bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economic Evaluation of Dupilumab Versus Endoscopic Sinus Surgery for the Treatment of Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps
Authors: Parasher Arjun K. , Gliksman Matt , Segarra Daniel , Lin Theodore , Rudmik Luke , Quast Troy
Published: December 2021

Background

Dupilumab is a novel monoclonal antibody that recently received US Food and Drug Administration approval for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) has been the mainstay of treatment for patients refractory to initial medical therapy. Data comparing the cost‐effectiveness of these treatments are scarce. The objective of this study is to compare the cost‐effectiveness of dupilumab and ESS treatment for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps refractory to medical therapy.

Methods

A cohort‐style Markov decision tree economic evaluation with 10‐year time horizon was performed. The two comparative treatment strategies were dupilumab therapy or ESS followed by postoperative maintenance therapy. Patients with response to treatment continued with either maintenance or dupilumab therapy; patients with no response underwent ESS. The primary outcome measure was incremental cost per quality‐adjusted life‐year calculated from Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) scores. Sensitivity analyses were performed including discounting scenarios and a probabilistic sensitivity analysis.

Results

The dupilumab strategy cost $195,164 and produced 1.779 quality‐adjusted life‐years. The ESS strategy cost $20,549 and produced 1.526 quality‐adjusted life‐years. This implies an incremental cost of $691,691 for dupilumab for every 1‐unit increase in quality‐adjusted life‐year compared with ESS. Probability sensitivity analysis indicated that ESS was more cost‐effective than dupilumab in all iterations.

Conclusions

While dupilumab and ESS may demonstrate similar clinical effectiveness, ESS remains the most cost‐effective treatment option and should remain the standard of care for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps refractory to medical therapy.
Normal cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of PDGFRβ in patients with cerebral amyloid angiopathy and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: De Kort Anna M. , Kuiperij H. Bea , Kersten Iris , Versleijen Alexandra A.M. , Schreuder Floris H.B.M. , Van Nostrand William E. , Greenberg Steven M. , Klijn Catharina J.M. , Claassen Jurgen A.H.R. , Verbeek Marcel M.
Published: December 2021

Background: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) platelet‐derived growth factor receptor‐β (PDGFRβ) has been proposed as a biomarker of blood–brain barrier (BBB) breakdown. We studied PDGFRβ levels as a biomarker for cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), or Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods: CSF PDGFRβ levels were quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in patients with CAA, patients with aMCI/AD, and in matched controls. In aMCI/AD we evaluated CSF PDGFRβ both by clinical phenotype and by using the AT(N) biomarker classification system defined by CSF amyloid (A), tau (T), and neurodegeneration (N) biomarkers.

Results: PDGFRβ levels were similar in CAA patients and controls (P = .78) and in aMCI/AD clinical phenotype and controls (P = .91). aMCI/AD patients with an AD+ biomarker profile (A+T+[N+]) had increased PDGFRβ levels compared to (A–T–[N–]) controls (P = .006).

Conclusion: Our findings indicate that PDGFRβ levels are associated with an AD+ biomarker profile but are not a suitable biomarker for CAA or aMCI/AD clinical syndrome.
Tunable Second‐Level Room‐Temperature Phosphorescence of Solid Supramolecules between Acrylamide–Phenylpyridium Copolymers and Cucurbit[7]uril
Authors: Xu Wen‐Wen , Chen Yong , Lu Yi‐Lin , Qin Yue‐Xiu , Zhang Hui , Xu Xiufang , Liu Yu
Published: December 2021

A series of solid supramolecules based on acrylamide–phenylpyridium copolymers with various substituent groups (P−R: R=−CN, −CO2Et, −Me, −CF3) and cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) are constructed to exhibit tunable second‐level (from 0.9 s to 2.2 s) room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) in the amorphous state. Compared with other solid supramolecules P−R/CB[7] (R=−CN, −CO2Et, −Me), P−CF3/CB[7] displays the longest lifetime (2.2 s), which is probably attributed to the fluorophilic interaction of cucurbiturils leading to a uncommon host–guest interaction between 4‐phenylpyridium with −CF3 and CB[7]. Furthermore, the RTP solid supramolecular assembly (donors) can further react with organic dyes Eosin Y or SR101 (acceptors) to form ternary supramolecular systems featuring ultralong phosphorescence energy transfer (PpET) and visible delayed fluorescence (yellow for EY at 568 nm and red for SR101 at 620 nm). Significantly, the ultralong multicolor PpET supramolecular assembly can be further applied in fields of anti‐counterfeiting and information encryption and painting.
The influence of interfacial failure on the tensile S–N response of aged Arcan joints
Authors: da Costa Joviano António , Akhavan‐Safar Alireza , Marques Eduardo A. S. , Carbas Ricardo J. C. , da Silva Lucas F. M.
Published: December 2021

