bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic models for impending death in terminally ill cancer patients: A multicenter cohort study
Authors: Mori Masanori , Yamaguchi Takuhiro , Maeda Isseki , Hatano Yutaka , Yamaguchi Takashi , Imai Kengo , Kikuchi Ayako , Matsuda Yosuke , Suzuki Kozue , Tsuneto Satoru , Hui David , Morita Tatsuya ,   EASED collaborators
Published: September 2021

Background

Accurately predicting impending death is essential for clinicians to clarify goals of care. We aimed to develop diagnostic models to predict death ≤3 days in cancer patients.

Methods

In this multicenter cohort study, we consecutively enrolled advanced cancer patients admitted to 23 inpatient hospices in 2017. Fifteen clinical signs related to impending death were documented daily from the day when the Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) declined to ≤20–14 days later. We conducted recursive partitioning analysis using the entire data set and performed cross‐validation to develop the model (prediction of 3‐day impending death‐decision tree [P3did‐DT]). Then, we summed the number of systems (nervous/cardiovascular/respiratory/musculoskeletal), where any sign was present to underpin P3did score (range = 0–4).

Results

Data following PPS ≤20 were obtained from 1396 of 1896 inpatients (74%). The mean age was 73 ± 12 years, and 399 (29%) had gastrointestinal tract cancer. The P3did‐DT was based on three variables and had four terminal leaves: urine output (u/o) ≤200 ml/day and decreased response to verbal stimuli, u/o ≤200 ml/day and no decreased response to verbal stimuli, u/o >200 ml/day and Richmond Agitation‐Sedation Scale (RASS) ≤−2, and u/o >200 ml/day and RASS ≥−1. The 3‐day mortality rates were 80.3%, 53.3%, 39.9%, and 20.6%, respectively (accuracy = 68.3%). In addition, 79.6%, 62.9%, 47.2%, 32.8%, and 17.4% of patients with P3did scores of 4, 3, 2, 1, and 0, respectively, died ≤3 days.

Conclusion

We successfully developed diagnostic models for death ≤3 days. These may further help clinicians predict impending death and help patients/families prepare for their final days.
Esthetic Mucogingival Treatment After Biopsy of Inflammatory Fibroepithelial Hyperplasia
Authors: Katorza Anat , Horwitz Jacob
Published: September 2021

Introduction

This case reports a biopsy of a large soft tissue defect with gingival grafting. The therapeutic approach presented here combines a partly de‐epithelialized free gingival graft (PDFGG) with an envelope technique, which may be useful for cases needing a large reactive lesion biopsy.

Case Presentation

A patient with an esthetic and functional complaint due to a fibroepithelial hyperplastic lesion was treated by excisional biopsy leaving a 10 mm cervical defect on tooth 23. A palatal PDFGG was harvested and sutured into the defect, using an “envelope technique” to improve the blood supply to the graft. The procedure is aimed at both recession coverage and reduction in root hypersensitivity. Stability of the outcome is demonstrated 9 months post‐operative.

Conclusions

Gingival margin biopsies pose a significant challenge due to the need to combine significant tissue removal while providing a predictable esthetic and functional outcome. The case is the first description of a successful grafting of a large residual gingival biopsy defect, resulting from using combined mucogingival surgical approach. This technique may be helpful for similar cases.
The needs of clients coming to counselling following second harm: A Q methodology study
Authors: Kenward Linda , Whiffin Charlotte , Townend Michael
Published: September 2021

Second harm is the added psychological distress from an inadequate response by healthcare providers in response to medical errors or neglect. This inadequate response may require patients to seek counselling. The counselling needs of patients who have experienced second harm have received limited research attention. This Q methodology study addresses this gap in knowledge in order to further inform counselling practice.

Methods

Participants sorted 42 pre‐determined statements online followed by interviews to establish the rationale for the sorting pattern choices. Data from the online sort were analysed using factor analysis to establish the viewpoints expressed. The interview data added to the interpretation of the viewpoints.

Findings

Through a factor analysis, two ‘viewpoints’ and 11 counselling needs were identified. Nine of these needs were generic to the counselling relationship and two specific to second harm. This study concluded that people seeking counselling following second harm have needs beyond those expected from a general counselling relationship. These included not being blamed for what happened and a need for the counsellor to be able to demonstrate that they are able to understand the impact of harm.

Implications for practice

The needs identified in this study as being generic can give counsellors confidence in working with clients that have experienced second harm, knowing that many of the needs identified are not unique. Counsellors can also be confident that those needs that are unique can be understood through extending their knowledge of the topic and listening to those that have been harmed.
Finding the optimal access for proximal upper limb artery (PULA) interventions: Lessons learned from the PULA multicenter registry
Authors: Nardai Sándor , Zafirovska Biljana , Pataki Ákos , Nemes Balázs , Tóth Júlia , Deák Mónika , Kedev Sasko , Bertrand Olivier Francois , Pirlet Charles , Merkely Béla , Ruzsa Zoltán
Published: September 2021

Objective

The multicenter proximal upper limb artery (PULA) Registry was created to study the optimal puncture sites for the interventions involving the subclavian, axillary, and innominate arteries.

Background

Little is known about the optimal vascular access for PULA interventions, despite the well‐known technical complexity of these procedures.

Methods

We performed the retrospective analysis of consecutive patients treated for symptomatic steno‐occlusive disease of the proximal upper limb arteries between January 2015 and December 2019 in three high‐volume centers. Acute thrombotic occlusions were excluded from the study.

