bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Harnessing hyperuricemia to atherosclerosis and understanding its mechanistic dependence
Authors: Jayachandran Muthukumaran , Qu Shen 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAtherosclerosis is regarded as the disease of the arterial vasculature. The main characteristics of atherosclerosis are the abnormal accumulation of lipids, increased inflammatory cells, matrix deposits, and proliferation of smooth muscle cells. Diabetes mellitus, obesity, and hyperlipidemia are the most studied risk factors of atherosclerosis. One least studied risk factor is the uric acid (UA), a high UA in circulation is interlinked with many pathological processes. Several epidemiological studies suggest elevated UA levels as an essential biomarker in the forecast of several cardiovascular diseases. Available evidence claims that UA upholds the atherosclerosis process via disturbing lipid metabolism, reducing the nitric oxide synthesis in endothelial cells, promoting the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells, and overwhelms inflammation. In endothelial dysfunction and coronary artery lesions, UA is considered as an independent predictor. The updated studies on the involvement of hyperuricemia in atherosclerosis prove that treatment with xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitors not just benefits the treatment of hyperuricemia but also reduces the burden of atherosclerosis to a greater extent. In this review, we highlight how the hyperuricemia affects vascular integrity, causes atherosclerosis, and the mechanism of action of XO inhibitors on atherosclerosis.
Molecular analysis of low‐level mosaicism of the IKBKG mutation using the X Chromosome Inactivation pattern in Incontinentia Pigmenti
Authors: Kawai Miki , Kato Takema , Tsutsumi Makiko , Shinkai Yasuko , Inagaki Hidehito , Kurahashi Hiroki 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundIncontinentia pigmenti (IP) is a rare X‐linked disorder affecting the skin and other ectodermal tissues that is caused by mutation of the IKBKG/NEMO gene. Previous studies have reported that the overall mutation detection rate in IP is ~75%. We hypothesized that a low‐level mosaicism existed in the remaining cases.MethodsGenomic variations in the IKBKG gene were examined in 30 IP probands and their family members. Standard mutational analyses were performed to detect common deletions, nucleotide alterations, and copy number variations. To assess skewing of the X chromosome inactivation (XCI) pattern, a HUMARA assay was performed. We compared the results of this analysis with phenotype severity.ResultsPathogenic variants were identified in 20 probands (66.7%), the rate of detection was suboptimal. The remaining 10 probands tended to manifest a mild phenotype with no skewed X chromosome inactivation that is generally observed in IP patients. Quantitative nested PCR and digital droplet PCR were performed for the 10 patients and mosaicism of the common IKBKG deletion were identified in five patients.ConclusionOverall, we detected 25 IKBKG mutations (83.3%). Determination of the XCI value in advance of mutational analyses for IP could improve the mutation detection rate. Our improved detection rate for these mutations, particularly those with a low‐level mosaicism, may present opportunities for appropriate genetic counseling.
Identification of two novel PRPF31 mutations in Chinese families with non‐syndromic autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Cao Li , Peng Chunyan , Yu Jing , Jiang Wei , Yang Jiyun 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundRetinitis pigmentosa is a heterogeneous group of inherited retinal diseases leading to progressive vision loss. It has been estimated that the etiology is still unclear in 22%‐40% of cases, indicating that many novel pathogenic variations related to RP remain unidentified in many patients. In this study, our aim was to investigate the disease‐causing variants and function of the variants in two Chinese families with non‐syndromic autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (adRP).MethodsClinical data and peripheral blood DNA samples were collected. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was conducted to screen for variations. Then, the expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐fused wild‐type PRPF31 protein and its variants was evaluated via western blotting and GFP fluorescence detection in vitro.ResultsTwo novel heterozygous variants of PRPF31 (NM_015629.4): c.855+5G>A and c.849_855del (p.Pro284Ilefs*35) were identified respectively in two families. The variant c.855+5G>A is co‐segregated with the disease in adRP‐01 family. The pedigree analysis result for c.849_855del (p. Pro284Ilefs*35) shows an inheritance pattern with incomplete penetrance for adRP‐02 family. The RT‐PCR analysis shows the PRPF31 gene c.855+5G>A leading to the missing from the 997th to the 1405th positions of the PRPF31 gene (NM_015629.4) cDNA. The expressions of the mutant GFP‐fused PRPF31 protein were not detected in HEK293 cells or Cos7 cells via western blotting and immunofluorescence.ConclusionsOur findings identified two novel variants in PRPF31 in two Chinese families with adRP, expanding the mutational spectrum of this gene. Functional analysis reveals that these variants lead to the truncation of the PRPF31 protein.
