bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Palladium(II)‐Catalyzed N‐Carbonylative Cross‐Coupling Reaction of Sulfoximines with Aryl, Heteroaryl, and Alkenyl Halides Using Tungsten Hexacarbonyl as Carbon Monoxide Source
Authors: Han Sang Hoon , Lee Kyungsup , Noh Hee Chan , Lee Phil Ho
Published: July 2021

Palladium(II)‐catalyzed N‐acylation was demonstrated through the reaction of N−H sulfoximines with a variety of aryl, heteroaryl, and aryl halides using W(CO)6 as a source of carbon monoxide, affording N‐acylated sulfoximines in good to excellent yields. Moreover, alkenyl bromides underwent palladium(II)‐catalyzed N‐acylation reactions with N−H sulfoximines, leading to the formation of N‐cinnamoyl sulfoximines. This method has the advantages of a broad substrate scope, high functional group tolerance, simple operation, and chemoselectivity between chloride and bromide.
Vaginal estrogen and association with dementia: A nationwide population‐based study
Authors: Pourhadi Nelsan , Mørch Lina S. , Holm Ellen A. , Torp‐Pedersen Christian T. , Meaidi Amani
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Use of systemic hormone therapy has been positively associated with development of dementia. Little is known about the dose‐dependent effect of vaginal estradiol on dementia risk.

Methods

We assessed associations between cumulative dose of vaginal estradiol tablets and dementia in a case‐control study nested in a nationwide Danish cohort of women aged 50 to 60 years at study initiation, who did not use systemic hormone therapy. Each case was age‐matched to 10 female controls.

Results

A total of 4574 dementia cases were matched to 45,740 controls. Cumulative use of vaginal estradiol tablets was not associated with all‐cause dementia; adjusted hazard ratio 1.02 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.89–1.18) for low dose (< 750 mcg), 1.07 (0.94–1.21) for medium dose (750–2000 mcg), and 0.93 (0.84–1.03) for high dose (> 2000 mcg). Similarly, Alzheimer's disease (AD) only was not associated with vaginal estradiol.

Discussion

Exposure to vaginal estradiol tablets was not associated with all‐cause dementia or AD only.
MnO2 Electrocatalysts Coordinating Alcohol Oxidation for Ultra‐Durable Hydrogen and Chemical Productions in Acidic Solutions
Authors: Li Yan , Wei Xinfa , Han Shuhe , Chen Lisong , Shi Jianlin
Published: July 2021

Electrocatalytic hydrogen production under acidic conditions is of great importance for industrialization in comparison to that in alkaline media, which, unfortunately, still remains challenging due to the lack of earth‐abundant, cost‐effective and highly active anodic electrocatalysts that can be used durably under strongly acidic conditions. Here we report an unexpected finding that manganese oxide, a kind of common non‐noble catalysts easily soluble in acidic solutions, can be applied as a highly efficient and extremely durable anodic electrocatalyst for hydrogen production from an acidic aqueous solution of alcohols. Particularly in a glycerol solution, a potential of as low as 1.36 V (vs. RHE) is needed at 10 mA cm−2, which is 270 mV lower than that of oxygen evolution reaction (OER), to oxidize glycerol into value‐added chemicals such as formic acid, without oxygen production. To our surprise, the manganese oxide exhibits extremely high stability for electrocatalytic hydrogen production in coupling with glycerol oxidation for longer than 865 hours compared to shorter than 10 h for OER. Moreover, the effect of the addition of glycerol on the electrochemical durability has been probed via in situ Raman spectroscopic analysis and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. This work demonstrates that acid‐unstable metal oxide electrocatalysts can be used robustly in acidic media under the presence of certain substances for electrochemical purposes, such as hydrogen production.
Structure–properties‐performance relationships in complex epoxy nanocomposites: A complete picture applying chemorheological and thermo‐mechanical kinetic analyses
Authors: Jouyandeh Maryam , Moini Jazani Omid , Navarchian Amir H. , Vahabi Henri , Saeb Mohammad Reza
Published: July 2021

Herein the kinetics of network formation (cross‐linking) and network degradation (thermal decomposition) in a complex system based on epoxy resin reinforced with hyperbranched amino polymer‐functionalized nanoparticles (HAPF) were discussed. Five classes of nanoparticles, that is, nano‐SiO2, halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), HNTs@nano‐SiO2 core/shell, HAPF/nano‐SiO2, HAPF/HNTs@nano‐SiO2 core/shell were loaded at 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 (optimal loading among prepared samples), and 5 wt% were examined. Parameters of the cure kinetics and degradation were correlated, and the mechanical properties were interpreted in terms of microstructure and rheological analyses. The isothermal chemorheological cure kinetics study (60, 70, and 80°C) revealed a low activation energy for epoxy/HAPF/HNTs@nano‐SiO2 core/shell nanocomposite (72.21 kJ/mol), compared with the blank epoxy (79.99 kJ/mol). Correspondingly, gel time of the system decreased from 1040 to 515 to 237 s upon isotherms of 60, 70, and 80°C, respectively. Tensile strength was also increased vividly (ca. 32%), possibly due to the strong interfacial adhesion, which reflected in an induced shear yielding. Nitrogen‐mediated thermal decomposition kinetics suggested an average degradation activation energies of ca. 150 and 210 kJ/mol for the assigned nanocomposites and the blank epoxy, respectively. Overall, there was a complete agreement between the kinetics of network formation and network degradation in the studied epoxy nanocomposite. This work enables understanding of structure‐properties‐performance in complex epoxy nanocomposites.
Umbelliferone Decorated Water‐soluble Zinc(II) Phthalocyanines – In Vitro Phototoxic Antimicrobial Anti‐cancer Agents
Authors: Sowa Andrea , Höing Alexander , Dobrindt Ulrich , Knauer Shirley K. , Galstyan Anzhela , Voskuhl Jens
Published: July 2021

