering diversified accesses to NH,NAr‐diaryl sulfondiimines, a class of versatile building blocks. Moreover, an aza‐analogue of an EphB4 inhibitor featuring a sulfondiimine‐based pharmacophore was generated employing our Chan‐Lam coupling as the key step.

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London Dispersion Favors Sterically Hindered Diarylthiourea Conformers in Solution
Authors: Rummel Lars , Domanski Marvin H. J. , Hausmann Heike , Becker Jonathan , Schreiner Peter R.
Published: May 2022

We present an experimental and computational study on the conformers of N,N′‐diphenylthiourea substituted with different dispersion energy donor (DED) groups. While the unfolded anti–anti conformer is the most relevant for thiourea catalysis, intramolecular noncovalent interactions counterintuitively favor the folded syn–syn conformer, as evident from a combination of low‐temperature nuclear magnetic resonance measurements and computations. In order to quantify the noncovalent interactions, we utilized local energy decomposition analysis and symmetry‐adapted perturbation theory at the DLPNO‐CCSD(T)/def2‐TZVPP and sSAPT0/6‐311G(d,p) levels of theory. Additionally, we applied a double‐mutant cycle to experimentally study the effects of bulky substituents on the equilibria. We determined London dispersion as the key interaction that shifts the equilibria towards the syn–syn conformers. This preference is likely a factor why such thiourea derivatives can be poor catalysts.
Chemical Synthesis and Antigenic Evaluation of Inner Core Oligosaccharides from Acinetobacter baumannii Lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Zhou Xian‐Yang , Li Ling‐Xin , Zhang Zhen , Duan Shi‐Chao , Huang Ying‐Wen , Luo Yi‐Yang , Mu Xiao‐Dong , Chen Zhi‐Wei , Qin Yong , Hu Jing , Yin Jian , Yang Jin‐Song
Published: May 2022

Acinetobacter baumannii is currently posing a serious threat to global health. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a potent virulence factor of pathogenic Gram‐negative bacteria. To explore the antigenic properties of A. baumannii LPS, four Kdo‐containing inner core glycans from A. baumannii strain ATCC 17904 were synthesized. A flexible and divergent method based on the use of the orthogonally substituted α‐Kdo‐(2→5)‐Kdo disaccharides was developed. Selective removal of different protecting groups in these key precursors and elongation of sugar chain via α‐stereocontrolled coupling with 5,7‐O‐di‐tert‐butylsilylene or 5‐O‐benzoyl protected Kdo thioglycosides and 2‐azido‐2‐deoxyglucosyl thioglycoside allowed efficient assembly of the target molecules. Glycan microarray analysis of sera from infected patients revealed that the 4,5‐branched Kdo trimer was a potential antigenic epitope, which is attractive for further immunological research to develop carbohydrate vaccines against A. baumannii.
Rational Electrolyte Design toward Cyclability Remedy for Room‐Temperature Sodium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Wu Junru , Tian Yao , Gao Yifu , Gao Ziyao , Meng Yuefeng , Wang Yao , Wang Xia , Zhou Dong , Kang Feiyu , Li Baohua , Wang Guoxiu
Published: May 2022

Rechargeable room‐temperature sodium–sulfur (RT Na–S) batteries are a promising energy storage technology, owing to the merits of high energy density and low cost. However, their electrochemical performance has been severely hindered by the poor compatibility between the existing electrolytes and the electrodes. Here, we demonstrate that an all‐fluorinated electrolyte, containing 2,2,2‐trifluoro‐N,N‐dimethylacetamide (FDMA) solvent, 1,1,2,2‐tetrafluoroethyl methyl ether (MTFE) anti‐solvent and fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) additive, can greatly enhance the reversibility and cyclability of RT Na–S batteries. A NaF‐ and Na3N‐rich cathode electrolyte interphase derived from FDMA and FEC enables a “quasi‐solid‐phase” Na–S conversion, eliminating the shuttle of polysulfides. The MTFE not only reduces polysulfide dissolution, but also further stabilizes the Na anode via a tailored solvation structure. The as‐developed RT Na–S batteries deliver a high capacity, long lifespan, and enhanced safety.
The insistence on exclusion: The anti‐integrative impulse and thwarted mourning in large groups
Authors: Rao Jyoti M.
Published: May 2022

