bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reliability of preoperative evaluation of prognostic factors in endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Valsecchi L. , Mangili G. , Frigerio L. , Spagnolo D.L. , De Sanctis L. , Ferrari A.
Published: July 2002

Objective: To define the accuracy of preoperative evaluation of prognostic factors in detecting patients with low risk of node metastasis in which different surgical approaches can be proposed. Subjects: Seventy‐five patients with a histologically proven endometrial carcinoma were considered in this study. Methods: All the patients underwent a preoperative evaluation of grading (G), and myometrial invasion (M) by endometrial biopsy and transvaginal ultrasound (TVS). In 41 patients preoperative ploidy of carcinoma cells (P) was determined by flow cytometry. Pre‐surgical G, M and P were then compared with surgical specimens. We considered ‘low risk’, patients with no or moderate myometrial invasion, well‐differentiated histological grading and diploid DNA. Results: We were able to identify 19/23 (82.6%) low risk cases. Correct identification of high risk patients was obtained in 49/52 (94%) patients. In three low risk patients, correctly diagnosed preoperatively, the final FIGO stage was IIIA (two for adnexal involvement and one for positive peritoneal washing). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that it is possible to detect preoperatively patients with a low risk of node metastasis. Alternative surgical approaches, i.e. vaginal surgery, can be taken into account in such patients.
Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis intrauterine infection using polymerase chain reaction on chorionic villi
Authors: Dong Z.‐W. , Li Y. , Zhang L.‐Y. , Liu R.‐M.
Published: July 2002

Objective: To detect Chlamydia trachomatis intrauterine infection in the early pregnancy by using chorionic villi. Method: The C. trachomatis infection in pregnant women was investigated by cervical specimens and Clearview kits. DNA of chorionic villi was extracted and the gene of a major outer membrane protein of C. trachomatis was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: 120 cervical specimens of the pregnant women were analyzed and 10 cervical specimens were positive for C. trachomatis infection. In this study, the prevalence of C. trachomatis infection was approx. 8.3%. Fifty‐nine specimens of chorionic villi and three positive specimens of C. trachomatis infection were analyzed by PCR. The incidence of C. trachomatis intrauterine infection in the early pregnancy was 5.1%. Conclusion: The vertical transmission of C. trachomatis infection in the early pregnancy may be a pathway of intrauterine infection. Chorionic villus sampling in early pregnancy and the PCR method could be developed as a technique for prenatal diagnosis of C. trachomatis intrauterine infection.
Development of 5′‐nucleotidase staining in the olfactory bulbs of normal and naris‐occluded rats
Authors: Clemow David B. , Brunjes Peter C.
Published: July 2002

The distribution of the adenosine‐producing ecto‐enzyme 5′‐nucleotidase was investigated histochemically in the developing rat olfactory bulb. Rat pups underwent either unilateral surgical occlusion of the right external naris or sham surgery on postnatal day 1. At 10, 20, or 30 days postpartum, horizontal sections of the olfactory bulb were reacted histochemically to reveal the locus and intensity of 5′‐nucleotidase activity. Relative staining levels were determined by optical densitometry in standardized bulb regions. A marked, age‐related increase in staining density was observed. Reaction product was found primarily in neuropil areas. The P10 and P20 control animals did not exhibit right/left differences in bulb staining; however, some laterality was observed in P30 animals. Inter‐glomerular and regional variations were observed throughout the developmental period, including (1) differences between neighboring glomeruli; (2) a gradient in the dorsal‐ventral axis of the bulb; and (3) a higher staining density in the medial‐caudal portion of the bulb. In subjects with occluded nares, asymmetries in right/left bulb 5′‐nucleotidase staining patterns were detected throughout development. Bulbs ipsilateral to the blocked nares exhibited increased staining density, suggesting that the procedure enhanced enzymatic activity. Understanding these variations in 5′‐nucleotidase staining may be important for a complete understanding of the mechanisms of olfactory bulb maturation and may give insight into the possible role of this enzyme in synaptic malleability during nervous system development and regeneration.
Clinical measures of rapid onset of action
Authors: Montgomery SA
Published: July 2002

