bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potato Processing Wastewater Treatment Using a Combined Process of Chemical Coagulation and Membrane Filtration
Authors: Bouchareb Raouf , Bilici Zeynep , Dizge Nadir
Published: August 2021

The potato‐processing wastewater (PPW) treatment method employe a combined process of chemical coagulation/flocculation and membrane filtration. Four different inorganic coagulants are used: polyaluminium chloride, alum, iron(III) chloride and iron(II) sulphate. The results show that the inorganic coagulants enhanced both chemical oxygen demand (COD) with turbidity removal at 1 g/L of concentration. Iron(III) chloride is the most efficient for COD and turbidity removal efficiencies of 54% and 88%, respectively. At pH=6, COD and turbidity elimination performances are enhanced to 67% and 96%, respectively. The findings suggest that coagulation plays a key role in the removal of COD and turbidity of PPW, but water quality is again improved by a second stage of treatment. The utilisation of ultrafiltration (UP150) at 1 bar of transmembrane pressure (TMP) has highly improved water quality. At the end of this research, a comparative study is conducted between the combined process: coagulation/flocculation‐membrane filtration and direct filtration of raw PPW. The results demonstrate that the primary stage of treatment is necessary to prevent early membrane fouling and provided high permeate flux. Even though, the most used treatments rely on combined coagulation/flocculation and membrane filtration systems, very few research articles are reported for PPW treatment.
Simulation of intracranial hemodynamics by an efficient and accurate immersed boundary scheme
Authors: Lampropoulos Dimitrios S. , Bourantas George C. , Zwick Benjamin F. , Kagadis George C. , Wittek Adam , Miller Karol , Loukopoulos Vassilios C.
Published: August 2021

We use computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to simulate blood flow in intracranial aneurysms (IAs). Despite ongoing improvements in the accuracy and efficiency of body‐fitted CFD solvers, generation of a high quality mesh appears as the bottleneck of the flow simulation and strongly affects the accuracy of the numerical solution. To overcome this drawback, we use an immersed boundary method. The proposed approach solves the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations on a rectangular (box) domain discretized using uniform Cartesian grid using the finite element method. The immersed object is represented by a set of points (Lagrangian points) located on the surface of the object. Grid local refinement is applied using an automated algorithm. We verify and validate the proposed method by comparing our numerical findings with published experimental results and analytical solutions. We demonstrate the applicability of the proposed scheme on patient‐specific blood flow simulations in IAs.
Pharmacokinetic, Safety, and Pharmacodynamic Properties of Teverelix Trifluoroacetate, a Novel Gonadotropin‐Releasing Hormone Antagonist, in Healthy Adult Subjects
Authors: MacLean Carol M. , Godsafe Zona , Soto‐Forte Pablo , Larsen Finn
Published: August 2021

Teverelix trifluoroacetate is a decapeptide, gonadotropin‐releasing hormone antagonist that binds competitively and reversibly to gonadotropin‐releasing hormone receptors in the pituitary gland, resulting in immediate suppression of luteinizing hormone and follicle‐stimulating hormone, which in turn causes a very rapid decrease in testosterone production in the Leydig cells of the testes in men and in estradiol in the ovaries in women. This phase 1 clinical study was an open‐label, parallel‐design, single‐center, single‐dose study in older, healthy male subjects. Following injection, teverelix is released into the systemic circulation in a biphasic manner. An initial rapid phase is followed by a slow‐release phase thought to be due to the formation of a depot, which limits the diffusion of teverelix into the blood. The release characteristics differ significantly for the subcutaneous (SC) and intramuscular (IM) routes. Teverelix maximum concentration and exposure increased in an approximately dose‐proportional manner across the 60 to 120 mg SC doses. All 3 pharmacodynamic end points (luteinizing hormone, follicle‐stimulating hormone, and total testosterone) showed reductions that were more prolonged following the 90 mg IM administration compared to 90 mg SC administration.
Early sowing increases grain yield and cooking and eating quality of machine‐transplanted rice in eastern China
Authors: Li Guohui , Chen Tianye , Xu Ke , Liu Yanyang , Dai Qigen , Huo Zhongyang , Wei Haiyan
Published: August 2021

In this study, field experiments were conducted in 2 yr with two rice varieties to compare use of light and temperature resources, crop growth characteristics, yield traits, and cooking and eating quality of machine‐transplanted rice (Oryza sativa) in rice–wheat (Triticum aestivum) double cropping system among five sowing dates. The results showed that the total growth duration, total cumulative temperature, and total cumulative solar radiation and total biomass production from transplanting to maturity decreased with the delay in sowing date. The first sowing date (22 May) had a 1.8–11.7% higher total biomass production and 0.2–16.7% higher grain yield than the other four sowing dates (29 May, 5 June, 11 June, 18 June) across two cultivars and 2 yr. Early sowing increased leaf aera index at heading and maturity, daily mean temperature, cumulative temperature, use efficiency of cumulative temperature and solar radiation, crop growth rate, leaf area duration, and biomass production during jointing to heading and heading to maturity. Early sowing increased gel consistency, reduced amylose and protein content and increased the taste value of cooked rice. When the sowing date was delayed, rice starch Rapid Viscosity Analyzer (RVA) profile parameter, including the peak viscosity and breakdown value decreased, and the setback value increased. These results suggest that early sowing can improve use of temperature and light resources, crop growth characteristics, starch RVA spectrum characteristics, reduce rice protein content, and consequently increase biomass production, grain yield, and improve cooking and eating quality of machine‐transplanted rice in eastern China.
Angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma diagnosed from pleural fluid by integration of morphologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular findings
Authors: Tan Brent , Martin Brock , Fernandez‐Pol Sebastian
Published: August 2021

