bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Southwest‐adapted maize germplasm as a potential genetic resource for selection of salinity tolerant cultivars
Authors: Pratt Richard C. , Velasco‐Cruz Ciro , Darapuneni Murali , Montgomery Randall , Grant Lois
Published: October 2021

The southwestern United States–northern Mexico Borderland Region (SW) is an arid to semi‐arid region characterized by high temperatures, drought, and frequently saline soil conditions. Nonetheless, maize (Zea mays) has been cultivated in the region for several millennia and recently has increasingly contributed to a growing dairy industry. Water resources are declining, and saline or brackish irrigation water is an increasing problem in the SW. Irrigation water that is highly saline can cause a buildup of salts in the soil. Adapted SW maize germplasm may offer stress tolerance that could be incorporated into breeding programs. The objective of this study was to evaluate 13 maize cultivars and compare them to four commercial hybrids across 2 yr and three locations in New Mexico. Two of the locations were characterized by saline and/or brackish conditions. Agronomic factors including forage yield, forage quality, survival rates, and plant height were examined. The landrace ‘Mexican June’ and the synthetic population Arizona 8601 demonstrated good forage yields and higher survival rates at one stress location during 2016 (p < .05). Most southwestern landraces showed lower forage quality when compared to silage‐specific commercial hybrids. The landrace ‘Montgomery County Blue and White’ was an exception; it produced forage quality similar to that of one of the commercial hybrids while also producing comparable yield. Results indicate there is potential for further development of these genetic resources for selection of improved salinity tolerance in forage maize for production in semi‐arid regions.
Compact wearable low‐SAR dual band antenna for on body network applications
Authors: Srilatha G. , Raju Gottumukkala Suryanarayana , Dayal P. Anthony Sunny
Published: October 2021

A compact antenna is designed for on‐body applications in the industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) frequency bands in the range from 2.45 to 5.8 GHz. A circular structure with triangular slots is used to address dual‐band applications. The antenna is designed on a flexible polyimide substrate with a dielectric constant of 3.5 and loss tangent of 0.008. Bending analysis of the antenna is performed to analyze its flexibility. The proposed antenna covers the frequency ranges of 2.3–3.5 and 5.1–6.8 GHz with fractional bandwidths of 41% and 28%. The antenna provides stable dipole and omnidirectional patterns. The measured antenna exhibits peak gain values of 2.3 dBi at 2.5 GHz and 4.7 dBi at 5.8 GHz with radiation efficiency of 78% at 2.5 GHz and 84% at 5.8 GHz. To validate the antenna performance, the simulated results for the antenna are compared with measurements carried out with the antenna on the human body.
Performance of new relay selection scheme for buffer‐assisted multihop decode‐and‐forward networks
Authors: Bhatnagar Shobhit , Dixit Dharmendra , Gauttam Sunil Kumar , Rawal Divyang
Published: October 2021

In this paper, a new relay selection scheme is proposed to reduce the end‐to‐end packet delivery delay for buffer‐assisted multihop decode‐and‐forward cooperative networks. The proposed method selects a relay node having more packets in the associated buffer and relay's proximity to the destination node. Mathematical expressions for the outage probability and average packet delay in Rician fading are obtained by modeling the system as a Markov chain. The proposed relay selection scheme has less packet delay as compared to the max‐link relay selection scheme with marginally higher outage probability. Thus, the proposed relay selection scheme is a good alternative to low latency wireless applications.
Micro‐ and macrovascular complications and risk factors for foot ulceration and amputation in individuals receiving dialysis with and without diabetes
Authors: Kofod Dea Haagensen , Almdal Thomas Peter , Sørensen Vibeke Rømming , Feldt‐Rasmussen Bo , Hornum Mads
Published: October 2021

Introduction

This study examined the prevalence of microvascular and macrovascular complications in people receiving dialysis with and without diabetes and investigated independent risk factors for foot ulcers and lower‐extremity amputations.

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional study of 119 individuals with diabetes and 219 individuals without diabetes receiving chronic dialysis during June 2019 at the Department of Nephrology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. Effects of diabetes and other risk factors were assessed by log‐binomial regression. Prevalence data were compared with a historical control group of 38 individuals with diabetes receiving dialysis examined in 2004 in the same department.

Results

We found that persons with diabetes had a twofold higher risk ratio of current (unadjusted risk ratio 2.2 [95% CI 1.1, 4.7]) and previous foot ulcer (2.5 [1.7, 3.7]) and a fourfold higher risk ratio of lower‐extremity amputation (4.2 [2.1, 8.6]) in comparison with persons without diabetes (all p < .05). Furthermore, persons with diabetes had a 70% increased risk ratio of myocardial infarction (1.7 [1.0–2.8], p = .041). In multivariable‐adjusted analysis, current foot ulcer was independently associated with previous foot ulcer (adjusted risk ratio 4.0 [95% CI 1.8, 8.9]), while lower‐extremity amputation was independently associated with diabetes (3.8 [1.8, 8.2]) and male sex (4.1 [1.5, 11.3]) (all p < .01).

