bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The association between BDNF levels and risperidone-induced weight gain is dependent on the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism in antipsychotic-naive first episode schizophrenia patients: a 12-week prospective study
Authors: Liu Jiahong , Wang Pingping , Sun Leilei , Guan Xiaoni , Xiu Meihong , Zhang Xiangyang
Published: September 2021

A growing number of studies have shown that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is associated with weight gain during antipsychotic treatment in schizophrenia patients. However, there is still a lack of research results in the initial stage of antipsychotic treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between weight gain caused by risperidone monotherapy for 12 weeks and BDNF level in antipsychotic-naive and first-episode (ANFE) patients with schizophrenia, and we hypothesize that this may depend on BDNF Val66Met gene polymorphism. In a 12-week longitudinal trial, 225 ANFE patients were enrolled and treated with risperidone. Body weight was measured at baseline and during the 12-week follow-up. After treatment, the average weight of ANFE patients increased by 2.6 kg. Furthermore, we found that in patients with Val/Val genotype, the increase in serum BDNF levels was negatively correlated with risperidone-induced weight gain (r = −0.44, p = 0.008). Regression analysis showed that the baseline BDNF level was a predictor of weight gain after treatment (β = −0.45, t = −3.0, p = 0.005). Our results suggest that the BDNF signaling may be involved in weight gain caused by risperidone treatment. Furthermore, the negative association between weight gain and increased BDNF levels during risperidone treatment in ANFE schizophrenia depends on the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism.
The metabolic flexibility of quiescent CSC: implications for chemotherapy resistance
Authors: Chen Kangchen , Zhang Chenzhi , Ling Sunbin , Wei Rongli , Wang Jianguo , Xu Xiao
Published: September 2021

Quiescence has been observed in stem cells (SCs), including adult SCs and cancer SCs (CSCs). Conventional chemotherapies mostly target proliferating cancer cells, while the quiescent state favors CSCs escape to chemotherapeutic drugs, leaving risks for tumor recurrence or metastasis. The tumor microenvironment (TME) provides various signals that maintain resident quiescent CSCs, protect them from immune surveillance, and facilitates their recurrence potential. Since the TME has the potential to support and initiate stem cell-like programs in cancer cells, targeting the TME components may prove to be a powerful modality for the treatment of chemotherapy resistance. In addition, an increasing number of studies have discovered that CSCs exhibit the potential of metabolic flexibility when metabolic substrates are limited, and display increased robustness in response to stress. Accompanied by chemotherapy that targets proliferative cancer cells, treatments that modulate CSC quiescence through the regulation of metabolic pathways also show promise. In this review, we focus on the roles of metabolic flexibility and the TME on CSCs quiescence and further discuss potential treatments of targeting CSCs and the TME to limit chemotherapy resistance.
Sestrin2 protects dendrite cells against ferroptosis induced by sepsis
Authors: Li Jing-yan , Ren Chao , Wang Li-Xue , Yao Ren-qi , Dong Ning , Wu Yao , Tian Ying-ping , Yao Yong-ming
Published: September 2021

Ferroptosis is a nonapoptotic form of programmed cell death triggered by the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) depended on iron overload. Although most investigations focus on the relationship between ferroptosis and cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and ischemia/reperfusion injury, research on ferroptosis induced by immune-related inflammatory diseases, especially sepsis, is scarce. Sestrin2 (Sesn2), a highly evolutionary and stress-responsive protein, is critically involved in defense against oxidative stress challenges. Upregulated expression of Sesn2 has been observed in preliminary experiments to have an antioxidative function in the context of an inflammatory response. Nevertheless, the underlying function of Sesn2 in inflammation-mediated ferroptosis in the immune system remains uncertain. The current study aimed to demonstrate the protective effect of Sesn2 on ferroptosis and even correlations with ferroptosis and the functions of ferroptotic-dendritic cells (DCs) stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The mechanism underlying DCs protection from LPS-induced ferroptosis by Sesn2 was further explored in this study. We found that the immune response of DCs assessed by co-stimulatory phenotypes was gradually enhanced at the peak time of 12 h upon 1 μg/ml LPS stimulation while ferroptosis in DCs treated with LPS at 24 h was significantly detected. LPS-induced ferroptosis showed a suppressive impact on DCs in phenotypic maturation, which was conversely relieved by the ferroptotic inhibitor. Compared with wild-type (WT) mice, DCs in genetic defective mice of Sesn2 (Sesn2−/−) exhibited exacerbated ferroptosis. Furthermore, the protective effect of Sesn2 on ferroptosis was noticed to be associated with the ATF4-CHOP-CHAC1 pathway, eventually exacerbating ferroptosis by degrading of glutathione. These results indicate that Sesn2 can suppress the ferroptosis of DCs in sepsis by downregulating the ATF4-CHOP-CHAC1 signaling pathway, and it might play an antioxidative role.
Notch1/TAZ axis promotes aerobic glycolysis and immune escape in lung cancer
Authors: Xie Mian , Fu Xin-ge , Jiang Ke
Published: September 2021