This paper explores resistance to equality‐promoting measures as the external manifestation of thwarted mourning of losses incurred in social trauma. This resistance, which is evidenced in backlashes against social justice, is termed the anti‐integrative impulse. Outlining the unconscious mechanisms that undergird both the desires for equality and desires to maintain inequality, the central importance of mourning in social equality movements will be established, using Moglen's model of mourning social injury and Butler's work on grievability. Common defenses against social justice efforts will be discussed and understood in terms of refusal to mourn collective losses.
Effects of Long‐Term and Multigeneration Exposure of Caenorhabditis elegans to 9.4 GHz Microwaves
Authors: Sun Aihua , Zhao Xuelong , Li Zhihui , Gao Yan , Liu Qi , Zhou Hongmei , Dong Guofu , Wang Changzhen
Published: May 2022

A large number of studies on the biological effects of microwaves are carried out using rodents and cells, but the conditions are difficult to control, and the irradiation period is short; the results obtained have always been controversial and difficult to reproduce. In this study, we expose nematodes to an electromagnetic environment for a long‐term and multigeneration period to explore the possible biological effects. Wild‐type N2 strains of Caenorhabditis elegans are exposed to 9.4 GHz microwaves at a specific adsorption rate of 4 W/kg for 10 h per day from L1 larvae to adults. Then, adult worms are washed off, and the laid eggs are kept to hatch L1 larvae, which are continuously exposed to microwaves until passing through 20 generations. The worms of the 10th, 15th, and 20th generations are collected for index detection. Interestingly, we found that the fecundity of C. elegans decreased significantly in the exposed group from the 15th generation. At the same time, we found that the growth of C. elegans decreased, motility decreased, and oxidative stress occurred in the exposed group from the 10th generation, which may play roles in the decreased spawning in worms. We preliminarily believe that the microwave energy received by worms leads to oxidative stress, which causes a decrease in the spawning rate, and the underlying mechanism needs to be further studied. © 2022 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
Production of 8,11‐dihydroxy fatty acids from oleic and palmitoleic acids by Escherichia coli cells expressing variant 6,8‐linoleate diol synthases from Penicillium oxalicum
Authors: Shin Kyung‐Chul , Seo Min‐Ju , Kang Su‐Hwan , Oh Deok‐Kun
Published: May 2022

Recombinant Escherichia coli cells expressing 8,11‐linoleate diol synthase (LDS) from Penicillium chrysogenum convert oleic and palmitoleic acids to 8‐hydroperoxy‐9(Z)‐octadecenoic acid (HPOME) and 8‐hydroperoxy‐9(Z)‐hexadecenoic acid (HPHME) only, respectively. However, recombinant E. coli cells expressing Q889A variant 6,8‐LDS from Penicillium oxalicum as an 8,11‐LDS converted oleic and palmitoleic acids to 8,11‐dihydroxy‐9(Z)‐octadecenoic acid (DiHOME) and 8,11‐dihydroxy‐9(Z)‐hexadecenoic acid (DiHHME), respectively, which were identified using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analysis. To select suitable variants for producing these compounds, position 889 of 6,8‐LDS from P. oxalicum was substituted with other amino acids, and recombinant E. coli cells expressing Q889L and Q889A variants were chosen as the best biocatalysts for producing 8,11‐DiHOME and 8,11‐DiHHME, respectively. The optimal conditions for producing 8,11‐DiHOME or 8,11‐DiHHME using cells expressing Q889L or Q889A variant 6,8‐LDS were pH 6.5 and 30 °C with 5% (v/v) dimethyl sulfoxide, 60 g L−1 cells, and 10 g L−1 oleic acid or 7.5 g L−1 palmitoleic acid, respectively. Under these conditions, 10.7 g L−1 8,11‐DiHOME and 8.1 g L−1 8,11‐DiHHME were produced for 1.5 h with molar yields of 96.4% and 96.2% and productivities of 7.1 and 5.4 g L−1 h−1, respectively. The molar yields and concentrations of 8,11‐DiHOME and 8,11‐DiHHME were highest among those of other reported DiHOMEs and DiHHMEs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first quantitative production of 8,11‐DiHOME and 8,11‐DiHHME.
Anlotinib plus platinum‐etoposide as a first‐line treatment for extensive‐stage small cell lung cancer: A single‐arm trial
Authors: Deng Pengbo , Hu Chengping , Chen Cen , Cao Liming , Gu Qihua , An Jian , Qin Ling , Li Min , He Baimei , Jiang Juan , Yang Huaping
Published: May 2022

Background

Anlotinib as a third‐line or beyond therapy for extensive‐stage small‐cell lung cancer (ES‐SCLC) was studied. This single‐arm phase II trial was to investigate the value of anlotinib plus platinum‐etoposide as first‐line treatment in ES SCLC.