Results

Two hundred and seventy‐two patients were treated for significant stenosis and 108 for total occlusion. The baseline patient's characteristics were similar, except for the higher median age of the stenotic patients: 68.5 years (31.1; 90.0) versus 64 years (38.0; 86.0) p = 0.0015. Successful revascularization rate was higher in the stenotic group 93.75% (255/272) versus 86.11% (93/108) p = 0.0230, while the procedure length 27 min (8; 133) versus 46 min (7; 140) p = 0.0001 and fluoroscopy times 439 s (92; 2993) versus 864 s (86; 4176) p = 0.0001 were higher in the occlusion group. The main adverse event rate was similarly low. Dual access was used more often to treat occlusions (60.19% (65/108) vs. 11.40% (31/272) p = 0.0001) without significantly increasing the complication rate. The safest access was ultrasound‐guided distal radial artery puncture, significantly better than conventional radial access with 0% (0/31) versus 13.6% (18/131) p = 0.0253 complication.

Conclusions

The percutaneous revascularization of proximal upper limb arteries is a safe and effective. Dual access can be applied to increase treatment efficacy, without significantly compromising safety.
Technoeconomic Evaluation of a Flex Ethanol Plant of Sugarcane and Corn in Brazil
Authors: Sumikawa Victor Iwao Oliveira , Medeiros de Lima Alice
Published: September 2021

This paper aims to evaluate the integration of corn in existent sugarcane mills in Brazil to increase ethanol production. The study considered an autonomous distillery factory of medium‐capacity, and the incremental benefits from corn processing during the sugarcane off‐season. A process simulation and a cost analysis were developed to estimate the technoeconomic feasibility. The data and parameters employed were in accordance with Brazilian practice. The results show that a sugarcane plant operating 4 months during the off‐season with corn requires an investment of US$ 13.4 million, obtained the return of investment in 4 years, and a revenue estimated in US$ 666K yr−1 due to ethanol surplus production.
Tubular Structures of Calcium Carbonate: Formation, Characterization, and Implications in Natural Mineral Environments
Authors: Getenet Melese , Rieder Julian , Kellermeier Matthias , Kunz Werner , Manuel García‐Ruiz Juan
Published: September 2021

Chemical gardens are self‐assembled tubular precipitates formed by a combination of osmosis, buoyancy, and chemical reaction, and thought to be capable of catalyzing prebiotic condensation reactions. In many cases, the tube wall is a bilayer structure with the properties of a diaphragm and/or a membrane. The interest in silica gardens as microreactors for materials science has increased over the past decade because of their ability to create long‐lasting electrochemical potential. In this study, we have grown single macroscopic tubes based on calcium carbonate and monitored their time‐dependent behavior by in situ measurements of pH, ionic concentrations inside and outside the tubular membranes, and electrochemical potential differences. Furthermore, we have characterized the composition and structure of the tubular membranes by using ex situ X‐ray diffraction, infrared and Raman spectroscopy, as well as scanning electron microscopy. Based on the collected data, we propose a physicochemical mechanism for the formation and ripening of these peculiar CaCO3 structures and compare the results to those of other chemical garden systems. We find that the wall of the macroscopic calcium carbonate tubes is a bilayer of texturally distinct but compositionally similar calcite showing high crystallinity. The resulting high density of the material prevents macroscopic calcium carbonate gardens from developing significant electrochemical potential differences. In the light of these observations, possible implications in materials science and prebiotic (geo)chemistry are discussed.
The Role of Surface Curvature in Electrocatalysts
Authors: Wang Yanzhi , Bao Zijia , Shi Mengke , Liang Zuozhong , Cao Rui , Zheng Haoquan
Published: September 2021

Excessive consumption of fossil fuels has caused unavoidable environmental problems. The development of renewable and clean alternatives is essential for the sustainable and green development of human society. Electrocatalysts are most important parts in these energy‐related devices. Recently, scientists found that the surface curvature of electrocatalysts could play an important role for the improvement of catalytic performance and the optimization of intrinsic catalytic activity during electrocatalytic process. The role of surface curvature in electrocatalysts is still under investigating. In this minireview, we summarized the latest progress of electrocatalysts with different surface curvatures and their applications in energy‐related applications. This review mainly involves the strategies for preparation of electrocatalysts with different surface curvatures, three typical electrocatalysts with different surface curvatures (curled surface, onion‐like structure, and spiral structure), and the potential mechanisms that surface curvature in electrocatalysts affects activities.
Tunable Synchronicity of Molecular Valence Tautomerism with Macroscopic Solid‐Liquid Transition by Molecular Lattice Engineering
Authors: Chida Mayumi , Takahashi Satoru , Konishi Ryunosuke , Matsumoto Takeshi , Nakada Akinobu , Wakizaka Masanori , Kosaka Wataru , Miyasaka Hitoshi , Chang Ho‐Chol
Published: September 2021