An 88‐year‐old man with end‐stage renal disease on hemodialysis presented with shortness of breath and was found to have lower extremity edema and bilateral pleural effusions on a chest X‐ray. A therapeutic and diagnostic thoracentesis was performed, and cytologic examination revealed atypical mononuclear cells. Based on this, flow cytometry was performed on the pleural fluid, along with immunostains on the cellblock and a next‐generation sequencing (NGS) panel. A definitive diagnosis of angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma (AITL) was made based on demonstrating an atypical T follicular helper cell population expressing CD10, BCL6, CXCL13, CD200, CD57, and PD1, and detection of pathogenic variants in RHOA, IDH2, and TET2. This case represents the first reported case where a primary diagnosis of AITL was made on a body fluid specimen and highlights how immunophenotyping and NGS can provide a definitive diagnosis of AITL on a cytologic specimen.
Allochthonous resources are less important for faunal communities on highly productive, small tropical islands
Authors: Steibl Sebastian , Sigl Robert , Blaha Sanja , Drescher Sophia , Gebauer Gerhard , Gürkal Elif , Hüftlein Frederic , Satzger Anna , Schwarzer Michael , Seidenath Dimitri , Welfenbach Jana , Zinser Raphael S. , Laforsch Christian
Published: August 2021

Ecosystems are interconnected by energy fluxes that provide resources for the inhabiting organisms along the transition zone. Especially where in situ resources are scarce, ecosystems can become highly dependent on external resources. The dependency on external input becomes less pronounced in systems with elevated in situ production, where only consumer species close to the site of external input remain subsidized, whereas species distant to the input site rely on the in situ production of the ecosystem. It is largely unclear though if this pattern is consistent over different consumer species and trophic levels in one ecosystem, and whether consumer species that occur both proximate to and at a distance from the input site differ in their dependency on external resource inputs between sites. Using stable isotope analysis, we investigated the dependency on external marine input for common ground‐associated consumer taxa on small tropical islands with high in situ production. We show that marine input is only relevant for strict beach‐dwelling taxa, while the terrestrial vegetation is the main carbon source for inland‐dwelling taxa. Consumer species that occurred both close (beach) and distant (inland) to the site of marine input showed similar proportions of marine input in their diets. This supports earlier findings that the relevance of external resources becomes limited to species close to the input site in systems with sufficient in situ production. However, it also indicates that the relevance of external input is also species‐dependent, as consumers occurring close and distant to the input site depended equally strong or weak on marine input.
Interactions of Cellulose Model Compound D‐Cellobiose with Selected Metal Chlorides in Water: Identification of Chelating Oxygen Atoms
Authors: Fernando Harshica , Amarasekara Ananda S.
Published: August 2021

Understanding interactions of metal ions with cellulose is an important step in the development of efficient catalytic methods for processing cellulose. In this study, density functional theory methods were used to identify oxygen atoms interacting or chelating with selected metal chlorides of Li+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Sn2+, Zn2+and La3+with cellulose model compound D‐cellobiose. Calculated metal‐oxygen distances of energy minimized D‐cellobiose : metal chloride 1 : 2 mixtures revealed that the metal ions approach between the two glucose rings in α/β‐D‐cellobiose, and O4, O9are the preferred interaction/chelation points. DFT study supported a previous13C NMR chemical shift change based experiments. ZnCl2showing the shortest metal‐oxygen distances in approach to α/β D‐cellobiose is known to produce the largest13C NMR chemical shift changes in D‐cellobiose. In α‐anomer, average closest metal‐oxygen distances and NMR shift changes co‐related at 95 % confidence interval with liner regression R2=0.8582 and Sy.x=0.5722.
Ground fissures within the Main Ethiopian Rift: Tectonic, lithological and piping controls
Authors: Valenta Jan , Verner Kryštof , Martínek Karel , Hroch Tomáš , Buriánek David , Megerssa Leta Alemayehu , Boháč Jan , Kassa Muluken , Legesse Ferdawok , Yakob Meheret , Kebede Bisrat , Málek Jiří
Published: August 2021

Ground fissures, especially if they open due to a sudden collapse of the surface, is a serious risk for populated areas. Their common occurrence in unconsolidated sediments of the Main Ethiopian Rift was found to be mostly a result of piping.