In this contribution we report on the synthesis, characterization and application of water‐soluble zinc(II) phthalocyanines, which are decorated with four or eight umbelliferone moieties for photodynamic therapy (PDT). These compounds are linked peripherally to zinc(II) phthalocyanine by a triethylene glycol linker attached to pyridines, leading to cationic pyridinium units, able to increase the water solubility of the system. Beside their photophysical properties they were analyzed concerning their cellular distribution in human hepatocyte carcinoma (HepG2) cells as well as their phototoxicity towards HepG2 cells, Gram‐positive (S. aureus strain 3150/12 and B. subtilis strain DB104) and Gram‐negative bacteria (E. coli strain UTI89 and E. coli strain Nissle 1917). At low light doses and concentrations, they exhibit superb antimicrobial activity against Gram‐positive bacteria as well as anti‐tumor activity against HepG2. They are even capable to inactivate Gram‐negative bacteria, whereas the dark toxicity remains low. These unique water‐soluble compounds can be regarded as all‐in‐one type photosensitizers with broad applications ranges in the future.
Lateral Metallation and Redistribution Reactions of Sodium Ferrates Containing Bulky 2,6‐Diisopropyl‐N‐(trimethylsilyl)anilide Ligands
Authors: Maddock Lewis C. H. , Morton Rebekka , Kennedy Alan R. , Hevia Eva
Published: July 2021

Alkali‐metal ferrates containing amide groups have emerged as regioselective bases capable of promoting Fe−H exchanges of aromatic substrates. Advancing this area of heterobimetallic chemistry, a new series of sodium ferrates is introduced incorporating the bulky arylsilyl amido ligand N(SiMe3)(Dipp) (Dipp=2,6‐iPr2‐C6H3). Influenced by the large steric demands imposed by this amide, transamination of [NaFe(HMDS)3] (HMDS=N(SiMe3)2) with an excess of HN(SiMe3)(Dipp) led to the isolation of heteroleptic [Na(HMDS)2Fe{N(SiMe3)Dipp}]∞ (1) resulting from the exchange of just one HMDS group. An alternative co‐complexation approach, combining the homometallic metal amides [NaN(SiMe3)Dipp] and [Fe{N(SiMe3)Dipp}2] induces lateral metallation of one Me arm from the SiMe3 group in the iron amide furnishing tetrameric [NaFe{N(SiCH2Me2)Dipp}{N(SiMe3)Dipp}]4 (2). Reactivity studies support that this deprotonation is driven by the steric incompatibility of the single metal amides rather than the basic capability of the sodium reagent. Displaying synergistic reactivity, heteroleptic sodium ferrate 1 can selectively promote ferration of pentafluorobenzene using one of its HMDS arms to give heterotrileptic [Na{N(SiMe3)Dipp}(HMDS)Fe(C6F5)]∞ (4). Attempts to deprotonate less activated pyridine led to the isolation of NaHMDS and heteroleptic Fe(II) amide [(py)Fe{N(SiMe3)Dipp}(HMDS)] (5), resulting from an alternative redistribution process which is favoured by the Lewis donor ability of this substrate.
Identification and Classification of Technical Lignins by means of Principle Component Analysis and k‐Nearest Neighbor Algorithm
Authors: Fink Friedrich , Emmerling Franziska , Falkenhagen Jana
Published: July 2021

The characterization of technical lignins is a key step for the efficient use and processing of this material into valuable chemicals and for quality control. In this study 31 lignin samples were prepared from different biomass sources (hardwood, softwood, straw, grass) and different pulping processes (sulfite, Kraft, organosolv). Each lignin was analyzed by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FT‐IR) spectroscopy. Statistical analysis of the ATR‐FT‐IR spectra by means of principal component analysis (PCA) showed significant differences between the lignins. Hence, the samples can be separated by PCA according to the original biomass. The differences observed in the ATR‐FT‐IR spectra result primarily from the relative ratios of the p‐hydroxyphenyl, guaiacyl and syringyl units. Only limited influence of the pulping process is reflected by the spectral data. The spectra do not differ between samples processed by Kraft or organosolv processes. Lignosulfonates are clearly distinguishable by ATR‐FT‐IR from the other samples. For the classification a model was created using the k‐nearest neighbor (k‐NN) algorithm. Different data pretreatment steps were compared for k=1 … 20. For validation purposes, a 5‐fold cross‐validation was chosen and the different quality criteria Accuracy (Acc), Error Rate (Err), Sensitivity (TPR) and specificity (TNR) were introduced. The optimized model for k=4 gives values for Acc=98.9 %, Err=1.1 %, TPR=99.2 % and TNR=99.6 %.
Cancer patterns in nasopharyngeal carcinoma multiplex families over 15 years
Authors: Yu Kelly J. , Hsu Wan‐Lun , Chiang Chun‐Ju , Chen Tseng‐Cheng , Liu Zhiwei , Lou Pei‐Jen , Diehl Scott , Goldstein Alisa M. , Chen Chien‐Jen , Wang Cheng‐Ping , Hildesheim Allan
Published: July 2021

Background

Genetic and environmental factors are important determinants of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). NPC is associated with Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) infection. Studies have reported familial aggregation of NPC, but evidence has been mixed for elevated rates of cancers other than NPC.