The strength and durability of adhesive joints are significantly influenced by environmental conditions. Humidity absorption can cause deleterious effects on the adhesive joint's performance. The current study investigates the tensile properties of an epoxy‐based adhesive using Arcan joints (which is a kind of butt joint) subjected to different aging levels and loading conditions. To this end, joints with different aging times, as well as reference‐dried samples, were subjected to both the static and cyclic loading conditions. To construct the S–N curves, different cyclic load levels were applied to the joints. The static results showed that the mechanical properties, such as tensile strength of the joints decreased with an increase of the aging time. The fatigue strength and the fatigue lifetime were significantly decreased by the increase of aging levels, mainly due to an interfacial aging phenomenon. The water diffusion in interfacial aging is faster than that of the adhesive aging, which resulted in a premature failure of the joints for both the static and fatigue conditions. Based on the experimental results, the interfacial diffusion coefficient was calculated using an inverse method. According to the results, the rate of water uptake along the interface is more than 30 times higher than that which occurs in the adhesive.
Einfluss einer Luftaufbereitungsanlage auf flüchtige organische Verbindungen unter Realbedingungen
Authors: Pichlhöfer Alexander , Streit Erich , Rosenberg Egon Erwin , Korjenic Azra
Published: December 2021

Aufgrund des steigenden Bewusstseins für Luftqualität und Gesundheit, auch beeinflusst durch die Corona‐Krise, werden generell vermehrt Luftreinigungs‐Maßnahmen umgesetzt. Ozonierungs‐ und Ionisationsanlagen werden aktuell stark nachgefragt. Um die Qualität der durch die Benützung von Luftreinigungsanlagen aufbereiteten Luft zu untersuchen, wurden im Rahmen der gegenständlichen Untersuchungen Luftanalysen durchgeführt. Es wurde geprüft, ob durch den Betrieb dieser Anlagen unerwünschte, gesundheitlich bedenkliche chemische Verbindungen entstehen. Insbesondere wurde der Frage nachgegangen, ob durch den Betrieb der Luftaufbereitungsanlage, welche die in der Luft enthaltenen VOCs (volatile organic compounds, flüchtige organische Verbindungen) idealerweise vollständig zu Kohlenstoffdioxid und Wasser umsetzt, zusätzliche entstandene Luftschadstoffe nachgewiesen werden können. Aus der aufbereiteten Luft eines Seminarraums eines Wiener Spitals wurden Luftproben entnommen. Der Luftstrom wird durch eine Luftaufbereitungsanlage bestehend aus einem Ozonierungsmodul, zwei Ionisationsmodulen sowie einem Luftfilter geführt. Die Probennahme der vor Ort gesammelten Luft erfolgte im Labor mittels SPME (solid phase microextraction, Festphasen‐Mikroextraktion). Die an der Außenluft referenzierte, semi‐quantitative Analyse erfolgte mittels Gaschromatographie mit massenspektrometrischer Detektion (GC‐MS). Bei allen Messungen wurden aliphatische Kohlenwasserstoffe in unbedenklichen Konzentrationen gefunden. Durch den Betrieb der Luftaufbereitungsanlage wurden keine signifikant erhöhten Konzentrationen von gesundheitsschädlichen VOCs nachgewiesen.
Functional interplay within the epitranscriptome: Reality or fiction?
Authors: Worpenberg Lina , Paolantoni Chiara , Roignant Jean‐Yves
Published: December 2021

RNA modifications have recently emerged as an important regulatory layer of gene expression. The most prevalent and reversible modification on messenger RNA (mRNA), N6‐methyladenosine, regulates most steps of RNA metabolism and its dysregulation has been associated with numerous diseases. Other modifications such as 5‐methylcytosine and N1‐methyladenosine have also been detected on mRNA but their abundance is lower and still debated. Adenosine to inosine RNA editing is widespread on coding and non‐coding RNA and can alter mRNA decoding as well as protect against autoimmune diseases. 2′‐O‐methylation of the ribose and pseudouridine are widespread on ribosomal and transfer RNA and contribute to proper RNA folding and stability. While the understanding of the individual role of RNA modifications has now reached an unprecedented stage, still little is known about their interplay in the control of gene expression. In this review we discuss the examples where such interplay has been observed and speculate that with the progress of mapping technologies more of those will rapidly accumulate.
Detection of multiple change points in a Weibull accelerated failure time model using sequential testing
Authors: Gierz Kristine , Park Kayoung
Published: December 2021

With improvements to cancer diagnoses and treatments, incidences and mortality rates have changed. However, the most commonly used analysis methods do not account for such distributional changes. In survival analysis, change point problems can concern a shift in a distribution for a set of time‐ordered observations, potentially under censoring or truncation. We propose a sequential testing approach for detecting multiple change points in the Weibull accelerated failure time model, since this is sufficiently flexible to accommodate increasing, decreasing, or constant hazard rates and is also the only continuous distribution for which the accelerated failure time model can be reparameterized as a proportional hazards model. Our sequential testing procedure does not require the number of change points to be known; this information is instead inferred from the data. We conduct a simulation study to show that the method accurately detects change points and estimates the model. The numerical results along with real data applications demonstrate that our proposed method can detect change points in the hazard rate.
Evaluation of green and efficient deep eutectic solvents as media for extracting alkaloids from lotus leaf
Authors: Liu Yongjing , Chen Qiang , Zhang Suxia , Zhang Hua , Xu Wei
Published: December 2021

