bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a unilateral ureteral obstruction model in cynomolgus monkeys
Authors: Huang Linghong , Ni Jia , Duncan Tanika , Song Zhizhan , Johnson Timothy S.
Published: November 2021

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a high global prevalence and large unmet need. Central to developing new CKD therapies are in vivo models in CKD. However, next‐generation antibody, protein, and gene therapies are highly specific, meaning some do not cross‐react with rodent targets. This complicates preclinical development, as established in vivo rodent models cannot be utilized unless tool therapeutics are also developed. Tool compounds can be difficult to develop and, if available, typically have different epitopes, sequences, and/or altered affinity, making it unclear how efficacious the lead therapeutic may be, or what dosing regimen to investigate. To address this, we aimed to develop a nonhuman primate model of CKD.

Methods

In vivo rodent unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) models kidney fibrosis and is commonly used due to its rapidity, consistency, and ease. We describe translation of this model to the cynomolgus monkey, specifically optimizing the model duration to allow adequate time for assessment of novel therapeutics prior to the fibrotic plateau.

Results

We demonstrated that disease developed more slowly in cynomolgus monkeys than in rodents post‐UUO, with advanced fibrosis developing by 6 weeks. The tubulointerstitial fibrosis in cynomolgus monkeys was more consistent with human obstructive disease than in rodents, having a more aggressive tubular basement expansion and a higher fibroblast infiltration. The fibrosis was also associated with increased transglutaminase activity, consistent with that seen in patients with CKD.

Conclusion

This cynomolgus monkey UUO model can be used to test potential human‐specific therapeutics in kidney fibrosis.
Closed cranial window rodent model for investigating hemodynamic response to elevated intracranial pressure
Authors: Oberdier Matt T. , Antaki James F. , Kharlamov Alexander , Jones Stephen C.
Published: November 2021

Background

Elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) occurs in several physiological and pathological conditions, yet long‐term sequellae are not common, which implies that blood flow is preserved above ischemic thresholds.

Methods

This pilot study sought to confirm this hypothesis using a closed cranial window model in a rat in which ICP was elevated to 120 mmHg for 12 min, and superficial cortical perfusion was measured by laser Doppler flowmetry and laser speckle flowmetry.

Results

Following a transient increase, cortical blood flow decreased to between 25% and 75% of baseline. These levels correspond to disrupted metabolism and decreased protein synthesis but did not exceed thresholds for electrical signaling or membrane integrity. This may partially explain how some episodes of elevated ICP remain benign.

Conclusion

The closed cranial window model provides a platform for prospective study of physiologic responses to artificially elevated ICP during neurosurgery to promote hemostasis.
Codelivery of Paclitaxel and Parthenolide in Discoidal Bicelles for a Synergistic Anticancer Effect: Structure Matters
Authors: Rad Armin Tahmasbi , Hargrove Derek , Daneshmandi Leila , Ramsdell Amanda , Lu Xiuling , Nieh Mu-Ping
Published: November 2021

Nanotechnology has long been used to improve the tumor targeting of chemotherapeutics. The structure of these nanocarriers greatly affects their efficacy and toxicity. Herein, structurally stable nanodiscoidal phospholipid bicelles, which are capable of encapsulating anticancer drugs, paclitaxel (PTX) and parthenolide (PTL), are designed. This nanodiscoidal bicelle structure is shown previously to exhibit longer blood circulation, deeper tumor penetration, and increased tumor cell uptake compared with spherical particles of similar compositions. Structural characterization and loading capacity of the PTX‐ and PTL‐ loaded nanodiscs are conducted along with an investigation into the cytotoxicity of the bicelles based on the drug‐to‐lipid ratios of both drugs loaded separately and in combination. A significant synergistic effect between both loaded drugs is also observed in A549 lung cancer and drug‐resistant MDA‐MB‐231 cell lines. An in vivo study using mice bearing subcutaneous A549 tumors shows a long circulation time of the intravenously injected DiR‐loaded bicelles and significant antitumor efficacy of the PTX‐ and PTL‐loaded bicelles. This efficacious self‐assembled nanoparticle system displays great potential as a nanoplatform to codeliver multiple therapeutics or diagnostics for improving cancer therapy.
Porous graphene/poly(vinylidene fluoride) nanofibers for pressure sensing
Authors: Abolhasani Mohammad Mahdi , Azimi Sara , Mousavi Masoud , Anwar Saleem , Hassanpour Amiri Morteza , Shirvanimoghaddam Kamyar , Naebe Minoo , Michels Jasper , Asadi Kamal
Published: November 2021