Comparison of transverse upper gracilis and profunda femoris artery perforator flaps for breast reconstruction: A systematic review
Authors: Jo Taehee , Kim Eun Key , Eom Jin Sup , Han Hyun Ho 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundThigh‐based flaps are generally considered a secondary option for breast reconstruction, with inner thigh‐based transverse upper gracilis (TUG) flaps being the preferred choice for many surgeons; however, its well‐established drawbacks include short pedicle length, lack of volume, and donor morbidity. The posterior thigh‐based profunda femoris artery perforator (PAP) flap was introduced as an alternative approach, but these flaps were not comparatively analyzed with TUG flaps on a large scale. We aimed to systematically review TUG‐ and PAP‐flap breast reconstruction to determine the better secondary option.MethodsWe performed a systematic review of the literature using the PubMed database. Our selected series for systematic analyses included 613 TUG flaps in 432 patients and 475 PAP flaps in 329 patients. Elementary data on the flaps and complications were collected and analyzed. Pooled estimates of proportions of flaps with recipient complications and donor site morbidity were compared using random effect single arm meta‐analysis.ResultsThe basic patient demographics were comparable between the flap types. The mean operation time was comparable. The PAP flap had longer pedicle length and higher flap weight. The total loss (p = .6579), partial loss rate (p = .3247), and fat necrosis rate (p = .0771) were comparable between flap types. Regarding donor morbidity, the PAP flap group had less wound dehiscence (p < .0001) and lower rate of sensory disturbance (p < .0001).ConclusionsThe study findings indicate that the PAP flap, when compared with the TUG flap, could be a better secondary option for breast reconstructions.
One‐stage double free flap arteriovenous loop reconstruction of a massive abdominothoracic defect following necrotizing fasciitis: A case report
Authors: Falkner Florian , Thomas Benjamin , Hundeshagen Gabriel , Wittenberg Gerhard , Bliesener Björn , Bigdeli Amir K. , Kneser Ulrich 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWe report the case of a 67‐year old male with necrotizing fasciitis after injection of the glenohumeral joint. After extensive debridement a massive defect from the left hip joint to the left upper arm, exposing ribs, scapula, axillary vessels and brachial plexus (45 × 40 cm) was present. Reconstruction was performed with a conjoined right myocutaneous tensor fasciae lata/vastus lateralis flap and a left myocutaneous vastus lateralis flap in combination with an arteriovenous loop originating from the axillary vessels using the greater saphenous vein. Revisional surgeries were necessary including ribs resection and flap re‐advancements. Due to multiorganic failure invasive ventilation, renal replacement‐ and extensive transfusion therapy was required. After 241 days the patient was discharged for rehabilitation. At the 12 months follow‐up wounds were sufficiently closed without the need for further intervention. This case illustrates that immediate diagnosis followed by an aggressive multidisciplinary treatment approach is crucial for the patient survival.
Characterizing Fish–Habitat Associations through Paired Fisheries-Independent and In Situ Habitat Assessments
Authors: Clarkson Emma , Beseres Pollack Jennifer 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Estuarine habitat has a significant influence on the growth, recruitment, and survival of fish and invertebrate species, and understanding habitat dynamics can improve fisheries management. However, the cost and effort associated with habitat monitoring can be limiting, and many large-scale fisheries-independent monitoring programs do not capture habitat and biological data concurrently. Consequently, fisheries and their associated habitats are often managed separately. We designed a pilot study to assess the utility and effectiveness of incorporating rapid in situ habitat characterization into a statewide fisheries management program. The occurrence of six focal species (Red Drum Sciaenops ocellatus, Spotted Seatrout Cynoscion nebulosus, blue crab Callinectes sapidus, Atlantic Croaker Micropogonias undulatus, brown shrimp Farfantepenaeus aztecus, and white shrimp Litopenaeus setiferus) and the overall faunal community composition were compared across estuarine habitats to assess the ability of this method to accurately depict fish–habitat associations. Focal species’ occurrence and community composition was significantly correlated with shoreline vegetation, seagrass presence, presence of mangroves, substrate type, and heterogeneity in vegetated habitat. This study demonstrates an effective approach to integrating habitat into fisheries-independent monitoring in pursuit of an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management.