Oncogenic signaling pathway reprograms cancer cell metabolism to promote aerobic glycolysis in favor of tumor growth. The ability of cancer cells to evade immunosurveillance and the role of metabolic regulators in T-cell functions suggest that oncogene-induced metabolic reprogramming may be linked to immune escape. Notch1 signaling, dysregulated in lung cancer, is correlated with increased glycolysis. Herein, we demonstrate in lung cancer that Notch1 promotes glycolytic gene expression through functional interaction with histone acetyltransferases p300 and pCAF. Notch1 signaling forms a positive feedback loop with TAZ. Notch1 transcriptional activity was increased in the presence of TAZ and the activation was TEAD1 independent. Notably, aerobic glycolysis was critical for Notch1/TAZ axis modulation of lung cancer growth in vitro and in vivo. Increased level of extracellular lactate via Notch1/TAZ axis inhibited cytotoxic T-cell activity, leading to the invasive characteristic of lung cancer cells. Interaction between Notch1 and TAZ promoted aerobic glycolysis and immune escape in lung cancer. Our findings provide potential therapeutic targets against Notch1 and TAZ and would be important for clinical translation in lung cancer.
Non-apoptotic function of caspase-8 confers prostate cancer enzalutamide resistance via NF-κB activation
Authors: Xia Jia , Zhang Jiahui , Wang Liangzhe , Liu Hailong , Wang Jie , Liu Junyan , Liu Zhaoqian , Zhu Yingjian , Xu Yingjie , Yang Wen , Yu Yongjiang
Published: September 2021

Caspase-8 is a unique member of caspases with a dual role in cell death and survival. Caspase-8 expression is often lost in some tumors, but increased in others, indicating a potential pro-survival function in cancer. By analyzing transcriptome of enzalutamide-resistant prostate cancer cells, we found that resistance was conferred by a mild caspase-8 upregulation that in turn led to NF-κB activation and the subsequent upregulation of the downstream IL-8. Mechanistically, we found that the pro-survival and enzalutamide-resistance-promoting features of caspase-8 were independent of its proteolytic activity, using a catalytically-inactive caspase-8 mutant. We further demonstrated that caspase-8 pro-apoptotic function was inhibited via cFLIP binding. Moreover, high caspase-8 expression was correlated with a worse prognosis in prostate cancer patients. Collectively, our work demonstrates that enzalutamide-resistance is mediated by caspase-8 upregulation and the consequent increase in NF-κB/IL-8 mediated survival signaling, highlighting caspase-8 and NF-κB as potential therapeutic targets to overcome enzalutamide-resistance in CRPC.
Proteomic signatures of myeloid derived suppressor cells from liver and lung metastases reveal functional divergence and potential therapeutic targets
Authors: DaSilva Nicholas A. , Barlock Benjamin J. , Guha Prajna , Ghosh Chandra C. , Trebino Catherine E. , Camberg Jodi L. , Katz Steven C. , Rowley David C.
Published: September 2021

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) promote immunosuppressive activities in the tumor microenvironment (TME), resulting in increased tumor burden and diminishing the anti-tumor response of immunotherapies. While primary and metastatic tumors are typically the focal points of therapeutic development, the immune cells of the TME are differentially programmed by the tissue of the metastatic site. In particular, MDSCs are programmed uniquely within different organs in the context of tumor progression. Given that MDSC plasticity is shaped by the surrounding environment, the proteomes of MDSCs from different metastatic sites are hypothesized to be unique. A bottom-up proteomics approach using sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra (SWATH-MS) was used to quantify the proteome of CD11b+ cells derived from murine liver metastases (LM) and lung metastases (LuM). A comparative proteomics workflow was employed to compare MDSC proteins from LuM (LuM-MDSC) and LM (LM-MDSC) while also elucidating common signaling pathways, protein function, and possible drug-protein interactions. SWATH-MS identified 2516 proteins from 200 µg of sample. Of the 2516 proteins, 2367 have matching transcriptomic data. Upregulated proteins from lung and liver-derived murine CD11b+ cells with matching mRNA transcriptomic data were categorized based on target knowledge and level of drug development. Comparative proteomic analysis demonstrates that liver and lung tumor-derived MDSCs have distinct proteomes that may be subject to pharmacologic manipulation.
Circular RNAs in osteoporosis: expression, functions and roles
Authors: Luo Yinzhou , Qiu Guanzhen , Liu Yize , Li Shanshan , Xu Yeqiu , Zhang Yuanzhuang , Cao Yuan , Wang Yong
Published: September 2021

Osteoporosis, which is caused by an imbalance in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, is a global age-related metabolic disease. Osteoblasts induce osteocyte and bone matrix formation, while osteoclasts play an important role in bone resorption. Maintaining a balance between osteoblast formation and osteoclastic absorption is crucial for bone remodeling. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), which are characterized by closed-loop structures, are a class of novel endogenous transcripts with limited protein-coding abilities. Accumulating evidence indicates that circRNAs play important roles in various bone diseases, such as osteosarcoma, osteoarthritis, osteonecrosis, and osteoporosis. Recent studies have shown that circRNAs regulate osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation and may be potential biomarkers for osteoporosis. In the current review, we summarize the expression, function, and working mechanisms of circRNAs involved in osteoblasts, osteoclast differentiation, and osteoporosis.
A long-wavelength activable AIEgen fluorescent probe for HClO and cell apoptosis imaging
Authors: Wang Mengyun , Han Xiaojing , Yang Xiaopeng , Liu Jianfei , Song Xiangzhi , Zhu Weimin , Ye Yong
Published: September 2021