The fissures start by piping in linear sub‐horizontal underground voids, which often propagate upwards resulting in ceiling collapse and formation of deep and long ground fissures with vertical walls. In the southern and central Main Ethiopian Rift the fissures pose a serious risk to infrastructure and settlements. The ground fissures are often linear (up to several kilometres long and often tens of metres deep) and accompanied by sinkholes (along the length). A detailed field mapping of the geological (rock composition, orientation and character of lithological boundaries, primary fabrics and brittle structures) and geomorphological features (especially a length, width and depth of fissures, sinkholes and gullies) followed by in situ seismic anisotropy measurements and a laboratory determination of the geomechanical properties of volcanoclastic deposits was carried out to investigate the ground fissures' origin. The conditions and factors leading to the formation of the ground fissures have been linked to: (a) the presence of regional normal faults and the associated extensional joints and (b) the alternation of lithological units with contrasting hydraulic permeability. The latter corresponds to a sequence of less permeable hard rocks (e.g., rhyolitic ignimbrites) overlain by heterogeneous, soft and permeable, unconsolidated volcaniclastic deposits with a low amount of clay (less than 10%). The ground fissures' occurrence has shown affiliation to areas which have a significantly high seismic anisotropy (more than 20% at the study sites), which can be used as a proxy to map out high risk areas prone to piping and ground fissure formation.
Flooding duration and volume more important than peak discharge in explaining 18 years of gravel–cobble river change
Authors: Gervasi Arielle A. , Pasternack Gregory B. , East Amy E.
Published: August 2021

Floods play a critical role in geomorphic change, but whether peak magnitude, duration, volume, or frequency determines the resulting magnitude of erosion and deposition is a question often proposed in geomorphic effectiveness studies. This study investigated that question using digital elevation model differencing to compare and contrast three hydrologically distinct epochs of topographic change spanning 18 years in the 37‐km gravel–cobble lower Yuba River in northern California, USA. Scour and fill were analysed by volume at segment and geomorphic reach scales. Each epoch's hydrology was characterized using 15‐min and daily averaged flow to obtain distinct peak and recurrence, duration, and volume metrics. Epochs 1 (1999–2008) and 3 (2014–2017) were wetter than average with large floods reaching 3206 and 2466 m3/s, respectively, though of different flood durations. Epoch 2 (2008–2014) was a drought period with only four brief moderate floods (peak of 1245 m3/s). Total volumetric changes showed that major geomorphic response occurred primarily during large flood events; however, total scour and net export of sediment varied greatly, with 20 times more export in epoch 3 compared to epoch 1. The key finding was that greater peak discharge was not correlated with greater net and total erosion; differences were better explained by duration and volume above floodway‐filling stage. This finding highlights the importance of considering flood duration and volume, along with peak, to assess flood magnitude in the context of flood management, frequency analysis, and resulting geomorphic changes.
Dendrimeric nanosystem consistently circumvents heterogeneous drug response and resistance in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Liu Juan , Chen Chao , Wei Tuo , Gayet Odile , Loncle Céline , Borge Laurence , Dusetti Nelson , Ma Xiaowei , Marson Domenico , Laurini Erik , Pricl Sabrina , Gu Zhongwei , Iovanna Juan , Peng Ling , Liang Xing‐Jie
Published: August 2021

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a deadly cancer with no efficacious treatment. The application of nanomedicine is expected to bring new hope to PDAC treatment. In this study, we report a novel supramolecular dendrimeric nanosystem carrying the anticancer drug doxorubicin, which demonstrated potent anticancer activity, markedly overcoming the heterogeneity of drug response and resistance of primary cultured tumor cells derived from PDAC patients. This dendrimer nanodrug was constructed with a fluorinated amphiphilic dendrimer, which self‐assembled into micelles nanostructure and encapsulated doxorubicin with high loading. Because of the fine nanosize, stable formulation and acid‐promoted drug release, this dendrimeric nanosystem effectively accumulated in tumor, with deep penetration in tumor tissue and rapid drug uptake/release profile in cells, ultimately resulting in potent anticancer activity and complete suppression of tumor growth in patient‐derived xenografts. Most importantly, this dendrimer nanodrug generated uniform and effective response when treating 35 primary pancreatic cancer cell lines issued from patient samples as a robust platform for preclinical drug efficacy testing. In addition, this dendrimer nanodrug formulation was devoid of adverse effects and showed excellent tolerability. Given all these uniquely advantageous features, this simple and convenient dendrimer nanodrug holds great promise as a potential candidate to treat the deadly PDAC.
S‐adenosylmethionine inhibits la ribonucleoprotein domain family member 1 in murine liver and human liver cancer cells
Authors: Ramani Komal , Robinson Aaron E. , Berlind Joshua , Fan Wei , Abeynayake Aushinie , Binek Aleksandra , Barbier‐Torres Lucía , Noureddin Mazen , Nissen Nicholas N. , Yildirim Zehra , Erbay Ebru , Mato José M. , Van Eyk Jennifer E. , Lu Shelly C.
Published: August 2021

Background and Aims

Methionine adenosyltransferase 1A (MAT1A) is responsible for S‐adenosylmethionine (SAMe) biosynthesis in the liver. Mice lacking Mat1a have hepatic SAMe depletion and develop NASH and HCC spontaneously. Several kinases are activated in Mat1a knockout (KO) mice livers. However, characterizing the phospho‐proteome and determining whether they contribute to liver pathology remain open for study. Our study aimed to provide this knowledge.