In‐situ force measurement during nano‐indentation combined with Laue microdiffraction
Authors: Lauraux Florian , Yehya Sarah , Labat Stéphane , Micha Jean‐Sébastien , Robach Odile , Kovalenko Oleg , Rabkin Eugen , Thomas Olivier , Cornelius Thomas W. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractFor the characterization of the mechanical properties of materials the precise measurements of stress‐strain curves is indispensable. In situ nano‐mechanical testing setups, however, may lack the precision either in terms of strain or stress determination. Recently, the custom‐built scanning force microscope SFINX was developed which is compatible with third‐generation synchrotron end‐stations allowing for in situ nano‐mechanical tests in combination with nanofocused synchrotron x‐ray diffraction that is highly sensitive to strain and defects. The usage of a self‐actuating and self‐sensing cantilever tremendously increases the compactness of the system but lacks deflection sensitivity and, thus the force measurement. This deficiency is resolved by in situ monitoring the diffraction peaks of the Si cantilever by Laue microdiffraction during the nano‐indentation of a gold crystal. The orientation and, hence, the deflection of the Si cantilever is deduced from the displacement of the Si Laue spots on the detector giving force accuracies of better than 90 nN. At the same time, the dislocation density in the indented Au crystal is tracked by monitoring the Au Laue spots eventually resulting in complete stress‐dislocation density curves.
Unconditional convergence of linearized orthogonal spline collocation algorithm for semilinear subdiffusion equation with nonsmooth solution
Authors: Zhang Haixiang , Yang Xuehua , Xu Da 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA linearized orthogonal spline collocation (OSC) method withC1splines of degree≥3on a suitable graded mesh is formulated and analyzed for approximate solution of an initial‐boundary‐value problem of semilinear subdiffusion equations with nonsmooth solutions in time. The sharp error estimate in theL2norm is established without any restriction on the relative temporal and spatial mesh sizes. Such unconditional convergence results are proved by including the typical singularity of the solution near the timet = 0. Results of numerical experiments support the analytical results.
Optimization of Vancomycin Dosing Regimen in Cancer Patients using Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Modeling
Authors: Alqahtani Saeed , Almatrafi Abdullah , Bin Aydan Norah , Alqahtani Meshari , Alzamil Faisal , Alsultan Abdullah , Asiri Yousif 
Published: October 2020

Background
Gram‐positive bacterial infections are considered one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity in patients with cancer. Hence, the challenge lies in regulating the pervasive use of vancomycin in the management of infections facing such patients due to the anomalous vancomycin pharmacokinetics (PKs) and pharmacodynamics (PDs). Inappropriate vancomycin exposure is associated with toxicity, pathogen resistance, and therapeutic failure.
Objective
The aim of this study was to estimate vancomycin PK in patients with cancer and without cancer. The standard dosage regimens of vancomycin were then evaluated using data from PK modeling.
Methods
In this observational PK study, the data were extracted from a matched patient cohort of those with cancer and those without cancer. Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using Monolix version 4.4, and the PK parameters were compared in both groups (cancer vs noncancer). The standard and suggested vancomycin dosing regimens were evaluated using PK/PD modeling and Monte Carlo Simulations.
Results
In total, 448 blood samples were analyzed from 147 patients enrolled in this study, of which 73 patients had cancer and 74 patients were noncancer patients. In general, no significant differences were observed between the two groups (cancer vs noncancer) in all characteristics except for the vancomycin levels, which were significantly lower in patients with cancer (p = 0.00104). This analysis showed that patients with cancer showed a significantly higher vancomycin clearance than noncancer patients (p = 0.002), whereas the volume of distribution (V) was found to be similar in both groups (p = 0.83).This resulted in most of the patients failing to achieve the target area under the curve from zero to 24 hours (AUC0–2) to the minimum inhibitory concentration. These data showed that a higher maintenance dose of vancomycin is required to achieve the PD target.
Conclusions
The findings of this study showed that the patients with cancer have lower levels of vancomycin due to higher clearance than noncancer patients. Thus, higher doses than the standard vancomycin doses may be needed to treat invasive Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in patients with cancer.