Conclusions

Individuals with diabetes receiving dialysis had a higher prevalence of foot ulcer, lower‐extremity amputation and myocardial infarction compared to individuals without diabetes. Previous foot ulcer was the most important risk factor for current foot ulcer, while diabetes and male sex were important risk factors for lower‐extremity amputation.
Understanding the Reversible Reactions of Li‐N2 Battery Catalyzed With SnO2
Authors: Meng Fanbo , Qin Jiayao , Xiong Xingyu , Li Xiangjie , Hu Renzong
Published: October 2021

Metal–N2 battery can be applied in both energy storage and electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR); however, there has been only extraordinarily little study on metal–N2 battery since its electrochemical reversibility still needs further proofs. And its electrochemical performances also need to be enhanced. Herein, we investigated the discharge–charge reactions between Li anode and N2 cathode via designing an efficient catalyst of nanosized SnO2 particles dispersed on N‐doped carbon nanosheets (SnO2@NC) for the Li‐N2 battery, with good cyclic stability and a high specific capacity of 0.25 mA h (~500 mA h g−1) at a large current density of 1000 mA g−1. The electrochemical reversibility of both NRR in the discharge process and nitrogen extraction reaction in the charge process for Li‐N2 battery is discussed. Time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry results imply that the SnO2@NC can effectively promote the adsorption of N2 and the activation of NRR in the discharge process. Furthermore, ex situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared tests are performed to study the electrochemical reversibility of Li‐N2 battery. It can be proved that the formation and decomposition of discharging product Li3N are electrochemical reversible during cycling in our deigned Li‐N2 battery system with SnO2@NC catalyst.
Pathophysiology of Takotsubo syndrome – a joint scientific statement from the Heart Failure Association Takotsubo Syndrome Study Group and Myocardial Function Working Group of the European Society of Cardiology – Part 2: vascular pathophysiology, gender and sex hormones, genetics, chronic cardiovascular problems and clinical implications
Authors: Omerovic Elmir , Citro Rodolfo , Bossone Eduardo , Redfors Bjorn , Backs Johannes , Bruns Bastian , Ciccarelli Michele , Couch Liam S. , Dawson Dana , Grassi Guido , Iacoviello Massimo , Parodi Guido , Schneider Birke , Templin Christian , Ghadri Jelena R. , Thum Thomas , Chioncel Ovidiu , Tocchetti C. Gabriele , van der Velden Jolanda , Heymans Stephane , Lyon Alexander R.
Published: October 2021

While the first part of the scientific statement on the pathophysiology of Takotsubo syndrome was focused on catecholamines and the sympathetic nervous system, in the second part we focus on the vascular pathophysiology including coronary and systemic vascular responses, the role of the central and peripheral nervous systems during the acute phase and abnormalities in the subacute phase, the gender differences and integrated effects of sex hormones, genetics of Takotsubo syndrome including insights from microRNA studies and inducible pluripotent stem cell models of Takotsubo syndrome. We then discuss the chronic abnormalities of cardiovascular physiology in survivors, the limitations of current clinical and preclinical studies, the implications of the knowledge of pathophysiology for clinical management and future perspectives and directions of research.
Capturing polysulfides by sulfurized‐polyacrylonitrile in lithium‐sulfur batteries and the sulfur‐chain effects through Density Functional Theory
Authors: Bertolini Samuel , Jacob Timo
Published: October 2021

Cyclized‐polyacrylonitrile (cPAN) is a host material in lithium‐sulfur batteries (LiSBs) and, due to its chemisorption to sulfur, it can reduce the polysulfides’ (PSs) shuttle. A hydrogen atom can be removed from the backbone during the synthesis, allowing the sulfur to bind with carbon in the backbone. Thus, an undercoordinated carbon (Cuc) is considered to be formed during the synthesis of cPAN and over the LiSB cycles. We performed first‐principles calculations to evaluate the role of Cuc, as well as when Cuc is occupied by one sulfur atom, as in the sulfur‐polyacrylonitrile, (SPAN). The studied sites in the cPAN backbone are set near of differently sized PSs, and the PSs are being initially solvated in the electrolyte. We observed that cPAN and SPAN can capture the PSs from the electrolyte, but also that cPAN and SPAN act as active material by removing Li‐ions from the PSs. Specifically for Li2S8, SPAN can remove both Li‐ions, causing a ring closure in the remaining sulfur chain, and forming solvated S8‐rings. Chemisorption of the PSs leads to a partial charge transfer to the polymer, but it also weakens the nearby C–H bonds in the backbone. The capturing process can produce fragments, which later recombine to form a longer chain. Those fragments are an indication that smaller fragments may be released to the electrolyte during the process.
Self‐disgust and disgust sensitivity are increased in anorexia nervosa inpatients, but only self‐disgust mediates between comorbid and core psychopathology
Authors: Kot Emilia , Grzegorzewski Piotr , Kostecka Barbara , Kucharska Katarzyna
Published: October 2021

Objective

The possible role of abnormal disgust processing in the development and course of anorexia nervosa (AN) has been emphasized in theoretical models and research. However, disgust toward external stimuli and self‐disgust have not yet been investigated together in a clinical sample of AN patients. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to measure these constructs and examine their role in shaping eating pathology in AN patients and healthy controls (HCs), considering comorbid depressive and anxiety psychopathology. The study also aimed at testing the possible mediational roles of both disgust types in the associations between comorbid psychopathology and eating disorders (EDs) characteristics.

Method

Altogether, 63 inpatients with AN and 57 HCs partook in the study. Participants completed the Eating Disorder Inventory‐3, State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory‐II, Disgust Scale–Revised and Self‐Disgust Scale.

