bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of tracheostomy‐related tracheomegaly in a patient with COVID‐19 pneumonitis
Authors: Harper S. , Robinson M. , Manning G. , Jones A. , Hobson J. , Shelton C. L.
Published: November 2020

Acquired tracheomegaly is a rare condition associated with pulmonary fibrosis, connective tissue disease and the use of cuffed tracheal tubes. We describe the urgent tracheal re‐intubation and subsequent tracheal repair of a previously well 58‐year‐old man who developed tracheostomy‐related tracheomegaly during prolonged mechanical ventilation for coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonitis. Urgent tracheal re‐intubation was required due to a persistent cuff leak, pneumomediastinum and malposition of the tracheostomy tube. We describe the additional challenges and risks associated with airway management in patients with tracheomegaly, and discuss how even in urgent cases these can be mitigated through planning and teamwork. We present a stepwise approach to tracheal re‐intubation past a large tracheal dilatation, including the use of an Aintree catheter inserted via the existing tracheal stoma for oxygenation or tracheal re‐intubation if required. Computed tomography imaging was valuable in characterising the defect and developing a safe airway management strategy before starting the procedure. This report emphasises the role of planning, teamwork and the development of an appropriate airway strategy in the safe management of complex cases.
Apnoeic ventilation for shared airway surgery during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Rotman A. , Dando A. J. , Shorthouse J. , Girgis M. , Nouraei S. A. R.
Published: November 2020

This report describes the care provided to a 64‐year‐old woman presenting with airway obstruction following recovery from COVID‐19 pneumonitis, prolonged tracheal intubation and tracheostomy weaning. Her initial admission was with COVID‐19 pneumonitis during the first surge of cases in early 2020, and was complicated by multiple bilateral segmental pulmonary emboli, a 28‐day stay in intensive care, 16 days of mechanical ventilation and finally, a tracheostomy with subsequent weaning of respiratory support and rehabilitation. On presentation, her symptoms of airway obstruction were because of significant granuloma of the posterior glottis and subglottis, as well as a mild lambdoid deformity at the site of her previous tracheostomy. The key learning points described relate to the use of apnoeic oxygenation during the COVID‐19 pandemic, managing the shared airway, as well as the management of post‐intubation laryngotracheal complications.
Treatment of gray wastewater and heavy metal removal from aqueous medium using hydrogels based on novel crosslinkers
Authors: Mishra Anamica , Nath Amar , Pande Poorn Prakash , Shankar Ravi
Published: November 2020

Water contamination by heavy metals is a serious environmental problem. Several adsorbents with high adsorption capacity have been reported by researchers. In this paper we report the application of a new crosslinker allyl sorbitol (AS), and two other crosslinkers viz. allyl mannitol (AM) and allyl pentaerythritol (AP), toward the synthesis of polymer hydrogels. These hydrogels have been utilized for the removal of heavy metal ions from water. Chemically crosslinked polyacrylic acid hydrogels have been prepared using these crosslinkers viz. AS or AM or AP. The synthesized crosslinked hydrogels have been utilized for the removal of heavy metal ions from water. The maximum copper (Cu) metal ion removal of 81.8, 81.6, 86.8% and adsorption capacity of 409, 408, 434 mg/g were found with AS, AM and AP crosslinker based hydrogels respectively. While the maximum nickel (Ni) metal ion removal of 96.8, 96.6, 99.0% and adsorption capacity of 484, 483, 495 mg/g were found with AS, AM and AP crosslinkers based hydrogels respectively. The maximum chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction of 72, 74, 78% and total dissolved solids reduction of 86%, 83%, 95% were found with AS, AM, AP based polymer gel respectively. Approximately, 439.2, 451.4, and 475.8 (mg COD removed/g polymer gel) of pollutants reduction capacity was achieved during their treatment.
Development and implementation of an analysis tool for direct current electrical circuits
Authors: Pehlivan Huseyin , Atalar Celal , Zavrak Sultan
Published: November 2020

Electrical circuits constitute the core of many courses at the undergraduate level in electrical and electronics engineering. For most undergraduate students, learning and analyzing such circuits are a difficult process. A significant drawback of Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis (SPICE)‐based simulation tools in terms of e‐learning is that they only generate circuit simulation outputs, such as the current and voltage of electrical elements contained in a particular circuit. The users are not provided with the detailed information about the steps that are followed to obtain the related outputs. This study describes the development of a new software tool, called ECDAT (a shorthand for the Electrical Circuit Description and Analysis Tool), which can serve as a practical component of electrical circuits courses. The developed tool currently analyzes simple direct electric circuits in a similar way as the existing circuit analysis and simulation ones, and it produces an output document that includes the certain equations and intermediate calculations, using the well‐known circuit laws differently from the previous works. Another contribution of the study is that, unlike the modified nodal analysis method used in SPICE‐based circuit analysis programs, it employs a graph analysis method for circuit analysis.
Ambient carbon monoxide exposure and elevated risk of mortality in the glioblastoma patients: A double‐cohort retrospective observational study
Authors: Yoon Seon‐Jin , Noh Juhwan , Son Hye Young , Moon Ju Hyung , Kim Eui‐Hyun , Park Sahng Wook , Kim Se Hoon , Chang Jong Hee , Huh Yong‐Min , Kang Seok‐Gu
Published: November 2020