The combination of a cobalt‐dioxolene core that exhibits valence tautomerism (VT) with pyridine‐3,5‐dicarboxylic acid functionalized with chains bearing two, four, or six oxyethylene units led to new complexes ConEGEspy (n = 2, 4, and 6). These complexes commonly form violet crystals of the low‐spin (ls)‐[CoIII(nEGEspy)2(3,6‐DTBSQ)(3,6‐DTBCat)] (ls‐[CoIII], 3,6‐DTBSQ = 3,6‐di‐tert‐butyl semiquinonato, 3,6‐DTBCat = 3,6‐di‐tert‐butyl catecholato). Interestingly, violet crystals of Co2EGEspy in the ls‐[CoIII] transitioned into a green liquid, accompanied by an almost complete VT shift (94 %) to the high‐spin (hs)‐[CoII(nEGEspy)2(3,6‐DTBSQ)2] (hs‐[CoII]) upon melting. In contrast, violet crystals of Co4EGEspy and Co6EGEspy in the ls‐[CoIII] exhibited partial VT (33 %) and only a 9.3 % VT shift after melting, respectively. These data demonstrate the tunability of the synchronicity of the molecular VT and macroscopic solid‐liquid transitions by optimizing the tethered chains, thus establishing a new strategy for coupling bistable molecules with the macroscopic world.
Amine‐Directed Palladium‐Catalyzed C−H Halogenation of Phenylalanine Derivatives
Authors: Ville Alexia , Annibaletto Julien , Coufourier Sébastien , Hoarau Christophe , Tamion Rodolphe , Journot Guillaume , Schneider Cédric , Brière Jean‐François
Published: September 2021

Invited for the cover of this issue are Jean‐François Brière, Cédric Schneider, Guillaume Journot and co‐workers from the COBRA laboratory and Oril Industrie (Normandy, France). The image shows the progression from questioning how to easily and regioselectively introduce halogen atoms to amino acids to the discovery of a catalytic functional‐group‐directed C−H halogenation of phenylalanine derivatives. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202102411.
Liquid‐Phase Cyclohexene Oxidation with O2 over Spray‐Flame‐Synthesized La1−xSrxCoO3 Perovskite Nanoparticles
Authors: Büker Julia , Alkan Baris , Chabbra Sonia , Kochetov Nikolai , Falk Tobias , Schnegg Alexander , Schulz Christof , Wiggers Hartmut , Muhler Martin , Peng Baoxiang
Published: September 2021

La1−xSrxCoO3 (x=0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) nanoparticles were prepared by spray‐flame synthesis and applied in the liquid‐phase oxidation of cyclohexene with molecular O2 as oxidant under mild conditions. The catalysts were systematically characterized by state‐of‐the‐art techniques. With increasing Sr content, the concentration of surface oxygen vacancy defects increases, which is beneficial for cyclohexene oxidation, but the surface concentration of less active Co2+ was also increased. However, Co2+ cations have a superior activity towards peroxide decomposition, which also plays an important role in cyclohexene oxidation. A Sr doping of 20 at. % was found to be the optimum in terms of activity and product selectivity. The catalyst also showed excellent reusability over three catalytic runs; this can be attributed to its highly stable particle size and morphology. Kinetic investigations revealed first‐order reaction kinetics for temperatures between 60 and 100 °C and an apparent activation energy of 68 kJ mol−1 for cyclohexene oxidation. Moreover, the reaction was not affected by the applied O2 pressure in the range from 10 to 20 bar. In situ attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy was used to monitor the conversion of cyclohexene and the formation of reaction products including the key intermediate cyclohex‐2‐ene‐1‐hydroperoxide; spin trap electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy provided strong evidence for a radical reaction pathway by identifying the cyclohexenyl alkoxyl radical.
Robust estimation and variable selection for function‐on‐scalar regression
Authors: Cai Xiong , Xue Liugen , Cao Jiguo ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: September 2021

Function‐on‐scalar regression is commonly used to model the dynamic behaviour of a set of scalar predictors of interest on the functional response. In this article, we develop a robust variable selection procedure for function‐on‐scalar regression with a large number of scalar predictors based on exponential squared loss combined with the group smoothly clipped absolute deviation regularization method. The proposed procedure simultaneously selects relevant predictors and provides estimates for the functional coefficients, and achieves robustness and efficiency using tuning parameters selected by a data‐driven procedure. Under reasonable conditions, we establish the asymptotic properties of the proposed estimators, including estimation consistency and the oracle property. The finite‐sample performance of the proposed method is investigated with simulation studies. The proposed method is also demonstrated with a real diffusion tensor imaging data example.
Pyrimidyn‐Based Dynamin Inhibitors as Novel Cytotoxic Agents
Authors: Odell Luke R. , Chau Ngoc , Russell Cecilia C. , Young Kelly A. , Gilbert Jayne , Robinson Phillip J. , Sakoff Jennette A. , McCluskey Adam
Published: September 2021

Five focused libraries of pyrimidine‐based dynamin GTPase inhibitors, in total 69 compounds were synthesised, and their dynamin inhibition and broad‐spectrum cytotoxicity examined. Dynamin plays a crucial role in mitosis, and as such inhibition of dynamin was expected to broadly correlate with the observed cytotoxicity. The pyrimidines synthesised ranged from mono‐substituted to trisubstituted. The highest levels of dynamin inhibition were noted with di‐ and tri‐ substituted pyrimidines, especially those with pendent amino alkyl chains. Short chains and simple heterocyclic rings reduced dynamin activity. There were three levels of dynamin activity noted: 1–10, 10–25 and 25–60 μM. Screening of these compounds in a panel of cancer cell lines: SW480 (colon), HT29 (colon), SMA (spontaneous murine astrocytoma), MCF‐7 (breast), BE2‐C (glioblastoma), SJ‐G2 (neuroblastoma), MIA (pancreas), A2780 (ovarian), A431 (skin), H460 (lung), U87 (glioblastoma) and DU145 (prostate) cell lines reveal a good correlation between the observed dynamin inhibition and the observed cytotoxicity. The most active analogues (31 a,b) developed returned average GI50 values of 1.0 and 0.78 μM across the twelve cell lines examined. These active analogues were: N2‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl)‐N4‐dodecyl‐6‐methylpyrimidine‐2,4‐diamine (31 a) and N4‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl)‐N2‐dodecyl‐6‐methylpyrimidine‐2,4‐diamine (31 b).
Development of an image‐based measurement system for human facial skin colour
Authors: He Ruili , Xiao Kaida , Pointer Michael , Bressler Yoav , Liu Zhen , Lu Yan
Published: September 2021