Results

AN patients manifested higher self‐disgust and disgust sensitivity than HCs. In addition, self‐disgust predicted the severity of EDs characteristics and mediated the links of depressive symptoms and trait anxiety with EDs characteristics in both groups.

Discussion

Our findings imply the putative role of self‐disgust in the development of EDs psychopathology in HCs and in its maintenance in AN patients.
Enhanced thermal conductivity and shape stabilized LiNO3‐NaCl eutectic/exfoliated graphite composite for thermal energy storage applications
Authors: Kumar Rohitash , Nirwan Anju , Dixit Ambesh
Published: October 2021

LiNO3 and NaCl salt mixtures are explored as phase change material (PCM) for thermal energy storage. We developed a process for synthesizing LiNO3 and NaCl eutectic mixture at room temperature and found that eutectic mixture consists of 88.8 wt% LiNO3 and 11.2 wt% NaCl salts. The latent heat and melting point of PCM are ~230°C and 302 kJ kg−1. Thermal conductivity of eutectic composition is measured with transient plane source (TPS) technique and value is 0.8 W m−1 K−1. We used thermochemically exfoliated graphite (ExG) in 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt% ratio with the developed eutectic to prepare PCM‐ExG composites to enhance thermal conductivity of pristine eutectic PCM. The maximum thermal conductivity of these PCM‐ExG composite PCMs is ~13.8 W m−1 K−1 for 20 wt% ExG and ~1400 kg m−3 density, ~16.5 times of pristine eutectic PCM. We observed that PCM‐ExG composite containing ExG ≥ 15 wt% retains liquid PCM inside the ExG pores, useful to reduce leakage problem of thermal energy storage vessel. The high thermal conductivity, high latent heat of fusion and suitable melting point of LiNO3‐NaCl eutectic PCM‐ExG composite PCM make it suitable for solar thermal energy storage and industrial waste heat recovery applications.
Grit and consequence
Authors: Fannin Luke D. , Singels Elzanne , Esler Karen J. , Dominy Nathaniel J.
Published: October 2021

Grit is implicated in several biological phenomena—it wears teeth, it fractures teeth, it drives tooth evolution, it elicits complex manual manipulations—any one of which could be described as a central topic in evolutionary anthropology. But what is grit? We hardly know because we tend to privilege the consequences of grit (it is abrasive) over its formal features, all but ignoring crucial variables such as mineral composition, material properties, and particle geometry (size, angularity), not to mention natural variation in the habitats of primates and their food surfaces. Few topics have animated so much debate and invited such cool indifference at the same time. Our goal here is to shine a light on grit, to put a philosophical lens on the nature of our discourse, and to call attention to large empirical voids that should be filled and folded into our understanding of primate natural history and evolution.
Heritage Conservation Future: Where We Stand, Challenges Ahead, and a Paradigm Shift
Authors: Otero Jorge
Published: October 2021

Global cultural heritage is a lucrative asset. It is an important industry generating millions of jobs and billions of euros in revenue yearly. However, despite the tremendous economic and socio‐cultural benefits, little attention is usually paid to its conservation and to developing innovative big‐picture strategies to modernize its professional field. This perspective aims to compile some of the relevant current global needs to explore alternative ways for shaping future steps associated with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. From this perspective, it is conceptualized how emerging artificial intelligence (AI) and digital socio‐technological models of production based on democratic Peer‐2‐Peer (P2P) interactions can represent an alternative transformative solution by going beyond the current global communication and technical limitations in the heritage conservation community, while also providing novel digital tools to conservation practitioners, which can truly revolutionize the conservation decision‐making process and improve global conservation standards.
Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction for the assessment of disease burden in hairy cell leukemia
Authors: Broccoli Alessandro , Terragna Carolina , Nanni Laura , Martello Marina , Armuzzi Silvia , Agostinelli Claudio , Morigi Alice , Casadei Beatrice , Pellegrini Cinzia , Stefoni Vittorio , Sabattini Elena , Argnani Lisa , Zinzani Pier Luigi
Published: October 2021

BRAFV600E mutation is the pathogenic driver of hairy cell leukemia (HCL) found in the vast majority of cases both at onset and during recurrences. The identification of the mutated allele in blood and marrow correlates with the presence of neoplastic cells and can be considered a marker of active disease. Likewise, the absence of the mutation after treatment may indicate a state of deep response. The BRAFV600E burden was measured by droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) and expressed as fractional abundance in 35 HCL patients at different stages of disease (onset, relapse, complete response [CR] after treatment, long‐term remission) in peripheral blood and/or bone marrow (when available). Mean values of fractional abundance for patients at diagnosis, relapse and response, respectively, were 12.26%, 16.52% and 0.02% in peripheral blood and 23.51%, 13.96% and 0.26% in bone marrow. Four patients out of 6 evaluated at response were molecularly negative for BRAFV600E in peripheral blood. Mean fractional abundance in peripheral blood tested in 14 patients with long lasting CR was 0.05%, and 10 patients were BRAFV600E negative. These preliminary results suggest that ddPCR permits to assess the active tumor burden in HCL at different disease phases and support the hypothesis that some patients in CR qualify for a molecular CR.
The resistance mechanisms and treatment strategies of BTK inhibitors in B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Wang Haoran , Zhang Wentao , Yang Jingyi , Zhou Keshu
Published: October 2021

Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKi) have revolutionized the treatment of B‐cell lymphoma (BCL). These drugs interfere with the mechanisms underlying malignant B‐cell pathophysiology, allowing better drug response as well as low toxicity. However, these multiple mechanisms also lead to drug resistance, which compromised the treatment outcome and needs to be solved urgently. This review focuses on genomic variations (such as BTK and its downstream PCLG2 mutations as well as Del 8p, 2p+, Del 6q/8p, BIRC3, TRAF2, TRAF3, CARD11, MYD88, and CCND1 mutations) and related pathways (such as PI3K/Akt/mTOR, NF‐κB, MAPK signaling pathways, overexpression of B‐cell lymphoma 6, platelet‐derived growth factor, toll‐like receptors, and microenvironment, cancer stem cells, and exosomes) involved in cancer pathophysiology to discuss the mechanisms underlying resistance to BTKi. We have also reviewed the newly reported drug resistance mechanisms and the proposed potential treatment strategies (the next‐generation BTKi, proteolysis‐targeting chimera‐BTK, XMU‐MP‐3, PI3K‐Akt‐mTOR pathway, MYC or LYN kinase inhibitor, and other small‐molecule targeted drugs) to overcome drug resistance. The findings presented in this review lay a strong foundation for further research in this field.
Prospective study of oral microbiome and gastric cancer risk among Asian, African American and European American populations
Authors: Yang Yaohua , Long Jirong , Wang Cong , Blot William J. , Pei Zhiheng , Shu Xiang , Wu Fen , Rothman Nathaniel , Wu Jie , Lan Qing , Cai Qiuyin , Zheng Wei , Chen Yu , Shu Xiao‐Ou
Published: October 2021

Colonization of specific bacteria in the human mouth was reported to be associated with gastric cancer risk. However, previous studies were limited by retrospective study designs and low taxonomic resolutions. We performed a prospective case‐control study nested within three cohorts to investigate the relationship between oral microbiome and gastric cancer risk. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing was employed to characterize the microbiome in prediagnostic buccal samples from 165 cases and 323 matched controls. Associations of overall microbial richness and abundance of microbial taxa, gene families and metabolic pathways with gastric cancer risk were evaluated via conditional logistic regression. Analyses were performed within each cohort, and results were combined by meta‐analyses. We found that overall microbial richness was associated with decreased gastric cancer risk, with an odds ratio (OR) per standard deviation (SD) increase in Simpson's reciprocal index of 0.77 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.61‐0.99). Nine taxa, 38 gene families and six pathways also showed associations with gastric cancer risk at P < .05. Neisseria mucosa and Prevotella pleuritidis were enriched, while Mycoplasma orale and Eubacterium yurii were depleted among cases with ORs and 95% CIs per SD increase in centered log‐ratio transformed taxa abundance of 1.31 (1.03‐1.67), 1.26 (1.00‐1.57), 0.74 (0.59‐0.94) and 0.80 (0.65‐0.98), respectively. The top two gene families (P = 3.75 × 10−4 and 3.91 × 10−4) and pathways (P = 1.75 × 10−3 and 1.53 × 10−3) associated with gastric cancer were related to the decreased risk and are involved in hexitol metabolism. Our study supports the hypothesis that oral microbiota may play a role in gastric cancer etiology.
Antepartum stillbirth rates during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Austria: A population‐based study
Authors: Muin Dana A. , Neururer Sabrina , Falcone Veronica , Windsperger Karin , Helmer Hanns , Leitner Hermann , Kiss Herbert , Farr Alex
Published: October 2021

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has had dramatic effects on the pregnant population worldwide, increasing the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes.

Objective

To assess the incidence of antepartum stillbirth (aSB) during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Austria.

Methods

We collected epidemiological data from the Austrian Birth Registry and compared the rate of aSB (i.e., fetal death at or after 24+0 gestational weeks) during the pandemic period (March–December 2020) and in the respective pre‐pandemic months (2015–2019).

Results

In total, 65 660 pregnancies were included, of which 171 resulted in aSB at 33.7 ± 4.8 gestational weeks. During the pandemic, the aSB rate increased from 2.49‰ to 2.60‰ (P = 0.601), in contrast to the significant decline in preterm deliveries at or before 37 gestational weeks from 0.61‰ to 0.56‰ (relative risk [RR] 0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.91–0.96; P < 0.001). During the first lockdown, the aSB rate significantly increased from 2.38‰ to 3.52‰ (P = 0.021), yielding an adjusted odds ratio of 1.57 (95% CI 1.08–2.27; P = 0.018). The event of aSB during the COVID‐19 pandemic was strongly related with increased fetal weight and maternal obesity.