Methods

The primary endpoint was progression‐free survival (PFS) and objective response rate (ORR). The secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), disease control rate (DCR), time to progression (TTP), duration of remission (DoR), and safety. The subgroups of preset liver metastasis and brain metastasis were analyzed.

Results

In 35 ES‐SCLC patients, the median PFS, ORR, DCR, and OS were 8.02 months [95% confidence interval (CI): 6.90–9.66], 85.71% (95% CI: 69.74–95.19), 94.29% (95% CI: 80.84–99.30), and 15.87 months (95% CI: 10.38–18.89), respectively. The median PFS in the liver metastasis and brain metastasis subgroups was 7.33 months (95% CI: 4.76–9.69) and 7.34 months (95% CI: 5.68–9.20), respectively. The most common AEs with grade 3–4 were hand–foot syndrome (17%), granulocytosis (17%), stomatitis (14%), hypertriglyceridemia (11%), hypercholesterolemia (11%), as well as nausea and vomiting (11%), and no grade 5 AEs were recorded.

Conclusions

Anlotinib combined with platinum‐etoposide provided an effective and safe therapy for patients with ES‐SCLC.
High recurrence of lymphedema and influencing factors in discharged breast cancer patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A multicenter, cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Peng Xin , Chen Renwang , Rao Zhenli , Yang Yi , Yan Yunli , Xia Ying , Wang Ting , Wang Jianying , Lu Fang , Pan Hong , Liu Yan , Cheng Jing , He Qin
Published: May 2022

Background

There has been a delay in the detection and treatment of lymphedema in breast cancer patients during the lockdown owing to quarantine and limited social activity. Moreover, this scenario has caused psychosocial issues in these patients. Given that there is scarce information on the prevalence and influence of lymphedema during the coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of lymphedema recurrence and its influencing factors among discharged breast cancer patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

This was a multicenter, cross‐sectional, hospital‐based survey of discharged breast cancer patients was conducted during the COVID‐19 pandemic in eight first‐class hospitals in Wuhan, China. The Norman Questionnaire was used to assess lymphedema. Univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors influencing moderate or severe lymphedema. Differences in living characteristics, anxiety, and depression were compared between the no/mild lymphedema group and the moderate/severe lymphedema groups. Preferences for lymphedema management during the pandemic were determined.

Results

Overall, 202 patients were included in this study, and 191 of them reported recurrent lymphedema (prevalence: 94.6%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 90.5% to 97.3%). Among them, 134 and 57 had mild and moderate/severe lymphedema, respectively. In 191 patients, the main symptoms were swelling (140; 69.3%) and pain (56, 27.7%). Multivariable regression showed that older age (odds ratio [OR], 1.06; 95% CI: 1.02–1.10), radical surgery (OR = 4.35, 95% CI: 1.54–12.50), and fully complete radiotherapy (OR = 2.62, 95% CI: 1.17–5.87, p = 0.019) were associated with an elevated risk of moderate/severe lymphedema. The moderate/severe lymphedema group experienced a higher rate of anxiety and depression than the no/mild lymphedema group did. Patients equally preferred treatment in the hospital and self‐care at home.

Conclusion

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, high prevalence of lymphedema was observed in patients Age, radical surgery and fully completed radiotherapy were associated with increased risk of severer lymphedema. Meanwhile, the patients with severe lymphedema experienced psychological distress. While the Covid‐19 pandemic was still raging, continuous efforts should be made to identify patient at risk of lymphedema and distribute feasible guidance and education for self‐management in lymphedema.
Clinical presentation, outcome, and prognostic markers in patients with intravascular large B‐cell lymphoma, a lymphoma study association (LYSA) retrospective study
Authors: Bonnet Antoine , Bossard Céline , Gabellier Ludovic , Rohmer Julien , Laghmari Othman , Parrens Marie , Sarkozy Clémentine , Dulery Rémy , Roland Virginie , Llamas‐Gutierrez Francisco , Oberic Lucie , Fornecker Luc‐Matthieu , Bounaix Laura , Villemagne Bruno , Szablewski Vanessa , Choquet Sylvain , Bouabdallah Krimo , Traverse‐Glehen Alexandra , Mohty Mohamad , Sanhes Laurence , Houot Roch , Gastinne Thomas , Leux Christophe , Le Gouill Steven
Published: May 2022

Background

Intravascular large B‐cell lymphoma (lVLBCL) is a very rare type of large B‐cell lymphoma.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study on IVLBCL patients treated from 2000 to 2016 in LYSA cooperative group centers.