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) were applied as eco‐friendly solvents in this study for the extraction of alkaloids from lotus leaf, including O‐nornuciferine, N‐nornuciferine, nuciferine and roemerine. A series of hydrophilic and hydrophobic DESs with different hydrogen bond donors and a acceptors were synthesized and screened for a suitable DESs for extraction of alkaloids from lotus leaf. The study results showed that the hydrophilic DES with choline chloride and propanediol had the highest extraction yield. The main factors affecting the extraction efficiency—choline chloride–propanediol ratio, water content in deep eutectic solvents, solid–liquid ratio and extraction time—were investigated via a single‐factor experiment. The optimized extraction conditions were 30% of water in choline chloride–propanediol (1:4) for heated extraction for 30 min and solid–liquid ratio 1:100 g/ml. Under optimum conditions, the extraction yields of O‐nornuciferine, N‐nornuciferine, nuciferine and roemerine were 0.069, 0.152, 0.334 and 0.041 g/100 g respectively, which were higher than those of methanol in acidified aqueous solution. This study suggests considerable potential for DESs as promising materials for the green and efficient extraction solvents for bioactive alkaloids from natural sources.
Consumption‐based carbon emissions, renewable energy consumption, financial development and economic growth in Chile
Authors: Kirikkaleli Dervis , Güngör Hasan , Adebayo Tomiwa Sunday
Published: December 2021

This paper aims to investigate the effect of financial development and renewable energy consumption on consumption‐based CO2 emissions in Chile while controlling for economic growth and electricity consumption. Based on the aim of the paper, autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds with Kripfganz and Schneider's (2018) approximations, fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS), dynamic ordinary least square (DOLS), and gradual shift causality tests are applied in this study. The outcomes clearly reveal that while financial development and renewable energy consumption reduce the consumption‐based CO2 emissions in Chile, economic growth and electricity consumption increase consumption‐based carbon emissions. The gradual shift causality test provides consistent results with ARDL, FMOLS, and DOLS estimators. Therefore, policymakers in Chile should dynamically encourage the research and development of low‐carbon technologies and renewable energy investments while imported nonrenewable energy sources level should be targeted, and especially those sectors which are more energy‐intensive and causing to increase in consumption‐based CO2 emissions.
Diagnosing intellectual disability in people with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: A function of which diagnostic manual is used?
Authors: Greenspan Stephen , Novick Brown Natalie
Published: December 2021

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is the largest known cause of intellectual disability (ID), and forensic experts are often called upon to determine if a defendant with FASD qualifies for a diagnosis of ID. Whether such a diagnosis is made may depend upon the diagnosing expert's choice of diagnostic manual: guidelines published by the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (now in its 12th edition [AAIDD‐12]) or the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM‐5). Although both manuals use the same three diagnostic “prongs” (i.e., intellectual deficits, adaptive deficits, and developmental onset), there are substantial differences in the way all three prongs are assessed—differences that increased with the publication of AAIDD‐12. In particular, AAIDD‐12 uses a bureaucratic “disability” model, with narrow emphasis on a small number of quantitative indicators and limited opportunity for clinical integration, while DSM‐5 (and the little‐changed forthcoming DSM‐5‐TR) uses a medical “disorder” model, with flexible reliance on a broad array of indicators and opportunity for clinical integration. The origins and nature of these differences are explored, and an argument is made that compared to the AAIDD formulation, the DSM model provides a more valid basis for forensic diagnosis of ID in individuals with FASD.
Treatment patterns and clinical outcomes for patients with melanoma and central nervous system metastases: A real‐world study
Authors: Tawbi Hussein , To Tu My , Bartley Karen , Sadetsky Natalia , Burton Elizabeth , Haydu Lauren , McKenna Edward
Published: December 2021

Background

Patients with melanoma and central nervous system (CNS) metastases have poor survival outcomes. We investigated real‐world treatment patterns and overall survival (OS) of patients with melanoma and CNS metastases.

Methods

A retrospective analysis utilizing a nationwide de‐identified electronic health record‐derived database was undertaken in patients diagnosed with advanced melanoma between January 2011 and September 2018. Patients with any visit ≤90 days of metastatic diagnosis and with confirmed CNS metastases were included.

Results

Of 3473 patients diagnosed with advanced melanoma, 791 patients with confirmed CNS metastases were identified and included in this analysis. Synchronous CNS metastasis (≤30 days of metastatic diagnosis) was associated with longer median OS than metachronous CNS metastasis (>30 days after metastatic diagnosis, 0.58 vs 0.42 years). Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) was the most common treatment (40.5%) alone or in combination with other local or systemic therapies, being more frequent in patients diagnosed in 2015+ versus 2011–2014 (44.1% vs 35.5%, respectively). The most common systemic treatment was immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs; 30.5%), predominantly anti‐cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA‐4) alone (2011–2014) and anti‐programmed death‐1 alone or in combination with anti–CTLA‐4 (2015+). Median OS was longest in SRS‐treated patients (1.17 years) regardless of number of CNS metastases. Median OS for SRS‐treated patients increased from 0.83 years (2011–2014) to 1.75 years (2015+). In multivariable analysis, the effect of SRS remained significant after adjustment for sex, race, intracranial and extracranial disease burden, and timing of CNS metastases. Interaction testing to examine potential synergy between SRS/whole‐brain radiation therapy and ICIs found no significant interaction.