Methods

The authors reassessed their previous evaluation of familial aggregation of cancer in 348 high‐risk Taiwanese multiplex families with 2 or more NPC cases enrolled between 1980 and 2003. Participants were linked to the Taiwan National Cancer Registry and National Death Registry to identify cancers.

Results

In all, 2590 individuals contributed 37,959 person‐years over an average of 15 years of follow‐up; 314 incident cancers were identified. The authors computed multiple primary standardized incidence ratios (MP‐SIRs) to evaluate the overall risk and the risk of infection‐associated, EBV‐associated, and individual cancers. The overall MP‐SIR was 1.24 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10‐1.38). The exclusion of excess NPC risk led to an overall MP‐SIR of 1.11 (95% CI, 0.98‐1.25). Similarly, the risk of cancers associated with infectious agents was driven by the excess in NPC, and its exclusion led to an MP‐SIR of 1.22 (95% CI, 0.99‐1.48) for infection‐associated cancers and to an MP‐SIR of 1.18 (95% CI, 0.72‐1.82) for EBV‐associated cancers. The authors observed a significant excess of second cancers among NPC cases (oral cancer, mouth cancer, tongue cancer, gum cancer, nasal cavity cancer, bone cancer, and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma).

Conclusions

This reassessment of the largest NPC multiplex family study confirms the presence of NPC coaggregation within families in Taiwan but does not provide evidence for a broader familial syndrome involving NPC and other tumors. Among NPC cases, elevated rates of secondary cancers, mostly at the, head and neck and hematopoietic cancers suggest radiation treatment effects on subsequent cancer risk.
A cross‐sectional study of auditory verbal hallucinations experienced by people with a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder
Authors: Hayward Mark , Jones Anna‐Marie , Strawson Will H. , Quadt Lisa , Larsson Dennis E. O. , Silva Marta , Davies Geoff , Fielding‐Smith Sarah , Hazell Cassie M. , Critchley Hugo D. , Garfinkel Sarah N.
Published: July 2021

Background

The presence of auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs) does not currently feature in the main diagnostic criteria for borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, there is accumulating evidence that a high proportion of BPD patients report longstanding and frequent AVHs which constitute a significant risk factor for suicide plans and attempts, and hospitalization.

Aim

This study addressed questions about the validity and phenomenology of AVHs in the context of BPD. The longer‐term aim is to facilitate the development and translation of treatment approaches to address the unmet need of this population.

Method

This was a cross‐sectional study, combining phenomenological and psychological assessments administered in person and online. We explored the experiences of 48 patients with a diagnosis of BPD who were hearing AVHs.

Results

Participants gave ‘consistent’ reports on the measure of AVH phenomenology, suggesting that these experiences were legitimate. Similar to AVHs in a psychosis context, AVHs were experienced as distressing and appraised as persecutory. AVHs were found to be weakly associated with BPD symptoms. AVHs were also rated highly as a treatment priority by the majority of participants.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that AVH is a legitimate and distressing symptom of BPD and a treatment priority for some patients. The relative independence of AVHs from other BPD symptoms and emotional states suggests that psychological treatment may need to be targeted specifically at the symptom of AVHs. This treatment could be adapted from cognitive behaviour therapy, the psychological intervention that is recommended for the treatment of AVHs in the context of psychosis.
Development of a dementia prediction model for primary care: The Hisayama Study
Authors: Honda Takanori , Ohara Tomoyuki , Yoshida Daigo , Shibata Mao , Ishida Yuki , Furuta Yoshihiko , Oishi Emi , Hirakawa Yoichiro , Sakata Satoko , Hata Jun , Nakao Tomohiro , Ninomiya Toshiharu
Published: July 2021

Introduction

We aimed to develop a risk prediction model for incident dementia using predictors that are available in primary‐care settings.

Methods

A total of 795 subjects aged 65 years or over were prospectively followed‐up from 1988 to 2012. A Cox proportional‐hazards regression was used to develop a multivariable prediction model. The developed model was translated into a simplified scoring system based on the beta‐coefficient. The discrimination of the model was assessed by Harrell's C statistic, and the calibration was assessed by a calibration plot.

Results

During the follow‐up period, 364 subjects developed dementia. In the multivariable model, age, female sex, low education, leanness, hypertension, diabetes, history of stroke, current smoking, and sedentariness were selected as predictors. The developed model and simplified score showed good discrimination and calibration.

Discussion

The developed risk prediction model is feasible and practically useful in primary‐care settings to identify individuals at high risk for future dementia.
Associations between mealtime anxiety and food intake in anorexia nervosa
Authors: Lloyd E. Caitlin , Powell Chanel , Schebendach Janet , Walsh B. Timothy , Posner Jonathan , Steinglass Joanna E.
Published: July 2021

Objective

A salient disturbance in anorexia nervosa (AN) is the persistent restriction of food intake. Eating behavior in AN is thought to be influenced by anxiety. The current study probed associations between mealtime anxiety and food intake among individuals with AN and healthy comparison individuals (HC).

Method

Data were combined across three studies (total of 92 AN and 78 HC) for secondary data analysis. Participants completed a multiitem laboratory buffet meal and visual analogue scale assessments of pre‐meal and post‐meal anxiety. Linear regression models assessed the association between mealtime anxiety and calorie and fat intake at the meal, and whether associations differed by diagnostic group.

Results

Among individuals with AN, pre‐meal anxiety was significantly associated with reduced calorie intake and reduced consumption of calories from fat at the meal; these associations were not observed among HC. There was no evidence for an association between calorie/fat intake at the meal and post‐meal anxiety in either group.