An increasing number of studies indicate air pollutants infiltrate into the brain. We aimed to find the association of cumulative air pollution exposure in the main body of primary brain tumor: glioblastoma (GBM). In this double‐cohort, retrospective analysis study with a protocol, we compared the health effect of air pollution on the GBM patients from the SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program) in 27 U.S. counties from 10 states and GBM patients of Severance cohort of Korea. From 2000 to 2015, 10621 GBM patients of the SEER were individually evaluated for the cumulative average exposure for each pollutant, and 9444 (88.9%) mortality events were reported. From 2011 to 2018, 398 GBM patients of the Severance with the same protocol showed 259 (65.1%) mortality events. The multi‐pollutant models show that the association level of risk with CO is increased in the SEER (HR 1.252; 95% CI 1.141‐1.373) with an increasing linear trend of relative death rate in the spline curve. The Severance GBM data showed such a statistically significant result of the health impact of CO on GBM patients. The overall survival gain of the less exposure group against CO was 2 and 3 months in the two cohorts. Perioperative exposure to CO may increase the risk of shorter survival of GBM patients of the SEER and the Severance cohort.
Influence of chloride and pH on the pitting mechanism of Zn‐Ni alloy coating in sodium chloride solutions
Authors: Anwar Shams , Khan Faisal , Caines Susan , Abbassi Rouzbeh , Zhang Yahui
Published: November 2020

This paper presents the pitting corrosion behaviour of Zn‐Ni alloy coatings in NaCl solutions with different chloride concentrations and pH. The pitting‐behaviour investigation is done using an optical microscope, potentiodynamic polarization (Tafel slopes), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) integrated with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The design of the experiment with three‐level fractional factorial design (FFD) is used to analyze the behaviour of pitting corrosion. The pitting behaviour in acidic solution with low chloride concentration was found to be significantly different from that in the neutral solution with high chloride concentration. Electrochemical analysis indicates that the corrosion behaviour of samples immersed at 0.35 moL/L NaCl and pH 3.0 at different exposure times have low impedance values compared to the 0.35 moL/L NaCl and pH 7.0 samples. SEM images show that the pH and chloride concentration in the electrolyte has a significant influence on the pitting morphology. Exclusive large pit morphology in an acidic solution (pH 3.0) with low chloride concentration (0.35 moL/L) was also observed. This provides new insight into pitting behaviour on a coated material. The study will serve a valuable tool toward designing or selecting metal coatings for marine or corrosive environments.
Long noncoding RNA repressor of adipogenesis negatively regulates the adipogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells through the hnRNP A1‐PTX3‐ERK axis
Authors: Pan Yiqian , Xie Zhongyu , Cen Shuizhong , Li Ming , Liu Wenjie , Tang Su'an , Ye Guiwen , Li Jinteng , Zheng Guan , Li Zhaofeng , Yu Wenhui , Wang Peng , Wu Yanfeng , Shen Huiyong
Published: November 2020

Background

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are pluripotent stem cells that can differentiate via osteogenesis and adipogenesis. The mechanism underlying MSC lineage commitment still remains incompletely elucidated. Understanding the regulatory mechanism of MSC differentiation will help researchers induce MSCs toward specific lineages for clinical use. In this research, we intended to figure out the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) that plays a central role in MSC fate determination and explore its application value in tissue engineering.

Methods

The expression pattern of lncRNAs during MSC osteogenesis/adipogenesis was detected by microarray and qRT‐PCR. Lentivirus and siRNAs were constructed to regulate the expression of lncRNA repressor of adipogenesis (ROA). MSC osteogenesis/adipogenesis was evaluated by western blot and alizarin red/oil red staining. An adipokine array was used to select the paracrine/autocrine factor PTX3, followed by RNA interference or recombinant human protein stimulation to confirm its function. The activation of signaling pathways was also detected by western blot, and a small molecule inhibitor, SCH772984, was used to inhibit the activation of the ERK pathway. The interaction between ROA and hnRNP A1 was detected by RNA pull‐down and RIP assays. Luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were used to confirm the binding of hnRNP A1 to the PTX3 promotor. Additionally, an in vivo adipogenesis experiment was conducted to evaluate the regulatory value of ROA in tissue engineering.

Results

In this study, we demonstrated that MSC adipogenesis is regulated by lncRNA ROA both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, ROA inhibits MSC adipogenesis by downregulating the expression of the key autocrine/paracrine factor PTX3 and the downstream ERK pathway. This downregulation was achieved through transcription inhibition by impeding hnRNP A1 from binding to the promoter of PTX3.