Results

Sixty‐five patients were identified in 23 centers. Median age at diagnosis was 69 years (range 23–92). Thirty‐four patients (64%) had an IPI score >3 and 40 patients (67%) had a performance status ≥2. The most frequent extra‐nodal locations were bone marrow (n = 34; 52%), central nervous system (n = 25; 39%), and skin (n = 21; 33%). Nodal involvement and endocrine system were observed in 34% (n = 22) and 18% (n = 12) of all cases, respectively. Twenty‐six patients (41%) had macrophage activation syndrome. Tumor cells were frequently CD5 positive (52%) with a non‐germinal center origin (86%). BCL2 was expressed in 87% of all samples analyzed (n = 20) and 43% of patients had a MYC/BCL2 double expression. Fifty‐six patients were treated with a regimen of chemotherapy containing rituximab, among whom 73% reached complete remission. The median progression‐free survival (PFS) and median overall survival (OS) were 29.4 months and 63.8 months, respectively. History of autoimmune disorder (Hazard ratio [HR] 3.3 [1.4–7.8]; p < 0.01), nodal involvement (HR 2.6 [1.4–5.1]; p < 0.01), lack of anthracycline (HR 0.1 [0–0.4] for use; p < 0.001), or no intensification at first‐line regimen (p = 0.02) were associated with worse PFS. High‐dose methotrexate use was not associated with better PFS or OS.

Conclusions

Our study highlights the aggressive clinical picture of IVLBCL, in particular the frequency of macrophage activation syndrome, and the need for new therapies despite a response to R‐CHOP‐like regimen similar to non‐intravascular diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas.
Lanthanum hydroxide inhibits vascular calcification by regulating the HIF‐1 pathway
Authors: Wang Shengnan , Zhao Lulu , Liu Hong , Han Ruilan , Liu Yang , Gao Jie , Bu Ren , Li Bing , Sun Lijun , Hao Jian , Zhao Jianrong , Li Gang
Published: May 2022

The main reason for the high incidence of cardiovascular disease in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients with vascular calcification (VC) is also the main cause of death in CKD patients. Lanthanum hydroxide (LH) has an inhibitory effect on VC in chronic renal failure; however, the mechanism of its inhibition is poorly defined. Here, we used network pharmacology analysis and found that hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF) is related to VC. In a CKD rat model induced by adenine combined with high phosphorus (1.2%), LH improved the survival rate and inhibited the occurrence and development of VC. In an in vitro study, we found that lanthanum chloride inhibited the occurrence of VC induced by high phosphorus and reduced the production of reactive oxygen species. This study thus revealed that LH can inhibit the occurrence and development of VC by inhibiting the activation of HIF‐1.
Evaluation of newly established buffalograss for tolerance to glyphosate
Authors: Bertucci Matthew B. , Karcher Doug E. , Richardson Mike D. , O'Brien Daniel P.
Published: May 2022

Buffalograss [Buchloe dactlyoides (Nutt.) Engelm.] is gaining popularity as a turfgrass for low maintenance sites, where irrigation and regular mowing or fertility may not be available. Unfortunately, weed species also thrive in low maintenance sites. This field study was conducted to assess the utility of glyphosate as a selective herbicide in newly established buffalograss. Buffalograss (cultivar Cody) burs were sown into newly renovated sites in Fayetteville, AR, in the summer of 2017 and 2018. Glyphosate was applied at 1, 3, and 8 weeks after emergence (WAE) of buffalograss seedlings at rates of 0.15, 0.325, 0.75, 1.5, 3.0 lb a.e. acre–1 of glyphosate and one untreated control. These rates correspond to 0.1 time (×), 0.25×, 0.5×, 1.0×, and 2.0× of the highest labeled rate of 1.5 lb a.e. acre–1 of glyphosate (64 fl oz acre–1, RoundUp Pro, Bayer Cropscience). Following application, plots were assessed using visual ratings of turf quality on a 1–9 scale at weekly intervals for 10 weeks. One week after applications at 8 WAE, images were taken of each plot and analyzed for dark green color index (DGCI) as a quantified measure for the green value of living foliage in treated areas. In both years and all application timings, buffalograss turf quality was reduced to an unacceptable quality when treated with glyphosate at 0.25× of the maximum labeled rate and above. At the 0.1× rate of glyphosate, buffalograss turf quality was not significantly reduced in either year at any application timing.
Benchmarking putting green organic matter in eastern Pennsylvania
Authors: Linde Douglas T. , Mitchell Andrew D. , Hannan Brendan
Published: May 2022