Discussion

Treatments that target mealtime anxiety may improve eating and nourishment among individuals with AN. Interventions like exposure therapy that provide skills in overcoming mealtime anxiety might be enhanced by informing patients that post‐meal anxiety is not related to intake.
Association between intestinal oedema and oral loop diuretic resistance in hospitalized patients with acute heart failure
Authors: Ikeda Yuki , Ishii Shunsuke , Maemura Kenji , Oki Takumi , Yazaki Mayu , Fujita Teppei , Nabeta Takeru , Maekawa Emi , Koitabashi Toshimi , Ako Junya
Published: July 2021

Aims

Intestinal oedema is one of the manifestations associated with right‐sided heart failure (HF), which is known to be associated with poorer patient outcomes. We attempted to reveal the association between intestinal oedema and diuretic resistance in hospitalized patients with acute HF.

Methods and results

Among 213 hospitalized patients with acute HF, abdominal ultrasonography was performed under clinically stable conditions after initial HF treatments. The association among abdominal ultrasonographic parameters, maintenance doses of loop diuretics, and responsiveness to initial loop diuretic treatment was evaluated. Higher mean colon wall thickness (CWT) independently correlated with a higher dose of loop diuretics at enrolment (adjusted β = 0.198, P = 0.0004). Increased mean CWT also correlated with poor response to oral loop diuretics as an initial treatment, whereas it did not correlate with the response to intravenous loop diuretics. Discrimination of non‐responders to initial oral loop diuretics resulted in a sensitivity of 0.772 and a specificity of 0.733 using a mean CWT cut‐off value of ≥3 mm.

Conclusions

In hospitalized patients with acute HF, a strong correlation was identified among the severity of intestinal oedema, required quantities as maintenance loop diuretic doses, and poor responsiveness to oral loop diuretics at admission.
Heart rate modulates the relationship of augmented systolic blood pressure with the blood natriuretic peptide levels
Authors: Tomiyama Hirofumi , Nakano Hiroki , Takahashi Takamichi , Fujii Masatsune , Shiina Kazuki , Matsumoto Chisa , Chikamori Taishiro , Yamashina Akira
Published: July 2021

Aims

Augmented central systolic blood pressure (cSBP), which is known to affect the cardiac afterload, is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. While an inverse relationship is known to exist between the heart rate (HR) and the cSBP, it has not yet been clarified if the HR also modulates the association between the cSBP and the cardiac afterload. The present study was conducted to clarify whether the association of the cSBP with the serum levels of the N‐terminal fragment B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) differs between subjects with high and low HRs, using data obtained from the same subjects on two occasions (2009 and 2012) so as to confirm their consistency.

Methods and results

The radial augmentation index, systolic pressure at the second peak of the radial pressure waveform (SBP2), and serum NT‐proBNP levels were measured and analysed in a worksite cohort of 2000 middle‐aged men in 2009 and in 2012. The subjects were divided into three groups by the HR (i.e. ≤69, 70–79, and ≥80 b.p.m.). While the serum NT‐proBNP levels were similar among the three groups, the radial augmentation index increased (from 61 ± 12% to 72 ± 13%, P < 0.01 in 2009 and from 61 ± 13% to 73 ± 12%, P < 0.01 in 2012) and the SBP1‐2 decreased (from 18 ± 7 to 13 ± 7 mmHg, P < 0.01 in 2009 and from 19 ± 7 to 13 ± 6 mmHg, P < 0.01 in 2012) significantly with decreasing HR. After the adjustment, the SBP2 showed a significant association with the serum NT‐proBNP levels in the overall study population [non‐standardized coefficient (B) = 0.005, standard error (SE) = 0.001, P < 0.01 in 2009 (n = 2257) and B = 0.004, SE = 0.001, P < 0.01 in 2012 (n = 1986)]. In subgroup analyses, the SBP2 showed a significant association with the serum NT‐proBNP levels [B = 0.004, SE = 0.002, P = 0.02 in 2009 (n = 1291) and B = 0.005, SE = 0.001, P < 0.01 in 2012 (n = 1204)] only in the subject group with an HR of ≤69 b.p.m.

Conclusions

In middle‐aged Japanese men, the relationship between the cSBP and the cardiac afterload appears to differ depending on the HR; the results of our analysis showed that the relationship between the cSBP and the cardiac overload may be more pronounced and strongly significant in patients with low HRs as compared with patients with high HRs.
The eigenvalues of a partially embedded flexural, prismatic column
Authors: Makris Nicos , Kalfas Konstantinos N.
Published: July 2021

Motivated from a large number of transmission and distribution utility poles that experience excessive vibrations during wind storms, this paper presents the eigenvalue analysis of a partially embedded flexural, prismatic column with ' length, , and exposed length, , and accounts for the interaction with the soil of its embedded portion. The study shows that the dynamics of a partially embedded prismatic column depend solely on the embedment ratio, and a dimensionless stiffness that expresses the relative stiffness between the soil surrounding the embedded length (level of fixity) and the exposed portion of the flexural column. A partially embedded prismatic column exhibits a finite number of eigenmodes that are lower than its rigid‐body mode, while the associated eigenfrequencies are lower than the corresponding eigenfrequencies of the fixed‐end cantilever (fec). For a typical value of the embedment ratio 0.15, the paper uncovers that for any eigenmode , of the fec, the partially embedded, prismatic column exhibits eigenmodes. The appearance of this additional eigenmode/eigenvalue happens invariably for any embedment ratio due to soil–structure interaction and is associated with the way that the flexural patterns of the partially embedded column emerge from the ground. The paper shows that the additional eigenmode/eigenvalue of the partially embedded column is also predicted with open‐source and commercially available finite‐element software.
A dendrite free Zn‐Fe hybrid redox flow battery for renewable energy storage
Authors: Jeena C. Balakrishnan , Elsa P. Jose , Moly P. Peter , Ambily K. Jacob , Joy Vadakkan T.
Published: July 2021