Conclusions

ROA negatively regulates MSC adipogenesis through the hnRNP A1‐PTX3‐ERK axis. ROA may be an effective target for modulating MSCs in tissue engineering.
The effect of serial administration of bicarbonate on plasma total CO2concentrations in horses
Authors: Bailey Simon R. , Forbes Grace , Selvadurai Naomi , McLarney Katelin , Jones Susan , Steel Catherine M.
Published: November 2020

The administration of alkalinising agents including bicarbonate is of concern to racing authorities because resultant alkalosis may enhance performance and interfere with the detection of drugs in post‐race urine. A threshold for total carbon dioxide (TCO2) of 36.0 mmol/L in plasma (with action limit of 37.0 mmol/L) has been set. Serial dosing of sodium bicarbonate has gained popularity in human athletes but has not been studied in horses previously. Sodium bicarbonate (200 g per horse) and 60 g of an electrolyte‐vitamin complex was administered in 2‐L water via nasogastric intubation to five Standardbred horses for three consecutive days (total dose bicarbonate 0.42 ± 0.02 g/kg). Serial blood samples were taken over Days 1–5, with the final day (5) intended to simulate a ‘clear day’, and TCO2was analysed. Following the first bicarbonate administration, plasma TCO2peaked at 6 h (34.8 ± 1.3 mmol/L), returning to baseline by 23 h. On Day 2, four out of the five horses showed a peak greater than 36.0 mmol/L (mean 37.0 ± 2.1 mmol/L). With daily repeated dosing, plasma TCO2peaked progressively earlier, and by Day 3, the peak occurred at 2 h and concentrations declined more rapidly. On Days 4 and 5, TCO2levels remained low (<32.1 mmol/L on Day 4 and between 27.0–31.2 mmol/L on Day 5). These studies demonstrate that serial dosing of a ‘split dose’ of sodium bicarbonate on three consecutive days does not result in the accumulation or carry‐over of plasma TCO2levels beyond the levels observed following a single dose.
Shape matters: The application of activity‐based in vitro bioassays and chiral profiling to the pharmacological evaluation of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists in drug‐infused papers seized in prisons
Authors: Antonides Lysbeth H. , Cannaert Annelies , Norman Caitlyn , NicDáeid Niamh , Sutcliffe Oliver B. , Stove Christophe P. , McKenzie Craig
Published: November 2020

Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) elicit many of their psychoactive effects via type‐1 human cannabinoid (CB1) receptors. Enantiomer pairs of eight tert‐leucinate or valinate indole‐ and indazole‐3‐carboxamide SCRAs were synthesized and their CB1 potency and efficacy assessed using an in vitro β‐arrestin recruitment assay in a HEK239T stable cell system. A chiral high‐performance liquid chromatography method with photodiode array and/or quadrupole time‐of‐flight‐mass spectrometry detection (HPLC‐PDA and HPLC‐PDA‐QToF‐MS) was applied to 177 SCRA‐infused paper samples seized in Scottish prisons between 2018 and 2020. In most samples, SCRAs were almost enantiopure (S)‐enantiomer (>98% of total chromatographic peak area), although in some (n = 18), 2% to 16% of the (R)‐enantiomer was detected. (S)‐enantiomers are consistently more potent than (R)‐enantiomers and often more efficacious. The importance of SCRA‐CB1 receptor interactions in the “head” or “linked group” moiety is demonstrated, with the conformation of the “bulky” tert‐leucinate group greatly affecting potency (by up to a factor of 374), significantly greater than the difference observed between valinate SCRA enantiomers. (S)‐MDMB‐4en‐PINACA, (S)‐4F‐MDMB‐BINACA, and (S)‐5F‐MDMB‐PICA are currently the most prevalent SCRAs in Scottish prisons, and all have similar high potency (EC50, 1–5 nM) and efficacy. Infused paper samples were compared using estimated intrinsic efficacy at the CB1 receptor (EIECB1) to evaluate samples with variable SCRA content. Given their similar potency and efficacy, any variation in CB1 receptor‐mediated psychoactive effects are likely to derive from variation in dose, mode of use, pharmacokinetic differences, and individual factors affecting the user, rather than differences in the specific SCRA present.
Elimination profiles of prednisone and prednisolone after different administration routes: Evaluation of the reporting level and washout periods to ensure safe therapeutic administrations
Authors: Coll Sergi , Monfort Núria , Alechaga Élida , Matabosch Xavier , Pozo Oscar J. , Pérez‐Mañá Clara , Ventura Rosa
Published: November 2020

Prednisolone (PRED) and prednisone (PSONE) are prohibited in sports competitions when administered by systemic routes, and they are allowed by other routes for therapeutic purposes. There is no restriction of use in out‐of‐competition periods. The present study aimed to evaluate the urinary excretion of PRED, PSONE, and their most important metabolites after systemic and nonsystemic treatments in order to verify the suitability of the current reporting level of 30 ng/ml used to distinguish allowed and prohibited administrations and to establish washout periods for oral treatments performed in out‐of‐competition periods. PRED was studied after dermatological administration (5 mg/day for 5 days, n = 6 males) and oral administration (5 mg, n = 6 males; 10 mg, n = 2 males). PSONE was studied after oral administration (10 mg, n = 2 males; 30 mg, n = 1 male and 1 female). Concentrations in urine were measured using an LC–MS/MS method. Concentrations after dermatological treatment were low for all metabolites. After oral administration, concentrations were very high during the first 24 h after administration ranging from 1.6 to 2261 ng/ml and from 4.6 to 908 ng/ml for PRED and PSONE, respectively. Concentrations of most of the metabolites measured were lower than 30 ng/ml from 24 h after all oral administrations. New reporting levels are proposed for PRED and PSONE considering data of our study and other information published after nonsystemic administrations of the compounds. Washout periods of at least 24 h are recommended to ensure no false positives when oral treatments need to be performed in out‐of‐competition periods.
Impella 5.0 supported oncological surgery as bridge to LVAD
Authors: Montisci Andrea , Micheletto Giancarlo , Sibilio Serena , Donatelli Francesco , Tespili Maurizio , Banfi Carlo , Casilli Francesco , Cosseta Daniele , Miceli Antonio , Cirri Silvia , Pappalardo Federico
Published: November 2020