Piezoelectric polymers have emerged as promising materials for application in pressure sensing devices in particular for wearable applications, where inorganic piezoelectric materials can face limitations due to their brittleness. One of the bottlenecks for the adaptation of piezoelectric polymers is their relatively weak piezoelectric voltage coefficient. Hence there have been numerous efforts to improve the performance of the comprising devices by making composites of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), or through making porous PVDF films, or by nanostructuring. Here, we demonstrate the fabrication of porous nanofibers with graphene/PVDF composites and investigate the suitability of the fiber for motion sensing. The nanofibers are fabricated by electrospinning from the solution phase. Guided by an experimentally validated phase diagram for PVDF/solvent/non‐solvent ternary system, porous graphene/PVDF nanofibers with different porosities and pore morphologies have been produced through solidifying the fibers in the binodal or spinodal regions of the phase diagram. It is found that only by solidifying the composite fibers in the spinodal region, graphene loading of 0.1 wt% promotes the formation of the electroactive phase substantially, and the resulting fibers exhibit enhanced piezoelectric output. It is further shown that the comprising sensors are biocompatible and show high sensitivity to body motion.
Tribological properties of graphene oxide and polyethylene glycol composites under dry friction and oil lubrication conditions
Authors: Li Chengzhi , Xu Guangshen , Wang Lisha , Li Jianhui , Lu Hailin
Published: November 2021

In the low speed and heavy load of large machinery rotation or sliding parts, the application of copper base ink plate is very extensive. In this study, the graphene oxide‐polyethylene glycol (GO‐PEG) thin films were prepared on the surface of steel plates by gradient heating, and we simulated the friction and wear state of the solid material when it was brought to the metal surface. And the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray energy spectrum analysis, Raman spectroscopy (Raman), and thermogravimetric analysis were used to characterize the structure and properties. The tribological results show that the GO‐PEG composite film prepared by gradient temperature rise method has good lubrication effect. The addition of GO greatly enhances the mechanical properties of the composite films. Compared with the single GO film, the friction coefficient is reduced by 50% and the wear rate is reduced by 85%. The unique characteristics of PEG solved the accumulation phenomenon caused by the strong van der Waals force between GO, then the PEG adhered on GO surfaces caused good lubrication effect. At the same time, the composite film has a broad application prospect in the working environment with little oil and no oil.
Improving the flame retardancy of intumescent flame retardant/high‐density polyethylene composites using surfactant‐modified montmorillonite clay
Authors: Khanal Santosh , Lu Yunhua , Dang Li , Xu Shiai
Published: November 2021

The use of layered nanomaterials in combination with intumescent flame retardant (IFR) provides an excellent means of preparing high‐performance flame retardant composites. In this study, montmorillonite (MMT) was modified with two different surfactants, namely dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (DTAB) and tetraphenyl phosphonium bromide (TPB), and then combined with IFR to prepare high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) composites. The effects of modified MMT (P‐MMT and A‐MMT) on the thermal and flame retardant properties and char formation of HD/IFR/P‐MMT and HD/IFR/A‐MMT composites were studied. The results show that the peak heat release rate (PHRR) of HD/IFR/P‐MMT and HD/IFR/A‐MMT composites is reduced by 20.4% and 14.1% compared to HD/IFR composite, respectively, suggesting that P‐MMT is more effective than A‐MMT in improving PHRR. The use of P‐MMT and A‐MMT contributes to the formation of compact char residues with a graphitic structure that can act as a barrier to heat, oxygen and other combustible volatiles and thus enhances the flame retardant properties. However, A‐MMT produces no significant increase in tensile strength at a low loading, while P‐MMT produces a slight increase in tensile strength compared to the composite containing only IFR.
Scoping review: The use of augmented reality in clinical anatomical education and its assessment tools
Authors: McBain Kimberly A. , Habib Rami , Laggis George , Quaiattini Andrea , M. Ventura Nicole , Noel Geoffroy P. J. C.
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this review was to identify the different augmented reality (AR) modalities used to teach anatomy to students, health professional trainees, and surgeons, and to examine the assessment tools used to evaluate the performance of various AR modalities. A scoping review of four databases was performed using variations of: (1) AR, (2) medical or anatomical teaching/education/training, and (3) anatomy or radiology or cadaver. Scientific articles were identified and screened for the inclusion and exclusion criteria as per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses with extension for scoping reviews guidelines. Virtual reality was an exclusion criterion. From this scoping review, data were extracted from a total of 54 articles and the following four AR modalities were identified: head‐mounted display, projection, instrument and screen, and mobile device. The usability, feasibility, and acceptability of these AR modalities were evaluated using a variety of quantitative and qualitative assessment tools. Within more recent years of AR integration into anatomy education, the assessment of visuospatial ability, cognitive load, time on task, and increasing academic achievement outcomes are variables of interest, which continue to warrant more exploration. Sufficiently powered studies using validated assessment tools must be conducted to better understand the role of AR in anatomical education.
Using the Clinical Global Impression scale to assess social communication change in minimally verbal children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Toolan Christina , Holbrook Alison , Schlink Andrew , Shire Stephanie , Brady Nancy , Kasari Connie
Published: November 2021

Assessing improvements in social communication behaviors in minimally verbal children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is often challenging. The Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI) is a 7‐point scale that has been adapted so that clinicians can easily and quickly rate social communication behaviors. The current study evaluated the CGI‐Improvement (CGI‐I) subscale as a measure of social communication change in minimally verbal children with ASD. The sample included 54 minimally verbal school‐age children with ASD enrolled in a social communication intervention trial. CGIs were rated by interventionists and the study coordinator at baseline and at Week 6 of intervention, and were compared to scores on the Communication Complexity Scale (CCS). Results indicated that CGI ratings corresponded with CCS scores at baseline and Week 6. Children who were rated as more severe on social communication at baseline demonstrated lower complexity of communication compared to those who were rated as less severe. Those who demonstrated fast response to intervention at Week 6 showed greater improvement in their joint attention than those who were slower responders. These results provide support for the utility and validity of the CGI‐I as a measure of social communication change in minimally verbal children. This study tested the CGI, a clinician rating scale, with a group of children with ASD with limited language who received intervention to improve social interactions and communication. Children's CGI ratings were comparable to other assessments in measuring social communication. The CGI may be a useful tool for those interested in quickly and easily tracking changes in children's social communication over the course of treatment.