About two thirds of global greenhouse emissions is caused by burning of fossil fuels for energy purposes and this has spurred great research interest to develop renewable energy technologies based on wind, solar power, and so on. Redox flow batteries (RFB) are receiving wide attention as scalable energy‐storage systems to address the intermittency issues of renewable energy sources. However, for widespread commercialization, the redox flow batteries should be economically viable and environmentally friendly. Zinc based batteries are good choice for energy storage devices because zinc is earth abundant and zinc metal has a moderate specific capacity of 820 mA hg−1 and high volumetric capacity of 5851 mA h cm−3. We herein report a zinc‐iron (Zn‐Fe) hybrid RFB employing Zn/Zn(II) and Fe(II)/Fe(III) redox couples as positive and negative redox systems, respectively, separated by a self‐made anion exchange membrane (AEM). The battery delivers a good discharge voltage of approximately 1.34 V at 25 mA cm−2, with a coulombic efficiency (CE) of 92%, voltage efficiency (VE) of 85% and energy efficiency (EE) of ~78% for 30 charge‐discharge cycles. Repeated galvanostatic charge/discharge cycles show no degradation in performance, confirming the excellent stability of the system. A key advancement in the present Zn‐Fe hybrid redox flow battery with AEM separator is that no dendrite growth was observed on zinc electrode on repeated charge‐discharge cycles, which was the serious drawback of many previously reported zinc based redox flow batteries.
Do economic variables forecast commodity futures volatility?
Authors: Maréchal Loïc
Published: July 2021

This paper explores empirically whether the supply or the demand uncertainty, the time to maturity, and the slope of the term structure (storage), explain the realized volatility of nearby commodity futures 5‐min returns. I find support for the “uncertainty resolution” and the “theory of storage” hypotheses while the “time to maturity” hypothesis is rejected. These results are robust to the inclusion of autoregressive terms in the baseline model. Next, I evaluate the in‐ and out‐of‐sample forecasting ability of models including these economic variables and find mixed results. Finally, I test the validity of these forecasts in expected shortfall modeling.
A novel approach for assessing hypoperfusion in stroke using spatial independent component analysis of resting‐state fMRI
Authors: Hu Jiun‐Yiing , Kirilina Evgeniya , Nierhaus Till , Ovadia‐Caro Smadar , Livne Michelle , Villringer Kersten , Margulies Daniel , Fiebach Jochen B. , Villringer Arno , Khalil Ahmed A.
Published: July 2021

Individualized treatment of acute stroke depends on the timely detection of ischemia and potentially salvageable tissue in the brain. Using functional MRI (fMRI), it is possible to characterize cerebral blood flow from blood‐oxygen‐level‐dependent (BOLD) signals without the administration of exogenous contrast agents. In this study, we applied spatial independent component analysis to resting‐state fMRI data of 37 stroke patients scanned within 24 hr of symptom onset, 17 of whom received follow‐up scans the next day. Our analysis revealed “Hypoperfusion spatially‐Independent Components” (HICs) whose spatial patterns of BOLD signal resembled regions of delayed perfusion depicted by dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI. These HICs were detected even in the presence of excessive patient motion, and disappeared following successful tissue reperfusion. The unique spatial and temporal features of HICs allowed them to be distinguished with high accuracy from other components in a user‐independent manner (area under the curve = 0.93, balanced accuracy = 0.90, sensitivity = 1.00, and specificity = 0.85). Our study therefore presents a new, noninvasive method for assessing blood flow in acute stroke that minimizes interpretative subjectivity and is robust to severe patient motion.
The effect of simple heat treatment on apatite formation on grit‐blasted/acid‐etched dental Ti implants already in clinical use
Authors: Ogura Ayano , Yamaguchi Seiji , Le Phuc Thi Minh , Yamamoto Kayoko , Omori Michi , Inoue Kazuya , Kato‐Kogoe Nahoko , Nakajima Yoichiro , Nakano Hiroyuki , Ueno Takaaki , Yamada Tomohiro , Mori Yoshihide
Published: July 2021

Grit‐blasted/acid‐etched titanium dental implants have a moderately roughened surface that is suitable for cell adhesion and exhibits faster osseointegration. However, the roughened surface does not always maintain stable fixation over a long period. In this study, a simple heat treatment at 600°C was performed on a commercially available dental Ti implant with grit‐blasting/acid‐etching, and its effect on mineralization capacity was assessed by examining apatite formation in a simulated body fluid (SBF). The as‐purchased implant displayed a moderately roughened surface at the micrometer scale. Its surface was composed of titanium hydride accompanied by a small amount of alumina particles derived from the grit‐blasting. Heat treatment transformed the titanium hydride into rutile without evidently changing the surface morphology. The immersion in SBF revealed that apatite formed on the heated implant at 7 days. Furthermore, apatite formed on the Ti rod surface within 1 day when the metal was subjected to acid and heat treatment without blasting. These indicate that apatite formation was conferred on the commercially available dental implant by simple heat treatment, although its induction period was slightly affected by alumina particles remaining on the implant surface. The heat‐treated implant should achieve stronger and more stable bone bonding due to its apatite formation.
Focal cardiac ultrasound learning with pocked ultrasound device: A bicentric prospective blinded randomized study
Authors: Occelli Céline , Carrio Gauthier , Driessens Morgan , Turquay Charlotte , Azulay Nicolas , Grau‐Mercier Laura , Levraut Jacques , Claret Pierre‐Géraud , Contenti Julie , Bobbia Xavier
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Point‐of‐care ultrasound using a pocket‐ultrasound‐device (PUD) is increasing in clinical medicine but the optimal way to teach focused cardiac ultrasound is not clear. We evaluated whether teaching using a PUD or a conventional‐ultrasound‐device (CUD) is different when the final exam was conducted on a PUD. The primary aim was to compare the weighted total quality scale (WTQS, out of 100) obtained by participants in the two groups (CUD and PUD) on a live volunteer 2–4 weeks after their initial training. The secondary aims were to compare examination time and students' confidence levels (out of 50).