An AIE HClO probe can accurately monitor different levels of apoptosis.
Conformational control via sequence for a heteropeptoid in water: coupled NMR and Rosetta modelling
Authors: Rajale Trideep , Miner Jacob C. , Michalczyk Ryszard , Phipps M. Lisa , Schmidt Jurgen G. , Gilbertson Robert D. , Williams Robert F. , Strauss Charlie E. M. , Martinez Jennifer S.
Published: September 2021

Structured water-soluble and hetero-oligomeric peptoids: the importance of peptoid-specific backbone restrictions.
Imidazolium salts and [Pt(cod)2]: from NHC hydrido complexes to the unprecedented olefinic tetrahedral cluster [Pt4(μ-H)(cod)4]BF4
Authors: He Fengkai , Gourlaouen Christophe , Pang Huan , Braunstein Pierre
Published: September 2021

Whereas the bis(imine)imidazolium salt 1·Cl yielded with [Pt(cod)2] the PtII-hydrido NHC complex 3, the unprecedented, tetrahedral cluster [Pt4(μ-H)(cod)4]BF4(7) was unexpectedly obtained from 1·BF4.
A mononuclear divalent ytterbium hydrido complex supported by a super-bulky scorpionate ligand
Authors: Shi Xianghui , Deng Peng , Rajeshkumar Thayalan , Zhao Lanxiao , Maron Laurent , Cheng Jianhua
Published: September 2021

The first mononuclear divalent ytterbium hydride complex [(TpAd,iPr)Yb(H)(THF)] (TpAd,iPr = hydrotris(3-adamantyl-5-isopropyl-pyrazolyl)borate) (2) bearing a terminal hydrido ligand was obtained by hydrogenolysis of the benzyl precursor in hexane.
Electronic dephasing of polyatomic molecules interacting with mixed quantum-classical media
Authors: Toutounji Mohamad
Published: September 2021

The upper graph represents a two-pulse photon echo signal of a 3-mode system, revealing initial free induction decay followed by quantum beats. The bottom graph represents a pump–probe signal showing the ZPL, fundamental transitions, and overtones.
Photodissociation dynamics of halogenated aromatic molecules: the case of core-ionized tetrabromothiophene
Authors: Pihlava Lassi , Niskanen Johannes , Kooser Kuno , Stråhlman Christian , Maclot Sylvain , Kivimäki Antti , Kukk Edwin
Published: September 2021

An experimentally attained dissociation model of C4Br4S++ and the effect of the ionization site on the dicationic parent survival.
The impact of framework flexibility and defects on the water adsorption in CAU-10-H
Authors: Grenev Ivan V. , Shubin Aleksandr A. , Solovyeva Marina V. , Gordeeva Larisa G.
Published: September 2021

The effect of structural defects and framework flexibility on the water adsorption in CAU-10-H was explored by a grand canonical Monte Carlo simulation.
Emerging investigator series: could the superoxide radical be implemented in decontamination processes?
Authors: Ma Junye , Wei Zongsu , Spinney Richard , Dionysiou Dionysios D. , Xiao Ruiyang
Published: September 2021

The superoxide radical (O2˙−) is an important reactive oxygen species (ROS) in diverse natural aquatic systems and engineered water treatment processes.
Fluorescent, electrically responsive and ultratough self-healing hydrogels via bioinspired all-in-one hierarchical micelles
Authors: Liu Tao , Wang Fenfen , Wu Qiang , Chen Tiehong , Sun Pingchuan
Published: September 2021

A bioinspired all-in-one strategy was proposed to construct fluorescent, electrically responsive and ultratough self-healing hydrogels via multifunctional and hierarchical polyelectrolyte–surfactant micelles.
Selective dopamine detection by SPR sensor signal amplification using gold nanoparticles
Authors: Türkmen Deniz , Bakhshpour Monireh , Göktürk Ilgım , Aşır Süleyman , Yılmaz Fatma , Denizli Adil
Published: September 2021

In this study, selective and sensitive detection of neurotransmitter dopamine from both aqueous solution and biological samples was performed by surface plasmon resonance sensor based on molecular imprinting technique.
Synthesis of unsymmetrical urea from aryl- or pyridyl carboxamides and aminopyridines using PhI(OAc)2via in situ formation of aryl- or pyridyl isocyanates
Authors: Laha Joydev K. , Singh Neha , Hunjan Mandeep Kaur
Published: September 2021

The synthesis of unsymmetrical ureas (N-aryl-N′-pyridylurea and N,N′-bipyridylurea) from aryl- or pyridyl carboxamides and aminopyridines in the presence of PhI(OAc)2 has been reported. The formation of pyridylisocyanates from their corresponding carboxamides via Hofmann rearrangement is confirmed.
Transition metal-free C-3 functionalization of quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones: recent advances and sanguine future
Authors: Kiran  , Rani Payal , Chahal Sandhya , Sindhu Jayant , Kumar Sudhir , Varma Rajender S. , Singh Rajvir
Published: September 2021

A gradual shift from metal-catalyzed to metal-free methods is occurring, as the latter are more environmentally benign. This review discusses sustainable protocols for the construction of C–C, C–N, C–P, C–S, and C–O bonds via C–H functionalization of quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones.
Electrochemically promoted oxidative α-cyanation of tertiary and secondary amines using cheap AIBN
Authors: Gui Qing-Wen , Xiong Zhi-Yuan , Teng Fan , Cai Tian-Cheng , Li Qiang , Hu Wenxia , Wang Xiaoli , Yu Jialing , Liu Xiaoying
Published: September 2021