Lay summary

This study tested the Clinical Global Impression (CGI), a clinician rating scale, with a group of children with ASD with limited language who received intervention to improve social interactions and communication. Children's CGI ratings were comparable to other assessments in measuring social communication. The CGI may be a useful tool for those interested in quickly and easily tracking changes in children's social communication over the course of treatment.
Spinel Type Mn−Co Oxide Coated Carbon Fibers as Efficient Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Zinc‐Air Batteries
Authors: Abedi Zahra , Leistenschneider Desirée , Chen Weixing , Ivey Douglas G.
Published: November 2021

Mn−Co mixed oxide nanoparticles were coated onto carbon fibers (CFs) derived from asphaltene through a facile coating process. Homemade gas diffusion layers (GDLs) were prepared with the coated CFs to be employed as air electrodes and bifunctional oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts for Zn‐air batteries (ZAB). The Mn−Co oxide was identified as a cubic spinel phase (MnCo2O4) by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The composite air electrode showed excellent catalytic activity towards ORR/OER, outperforming the benchmark Pt‐RuO2 catalyst in both half‐cell and full‐cell configurations with discharge/charge efficiencies of 63.7 % and 60.0 % at 10 and 20 mA cm−2, respectively. After 200 cycles (100 h) at 10 mA cm−2 the final efficiency of the composite electrode (58.9 %) was still superior to that of Pt−Ru (43.2 %).
Key criteria for engineering mycotoxin binding aptamers via computational simulations: Aflatoxin B1 as a case study
Authors: Mousivand Maryam , Bagherzadeh Kowsar , Anfossi Laura , Javan‐Nikkhah Mohammad
Published: November 2021

Due to the difficulties in monoclonal antibody production specific to mycotoxins, aptameric probes have been considered as suitable alternatives. The low efficiency of the SELEX procedure in screening high affinity aptamers for binding mycotoxins as small molecules can be significantly improved through computational techniques. Previously, we designed five new aptamers to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) based on a known aptamer sequence (Patent: PCT/CA2010/001 292, Apt1) through a genetic algorithm‐based in silico maturation strategy and experimentally measured their affinity to the target toxin. Here, integrated molecular dynamic simulation (MDs) studies with molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann surface area (MM‐PBSA) analysis to clarify the binding modes, critical interacting nucleic bases and energy component contributions in the six AFB1‐binding aptamers. The aptamer F20, which was selected in the first work, showed the best free binding energy and complex stability compared to other aptamers. The trajectory analysis revealed that AFB1 recognized F20 through the groove binding mode along with precise shape complementarity. The MD simulation results revealed that dynamic water intermediate interactions also play a key role in promoting complex stability. According to the MM‐PBSA calculations, van der Waals contacts were identified as dominant energy components in all complexes. Interestingly, a high consistency is observed between the experimentally obtained binding affinities of the six aptamers with their free energy solvation. The computational findings, confirmed via previous experiments, highlighted the binding modes, the dynamic hydration of complex components and the total free interacting energy as the crucial criteria in discovering high functional aptameric probes.
CRISPRa/i with Adaptive Single Guide Assisted Regulation DNA (ASGARD) mediated control of Chlorella sorokiniana to enhance lipid and protein production
Authors: Lin Jia‐Yi , Lin Way‐Rong , Ng I‐Son
Published: November 2021

Chlorella species are indispensable microalgae for biorefinery but are hardly in DNA manipulation due to the high guanine‐cytosine (GC) contents of DNA. In this study, we established a new approach via 20 guanines for sgRNA design, which is annotated as “Adaptive Single Guide Assisted Regulation DNA (ASGARD)” and coupling with CRISPR interference associated dCas9 system to overcome the difficulties. At first, C. sorokiniana was predominate as its faster growth rate when compared to C. vulgaris and C. variabilis in the culture using Tris‐acetate‐phosphate (TAP) medium. Among all the genetic transformants, gene regulation via CRISPRa‐VP64 (CRISPRa) enhanced the protein contents up to 60% (w/w) of dry cell weight, where the highest concentration was 570 mg L‐1. Meanwhile, CRISPRi‐KRAB (CRISPRi) with ASGARD increased protein content to 65% and lipid formed in the range of 150–250 mg L‐1. From the transcriptome analysis, we deciphered 468 genes down‐regulated and 313 genes up‐regulated via CRISPRi, while less difference existed in CRISPRa. This novel design and technology reveal a high potential of gene‐regulating approach to other species for the biorefinery and bio‐industry.
Retracted: Corporate sustainability amidst environmental change: Efficiency versus resilience
Authors: Song Hee‐Chan
Published: November 2021