Despite significant changes in sand introduction to putting greens the past 15 years, putting greens in eastern Pennsylvania are still vulnerable to excessive levels of organic matter (OM) which can lead to catastrophic turf loss. The objective was to benchmark current trends in OM and sand introduction on putting greens in eastern Pennsylvania along with N rate, core aeration frequency, soil moisture, firmness, trueness, budget, percentage bentgrass cover and construction method. From 74 courses, 221 greens were sampled for %OM at four depths. The average %OM in the top 0 to 1 inches was 2.8% and ranged from 0.6 to 10.8%, while the average in the 1‐to‐2‐inch depth was 1.8% (0.5–5.9% range). The average sand introduction rate was 15 ft3 sand 1,000 ft–2 yr–1 (range = 1–67) and the average N rate was 2.4 lb N 1,000 ft–2 yr–1 (range = 0.5–4.5). Seventy percent of greens were cored aerated two times per year. Correlations were weak between %OM in the 0‐to‐1‐inch depth and sand rate (r = –.33), N rate (–0.11), and core aeration frequency (–0.18). These weak correlations were surprising and counterintuitive yet not uncommon for a benchmarking study of this nature. Higher budget courses do more sand introduction and core aeration and have greens that are truer, drier, firmer, lower in OM and use less N than lower budget courses. Superintendents can compare their greens to others in similar categories and use the results to help justify more resources and/or maintenance practices.
Visible‐Light‐Initiated Palladium‐Catalyzed Cross‐coupling by PPh3 Uncaging from an Azobenzene Ruthenium–Arene Complex
Authors: Rocard Lou , Hannedouche Jérôme , Bogliotti Nicolas
Published: May 2022

Photo‐release of triphenylphosphine from a sulfonamide azobenzene ruthenium–arene complex was exploited to activate PdIICl2 into Pd0 catalyst, for the photo‐initiation of Sonogashira cross‐coupling. The transformation was initiated on demand – by using simple white LED strip lights – with a high temporal response and the ability to control reaction rate by changing the irradiation time. Various substrates were successfully applied to this photo‐initiated cross‐coupling, thus illustrating the wide functional‐group tolerance of our photo‐caged catalyst activator, without any need for sophisticated photochemistry apparatus.
A comprehensive review on the flow behaviour in shale gas reservoirs: Multi‐scale, multi‐phase, and multi‐physics
Authors: Feng Dong , Chen Zhangxin , Wu Keliu , Li Jing , Dong Xiaohu , Peng Yan , Jia Xinfeng , Li Xiangfang , Wang Dinghan
Published: May 2022

An accurate description of fluid flow is critical for the prediction of the productivity of shale gas reservoirs. In this paper, we present the current advances and a systematic summary on the fluid flow in shale gas reservoirs. First, shale pore structures, consisting of organic pores and inorganic pores ranging from nanoscale to micro‐scale, and reservoir fluids, including free gas, absorbed gas, and water, are systematically presented. Thereafter, multi‐physics flow phenomena motivated by scale effects, such as continuum flow, slip flow, transition flow, free molecular flow, and surface diffusion for gas, as well as the effective viscosity and slip boundary condition for water, are carefully summarized. Meanwhile, these flow mechanisms are discussed with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and theoretical analysis. Subsequently, on the basis of upscaling approaches, including capillary bundle models, the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM), and pore network models (PNMs), fluid flow through heterogeneous shale matrix is reviewed and the influences of scale effects and pore structures are clarified. Additionally, shale gas well performance is discussed by combining the multiple transport mechanisms and a fracturing‐shut‐in‐flowback‐production process. Our review concluded that the fluid flow behaviour in shale gas reservoirs is a complex multi‐scale process accompanied by multi‐physical phenomena and multi‐fluid distributions. Keeping this in mind is helpful for predicting the shale gas production and recoverable gas resources. We expect this study can not only help by providing a better understanding of the fluid flow in shale reservoirs but also provide significant implications to address other multiphase flow processes.