Approach and Results

We performed phospho‐proteomics in Mat1a KO mice livers with and without SAMe treatment to identify SAMe‐dependent changes that may contribute to liver pathology. Our studies used Mat1a KO mice at different ages treated with and without SAMe, cell lines, in vitro translation and kinase assays, and human liver specimens. We found that the most striking change was hyperphosphorylation and increased content of La‐related protein 1 (LARP1), which, in the unphosphorylated form, negatively regulates translation of 5′‐terminal oligopyrimidine (TOP)‐containing mRNAs. Consistently, multiple TOP proteins are induced in KO livers. Translation of TOP mRNAs ribosomal protein S3 and ribosomal protein L18 was enhanced by LARP1 overexpression in liver cancer cells. We identified LARP1‐T449 as a SAMe‐sensitive phospho‐site of cyclin‐dependent kinase 2 (CDK2). Knocking down CDK2 lowered LARP1 phosphorylation and prevented LARP1‐overexpression–mediated increase in translation. LARP1‐T449 phosphorylation induced global translation, cell growth, migration, invasion, and expression of oncogenic TOP‐ribosomal proteins in HCC cells. LARP1 expression is increased in human NASH and HCC.

Conclusions

Our results reveal a SAMe‐sensitive mechanism of LARP1 phosphorylation that may be involved in the progression of NASH to HCC.
Ipilimumab in a real‐world population: A prospective Phase IV trial with long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Aamdal Elin , Jacobsen Kari D. , Straume Oddbjørn , Kersten Christian , Herlofsen Oluf , Karlsen Jarle , Hussain Israr , Amundsen Anita , Dalhaug Astrid , Nyakas Marta , Schuster Cornelia , Hagene Kirsten T. , Holmsen Kjersti , Russnes Hege G. , Skovlund Eva , Kaasa Stein , Aamdal Steinar , Kyte Jon A. , Guren Tormod K.
Published: August 2021

Ipilimumab was the first treatment that improved survival in advanced melanoma. Efficacy and toxicity in a real‐world setting may differ from clinical trials, due to more liberal eligibility criteria and less intensive monitoring. Moreover, high costs and lack of biomarkers have raised cost‐benefit concerns about ipilimumab in national healthcare systems and limited its use. Here, we report the prospective, interventional study, Ipi4 (NCT02068196), which aimed to investigate the toxicity and efficacy of ipilimumab in a real‐world population with advanced melanoma. This national, multicentre, phase IV trial included 151 patients. Patients received ipilimumab 3 mg/kg intravenously and were followed for at least 5 years or until death. Treatment interruption or cessation occurred in 38%, most frequently due to disease progression (19%). Treatment‐associated grade 3 to 4 toxicity was observed in 28% of patients, and immune‐related toxicity in 56%. The overall response rate was 9%. Median overall survival was 12.1 months (95% CI: 8.3‐15.9); and progression‐free survival 2.7 months (95% CI: 2.6‐2.8). After 5 years, 20% of patients were alive. In a landmark analysis from 6 months, improved survival was associated with objective response (HR 0.16, P = .001) and stable disease (HR 0.49, P = .005) compared to progressive disease. Poor performance status, elevated lactate dehydrogenase and C‐reactive protein were identified as biomarkers. This prospective trial represents the longest reported follow‐up of a real‐world melanoma population treated with ipilimumab. Results indicate safety and efficacy comparable to phase III trials and suggest that the use of ipilimumab can be based on current cost‐benefit estimates.
Lifetime incidence risk for gastric cancer in the Helicobacter pylori‐infected and uninfected population in Japan: A Monte Carlo simulation study
Authors: Kawai Sayo , Wang Chaochen , Lin Yingsong , Sasakabe Tae , Okuda Masumi , Kikuchi Shogo
Published: August 2021

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is considered the leading cause of gastric cancer. Gastric cancer is currently a common cancer with high incidence and mortality rates, but it is expected that the incidence rate will gradually decrease as the H. pylori infection prevalence decreases in the future. When evaluating the effectiveness of gastric cancer prevention strategies, it is essential to note the differences in long‐term cumulative risks between H. pylori‐infected and uninfected populations, but this has not yet been precisely evaluated. In our study, we aimed to estimate the cumulative incidence risks of developing gastric cancer from birth to 85 years among H. pylori‐infected and uninfected populations by using population‐based cancer registry data and birth year‐specific H. pylori infection prevalence rates. Death from gastric cancer and other causes of death were considered in the estimations of the adjusted cumulative incidence risks stratified by sex and H. pylori infection status. After performing 5000 Monte Carlo simulations with repeated random sampling using observed cancer incidence in selected three prefectures (Fukui, Nagasaki, Yamagata) of prefectural population‐based cancer registry in Japan, the mean adjusted cumulative incidence risk for gastric cancer in the H. pylori‐infected population was 17.0% for males and 7.7% for females and 1.0% for males and 0.5% for females in the uninfected population. These results calculated with Japanese cancer registry data may be useful in considering and evaluating future prevention strategies for gastric cancer in Japan.
Bilateral oophorectomy and rate of colorectal cancer: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Koch Trine , Therming Jørgensen Jeanette , Christensen Jane , Duun‐Henriksen Anne Katrine , Priskorn Lærke , Kildevæld Simonsen Mette , Dehlendorff Christian , Jovanovic Andersen Zorana , Juul Anders , Bräuner Elvira V. , Hickey Martha
Published: August 2021