This study compares resilience‐based organizing with efficiency‐based organizing and argues that the former can significantly improve the sustainability of firms in the midst of environmental changes. Based on the comparison, I claim that resilience‐based organizing exhibits paradoxical properties of change and stability and suggest that balancing this paradox pushes firms to self‐organize during environmental changes while protecting their core business functioning. Specifically, drawing upon systems ecologist's perspective on resilience, this study describes the self‐adaptive process that helps firms manage the trade‐off between change and stability. I then elaborate how resilience‐based organizing ensures the establishment of processes that are integral to the achievement of long‐term outcomes and adaptability, which is relatively obscured in efficiency‐based organizing.
How does it pay to be circular in production processes? Eco‐innovativeness and green jobs as moderators of a cost‐efficiency advantage in European small and medium enterprises
Authors: Darmandieu Aurore , Garcés‐Ayerbe Concepción , Renucci Antoine , Rivera‐Torres Pilar
Published: November 2021

This study investigates whether circularity in production processes generates a reduction of firms' production costs and the conditions that determine the intensity of this reduction. It explores the role of two moderators for this cost‐efficiency advantage to emerge, namely, eco‐innovativeness (investments dedicated to the adequate implementation of circular practices in current production processes) and green jobs (human resources dedicated to circular practices). Using data on 13,117 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from the Flash Eurobarometer 2017, a cluster analysis revealed that there is a gradual path towards Circular Economy among European SMEs, with the implementation of increasingly more circular practices. Four ordered probit models confirmed that a higher level of circularity in processes achieved by European SMEs is related to a reduction in their production costs. Moreover, eco‐innovativeness positively moderates this relation. In contrast, the relative share of green jobs in SMEs' workforce mitigates the impact of circularity on production costs. In practice, by engaging in circularity, SMEs can contribute to the United Nations goals for Sustainable Development while reducing production costs; although the level of this reduction depends on how circularity is implemented.
The effect of surgery plus chemoradiotherapy on survival of elderly patients with stage Ⅱ–Ⅲ esophageal cancer: a SEER‐based demographic analysis
Authors: Lv Hao , Chao Ce , Wang Bin , Wang Zhigang , Qian Yongxiang , Zhang Xiaoying
Published: November 2021

Background

The optimal treatment for elderly patients with esophageal cancer (EC) remains controversial. In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether elderly patients with stage II–III EC could benefit from trimodal therapy.

Methods

The selected elderly patients with stage II–III EC between 2004 and 2015 were included in a retrospective cohort study from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. The patients were divided into two groups based on whether or not they underwent surgery. The inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis was used to balance the confounding factors between the two groups. The Cox regression analysis, the log‐rank test, and the Kaplan–Meier curves were conducted to identify the survival benefits of different treatment regimes.

Results

A total of 1596 patients were included in this cohort study, in which 278 patients underwent surgery. In the combination of chemoradiotherapy and surgery group, there were more male patients, more patients aged between 75 and 79 years, and more married patients in the surgery group. Moreover, there were more patients with adenomatous carcinoma, more patients with a tumor size of less than 5 cm, and more patients with a T3 stage in the combination group. In the survival analysis, patients in the combination group had a longer overall survival (OS) and EC‐specific survival (ECSS). After IPTW analysis, the survival analysis generated similar results. The competitive risk model found that our results were stable. There was still a significant difference in OS and ECSS between the combination group and chemoradiotherapy alone group for esophageal adenocarcinoma (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Elderly patients with stage II–III EC, especially those with adenocarcinoma, could benefit from the combination of surgery and chemoradiotherapy.
Incidence and survival of childhood central nervous system tumors in Denmark, 1997–2019
Authors: Helligsoe Anne Sophie Lind , Kenborg Line , Henriksen Louise Tram , Udupi Aparna , Hasle Henrik , Winther Jeanette Falck
Published: November 2021

Background

Incidence rates in Denmark of central nervous system (CNS) tumors remain among the highest in the world. Survival rates, however, have improved in the past decades in high‐income countries.

Methods

We analyzed incidence and survival of childhood CNS tumors in Denmark diagnosed from 1997 to 2019 based on data from the Danish Childhood Cancer Registry and information on histological types, tumor localization, and treatment from medical records.

Results

From 1997 to 2019, 949 children<15 years were diagnosed with a CNS tumor. Age‐standardized incidence was 42.1 (95% CI, 39.4–44.6) per million person‐years and stable during this period. Age‐specific incidence for children aged 0–4 years was 47.7 per million. More than one‐third (n = 374, 39.4%) were treated with surgery alone. Overall survival rates 5 and 10 years after diagnosis were 77.6% (95% CI, 74.7–80.2) and 74.7% (95% CI, 71.7–77.5). Five‐year overall survival improved from 73.0% (95% CI, 68.9–76.7) in 1997–2008 to 83.2% (95% CI, 79.2–86.4) in 2009–2019 (p‐value < 0.0001) in children aged 0–4 years (p = 0.0006).