We describe the case of a 58‐year‐old man presenting with myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock, treated with Impella CP which was escalated to an axillary 5.0 due to lack of cardiac recovery. Weaning from Impella 5.0 failed, and the patient was evaluated for heart transplantation (HTx) or left ventricular assist device (LVAD). HTx was excluded because of a rectal adenocarcinoma. The patient underwent colorectal surgery while on Impella. Perioperative course was uneventful. After 61 days of Impella, when the LVAD implantation was scheduled, the patient died due to K. pneumoniae infection.
A novel design method of organic Rankine cycle system harvesting waste heat of heavy‐duty trucks based on off‐design performance
Authors: Shi Xiaolei , Wang Xuan , Cai Jinwen , Gao Yan , Tian Hua , Shu Gequn
Published: November 2020

The organic Rankine cycle (ORC) system can effectively recover waste heat from engines of heavy‐duty trucks, and is a promising method to improve the efficiency of on‐board engines. However, engine operating conditions fluctuate greatly while driving, the waste heat recovery system must often work under off‐design conditions, which significantly affects system performance. Further, different component structures can also affect the off‐design performance of the system. Thus, a novel design method of preheating organic Rankine cycle (P‐ORC) system harvesting waste heat of heavy‐duty trucks based on off‐design performance is proposed in this study. The design method includes selection of the optimal types of components and design point to optimize the comprehensive performance of the waste heat recovery system in all road conditions. In this study, different heat exchanger combinations are applied to the P‐ORC system to obtain six different design systems. According to the principle of uniform coverage, the scatter diagram of exhaust temperature and mass flow rate of the engine under real road conditions are discretized into 19 alternative design points. Each system is designed with 19 discretized design points, and a total of 114 design systems are obtained. The optimal heat exchanger combination and design point are selected based on the off‐design performance. It is concluded that a P‐ORC system using a combination of plate preheater, finned tube air cooler, and shell‐tube evaporator is the optimal system. The optimal design point number is 10, and the corresponding engine speed atis 1471 rpm, the engine torque is 474 Nm, the occurrence probability is 14.48%, the exhaust temperature is 350°C, the exhaust mass flow rate is 0.11 kg/s, and the maximum combined net power output is 4.26 kW. The results reveal that the optimal design point of the system can be selected at the design point with medium engine load and high occurrence probability. It guides the system design toward a more practical direction, so as to obtain an optimal system that could operate efficiently and recover more waste heat under the full working conditions of the engines. This novel design method can be extended for other cycle configurations.
Information gap decision theory‐based electricity purchasing optimization strategy for load aggregator considering demand response
Authors: Sun Bo , Wu Xudong , Xie Jingdong , Sun Xin
Published: November 2020

The gradual improvement of the electricity market and the rapid development of demand response (DR) technology not only make the load aggregator (LA) integrate the demand side resources (DSR) to participate in the market becoming true, but also bring new problems and challenges to LA for formulating electricity purchasing optimization strategy. With the goal of minimizing the operating cost of LA participating in electricity market to purchase electricity and providing auxiliary services in response to the peak‐shaving demand planning, a deterministic day‐ahead electricity purchasing decision‐making model is established. Considering the uncertainty of wind power output and real‐time price and the different attitude of LA toward risk caused by uncertainty, we adopt stochastic scenario planning method to deal with the uncertainty of wind power output. And the information gap decision theory (IGDT) is introduced to transform the deterministic model into a day‐ahead electricity purchasing decision‐making model of LA under two different risk attitudes: risk‐averse and risk‐seeking. In order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach, a case study has been investigated and the day‐ahead electricity purchased optimization strategy for LA under different risk attitudes has been obtained. Moreover, the results confirm that participating in DR and improving the reliability of LA response can effectively reduce the operating cost of LA and improve the system stability.
A continuous finite element framework for the pressure Poisson equation allowing non‐Newtonian and compressible flow behavior
Authors: Pacheco Douglas R. Q. , Steinbach Olaf
Published: November 2020

Computing pressure fields from given flow velocities is a task frequently arising in engineering, biomedical, and scientific computing applications. The so‐called pressure Poisson equation (PPE) derived from the balance of linear momentum provides an attractive framework for such a task. However, the PPE increases the regularity requirements on the pressure and velocity spaces, thereby imposing theoretical and practical challenges for its application. In order to stay within a Lagrangian finite element framework, it is common practice to completely neglect the influence of viscosity and compressibility when computing the pressure, which limits the practical applicability of the pressure Poisson method. In this context, we present a mixed finite element framework which enables the use of this popular technique with generalized Newtonian fluids and compressible flows, while allowing standard finite element spaces to be employed for the unknowns and the given data. This is attained through the use of appropriate vector calculus identities and simple projections of certain flow quantities. In the compressible case, the mixed formulation also includes an additional equation for retrieving the density field from the given velocities so that the pressure can be accurately determined. The potential of this new approach is showcased through numerical examples.
An improved r‐factor algorithm for total variational diminishing (TVD) schemes on two‐dimension non‐uniform unstructured grids
Authors: Li Jie , Zhang Quan , Zhai Zhi‐Qiang( John) , Sun Xiaoqin , Liao Shuguang
Published: November 2020