Methods

This bicentric, prospective single‐blind randomized trial included undergraduate medical students. After watching a 15 min video about echocardiography views, students had a 45 min hands‐on training session with a live volunteer using a PUD or a CUD. The final examination was conducted with a PUD on a live volunteer.

Results

Eighty‐six comparable students were included, with 4 ± 1 years of medical training. In the PUD group, the mean WTQS was 65 ± 16 versus 60 ± 15 in the CUD group [p = 0.22; in multivariate analysis, OR 0.8 95% CI (0.1;1.6), p = 0.34]. The examination time was 10.0 [6.2–12.4] min in the PUD group versus 11.4 [7.3–13.2] in the CUD group (p = 0.39), while the confidence level was 27.9 ± 7.7 in the PUD group versus 27.4 ± 7.2 in the CUD group (p = 0.76).

Conclusion

There was no difference between teaching echocardiographic views using a PUD as compared to a CUD on the PUD image quality, exam time, or confidence level of students.
Statistical analysis of the Hungarian COVID‐19 victims
Authors: Gholipour Elnaz , Vizvári Béla , Babaqi Tareq , Takács Szabolcs
Published: July 2021

With the wide spread of Coronavirus, most people who infected with the COVID‐19, will recover without requiring special treatment. Whereas, elders and those with underlying medical problems are more likely to have serious illnesses, even be threatened with death. Many more disciplines try to find solutions and drive master plan to this global trouble. Consequently, by taking one particular population, Hungary, this study aims to explore a pattern of COVID‐19 victims, who suffered from some underlying conditions. Age, gender, and underlying medical problems form the structure of the clustering. K‐Means and two step clustering methods were applied for age‐based and age‐independent analysis. Grouping of the deaths in the form of two different scenarios may highlight some concepts of this deadly disease for public health professionals. Our result for clustering can forecast similar cases which are assigned to any cluster that it will be a serious cautious for the population.
SARS‐CoV‐2 pseudovirus infectivity and expression of viral entry‐related factors ACE2, TMPRSS2, Kim‐1, and NRP‐1 in human cells from the respiratory, urinary, digestive, reproductive, and immune systems
Authors: Zhang Fei , Li Wan , Feng Jian , Ramos da Silva Suzane , Ju Enguo , Zhang Hu , Chang Yuan , Moore Patrick S. , Guo Haitao , Gao Shou‐Jiang
Published: July 2021

Infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) causes a wide spectrum of syndromes involving multiple organ systems and is primarily mediated by viral spike (S) glycoprotein through the receptor‐binding domain (RBD) and numerous cellular proteins including ACE2, transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), kidney injury molecule‐1 (Kim‐1), and neuropilin‐1 (NRP‐1). In this study, we examined the entry tropism of SARS‐CoV‐2 and SARS‐CoV using S protein‐based pseudoviruses to infect 22 cell lines and 3 types of primary cells isolated from respiratory, urinary, digestive, reproductive, and immune systems. At least one cell line or type of primary cell from each organ system was infected by both pseudoviruses. Infection by pseudoviruses is effectively blocked by S1, RBD, and ACE2 recombinant proteins, and more weakly by Kim‐1 and NRP‐1 recombinant proteins. Furthermore, cells with robust SARS‐CoV‐2 pseudovirus infection had strong expression of either ACE2 or Kim‐1 and NRP‐1 proteins. ACE2 glycosylation appeared to be critical for the infections of both viruses as there was a positive correlation between infectivity of either SARS‐CoV‐2 or SARS‐CoV pseudovirus with the level of glycosylated ACE2 (gly‐ACE2). These results reveal that SARS‐CoV‐2 cell entry could be mediated by either an ACE2‐dependent or ‐independent mechanism, thus providing a likely molecular basis for its broad tropism for a wide variety of cell types.
Neurofluids—Deep inspiration, cilia and preloading of the astrocytic network
Authors: Ludwig Hans C. , Dreha‐Kulaczewski Steffi , Bock Hans C.
Published: July 2021

With the advent of real‐time MRI, the motion and passage of cerebrospinal fluid can be visualized without gating and exclusion of low‐frequency waves. This imaging modality gives insights into low‐volume, rapidly oscillating cardiac‐driven movement as well as sustained, high‐volume, slowly oscillating inspiration‐driven movement. Inspiration means a spontaneous or artificial increase in the intrathoracic dimensions independent of body position. Alterations in thoracic diameter enable the thoracic and spinal epidural venous compartments to be emptied and filled, producing an upward surge of cerebrospinal fluid inside the spine during inspiration; this surge counterbalances the downward pooling of venous blood toward the heart. Real‐time MRI, as a macroscale in vivo observation method, could expand our knowledge of neurofluid dynamics, including how astrocytic fluid preloading is adjusted and how brain buoyancy and turgor are maintained in different postures and zero gravity. Along with these macroscale findings, new microscale insights into aquaporin‐mediated fluid transfer, its sensing by cilia, and its tuning by nitric oxide will be reviewed. By incorporating clinical knowledge spanning several disciplines, certain disorders—congenital hydrocephalus with Chiari malformation, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, and adult idiopathic hydrocephalus—are interpreted and reviewed according to current concepts, from the basics of the interrelated systems to their pathology.
Controlled rotation of long bones by guided growth: A proof of concept study of a novel plate in cadavers
Authors: Abood Ahmed A. , Hellfritzsch Michel Bach , Møller‐Madsen Bjarne , Brüel Annemarie , Westersø Thomas Søndergaard , Vedel‐Smith Nikolaj Kjelgaard , Rahbek Ole , Rölfing Jan Duedal
Published: July 2021