Worldwide, colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer and third cause of cancer death in women. Estrogen exposure has been inversely associated with colorectal cancer. Oophorectomy reduces circulating estrogen, but the effect on colorectal cancer remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to examine the association between unilateral and bilateral oophorectomy and subsequent risk of colorectal cancer, and whether this association varied by menopausal status at time of oophorectomy, use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) at baseline, hysterectomy and baseline body mass index (BMI). The study included 25 698 female nurses (aged ≥45 years) participating in the Danish Nurse Cohort. Nurses were followed from baseline until date of colorectal cancer, death, emigration or end of follow‐up at December 31, 2018, whichever came first. We examined the association between oophorectomy and colorectal cancer (all ages and stratified by menopausal status). The potential modifying effects of hysterectomy, HRT use at baseline and BMI were investigated. During 542 140 person‐years of follow‐up, 863 (3.4%) nurses were diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Bilateral oophorectomy was associated with a 79% increased colorectal cancer rate, adjusted rate ratio (aRR) (95% confidence interval [CI]): 1.79 (1.33‐2.42). Effect estimates following unilateral oophorectomy also showed higher rate of colorectal cancer, although less pronounced and nonstatistically significant (aRR) (95% CI): 1.25 (0.86‐1.82). Similar results were seen when stratifying by menopausal status. The association was not modified by baseline HRT use, hysterectomy or BMI. Oophorectomy was associated with increased rate of colorectal cancer, with highest rates among women with bilateral oophorectomy.
Cystic endometrium on ultrasound scan: Sonographic‐hysteroscopic‐pathologic correlation
Authors: Shah Neha , Sackey Nana , Gopee Serena , Sideris Michail , Broadbent Mark
Published: August 2021

Objective

To assess the correlation between ultrasound findings of cystic endometrium and hysteroscopic and histopathologic findings.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed across two London hospital sites between January and December 2020.

Results

The percentage chance of having either endometrial hyperplasia or cancer was lower in our cohort of women with postmenopausal bleeding and ultrasound findings of cystic endometrium, compared with population estimates for women with postmenopausal bleeding alone (4.1% vs 10%–15% for endometrial cancer and 1.4% vs 5%–10% for endometrial hyperplasia). Conversely, a higher proportion of women in our cohort were diagnosed with endometrial polyps compared with population estimates for postmenopausal bleeding (68% vs 2%–12%). The rate of endometrial hyperplasia was significantly higher in our cohort of premenopausal women with abnormal uterine bleeding and cystic endometrium compared with population estimates for premenopausal patients with abnormal uterine bleeding (15.4% vs 1.4%).

Conclusion

Cystic endometrium appears to be a powerful predictor of endometrial pathology. The high rate of endometrial hyperplasia in premenopausal women with cystic endometrium would advocate the need to obtain histologic diagnoses. Further studies are required to confirm whether cystic endometrium in women with postmenopausal bleeding confers a lower risk of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer.
Endoscopic findings of Helicobacter pylori gastritis in children and young adults based on the Kyoto classification of gastritis and age‐associated changes
Authors: Hojo Mariko , Nagahara Akihito , Kudo Takahiro , Takeda Tsutomu , Ikuse Tamaki , Matsumoto Kohei , Ueda Kumiko , Ueyama Hiroya , Matsumoto Kenshi , Asaoka Daisuke , Shimizu Toshiaki
Published: August 2021

Background and Aim

We aimed to evaluate endoscopic findings of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)‐positive children and young adults based on the Kyoto classification, and to examine if there are age‐associated changes in H. pylori‐positive gastritis.

Methods

H. pylori‐positive patients under 40 years old who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy from 1 April 2009 to 15 February 2017 were included. Subjects were classified into the Pediatric (<20 years) and Young adult groups (20–39 years). The patients' endoscopic photographs were retrospectively re‐evaluated based on the Kyoto classification. We compared endoscopic findings between the two groups and examined alterations in the findings of H. pylori‐associated gastritis in 5‐year age groups.

Results

Forty‐three and 163 subjects were classified into the Pediatric and Young adult groups, respectively. In the Pediatric group, nodularity was seen in the majority (93.0%); other endoscopic findings in order of decreasing frequency included mucosal swelling (32.6%), spotty redness (25.6%), diffuse redness (18.6%), and atrophy (9.3%). In the Young adult group, endoscopic findings included atrophy (66.9%), mucosal swelling (49.7%), spotty redness (39.3%), nodularity (31.9%), and diffuse redness (30.3%). The difference in prevalence of nodularity or atrophy between the two groups reached statistical significance (P < 0.0001 each). The rate of nodularity decreased with increasing age in the Young adult group. The rate of atrophy was 33% in young adult patients aged 20–24, and the rate increased to >65% in patients over age 25.

Conclusion

H. pylori‐positive children had endoscopic findings besides nodularity based on the Kyoto classification. The prevalence of atrophy increased in patients over age 20.
Improving retention in antenatal and postnatal care: a systematic review of evidence to inform strategies for adolescents and young women living with HIV
Authors: Brittain Kirsty , Teasdale Chloe A , Ngeno Bernadette , Odondi Judith , Ochanda Boniface , Brown Karryn , Langat Agnes , Modi Surbhi , Abrams Elaine J
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Young pregnant and postpartum women living with HIV (WLHIV) are at high risk of poor outcomes in prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission services. The aim of this systematic review was to collate evidence on strategies to improve retention in antenatal and/or postpartum care in this population. We also conducted a secondary review of strategies to increase attendance at antenatal care (ANC) and/or facility delivery among pregnant adolescents, regardless of HIV status, to identify approaches that could be adapted for adolescents and young WLHIV.