Conclusion

Incidence rates are stable but remain among the highest in the world. Despite improved survival rates in recent years in younger children, some subtypes still have a poor prognosis.
Fibroadenoma in a young male breast: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Morikawa Hiroki , Nobuoka Megumi , Amitani Masatsugu , Shimizu Tadafumi , Ohno Koichi , Ono Mayu , Oba Takaaki , Ito Tokiko , Kanai Toshiharu , Maeno Kazuma , Uehara Takeshi , Ito Ken‐ichi
Published: November 2021

Fibroadenomas are the most common benign breast tumors in women, but rarely occur in men. Herein, we present a case of fibroadenoma occurring in a young, healthy male without hormonal alterations. This indicates that fibroadenoma should be regarded as differential diagnosis for tumors in the male breast.
Subcutaneous edema as rare complication of abdominal paracentesis
Authors: Otsuka Yuki , Nagaoka Hirokazu , Nakano Yasuhiro , Sakae Hiroyuki , Hasegawa Kou , Otsuka Fumio
Published: November 2021

Although ascites leakage to the skin is the most frequent complication after abdominal paracentesis, leakage to the subcutaneous space has not been reported. Here, we report a subcutaneous effusion after paracentesis suggesting ascites leakage. We should be aware of this rare complication due to the potential risk of dissemination.
The first Tunisian case of postorgasmic illness syndrome: A case report
Authors: Hamdi Ghada , Ben Ammar Hanen , Charaa Oumaima , Brahmi Lina , Maamri Amira , Zalila Haifa
Published: November 2021

Postorgasmic illness syndrome (POIS) is a rare and singular syndrome. About fifty cases have been reported in the medical literature. Through a clinical observation, we illustrate the first case diagnosed in Tunisia and the difficulties in the etiological diagnosis and the therapeutic management of this syndrome. Given the shortage of cases reported in the literature, the syndrome of POIS remains poorly identified and subsequently misdiagnosed. The clinical diagnosis is relatively simple, yet etiological and therapeutic questions remain to overcome.
TADF‐Sensitized Fluorescent Enantiomers: A New Strategy for High‐Efficiency Circularly Polarized Electroluminescence**
Authors: Li Meng , Chen Chuan‐Feng
Published: November 2021

A promising strategy of thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) sensitized circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) has been proposed for improving the electroluminescence efficiencies of circularly polarized fluorescent emitters. Compared with chiral TADF emitters which suffer from the dilemma of small ΔEST accompanied by small kr, the TADF‐sensitized CPL (TSCP) strategy using TADF molecules as sensitizers and CP‐FL molecules as emitters might be the most promising method to construct high‐performance circularly polarized organic light‐emitting diodes (CP‐OLEDs). Consequently, by taking advantage of the theoretically 100 % exciton utilization of TADF sensitizers, especially, by designing CP‐FL emitters with high PLQY, narrow FWHM and large glum values, TSCP‐type CP‐OLEDs with excellent overall performances can be realized.
Left atrial appendage size is a marker of atrial fibrillation recurrence after radiofrequency catheter ablation in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation
Authors: Simon Judit , El Mahdiui Mohammed , Smit Jeff M. , Száraz Lili , van Rosendael Alexander R. , Herczeg Szilvia , Zsarnóczay Emese , Nagy Anikó Ilona , Kolossváry Márton , Szilveszter Bálint , Szegedi Nándor , Nagy Klaudia Vivien , Tahin Tamás , Gellér László , van der Geest Rob J. , Bax Jeroen J. , Maurovich‐Horvat Pál , Merkely Béla
Published: November 2021

Introduction

There are no consistently confirmed predictors of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after catheter ablation. Therefore, we aimed to study whether left atrial appendage volume (LAAV) and function influence the long‐term recurrence of AF after catheter ablation, depending on AF type.

Methods

AF patients who underwent point‐by‐point radiofrequency catheter ablation after cardiac computed tomography (CT) were included in this analysis. LAAV and LAA orifice area were measured by CT. Uni‐ and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models were performed to determine the predictors of AF recurrence.

Results

In total, 561 AF patients (61.9 ± 10.2 years, 34.9% females) were included in the study. Recurrence of AF was detected in 40.8% of the cases (34.6% in patients with paroxysmal and 53.5% in those with persistent AF) with a median recurrence‐free time of 22.7 (9.3–43.1) months. Patients with persistent AF had significantly higher body surface area‐indexed LAV, LAAV, and LAA orifice area and lower LAA flow velocity, than those with paroxysmal AF. After adjustment left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <50% (HR = 2.17; 95% CI = 1.38–3.43; p < .001) and LAAV (HR = 1.06; 95% CI = 1.01–1.12; p = .029) were independently associated with AF recurrence in persistent AF, while no independent predictors could be identified in paroxysmal AF.