Conclusion

In Austria, there has been an overall increase in the incidence of aSB during the pandemic with a significant peak during the first lockdown.
Depth‐dependent in vivo human skin backscattering spectra extraction from full‐field optical coherence tomography
Authors: Soundararajan Rajendran , Hsu Ting‐Wei , Qin Yanding , Huang Sheng‐Lung
Published: October 2021

With homemade active crystalline fibers, we generated bright and broadband light sources for full‐field optical coherence tomography, offering deep penetration into skin tissues with cellular resolution at a high frame rate. Extraction of backscattered spectra from the tissue has potential applications in biomedicine. The hysteresis nonlinearity of the piezoelectric transducer actuating the Mirau interferometer has been greatly reduced by a feedforward compensation approach. The linearized hysteresis response enables us to extract depth‐dependent spectra accurately. To validate, the complex dispersion of a fused silica plate was characterized with 2% error. Further validation on an in vitro setting, the backscattered spectra from indocyanine green pigment and nonpigmented microspheres were obtained and verified. For in vivo skin measurement, the backscattered spectra show depth‐dependent spectral shift and bandwidth variation due to the complex skin anatomy and pigment absorption. Such a high‐speed spectra acquisition of in vivo deep tissue backscattering could lead to disease diagnosis in clinical settings.
Parental Origin of Gsα Inactivation Differentially Affects Bone Remodeling in a Mouse Model of Albright Hereditary Osteodystrophy
Authors: McMullan Patrick , Maye Peter , Yang Qingfen , Rowe David W. , Germain‐Lee Emily L.
Published: October 2021

Albright hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO) is caused by heterozygous inactivation of GNAS, a complex locus that encodes the alpha‐stimulatory subunit of heterotrimeric G proteins (Gsα) in addition to NESP55 and XLαs due to alternative first exons. AHO skeletal manifestations include brachydactyly, brachymetacarpia, compromised adult stature, and subcutaneous ossifications. AHO patients with maternally‐inherited GNAS mutations develop pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1A (PHP1A) with resistance to multiple hormones that mediate their actions through G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) requiring Gsα (eg, parathyroid hormone [PTH], thyroid‐stimulating hormone [TSH], growth hormone–releasing hormone [GHRH], calcitonin) and severe obesity. Paternally‐inherited GNAS mutations cause pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism (PPHP), in which patients have AHO skeletal features but do not develop hormonal resistance or marked obesity. These differences between PHP1A and PPHP are caused by tissue‐specific reduction of paternal Gsα expression. Previous reports in mice have shown loss of Gsα causes osteopenia due to impaired osteoblast number and function and suggest that AHO patients could display evidence of reduced bone mineral density (BMD). However, we previously demonstrated PHP1A patients display normal‐increased BMD measurements without any correlation to body mass index or serum PTH. Due to these observed differences between PHP1A and PPHP, we utilized our laboratory's AHO mouse model to address whether Gsα heterozygous inactivation differentially affects bone remodeling based on the parental inheritance of the mutation. We identified fundamental distinctions in bone remodeling between mice with paternally‐inherited (GnasE1+/−p) versus maternally‐inherited (GnasE1+/−m) mutations, and these findings were observed predominantly in female mice. Specifically, GnasE1+/−p mice exhibited reduced bone parameters due to impaired bone formation and enhanced bone resorption. GnasE1+/−m mice, however, displayed enhanced bone parameters due to both increased osteoblast activity and normal bone resorption. These in vivo distinctions in bone remodeling between GnasE1+/−p and GnasE1+/−m mice could potentially be related to changes in the bone microenvironment driven by calcitonin‐resistance within GnasE1+/−m osteoclasts. Further studies are warranted to assess how Gsα influences osteoblast–osteoclast coupling. © 2021 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Fracture Risk Following an Atypical Femoral Fracture
Authors: Bégin Marie-Josée , Audet Marie-Claude , Chevalley Thierry , Portela Marina , Padlina Ivan , Hannouche Didier , Ing Lorenzini Kuntheavy , Meier Raphaël , Peter Robin , Uebelhart Brigitte , Rizzoli René , Ferrari Serge , Biver Emmanuel
Published: October 2021

Atypical femoral fractures (AFFs) occurring during the course of osteoporosis treatment usually lead to discontinuation of anti-resorptive (AR) drugs. However, the risk of fracture after an AFF is unknown. We conducted a follow-up study of patients with AFF matched 1:3 for age and gender with patients with a peripheral major osteoporotic fracture (pMOF), in the setting of a fracture liaison service, to investigate the incidence of subsequent low-trauma fractures. Fifty-five patients with AFF (95% women, age [mean ± standard deviation] 75 ± 10 years, 89% exposed to AR drugs), followed for 6.2 ± 3.7 years, were compared to 165 matched controls with a pMOF (hip 85%) followed for 4.3 ± 2.6 years. During the follow-up, 38% of patients in the AFF group and 16% in the pMOF group received AR therapies. Continuation of AR drugs after an AFF was associated with contralateral AFF in 27% of subjects. The risks of new low-trauma, major osteoporotic and imminent (within 2 years) fractures, were similar between the two groups: incidence rate ratio (95% confidence interval [CI]) of subsequent fracture following AFF relative to pMOF, 1.30 (95% CI, 0.82–2.04), 1.28 (95% CI, 0.74–2.15), and 1.11 (95% CI, 0.54–2.15), respectively. Moreover, the risk of sustaining multiple fractures per participant was significantly increased among patients with AFF compared to pMOF (hazard ratio 1.48 [95% CI, 1.00–2.19]; p = 0.049). When taking mortality into account, the risk of subsequent fractures tended to be higher in the AFF group (sub-hazard ratio 1.42 [95% CI, 0.95–2.12]). In conclusion, patients who sustained an AFF are at high risk of subsequent fragility fractures, at least equal or even greater to the risk observed after a pMOF. However, continuation of AR drugs increases the risk of contralateral AFF. Therefore, optimal modalities for secondary fracture prevention after AFF require further evaluation. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
SLC4A2 Deficiency Causes a New Type of Osteopetrosis
Authors: Xue Jing-Yi , Grigelioniene Giedre , Wang Zheng , Nishimura Gen , Iida Aritoshi , Matsumoto Naomichi , Tham Emma , Miyake Noriko , Ikegawa Shiro , Guo Long
Published: October 2021