Methods

Selected databases were searched on 1 December 2020, for studies published between January 2006 and November 2020, with screening and data abstraction by two independent reviewers. We identified papers that reported age‐disaggregated results for adolescents and young WLHIV aged <25 years at the full‐text review stage. For the secondary search, we included studies among female adolescents aged 10 to 19 years.

Results and discussion

Of 37 papers examining approaches to increase retention among pregnant and postpartum WLHIV, only two reported age‐disaggregated results: one showed that integrated care during the postpartum period increased retention in HIV care among women aged 18 to 24 years; and another showed that a lay counsellor‐led combination intervention did not reduce attrition among women aged 16 to 24 years; one further study noted that age did not modify the effectiveness of a combination intervention. Mobile health technologies, enhanced support, active follow‐up and tracing and integrated services were commonly examined as standalone interventions or as part of combination approaches, with mixed evidence for each strategy. Of 10 papers identified in the secondary search, adolescent‐focused services and continuity of care with the same provider appeared to be effective in improving attendance at ANC and/or facility delivery, while home visits and group ANC had mixed results.

Conclusions

This review highlights the lack of evidence regarding effective strategies to improve retention in antenatal and/or postpartum care among adolescents and young WLHIV specifically, as well as a distinct lack of age‐disaggregated results in studies examining retention interventions for pregnant WLHIV of all ages. Identifying and prioritizing approaches to improve retention of adolescents and young WLHIV are critical for improving maternal and child health.
Likelihood of prior exposure to circulating influenza viruses resulting in cross‐protection by CD8+ T cells against emergent H3N2v swine viruses infecting humans
Authors: Komadina Naomi , Sullivan Sheena G. , Leder Karin , McVernon Jodie
Published: August 2021

Outbreaks of influenza in swine can result in potential threats to human public health. A notable occurrence was the emergence of swine‐origin H1N1 influenza viruses in 2009. Since then, there have been several documented outbreaks of swine‐origin influenza infecting humans in several countries. Sustained events have occurred when H1N1v, H1N2v, and H3N2v swine‐origin viruses have infected humans visiting agricultural shows in the US. The predominant H3N2v viruses gained the matrix protein from the A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses, with reported human‐to‐human transmission raising fears of another pandemic. Current vaccines do not induce secondary cell‐mediated immune responses, which may provide cross‐protection against novel influenza A subtypes, however, population susceptibility to infection with seasonal influenza is likely to be influenced by cross‐reactive CD8+ T‐cells directed towards immunogenic peptides derived from viral proteins. This study involved a retrospective review of historical influenza viruses circulating in human populations from 1918 to 2020 to identify evidence of prior circulation of H3N3v immunogenic CD8+ T‐cells peptides found in the NP and M1 proteins. We found evidence of prior circulation of H3N2v NP and M1 immunogenic peptides in historical influenza viruses. This provides insight into the population context in which influenza viruses emerge and may help inform immunogenic peptide selection for cytotoxic T‐cell lymphocytes (CTL)‐inducing influenza vaccines. Next‐generation vaccines capable of eliciting CD8+ T‐cell‐mediated cross‐protective immunity may offer a long‐term alternative strategy for influenza vaccines.
Videofluoroscopic and manometric outcomes of cricopharyngeus balloon dilation for treatment of pharyngo‐esophageal dysphagia associated with nasopharyngeal cancer: A case series
Authors: Fong Raymond , Rumbach Anna F. , Ward Elizabeth C. , Doeltgen Sebastian H. , Sun Nikie , Tsang Raymond
Published: August 2021

Background

Problems with pharyngo‐esophageal bolus flow have been reported following nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) treatment. While studies using videofluoroscopic assessment have shown balloon dilation can help address this impairment, the impact of dilation on pressure and bolus flow characteristics incorporating high‐resolution pharyngeal manometry (HRPM) has not been reported.

Methods

Five cases with pharyngo‐esophageal dysphagia post NPC underwent balloon dilation. Videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) and HRPM were completed before and 1 month post dilation. Oral intake and dysphagia related quality of life were reported to 3 months.

Results

VFSS, manometry and functional outcomes revealed positive benefits from dilation in two cases. In the other three cases, two showed improvements on VFSS only. These three failed to make functional swallowing gains.

Conclusions

Where there was functional gain, both fluoroscopy and HRPM recorded improvement to UES function. Across the cases, response to dilation was variable and further work is needed to determine which patients would receive most benefit.