Conclusion

The current study demonstrates that beyond left ventricular systolic dysfunction, LAA enlargement is associated with higher rate of AF recurrence after catheter ablation in persistent AF, but not in patients with paroxysmal AF.
Operando XAFS on Hydrated Calcium Vanadium Bronze Cathode for Aqueous Zn‐ion Storage
Authors: Patridge Christopher J.
Published: November 2021

Multivalent ion storage and aqueous electrochemical systems continue to build interest for energy application. The Zn‐ion system with 2 electron transfer and an ideal metal anode is a strong candidate but is still at the early stage of development. Using both in situ near‐edge (XANES) and X‐ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, EXAFS, a nanostructured cathode material, CaxV2O5‐H2O (CVO), was probed at the V‐K absorption edge. This operando study reveals the local electronic and geometric structure changes for CVO during galvanostatic cycling as the active material in an aqueous Zn‐ion cell. The XANES data provides a fine resolution to track the evolution of the vanadium oxidative state and near‐neighbor coordination sphere showing subtle shifts and delocalized charge. The Zn‐ion influence on the V‐K absorption edge is visualized using a difference technique called Δμ. Coupled with theoretical calculations and modelling, the extended region extracted local bonding information further confirms excellent electronic and structural reversibility of this vanadium oxide bronze in an aqueous Zn‐ion electrochemical cell.
A DFT Study on the Binuclear Copper(I)‐Catalyzed Synthesis Mechanism of 1,2,3‐Triazolo[1,5‐c]Pyrimidine via Interrupted Click and Ketenimine Rearrangement
Authors: Zhou Zhaoman , Yue Qianqian , Zhao Yanying
Published: November 2021

In this paper, the mechanism of the full catalytic cycle for binuclear Cu(I)‐catalyzed sulfonyl azide‐alkyne cycloaddition reaction for the synthesis of triazolopyrimidines was rationalized by density functional theoretical (DFT) calculations. The computed reaction route consists of: (a) formation of dicopper intermediates, including C−H activation of terminal alkyne, 3+2 ring cycloaddition and ring‐reducing reaction and transmetalation, (b) interrupted CuAAC reaction, including di‐copper catalyzed ring‐opening of 2H‐azirines and C−C bond formation to generate the copper‐triazoles and ‐ketenimines, (c) two‐step C−N cross‐coupling and following (d) multi‐step hydrogen transfer by the hydrogen bonding chain of water to promote the C−N formation and another C−N cleavage through the removal of p‐tolyl sulfonamides. Our DFT results indicate that the multi‐step hydrogen transfer process is the rate‐determining step along the potential energy surface profile. The explicit water model was used for systematic determination of barrier for C−C cross‐coupling, C−N bond formation and cleavage, and p‐tolylsulfonamide removal. A critical insight in the interrupted CuAAC reaction was proposed. Further prediction interprets H2O hydrogen bond chain plays an important role in C−N bond formation and cleavage, and the removal of p‐tolylsulfonamide. This may have fundamental guidance on the design of 1, 5‐herterocyclic functionalized triazolopyrimidines via interrupted CuAAC rearrangement reaction, as well as hydrogen bond chain of water.
Time to Rethink the Current Paradigm for Assessing Kidney Function in Drug Development and Beyond
Authors: Sharma Ashish , Sahasrabudhe Vaishali , Musib Luna , Zhang Steven , Younis Islam , Kanodia Jitendra
Published: November 2021

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an important health issue that affects ~ 9.1% of the world adult population. Serum creatinine is the most commonly used biomarker for assessing kidney function and is utilized in different equations for estimating creatinine clearance or glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The Cockcroft–Gault formula for adults and “original” Schwartz formula for children have been the most commonly used equations for estimating kidney function during the last 3–4 decades. Introduction of standardized serum creatinine bioanalytical methodology has reduced interlaboratory variability but is not intended to be used with Cockcroft–Gault or original Schwartz equations. More accurate equations (for instance, Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD‐EPI) for adults and bedside Schwartz or Chronic Kidney Disease in Children Schwartz equation for children) based on standardized serum creatinine values (and another biomarker—cystatin C) have been introduced and validated in recent years. Recently, the CKD‐EPI equation refitted without a race variable was introduced. Clinical practice guidance in nephrology advocates a shift to these equations for managing health care of patients with CKD. The guidance also recommends use of albuminuria in addition to GFR for CKD diagnosis and management. Significant research with large data sets would be necessary to evaluate whether this paradigm would also be valuable in drug dose adjustments. This article attempts to highlight some important advancements in the field from a clinical pharmacology perspective and is a call to action to industry, regulators, and academia to rethink the current paradigm for assessing kidney function to enable dose recommendation in patients with CKD.
Increased adoption of best practices in ecological forecasting enables comparisons of forecastability
Authors: Lewis Abigail S. L. , Woelmer Whitney M. , Wander Heather L. , Howard Dexter W. , Smith John W. , McClure Ryan P. , Lofton Mary E. , Hammond Nicholas W. , Corrigan Rachel S. , Thomas R. Quinn , Carey Cayelan C.
Published: November 2021