The electrochemical α-cyanation of tertiary and secondary amines has been developed by using a cheap cyanide reagent, azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN).
I2-Catalyzed oxidative dehydrogenative tandem cyclization of 2-methylquinolines, arylamines and 1,4-dioxane
Authors: Qi Hongrui , Yan Yiyan , Liao Yunfeng , Jiang Furong , Gao Hualan , Deng Guo-Jun
Published: September 2021

A novel I2-catalyst oxidative dehydrogenative tandem cyclization of 2-methylquinolines, arylamines and 1,4-dioxane for the construction of 2-([2,2′-biquinolin]-3-yloxy)ethan-1-ol derivatives has been developed under metal-free conditions.
Designing 2D nickel hydroxide@graphene nanosheet composites to confine sulfur in highly stable lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Liu Pan , Qi Yuruo , Jamil Sidra , Xiao Fangyuan , Zhong Wei , Bao Shu-Juan , Xu Maowen
Published: September 2021

The 2D heterostructure Ni(OH)2@GR@S electrodes can realize high sulfur-loading and uniform Li deposition for lithium–sulfur batteries.
Advances in cellulose-metal organic framework composites: preparation and applications
Authors: Zhang Xiong-Fei , Wang Zhongguo , Ding Meili , Feng Yi , Yao Jianfeng
Published: September 2021

This review emphasizes the recent advances in synthesis strategies, versatile structures and broad applications of cellulose-metal organic framework composites.
Room-temperature phosphorescent organic materials for optical waveguides
Authors: Godumala Mallesham , Kumar Avulu Vinod , Chandrasekar Rajadurai
Published: September 2021

This review summarizes recent advances in developing high-efficiency room temperature phosphorescent materials for organic waveguides.
Soil moisture content prediction model for tea plantations based on SVM optimised by the bald eagle search algorithm
Authors: Huang Ying , Jiang Hao , Wang Wen‐feng , Wang Weixing , Sun Daozong
Published: September 2021

In order to solve the problem of low accuracy and efficiency of soil moisture content prediction in tea plantations and improve the level of soil water content prediction, a soil moisture content prediction model for tea plantations based on the support vector machine (SVM)‐optimised bald eagle search (BES) algorithm (BES‐SVM) is proposed. Soil data and environmental data of tea plantations were transmitted to the server using sensor nodes and weather station nodes. The prediction models of soil moisture content and natural environmental parameters such as soil electrical conductivity, soil temperature, air temperature, air humidity, light intensity, and rainfall were developed using the SVM model optimised by the bald eagle search algorithm, and the mean square error (MSE) and coefficient of determination () were calculated to evaluate the model performance. Meanwhile, the performance of the BES‐SVM model is compared with the particle swarm algorithm optimisation SVM (PSO‐SVM) and genetic algorithm optimised SVM (GA‐SVM) models. Results show that the proposed model has a mean coefficient of determination of 95.65%, and the prediction performance is better than the PSO‐SVM and GA‐SVM model, indicating that the BES‐SVM model has good performance and is a feasible prediction method for soil water content prediction and guiding irrigation and fertilisation management in tea plantations.
Improved cluster validity index for fuzzy clustering
Authors: Kwon Soon Hak , Kim Jihong , Son Seo Ho
Published: September 2021

An improved cluster validity index for fuzzy clustering that is able to overcome three intrinsic drawbacks in conventional cluster validity indexes is proposed. The effectiveness of the proposed index is demonstrated by the analysis of its limiting behaviour and comparison with the performance of the Xie‐Beni index, Kwon index, and Tang index on twelve data sets.
Efficient detection and robust tracking of spermatozoa in microscopic video
Authors: Zhu Ronghua , Cui Yansong , Hou Enyu , Huang Jianming
Published: September 2021

Sperm concentration and motility are generally analysed only in the discrete state in microscopic videos. As for sperm nonspecific aggregation areas, it brings difficulties to accurate sperm detection. In this paper, an algorithm for nonspecific aggregates automatic segmentation, detection and tracking of sperm is proposed. A grid model commensurate with the size of a sperm head is created to segment nonspecific aggregation areas. Multi‐scale edge function and new energy functional are designed based on the level set method to realize sperm head segmentation. In the sperm tracking stage, we improve the weight condition and the standard of trust flow quantization based on graph theory method, and simplify the sperm tracking to the vertex matching between two frames to solve the matching failure problem of adjacent frames with small space distance. The proposed method achieves accurate segmentation of sperm non‐specific aggregation regions, which outperforms the level set methods of LBF and SBGFR. At the same time, our method can real‐time calculation of sperm concentration and motility during sperm tracking. It is compared with four state‐of‐the‐art algorithms, and it gives lower tracking error rates, which has potential applications in male fertility field.
A Weibull‐distribution‐based hybrid total variation method for speckle reduction in ultrasound images
Authors: Cui Wenchao , Shao Liangzhi , Gong Guoqiang , Lu Ke , Sun Shuifa , Wu Yirong , Zhou Yiyuan
Published: September 2021