For advection simulation, an improved r‐factor algorithm for total variational diminishing (TVD) schemes is proposed to extend the TVD schemes to non‐uniform unstructured grids. In the new algorithm, the further upwind node (called node U) location is modified based on the size differences of the related grids, that is, the formula of the relationship between two length ratios, LUC/LCD = LCf/LfD, should be maintained to reveal the meaning of r‐factor correctly on non‐uniform unstructured grids. After that, the inverse‐distance weighting average method rather than the Gauss theory method is adopted to estimate the value of node U. Furthermore, the deviations between the value of cell centroids and of their corresponding auxiliary points are exploited to complete the algorithm. The new algorithm is utilized in two pure convection cases, including a double‐step profile and a sinusoidal profile. The algorithm was compared against the Hou's r‐factor algorithm by using Superbee and Van Leer limiters on two‐dimension non‐uniform unstructured grids. The results indicate that a monotonous behavior and a higher accuracy result can be obtained by using the new algorithm.
Curcumin inhibits the proteolytic process of SREBP‐2 by first inhibiting the expression of S1P rather than directly inhibiting SREBP‐2 expression
Authors: Li Yongnan , Wu Shuodong
Published: November 2020

Many studies have demonstrated that curcumin can downregulate mRNA levels of sterol regulatory element‐binding proteins (SREBP‐2); however, our study did not find similar results. This study was designed to demonstrate that curcumin inhibits the proteolytic process of SREBP‐2 by first inhibiting the expression of membrane‐bound transcription factor site‐1 protease (S1P) rather than directly inhibiting SREBP‐2 expression. After curcumin treatment, Caco‐2 cells were collected to observe the dose‐ and time‐dependent dynamics of precursor and mature SREBP‐2, transcription factor‐specific protein 1 (SP‐1), and SREBP cleavage‐activating protein (SCAP). After curcumin treatment, SREBP‐2 distribution was detected in the cells and S1P protein expression was examined. Curcumin could downregulate mRNA levels of SREBP2, SP‐1 and SCAP, but it did not simultaneously downregulate the expression of precursor SREBP‐2 (pSREBP‐2) and SCAP. Curcumin can inhibit the proteolytic process of SREBP‐2, reduce the production of mature SREBP‐2 (mSREBP‐2), and change the cellular distribution of SREBP‐2. The inhibitory effect of curcumin on SP‐1 protein expression is short‐acting. Curcumin could downregulate the mRNA and protein expression of S1P, but has no obvious inhibitory effect on the mRNA and protein expression of S2P (site‐2 protease). Curcumin can inhibit the SREBP‐2 proteolytic process to reduce mSREBP‐2 which functions as a transcription factor, affecting the regulation of cholesterol metabolism‐related genes. Curcumin does not directly inhibit the expression of mSREBP‐2 protein, and it has no such inhibitory effect for at least a short period of time, although curcumin does reduce the amount of mSREBP‐2 protein. S1P is a key protease in the hydrolysis of pSREBP‐2 into mSREBP‐2. Therefore, curcumin may decrease the amount of mSREBP‐2 by directly inhibiting the expression of S1P mRNA and protein.
Kinetics of α‑dicarbonyl compounds formation in glucose‐glutamic acid model of Maillard reaction
Authors: Zhang Lili , Sun Ying , Pu Dandan , Zhang Yuyu , Sun Baoguo , Zhao Zhiyao
Published: November 2020

As a potential health hazard, α‐dicarbonyl compounds have been detected in the thermally processed foods. In order to investigate the formation kinetics of α‐dicarbonyl compounds, liquid chromatography‐electrospray tandem mass spectrometry was employed to determine the content of α‐dicarbonyl compounds in glucose‐only and glucose‐glutamic acid (glucose‐Glu) thermal reaction models. The 3‐deoxyglucosone content was significantly higher than 6 α‐dicarbonyl compounds at 90–110℃, 0–6 hr in the two tested systems. The glutamic acid promoted the content accumulation of 1‐deoxyglucosone, diacetyl, methylglyoxal, and glyoxal, whereas inhibited the content of 3‐deoxyglucosone and 3,4‐dideoxyglucosone. Three‐fifths of the tested compounds content increased linearly with time increasing, but in glucose‐only system, the 1‐deoxyglucosone content increased logarithmically at 95–110℃ over reaction time. The formation of glucose (100–110℃, glucose‐only and glucose‐Glu), 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (100–110℃, glucose‐only), 1‐deoxyglucose (105–110℃, glucose‐Glu), 3,4‐dideoxyglucosone (110℃, glucose‐Glu), glyoxal (95–110℃, glucose‐Glu) and diacetyl (90–95℃, glucose‐Glu) could be well fitted by exponential equation. Shortening the heating time and reducing heating temperature (except glyoxal in glucose‐only system) were the effective methods to decrease α‐dicarbonyl compounds content in the two tested systems. Additionally, high temperature could also reduce α‐dicarbonyl compounds content, such as 3‐deoxyglucosone (≥110℃, glucose‐only), 1‐deoxyglucosone (≥110℃, glucose‐only), glucosone (≥110℃, glucose‐only; ≥100℃, glucose‐Glu), methyloxyl (≥110℃, glucose‐only; ≥100℃, glucose‐Glu), diacetyl (≥110℃, glucose‐only), and glyoxal (≥100℃, glucose‐Glu).
Novel score test to increase power in association test by integrating external controls
Authors: Li Yatong , Lee Seunggeun
Published: November 2020