Conclusions

Despite advances in treatment, patients with melanoma and CNS metastases have poor survival outcomes. Prevalence of SRS increased over time and was associated with improved outcomes.
Synthesis and in Silico Docking Studies of Ethyl 2‐(2‐Arylidene‐1‐alkylhydrazinyl)thiazole‐4‐carboxylates as Antiglycating Agents
Authors: Shahzadi Kiran , Haroon Muhammad , Khalid Muhammad , Akhtar Tashfeen , Ghous Tahseen , Alam Mohammed Mujahid , Imran Muhammad
Published: December 2021

Ethyl 2‐(2‐arylidene‐1‐alkylhydrazinyl)thiazole‐4‐carboxylates (1a–k) were synthesized by alkylation on HN‐ of ethyl 2‐(2‐arylidenehydrazinyl)thiazole‐4‐carboxylates. The proposed structures (1a–k) are corroborated by spectro‐analytical techniques like UV, FT‐IR, 1H‐, 13C‐NMR and HR‐MS. All synthesized compounds were screened for their antiglycation and antioxidant assays. The in vitro antiglycation results revealed promising activity of compounds 1a, 1b, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g, 1j and 1k with IC50 values 0.0004±1.097‐17.22±0.538 μM when compared to standard, aminoguanidine (IC50=25.50±0.337 μM). Among all tested compounds 1j and 1k are the best antiglycating agents with IC50 values 1.848±0.646 and 0.0004±1.097 μM, respectively. The in‐silico studies also agree with these results where binding energy for 1j and 1k was found to be −9.25 and −8.42 kcal/mol with calculated dissociation constants of 0.16 and 0.67 μM, respectively. The antiglycation results demonstrate the application of these compounds in reducing diabetic complications.
Ischemic lumbosacral plexopathy after embolization of type 2 endoleak: Progress and functional outcome
Authors: Ng Kuan Geok , Ho Derek Chunyin , Wee Tze Chao
Published: December 2021

An endoleak is a complication that can occur after an endovascular aneurysm repair. We report a rare case of ischemic lumbosacral plexopathy post embolization of type 2 endoleak, including its presentation, neurological progress, rehabilitation strategy and functional outcome.
Crystal‐storing histiocytosis and Bing‐Neel‐like syndrome revealing a small B‐cell lymphoma with plasmacytic differentiation, presumed to be a marginal zone lymphoma
Authors: Lequain Hippolyte , Gerfaud‐Valentin Mathieu , Fontaine Juliette , Ferrant Emmanuelle , Grumet Pierre , Jamilloux Yvan , Traverse‐Glehen Alexandra , Sève Pascal
Published: December 2021

Crystal‐storing histiocytosis and Bing‐Neel syndrome are two diseases induced by paraproteins. Herein, we report a rare case of crystal‐storing histiocytosis associated with Bing‐Neel‐like neurological manifestations in the context of a small B‐cell lymphoma with plasmacytic differentiation, presumed to be a marginal zone lymphoma.
Fiberoptic‐guided tracheal intubation under precise anesthesia and topicalization with spontaneous respiration preservation for an uncooperative patient with severe postburn mentosternal contracture
Authors: Wang Zhi , Yang Yong , Chen Yang , Yi Bin , Lu Kaizhi , Chen Bing
Published: December 2021

Airway management of patients with difficult airways is a challenge to the anesthesiologists and awake tracheal intubation is the recommended strategy. Successful fiberoptic‐guided tracheal intubation under precise anesthesia and topicalization with spontaneous respiration preservation was achieved in an uncooperative patient with severe postburn mentosternal contracture scheduled for release of contracture.
Uranium(IV) Thio‐ and Selenoether Complexes: Syntheses, Structures, and Computational Investigation of U−ER2Interactions
Authors: Gray Novan A. G. , Price Jeffrey S. , Emslie David J. H.
Published: December 2021

Rigid thioether‐ and selenoether‐containing pincer proligands H[AS2] (1) and H[ASe2] (2) were synthesized, and deprotonation provided the potassium salts [K(AS2)(dme)] (3) and [K(ASe2)(dme)2] (4). Reaction of two equivalents of3or4with [UI4(dioxane)2] afforded the uranium thioether complex [(AS2)2UI2] (5) and the first example of a uranium‐selenoether complex, [(ASe2)2UI2] (6). X‐ray structures revealed distorted square antiprismatic geometries in which the AE2ligands are κ3‐coordinated. The nature of the U−ER2bonding in5and6, as well as methyl‐free analogues of5and6and a hypothetical ether analogue, was investigated computationally (including NBO, AIM, and ELF calculations) illustrating increasing covalency from O to S to Se.
Regioselective Fluorination of Acenes: Tailoring of Molecular Electronic Levels and Solid‐State Properties
Authors: Bischof Daniel , Tripp Matthias W. , Hofmann Philipp E. , Ip Chun‐Ho , Ivlev Sergei I. , Gerhard Marina , Koert Ulrich , Witte Gregor
Published: December 2021

Optoelectronic properties of molecular solids are important for organic electronic devices and are largely determined by the adopted molecular packing motifs. In this study, we analyzed such structure‐property relationships for the partially regioselective fluorinated tetracenes 1,2,12‐trifluorotetracene, 1,2,10,12‐tetrafluorotetracene and 1,2,9,10,11‐pentafluorotetracene that were further compared with tetracene and perfluoro‐tetracene. Quantum chemical DFT calculations in combination with optical absorption spectroscopy data show that the frontier orbital energies are lowered with the degree of fluorination, while their optical gap is barely affected. However, the crystal structure changes from a herringbone packing motif of tetracene towards a planar stacking motif of the fluorinated tetracene derivatives, which is accompanied by the formation of excimers and leads to strongly red‐shifted photoluminescence with larger lifetimes.
Racial disparities in mortality outcomes among women diagnosed with breast cancer in Maryland: Impact of cardiovascular disease and clinical characteristics
Authors: Connor Avonne E. , Kaur Maneet , Sheng Jennifer Y. , Hayes Jennifer H.
Published: December 2021

Background

Although racial disparities in breast cancer (BC) mortality have been well documented in the United States, little is known about the impact of coexisting cardiovascular disease (CVD) and other clinical factors on Black‐White survival disparities after the diagnosis of BC. This study examined the associations of race, CVD, and clinical factors at diagnosis with the hazard of BC and CVD‐related mortality among patients with BC identified from the Maryland Cancer Registry.

Methods

A total of 36,088 women (25,181 Whites and 10,907 Blacks) diagnosed with incident invasive BC between 2007 and 2017 were included. Subdistribution hazard ratios (sdHRs) for CVD‐related and BC mortality were estimated with Fine and Gray regression models, which accounted for the influence of competing events.

Results

After a median follow‐up of 5.8 years, 8019 deaths occurred; 3896 were BC deaths, and 1167 deaths were CVD‐related. Black women had a higher hazard of BC mortality (sdHR, 1.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.55‐1.77) and CVD mortality (sdHR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.17‐1.51) in comparison with White women. Associations with CVD mortality were significantly stronger among Black women aged 50 to 59 years (sdHR, 2.86; 95% CI, 1.84‐4.44; P for interaction < .001). Among Black women with CVD, the hazard of BC death was 41% higher in comparison with White women. By treatment, a significant association with CVD mortality was observed only among Black women undergoing surgery and radiation (sdHR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.22‐2.13).

Conclusions

Clinicians should consider the impact of younger age, preexisting CVD, and BC treatments among Black patients. Early identification of those at risk for worse survival may improve surveillance and outcomes.
The National Cancer Act of 1971: A seminal milestone in the fight against cancer
Authors: Ramalingam Suresh S. , Khuri Fadlo R.
Published: December 2021

The 1971 National Cancer Act paved the way for a collective national approach to improve outcomes for patients with cancer. This editorial reviews the impact of this major legislation and discusses opportunities for the future.
Risk stratification for cervical neoplasia using extended high‐risk HPV genotyping in women with ASC‐US cytology: A large retrospective study from China
Authors: Tao Xiang , Austin R. Marshall , Yu Ting , Zhong Fangfang , Zhou Xianrong , Cong Qing , Sui Long , Zhao Chengquan
Published: December 2021

Background

Extended high‐risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) genotype testing (hrHPVGT) has emerged as a new strategy to help optimize the efficiency of hrHPV triage.

Methods

Women with an atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC‐US) cervical Papanicolaou test result who underwent hrHPVGT between October 2017 and May 2021 at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University in Shanghai, China, were studied. For hrHPVGT, a proprietary multiplex real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay was used. hrHPVGT and viral load test results in selected patients were correlated with histopathologic follow‐up findings available within 6 months.

Results

In total, 17,235 women with ASC‐US cytology who had hrHPVGT results were identified in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University database. The hrHPV‐positive rate was 61.8%, and the most prevalent hrHPV genotypes were type 52 (HPV52) (16%), HPV16 (11.3%), HPV58 (10.2%), and HPV53 (8.4%). Single hrHPV genotypes were detected in 65.9% of women with hrHPV‐positive results, and multiple genotypes were detected in 34.1%. Histopathologic cervical findings within 6 months were available in 5627 hrHPV‐positive women and 2223 hrHPV‐negative women. High‐grade cervical intraepithelial lesions or cervical cancer (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 or greater [CIN2+]) were identified in 7.5% of hrHPV‐positive women who had ASC‐US cytology and in 0.9% of hrHPV‐negative women who had ASC‐US cytology. The greatest risk for CIN2+ was in single hrHPV genotype infections with HPV16 (21.1%), HPV33 (15.2%), HPV82 (10%), and HPV18 (9.9%). hrHPVGT for genotypes HPV16, HPV33, HPV82, HPV18, HPV31, HPV45, HPV58, and HPV52 identified 95% of CIN2+ cases with 90.8% sensitivity, 53.8% specificity, a positive predictive value of 10.2%, and a negative predictive value of 99%. A significantly increased viral load was associated only with women who had HPV16‐related CIN2+.

Conclusions

hrHPVGT for women who have ASC‐US cytology allows for risk stratification capable of optimizing the efficiency of triage for hrHPV‐positive women.
Cancer incidence among people living with HIV in Zimbabwe: A record linkage study
Authors: Shamu Tinei , Rohner Eliane , Chokunonga Eric , Spoerri Adrian , Mandiriri Ardele , Chimbetete Cleophas , Egger Matthias , Bohlius Julia , Borok Margaret
Published: December 2021

Background

People living with HIV (PLWH) are at increased risk of developing cancer. Cancer diagnoses are often incompletely captured at antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinics.

Aim

To estimate the incidence and explore risk factors of cancer in a cohort of PLWH in Harare using probabilistic record linkage (PRL).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study that included PLWH aged ≥16 years starting ART between 2004 and 2017. We used PRL to match records from the Zimbabwe National Cancer Registry (ZNCR) with electronic medical records from an ART clinic in Harare to investigate the incidence of cancer among PLWH initiating ART. We matched records based on demographic data followed by manual clerical review. We followed PLWH up until first cancer diagnosis, death, loss to follow‐up, or 31 December 2017, whichever came first.

Results

We included 3442 PLWH (64.9% female) with 19 346 person‐years (PY) of follow‐up. Median CD4 count at ART initiation was 169 cells/mm3 (interquartile range [IQR]: 82–275), median age was 36.6 years (IQR: 30.6–43.4). There were 66 incident cancer cases for an overall incidence rate of 341/100 000 PY (95% confidence interval [CI]: 268–434). Twenty‐two of these cases were recorded in the ZNCR only. The most common cancers were cervical cancer (n = 16; 123/100 000 PY; 95% CI: 75–201), Kaposi sarcoma, and lymphoma (both n = 12; 62/100 000 PY; 95% CI: 35–109). Cancer incidence increased with age and decreased with higher CD4 cell counts at ART initiation.

Conclusion

PRL was key to correct for cancer under‐ascertainment in this cohort. The most common cancers were infection‐related types, reinforcing the role of early HIV treatment, human papillomavirus vaccination, and cervical cancer screening for cancer prevention in this setting.
Frequency‐Selective Manipulations of Spins allow Effective and Robust Transfer of Spin Order from Parahydrogen to Heteronuclei in Weakly‐Coupled Spin Systems
Authors: Pravdivtsev Andrey N. , Hövener Jan‐Bernd , Schmidt Andreas B.
Published: December 2021

We present a selectively pulsed (SP) generation of sequences to transfer the spin order of parahydrogen (pH2) to heteronuclei in weakly coupled spin systems. We analyze and discuss the mechanism and efficiency of SP spin order transfer (SOT) and derive sequence parameters. These new sequences are most promising for the hyperpolarization of molecules at high magnetic fields. SP‐SOT is effective and robust despite the symmetry of the 1H‐13C J‐couplings even when precursor molecules are not completely labeled with deuterium. As only one broadband 1H pulse is needed per sequence, which can be replaced for instance by a frequency‐modulated pulse, lower radiofrequency (RF) power is required. This development will be useful to hyperpolarize (new) agents and to perform the hyperpolarization within the bore of an MRI system, where the limited RF power has been a persistent problem.
Circularly Polarized Luminescence (CPL) from Pyrene‐Appended Cyclohexanediamides and Photoirradiation‐Tuned CPL Inversion
Authors: Xue Chenlu , Xu Lifei , Wang Han‐Xiao , Li Tiesheng , Liu Minghua
Published: December 2021

Circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) has been achieved in various chiral molecules and self‐assembled systems, but it remains a challenge to modulate CPL signals. To address this issue, a pair of enantiomeric pyrene‐appended cyclohexanediamide derivativesS,S/R,R‐CHPA with a V‐shaped conformation was designed and their CPL generation and photo‐response were investigated. Owing to the peculiar spatial location of the two pyrene segments in each molecule, CHPA emitted strong circularly polarized excimer emission (CPEE) with a |glum|value up to 1.49×10−2. Due to the presence of the vinylene groups, the optical properties could be regulated by UV light. It was found that under 365 nm irradiation, the absorption and emission bands of CHPA exhibited a pronounced hypochromatic shift, and the bluish white fluorescence gradually turned into dark blue. More intriguingly, these spectral changes were accompanied by a chirality inversion both in the ground and excited states as demonstrated by CD and CPL spectra, which could be attributed to the photoinducedE–Zisomerization of the vinylene groups. This work provides an extraordinary example in which the CPL signal of a single organic molecule could be efficiently inverted.
Prediction of upland cotton micronaire accounting for the effects of environment and crop demand from fruit growth
Authors: Bange Michael P. , Long Robert L. , Caton Sarah J. , Finger Nicolas
Published: December 2021

Environment and crop management can play an important role in determining upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL.) fiber quality. An important quality parameter is fiber micronaire, which is an indirect measure of fiber linear density (fineness) and maturity, and it is affected by crop supply and partitioning of assimilates to cotton fruit. High micronaire occurs when there is an excess of assimilates because of good growing conditions and fruit number is low. Conversely low micronaire occurs when growing conditions are poor and fruit number is high. Little research has established the degree of impact of these variables in combination influencing micronaire. Two field experiments were conducted to generate variability in micronaire by changing planting time, cultivars, canopy size, and fruit load (boll number). From these experiments, a significant relationship (r2= 0.79) to predict micronaire was generated using temperature during crop fiber filling, leaf area index (LAI) at the start of crop fiber thickening, and the mass of individual bolls at harvest. Subsequent experiments in different seasons (included variations in planting time, fruit load, and water deficit during fiber thickening) successfully validated the relationship. Reasonable success was attained in predicting fiber linear density and maturity ratio independently and then used to calculate estimates of micronaire. Prediction of these quality attributes may offer more detailed information on the effects of environment and management influencing fiber quality affecting yarn quality. Overall, the ability to predict micronaire (and potentially its components) could be used to refine management decisions to improve fiber quality management prior to or at harvest time.
From traits to typologies: Piloting new approaches to profiling trait preferences along the cassava value chain in Nigeria
Authors: Balogun Ireti , Garner Elisabeth , Amer Peter , Fennessy Peter , Teeken Béla , Olaosebikan Olamide , Abolore Bello , Madu Tessy , Okoye Benjamin , Santos Bruno , Byrne Tim , Martin‐Collado Daniel , Egesi Chiedozie , Kulakow Peter , Tufan Hale Ann
Published: December 2021

Breeding programs are increasing efforts towards demand‐led breeding approaches to ensure that cultivars released meet the needs of end users including processors, traders, and consumers, and that they are adopted by farmers. To effectively deploy these approaches, new tools are required to better understand and quantify the degree of preference differences among alternative trait changes competing for measurement and selection effort. The purpose of this study was to present a method of quantifying preferences and developing typologies according to breeding priorities by applying an online trait preference survey approach to cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz). This paper presents a conjoint analysis based on Potentially All Pairwise RanKings of all possible Alternatives (PAPRIKA) to help guide breeding programs in understanding trait preferences across value chain roles and social contexts and set breeding priorities that represent diverse interests. Trait preferences were assessed using a comprehensive survey and analysis package incorporating a core adaptive conjoint method (1000minds, 2020). Trait selection was based on a trade‐off of 11 cassava traits carried out with 792 cassava value chain actors in four geopolitical regions in Nigeria. Principal component and cluster analyses revealed three clusters (typologies) of respondents according to their trait preferences. The results demonstrate the usefulness of this methodology that innovates on previous trait preference approaches to address the expanding needs of plant breeding programs within smallholder contexts.
Dose‐dependent mathematical modeling of interferon‐α‐treatment for personalized treatment of myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Pedersen Rasmus K. , Andersen Morten , Knudsen Trine A. , Skov Vibe , Kjær Lasse , Hasselbalch Hans C. , Ottesen Johnny T.
Published: December 2021

Long‐term treatment with interferon‐alfa (IFN) can reduce the disease burden of patients diagnosed with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Determining individual patient responses to IFN therapy may allow for efficient personalized treatment, reducing both drop‐out and disease burden. A mathematical model describing hematopoietic stem cells and the immune system is suggested. Considering the bone marrow and the blood allows for modeling disease dynamics both in the absence and presence of IFN treatment. Through comprehensive modeling of the effects of IFN, the model was related to individualized patient‐data consisting of longitudinal hematologic and molecular measurements. Treatment responses were modeled on a population level, allowing for personalized predictions from a single pretreatment data point. Personalized fits were found to agree well with data for individual patients. This allowed for a quantitative description of the treatment response, yielding a mechanistic interpretation of differences from patient to patient. The treatment responses of individual patients were combined and a formulation of treatment responses on the population level was described and simulated. Based on pretreatment data and the actual treatment scheduling, the population‐level response was found to predict the treatment response of particular patients accurately over a five‐year period. Mechanism‐based modeling of treatment effects demonstrates that hematologic and molecular observable quantities can be predicted on the level of individual patients. Personalized patient‐fits suggest that the effect of IFN treatment can be quantified and interpreted through mathematical modeling, despite variation in hematologic and molecular responses between patients. Mathematical modeling suggests that in general both hematologic and molecular markers must be considered to avoid early relapse. Furthermore, personalized model‐fits provide quantitative measures of the hematologic and molecular responses, determining when treatment‐cessation is appropriate. Proof‐of‐concept population‐level modeling of treatment responses from pretreatment data successfully predicted clinical measures for a 5‐year period. We believe that this approach could have direct clinical relevance, offering expert guidance for clinical decisions about IFN treatment of MPN patients.
Circuit theory model‐based analysis of triple‐band stub and notches loaded epoxy substrate patch antenna for wireless applications
Authors: Verma Ramesh Kumar , Srivastava Dinesh Kumar , Mishra Brijesh
Published: December 2021

The research presented in this paper is intended to design and analyze of a triple‐band stub and notches loaded antenna for wireless applications. The optimized and proposed antenna (Antenna‐4: 0.235λ0 × 0.238λ0 × 0.013λ0 mm3) is decided after systematic investigation of Antennas‐1 to ‐4 at design frequency of 2.45 GHz. One orthogonal and two parallel notches and one stub are used on the radiating patch of the substrate to obtain the desired specifications. Theoretical analysis based on circuit theory model has been performed to obtain the equivalent circuit of the proposed antenna. Antenna parameters are analyzed by means of IE3D electromagnetic solver and circuit theory model, and results are validated with experimental results. The impedance bandwidths (S11 < –10 dB) of the proposed antenna are 41.3% between 1.42 and 2.16 GHz (theoretical), 21.6% between 1.61 and 2 GHz (simulated), and 41.4% between 1.40 and 2.13 GHz (measured) at lower resonant frequency (
); 4.1% between 2.61 and 2.72 GHz (theoretical), 17.4% between 2.36 and 2.81 GHz (simulated), and 8.8% between 2.50 and 2.73 GHz (measured) at middle resonant frequency (
); and 42.3% between 3.32 and 5.10 GHz (theoretical), 49.9% between 3.04 and 5.06 GHz (simulated), and 44.4% between 2.98 and 4.68 GHz (measured) at higher resonant frequency (
) observed, respectively. The measured stable peak gain of 2.6 dB at 1.9 GHz, 3.8 dB at 2.6 GHz, and 5.4 dB at 3.6GHz is observed in lower, middle, and higher bands, respectively.
Biopsy diagnosis of type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis: Does it bring a conclusion or confusion?
Authors: Notohara Kenji
Published: December 2021