Speckle reduction is still an intractable task in ultrasound imaging field. Ultrasound speckle is usually described as multiplicative noise with its statistics following a Rayleigh or Gaussian distribution. To employ these two distributions effectively, the authors attempt to describe ultrasound speckle using a Weibull distribution, because it can include the Rayleigh distribution as a special case and also approximate a Gaussian distribution by varying its shape and scale parameters. The authors’ contribution in this paper is to propose a Weibull‐distribution‐based hybrid total variation (WHTV) method to reduce ultrasound speckle. The WHTV energy functional is convex and consists of a new data fidelity term and a new regularization term. The former is derived from the multiplicative Weibull model of ultrasound speckle based on the maximum likelihood criterion. The latter is a new edge‐weighted combination of the first‐ and second‐order total variation, with the advantage of preserving edges while alleviating the staircase effects. The minimization of the WHTV energy functional is implemented by the split Bregman algorithm. Experimental results on synthetic and real ultrasound images have demonstrated not only that the Weibull distribution is a better fitting model for the statistics of ultrasound speckle than other distributions such as Rayleigh, Gaussian, Gamma, and Nakagami, but also that the proposed WHTV method can achieve better despeckling performance than several state‐of‐the‐art variational methods.
Heteroepitaxy of single crystal diamond on Ir buffered KTaO3 (001) substrates
Authors: Wei Qiang , Niu Gang , Wang Ruozheng , Chen Genqiang , Lin Fang , Zhang Xiaofan , Zhang Zhaoyang , Wang Hong-Xing
Published: September 2021

The heteroepitaxy of a single crystal diamond has been carried out in the KTaO3 substrate using Ir as a buffer layer. KTaO3 has a perovskite lattice structure and displays a face-centered cubic structure. Its lattice constant is 3.98 Å, which is only 3% mismatched with the lattice constant of Ir of 3.84 Å, and also, its thermal expansion coefficient is 4.031 × 10−6/K, which is nearly close to that of diamond 3.85 × 10−6/K (at 1223 K), making it to be regarded as an alternate substrate of the heteroepitaxy of a single crystal diamond. The magnetron sputtering technique was used to deposit Ir thin films with a high orientation in the (001) direction on a KTaO3 (001) substrate. Thereafter, bias enhanced nucleation on Ir surface was grown by direct current chemical vapor deposition (CVD) methods. At last, a single crystal diamond with a size of 10 × 10 × 0.78 mm3 has been grown, whose (004) rocking curve FWHM is 183 arc sec, which testifies to the excellent crystalline quality of the heteroepitaxial diamond film.
Efficient third-harmonic generation in asymmetric InxGa1-xN/InN double quantum wells
Authors: Zahedi Taher , Firouzeh Zaker Hossein
Published: September 2021

We report on enhanced third-harmonic generation based on intersubband transitions in an asymmetric InxGa1-xN/InN double quantum well. We give a comprehensive account of the influences of different structural parameters such as doping concentration, thickness of layers, and indium mole composition of barriers on the intersubband transition quantities and then their nonlinear response. The conduction band parameters are computed by the numerical solution to Schrödinger and Poisson equations within nonparabolic band approximation. More importantly, the participation of each electron scattering process, e.g., LO phonon scattering in the electron relaxation time and linewidth values, is calculated, so that it can be considered a reference to provide a heterostructure with optimum functionality. Finally, two optimized double quantum wells are designed at the fundamental photon energies of 117 and 144 meV, which exhibit remarkable third-order susceptibility up to 1.2×10−3 and 10−3μm2/V2, respectively. This study opens a new path to design a suitable InxGa1-xN/InN heterostructure for a third-harmonic generation process from the far- to near-infrared band, which promises various applications in optoelectronic devices.
Twisted Rota–Baxter operators and Reynolds operators on Lie algebras and NS-Lie algebras
Authors: Das Apurba
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we introduce twisted Rota–Baxter operators on Lie algebras as an operator analog of twisted r-matrices. We construct a suitable L∞-algebra whose Maurer–Cartan elements are given by twisted Rota–Baxter operators. This allows us to define the cohomology of a twisted Rota–Baxter operator. This cohomology can be seen as the Chevalley–Eilenberg cohomology of a certain Lie algebra with coefficients in a suitable representation. We study deformations of twisted Rota–Baxter operators from cohomological points of view. Some applications are given to Reynolds operators and twisted r-matrices. Next, we introduce a new algebraic structure, called NS-Lie algebras, that is related to twisted Rota–Baxter operators in the same way pre-Lie algebras are related to Rota–Baxter operators. We end this paper by considering twisted generalized complex structures on modules over Lie algebras.
Ultrafast strain waves reconstruction from coherent acoustic phonons reflection
Authors: Lai Kwan To , Finkelstein-Shapiro Daniel , Devos Arnaud , Mante Pierre-Adrien
Published: September 2021

Picosecond ultrasonics, which studies laser-induced high-frequency strain waves, is a reliable and versatile method for nondestructive materials' characterization. Strain waves are generated through a light interaction with charges and their subsequent relaxation, and these waves conceal a wealth of information on the material. However, strain waves are detected through their convolution with a sensitivity function, which blurs much of this information. Here, we show that the reflection of strain waves at a free surface leads to the appearance of a Fano resonance in the reflectivity spectrum, accompanied by a drastic increase in the detection bandwidth. We take advantage of this feature to provide a method for the reconstruction of strain waves. We apply it to unambiguously highlight the exact origin of the generation of coherent acoustic phonons in Stranski–Krastanov grown quantum dots, revealing that both the wetting layer and quantum dots are responsible for the generation. Our results will offer the possibility to understand better the interaction of light with charges and their interactions with the lattice.
Cosmetic Filler Blindness: Recovery After Repeated Hyaluronidase Injections
Authors: Danks Jennifer J , Dalgliesh James D , Ayton Tom
Published: September 2021

Background

The rise of cosmetic injectables has involved new clinical scenarios related to complications. The scenario of hyaluronic acid (HA) aesthetic interventional–induced visual loss has become more recognized. Although this complication is rare, there can be delayed recognition and treatment, with limited opportunity to evaluate potential treatments and establish best practice guidelines.