The benefits of an antidepressant with an early or rapid onset of action include a more rapid resolution of the debilitating symptoms of depression, a potential reduction in the risk of suicide and cost savings associated with a reduction in hospitalization. While these benefits are valuable, this promise has yet to be fulfilled by any antidepressant. Venlafaxine is a unique serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) which produces rapid and prolonged desensitization of β-adrenergic receptors in preclinical studies after both acute and chronic administration of venlafaxine. Results from placebo-controlled and active comparator clinical studies provide evidence that venlafaxine may have an early onset of activity which is most apparent at higher dosages. The early onset is most apparent with rapid escalation of the venlafaxine dosage, and the incidence, therefore, of side effects tends to be higher early after initiating therapy with venlafaxine. Thus, venlafaxine may fill the long awaited need for an antidepressant with an early onset of action.
Genetic Counselling
Authors: Baty Bonnie J
Published: July 2021

Genetic counselling is the process of helping people understand and adapt to the medical, psychological and familial implications of genetic contributions to disease. The majority of genetic counsellors work in clinical care settings, but a growing number work in public health and policy, educational, industry and research settings. Genetic counselling educational programmes focus on mastery of basic genetics principles, knowledge of medical genetics within a wide range of medical subspecialties and expertise in counselling techniques and ethical issues related to genetic conditions. Graduate education programmes first developed in the United States, where genetic counselling is generally practised by master's prepared allied health professionals. In the past 51 years, the profession has grown to over 5000 certified genetic counsellors in the United States and Canada, with almost 7000 genetic counsellors in 28 countries. Models of genetic counselling and genetic counsellor education develop differently in different countries and different health care systems.

Key Concepts

Genetic counselling is the process of helping people understand and adapt to the medical, psychological and familial implications of genetic contributions to disease.

Genetic counsellors are allied health professionals who have graduate education in medical genetics and the psychosocial and ethical aspects of genetic disease as well as specialised training in counselling techniques.

Genetic counsellors work in many direct patient care settings (e.g. perinatal genetics, cancer genetics, clinical genetics and subspecialty clinics) and in nondirect patient care settings such as public health and policy; diagnostic laboratories; research; industry settings and advocacy and other not‐for‐profit genetics groups. Genetic counsellors' job opportunities and roles are expanding in both direct patient care and nondirect patient care settings.

Genetic counsellors who provide direct patient care collect and assess medical information leading to a diagnosis; calculate and provide risk information; discuss options; facilitate genetic testing and provide psychosocial support and counselling to aid patients and their families to adapt to conditions with a genetic component.

Genetic counsellors educate clients, other medical professionals and the public about natural history, inheritance, testing, management and prevention of genetic disease.

In the United States and Canada, genetic counselling has developed a strong professional identity, with a professional society, certification of genetic counsellors, accreditation of training programmes, a Code of Ethics, a professional journal, a national scope of practice, licensure and practice‐based competencies.

Genetic counselling is rapidly becoming an international profession with almost 7000 genetic counsellors in at least 28 countries.
Cytochrome
c
Oxidase
Authors: Wikström Mårten
Published: July 2021

Cytochrome
c
oxidase is the key enzyme of cell respiration in all eukaryotes and many prokaryotes. The cytochrome
c
oxidases belong to the haem–copper superfamily of structurally and functionally related enzymes; though related in structure, some bacterial variants lack amino acid residues that are known to be obligatory for the function of the members of the main family. All haem–copper oxidases have a unique bimetallic active site catalysing reduction of dioxygen (O
2
) to water and an adjacent second haem group that donates electrons to this site. Here, the mechanism of O
2
reduction is reviewed. The membrane‐bound enzyme couples this reaction to translocation of protons across the membrane, and thus functions as a primary energy transducer that contributes to the formation of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) in aerobic life. The most recent knowledge of the function of this ‘proton pump’ is discussed. It is concluded that cytochrome
c
oxidase is an electrostatic energy‐transducing machine with high efficiency.