Recent advances in genotyping and sequencing technologies have enabled genetic association studies to leverage high‐quality genotyped data to identify variants accounting for a substantial portion of disease risk. The usage of external controls, whose genomes have already been genotyped and are publicly available, could be a cost‐effective approach to increase the power of association testing. There has been recent effort to integrate external controls while adjusting for possible batch effects, such as the integrating External Controls into Association Test (iECAT). The original iECAT test, however, cannot adjust for covariates such as age, gender, and so forth. Hence, based on the insight of iECAT, we propose a novel score‐based test that allows for covariate adjustment and constructs a shrinkage score statistic that is a weighted sum of the score statistics using exclusively internal samples and uses both internal and external control samples. We assess the existence of batch effect at a variant by comparing control samples of internal and external sources. We show by simulation studies that our method has increased power over the original iECAT while controlling for type I error rates. We present the application of our method to the association studies of age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) utilizing data from the International AMD Genomics Consortium and Michigan Genomics Initiative. Through the incorporation of the score test approach, we extend the use of iECAT to adjust for covariates and improve power, further honing the statistical methods needed to identify disease‐causing variants within the human genome.
The associations between insecure attachment, rooming‐in, and postpartum depression: A 2 months’ longitudinal study
Authors: Molmen Lichter Maayan , Peled Yoav , levy Sigal , Wiznitzer Arnon , Krissi Haim , Handelzalts Jonathan E.
Published: November 2020

Postpartum depression (PPD) is the most common complication of childbearing, and recent studies have attempted to examine risk factors associated with it. The main study hypothesis was that a protective situational factor at a sensitive time period (full rooming‐in postpartum) would moderate the associations between insecure attachment dimensions and PPD. Three hundred twelve women, in either full or partial rooming‐in, participated in a longitudinal study at the maternity ward of a tertiary healthcare center. A Demographic questionnaire and the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale were administered at 1–4 days postpartum, and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression scale at 2 months postpartum. PPD was significantly associated with both anxious and avoidant attachment dimensions, but not with rooming‐in conditions. In addition, women in partial rooming‐in showed a positive correlation between insecure attachment dimensions and PPD, whereas no such correlation was found for full rooming‐in women. A situational factor such as full rooming‐in, which occurs at a critical time point for the mother–infant relationship, can moderate the association between maternal avoidant or anxious attachment dimensions and the mother's PPD levels. Postpartum practices, such as rooming‐in, can be personalized and thus beneficial in moderating personal risk factors for PPD.
Model optimization and parameter sensitivity analysis of a parabolic composite section open channel*
Authors: Li Gang , He Wuquan , Wang Yubao , Lan Liwei , Fan Aiping
Published: November 2020

In channel optimization, the objective function and the oft‐used trapezoidal cross‐section channel in excavation models are not comprehensive. The parabolic composite section channel is a new type of channel with a parabolic slope and a horizontal bottom. To improve channel optimization, we propose models of a parabolic composite section channel constructed with excavation, filling, and half‐filling. We establish three parabolic composite cross‐section channel models that consider freeboard, and we establish three construction methods. The objective is to minimize the combined cost of excavation, filling, and concrete lining, and the objective function covers all construction methods and construction costs. To avoid missing the feasible optimal solution, the shuffled frog‐leaping algorithm (SFLA) is used to optimize the three channel models. An objective function within the acceptable range of parameter variation is represented by a MATLAB 3D rainbow graph, and sensitivity analyses of various section parameters are carried out. The results show that the model constructed with excavation has the lowest investment cost. The bottom width of the parabolic composite channel is 1.74 m, the channel top width is 5.69 m, the channel depth is 3.22 m, the channel excavation section area is 14.1 m2, the channel section lining length is 9.62 m, and the minimum cost per kilometre is 591,000 yuan. SFLA is superior to the differential evolution, artificial bee colony, and particle swarm optimization algorithms in terms of convergence speed and optimization accuracy, and the objective function is the least sensitive to the opening width of the parabola.
The association between circulating MicroRNA‐150 level and cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Salem Perihan El Sayed , Ghazala Rasha Abdelmawla , El Gendi Ahmed Mohamed , Emara Doaa Mokhtar , Ahmed Nesma Mahmoud
Published: November 2020

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a rare tumor which requires a multimodality approach for its diagnosis. Carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 (CA19‐9) is currently the most commonly used tumor marker for CCA; nevertheless, it has certain limitations which need to be considered when using it as a tumor marker. MiRNA‐150 altered expression has been linked to the development and tumorigenesis of several cancers including CCA. This work aimed to study the serum level of CA19‐9 and miRNA‐150 expression in CCA patients and, also, to correlate their levels with tumor staging and different studied clinical and laboratory parameters. This work included 35 patients with CCA who were admitted to Hepatobiliary Unit, Alexandria Main University Hospital (Group I). Also, 35 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy subjects were included as a control group (Group II). All included subjects were submitted to measurement of serum CA19‐9 and MiRNA‐150 expression levels. Serum CA19‐9 levels showed an evident high median among CCA patients, while serum miRNA‐150 expression levels were evidently low among those patients. Moreover, combining miRNA‐150 with CA19‐9 made the accuracy of diagnosis of CCA much more reliable. Thus, miRNA‐150 can be considered as a non‐invasive, sensitive serum biomarker for the diagnosis of CCA especially when combined with CA 19‐9.
On extremal nonsolid bricks
Authors: Feng Xing , Lu Fuliang
Published: November 2020