Our novel plate design has been developed for controlled rotation of long bones by guided growth. The objective of this proof‐of‐concept study was to evaluate the precision of the rotation in the femur. Twelve cadaverous femora of six adults (right = 6, left = 6) underwent an osteotomy at the level of the physeal scar. The plates were inserted on each side of the distal femur. Growth was simulated by axial distraction of the bone segments. The femur was stabilized using a unilateral external fixator. Femoral torsion was assessed with computed tomography (CT) and with an electric goniometer before and after distraction. The obtained rotation was compared to the predicted rotation based on the dimension of the plate and the bone. All femora were rotated as intended. The mean obtained rotation was 26.3° (95% confidence interval [CI]: 23.5–29.0) and the mean predicted rotation was 28.2° (95% CI: 26.9–29.5) (p > 0.82). The mean axial distraction was 19.5 mm (95% CI: 17.7–21.3). The predicted rotation of the femora was similar to the obtained values on CT and by goniometer. The obtained rotation occurred as a result of an axial distraction of approximately 2 cm. This suggests a potential for controlled rotation of the femur based on the circumference of the bone and plate dimensions that occurs simultaneously with axial distraction. Clinical significance: These findings suggest a possible clinical application in the treatment of maltorsion in children by guided growth, where theplate design guides the bone into torsional axial growth correcting the deformity.
Starting a peritoneal carcinomatosis treatment program in a developing country: A prospective analysis
Authors: Gajardo Jorge A. , Matute Jorge , Charles Roberto , Devaud Nicolás , Hoefler Sebastian , Schmied Silvia , Rigo‐Righi Daniella , Butte Jean M.
Published: July 2021

Background

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has become a valuable treatment strategy for selected patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC). In Chile, it is an emerging technique. The aim of this study is to describe our protocol and report our perioperative results.

Methods

A prospectively maintained database for patients undergoing exploratory surgery for PC was reviewed. Eligible patients were selected using the peritoneal cancer index in correlation with the primary tumor. Patients underwent HIPEC using mitomycin C. Clinical data and postoperative results were analyzed.

Results

Seventy‐six patients underwent exploratory surgery. Most patients were female (55%) with a median age of 62 years (range, 25–83). Complete CRS and HIPEC were achieved in 53 patients. The most frequent primary tumor site was colon–rectum (49%). The median number of resected organs was 4 (range, 1–13). Overall 90‐day incidence of major complications was 26%. After a median follow‐up of 26 months, 44 patients (83%) in the resected group were alive with no evidence of disease.

Conclusions

The PC treatment program at our institution has been established in a safe manner, with acceptable morbidity comparable to high‐volume centers. A comprehensive preoperative evaluation, careful patient selection, and a cohesive team are necessary for successful results.
Planar chromatography and immunodetection of hydrocarbons on polyvinylidene difluoride membranes
Authors: Medina Ferrer Fernando , Bailey Jake V.
Published: July 2021

Fast, cheap, and simple separation of lipids and hydrocarbons can currently be achieved using thin‐layer chromatography. Here, we describe an alternative planar chromatographic method using polyvinylidene difluoride membranes as the stationary phase. The procedure has the same advantages of thin‐layer chromatography over other expensive and time‐consuming techniques, such as high‐performance liquid chromatography or gas chromatography. Polyvinylidene difluoride membranes, however, also provide an immediate support for analyte development via immunodetection, are easy to manipulate, and potentially increase the performance of other detection methods. We show that polyvinylidene difluoride membranes are compatible with a variety of solvents that can migrate by capillarity and redistribute analytes between the membrane and the solvent according to their relative affinities, providing a chromatographic separation. We directly test the developed membranes by immunoblotting using anti‐squalene antibodies that cross‐react with acyclic isoprenoids. Separations of crude oils and plant extracts under different solvent conditions show the potential to resolve hydrocarbon group types and also to provide characteristic fingerprints of plant pigments and squalene degradation products. Polyvinylidene difluoride membranes prove useful as a stationary phase for planar chromatography and for the subsequent immunodetection of the separated compounds, providing a new and simple chromatographic technique to analyze lipids and hydrocarbons.
Improvement in Central Sleep Apnea Following Adenotonsillectomy in Children
Authors: Judd Ryan T. , Mokhlesi Babak , Shogan Andrea , Baroody Fuad M.
Published: July 2021

Objective

Previous studies examining changes in central sleep apnea (CSA) following adenotonsillectomy (T&A) performed for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children have been limited by sample size and analysis of only certain populations. The aim of this study was to determine whether CSA improves following T&A and what factors mediate this change.

Methods

This was a retrospective case series from 1994 to 2020 of children undergoing primary T&A for OSA (obstructive apnea‐hypopnea index ≥1) with CSA (central apnea index [CAI] ≥1) and preoperative and postoperative polysomnograms within 12 months of T&A. Polysomnograms were analyzed for improvement in CSA, defined as: 1) if preoperative CAI >5, a postoperative CAI <5; or 2) if preoperative CAI <5, a postoperative CAI <1.