Key Concepts

Cytochrome
c
oxidase is an electrostatically coupled energy transducer.

The fairly well‐understood energy transducing mechanism is a unique combination of a Mitchellian oxidoreduction loop and a redox‐coupled proton pump.

The high affinity for O
2
is due to kinetic ligand trapping.

O
2
reduction in cell respiration yields no reactive oxygen species.
Trichomoniasis
Authors: Yarlett Nigel , Fiori Pier L
Published: July 2021

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by
Trichomonas vaginalis
in humans or
Tritrichomonas foetus
in cattle.

Key Concepts

Trichomoniasis is a global sexually transmitted disease with over 170 million new cases diagnosed annually.

Symptoms vary between males and females with the former being mainly asymptomatic while females have a spectrum of symptoms from minor irritation to severe inflammation and discharge.

The infection has been associated with increased susceptibility to acquiring HIV, vaginal carcinoma and aggressive prostate cancer.

Metronidazole (Flagyl®) is the only FDA approved treatment for the disease, however, an increasing number of refractory cases have been reported.

New treatment options are desperately required for this global disease.
Planctomycetia
Authors: Ward Naomi L. , Dedysh Svetlana N.
Published: July 2021

Planc.to.my.ce'ti.a. N.L. fem. pl. n.
Planctomycetales
the type order of the class; ‐
ia
ending to denote a class; N.L. neut. pl. n.
Planctomycetia
the class of
Planctomycetales
.

Planctomycetes / Planctomycetia

The class
Planctomycetia
was circumscribed on the basis of the phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences. This class accommodates Gram‐stain‐negative bacteria that possess a complex cellular architecture and divide by budding. The class contains four orders, that is,
Planctomycetales, Pirellulales, Gemmatales
, and
Isosphaerales
, which accommodate aerobic and facultatively anaerobic chemoorganotrophs. Members of the class
Planctomycetia
colonize a wide spectrum of aquatic and terrestrial habitats. The type order is
Planctomycetales
.
Isosphaera
Authors: Castenholz Richard W. , Dedysh Svetlana N.
Published: July 2021

I.so.sphae'ra. Gr. masc. adj.
isos
equal; L. fem. n.
sphaera
ball or sphere; N.L. fem. n.
Isosphaera
sphere of equal size.

Planctomycetes / Planctomycetia / Isosphaerales / Isosphaeraceae / Isosphaera

The genus
Isosphaera
is represented by planctomycetes with spherical cells, 2.0–2.5 μm in diameter, which are assembled in chains of indefinite length, often over 100 cells. Cell division is by budding, intercalary or terminal. No branching occurs. Gas vesicles are usually present in all cells, mostly in one cluster (gas vacuole or “pseudovacuole”). Resting cells are not known. The Gram‐stain is variable. Cells are motile by means of gliding; pili are present, but flagella are absent. Cells are capable of phototaxis on a solid substrate. Members of the genus are strictly aerobic bacteria that grow within the temperature range ∼40–55°C in culture. The optimal pH range is 7.8–8.8. The type and the only currently described species is
Isosphaera pallida
. This genus is a member of the phylum
Planctomycetes
, class
Planctomycetia
, order
Isosphaerales
, and family
Isosphaeraceae
. The main habitats are hot springs.

DNA G + C content
(
mol
%): 62.4 (genome sequence).

Type species
:
Isosphaera pallida
Giovannoni et al. 1987b, VL54 (basonyms:
Isocystis pallida
Woronichin 1927 – as a cyanobacterium;
Torulopsidosira pallida
Geitler 1963 – as a yeast).
Tamilnaduibacter
Authors: Yadav Pooja , Das Joyasree , Verma Ashish , Pal Yash , Krishnamurthi Srinivasan
Published: July 2021

Ta.mil.na.du.i.bac'ter. N.L. masc. n.
bacter
a rod; N.L. masc. n.
Tamilnaduibacter
a rod from Tamilnadu.