A 3‐connected graph is a brick if, after the removal of any two distinct vertices, the resulting graph has a perfect matching. Lovász proved that the dimension of the matching lattice of a brick is equal to . We say a brick is extremal if the number of perfect matchings in is exactly . de Carvalho et al. characterized extremal bricks and conjectured that every extremal nonsolid brick other than the Petersen graph is the result of the splicing of an extremal brick and a , up to multiple edges. In this paper, we present an infinite family of graphs showing that this conjecture fails.
Reduced alpha diversity of the oral microbiome correlates with short progression‐free survival in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma treated with ixazomib‐based therapy (AGMT MM 1, phase II trial)
Authors: Ludwig Heinz , Hausmann Bela , Schreder Martin , Pönisch Wolfram , Zojer Niklas , Knop Stefan , Gunsilius Eberhard , Egle Alexander , Petzer Andreas , Einsele Hermann , Hajek Roman , Weisel Katja , Krenosz Karl Jochen , Lang Alois , Lechner Daniel , Greil Richard , Berry David
Published: November 2020

Alterations in the human microbiome have been linked to several malignant diseases. Here, we investigated the oral microbiome of 79 patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM) treated with ixazomib‐thalidomide‐dexamethasone. Increased alpha diversity (Shannon index) at the phylum level was associated with longer progression‐free survival (PFS) (10.2 vs 8.5 months, P = .04), particularly in patients with very long (>75% quartile) PFS . Additionally, alpha diversity was lower in patients with progressive disease (P < .05). These findings suggest an interrelationship between the oral microbiome and outcome in patients with MM and encourage a novel direction for diagnostic and/or therapeutic strategies.
Sexual behaviour change following HIV testing services: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tiwari Ruchi , Wang Jiayu , Han Hannah , Kalu Ngozi , Sims Lee B , Katz David A , Burke Barbara , Tsegaye Adino T , Carter Kayla A , Freije Sophie , Guo Boya , Albirair Mohamed , Barr‐DiChiara Magdalena , Baggaley Rachel , Jamil Muhammad S , Senya Kafui , Johnson Cheryl , Khosropour Christine M
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Learning one’s HIV status through HIV testing services (HTS) is an essential step toward accessing treatment and linking to preventive services for those at high HIV risk. HTS may impact subsequent sexual behaviour, but the degree to which this varies by population or is true in the setting of contemporary HIV prevention activities is largely unknown. As part of the 2019 World Health Organization Consolidated Guidelines on HTS, we undertook a systematic review and meta‐analysis to determine the effect of HTS on sexual behaviour.

Methods

We searched nine electronic databases for studies published between July 2010 and December 2019. We included studies that reported on at least one outcome (condom use [defined as the frequency of condom use or condom‐protected sex], number of sex partners, HIV incidence, STI incidence/prevalence). We included studies that prospectively assessed outcomes and that fit into one of three categories: (1) those evaluating more versus less‐intensive HTS, (2) those of populations receiving HTS versus not and (3) those evaluating outcomes after versus before HTS. We conducted meta‐analyses using random‐effects models.

Results and discussion

Of 29 980 studies screened, 76 studies were included. Thirty‐eight studies were randomized controlled trials, 36 were cohort studies, one was quasi‐experimental and one was a serial cross‐sectional study. There was no significant difference in condom use among individuals receiving more‐intensive HTS compared to less‐intensive HTS (relative risk [RR]=1.03; 95% CI: 0.99 to 1.07). Condom use was significantly higher after receiving HTS compared to before HTS for individuals newly diagnosed with HIV (RR = 1.65; 95% CI: 1.36 to 1.99) and marginally significantly higher for individuals receiving an HIV‐negative diagnosis (RR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.01 to 2.62). Individuals receiving more‐intensive HTS reported fewer sex partners at follow‐up than those receiving less‐intensive HTS, but the finding was not statistically significant (mean difference = −0.28; 95% CI: −3.66, 3.10).

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the importance of using limited resources towards HTS strategies that focus on early HIV diagnosis, treatment and prevention services rather than resources dedicated to supplementing or enhancing HTS with additional counselling or other interventions.
Development of a Predictive Monte Carlo Radiative Transfer Model for Ablative Fractional Skin Lasers
Authors: McMillan Lewis , O'Mahoney Paul , Feng Kairui , Zheng Kanheng , Barnard Isla R.M. , Li Chunhui , Ibbotson Sally , Eadie Ewan , Brown C. Tom. A. , Wood Kenneth
Published: November 2020