Osteopetrosis is a group of rare inherited skeletal disorders characterized by a marked increase in bone density due to deficient bone resorption. Pathogenic variants in several genes involved in osteoclast differentiation and/or function have been reported to cause osteopetrosis. Solute carrier family 4 member 2 (SLC4A2, encoding anion exchanger 2) plays an important role in osteoclast differentiation and function by exchange of Cl− with HCO3−. Biallelic Slc4a2 loss-of-function mutations in mice and cattle lead to osteopetrosis with osteoclast deficiency; however, pathogenic SLC4A2 variants in humans have not been reported. In this study, we describe a patient with autosomal recessive osteopetrosis due to biallelic pathogenic variants in SLC4A2. We identified novel compound heterozygous variants in SLC4A2 (NM_003040.4: c.556G>A [p.A186T] and c.1658T>C [p.V553A]) by exome sequencing. The measurement of intracellular Cl− showed that the variants decrease the anion exchange activity of SLC4A2. The impact of the variants on osteoclast differentiation was assessed by a gene knockout-rescue system using a mouse macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7. The Slc4a2-knockout cells show impaired osteoclastogenesis, which was rescued by the wild-type SLC4A2, but not by the mutant SLC4A2s. Immunofluorescence and pit assay revealed that the mutant SLC4A2s leads to abnormal podosome belt formation with impaired bone absorption. This is the first report on an individual affected by SLC4A2-associated osteopetrosis (osteopetrosis, Ikegawa type). With functional studies, we prove that the variants lead to SLC4A2 dysfunction, which altogether supports the importance of SLC4A2 in human osteoclast differentiation. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Steam explosion pretreatment of coffee husks: a strategy towards decarbonization in a biorefinery approach
Authors: da Fonseca Yasmim A , Silva Nayara CS , Fernandes Ana RAC , Faria Marina V , Adarme Oscar FH , Passos Fabiana , Baêta Bruno EL
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Coffee husks (CH) are an abundant lignocellulosic residue that can be converted into biofuels and bioproducts through sustainable and economical processes in a biorefinery approach. For that, steam explosion (SE) pretreatment stands out as a technique to overcome its recalcitrant nature and enable byproduct valorization. In this study, solid and liquid fractions were separated after pretreatment for saccharification and biogas production, respectively. The research relevance relies on the contribution to environment decarbonization and monetization of decarbonization credits (CBIO) generated from the production of renewable fuel from waste biomass under different operational conditions (with and without pretreatment).

RESULTS

Liquid hydrolysate generated by SE condition at 210 °C and 15 min led to the highest biomethane production (292 NmL CH4 g CODfed−1). Similarly, high‐severity pretreatment also favored the enzymatic hydrolysis yield of the solid fraction (49%). In terms of environment decarbonization, SE promoted not only a lower carbon intensity when compared to the process without any pretreatment (3.8 vs. 6.4 g CO2eq MJ−1), but also increased the monetization of decarbonization credits by 175%, which represented a potential revenue of US $1 481 330.

CONCLUSION

High temperatures of SE pretreatment of CH at 210 °C were able to promote biogas production and fermentable sugars. In addition, the process reduced carbon emissions and increased the revenue from CBIO commercialization. Therefore, SE proved to be a sustainable and economic alternative for consideration in new green businesses from lignocellulosic residues such as CH. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Digital image analysis of gunshot residue dimensional dispersion by computer vision method
Authors: Kara Ilker , Tahillioglu Ersan
Published: October 2021

Detection and identification of gunshot residues (GSR) have been used as base evidence in elucidating forensic cases. GSR particles consist of burnt and partially unburned material and contaminate the hands, face, hair, and clothes of the shooter when coming out of the gun. Nowadays, GSR samples are collected from the hands of the suspect and are analyzed routinely in forensic laboratories by the scanning electron microscope/energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) method. GSR particles are comprised of a morphological and specific structure (generally spherical and have a diameter between 0 and 100 μm [occasionally even larger]). In addition, the present studies in the field have claimed that GSR particles during formation are formed under equilibrium surface distribution and are unrelated to morphological dimensional classification. Our contribution to this study is two‐folded. First, this study offers a new approach to identify images of GSR particles by computer vision gathered by SEM/EDS method from the hand of the shooter. Second, it presents open access to the SEM/EDS image data set of the analyzed GSR. During the study, a new data set consisting of 22,408 samples from three different types of MKEK (Mechanical and Chemical Industries Corporation) brand ammunition has been used. It is seen in the results that the computer vision method has been successful in the dimensional classification of GSR.
Fate and transport in environmental quality
Authors: Pachepsky Y. , Anderson R. , Harter T. , Jacques D. , Jamieson R. , Jeong J. , Kim H. , Lamorski K. , Martinez G. , Ouyang Y. , Shukla S. , Wan Y. , Zheng W. , Zhang W.
Published: October 2021