Proteobacteria / Gammaproteobacteria / Alteromonadales / Alteromonadaceae / Tamilnaduibacter

The genus
Tamilnaduibacter
is currently classified within the class
Gammaproteobacteria
, family
Alteromonadaceae
and contains a single species,
Tamilnaduibacter salinus
. The genus forms a robust clade along with the genera
Marinobacter
,
Mangrovitalea
, and
Hydrocarboniclastica
in both 16S rRNA gene sequence and whole‐genome sequence‐based trees. Members of this genus are extremely halotolerant with an obligate requirement for NaCl for growth. They are unable to utilize most simple sugars and amino acid substrates as a source of carbon and energy. The characteristic fatty acid pattern shows predominance of C
16:0
and summed feature 3 (C
16:1
ω7
c
and C
16:1
ω6
c
). Diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), and an unidentified phospholipid (PL) are the core lipids of the genus.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 60.5 (genome).

Type species
:
Tamilnaduibacter salinus
Verma et al. 2015
VP
.
Caldisalinibacter
Authors: Spring Stefan
Published: July 2021

Cal.di.sa.li.ni.bac'ter
.
L. masc. adj.
caldus
hot; N.L. masc. adj.
salinus
saline; N.L. masc. n.
bacter
rod; N.L. masc. n.
Caldisalinibacter
a thermohalophilic rod.

Firmicutes / Clostridia / Tissierellales / Thermohalobacteraceae / Caldisalinibacter

The genus
Caldisalinibacter
accommodates slender rod‐shaped cells from anoxic hypersaline environments and is so far represented by one species and strain. Cells are spore forming, motile by a monotrichous lateral flagellum, and have a Gram‐positive type of cell wall with a thin peptidoglycan layer. Moderately thermohalophilic, strictly anaerobic bacteria with a fermentative metabolism based on sugars as the preferred substrates. Casamino acids are not fermented. Thiosulfate can be reduced to hydrogen sulfide during fermentative growth. Sulfur is not reduced. Yeast extract is required for growth. The major cellular fatty acids are iso‐C
15:0
and iso‐C
15:0
DMA. The polar lipid composition is dominated by phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, and unidentified phospholipids and glycolipids. Respiratory lipoquinones or cytochromes are not formed. The only available genome of this genus is of the nomenclatural type
Caldisalinibacter kiritimatiensis
L21‐TH‐D2
T
. It has a size of 2.79 Mb and contains 2,645 protein‐coding genes, 59 RNA genes, and 5 CRISPR regions.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 30.1 (sequence analysis).

Type species
:
Caldisalinibacter kiritimatiensis
Ben Hania et al. 2015, VL164.
Calditrichota
phyl. nov.
Authors: Bonch‐Osmolovskaya Elizaveta A. , Lebedinsky Alexander V. , Kublanov Ilya V.
Published: July 2021

Cal.di.tri.cho'ta. N.L. fem. n.
Caldithrix
the type genus of the phylum; ‐
ota
ending to denote a phylum; N.L. fem. pl. n.
Calditrichota
the phylum of
Caldithix
.

The phylum
Calditrichota
was circumscribed on the basis of the phylogenetic analysis of 38 universally conserved single‐copy proteins present in
Bacteria
and
Archaea
. At present, it includes only one class, one order, and one family with two genera of moderately thermophilic, anaerobic organotrophic bacteria, which are capable of nitrate respiration and inhabit submarine hydrothermal environments.
Global phylogeography of the smooth hammerhead shark: Glacial refugia and historical migration patterns
Authors: Lopes da Silva Ferrette Bruno , Coelho Rui , Peddemors Victor Marten , Ovenden Jennifer R. , De Franco Bruno Alexandre , Oliveira Claudio , Foresti Fausto , Mendonça Fernando Fernandes
Published: July 2021

Extreme climate changes during the Cenozoic Era strengthened different biogeographical barriers that decreased the connectivity among populations, triggering lineage diversification of different species worldwide.