Near‐term iterative forecasting is a powerful tool for ecological decision support and has the potential to transform our understanding of ecological predictability. However, to this point, there has been no cross‐ecosystem analysis of near‐term ecological forecasts, making it difficult to synthesize diverse research efforts and prioritize future developments for this emerging field. In this study, we analyzed 178 near‐term (≤10‐yr forecast horizon) ecological forecasting papers to understand the development and current state of near‐term ecological forecasting literature and to compare forecast accuracy across scales and variables. Our results indicated that near‐term ecological forecasting is widespread and growing: forecasts have been produced for sites on all seven continents and the rate of forecast publication is increasing over time. As forecast production has accelerated, some best practices have been proposed and application of these best practices is increasing. In particular, data publication, forecast archiving, and workflow automation have all increased significantly over time. However, adoption of proposed best practices remains low overall: for example, despite the fact that uncertainty is often cited as an essential component of an ecological forecast, only 45% of papers included uncertainty in their forecast outputs. As the use of these proposed best practices increases, near‐term ecological forecasting has the potential to make significant contributions to our understanding of forecastability across scales and variables. In this study, we found that forecastability (defined here as realized forecast accuracy) decreased in predictable patterns over 1–7 d forecast horizons. Variables that were closely related (i.e., chlorophyll and phytoplankton) displayed very similar trends in forecastability, while more distantly related variables (i.e., pollen and evapotranspiration) exhibited significantly different patterns. Increasing use of proposed best practices in ecological forecasting will allow us to examine the forecastability of additional variables and timescales in the future, providing a robust analysis of the fundamental predictability of ecological variables.
Natural history predicts patterns of thermal vulnerability in amphibians from the Atlantic Rainforest of Brazil
Authors: Carilo Filho Leildo M. , de Carvalho Bruno T. , Azevedo Bruna K. A. , Gutiérrez‐Pesquera Luis M. , Mira‐Mendes Caio V. , Solé Mirco , Orrico Victor G. D.
Published: November 2021

In the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest (AF), amphibians (625 species) face habitat degradation leading to stressful thermal conditions that constrain animal activity (e.g., foraging and reproduction). Data on thermal ecology for these species are still scarce. We tested the hypothesis that environmental occupation affects the thermal tolerance of amphibian species more than their phylogenetic relationships. We evaluated patterns of thermal tolerance of 47 amphibian species by assessing critical thermal maxima and warming tolerances, relating these variables with ecological covariates (e.g., adult macro‐ and microhabitat and site of larval development). We used mean and maximum environmental temperature, ecological covariates, and morphological measurements in the phylogenetic generalized least squares model selection to evaluate which traits better predict thermal tolerance. We did not recover phylogenetic signal under a Brownian model; our results point to a strong association between critical thermal maxima and habitat and development site. Forest species were less tolerant to warm temperatures than open area or generalist species. Species with larvae that develop in lentic environment were more tolerant than those in lotic ones. Thus, species inhabiting forest microclimates are more vulnerable to the synergistic effect of habitat loss and climate change. We use radar charts as a quick evaluation tool for thermal risk diagnoses using aspects of natural history as axes.
Insects and their Laboulbeniales (Ascomycota, Fungi) of Lake Eustis and Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area: A case study on urbanization and diversity
Authors: Kaishian Patricia J.
Published: November 2021

A rapid biodiversity assessment of insects and associated Laboulbeniales fungi was conducted over the course of five nights in August, 2018, at two central Florida lakes: Lake Eustis and the nearby protected and restored National Natural Landmark, Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area (EMCA), which encompasses a portion of Lake Griffin. Lake Eustis was surveyed for Laboulbeniales in 1897 by mycologist Dr. Roland Thaxter but has not since been investigated. Because Lake Eustis has been urbanized, with the lake perimeter almost entirely altered by human development, the site offers a look into Laboulbeniales diversity across a 121‐year timeline, before and after human development. By surveying Lake Eustis and EMCA, a modern case study comparison of Laboulbeniales and insect diversity between a developed and a protected and restored system is made. A total of 4022 insects were collected during the rapid assessment. Overall, insect abundance was greater at EMCA, with 3001 insects collected, than 1021 insects collected from Eustis. Although family‐level insect richness was comparable between sites, with 55 families present at EMCA and 56 at Eustis, 529 out of 3001 (17.6%) of the insects collected at EMCA were hosts to parasitic Laboulbeniales fungi, whereas only 2 out of 1021 (0.19%) collected from Eustis were infected. A total of 16 species of Laboulbeniales found at EMCA compared with only one at Eustis. The current number of Laboulbeniales species documented at Eustis was incredibly depauperate compared with the 26 species and two varieties recorded by Thaxter in 1897. These findings suggest the possibility of utilizing Laboulbeniales as indicators of ecosystem health, and future research should investigate this question further. A figure displaying host–parasite records and a species list of Laboulbeniales are presented. Finally, updated occurrence records for species of Ceratomyces and Hydrophilomyces are provided.
Regionalized dynamic climate series for ecological climate impact research in modern controlled environment facilities
Authors: Jákli Bálint , Meier Roman , Gelhardt Ulrike , Bliss Margaret , Grünhage Ludger , Baumgarten Manuela
Published: November 2021