Changes in pollutant concentrations in environmental media occur both from pollutant transport in water or air and from local processes, such as adsorption, degradation, precipitation, straining, and so on. The terms “fate and transport” and “transport and fate” reflect the coupling of moving with the carrier media and biogeochemical processes describing local transformations or interactions. The Journal of Environmental Quality (JEQ) was one of the first to publish papers on fate and transport (F&T). This paper is a minireview written to commemorate the 50th anniversary of JEQ and show how the research interests, methodology, and public attention have been reflected in fate and transport publications in JEQ during the last 40 years. We report the statistics showing how the representation of different pollutant groups in papers changed with time. Major focus areas have included the effect of solution composition on F&T and concurrent F&T, the role of organic matter, and the relative role of different F&T pathways. The role of temporal and spatial heterogeneity has been studied at different scales. The value of long‐term F&T studies and developments in modeling as the F&T research approach was amply demonstrated. Fate and transport studies have been an essential part of conservation measure evaluation and comparison and ecological risk assessment. For 50 years, JEQ has delivered new insights, methods, and applications related to F&T science. The importance of its service to society is recognized, and we look forward to new generations of F&T researchers presenting their contributions in JEQ.
Super‐Resolution Cine Image Enhancement for Fetal Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Berggren Klas , Ryd Daniel , Heiberg Einar , Aletras Anthony H. , Hedström Erik
Published: October 2021

Background

Fetal cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) improves the diagnosis of congenital heart defects, but is sensitive to fetal motion due to long image acquisition time. This may be overcome with faster image acquisition with low resolution, followed by image enhancement to provide clinically useful images.

Purpose

To combine phase‐encoding undersampling with super‐resolution neural networks to achieve high‐resolution fetal cine cardiac MR images with short acquisition time.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Twenty‐eight fetuses (gestational week 36 [interquartile range 33–38 weeks]).

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5 T, balanced steady‐state free precession (bSSFP) cine sequence.

Assessment

Images were acquired using fully sampled Doppler ultrasound‐gated clinical bSSFP cine as reference, with equivalent cine sequences with decreased phase‐encoding resolution (25%, 33%, and 50% of clinical standard). Two super‐resolution methods based on convolutional neural networks were proposed and evaluated (phasrGAN and phasrresnet). Data were partitioned into training (36 cine slices), validation (3 cine slices), and test sets (67 cine slices) without overlap. Conventional reconstruction methods using bicubic interpolation and k‐space zeropadding were used for comparison. Three blinded observers scored image quality between 1 and 10.

Statistical Tests

Image scores are reported as median [interquartile range] and were compared using Mann–Whitney's nonparametric test with P < 0.05 showing statistically significant differences.

Results

Both proposed methods showed no significant difference in image quality compared to clinical images (8 [7–8.5]) down to 33% (phasrGAN 8 [6.5–8]; phasrresnet 8 [7–8], all P ≥ 0.19) phase‐encoding resolution, i.e., up to three times faster image acquisition, whereas bicubic interpolation and k‐space zeropadding showed significantly lower quality for 33% phase‐encoding resolution (both 7 [6–8]).

Data Conclusion

Super‐resolution enhancement can be used for fetal cine cardiac MRI to reduce image acquisition time while maintaining image quality. This may lead to an improved success rate for fetal cine MR imaging, as the impact of fetal motion is lessened by shortened acquisitions.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Kinematics of bicruciate stabilized and cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Ishibashi Teruya , Yamazaki Takaharu , Konda Shoji , Tamaki Masashi , Sugamoto Kazuomi , Tomita Tetsuya
Published: October 2021

Few studies have been reported about kinematic comparison between bicruciate stabilized and cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasty with the same anatomical surface geometry. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the in vivo kinematics and postoperative patient‐reported outcomes of these two surgeries with the same anatomical surface geometry. We analyzed 17 bicruciate stabilized and 18 cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasties using single‐plane fluoroscopic surveillance with two‐ to three‐dimensional registration techniques during squatting from minimum to maximum flexion. Flexion angle, femoral external rotation, anteroposterior position of the medial and lateral sides, and postoperative 2011 Knee Society Scores were analyzed. Maximum flexion angles were larger for bicruciate stabilized than for cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasties. There was no significant difference in femoral external rotation between the two types. The medial and lateral femoral condyles in bicruciate stabilized type translated more posteriorly during deeper flexion and at maximum flexion angle, respectively, than those in cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasty. Both groups revealed medial pivots in early flexion, but during deep flexion, bicruciate stabilized total knee arthroplasty revealed bicondylar roll‐back and cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasty revealed paradoxical anterior motion. Both groups exhibited similar results in postoperative 2011 Knee Society Scores. Bicruciate stabilized and cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasties with the same anatomical articular surfaces demonstrated different kinematics patterns during squatting. However, there were no significant differences in postoperative 2011 Knee Society Scores between the two types of surgery.
Quantitative SSM‐based analysis of humeral head migration in rotator cuff tear arthropathy patients
Authors: Verhaegen Filip , Meynen Alexander , Plessers Katrien , Scheys Lennart , Debeer Philippe
Published: October 2021