Level of Evidence

4.
Effects of Antarctic Krill Euphausia superba Meal Inclusion on Growth, Body Color, and Composition of Large Yellow Croaker Larimichthys crocea
Authors: Tang Baojun , Zheng Hanfeng , Wang Shuaijie , Qin Ganjing , Huang Yanqing , Wang Lumin
Published: August 2021

The effects of Antarctic krill Euphausia superba meal inclusion in the diet of Large Yellow Croaker Larimichthys crocea were studied. Inclusion levels were 0.000, 4.125, 8.250, and 12.375% (control, KM4.125, KM8.250, and KM12.375, respectively), and groups of large-sized fish (average body weight = 190.6 g) received these diets for 99 d. No significant differences were found in body length, body weight, and specific growth rate compared with the control group, but the KM4.125 and KM8.250 groups had significantly increased condition factors and hepatosomatic indices. The KM8.250 fish showed a significant increase in redness values in the dorsal skin, while the KM12.375 fish presented significantly higher yellowness in the ventral skin and tail fin. Addition of krill meal exerted no significant effect on whole-body proximate composition. The KM8.250 group showed significantly higher lipid content and lower ash content, which differed from those of the KM12.375 group. Most of the amino acids in muscle and liver tissues remained unchanged compared to those in the control. The KM4.125 group showed significantly higher muscle proline, serine, and total functional amino acids, while the total amino acid content in KM12.375 fish significantly decreased. The results indicated that dietary inclusion of fish meal with up to 8.25% krill meal does not result in adverse effects on growth and body composition of large-sized Large Yellow Croaker; however, addition of krill meal could improve skin coloration in these fish.
Optimal scheduling and control for constrained multi‐agent networked control systems
Authors: Bahraini Masoud , Zanon Mario , Colombo Alessandro , Falcone Paolo
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we study optimal control and communication schedule co‐design for multi‐agent networked control systems, with assuming shared parallel communication channels and uncertain constrained linear time‐invariant discrete‐time systems. To that end, we specify the communication demand for each system using an associated robust control invariant set and reachability analysis. We use these communication demands and invariant sets to formulate tube‐based model predictive control and offline/online communication schedule co‐design problems. Since the scheduling part includes an infinite dimension integer problem, we propose heuristics to find suboptimal solutions that guarantee robust constraints satisfaction and recursive feasibility. The effectiveness of our approach is illustrated through numerical simulations.
Does portfolio optimization favor sector or broad market investments?
Authors: Senthilkumar Arunachalam , Namboothiri Athira , Rajeev Sreelakshmi
Published: August 2021

In the Indian context, we have applied the Sharpe Single Index model with Elton's portfolio optimization framework and Markowitz Portfolio Theory framework for optimizing intra and inter‐sectoral equity portfolios. Literature provide less evidence on the inter and intra‐sector relationships to which we contribute. We compute 11 sector‐specific optimal portfolios and one inter‐sector optimal portfolio using the NSE sectoral indices like automobiles, banking, financial services, FMCG, IT, media, metals, pharmaceuticals, private banks, PSU banks, realty, and broad‐market inter‐sector index Nifty50. We use the month‐end adjusted closing returns data comprising 15,834 observations from 191 scrips during 2013 to 2019. We create in‐sample optimal portfolios and out‐sample mimic portfolios under the Sharpe and Markowitz models for comparison and validation with optimized weights. Our results show that inter‐sector portfolio performs better than some of the intra‐sector portfolios. Also, the intra‐sector portfolios like realty, metals, information technology, and media generated higher returns with relatively moderate or less risk than their sectoral peers and benchmark indices. We found that Sharpe's model performs better than Markowitz's model. We validated our findings with statistical testing. Thereby, we documented the applicability of the Sharpe Single Index for portfolio optimization in the Indian context. Our research has several implications. Fund managers can make use of our optimal portfolio performance matrix to recommend portfolios to their clients. With our optimized portfolio weights, investors can make sector‐level or inter‐sector investments. Regulators can get a synoptic view of the performance of industry‐level portfolios. Researchers can extend the literature by improvising our portfolio optimization procedure.
Computational models in the service of X‐ray and cryo‐electron microscopy structure determination
Authors: Kryshtafovych Andriy , Moult John , Albrecht Reinhard , Chang Geoffrey A. , Chao Kinlin , Fraser Alec , Greenfield Julia , Hartmann Marcus D. , Herzberg Osnat , Josts Inokentijs , Leiman Petr G. , Linden Sara B. , Lupas Andrei N. , Nelson Daniel C. , Rees Steven D. , Shang Xiaoran , Sokolova Maria L. , Tidow Henning ,   AlphaFold2 team
Published: August 2021

Critical assessment of structure prediction (CASP) conducts community experiments to determine the state of the art in computing protein structure from amino acid sequence. The process relies on the experimental community providing information about not yet public or about to be solved structures, for use as targets. For some targets, the experimental structure is not solved in time for use in CASP. Calculated structure accuracy improved dramatically in this round, implying that models should now be much more useful for resolving many sorts of experimental difficulties. To test this, selected models for seven unsolved targets were provided to the experimental groups. These models were from the AlphaFold2 group, who overall submitted the most accurate predictions in CASP14. Four targets were solved with the aid of the models, and, additionally, the structure of an already solved target was improved. An a posteriori analysis showed that, in some cases, models from other groups would also be effective. This paper provides accounts of the successful application of models to structure determination, including molecular replacement for X‐ray crystallography, backbone tracing and sequence positioning in a cryo‐electron microscopy structure, and correction of local features. The results suggest that, in future, there will be greatly increased synergy between computational and experimental approaches to structure determination.
Flexible diagnostic measures and new cut‐point selection methods under multiple ordered classes
Authors: Feng Yingdong , Tian Lili
Published: August 2021