The mitochondrial DNA control region was employed to explore the phylogeography of Sphyrna zygaena, a globally distributed species threatened by unsustainable, illegal, unreported and unregulated fisheries triggered by the international shark fin trade. It is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ by the IUCN Red List and its trade is regulated by CITES Appendix II.

Only 13 haplotypes were found with low genetic diversity levels (hd = 0.686 ± 0.014; π = 0.00206 ± 0.00004) compared with other species of the Sphyrnidae family. The species has a very strong phylogeographic population structure among the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans (ΦST = 0.79132). Worldwide, there are six distinct populations with some haplotype sharing.

These populations are probably connected by a stepping‐stone dispersal of a small number of migrants per generation from the Indo‐Pacific towards the Atlantic. Modelling suggests that S. zygaena diverged into two lineages around 6.96 million years ago which have been isolated in glacial refuges in the Atlantic and Indo‐Pacific oceans; and after deglaciation, a population expansion probably permitted secondary contact.

Conservation plans to establish differentiated management units should be adopted in each of the identified populations. Among these, the Eastern Central Atlantic and West Indo‐Pacific are the most important areas for the species considering the historical migration routes that act as a bridge connecting the Atlantic and Indo‐Pacific Oceans while the Gulf of Guinea connects the Atlantic populations. Still, further studies are required to know if these populations are also linked with nursery areas for the species.

The results herein can help to delimit the main evolutionarily significant units to implement effective policies to establish differentiated management units as starting points to genetic monitoring programmes for Sphyrna zygaena.
Post‐modified Strategies of Graphdiyne for Electrochemical Applications
Authors: Gao Lei , Yang Ze , Li Xiaodong , Huang Changshui
Published: July 2021

The new carbon material graphdiyne (GDY) has been verified to have a great application prospect in electrochemical field. In order to study its properties and expand its scope of application, various experiments including structural control tests are imposed on GDY. Among them, as one of the most commonly used methods to modify the structure, heteroatom doping is favored for its advantages in synthesis methods and the control of mechanical, electrical and even magnetic properties of carbon materials. According to the published studies, the top‐down methods of doping heteroatoms for GDY only need cheap raw materials, simple synthetic route and strong controllability, which is conducive to rapid performance breakthroughs in electrochemical applications. This review selects the typical cases in the development of that post‐modification method from the application of GDY in the electrochemical field. Here, based on the existed reports, the commonly used non‐metal elements (such as nitrogen, sulfur) and metal elements (such as iron) have been introduced to post‐modify GDY. Then, a detailed analysis is made for corresponding electrochemical applications, such as energy storage and electrocatalysis. Finally, the challenges and prospects of post‐modified GDY in synthesis and electrochemical applications are proposed. This review provides us a useful guidance for the development of high‐quality GDY suitable for electrochemical applications.
Inhibition of human UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase enzyme by Dabrafenib: Implications for drug–drug interactions
Authors: Yin Hang , Wang Zhe , Wang Xiaoyu , Lv Xin , Fan Xiaoyu , Yan Mingrui , Jia Yanyan , Jiang Lili , Cao Jun , Liu Yong
Published: July 2021

Dabrafenib is a novel small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) which is used to treat metastatic melanoma. The aim of this research was to survey the effects of dabrafenib on human UDP‐glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) and to evaluate the risk of drug–drug interactions (DDIs). The formation rates for 4‐methylumbelliferone (4‐MU) glucuronide and trifluoperazine‐glucuronide in 12 recombinant human UGT isoforms with or without dabrafenib were measured and HPLC was used to investigate the inhibitory effects of dabrafenib on UGTs. Inhibition kinetic studies were also conducted. In vitro–in vivo extrapolation approaches were further used to predict the risk of DDI potentials of dabrafenib via inhibition of UGTs. Our data indicated that dabrafenib had a broad inhibitory effect on 4‐MU glucuronidation by inhibiting the activities of UGTs, especially on UGT1A1, UGT1A7, UGT1A8, and UGT1A9, and dabrafenib could increase the area under the curve of co‐administered drugs. Dabrafenib is a strong inhibitor of several UGTs and the co‐administration of dabrafenib with drugs primarily metabolized by UGT1A1, 1A7, 1A8 or 1A9 may induce potential DDIs.
Reconstructing spleno‐mesenterico‐portal cofluence by bifurcated allogeneic vein in local advanced pancreatic cancer—a feasible method to avoid left‐sided portal hypertension
Authors: Zhang Xingmao , Wu Qiao , Fan Hua , He Qiang , Lang Ren
Published: July 2021