Rotator cuff tear arthropathy (RCTA) is characterized by massive rotator cuff tearing combined with humeral head migration (HHM). The aim of this study is to investigate the quantitative characteristics of this migration and its association with glenoid erosions and prearthropathy scapular anatomy. We quantified HHM and prearthropathy scapular anatomy of 64 RCTA patients with statistical shape modeling‐based techniques. Glenoid erosion was classified according to Sirveaux et al. A cutoff value for confirming HHM was 5 mm based on a control group of 49 patients. Group 1 (RCTA without HHM) consisted of 21 patients, with a mean subluxation distance (SLD) of 3 mm. Group 2 (RCTA with HHM) consisted of 43 patients, with mean SLD of 9 mm, SLD in the anteroposterior plane of −1 mm (SD ± 4 mm), SLD in the superoinferior plane of 7 mm (SD ± 3 mm), and subluxation angle (SLA) of −5° (SD ± 40°). Analysis with Fisher's exact test showed a clear association between HHM and glenoid erosions (p = 0.002). Multivariate regression analysis of Group 2 showed that prearthropathy lateral acromial angle combined with critical shoulder angle (p = 0.004) explained 21% of the observed variability in SLD. The prearthropathy glenoid version explained 23% of the variability in SLA (p = 0.001). HHM in RCTA patients has a wide variation in both magnitude and direction leading to a distorted glenohumeral relationship in the coronal and axial plane. HHM is highly associated with the occurrence of glenoid erosions. There is a correlation between the prearthropathy scapular anatomy and the magnitude and direction of HHM.
Stability of glutathione added as a supplement to parenteral nutrition
Authors: Raichani Nadine El , Guiraut Clémence , Morin Guillaume , Mohamed Ibrahim , Lavoie Jean‐Claude
Published: October 2021

Background

Most very premature newborns (<32 weeks of gestation) receive parenteral nutrition (PN) that is inherently contaminated with peroxides. Oxidative stress induced by PN is associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, a main pathological complication in these infants who have weak antioxidant capacity to detoxify peroxides because of their glutathione deficiency. In animals, glutathione supplementation of PN prevented oxidative stress and alveolar loss (the main characteristic of bronchopulmonary dysplasia). Of its two forms—oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and reduced glutathione (GSH)—GSSG was used because of its better stability. However, a 30% loss of GSSG in PN is observed. The potentially high therapeutic benefits of GSSG supplementation on the health of very premature infants make the study of its stability highly important.

Methods

GSSG was incubated in combination with the following components of PN: dextrose, multivitamins, Primene, and Travasol, and with cysteine, cystine, and peroxides, for 24 h. Total glutathione in these solutions was measured 0–24 h after the addition of GSSG.

Results

The combination of cysteine and multivitamins caused the maximum loss of glutathione. The stability of GSSG was not affected by multivitamins. The cysteine was responsible for ∼20% of the loss of GSSG; in the presence of multivitamins, the loss reached >70%. Removing the cysteine prevented the degradation of glutathione.

Conclusion

GSSG reacts with cysteine to form cysteine‐glutathione mixed disulfide, another suitable glutathione substrate for preterm neonates. The study confirms that GSSG added to PN can potentially provide a precursor to de novo synthesis of glutathione in vivo.
Evaluation of energy intake compared with indirect calorimetry requirements in critically ill patients with acute brain injury
Authors: May Casey C. , Harris Emily A. , Hannawi Yousef , Smetana Keaton S.
Published: October 2021

Background

Nutrition support in critically ill patients with acute brain injury is vitally important because of known hypermetabolism. We aimed to describe energy and protein intake within the first 72 h in a broad neurocritical care population and compare energy intake with the indirect calorimetry (IC) resting energy expenditure (REE) target.

Methods

IC data, daily energy, and protein intake were collected through chart review over the first 7 days of hospital admission. We evaluated the type and amount of tube‐feed product received, volume of propofol (1.1 kcal/ml) and clevidipine (2 kcal/ml), and amount of supplemental protein received.

Results

Ninety‐one patients were included, with the majority presenting with either intracerebral hemorrhage (35.2%) or acute ischemic stroke (26.4%). The median day of admission on which IC was completed and enteral nutrition was initiated was day 3 (2–5) and day 1 (1–2), respectively. The difference in kilocalories received compared with IC REE target within the first 72 h was significantly different (2831 kcal [1663–4072] vs 4275 kcal [3450–5811]; Z = −6.469; P < .001). The median kilocalories received as tube feeds during the first 72 h was 88% (55%–99%), and the mean protein received in the first 72 h was 0.7 ± 0.5 g/kg/day.

Conclusion

In this population, patients had lower energy intake compared with their energy needs determined by IC during the first 72 h of admission but attained 7‐day goals. Future studies should investigate barriers to improve energy delivery in this patient population.
Preparation and properties of GC capillary column with hypercrosslinked stationary phase
Authors: Kanateva Anastasia Y. , Korolev Alexander A. , Kurganov Alexander A.
Published: October 2021

For the first time, highly porous hypercrosslinked polystyrene layer was synthesized within a gas chromatography capillary column and successfully deposited onto the capillary walls generating porous layer open‐tubular capillary column. Elaborated three steps synthetic procedure provides tightly bonded porous polymeric layer and ensues complete elimination of particle shedding and the needs for particle traps. Due to highly developed surface area, porous layer open‐tubular column provides strong solute retention that is useful for the separation of various volatile solvents and light gas compounds including ethane, ethylene, ethyne. Aqueous injections will not harm the column.