Objectives

The authors report a case of documented visual recovery with extra-orbital and intra-orbital hyaluronidase. Central retinal artery occlusion is an ischemic event requiring urgent intervention. The authors hope to assist protocols being developed for HA aesthetic interventional–induced visual loss.

Methods

Following loss of vision, 675 international units (IU) of hyaluronidase was given immediately to the injection site and extra-orbital area. Within 4 hours, 3000 IU intra-orbital and 1500 IU extra-orbital hyaluronidase were given.

Results

Visual loss in a 38-year-old female, following ipsilateral nasal injection of 0.15 mL of HA filler Juvéderm Voluma via the nasal tip, was documented at no perception of light with afferent pupil defect, central retinal artery occlusion, and fundoscopy showing a cherry red spot. This was associated with cerebral irritation and magnetic resonance imaging ischemia. Hyaluronidase was injected as described above. The following day, visual acuity (VA) in the affected eye recovered to 6/18 with a relative superior visual field scotoma. The VA improved to 6/6 at 1 month.

Conclusions

The authors believe immediate injection followed by high dose intra-orbital and extra-orbital injection of hyaluronidase had a positive effect in this case. Recovery of vision was remarkable, from no perception of light to 6/6, documented at a tertiary referral eye hospital.

Level of Evidence: 4
Invasive Pneumococcal Disease: Concerning Trends in Serotype 19A Notifications in New Zealand
Authors: Anglemyer Andrew , McNeill Andrea , DuBray Kara , . Sonder Gerard J B , Walls Tony
Published: September 2021

New Zealand (NZ) is one of few countries to shift from PCV13 to PCV10. The number of serotype 19A cases in young children and the proportions of isolates that are penicillin-resistant have been steadily increasing since. It is time for NZ to reconsider its choice of pneumococcal vaccine.
Outcomes of patients with COVID-19 on kidney replacement therapy: a comparison among modalities in England
Authors: Savino Manuela , Santhakumaran Shalini , Evans Katharine M , Steenkamp Retha , Benoy-Deeney Fran , Medcalf James F , Nitsch Dorothea
Published: September 2021

Background

Chronic kidney disease is a recognized risk factor of poor outcomes from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study used the UK Renal Registry database of people on kidney replacement therapy (KRT) at the end of 2019 in England and who tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) between 1 March 2020 and 31 August 2020 to analyse the incidence and outcomes of COVID-19 among different KRT modalities. Comparisons with 2015–2019 mortality data were used to estimate excess deaths.

Results

A total of 2783 individuals on KRT tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Patients from more-deprived areas {most deprived versus least deprived hazard ratio [HR] 1.20 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04–1.39]} and those with diabetes compared with those without [HR 1.51 (95% CI 1.39–1.64)] were more likely to test positive. Approximately 25% of in-centre haemodialysis and transplanted patients died within 28 days of testing positive compared with 36% of those on home therapies. Mortality was higher in those ≥80 years of age compared with those 60–79 years [odds ratio (OR) 1.71 (95% CI 1.34–2.19)] and much lower in those listed for transplantation compared with those not listed [OR 0.56 (95% CI 0.40–0.80)]. Overall, excess mortality in 2020 for people on KRT was 36% higher than the 2015–2019 average. Excess deaths peaked in April 2020 at the height of the pandemic and were characterized by wide ethnic and regional disparities.

Conclusions

The impact of COVID-19 on the English KRT population highlights their extreme vulnerability and emphasizes the need to protect and prioritize this group for vaccination. COVID-19 has widened underlying inequalities in people with kidney disease, making interventions that address health inequalities a priority.
The Effect of Early vs Delayed Initiation of Adalimumab on Remission Rates in Patients With Crohn’s Disease With Poor Prognostic Factors: The MODIFY Study
Authors: Mantzaris Gerassimos J , Zeglinas Christos , Theodoropoulou Angeliki , Koutroubakis Ioannis , Orfanoudaki Eleni , Katsanos Konstantinos , Christodoulou Dimitrios , Michalopoulos Georgios , Tzouvala Maria , Moschovis Dimitrios , Michopoulos Spyridon , Zampeli Evanthia , Soufleris Konstantinos , Ilias Anastasios , Chatzievangelinou Christina , Kyriakakis Antonios , Antachopoulou Konstantia , Karmiris Konstantinos
Published: September 2021

Background

Data on the effectiveness of anti-tumor necrosis factor medications in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) with poor prognostic factors (PPFs) are scarce. This study aimed to generate real-world evidence on the effect of early (≤24 months after diagnosis) vs delayed (>24 months) initiation of adalimumab (ADL) on the 26-week remission rate (Harvey–Bradshaw Index ≤4) in these patients.

Methods

This multicentre, retrospective, chart review study performed in 10 Greek hospitals enrolled adult patients with moderate to severe CD (Harvey–Bradshaw Index ≥8) with ≥3 PPFs who were initiated on ADL ≥12 months before enrollment. A sample size of 164 patients (early:delayed cohort allocation ratio, 30:70) was required to address the primary endpoint.