In this study, an image‐based measurement system was developed for human facial skin colour, involving the development of a digital imaging system, collection of facial skin colour from 60 human subjects, generation of different colour characterization models, and performance evaluation. The factors that affect facial skin colour characterization, including different training datasets (two colour charts and the collected facial skin colour dataset), mathematical mapping methods (linear transformation, polynomial regression, root‐polynomial regression and neural network) and camera image formats (JPG and RAW), were investigated and quantified not only by the conventional method of CIELAB colour difference, but also two newly introduced measures, facial colour contrast and skin colour gamut. The results indicate that the RAW image format for camera digital signals gave a more stable performance than the JPG format images, and the higher order polynomial regression with good predictive accuracy in terms of CIELAB colour difference did not perform well for the whole facial image. It is suggested to evaluate the model performance using the colour of both specific facial positions and the overall facial skin colour. Our comparative analysis in this study provides useful guidance for determining the colour characterization model for facial skin.
Efficient parallel algorithms for dynamic closeness‐ and betweenness centrality
Authors: Regunta Sai Charan , Tondomker Sai Harsh , Shukla Kshitij , Kothapalli Kishore
Published: September 2021

Finding the centrality measures of nodes in a graph is a problem of fundamental importance due to various applications from social networks, biological networks, and transportation networks. Given the large size of such graphs, it is natural to use parallelism as a recourse. Several studies show how to compute the various centrality measures of nodes in a graph on parallel architectures, including multi‐core systems and GPUs. However, as these graphs evolve and change, it is pertinent to study how to update the centrality measures on changes to the underlying graph. In this article, we show novel parallel algorithms for updating the betweenness‐ and closeness‐centrality values of nodes in a dynamic graph. Our algorithms process a batch of updates in parallel by extending the approach of handling a single update for betweenness‐ and closeness‐centrality. For the latter, we also introduce techniques based on traversals of the block‐cut tree of a graph. Besides, our algorithms incorporate mechanisms to exploit the structural properties of graphs for enhanced performance. We implement our algorithms on two parallel architectures: an Intel 24‐core CPU and an Nvidia Tesla V100 GPU. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to show GPU algorithms for the above two problems. In addition, we conduct detailed experiments to study the impact of various parameters associated with our algorithms and their implementation. Our results on a collection of real‐world graphs indicate that our algorithms achieve a significant speedup over corresponding state‐of‐the‐art algorithms.
Azulene Bridged π‐Distorted Chromophores: The Influence of Structural Symmetry on Optoelectrochemical and Photovoltaic Parameters
Authors: Raheem Abbasriyaludeen Abdul , Murugan Palanichamy , Shanmugam Ramasamy , Praveen Chandrasekar
Published: September 2021

Conjugated chromophores possessing π‐twisted functionality such as tetracyanobutadiene (TCBD) have emerged as promising active layer materials for organic photovoltaics (OPVs). In this study, we disclose the synthesis of two azulenyl chromophores containing one and two TCBD groups. The symmetrical and unsymmetrical structural characteristics of these molecules inflict dissimilar optoelectronic and electrochemical properties. Based on molar absorptivity, aggregation behavior, HOMO‐LUMO energies and other quantum chemical parameters, the symmetrical molecule (TATC2) appears to be a better non‐fullerene acceptor (NFA) compared to its unsymmetrical counterpart (TATC1). For instance, higher absorptivity and deeper HOMO‐LUMO levels for TATC2 (23950 M−1 cm−1; −6.01 eV/−3.86 eV) over TATC1 (12200 M1 cm−1; −5.46 eV/−3.64 eV) was observed. Validating this structure‐property relationship on solar cell prototypes exhibited higher photovoltaic parameters (VOC=0.54 V, FF=0.48, JSC=6.42 mA/cm2) for TATC2 than TATC1 (VOC=0.47 V, FF=0.38, JSC=5.77 mA/cm2). Though the device parameters are not high, this work uncovers the intrinsic properties of azulene‐tethered twisted chromophores as potential π‐semiconductor choice for NFA solar cells. In particular, this report explores the utility of azulene‐based π‐twisted semiconductors as acceptor material for OPVs with cell efficiencies of 1.70 and 1.04 % for TATC2 and TATC1 respectively.
Estimating phase error using a Hilbert transform‐based time‐domain technique
Authors: Al‐Ali Abdulwadood A. , Elwakil Ahmed S. , Maundy Brent J. , Allagui Anis , Elamien Mohamed B.
Published: September 2021