Modern controlled environment facilities (CEFs) enable the simulation of dynamic microclimates in controlled ecological experiments through their technical ability to precisely control multiple environmental parameters. However, few CEF studies exploit the technical possibilities of their facilities, as climate change treatments are frequently applied by static manipulation of an inadequate number of climate change drivers, ignoring intra‐annual variability and covariation of multiple meteorological variables. We present a method for generating regionalized climate series in high temporal resolution that was developed to force the TUMmesa Model EcoSystem Analyzer with dynamic climate simulations. The climate series represent annual cycles for a reference period (1987–2016) and the climate change scenarios RCP2.6 and RCP8.5 (2071–2100) regionalized for a climate station situated in a forested region of the German Spessart mountains. Based on the EURO‐CORDEX and ReKliEs‐DE model ensembles, typical annual courses of daily resolved climatologies for the reference period and the RCP scenarios were calculated from multimodel means of temperature (ta), relative humidity (rh), global radiation (Rg), air pressure (P), and ground‐level ozone and complemented by CO2. To account for intra‐annual variation and the covariability of multiple climate variables, daily values were substituted by hourly resolved data resampled from the historical record. The resulting present climate Test Reference Year (TRY) well represented a possible annual cycle within the reference period, and expected shifts in future mean values (e.g., higher ta) were reproduced within the RCP TRYs. The TRYs were executed in eight climate chambers of the TUMmesa facility and—accounting for the technical boundaries of the facility—reproduced with high precision. Especially, as an alternative to CEF simulations that reproduce mere day/night cycles and static manipulations of climate change drivers, the method presented here proved well suited for simulating regionalized and highly dynamic annual cycles for ecological CEF studies.
Wax‐Based Oleogels—Properties in Medium Chain Triglycerides and Canola Oil
Authors: Wettlaufer Till , Brykczynski Henriette , Flöter Eckhard
Published: November 2021

The non‐triglyceride structuring of liquid oils, so‐called oleogelation, enables new and more beneficial product designs. Natural waxes have proven to be excellent oleogelators due to their wide availability and low inclusion levels. However, waxes vary greatly in their compositions and contain different proportions of major components: wax esters (WE), fatty acids (FA), fatty alcohols (FaOH), and hydrocarbons (HC). In this study six waxes (bees (BW)‐, sunflower (SFW)‐, ricebran(RBW), carnauba (CRW)‐, candelilla (CLW)‐, and sugarcane wax(SCW)) are selected to develop a pairwise assessment regarding the major components. Commercial canola oil, rich in minor and polar components, and medium‐chain triglycerides (MCT), as a “clean” saturated solvent, are used to elucidate the effect of solvent type on the gel forming behavior of 10% w/w oleogels. The gels are analyzed rheologically, penetronomically, microscopycally, and by calorimetry. It can be shown that the solubility and presence of polar minor components are crucial factors in oleogelation.

Practical applications: Useful areas of application can be found in products with high proportions of saturated and trans fatty acids, a high potential of substitution, and can for instance include bakery‐, meat‐, culinary‐ and confectionary products.
Postoperative depth of sedation and associated outcomes in free flap transfers to the head and neck
Authors: Laehn Spencer Joseph , LoGuidice John Anthony , Hettinger Patrick Christian , Rein Lisa Egner , Peppard William John
Published: November 2021

Background

To evaluate the impact of postoperative depth of sedation in free flap transfers to the head and neck.

Methods

A single center, retrospective cohort of 92 patients were stratified by depth of sedation, light sedation (RASS −1 or greater) or deep sedation (RASS less than −1), and analyzed for postoperative flap and medical complications.

Results

Of the 92 patients 45 were included in the light sedation and 47 in the deep sedation group. Flap complication requiring return to the operating room occurred in 8 (22.2%) patients in light sedation compared to 12 (27.7%) (p = 0.450) patients in deep sedation. A composite outcome of flap and medical complications occurred less frequently in the light sedation group 14 (31.8%) compared to deep sedation 32 (69.6%) (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

There was no difference in return to the operating room between the two groups. Light sedation had reduced incidence of medical complications compared to deep.
Prevalence of neurocognitive and perceived speech deficits in patients with head and neck cancer before treatment: Associations with demographic, behavioral, and disease‐related factors
Authors: Piai Vitória , Jansen Femke , Dahlslätt Kristoffer , Verdonck‐de Leeuw Irma M. , Prins Judith , Leemans René , Terhaard Chris H. J. , Langendijk Johannes A. , Baatenburg de Jong Robert J. , Smit Johannes H. , Takes Robert , P. C. Kessels Roy ,   NET‐QUBIC Consortium
Published: November 2021

Background

Neurocognition and speech, relevant domains in head and neck cancer (HNC), may be affected pretreatment. However, the prevalence of pretreatment deficits and their possible concurrent predictors are poorly understood.

Methods

Using an HNC prospective cohort (Netherlands Quality of Life and Biomedical Cohort Study, N ≥ 444) with a cross‐sectional design, we investigated the estimated prevalence of pretreatment deficits and their relationship with selected demographic, behavioral, and disease‐related factors.

Results

Using objective assessments, rates of moderate‐to‐severe neurocognitive deficit ranged between 4% and 8%. From patient‐reported outcomes, 6.5% of patients reported high levels of cognitive failures and 46.1% reported speech deficits. Patient‐reported speech functioning was worse in larynx compared to other subsites. Other nonspeech outcomes were unrelated to any variable. Patient‐reported neurocognitive and speech functioning were modestly correlated, especially in the larynx group.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that a subgroup of patients with HNC shows pretreatment deficits, possibly accentuated in the case of larynx tumors.