Background

Left‐sided portal hypertension is usually found in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) with spleno‐mesenterico‐portal (S‐M‐P) confluence resection. This study is to explore the outcomes of S‐M‐P confluence reconstruction after resection by using bifurcated allogeneic vein.

Methods

Clinicopathologic data of patients who underwent extensive PD with S‐M‐P confluence resection for carcinoma of pancreatic head/uncinate process in our hospital between December 2011 and August 2018 were retrospectively reviewed and clinical outcomes of vein reconstruction after resection were analyzed.

Results

Of the 37 patients enrolled, S‐M‐P reconstruction by bifurcated allogeneic vein was performed in 24 cases (group 1) and simply splenic vein ligation in 13 cases (group 2). Items including pathological results, blood loss, and complications were comparable between the two groups, operation time was longer in group 1 (573.8 vs. 479.2 min, p = 0.018). Significantly decreased platelet count (205.9 vs. 133.1 × 109/L, p = 0.001) and increased splenic volume (270.9 vs. 452.2 ml, p < 0.001) were observed in group 2 at 6 months after operation. The mean splenic hypertrophy ratio was 1.06 in group 1 and 1.63 in group 2, respectively (p < 0.001). There were four patients with varices were found in group 2, none in group 1.

Conclusions

Without increased complications, reconstructing S‐M‐P confluence by bifurcated allogeneic vein after resection may help to avoid left‐sided portal hypertension.
Altruism and social utility in consumer sharing behavior
Authors: Say Alicia L. , Guo Ruey‐Shan A. , Chen Chialin
Published: July 2021

Previous studies on consumer behavior in the sharing economy mainly focused on users' utilitarian benefits in market‐mediated exchange businesses and the social benefits of not‐for‐profit sharing practices. In particular, existing research on market‐mediated exchange indicates that the effect of personal utility outweighs altruistic and pro‐social values in consumers' sharing behavior; social utility factors, such as sustainability and benefits for the community, do not play significant roles in consumers' participation in for‐profit sharing businesses. Theoretically, this study complements previous studies on consumer behavior in the sharing economy with the social exchange theory (SET). It is important because it fills the research gap by proposing the effects of consumers' altruistic traits, interpersonal relationships, and pro‐social concerns on the commercial shared‐ride service. We conducted two empirical studies in the contexts of Uber in Taiwan and Didi in Mainland China. The results show a significant effect of altruism and social utility on consumers' sharing participation in market‐mediated exchange. Practically, this study highlights the significance of socio‐cultural contexts and psychological mechanisms to sharing‐platform operators. Efforts to promote consumers' altruism and concerns for sustainability and others' benefits will encourage the consumers' involvement. Our results also reveal the cultural differences between Taiwanese and Chinese consumers' sharing adoption.
A Facile Strategy for Synthesizing Organic Tannic Metal Salts as Advanced Energy Storage Anodes
Authors: Liu Fang , Liao Songyi , Lin Hai , Yin Yawen , Liu Yidong , Meng Hong , Min Yong
Published: July 2021