Measuring phase noise in oscillators is crucial in communication systems, vibration analysis, and frequency synthesizers. Traditionally, this measurement is done in frequency domain by estimating the ratio of the power density at an offset frequency from the carrier to the power of the carrier signal. This approach is hardware intensive and dependent on the the offset frequency, for which there exists no standard. Here, we propose an alternative method to quantify phase noise but in the time domain in the form of a root‐mean‐square true phase angle deviation. This is done using a self‐created reference signal and by applying the Hilbert transform to generate a complex analytic signal from the real time‐domain data sequence. This enables the computation of instantaneous metrics such as phase noise. Simulations and experimental results are provided to validate the proposed technique. In addition, its relationship to the origin of phase noise is mathematically explained.
High‐efficiency LC‐S compensated wireless power transfer charging converter for implantable pacemakers
Authors: Cetin Sevilay , Demirci Yunus Emre
Published: September 2021

This paper deals with wireless power transfer (WPT) based on magnetic coupling resonance in order to delivery power to a cardiac pacemaker from the outside of the body. The high‐efficiency power delivery, implantation, and safety are key parameters for a WPT system, designed for active implantable medical devices. Therefore, this paper is focused on high‐efficiency power transfer, implantation, and safety issues. For the wireless charging of the pacemaker, the LC‐S compensation topology is presented and designed based on high‐efficiency power delivery. The resonant components of the LC‐S compensation topology were extracted in order to ensure that WPT converter operates at resonance frequency. The operation of the presented WPT charging converter is validated by a prototype operating at 300‐kHz operation frequency. At 4.2 V output voltage and 0.45 A output current, the WPT efficiency of the prototype is measured as 82.39%. Finally, the safety evaluation of the proposed WPT converter is also discussed based on reference values presented in the literature.
Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided choledochoduodenostomy without fistula dilation using a stent with a 5.9‐Fr delivery system: Comparison to a conventional procedure with fistula dilation
Authors: Koga Takehiko , Hijioka Susumu , Nagashio Yosikuni , Ohba Akihiro , Maruki Yuta , Yoshinari Motohiro , Hisada Yuya , Harai Shota , Kitamura Hidetoshi , Maehara Kosuke , Murashima Yumi , Kawasaki Yuki , Kawahara Shun , Takeshita Kotaro , Yamada Natsumi , Satake Tomoyuki , Kondo Shunsuke , Morizane Chigusa , Ueno Hideki , Okusaka Takuji , Saito Yutaka
Published: September 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided choledochoduodenostomy (EUS‐CDS) without fistula dilation using a novel self‐expandable metal stent (SEMS).

Methods

This retrospective study examined patients who underwent EUS‐CDS for malignant distal biliary obstruction between October 2017 and May 2021 at the National Cancer Center, Japan. The primary outcome was a technical success without fistula dilation. Secondary outcomes were the overall technical success, clinical success, adverse events (AEs), procedure time, recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO), and time to RBO (TRBO).

Results

Forty‐one patients were enrolled; 31 patients underwent EUS‐CDS with fistula dilation using a conventional SEMS with 7.5–8.5‐Fr delivery system (conventional SEMS group), and 10 patients underwent EUS‐CDS without fistula dilation using the novel SEMS with a 5.9‐Fr delivery system (novel SEMS group). In the novel SEMS group, the rate of technical success without fistula dilation was 90%. There were no differences in overall technical success (100% vs. 97%, p = 1.00), clinical success (80% vs. 90%, p = 0.58), and overall AEs (10% vs. 23%, p = 0.65) rates between the novel and conventional SEMS groups. In the novel SEMS group, no early AEs were observed and no bile leakage into the abdominal cavity was observed on the computed tomography scan after the procedure. The median procedure time was significantly shorter in the novel SEMS group (17 min vs. 24 min, p = 0.03). RBO and median TRBO did not differ between the 2 groups.

Conclusions

EUS‐CDS without fistula dilation using the novel SEMS with a 5.9‐Fr delivery system is technically feasible, straightforward, quick, and safe.
The forestecology R package for fitting and assessing neighborhood models of the effect of interspecific competition on the growth of trees
Authors: Kim Albert Y. , Allen David N. , Couch Simon P.
Published: September 2021

Neighborhood competition models are powerful tools to measure the effect of interspecific competition. Statistical methods to ease the application of these models are currently lacking.

We present the forestecology package providing methods to (a) specify neighborhood competition models, (b) evaluate the effect of competitor species identity using permutation tests, and (cs) measure model performance using spatial cross‐validation. Following Allen and Kim (PLoS One, 15, 2020, e0229930), we implement a Bayesian linear regression neighborhood competition model.

We demonstrate the package's functionality using data from the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute's large forest dynamics plot, part of the ForestGEO global network of research sites. Given ForestGEO’s data collection protocols and data formatting standards, the package was designed with cross‐site compatibility in mind. We highlight the importance of spatial cross‐validation when interpreting model results.