Results

One hundred twenty‐three patients were included. Median age was 5.5 years (interquartile range, 2.9–8.4). Most patients were overweight/obese (58.5%). Nineteen (15.4%) had a syndromic condition. Preoperative CAI was ≥5 in 21 (17.1%) patients. CAI significantly decreased following T&A (preoperative 2.1, postoperative 0.4; P < .001). Thirty‐two (26.0%) patients had CSA postoperatively. Improvement in the microarousal index and older age were significantly associated with improvement in CSA.

Conclusions

T&A led to resolution of CSA in most children with OSA. Improvement in the microarousal index was associated with improvement in CAI, suggesting that preoperative central apneas may be postarousal and thus resolve following T&A.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 132:478–484, 2022
Molecular analysis of 53 Chinese families with Wilson's disease: Six novel mutations identified
Authors: Xiao Zhongyan , Yang Yuan , Huang Hui , Tang Haiyan , Liu Liqun , Tang Jianguang , Shi Xiaoliu
Published: July 2021

Background

Wilson's disease (WD) is a rare autosomal recessive inherited disorder that is induced by defects of the ATP7B gene and characterized by damage to the liver and nervous system caused by aberrant copper metabolism. The identification of pathogenic mutations on two homologous chromosomes has become the gold standard for the diagnosis of WD.

Methods

Sanger sequencing and multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) were combined to establish a genetic diagnosis for patients from 53 unrelated Chinese WD families.

Results

Biallelic mutations were detected by Sanger sequencing in 50 of the probands, while single heterozygous mutations were detected in the remaining three probands. A total of 45 diverse pathogenic mutations were detected, and 6 previously unreported mutations were involved. Five asymptomatic patients were screened from 85 family members of 38 probands participating in the study.

Conclusion

This study contributes to the enlargement of the mutational spectrum of the ATP7B gene among the population of China and highlights the significance of genetic testing for asymptomatic patients.
Identification of novel MITF mutations in Chinese families with Waardenburg syndrome type II
Authors: Wang Jing , Lu Yu , Yan Xiaohong , Shen Tian , Li Linke , Rao Yufang , Tan Bo , Xiong Wenyu , Cheng Jing , Zhao Yu , Yuan Huijun
Published: July 2021

Background

Waardenburg syndrome (WS) is a rare autosomal‐dominant syndrome and is characterized by sensorineural hearing loss and pigment abnormalities. It is subdivided into four types according to the clinical characteristics. MITF is one of the major pathogenic genes for type II. The aim of this study was to investigate MITF mutations and the clinical characteristics of WS type 2 (WS2) in four Chinese families.

Method

Clinical diagnoses were based on detailed clinical findings. Six WS2 patients from four unrelated Chinese families were enrolled. Massively parallel DNA sequencing was used to find pathogenic genes and Sanger sequencing was used to confirm the variants detected.

Results

Sensorineural hearing loss was observed in four of six patients, three had heterochromia iridis, and five have freckled faces. We identified three novel MITF heterozygous mutations (c.831dupC, c.650G>A, and c.711‐2A>G) and one recurrent heterozygous mutation (c.328C>T) in the four WS2 families. Intra‐familial phenotypic variability and incomplete penetrance were found in WS2 patients with pathogenic variants of MITF.

Conclusion

Genetic diagnosis was performed for the involved four families based on the clinical manifestations. Four heterozygous mutations were identified in the MITF gene. Our findings expanded the phenotypic and genotypic spectrum of WS.
Tiny golden angle ultrashort echo‐time lung imaging in mice
Authors: Balasch Anke , Metze Patrick , Li Hao , Rottbauer Wolfgang , Abaei Alireza , Rasche Volker
Published: July 2021

Imaging the lung parenchyma with MRI is particularly difficult in small animals due to the high respiratory and heart rates, and ultrashort T2* at high magnetic field strength caused by the high susceptibilities induced by the air–tissue interfaces. In this study, a 2D ultrashort echo‐time (UTE) technique was combined with tiny golden angle (tyGA) ordering. Data were acquired continuously at 11.7 T and retrospective center‐of‐k‐space gating was applied to reconstruct respiratory multistage images. Lung (proton) density (fP), T2*, signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), fractional ventilation (FV) and perfusion (f) were quantified, and the application to dynamic contrast agent (CA)‐enhanced (DCE) qualitative perfusion assessment tested. The interobserver and intraobserver and interstudy reproducibility of the quantitative parameters were investigated. High‐quality images of the lung parenchyma could be acquired in all animals. Over all lung regions a mean T2* of 0.20 ± 0.05 ms was observed. FV resulted as 0.31 ± 0.13, and a trend towards lower SNR values during inspiration (EX: SNR = 12.48 ± 6.68, IN: SNR = 11.79 ± 5.86) and a significant (P < 0.001) decrease in lung density (EX: fP = 0.69 ± 0.13, IN: fP = 0.62 ± 0.13) were observed. Quantitative perfusion results as 34.63 ± 9.05 mL/cm3/min (systole) and 32.77 ± 8.55 mL/cm3/min (diastole) on average. The CA dynamics could be assessed and, because of the continuous nature of the data acquisition, reconstructed at different temporal resolutions. Where a good to excellent interobserver reproducibility and an excellent intraobserver reproducibility resulted, the interstudy reproducibility was only fair to good. In conclusion, the combination of tiny golden angles with UTE (2D tyGA UTE) resulted in a reliable imaging technique for lung morphology and function in mice, providing uniform k‐space coverage and thus low‐artefact images of the lung parenchyma after gating.