Results

Eligible patients (n = 171) were consecutively enrolled. In the early vs delayed cohorts, the 26-week remission rates (off-steroids) using the last-observation-carried-forward imputation method were 60.7% (37/61) vs 47.2% (50/106), respectively (Δ = 13.5%, P = .044). The respective remission rates were 61.2% vs 42.4% among anti-tumor necrosis factor-naive patients (P = .023) and 58.3% vs 53.2% among anti-tumor necrosis factor-experienced patients (P = .374). The 52-week remission rates using as-observed data were 78.8% and 60.3%, and the intestinal resection rates were 6.5% and 11.9% in the early vs delayed ADL cohorts, respectively.

Conclusions

Patients with CD with PPFs who received early vs delayed treatment with ADL achieved higher clinical response and remission rates. This effect was more pronounced in those patients who were bio-naive and steroid-dependent/refractory with concurrent extraintestinal manifestations than those who were not.
Healed plaque erosion as a cause of recurrent vasospastic angina: a case report
Authors: Yamamoto Tetsuya , Toshimitsu Ishii , Ishida Akihiko
Published: September 2021

Background

Recurrent vasospastic angina sometimes occurs. Fresh thrombi have been known to arise without plaque rupture at coronary spasm sites due to blood flow stagnation and intimal erosion caused by vasospasms. The relationship between recurrence of vasospastic angina and thrombus formation remains unclear.

Case summary

A 67-year-old man presented with sudden chest pain at rest. Electrocardiography and coronary angiography indicated vasospastic angina. His chest pain persisted despite the administration of benidipine, isosorbide mononitrate, nicorandil, and nifedipine. Coronary angiography performed one month after initial presentation showed stenosis refractory to isosorbide administration. Optical coherence tomography revealed a healed plaque, and a stent was deployed. The patient remained symptom-free at 1-year follow-up.

Discussion

Prolonged coronary vasospasm with limited coronary blood flow could induce total occlusion of the coronary artery, and acute thrombus formation, which resulted in healed plaque erosion. When vasospastic angina cannot be controlled, rapidly progressive stenosis caused by healed plaque erosion could be its underlying cause and mechanism. This report indicates that antiplatelet therapy may be a preventive option for future recurrent vasospastic angina, especially in those caused by healed plaques.
Emergent catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in a patient with acute decompensated heart failure on a mechanical haemodynamic support: a case report
Authors: Tobushi Tomoyuki , Sakemi Takuya , Honda Nobuhiro , Mukai Yasushi
Published: September 2021

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with the exacerbation of heart failure (HF). Although AF ablation has become an established treatment for patients with HF, it is usually an elective procedure. Here, we present a case of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) exacerbated by refractory AF, which was successfully treated with emergent AF ablation.

Case summary

A 53-year-old, obese man with a history of myocardial infarction presented to our hospital. Heart function deteriorated with an ejection fraction of 9.8%, and he was repeatedly hospitalized due to worsening HF. This time, the patient was emergently admitted due to ADHF associated with persistent AF. Atrial fibrillation was refractory to electrical cardioversion. Despite optimized medical support, the patient developed haemodynamic collapse and multiple organ failure. Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) and mechanical ventilation were initiated in addition to intravenous catecholamines. Emergent AF ablation was performed. Following pulmonary vein isolation, sinus rhythm was restored and the patient's haemodynamic status dramatically improved. The IABP and mechanical ventilation were withdrawn within a few days, and the catecholamine dose was reduced. After cardiac rehabilitation, the patient was discharged.

Discussion

Our case suggests that an emergent AF ablation is feasible and effective even in a patient with severe ADHF. An emergent AF ablation could be a therapeutic option to treat a critically unwell patient who has deteriorated due to a vicious cycle of AF and HF.
Genetic Variation and the Effect of Herbicide and Fertilization Treatments on Wood Quality Traits in Loblolly Pine
Authors: Gräns Daniel , Isik Fikret , Purnell Robert C , Peszlen Ilona M , McKeand Steven E
Published: September 2021

The effect of silvicultural treatments (herbicide, fertilization, herbicide + fertilization) and the interactions with genetic effects were investigated for wood quality traits in a 16-year-old loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) genetic test established in southwest Georgia, USA. Fertilizer and herbicide treatment combinations were applied multiple times to main plots containing 25 open-pollinated families as sub plots. Significant differences among treatments were found for all traits. Squared acoustic velocity, used as a surrogate for wood stiffness, was higher in herbicide-only plots compared with other treatments. Wood density was considerably lower in fertilization plots. A large proportion of variance observed for wood quality traits was explained by additive genetic effects, with individual-tree heritabilities ranging from 0.78 (ring 7–16 section wood density) to 0.28 (ring 2–6 section wood density). Corresponding family-mean heritability values were well over 0.86. Genotype-by-treatment interactions were nonsignificant for all traits, indicating no need to match families to silvicultural treatments. Wood quality traits had weak genetic correlations with growth and stem quality traits (stem slenderness, sweep, and branch angle) with a range of −0.33 to 0.43, suggesting that recurrent selection on growth or stem quality traits would not adversely affect wood quality in loblolly pine.
Optimization of Unit Operations for Microencapsulating Ferrous Fumarate During Scale-Up of Double Fortification of Salt with Iron and Iodine
Authors: Modupe Oluwasegun , Krishnaswamy Kiruba , Li Yao Olive , Diosady Levente L
Published: September 2021

Objectives

This study evaluates factors responsible for the floating of iron premix in double fortified salt (DFS), which initially affected the large-scale implementation of the salt fortification program in India, and provides solutions to the scale-up of the technology.