The package features (a) tidyverse‐like structure whereby verb‐named functions can be modularly “piped” in sequence, (b) functions with standardized inputs/outputs of simple features sf package class, and (c) an S3 object‐oriented implementation of the Bayesian linear regression model. These three facts allow for clear articulation of all the steps in the sequence of analysis and easy wrangling and visualization of the geospatial data. Furthermore, while the package only has Bayesian linear regression implemented, the package was designed with extensibility to other methods in mind.
Reversible Stereoisomer‐Specific Cotton Effect of the Ligand Field Transitions at a Copper(II) Binding Site of the Prion Protein
Authors: Rivillas‐Acevedo Lina , Grande‐Aztatzi Rafael , Juaristi Eusebio , Vela Alberto , Quintanar Liliana
Published: September 2021

The prion protein (PrP) is a metal binding protein that plays multifunctional roles in the brain and it is associated with spongiform encephalopathy disorders, a group of neurodegenerative infectious diseases. PrP can bind six copper ions at its N‐terminal region, one of the binding sites involving His96. Copper(II) ions bind to His96 forming two coordination modes at physiological pH: a 3N1O species involving the His imidazole group, two deprotonated amides (from His96 and Thr95) and one backbone carbonyl oxygen; and a 4N coordination mode where the oxygen‐based ligand is replaced by a third deprotonated amide (from Gly94). In this study, synthetic PrP fragments 92–99 were used to evaluate the impact of different substitutions at positions 94 and 95 of the sequence in the Cotton effect of the ligand field transitions for the 4N species, as studied by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Specifically, the T95A substitution had no impact, while the G94A substitution yields a change in the sign of the ligand field transitions, which can be reverted when substituting Gly94 by the stereoisomer D‐Ala. The electronic structure of the Cu(II)‐PrP(92–96) complex and its variants was studied, while time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) calculations provided a prediction of the CD spectra in the ligand field region that is consistent with observed experimental results. Furthermore, the calculated CD spectra for other Cu(II)‐PrP(92–96) complexes with substitutions (alkyls and halides) at position 94 indicate that the complexes with L‐stereoisomers displays the opposite Cotton effect as compared to their D‐stereoisomer counterparts. Our analysis indicates this impact in the Cotton effect is a consequence of the geometric distortion that the nearly square planar 4N Cu(II)‐PrP(92–99) complex suffers when an L‐substituent is placed in position 94; the distortion from planarity is reversed by the D‐stereoisomer substitution. Overall, this study provides insights into the origin of the Cotton effect of the ligand field transitions of nearly square planar Cu(II)‐peptide complexes.
Risk factors for depression and anxiety in painful and painless diabetic polyneuropathy: A multicentre observational cross‐sectional study
Authors: Kec David , Rajdova Aneta , Raputova Jana , Adamova Blanka , Srotova Iva , Nekvapilova Eva Kralickova , Michalcakova Radka Neuzilova , Horakova Magda , Belobradkova Jana , Olsovsky Jindrich , Weber Pavel , Hajas Gabriel , Kaiserova Michaela , Mazanec Radim , Potockova Veronika , Ehler Edvard , Forgac Martin , Birklein Frank , Üçeyler Nurcan , Sommer Claudia , Bednarik Josef , Vlckova Eva
Published: September 2021

Background

Despite the high prevalence of depression and anxiety in chronic pain conditions, current knowledge concerning emotional distress among painful diabetic polyneuropathy (pDSPN) and other diabetes mellitus (DM) sufferers is limited.

Methods

This observational multicentre cohort study employed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory II and the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory to assess symptoms of depression and anxiety in several groups with diabetes, as well as in a control group. The study cohort included 347 pDSPN patients aged 63.4 years (median), 55.9% males; 311 pain‐free diabetic polyneuropathy (nDSPN) patients aged 63.7 years, 57.9% males; 50 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients without polyneuropathy aged 61.5 years, 44.0% males; and 71 healthy controls (HC) aged 63.0 years, 42.3% males. The roles played in emotional distress were explored in terms of the biological, the clinical (diabetes‐, neuropathy‐ and pain‐related), the socio‐economic and the cognitive factors (catastrophizing).

Results

The study disclosed a significantly higher prevalence of the symptoms of depression and anxiety not only in pDSPN (46.7% and 60.7%, respectively), but also in patients with nDSPN (24.4% and 44.4%) and DM without polyneuropathy (22.0% and 30.0%) compared with HCs (7.0% and 14.1%, p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated the severity of pain and neuropathy, catastrophic thinking, type 2 DM, lower age and female sex as independent contributors to depression and anxiety.

Conclusions

In addition to the severity of neuropathic pain and its cognitive processing, the severity of diabetic polyneuropathy and demographic factors are key independent contributors to emotional distress in diabetic individuals.

Significance

In large cohorts of well‐defined painless and painful diabetic polyneuropathy patients and diabetic subjects without polyneuropathy, we found a high prevalence of the symptoms of depression and anxiety, mainly in painful individuals. We have confirmed neuropathic pain, its severity and cognitive processing (pain catastrophizing) as dominant risk factors for depression and anxiety. Furthermore, some demographic factors (lower age, female sex), type 2 diabetes mellitus and severity of diabetic polyneuropathy were newly identified as important contributors to emotional distress independent of pain.
Five‐year observational study of Internet‐delivered cognitive behavioural pain management when offered as routine care by an online therapy clinic
Authors: Hadjistavropoulos Heather D. , Peynenburg Vanessa , Thiessen David , Schneider Luke H. , Nugent Marcie , Wilhelms Andrew , Karin Eyal , Titov Nickolai , Dear Blake F.
Published: September 2021

Background

Internet‐delivered cognitive behavioural pain management programmes (PMPs) are effective, but less is known about their use outside of research trials. Five years of data from offering the Internet‐delivered cognitive behavioural PMP in an online therapy clinic was examined to assess effectiveness, acceptability and predictors of outcomes.

Methods

Patients (N = 293) were offered a previously validated 8‐week Internet‐delivered cognitive behavioural PMP and administered measures at pre‐treatment, post‐treatment and 3 months.