Examining the relation between PASS cognitive processes and superior reading and mathematics performance
Authors: Georgiou George K. , Bulut Okan , Dunn Kristy , Naglieri Jack A. , Das J. P. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAlthough several studies have shown that planning, attention, simultaneous, and successive (PASS) cognitive processes—operationalized with the cognitive assessment system (CAS; Naglieri & Das, 1997)—are significant predictors of academic performance in the general population, little is known about their role among children with superior academic skills. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine whether PASS processes can predict superior performance in reading and mathematics. We used the standardization sample of CAS (n = 1210) and further identified children with superior reading (n = 62) and mathematics (n = 73) performance on Woodcock–Johnson Tests of Achievement–Revised (Woodcock & Johnson, 1989). Results of the initial regression analyses showed that the PASS processes were significant predictors of superior reading and mathematics performance. Next, a classification and regression tree approach showed that the PASS scores could classify superior or not‐superior readers and mathematicians with 89% and 82% accuracy, respectively. Theoretical and practical implications of our results are discussed.
Diagnostic value of lung ultrasonography in children with COVID‐19
Authors: Hizal Mina , Aykac Kubra , Yayla Burcu C. C. , Yilmaz Arzu , Altun Demet , Akkaya Habip E. , Bayhan Gulsum I. , Kurt Aysegul N. C. , Karakaya Jale , Ozsurekci Yasemin , Ceyhan Mehmet 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundLung ultrasound (LUS) has been successfully used in the diagnosis of different pulmonary diseases. Present study design to determine the diagnostic value of LUS in the evaluation of children with novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19).Methods and ObjectivesProspective multicenter study, 40 children with confirmed COVID‐19 were included. LUS was performed to all patients at admission. The chest X‐ray and computed tomography (CT) were performed according to the decision of the primary physicians. LUS results were compared with chest X‐ray and CT findings and diagnostic performance was determined.ResultsOf the 40 children median (range) was 10.5 (0.4–17.8) years. Chest X‐ray and LUS were performed on all and chest CT was performed on 28 (70%) patients at the time of diagnosis. Sixteen (40%) patients had no apparent chest CT abnormalities suggestive of COVID‐19, whereas 12 (30%) had abnormalities. LUS confirmed the diagnosis of pulmonary involvement in 10 of 12 patients with positive CT findings. LUS demonstrated normal lung patterns among 15 of 16 patients who had normal CT features. The sensitivity and the area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve (area under the ROC curve) identified by the chest X‐ray and LUS tests were compared and statistically significantly different (McNemar's test: p = .016 and p = .001 respectively) detected. Chest X‐ray displayed false‐negative results for pulmonary involvement in 75% whereas for LUS it was 16.7%.ConclusionsLUS might be a useful tool in the diagnostic steps of children with COVID‐19. A reduction in chest CT assessments may be possible when LUS is used in the initial diagnostic steps for these children.
Energetic Materials Combustion Catalysis: Necessary Conditions for Implementation
Authors: Denisyuk Anatoly P. , Aung Zar Ni , Shepelev Yury G. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe features of the catalysis of combustion of aromatic nitro compounds (trinitrates of toluene, resorcinol, phenol, etc.) have been studied. It has been shown that catalysts have a significant effect on the combustion of aromatic nitro compounds, and, as in the case of double‐base propellants, their efficiency increases with the addition of carbon materials, especially carbon nanotubes (CNTs). For example, the addition of 3% nickel salicylate in combination with 1% CNTs to trinitroresorcinol leads to an increase in its burning rate by 4.3 times. It has been shown that, as in the case of double‐base propellants, a necessary condition for the catalysis of nitro compounds is the formation of a carbon frame (deposit char layer) on the burning surface, on which catalyst particles accumulate and accelerate exothermic reactions. This fact, combined with the high thermal conductivity of the carbon frame, leads to an increase in the heat flux into the condensed phase and an increase in the burning rate. As pressure increases, the formation of the frame becomes more difficult, and the effect of catalysts decreases, as a result of which the value of pressure exponent reduces. The proposed mechanism of combustion catalysis is applicable to almost any individual explosives and propellant compositions based on various plasticizers (nitroesters, linear liquid nitro compounds and nitramines, etc.), as well as containing powerful explosives (RDX, HMX, CL‐20, etc.), the combustion of which proceeds due to the heat of redox reactions.