Materials and Methods

To mitigate this time-sensitive scale-up challenge. First, the iron premix samples were obtained from the industrial scale-up pilot studies in India, evaluated for the impact of the amount of coating material (5 per cent, 7.5 per cent, and 10 per cent (in weight)), type of formulation (soy stearin, SEPIFILM and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose), amount of titanium dioxide (25-35 per cent (in weight)) used for color masking; Second, we studied the effect of change in the composition of the coating, from 10 per cent (in weight) soy stearin to a double coat with 5 per cent (in weight) hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and 5 per cent soy stearin or 10 per cent soy stearin and 1 per cent (in weight) lecithin mixture, on particle density, floating or sinking property of the iron premix, and on the stability of iodine in the DFS.

Results

It was observed that the hydrophobic nature and the amount of soy stearin used for coating caused the floating issue. The double coating with 5 per cent hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and 5 per cent soy stearin was preferred because lecithin in soy stearin enhanced the moisture-aided adverse interaction between iron and iodine. Shelf-life storage studies proved over 80 per cent iodine retention after 12 months of storage in the DFS formulated with iron premix double-coated with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and soy stearin.

Conclusion

This proffered solution enabled the full implementation of the double fortification program in India.
Do Audiences Judge the Morality of Characters Relativistically? How Interdependence Affects Perceptions of Characters’ Temporal Moral Descent
Authors: Grizzard Matthew , Matthews Nicholas L , Francemone C Joseph , Fitzgerald Kaitlin
Published: September 2021

In two pre-registered studies, we leveraged recent advances to disposition theory to examine whether character judgments are relative. We used a Pilot Study to develop a moral continuum of behaviors for a hypothetical television series. We referenced our established moral continuum to create behavioral sequences that represented two characters descending into immorality. We manipulated whether one or both characters were present in the narrative. The simultaneous presence of both characters polarized participants’ moral evaluations of character behavior, categorization of the characters as heroic/villainous, and character liking. Our findings substantiate the systematic effects that character interdependence has on disposition formation. An improved understanding of narrative context can specify when between- and within-character comparisons occur and what effects character interdependence has on disposition theory’s processes. We discuss how narrative schemas, character schemas, and character networks can serve as the elements for explicating the role of narrative context in disposition theory.
Hybrid minimally invasive treatment of intralobar pulmonary sequestration: a single-centre experience
Authors: Grossi William , Londero Francesco , Vit Alessandro , De Franceschi Elisa , Masullo Gianluca , Sponza Massimo , Morelli Angelo
Published: September 2021

Pulmonary sequestrations are rare congenital malformations. They are often located in the lower lobes, and they are supplied by an aberrant systemic vessel arising from the thoracic aorta or abdominal arteries. These pulmonary malformations are divided into intra- and extralobar sequestrations, depending on the respective lack or presence of an independent pleural covering. Pulmonary sequestration can be asymptomatic or lead to recurrent pulmonary infections. The goal of this study was to analyse the feasibility and safety of a hybrid sequential approach. We report a small series of intralobar pulmonary sequestrations, from November 2017 to December 2018, successfully treated with a hybrid minimally invasive approach consisting of endovascular embolization of the aberrant arterial branch followed by video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy the day after. Thoracic pain following endovascular embolization was noted in all cases. Patients were discharged early in the absence of major postoperative complications. Prolonged air leak was observed in only 1 case. Despite the presence of sequestration-related pulmonary inflammation, in our experience, hybrid treatment for intralobar pulmonary sequestration is a safe and reproducible approach in terms of postoperative complications and hospital stay.
Physical activity and sedentary behaviour over adulthood in relation to all-cause and cause-specific mortality: a systematic review of analytic strategies and study findings
Authors: Yang Yi , Dixon-Suen Suzanne C , Dugué Pierre-Antoine , Hodge Allison M , Lynch Brigid M , English Dallas R
Published: September 2021

Background

Questions remain about the effect on mortality of physical activity and sedentary behaviour over time. We summarized the evidence from studies that assessed exposure from multiple time points and critiqued the analytic approaches used.

Methods

A search was performed on MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, Scopus and Web of Science up to January 2021 for studies of repeatedly assessed physical activity or sedentary behaviour in relation to all-cause or cause-specific mortality. Relative risks from individual studies were extracted. Each study was assessed for risk of bias from multiple domains.

Results

We identified 64 eligible studies (57 on physical activity, 6 on sedentary behaviour, 1 on both). Cox regression with a time-fixed exposure history (n = 45) or time-varying covariates (n = 13) were the most frequently used methods. Only four studies used g-methods, which are designed to adjust for time-varying confounding. Risk of bias arose primarily from inadequate adjustment for time-varying confounders, participant selection, exposure classification and changes from measured exposure. Despite heterogeneity in methods, most studies found that being consistently or increasingly active over adulthood was associated with lower all-cause and cardiovascular-disease mortality compared with being always inactive. Few studies examined physical-activity changes and cancer mortality or effects of sedentary-behaviour changes on mortality outcomes.

Conclusions

Accumulating more evidence using longitudinal data while addressing the methodological challenges would provide greater insight into the health effects of initiating or maintaining a more active and less sedentary lifestyle.