Results

There was growth in demand for an Internet‐delivered cognitive behavioural PMP over time (n = 64 first year to n = 133 fifth year). Moderate‐to‐large improvements on depression (post‐treatment 35% reduction; 3‐month 41% reduction) and anxiety (post‐treatment 37% reduction; 3‐month 41% reduction), and small‐to‐moderate improvements on disability (post‐treatment 19% reduction; 3‐month 20% reduction) were found. Lesson completion and satisfaction were high. Lower pain acceptance, lower pain self‐efficacy and higher pain intensity were associated with lower improvements on depression, anxiety and disability.

Conclusions

This longitudinal observational study provides support for Internet‐delivered cognitive behavioural PMPs when offered as routine care by an online therapy clinic.

Significance

This 5‐year observational study provides support for Internet‐delivered cognitive behavioural pain management programs (PMPs) offered as routine care in an online therapy clinic. Interest in the service grew over 5 years. Outcomes, engagement and satisfaction were strong. Higher pain acceptance, pain self‐efficacy and lower pain severity were associated with greater post‐treatment improvements on depression, anxiety and disability.
Patients’ self‐reported physical and psychological effects of opioid use in chronic noncancer pain—A retrospective cross‐sectional analysis
Authors: Schulte Erika , Spies Claudia , Denke Claudia , Meerpohl Joerg J. , Donner‐Banzhoff Norbert , Petzke Frank , Hertwig Ralph , Schäfer Michael , Wegwarth Odette
Published: September 2021

Background

Strong opioids can have unintended effects. Clinical studies of strong opioids mainly report physical side effects, psychiatric or opioid use disorders. To date, too little attention has been paid to the psychological effects of opioids to treat patients with chronic noncancer pain (CNCP). This study aims to identify and measure (i) the nature and frequency of physical and psychological effects and (ii) the degree of physician counseling of patients with CNCP taking strong opioids.

Methods

Within a cross‐sectional survey—conducted as part of a randomised controlled online intervention trial (ERONA [Experiencing the risk of overusing opioids among patients with chronic non‐cancer pain in ambulatory care])—300 German CNCP patients were surveyed via patient‐reported outcome measures regarding on both the side effects from their use of strong opioids as well as their counselling experience.

Results

Among the patients’ reported effects, the psychological outcomes of the opioids in CNCP were: feeling relaxed (84%), fatigue (76%), dizziness (57%), listlessness (37%), difficulty with mental activities (23%), dulled emotions (17%) and poor memory (17%). Ninety‐two per cent of the patients reported having received information about opioid effects, and 46% had discussed cessation of the opioid medication with their physicians before commencing the prescription.

Conclusions

In addition to the well‐known physical side effects, patients with CNCP taking strong opioids experience significant psychological effects. In view of these effects, discontinuation of opioid therapy should be discussed early to ensure their benefits do not outweigh their harm.

Significance

In this study, patients with non‐cancer pain notice that opioids they have taken do not only cause physical side effects but also may have an impact on their psyche and their emotions and, thus, may also affect quality of life substantially.

Clinical trial number: DRKS00020358.
Microdroplet mass spectrometry: Accelerating reaction and application
Authors: Kafeenah Husam , Jen Hung‐Hsiang , Chen Shu‐Hui
Published: September 2021

Electrospray ionization (ESI) and desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) are common soft ionization method of mass spectrometry (MS). However, recent studies revealed that some chemical reactions can be induced or greatly accelerated in the sprayed microdroplets compared to the same reaction in the bulk. These open a new area in using microdroplet MS to explore new chemistry and develop new applications. This minireview will introduce microdroplet chemistries and explore various microdroplet techniques most of which are ESI‐ or DESI‐based extensions by incorporating transfer tube, supersonic nebulizing gas, droplet fusion, spray extraction, laser irradiation, or laser ablation for online/offline MS analysis. Potential applications associated with new techniques, including real‐time reaction monitoring, high‐throughput reaction screening, protein identification, and protein characterization, are also described. Future outlook, such as coupling microdroplet MS with separation techniques, is proposed and discussed.
Inverse analysis of dynamic failure characteristics of roadway surrounding rock under rock burst
Authors: Yang Yushun , Wei Sijiang , Li Kui
Published: September 2021

Rock burst is one of the most serious dynamic disasters in the process of coal resources mining, in order to study its occurrence mechanism and the characteristics of its impact on roadways. Based on the No. 25110 working face of Yuejin Mine in Yi Coal Mine and No. 21032 return air uphill event in Qianqiu Mine, combined with geological conditions, shock location, and source waveform, this paper uses numerical simulation to inverse the dynamic response characteristics of roadway surrounding rock under rock burst. The results show that the plastic strain energy density of No. 25110 working face in Yuejin Mine is mainly distributed around the roadway, and the maximum plastic strain energy density is 3.30 × 107 J at 75 ms, all rock masses around the roadway are damaged, and the maximum damage variable value is 0.44. The plastic strain energy density of No. 21032 return air uphill in Qianqiu mine is mainly distributed around the lower side of the roadway, and the maximum plastic strain energy density is 2.68 × 108 J at 80 ms, all rock masses around the roadway are damaged, and the maximum damage variable value is 1.76, indicating that the rock masses at the roof and two sides of the roadway have been damaged after the impact. Based on the results of numerical simulation, the energy gradient criterion of rock burst tendency was proposed, the degree of energy accumulation of surrounding rock is measured by the change amplitude of energy gradient, and the tendency index of rock burst is quantified, which provides a new method for the prediction of rock burst.
Dynamically switchable magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents
Authors: Wang Qiyue , Liang Zeyu , Li Fangyuan , Lee Jiyoung , Low Liang Ee , Ling Daishun
Published: September 2021