An Estimate of the TNT‐Equivalent Net Explosive Quantity (NEQ) of the Beirut Port Explosion Using Publicly‐Available Tools and Data
Authors: Stennett Chris , Gaulter Sally , Akhavan Jackie 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPublicly available video recordings of the explosion in Beirut on August 4, 2020, were examined and from them it was possible, in conjunction with the well‐known Google Maps website, to obtain estimates for the locations of the observers’ cameras with respect to the blast, and estimates for the blast wave arrival time. A publicly‐available blast wave calculator was then used to estimate the size of the explosion in terms of the equivalent quantity of TNT that would produce the same blast wave arrival time at the observers’ distance. This work estimates the Beirut explosion to have been equivalent to 637 tons TNT, with a lower bound estimate of 407 tons and an upper bound estimate of 936 tons.
Pyrexia and acidosis act independently of neutrophil elastase reactive center loop cleavage to effect cortisol release from corticosteroid‐binding globulin
Authors: Meyer Emily J. , Torpy David J. , Chernykh Anastasia , Thaysen‐Andersen Morten , Nenke Marni A. , Lewis John G. , Rajapaksha Harinda , Rankin Wayne , Polyak Steven W. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractCorticosteroid‐binding globulin (CBG) transports cortisol and other steroids. High‐affinity CBG (haCBG) undergoes proteolysis of the reactive center loop (RCL) by neutrophil elastase (NE) altering conformation to low‐affinity CBG (laCBG). Elevated temperature reduces CBG:cortisol binding affinity. Surface plasmon resonance was used to determine binding profiles of 19 steroids to haCBG and laCBG at 25, 37, and 39°C mimicking pyrexia and pH 7.4 and 7.0 mimicking acidosis, pathophysiological conditions relevant to sepsis. An expected 4–8‐fold reduction in affinity for cortisol, cortisone, corticosterone, 11‐deoxycortisol, progesterone, 17‐hydroxyprogesterone, and prednisolone occurred with NE‐mediated haCBG‐to‐laCBG conversion. CBG:cortisol binding affinity was further reduced 3.5‐fold at 39°C relative to 37°C, binding affinity was also reduced by acidosis for both haCBG and laCBG. Using a conformational antibody generated against the RCL, we confirmed RCL antibody binding was eliminated by NE cleavage, but preserved in pyrexia and acidosis. Molecular modeling studies performed at 40°C confirmed a critical role for Trp371, positioned within the steroid‐binding pocket, in ligand binding. These studies demonstrated CBG binding affinity to range of steroids is ligand specific and is reduced with NE‐mediated haCBG‐to‐laCBG transition. Reduced CBG:cortisol binding occurs with increased temperature and in acidosis. Increased flexibility of the Trp371 side chain is proposed in the thermo‐coupling mechanism of cortisol release. The synergy of NE cleavage, pyrexia, and acidosis on CBG:cortisol binding may serve to enhance cortisol delivery to the interstitial space in inflammation.
Zur Ermittlung der Grenzstützweiten der Begehbarkeit von Stahltrapezprofilen
Authors: Kuhnhenne Markus , Pyschny Dominik , Pauli Gesa 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDie Verwendung höherfester Materialien in der Produktion von Stahlprofilen bietet die Möglichkeit höherer Tragfähigkeiten bei gleichbleibendem Querschnitt. Alternativ können durch die verbesserten Festigkeitseigenschaften die Bauteildicken reduziert werden. Hinsichtlich der Nutzung von Stahltrapezprofilen ermöglicht dieser Fortschritt die Realisierung herkömmlicher Spannweiten mit Profiltafeln geringerer Blechdicken und erlaubt somit einen reduzierten Materialeinsatz. Frei spannende Profiltafeln sind grundsätzlich nicht begehbar. Ausnahmen hierfür liegen jedoch zum einen während der Montage und zum anderen im Falle von Wartungs‐ und Reinigungsarbeiten vor. Bis zu welcher Stützweite die Profiltafeln zu diesem Zweck ohne lastverteilende Maßnahmen begangen werden dürfen, legt die sog. Grenzstützweite der Begehbarkeit fest. Diese stellt im deutschsprachigen Raum einen wesentlichen Aspekt bei der Auslegung von Dachaufbauten aus Stahltrapezprofilen dar. Die Grenzstützweiten der Begehbarkeit neuartiger Stahltrapezprofile aus höherfesten Stählen mit geringen Blechdicken wurden im Rahmen von Untersuchungen an der RWTH Aachen behandelt. Ausgewählte Ergebnisse sollen im vorliegenden Beitrag vorgestellt werden.