Until now, organic electrode materials have been extensively researched and are expected to emerge as a promising rechargeable battery material, with advantages of adjustable structure, and stable electrochemical performance. Herein, we describe the synthesis of tannic acid metal salt [lithium tannic acid (LiTA) and sodium tannic acid (NaTA)] through a facile and mild acid‐base reaction methodology. The LiTA anode delivers a reversible capacity of 151.7 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 and maintains 100.5 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles. Correspondingly, the NaTA anode presents a capacity of 147.7 mAh g−1 at 80 mA g−1 and remains at 79.9 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles. Both materials show good electrochemical behavior as demonstrated by EIS and GITT measured transport dynamics. Furthermore, the ion storage mechanism investigated by ex‐situ FTIR and ex‐situ XPS indicated that the redox pair changes between the C=O and C−O bonds. Therefore, the feasibility of tannic acid metal salt as a rechargeable battery anode provides a strategy to search for other natural organic compounds as promising energy storage materials.
Real‐world experience of nivolumab in the treatment of poor performance status patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Abbas M. Nazim , Klevansky Myron , Koczwara Bogda , Roy Amitesh Chandra , Sukumaran Shawgi , Vatandoust Sina , Karapetis Christos Stelios
Published: July 2021

Background

Nivolumab improves disease control and survival in advanced NSCLC in patients with good performance status (PS), but there is limited data on its efficacy in patients with poor PS.

Aim

Primary objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of nivolumab and examine the influence of PS on outcomes.

Methods and Results

Retrospective analysis of patients treated with single‐agent nivolumab for advanced NSCLC at a single institution was performed.

Sixty‐six patients treated with nivolumab were identified (33 male) with a median age of 68.5 years. Fifty‐six (85%) patients were current or former smokers and 17 (26%) had brain metastasis. All patients had received prior chemotherapy, 39 (59%) patients received one and 27 (41%) had ≥2 prior lines of therapy. Median overall survival (OS) was 7.1 months (95%CI 3.61–11.3) in the overall study population. OS of patients with PS ≥2 at the start of treatment was 3.04 months (95%CI 1.64–7.36) as compared to 10.23 months (95%CI 7.06–18.9) with PS ≤1. The overall response rate was 7% (four patients had a partial response), 23 (40%) patients had stable disease; the overall disease control rate (partial response and stable disease) was 47%. Twenty‐six (40%) patients had PS ≥2 at the start of treatment and 2 (8%) of these patients developed a partial response, 4 (15%) had stable disease; the overall disease control rate was 23%. Fourteen (58%) patients with PS ≥2 had disease progression at the time of first disease response evaluation. In the overall population, 20% of patients experienced grade ≥3 treatment‐related adverse events (TRAEs), most commonly pneumonitis, hepatitis, and colitis. Fourteen TRAEs led to treatment discontinuation, 9 (23%) adverse events (AEs) in patients with PS ≤1 and 5 (19%) with PS ≥2. Fourteen (21%) patients died within 30 days of the last nivolumab treatment.

Conclusion

There was no significant difference in toxicity leading to treatment discontinuation between the poor and good PS groups, but survival was shorter with poorer PS. PS appears to be an important prognostic factor and remains a relevant discriminator in the selection of treatment with immunotherapy for lung cancer.
Composite Porous Liquid for Recyclable Sequestration, Storage and In Situ Catalytic Conversion of Carbon Dioxide at Room Temperature
Authors: Bhattacharjee Archita , Kumar Raj , Sharma Kamendra P.
Published: July 2021

Permanent pores combined with fluidity renders flow processability to porous liquids otherwise not seen in porous solids. Although porous liquids have been utilized for sequestration of different gases and their separation, there is still a dearth of studies for deploying in situ chemical reactions to convert adsorbed gases into utility chemicals. Here, we show the design and development of a new type of solvent‐less and hybrid (meso‐)porous liquid composite, which, as demonstrated for the first time, can be used for in situ carbon mineralization of adsorbed CO2. The recyclable porous liquid composite comprising polymer‐surfactant modified hollow silica nanorods and carbonic anhydrase enzyme not only sequesters (5.5 cm3 g−1 at 273 K and 1 atm) and stores CO2 but is also capable of driving an in situ enzymatic reaction for hydration of CO2 to HCO3− ion, subsequently converting it to CaCO3 due to reaction with pre‐dissolved Ca2+. Light and electron microscopy combined with X‐ray diffraction reveals the nucleation and growth of calcite and aragonite crystals. Moreover, the liquid‐like property of the porous composite material can be harnessed by executing the same reaction via diffusion of complimentary Ca2+ and HCO3− ions through different compartments separated by an interfacial channel. These studies provide a proof of concept of deploying chemical reactions within porous liquids for developing utility chemical from adsorbed molecules.
Overexpression of ARHI increases the sensitivity of cervical cancer cells to paclitaxel through inducing apoptosis and autophagy
Authors: Wang Yang , Shen Fangrong , Zhou Jinhua , Fang Yuelan , Qi Yalan , Chen Youguo
Published: July 2021