It is possible to enhance topical drug delivery by pretreatment of the skin with ablative fractional lasers (AFLs). However, the parameters to use for a given AFL to achieve the desired depth of ablation or the desired therapeutic or cosmetic outcome are hard to predict. This leaves open the real possibility of overapplication or underapplication of laser energy to the skin. In this study, we developed a numerical model consisting of a Monte Carlo radiative transfer (MCRT) code coupled to a heat transfer and tissue damage algorithm. The simulation is designed to predict the depth effects of AFL on the skin, verified with in vitro experiments in porcine skin via optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging. Ex vivo porcine skin is irradiated with increasing energies (50–400 mJ/pixel) from a CO2 AFL. The depth of microscopic treatment zones is measured and compared with our numerical model. The data from the OCT images and MCRT model complement each other well. Nonablative thermal effects on surrounding tissue are also discussed. This model, therefore, provides an initial step toward a predictive determination of the effects of AFL on the skin. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals LLC
Adverse Events of Intense Pulsed Light Combined With Meibomian Gland Expression Versus Meibomian Gland Expression in the Treatment of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
Authors: Qiao Chen , Li Liping , Wang Haoyu , Zhao Cong , Ke Lan , Sen Dan , Qi Mengying , Li Shaowei , Wang Mingwu , Zeng Qingyan
Published: November 2020

Background and Objective

To analyze the occurrence and causes of adverse events (AEs) in intense pulsed light (IPL) combined with meibomian gland expression (MGX) and MGX treatment alone for meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

Study Design/Materials and Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on MGD patients treated in Wuhan Aier Hankou Eye Hospital from February 2018 to October 2019 to compare the AEs between IPL‐MGX and MGX groups. Relevant AEs that occurred during the treatment and within 1 month after the patients' last treatment were recorded and the causes of the AEs were analyzed.

Results

A total of 2,282 patients received IPL‐MGX and 1,407 received MGX treatment. No serious AEs occurred in both groups. There were 74 AEs in the IPL‐MGX group, with an incidence of 3.24%, including 14 significant AEs (2 cases of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, 1 recurrent herpes simplex keratitis (HSK), 9 new onsets of floaters, 1 recurrent glaucomatocyclitic crises, and 1 recurrent iridocyclitis). There were 27 AEs in the MGX group with a rate of 1.92%, including 4 significant AEs (2 cases of keratoconjunctivitis epidemic, 2 new cases of floaters). Compared with the IPL‐MGX group, the incidence of AEs in the MGX group was lower (P = 0.017).

Conclusions

Both IPL‐MGX and MGX treatment are safe therapies with low risk for AEs. IPL treatment is not recommended for young children (age 10 or less) as well as patients with anterior uveitis or glaucomatocyclitic crises. The previous history of HSK and eyes with high myopia are advised to exercise caution in IPL treatment. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Demineralization Inhibition by High‐Speed Scanning of 9.3 µm CO2 Single Laser Pulses Over Enamel
Authors: Badreddine Ali H. , Couitt Stephen , Donovan Julia , Cantor‐Balan Roni , Kerbage Charles , Rechmann Peter
Published: November 2020

Background and Objective

In vitro studies were conducted to evaluate the use of an automated system for high‐speed scanning of single 9.3 µm CO2 laser pulses in the inhibition of caries‐like lesion formation in the enamel of extracted human molars. The effect of the laser in generating an acid‐resistant layer and the effect of the layer on inhibiting surface mineral loss during pH cycling was explored.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Laser irradiation was performed with fluences of 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 J/cm2 for single pulses of 1 mm diameter (1/e2), with pulse durations of 17, 22, and 27 microseconds, respectively. The laser was scanned at a 750 Hz pulse repetition rate in an automated pattern covering an area of 7 mm2 in 0.3 sec. Six treatment groups were investigated: three groups for each fluence for laser‐only and three for laser irradiation with additional fluoride from a toothpaste slurry (sodium fluoride at 1100 ppm). Each group used non‐irradiated areas, which included untreated controls for the laser‐only groups and a fluoride‐only treatment for the groups with additional fluoride. pH cycling was performed on both groups, followed by microhardness testing to determine the relative mineral loss (∆Z) from a caries‐like formation and surface mineral loss (∆S).

Results

Laser irradiation with the 9.3 µm CO2 laser generated an acid‐resistant layer of about 15 µm in depth. For the laser‐irradiated samples with additional fluoride application, the relative mineral loss (∆Z) was 113 ± 63 vol%‐µm, while for those with only fluoride application ∆Z was 572 ± 172 vol%‐µm. At the highest fluence (1.0 J/cm2) used, an 80.2% inhibition of caries‐like lesion was measured by ∆Z. Using only laser irradiation at the highest fluence resulted in an inhibition of caries‐like lesion of 79.5% for the irradiated samples (∆Z = 374 ± 149 vol%‐µm) relative to the control (∆Z = 1826 ± 325 vol%‐µm).

Surface microhardness tests resulted in an inhibition of surface softening, as measured by the Knoop Hardness Value (KHN) (108 ± 33 KHN for laser irradiated with additional fluoride, for non‐irradiated controls with fluoride only 52 ± 16 KHN). Inhibition of surface loss was observed for all laser fluences, but the maximum surface loss for the untreated control group was only 2.2 ± 0.49 µm.

Conclusions

The results demonstrate a significant benefit of the 9.3 µm CO2 laser at fluences of 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 J/cm2 in caries‐like lesion inhibition as measured by the relative mineral loss in depth and surface mineral loss, without significant damage to the enamel. Additionally, inhibition of surface softening and surface loss during pH cycling was observed. The surface loss was small compared with the overall lesion depth and thickness of the generated acid‐resistant layer. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC