bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Process research of one‐stage partial nitrification‐anammox (S‐PN/A) technology in toilet water treatment and related kinetic simulation
Authors: Qi Weikang , Liu Lifang , Shi Qi , Su Xinwei , Lv Qian , Peng Yongzhen , Wang Cong
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND

Toilet water is a typical wastewater that is abundant and has a low organic carbon‐to‐nitrogen ratio; therefore, it is necessary to explore an economical and efficient treatment option. Partial nitrification‐anammox (PN/A) technology is characterized by low aeration energy consumption and a high nitrogen removal rate. As a process technology that has emerged in recent years, PN/A technology involves operating conditions that require further study.

RESULTS

In this work, two one‐stage partial nitrification‐anammox (S‐PN/A) reactors were operated to achieve nitrogen removal from toilet water. The total nitrogen removal rate of the two reactors reached 85%. The hydraulic nitrogen load of the first reactor was only 0.03 kg N m–3·d–1, while the hydraulic nitrogen load of the second reactor reached 0.09 kg N m–3·d–1. Nitrosomonas and Candidatus Kuenenia in the reactor were the main functional bacteria for partial nitrification and anammox. Kinetic simulations were performed using AQUASIM 2.0 software. The results showed that, in the partial nitrification system, the higher the (sludge retention time) SRT , the lower the effluent ammonia nitrogen concentration; the optimal operating condition's sludge retention time (SRT) was 10 days and dissolved oxygen (DO) was 0.2 mg L–1. The higher the SRT in the anammox system, the lower the concentration of ammonia and nitrite nitrogen in the effluent; in addition, the SRT should be greater than 60 days to ensure that as much nitrogen was removed as possible.

CONCLUSION

In summary, the research results confirm that it is feasible to use PN/A technology to remove nitrogen from toilet water. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Comparison between daily and on‐demand PrEP (pre‐exposure prophylaxis) regimen in covering condomless anal intercourse for men who have sex with men in Hong Kong: A randomized, controlled, open‐label, crossover trial
Authors: Kwan Tsz Ho , Lui Grace Chung Yan , Lam Teddy Tai Ning , Lee Krystal Chi Kei , Wong Ngai Sze , Chan Denise Pui Chung , Lee Shui Shan
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Both daily and on‐demand regimens have been proven effective for pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) against HIV in men who have sex with men (MSM). We aimed to compare the two regimens on their coverage of condomless anal intercourse (CLAI) in MSM.

Methods

A randomized, controlled, open‐label, crossover trial was conducted in a teaching hospital in Hong Kong. Participants were sexually active HIV‐negative MSM aged 18 years or above with normal renal function and without chronic hepatitis B infection. Oral tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg/emtricitabine 200 mg (TDF/FTC) tablets were prescribed for PrEP. After a 2‐week lead‐in with daily TDF/FTC for treatment‐naïve MSM for tolerance assessment, participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio with a block size of four to either daily‐first or on‐demand‐first arm based on the IPERGAY study, for receiving PrEP for 16 weeks, then crossed‐over to the alternative regimen for another 16 weeks. The primary outcome was the proportion of days with PrEP‐covered CLAI by intention‐to‐treat analysis. The trial is registered with the CCRB Clinical Trials Registry, CUHK, CUHK_CCRB00606, and is closed to accrual.

Results

Between 25 August 2018 and 23 March 2019, 119 eligible participants were assigned to daily‐first arm (n = 59) and on‐demand‐first arm (n = 60) with an 87% overall completion rate (n = 103). With 96% and 54% of days on PrEP during daily and on‐demand periods, respectively, the proportion of days with PrEP‐covered CLAI between two arms were not statistically different (92% vs. 92%, p = 0.93). About half (47%) were diagnosed with at least one episode of incident sexually transmitted infection. Mild and time‐limited adverse events, including diarrhoea, headache, nausea and dizziness, were reported in 37 (31%) and 10 (8%) during the daily and on‐demand periods, respectively. At the end of the study, a similar proportion favoured daily or on‐demand regimen.

Conclusions

High prevention‐effective adherence, as reflected from the coverage of CLAI, was achievable by either daily or on‐demand PrEP among MSM, albeit a higher number of tablets taken for daily PrEP. As both regimens were well accepted, a flexible approach adopting either or both regimens with possible switching is warranted in order to suit individual health needs.
Electrochemical immunoplatform to assist in the diagnosis of oral cancer through the determination of CYFRA 21.1 biomarker in human saliva samples: Preparation of a novel portable biosensor toward non‐invasive diagnosis of oral cancer
Authors: Tofighi Fahimeh Bageri , Saadati Arezoo , Kholafazad‐kordasht Houman , Farshchi Fatemeh , Hasanzadeh Mohammad , Samiei Mohammad
Published: September 2021

In this study, a novel, low‐cost, and flexible paper‐based electrochemical immunosensor was developed for the bioanalysis of Cyfra 21.1 biomarker in human saliva samples by using stabilization of synthesis Ag nano‐ink on the surface of paper using pen‐on‐paper technology. The employed electrochemical techniques for the evaluation of immunoplatform performance were differential pulse voltammetry and chronoamperometry. Also, the prepared immunosensor showed great ability in the determination of Cyfra21.1 in human saliva specimens. Under the optimized conditions, the obtained linear range was from 0.0025 to 10 ng/mL, and the obtained LLOQ was 0.0025 ng/mL. The developed immunosensor is easy to prepare, sensitive, cost‐effective, portable, and simple. So proposed immunoplatform can be an accomplished biodevice in clinical laboratories. The proposed paper‐based immunosensor could be a hopefully new and cheap tool for the diagnosis of other biomarkers. Also, the prepared immunosensor showed great ability in the determination of Cyfra21.1 biomarker in human saliva specimens.
Recognition of human hemoglobin with macromolecularly imprinted polymeric nanoparticles using non‐covalent interactions
Authors: Aylaz Gülgün , Andaç Müge , Denizli Adil , Duman Memed
Published: September 2021

Hemoglobin (Hb) is the most abundant protein in the blood. It is vital for the living as oxygen carriers. Some of the very pure Hb‐containing biological fluids are currently under clinical trial. However, the removal and purification of Hb from the blood are quite difficult, especially when it is at a low concentration level. In this study, the molecularly imprinted polymeric nanoparticles (MIPNs) were prepared using N‐methacryloyl‐histidine methyl ester (MAH) by mini‐emulsion polymerization technique for specific binding of human hemoglobin (HHb). MIPNs in monosize form have a size of 152 ± 4 nm. They also have a high binding capacity (32.33 mg/g) of HHb. MIPNs retain 84% of the re‐binding capacity for HHb after 10 cycles. The nanoparticles have 16 and 5 times higher binding capacity of HHb, respectively, in the presence of bovine serum albumin and lysozyme. Thanks to their high binding capacity and selectivity, MIPNs will allow them to be detected selectively for different target molecules. According to molecular docking, the main binding forces depend on hydrogen bonds and Van der Waals forces in the interaction within 5 Å around MAH molecule are observed through the amino acid residues of HHb at β1 and β2 subunit. The statistical mechanical analysis of docking showed that the free energy (ΔG) is −2732.14 kcal/mol, which indicates the interaction between MAH and HHb is energetically favorable at 298.15°K.
Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 evaluation and projection of East African precipitation
Authors: Makula Exavery Kisesa , Zhou Botao
Published: September 2021

This study evaluates the performance of 43 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6) models in reproducing annual cycle, climatology, and trend of observed precipitation over East Africa during 1950–2014. The results show that the CMIP6 models display good performance in simulating the annual cycle (i.e., bimodal pattern) of East African precipitation; however, most models and the multimodel ensemble mean (ENSEM) underestimate the March to May (MAM) precipitation while overestimating the October to December (OND) precipitation. Spatially, most models seem to perform relatively better in simulating OND precipitation compared to MAM season, despite wet (dry) biases over most parts of East Africa with the wettest (driest) biases over the Lake Victoria basin (southeastern Tanzania) during OND (MAM). The metrics have shown that nine models (i.e., MPI‐ESM1‐2‐HR, AWI‐CM‐1‐MR, MPI‐ESM1‐2‐LR, IPSL‐CM6A‐LR, CAS‐ESM2‐0, BCC‐CSM2‐MR, NorESM2‐LM, CESM2‐WACCM, and CMCC‐CM2‐SR5) outperform the other individual models during both OND and MAM. Compared with individual models, the ENSEM better agrees with the observation. Besides, the ENSEM and most models can reproduce the increasing trend in OND precipitation as observed over East Africa. However, for the secular change of MAM precipitation, given that half of the models show increasing trends, the ENSEM simulation produces an inconsistent trend with the observation. The ensemble of the above nine models with better performance projects an increase of precipitation averaged over East Africa in both MAM and OND by the end of the 21st century, with larger changes under SSP5‐8.5 than under SSP2‐4.5. Spatially, the largest percentage increase in MAM precipitation is projected to occur in central Tanzania and northwestern Kenya, while southeastern Tanzania shows the greatest percentage decrease. The projected percentage increases in OND precipitation are larger in the northeastern highlands of Tanzania and northwest Kenya.
A quantile mapping approach‐based bias correction in Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 models for decadal temperature predictions over India
Authors: Patel Jayshri , Gnanaseelan Chellappan , Chowdary Jasti S. , Parekh Anant
Published: September 2021

Decadal climate prediction has been recognized as the important information for policy makers for agriculture, health and energy sectors and the general public for any near‐term planning. The modelling community is determined to put forward a reliable near‐term climate forecasting system, to predict annual to decadal state and variability of climate. However, deriving reliable information from the decadal prediction/hindcast is still a challenge. This study examines the decadal hindcast simulations of surface air temperature (SAT) over India in seven different ocean–atmosphere coupled models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5). Each decadal hindcast is available for the next 10‐years period from the initialized climate states of 1961–2006. The performance of models is assessed using different evaluation metrics, such as absolute mean difference, root mean square error, skill score and uncertainty in terms of the range of hindcasts. The multimodel ensemble mean displayed considerable skill in representing the spatial distribution of SAT over the Indian region except over the western Himalaya and Northeast India. Our results indicate that the decadal hindcasts skills improved noticeably when quantile mapping (QM) approach is used for the bias corrections. The major improvements are seen in terms of reducing absolute mean difference and uncertainty, regardless of lead time and region. The present study advocates that QM approach is useful not only for reducing bias but also for improving the decadal hindcast skill for SAT over India in the coupled models.
Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry in‐depth analysis and in silico verification of the potential active ingredients of Baihe Dihuang decoction in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Wu Hao , Liu Runhua , Wang Jiaqi , Li Tianyi , Sun Yu , Feng Xin , Bi Yuelin , Zhang Chenning , Sun Yikun
Published: September 2021

Baihe Dihuang decoction is a commonly used herbal formula to treat depression and insomnia in traditional Chinese medicine. This study established a liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry method to investigate the potential active ingredients and the components absorbed in the blood and brain tissue of mice. Using a new data processing method, 94 chemical components were identified, 33 and 9 of which were absorbed in the blood and brain. More interestingly, we analyzed the substance changes during co‐decoction and the characteristics of the compounds absorbed in the blood and brain. The results show that 71 newly generated chemical components were discovered from co‐decoction: 38 with fragment information and five absorbed in the blood. Ultimately, the results of molecular docking show that these components have excellent performance in proteins of γ‐aminobutyric acid, serotonin and melatonin receptors. The docking results of emodin with Monoamine Oxidase A and Melatonin Receptor 1A, and luteolin with Solute Carrier Family 6 Member 4, Glyoxalase I, Monoamine Oxidase B and Melatonin Receptor 1A, may explain the mechanism of action of Baihe Dihuang decoction in treating insomnia and depression. Overall, our research results may provide novel perspectives for further understanding of the effective substances in Baihe Dihuang decoction.
Current approaches for the purification of antibody–drug conjugates
Authors: Matsuda Yutaka
Published: September 2021

In the past two decades, antibody–drug conjugates have gained increasing attention because they expand the therapeutic index when compared with that of traditional chemotherapies. Antibody–drug conjugates are highly complex structures consisting of antibodies covalently conjugated with small‐molecule cytotoxic drugs. The complex structure of antibody–drug conjugates makes chemistry, manufacturing, and control difficult. In contrast to antibody production, distinct purification methods following conjugation of antibodies with drug‐linkers are required for the manufacturing. For process development of antibody drug conjugates, the drug‐to‐antibody ratio, free drug‐linkers, and aggregates are critical quality attributes that must be strictly controlled and removed by appropriate purification techniques. In this review, features of various purification methods used to purify antibody drug conjugates are described and evaluated. The future landscape of the antibody‐conjugates field is also discussed briefly.
Treatment of melasma with a low‐fluence 1064 nm Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser: Laser toning in Caucasian women
Authors: Micek Iwona , Pawlaczyk Mariola , Kroma Anna , Seraszek‐Jaros Agnieszka , Urbańska Maria , Gornowicz‐Porowska Justyna
Published: September 2021

Background and Objectives

Melasma is a common, therapeutically challenging, and very often relapsing disorder of hyperpigmentation most often observed in women. Low‐fluence, multipass technique with Q‐switched‐mode laser—“laser toning” is broadly used to treat melasma, especially in Asia. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of a series of laser treatments with very short, nanosecond pulses in the treatment of melasma in Caucasian women.

Material and Methods

Forty polish females with Fitzpatrick skin phototype II–III and melasma were treated with 1064 nm Q‐switched neodymium:yttrium‐aluminum‐garnet (QSNY) laser (pulse with 5 ns; spot size, 6–8 mm; fluence, 1.7–3.2 J/cm2; 2–8 passes; nine treatments). Melanin index (MI), erythema index (EI) by Mexameter MX18®, the modified Melasma Area Severity Index (mMASI), and the participant's self‐assessment were used to evaluate the treatment results. Twenty‐one patients were subjected to a 1‐year follow‐up.

Results

Significant improvement in melasma pigmentation was observed in the mean MI and mMASI score; both were significantly reduced (p < 0.0001). Significant erythema reduction was achieved (p < 0.001). In total, 70% of participants rated the laser as a method that met their expectations for treating melasma. Clinical follow‐up after one year showed that the reduced melasma effect was still maintained. Patients also noticed improved skin conditions (radiance, smoothness, brightness, hydration, regeneration). No serious adverse effects were observed.

Conclusions

Low‐fluence 1064 nm QSNY laser is an effective, safe, and noninvasive method with long‐term results in melasma treatment. QSNY (1064 nm) improves the condition of melasma patients with erythema.
Polyelectrolyte Complex that Minimizes Bacterial Adhesion to Polyester
Authors: Smith Ryan J. , Moule Madeleine G. , Leon Pablo A. , Iverson Ethan T. , Kolibaba Thomas J. , Cirillo Jeffrey D. , Grunlan Jaime C.
Published: September 2021

Bacterial adhesion is a major concern in the medical field, where bacterial fouling can lead to diminished device efficacy and failure. To combat this, polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) can be used to modify surfaces to reduce bacterial attachment. In the present study, a water‐based PEC of poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) [PDDA] and poly(acrylic acid) are deposited in a simple two‐step process to the surface of polyester fabric. This process includes the deposition of a dissolved mixture of the two polyelectrolytes, followed by the formation of the ionic network through exposure to citric acid buffer. These coatings facilitate the removal of >95% of deposited Staphylococcus aureus after simple rinsing with deionized water. The high degree of surface ionization monitored by FTIR suggests that electrostatic repulsion is responsible for the observed antifouling activity. The morphology of these coatings which is monitored by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM) is shown to depend on curing the curing conditions, which suggests that this simple process can be tailored to many applications.
Gorenstein binomial edge ideals
Authors: González‐Martínez René
Published: September 2021

We classify connected graphs G whose binomial edge ideal is Gorenstein. In our proofs we use Frobenius type techniques and F‐pure thresholds.
Refining Reactivity Ratios in the Copolymerization of Styrene and Methyl Methacrylate by EasySpin/MATLAB Simulations and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Riemann Lara , Brandt Sarah , Vana Philipp
Published: September 2021

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra of the ensemble of growing macroradicals are recorded during the radical copolymerization of styrene‐d8 and methyl methacrylate (MMA) for various comonomer compositions and subsequently modeled by MATLAB in combination with EasySpin simulations. Fully deuterated styrene‐d8 is used to simplify the EPR spectra and to allow a clear assignment of the EPR‐signals to the two different terminal units. By that approach, the macroradical fraction having styrene‐d8 as terminal unit, Φs, could directly be determined from the copolymerization spectra without concentration calibration. The so‐obtained Φs values could not be described by the penultimate model using the literature‐reported set of reactivity ratios. Consequently, Φs, the copolymer composition, and the overall propagation rate coefficient are adjusted in small steps simultaneously using Excel arriving at a new and more reliable set of reactivity ratios for the copolymerization of styrene and MMA.
Current therapeutic strategies for respiratory diseases using mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Wang Ming‐yao , Zhou Ting‐yue , Zhang Zhi‐dong , Liu Hao‐yang , Zheng Zhi‐yao , Xie Hui‐qi
Published: September 2021

Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) have a great potential to proliferate, undergo multi‐directional differentiation, and exert immunoregulatory effects. There is already much enthusiasm for their therapeutic potentials for respiratory inflammatory diseases. Although the mechanism of MSCs‐based therapy has been well explored, only a few articles have summarized the key advances in this field. We hereby provide a review over the latest progresses made on the MSCs‐based therapies for four types of inflammatory respiratory diseases, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and asthma, and the uncovery of their underlying mechanisms from the perspective of biological characteristics and functions. Furthermore, we have also discussed the advantages and disadvantages of the MSCs‐based therapies and prospects for their optimization.
The use of free myocutaneous flap and implant reinsertion for staged cranial reconstruction in patients with titanium mesh exposure and large skull defects with soft tissue infection after cranioplasty: Report of 19 cases
Authors: Han Yudi , Chen Youbai , Han Yan , Chen Zhaoyang , Li Liangxing , Pu Wenwen , Cui Lei , Chai Mi , Li Yan
Published: September 2021

Background

Management of cranial defects following failed cranioplasty due to titanium mesh exposure and infection is challenging. The purpose of this report is to describe a modified technique using a free myocutaneous flap transfer for primary soft tissue reconstruction, and titanium mesh reinsertion for cranioplasty revision.

Methods

Nineteen patients with titanium mesh exposure and infection following cranioplasty were treated from January 2012 to January 2019. The average patient age was 41.89 years and the average size of the cranial defect was 7.74 × 13.92 cm. The reasons for craniotomy were craniocerebral trauma (n = 17), cerebrovascular disease (n = 1), and brain tumor (n = 1). The mean duration between implant exposure and current procedure was 7.16 months. Implant was removed and a free myocutaneous flap was designed to cover both scalp and cranium defects. After a mean duration of 12.32 months, implants were re‐inserted in a vascularized pocket at the second stage by elevating a plane between the previously transferred fascia layer and muscle layer.

Results

The average sizes of the muscle flaps and skin paddles were 7.74 × 13.92 cm and 4.97 × 8.97 cm. The average size of the implants was 8.24 × 14.42 cm. All flaps survived completely with no complication. After an average follow‐up of 48.16 months there were no cranioplasty failures. Functional coverage of craniectomy defect sites with normalized head contour was achieved.

Conclusions

The use of free myocutaneous flap and implant reinsertion achieved durable cranial and scalp defect reconstruction and aesthetic outcomes. The myocutaneous flap increases blood supply to the scalp, which may reduce the chances of infection and implant re‐exposure.
ADMET Predictability at Boehringer Ingelheim: State‐of‐the‐Art, and Do Bigger Datasets or Algorithms Make a Difference?
Authors: Aleksić Stevan , Seeliger Daniel , Brown J. B.
Published: September 2021

Computational methods assisting drug discovery and development are routine in the pharmaceutical industry. Digital recording of ADMET assays has provided a rich source of data for development of predictive models. Despite the accumulation of data and the public availability of advanced modeling algorithms, the utility of prediction in ADMET research is not clear. Here, we present a critical evaluation of the relationships between data volume, modeling algorithm, chemical representation and grouping, and temporal aspect (time sequence of assays) using an in‐house ADMET database. We find no large difference in prediction algorithms nor any systemic and substantial gain from increasingly large datasets. Temporal‐based data enlargement led to performance improvement in only in a limited number of assays, and with fractional improvement at best. Assays that are well‐, intermediately‐, or poorly‐suited for ADMET predictions and reasons for such behavior are systematically identified, generating realistic expectations for areas in which computational models can be used to guide decision making in molecular design and development.
The Π‐operator on some conformally flat manifolds and hyperbolic half space
Authors: Cheng Wanqing , Ryan John
Published: September 2021

The Π‐operator, also known as Ahlfors–Beurling transform, plays an important role in solving the existence of locally quasiconformal solutions of Beltrami equations. In this paper, we first construct the Π‐operator on a general Clifford–Hilbert space. This Π‐operator is also an L2 isometry. Further, it can also be used for solving certain Beltrami equations when the Hilbert space is the L2 space of a measure space. Then, we show that this technique can be applied to construct the classical Π‐operator in the complex plane and some other examples on some conformally flat manifolds, which are constructed by U/Γ, where U is a simply connected subdomain of either
or
, and Γ is a Kleinian group acting discontinuously on U. The Π‐operators on those manifolds also preserve the isometry property in certain L2 spaces, and their Lp norms are bounded by the Lp norms of the Π‐operators on
or
, depending on where U lies. The applications of the Π‐operator to solutions of the Beltrami equations on those conformally flat manifolds are also discussed. At the end, we investigate the Π‐operator theory in the upper‐half space with the hyperbolic metric.
Numerical solutions of time fractional Sawada Kotera Ito equation via natural transform decomposition method with singular and nonsingular kernel derivatives
Authors: Adivi Sri Venkata Ravi Kanth , Kirubanandam Aruna , Kondooru Raghavendar
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we have studied the seventh‐order time‐fractional Sawada Kotera Ito equation via natural transform decomposition method (NTDM) with singular and nonsingular kernel derivatives. The fractional derivative considered in Caputo, Caputo‐Fabrizio (CF), and Atangana‐Baleanu‐Caputo (ABC). We employed the natural transform with the Adomian decomposition process on time‐fractional Sawada Kotera Ito equation to obtain the solution. To validate the method, we have considered a few examples and compared with the actual results. Numerical results are in accordance with the existing results.
A pregnant woman who experienced auditory hallucinations concurrent with hyperemesis gravidarum: A case report
Authors: Okayasu Hiroaki , Yasui‐Furukori Norio , Shimoda Kazutaka
Published: September 2021

We report the case of a pregnant woman who experienced auditory hallucinations only while suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum. To the best of our knowledge, the present report is the first report of a case of obvious auditory hallucinations and hyperemesis gravidarum at the same time in a pregnant woman who had not been diagnosed with any psychiatric disorder. The patient was a 24‐year‐old pregnant woman with no history of psychiatric disorder. Two years prior to this admission, she became pregnant for the first time, and she was admitted to an obstetrics clinic due to severe hyperemesis gravidarum. She developed mild auditory hallucinations at the same time. After she gave birth, the auditory hallucinations disappeared. When she was 24 years old, she became pregnant again. She suffered from severe hyperemesis gravidarum from the early stage of pregnancy. At 20 weeks of pregnancy, she visited the Department of Psychiatry of our hospital for a detailed psychiatric evaluation and treatment because her moderate auditory hallucinations had relapsed. We administered an antipsychotic agent, perospirone, to treat the auditory hallucinations, which disappeared, although the hyperemesis gravidarum persisted until childbirth. After childbirth, perospirone treatment was discontinued, and her auditory hallucinations did not relapse. The auditory hallucinations may have occurred as a result of complicated biological and psychosocial factors. Physicians should carefully evaluate psychotic symptoms, such as auditory hallucinations, not only during the postpartum period but also throughout the course of pregnancy.
Associations of five obesity metrics with epigenetic age acceleration: Evidence from 2,474 Taiwan Biobank participants
Authors: Lin Wan‐Yu , Wang Yu‐Cyuan , Teng I‐Hsuan , Liu Chi , Lou Xiang‐Yang
Published: September 2021

Objective

Obesity is associated with epigenetic age acceleration (EAA), resulting in an increased risk of many age‐related disorders. However, most studies have focused on the relationship of EAA with BMI. Whether any other obesity metric is more relevant to EAA remains unknown.

Methods

Here, the methylation ages of 2,474 Taiwan Biobank (TWB) participants were calculated according to Levine’s phenotypic age (PhenoAge) and Lu’s GrimAge. Residuals from regressing methylation age on chronological age were used to quantify PhenoEAA and GrimEAA. Five obesity metrics were evaluated, namely BMI, body fat percentage, waist circumference, hip circumference, and waist‐hip ratio. Sex‐stratified EAA was regressed on each of the five obesity metrics.

Results

For male individuals, an increase of one SD in waist‐hip ratio (0.06) was associated with a 0.602‐year PhenoEAA (p = 6.3E‐6) and a 0.481‐year GrimEAA (p = 1.2E‐8). For female individuals, every SD increase in BMI (3.7 kg/m2) was associated with a 0.600‐year PhenoEAA (p = 3.3E‐5) and a 0.305‐year GrimEAA (p = 3.1E‐5).

Conclusions

“Abdominal obesity” and “general obesity” are significantly associated with male and female EAA, respectively. The prevention of abdominal obesity and general obesity is associated with a lower risk of EAA in men and women, respectively.
Human adipose tissue is a putative direct target of daytime orexin with favorable metabolic effects: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Goldstein Nir , Tsuneki Hiroshi , Bhandarkar Nikhil , Aimaretti Eleonora , Haim Yulia , Kon Kanta , Sato Kiyofumi , Wada Tsutomu , Liberty Idit F. , Kirshtein Boris , Dukhno Oleg , Maixner Nitzan , Gepner Yftach , Sasaoka Toshiyasu , Rudich Assaf
Published: September 2021

Objective

Orexin/hypocretin (Ox) and its receptors (OxR), a neuroendocrine system centrally regulating sleep/wakefulness, were implicated in the regulation of peripheral metabolism. It was hypothesized that human adipose tissue constitutes a direct target of the OxA/OxR system that associates with distinct metabolic profile(s).

Methods

Serum Ox levels and abdominal subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue expression of Ox/HCRT, OxR1/HCRTR1, and OxR2/HCRTR2 were measured in n = 81 patients.

Results

Higher morning circulating Ox levels were associated with improved lipid profile and insulin sensitivity, independently of BMI (β = −0.363, p = 0.018 for BMI‐adjusted homeostatic model of insulin resistance). Adipose HCRT mRNA was detectable in <20% of patients. Visceral HCRT expressers were mostly (80%) males and, compared with nonexpressers, had lower total and LDL cholesterol. HCRTR1 was readily detectable, and HCRTR2 was undetectable. HCRTR1 mRNA and OxR1 protein expression were higher in subcutaneous than visceral adipose tissue, and among nonobese patients, patients with obesity, and patients with obesity and T2DM were 3.4 (1.0), 0.7 (0.1), 0.6 (0.1) (AU) (p < 0.001) and 1.0 (0.2), 0.5 (0.1), 0.4 (0.1) (AU) (p = NS), respectively. Higher visceral HCRTR1 expression was associated with lower fasting insulin and homeostatic model of insulin resistance, also after adjusting for BMI. In human adipocytes, HCRTR1 expression did not exhibit significant oscillation.

Conclusions

Human adipose tissue is a putative direct target of the OxA‐OxR1 system, with higher morning input being associated with improved metabolic profile.
Cytarabine dose reduction in patients with low‐risk acute myeloid leukemia: A report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Getz Kelly D. , Alonzo Todd A. , Sung Lillian , Meshinchi Soheil , Gerbing Robert B. , Raimondi Susana , Hirsch Betsy , Loken Michael , Brodersen Lisa Eidenschink , Kahwash Samir , Choi John , Kolb E. Anders , Gamis Alan , Aplenc Richard
Published: September 2021

Background

The optimal number of chemotherapy courses for low‐risk (LR) pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is not known.

Objective

To compare outcomes for four (21.6 g/m2 cytarabine) versus five (45.6 g/m2 cytarabine) chemotherapy courses for LR‐AML using data from Children's Oncology Group (COG) AAML0531 and AAML1031.

Methods

We compared relapse risk (RR), disease‐free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS), and the differential impact in LR subgroups for patients receiving four versus five chemotherapy courses. Cox (OS and DFS) and risk (RR) regressions were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) to compare outcomes.

Results

A total of 923 LR‐AML patients were included; 21% received five courses. Overall, LR‐AML patients who received four courses had higher RR (40.9% vs. 31.4%; HR = 1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06–1.85), and worse DFS (56.0% vs. 67.0%; HR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.10–1.91). There was a similar decrement in OS though it was not statistically significant (77.0% vs. 83.5%; HR = 1.45, 95% CI: 0.97–2.17). Stratified analyses revealed the detrimental effects of cytarabine dose de‐escalation to be most pronounced in the LR‐AML subgroup with uninformative cytogenetic/molecular features who were minimal residual disease (MRD) negative after the first induction course (EOI1). The absolute decrease in DFS with four courses for patients with favorable cytogenetic/molecular features and positive MRD was similar to that observed for patients with uninformative cytogenetic/molecular features and negative MRD at EOI1, though not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Our results support de‐escalation of cytarabine exposure through the elimination of a fifth chemotherapy course only for LR‐AML patients who have both favorable cytogenetic/molecular features and negative MRD after the first induction cycle.
Tumefactive demyelination in pediatrics: An unusual late neurological complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplant
Authors: Haldorai Meena , Kamila Gautam , Gupta Aditya Kumar , Meena Jagdish Prasad , Jauhari Prashant , Jana Manisha , Kumar Atin , Brijwal Megha , Chakrabarty Biswaroop , Gulati Sheffali , Seth Rachna
Published: September 2021

Immune‐mediated demyelination is a rare posttransplant complication. Here, we report an 8.5‐year‐old boy who developed left hemiparesis, 18 months post matched sibling donor hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) for relapsed acute myeloid leukemia and was diagnosed to have tumefactive demyelination. The diagnosis was established based on clinical and radiological features. The complete resolution of the lesions with steroids further established the immune‐mediated pathophysiology.
Fused deposition modeling based polymeric materials and their performance: A review
Authors: Shanmugam Vigneshwaran , Pavan Munagoti Venkata , Babu Karthik , Karnan Balamurugan
Published: September 2021

Additive manufacturing (AM) has several advantages that will make a revolution in polymeric material development. In the AM of polymeric materials, filament deposition modeling (FDM) has been widely used owing to its versatility, low cost, and efficacy. FDM includes different parameters and also an interlayer adhesion that contributes to the performance of the printed parts. In recent years, reinforcement has been introduced in FDM‐printed polymeric materials to improve performance. This review looked at different polymer materials that were printed using the FDM process. A systematic literature search was conducted on FDM‐printed polymers, and the mechanical and thermal performance of these materials was reviewed and critically reported. The performance of FDM printed polymeric materials has been discussed in relation to FDM process parameters, matrix type, fiber reinforcement type, particle reinforcement type, and lattice structure. In a nutshell, this review article will assist researchers working in the field of 3D printing of polymeric materials in understanding the various polymer and polymeric composites' properties and performance.
Infant RSV immunoprophylaxis changes nasal epithelial DNA methylation at 6 years of age
Authors: Xu Cheng‐Jian , Scheltema Nienke M. , Qi Cancan , Vedder Rolf , Klein Laura B. C. , Nibbelke Elisabeth E. , van der Ent Cornelis K. , Bont Louis J. , Koppelman Gerard H.
Published: September 2021

Background

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection has been associated with childhood wheeze and asthma, and potential mechanisms include persistent epigenetic effects.

Methods

In the randomized, placebo‐controlled MAKI trial, 429 preterm infants randomly received RSV immunoprophylaxis with palivizumab or placebo during their first RSV season. Children were followed until age 6 for asthma evaluation. DNA methylation in cells obtained by nasal brushes at age 6 was measured by Illumina MethylationEPIC array.

Results

RSV immunoprophylaxis in infancy had a significant impact on global methylation patterns in nasal cells at age 6. The first principal component (PC) related to the immunoprophylaxis intervention was enriched for the pathway “detection of chemical stimulus involved in sensory perception of smell” and “T cell differentiation.” Subsequent analysis of these PCs indicated an effect of RSV immunoprophylaxis on cell type composition of nasal brushed cells. Three CpG sites, cg18040241, cg08243963, and cg19555973 which are annotated to genes GLB1L2, SC5D, and BPIFB1, were differentially methylated at genome‐wide significance, but were not associated with asthma.

Conclusion

The study provides the first proof of concept that RSV immunoprophylaxis during infancy has long‐term effects on nasal epigenetic signatures at age 6, relating to host sensory perception, epidermal growth factor receptor signaling, and adaptive immune responses.
Unusual complications after MammoSite brachytherapy: out‐of‐field rib fracture and Mondor's disease
Authors: Rahimy Elham , Evans Suzanne
Published: September 2021

Recent reports have documented in‐field rib fractures as a rare complication of accelerated partial breast irradiation. Here, we report a case of an out‐of‐field rib fracture, with a maximum point dose of <50% of the prescribed dose, and Mondor's disease in a 61‐year‐old woman after MammoSite brachytherapy. This is the first case in the literature in which rib fractures occurred out‐of‐field, without trauma or risk factors. It also highlights a rare clinical entity, Mondor's disease, of which its recognition is important for radiation oncologists given its potential for tumor recurrence.
The leaf beetle Labidostomis lusitanica (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) as an Iberian pistachio pest: projecting risky areas
Authors: Gómez Sara Rodrigo , Gil‐Tapetado Diego , García‐Gila Jaime , Blasco‐Aróstegui Javier , Polidori Carlo
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND

Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) is a commercially important tree in the Mediterranean basin, where there is a considerable increase in cultivation, especially in Spain. Because of its recent introduction as a crop in the country (1980s), studies on the pests of pistachio in Spain are still rare. Here, we studied the leaf beetle Labidostomis lusitanica (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), which was observed on pistachio and might become a serious pest under the expanding Spanish pistachio fields. Because early detection of pests is extremely important to properly plan control strategies, we (i) updated the information on the distribution of the species through samplings and surveys, and (ii) modelled its potential distribution.

RESULTS

Currently, L. lusitanica occurs across the whole Iberian Peninsula, especially in its southern and eastern parts, with adults on flight roughly from late April to early June. Analysis of climatic niches showed that L. lusitanica prefers dry and hot areas, which are conditions found especially in the central‐southern parts of the Iberian Peninsula. Such highly suitable areas for this pest overlap considerably with the suitable areas for pistachio cultivation. Surveys of pistachio growers weakly suggested a higher pest attack probability, but, unexpectedly, a lower perceived impact in very suitable areas for L. lusitanica, suggesting that other factors may shape its pest potential in a complex way.

CONCLUSION

In line with what has been observed for other Labidostomis species on pistachio in other Mediterranean countries, L. lusitanica has a good potential to harm pistachio production in Spain, claiming for further investigations and prevention strategies. © 2021 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Nuclear receptor HR96 up‐regulates cytochrome P450 for insecticide detoxification in Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Kim In‐Young , Choi Byungyoon , Park Woo‐Ram , Kim Yu‐Ji , Kim Bo‐Eun , Mun Seulgi , Choi Hueng‐Sik , Kim Don‐Kyu
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND

Red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (T. castaneum), is a major agricultural pest that causes significant damage to stored grains and products. Although hormone receptor 96 (HR96) is known to be the single ortholog corresponding to mammalian constitutive androstane receptor and pregnane X receptor, the structural features of Tribolium HR96 (TcHR96) and its role in insecticide‐mediated transcription control of cytochrome P450 enzyme genes in T. castaneum have not been elucidated yet.

RESULTS

We cloned full‐length complementary DNA encoding TcHR96 and revealed the role of TcHR96 in transcriptional control of cytochrome P450 enzyme genes. Interestingly, genome‐wide transcriptome analysis of HR96‐deficient beetles using RNA sequencing showed a positive correlation between TcHR96 and gene transcription of metabolizing enzymes involved in phase I detoxification processes. Moreover, TcHR96 overexpression significantly increased the promoter activity of genes encoding phase I P450 enzymes such as CYP4Q4, CYP4G7, CYP4BR3, and CYP345A1. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis showed that TcHR96 could directly bind to the promoter of gene encoding CYP345A1, an enzyme for metabolizing insecticides in T. castaneum. Furthermore, imidacloprid, a neonicotinoid insecticide, significantly increased gene expression of phase I P450 enzymes in old larvae of T. castaneum, which were reversed by TcHR96 knockdown. Finally, TcHR96 knockdown significantly decreased the resistance of old larvae to imidacloprid concomitant with reduction of imidacloprid‐mediated phase I P450 enzyme gene expression.

CONCLUSION

TcHR96 plays a major role in transcriptional control of P450 enzyme for imidacloprid detoxification. Controlling TcHR96 might facilitate the regulation of insecticide tolerance in T. castaneum, thus providing a promising new strategy to manage pest beetle populations. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Pseudoephedrine and its derivatives antagonize wild and mutated severe acute respiratory syndrome‐CoV‐2 viruses through blocking virus invasion and antiinflammatory effect
Authors: Yu Shaopeng , Chen Yao , Xiang Yusen , Lin He , Wang Mengge , Ye Wenbo , Zhang Pei , Chen Hongzhuan , Lin Guoqiang , Zhu Yuying , Chen Lili , Zhang Jiange
Published: September 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 has infected over 150 million people worldwide and led to over 3 million deaths. Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)‐CoV‐2 lineages B.1.1.7, B.1.617, B.1.351, and P.1 were reported to have higher infection rates than that of wild one. These mutations were noticed to happen in the receptor‐binding domain of spike protein (S‐RBD), especially mutations N501Y, E484Q, E484K, K417N, K417T, and L452R. Currently, there is still no specific medicine against the virus; moreover, cytokine storm is also a dangerous factor for severe infected patients. In this study, potential S‐RBD‐targeted active monomers from traditional Chinese medicine Ephedra sinica Stapf (ephedra) were discovered by virtual screening. NanoBiT assay was performed to confirm blocking activities of the screened compounds against the interaction between SARS‐CoV‐2 S‐RBD and angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). We further analyzed the blocking effect of the active compounds on the interactions of mutated S‐RBD and ACE2 by computational studies. Moreover, antiinflammatory activities were evaluated using qRT‐PCR, enzyme‐linked immune sorbent assay, and Western blot analysis. As a result, pseudoephedrine (MHJ‐17) and its derivative (MHJ‐11) were found as efficient inhibitors disrupting the interactions between ACE2 and both wild and mutated S‐RBDs. In addition, they also have antiinflammatory activities, which can be potential drug candidates or lead compounds for further study.
Fully relativistic study on electron impact elastic scattering from Nq+ (q = 1–3), Na+, Arq+ (q = 1–3, 7–8), and Xeq+ (q = 2–6, 8)
Authors: Mahato Dibyendu , Sharma Lalita , Srivastava Rajesh
Published: September 2021

A study is presented on the elastic scattering of electrons from Nq+ (q = 1–3), Na+, Arq+ (q = 1–3, 7–8), Xeq+ (q = 2–6, 8) to understand the available experimental differential cross section results. A model potential approach has been utilized to describe the scattering process. The model potential includes the static, exchange, polarization and absorption potentials. The static potentialis obtained through the charge density calculated by obtaining ionic wave functions using multi‐configuration Dirac‐Fock (MCDF) approximation. Thereafter, the static potential is added to the suitable exchange, polarisation and absorption potentials to construct the spherically averaged complex optical potential. Using the obtained potential in the Dirac equations,these are solved with the partial wave phase shift analysis method and the differential cross sections are calculated. Results for different ions exhibit prominent interference structures in the energy versus cross section curves and show good agreement on comparison with the experimental results available in the selected energy ranges.
Single Photon Emitters Coupled to Plasmonic Waveguides: A Review
Authors: Kumar Shailesh , Bozhevolnyi Sergey I.
Published: September 2021

During the last two decades, many research groups have demonstrated coupling of single photon emitters to plasmonic waveguides, promising very high emission enhancements, for applications in quantum technologies. In this review, recent developments within this important research topic are discussed. Different plasmonic waveguide–quantum emitter configurations are compared from the application viewpoint by utilizing a figure‐of‐merit (FOM) reflecting the emission enhancement, coupling efficiency, and radiation loss. The experimental methods applied to obtain the coupled systems with high FOMs are described. Configurations that are exploited for reinforcing the coupling efficiency, i.e., the efficiency of funneling the emitted radiation into a plasmonic waveguide, are also considered as well as the scalability potential of various waveguide platforms. A recent experiment, in which enhanced light–matter interaction in a plasmonic waveguide is taken advantage of, resulting in the demonstration of non‐linearity at the single emitter level, is discussed.