Contrast agents can improve the sensitivity and resolution of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by accelerating the relaxation times of surrounding water protons. The MRI performances of contrast agents are closely related to their structural characteristics, including size, shape, surface modification, and so on. Recently, dynamically switchable MRI contrast agents that can undergo structural changes and imaging functional activations upon reaching the disease microenvironment have been developed for high performance MRI. This perspective highlights the ingenious design, controllable structural transformation, and tunable imaging property of dynamic MRI contrast agents. Additionally, the current challenges of the dynamic MRI contrast agents for medical diagnosis are discussed. Furthermore, the future integration of high‐resolution ultra‐high field MRI technology and cutting‐edge dynamic MRI contrast agents for non‐invasive histopathological level accurate detection of microscopic lesions are commented.
Lactobacillus mediates the expression of NPC1L1, CYP7A1, and ABCG5 genes to regulate cholesterol
Authors: Cao Kaihui , Zhang Kaiping , Ma Muran , Ma Junjie , Tian Jianjun , Jin Ye
Published: September 2021

Hypercholesterolemia is the main cause of cardiovascular disease worldwide, and the regulation of cholesterol homeostasis is essential for human health. Lactobacillus is present in large quantities in the human intestine. As the normal flora in the gut, lactobacillus plays an important role in regulating metabolism in the human body. Lactobacillus can regulate the cholesterol content by regulating the expression of genes involved in cholesterol synthesis, metabolism, and absorption. This article reviews the biological effects and mechanisms of lactobacillus that mediate the expression of NPC1L1, CYP7A1, ABCG5, ABCG8, and other genes to inhibit cholesterol absorption, and discusses the mechanism of reducing cholesterol by lactobacillus in cells in vitro, to provide a theoretical basis for the development and utilization of lactobacillus resources.
Recovery of early meteorological records from Extremadura region (SW Iberia): The ‘CliPastExtrem’ (v1.0) database
Authors: Vaquero José M. , Bravo‐Paredes Nieves , Obregón María Angeles , Carrasco Víctor M. S. , Valente Maria Antonia , Trigo Ricardo M. , Domínguez‐Castro Fernando , Montero‐Martín Javier , Vaquero‐Martínez Javier , Antón Manuel , García José Agustín , Gallego María Cruz
Published: September 2021

In this work, we provide instrumental meteorological data recovered for the Extremadura region (interior SW Iberia), from 1826 to mid‐20th century. Meteorological variables such as air temperature, atmospheric pressure, precipitation, wind direction and humidity, among others, were retrieved. In total, more than 750 000 instrumental data in 157 meteorological series belonging to 131 different locations throughout Extremadura were rescued. It must be noted that daily resolution data constitutes 80% of the database. This great effort of digitization and data collection has been carried out with the aim of contributing to a significant expansion of the length of the databases with meteorological information in this region. Therefore, this database will provide a better understanding of climate variability, trends and extreme events of the Extremadura region.
OTUB1 alleviates NASH through inhibition of the TRAF6‐ASK1 signaling pathways
Authors: Zhang Jie‐Lei , Du Bin‐Bin , Zhang Dian‐Hong , Li Huan , Kong Ling‐Yao , Fan Guang‐Jian , Li Ya‐Peng , Li Peng‐Cheng , Liang Cui , Wang Zheng , Yang Lu‐Lu , Hao Zheng‐Yang , Wu Lei‐Ming , Huang Zhen , Dong Jian‐Zeng , Zhang Jin‐Ying , Yao Rui , Wang Shou‐Jun , Zhang Yan‐Zhou
Published: September 2021

Background and Aims

NAFLD is considered as the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome, which includes insulin resistance, obesity and hyperlipidemia. NASH is a progressive stage of NAFLD with severe hepatic steatosis, hepatocyte death, inflammation, and fibrosis. Currently, no pharmacological interventions specifically tailored for NASH are approved. Ovarian tumor domain, ubiquitin aldehyde binding 1 (OTUB1), the founding member of deubiquitinases, regulates many metabolism‐associated signaling pathways. However, the role of OTUB1 in NASH is unclarified.

Methods and Results

We demonstrated that mice with Otub1 deficiency exhibited aggravated high‐fat diet–induced and high‐fat high‐cholesterol (HFHC) diet–induced hyperinsulinemia and liver steatosis. Notably, hepatocyte‐specific overexpression of Otub1 markedly alleviated HFHC diet–induced hepatic steatosis, inflammatory responses, and liver fibrosis. Mechanistically, we identified apoptosis signal–regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) as a key candidate target of OTUB1 through RNA‐sequencing analysis and immunoblot analysis. Through immunoprecipitation–mass spectrometry analysis, we further found that OTUB1 directly bound to tumor necrosis factor receptor–associated factor 6 (TRAF6) and suppressed its lysine 63–linked polyubiquitination, thus inhibiting the activation of ASK1 and its downstream pathway.

Conclusions

OTUB1 is a key suppressor of NASH that inhibits polyubiquitinations of TRAF6 and attenuated TRAF6‐mediated ASK1 activation. Targeting the OTUB1‐TRAF6‐ASK1 axis may be a promising therapeutic strategy for NASH.