A biopsy‐based diagnosis of type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is now feasible via an endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle biopsy, but there are potential issues to address. The benefits of acquiring large tissue samples include more successful immunostaining for Immunoglobulin G4 and more identifications of storiform fibrosis, obliterative phlebitis, and the ductal lesions of type 1 AIP. However, storiform fibrosis may not be present in all the type 1 AIP lesions. An interobserver agreement study revealed only slight‐to‐moderate agreement among pathologists diagnosing the histological findings of type 1 AIP. Potential reasons for disagreement are the different time phases of the inflammation (which result in heterogeneous histological pictures), a focal appearance of the typical histological findings, and the different definitions used by pathologists. We have thus devised guidance for diagnosing type 1 AIP based on biopsy tissues. In this guidance, we define each histological finding of type 1 AIP, for example, storiform fibrosis as a swirling arrangement of inflammatory cells, spindle‐shaped cells, and delicate collagens as a unit. The necessity of elastic stains for identifying obliterative phlebitis is explained, with examples of mimickers. Another important purpose of a biopsy in type 1 AIP cases is differentiation from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). In this situation, acinar‐ductal metaplasia observed in type 1 AIP is a mimicker of PDAC and should not be confused. For the resolution of potential disagreements among pathologists, a multi‐disciplinary approach with the collaboration of clinicians, radiologists, and pathologists is necessary to avoid confusion.
Interface‐Structure‐Modulated CuF2/CFx Composites for High‐Performance Lithium Primary Batteries
Authors: Sun Lidong , Peng Cong , Kong Lingchen , Li Yu , Feng Wei
Published: December 2021

Lithium primary batteries are widely used in various fields where high energy densities and long storage times are in demand. However, studies on lithium primary batteries are currently focused on the gravimetric energy densities of active materials and rarely account for the volumetric energy requirements of unmanned devices. Herein, CuF2/CFx composites are prepared via planetary ball milling (PBM) to improve the volumetric energy densities of lithium primary batteries using the high mass density of CuF2, achieving a maximum volumetric energy density of 4163.40 Wh L−1. The CuF2/CFx hybrid cathodes exhibit three distinct discharge plateaus rather than simple combinations of the discharge curves of their components. This phenomenon is caused by charge redistribution and lattice modulation on the contact surfaces of CuF2 and CFx during PBM, which change the valence state of Cu and modify the electronic structures of the composites. As a result, CuF2/CFx hybrid cathodes exhibit unique discharge behaviors and improved rate capabilities, delivering a maximum power density of 11.16 kW kg−1 (25.56 kW L−1). Therefore, it is a promising strategy to further improve the comprehensive performance of lithium primary batteries through the use of interfacial optimization among different fluoride cathodes.
Mechanical Response Analysis of Battery Modules Under Mechanical Load: Experimental Investigation and Simulation Analysis
Authors: Xi Shoujun , Chang Lijun , Chen Wanyu , Zhao Qiancheng , Guo Yingfu , Cai Zhihua
Published: December 2021

Lithium‐ion batteries are widely used in the automotive, military, and energy storage fields, and the crash safety of batteries has attracted widespread attention. Herein, mechanical experiments are first carried out on a battery module (consisting of 18 650 cylindrical cells connected in parallel) and its components. The loading rates of the circular plates in the experiments are 1, 5, and 10 mm min−1. Based on the experimental data, a finite‐element model of the module is developed and validated. The mechanical response of the module under static and dynamic conditions is then investigated through experiments and simulations. A parametric study is carried out to analyze the role played by the module holder in the mechanical response of the module. It is found that the presence of the module holder is effective in improving the distribution of the high‐pressure region under impact loading but causes a local increase in pressure peaks. This research work can provide a useful reference for the safe design of battery modules.
Pressure‐correction projection methods for the time‐dependent micropolar fluids
Authors: Maimaiti Halimang , Liu Demin
Published: December 2021

The unsteady micropolar Navier–Stokes equations (MNSE) is a system which describes the evolution of an incompressible fluid whose material particles possess both translational and rotational degrees of freedom. In this article, both the first order and second order pressure‐correction (PC) projection method for the MNSE are proposed. The unconditionally stability analysis corresponding to the temporal semidiscrete version and the fully discrete version of the PC projection method are proved, and the first order error estimation for the temporal semidiscrete version is deduced. Some numerical simulation results are presented to show the effect of PC projection method.
FERC Policy on Certificates: The Evolution of “Need”
Authors: Smead Richard G.
Published: December 2021

The natural gas industry has seen abundance, over‐abundance, shortage, regulatory dysfunction, and sometimes balanced markets with a predictable, healthy regulatory scheme. The one thing the industry has never lacked is crises that become turning points. One such turning point is the often‐discussed question of what the future of natural gas will and should be. Another major turning point is whether and how natural gas supply and access to consumers will remain in its now 15‐year‐old state of abundance—whether natural gas can continue to play a role in decarbonizing large sectors of the global economy where coal and other higher‐carbon fuels still dominate.
Catalytic C−H Activation via Four‐Membered Metallacycle Intermediate
Authors: Bhagat Kanhaiya Kumar , Biswas Jyoti Prasad , Dutta Subhabrata , Maiti Debabrata
Published: December 2021

C−H Activation by transition metals has revolutionized the field of modern synthetic organic chemistry thereby enabling efficient and atom‐economical construction of complex organic frameworks in reduced number of steps. Various ways are being explored in order to maximize efficiency of the approach and construct previously unknown molecules. The major challenge in this aspect is the ubiquitous presence of C−H bond in an organic molecule that demands sophistication to achieve site‐selective functionalization. Directing group approach provided the most viable solution which operates through formation of a thermodynamically preferred metallacycle. Although, five and six membered metallacycles are known to be thermodynamically most favorable, there exists ingenious methodologies that operates through a four‐membered metallacycle in order to achieve site‐selectivity. In this review article, we summarize the C−H activation reactions evidenced to proceed via four‐membered metallacycle intermediate to achieve synthetically relevant transformations.