Medical diagnosis is essentially a classification problem and usually it is done with multiple ordered classes. For example, cancer diagnosis might be “non‐malignant,” “early stage,” or “late stage.” Therefore, appropriate measures are needed to assess the accuracy of diagnostic markers under multiple ordered classes. However, all existing measures fail to differentiate among some distinctly different biomarkers. This paper presents a multi‐step procedure for evaluating biomarker accuracy under multiple ordered classes. This procedure leads to two new flexible overall measures as well as three new cut‐point selection methods with great computational ease. The performance of proposed measures and cut‐point selection methods are numerically explored via a simulation study. In the end, an ovarian cancer dataset from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian cancer study is analyzed. The proposed accuracy measures were estimated for markers CA125 and HE4, and cut‐points were estimated for the risk of ovarian malignancy algorithm score.
Electronic Structure Modulation of Non‐Noble‐Metal‐Based Catalysts for Biomass Electrooxidation Reactions
Authors: Yang Ganceng , Jiao Yanqing , Yan Haijing , Tian Chungui , Fu Honggang
Published: August 2021

The electrochemical oxidation of biomass‐based organics has recently attracted attention due to its advantages of environmental friendliness, mild reaction conditions, high degree of conversion and selectivity, and high efficiency of hydrogen production coupled with the cathodic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The key to implementing the large‐scale application of the biomass electrooxidation reaction (BEOR) depends on the rational construction of efficient catalysts, as well as the structural optimization and performance improvement of the constructed catalysts. Herein, the mechanism of the BEOR is summarized, followed by a review of the current popular non‐noble‐metal electrocatalysts. Thereafter, the relationship between structure/composition and catalytic activity is systemically discussed. Furthermore, protocols for developing an effective catalyst by modulating the electronic structure, in addition to heteroatom doping, defect engineering, and heterojunction construction, are summarized and highlighted. Finally, the limitations of the current research on the construction of efficient BEOR catalysts are summarized, methods and ideas required for in‐depth research are proposed, and the goals and future development trends of BEOR research are discussed. This is expected to provide guidance for the large‐scale application of electrochemical biomass upgrading.
Photoantioxidant versus photodegradant: Action of nanoparticle inorganic fillers in outdoor aging of PP
Authors: Xu Zhiping , An Zhenhua , Ye Yan , Yang Rui
Published: August 2021

Owing to the widespread use of polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites, their stability in the environment is becoming increasingly relevant. Accordingly, a systematic study of the relationship between the characteristics of inorganic nanofillers and the environmental aging behavior of PP is necessary to determine the service life of PP nanocomposites in outdoor environments. Therefore, in this study, we systematically investigated the effects of the chemical composition, particle size, crystalline form, and amount of inorganic filler (CaCO3, Al2O3, SiO2, and ZnO) on the outdoor aging behavior of PP. The results of outdoor aging experiments showed that the filler composition affects the aging behavior of PP. It was found that SiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles accelerate and retard the outdoor aging of PP, respectively. In addition, PP composites containing inorganic fillers with relatively large particles or more stable crystalline forms exhibit relatively slow aging. In the case of the fillers other than ZnO nanoparticles, increasing the filler content accelerates the outdoor aging of PP. The evolution of cracks in the exposed surfaces of PP composites during outdoor aging was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The CO2 generated by PP composites during in situ gaseous degradation product detection corresponds well with the results of the outdoor aging experiments. This study elucidates the effects of inorganic fillers on the outdoor aging behavior of PP.
Efficiency in PrEP Delivery: Estimating the Annual Costs of Oral PrEP in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mangenah Collin , Nhamo Definate , Gudukeya Stephano , Gwavava Emily , Gavi Chiedza , Chiwawa Progress , Chidawanyika Sandra , Muleya Polite , Taruberekera Noah , Madidi Ngonidzashe , Ncube Gertrude , Bara Hilda , Napierala Sue , Dunbar Megan , Hoke Theresa , Kripke Katharine , Cowan Frances M. , Torjesen Kristine , Terris-Prestholt Fern
Published: August 2021

Although oral PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV acquisition, optimizing continuation among beneficiaries is challenging in many settings. We estimated the costs of delivering oral PrEP to populations at risk of HIV in seven clinics in Zimbabwe. Full annual economic costs of oral PrEP initiations and continuation visits were estimated from the providers’ perspective for a six-clinic NGO network and one government SGBV clinic in Zimbabwe (January–December 2018). Disaggregating costs of full initiation and incremental follow-up visits enabled modeling of the impact of duration of continuation on the cost per person-year ($pPY) on PrEP. 4677 people initiated oral PrEP, averaging 2.7 follow-up visits per person. Average cost per person initiated was $238 ($183–$302 across the NGO clinics; $86 in the government facility). The full cost per initiation visit, including central and direct costs, was $178, and the incremental cost per follow-up visit, capturing only additional resources used directly in the follow up visits, was $22. The average duration of continuation was 3.0 months, generating an average $pPY of $943, ranging from $839 among adolescent girls and young women to $1219 in men. Oral PrEP delivery costs varied substantially by scale of initiations and by duration of continuation and type of clinic. Extending the average oral PrEP continuation from 2.7 to 5 visits (about 6 months) would greatly improve service efficiency, cutting the $pPY by more than half.