Cervical cancer (CC) is a common malignant tumor of the female reproductive system. This study investigated the role of aplysia ras homolog I (ARHI) in resistance to CC in vitro and in patients' tissues. Hela cells were continuously treated with different concentrations of paclitaxel (1–10 nM) to construct paclitaxel‐resistant cell model (Hela‐TR). CC or CC‐TR tissues were obtained from CC patients or CC patients who had developed paclitaxel resistance. The level of ARHI and multidrug resistance gene 1 (MDR1) in cells and tissues were detected by qRT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. Cell viability, apoptosis and the number of colonies were assessed by MTT, flow cytometry and cell clone assay in Hela and Hela‐TR cells after the ARHI plasmid or shARHI were transfected into cells. The autophagy and apoptosis signaling related proteins were analyzed by western blotting. The results revealed that the levels of ARHI mRNA and protein were down‐regulated in CC tissues, and were further reduced in paclitaxel‐resistant tissues and Hela cell model. High expression of ARHI inhibited the expression of MDR1 in Hela and Hela‐TR cells. The cell viability and cell clone of Hela and Hela‐TR cells were decreased by ARHI overexpression but increased by ARHI suppression. In addition, highly expressed ARHI promoted apoptosis and activated autophagy by increasing LC3‐II/LC3‐I through inactivating AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. In conclusion, overexpression of ARHI can increase the sensitivity of CC to paclitaxel through promoting apoptosis and autophagy in a AKT/mTOR inactivation dependent pathway.
Toxicity of Refugio Beach Oil to Sand Crabs (Emerita analoga), Blue Mussels (Mytilus sp.), and Inland Silversides (Menidia beryllina)
Authors: Donohoe Regina M. , Duke Bryand M. , Clark Stephen L. , Joab Bruce M. , Dugan Jenifer E. , Hubbard David M. , DaSilva April R. , Anderson Michael J.
Published: July 2021

Monterey formation crude oil spilled from an onshore pipeline and entered the surf zone near Refugio State Beach, Santa Barbara County, California (USA) on 19 May 2015. During this season, early life stages of many marine fish and invertebrates were present. Surf zone water and beach porewater samples were collected during the 4 mo after the spill and 2 yr later for chemical analyses. Elevated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) and total petroleum hydrocarbon concentrations were observed in surf zone water and porewater near the release point, declining with distance and time. Early life stage toxicity was investigated by conducting 6- and 7-d static renewal bioassays with sand crab (Emerita analoga) post larvae (megalopae) and inland silverside larvae (Menidia beryllina), respectively, and a 48-h blue mussel (Mytilus sp.) embryo development bioassay. Dilutions of a high-energy water accommodated fraction of the Refugio Beach oil and a seawater control were prepared to simulate surf zone PAH concentrations (nominal PAH45; 0, 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 µg/L). The PAH45 median lethal concentrations (LC50s), based on measured concentrations, were 381 µg/L for Mytilus sp., 75.6 µg/L for Menidia, and 40.9 µg/L for Emerita. Our results suggest that PAH concentrations in coastal waters of the spill-affected area were potentially lethal to early life stages of fish and invertebrates. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2578–2586. © 2021 SETAC
Appraisal and coping predict health and well‐being during the COVID‐19 pandemic: An international approach
Authors: Kirby Leslie D. , Qian Weiqiang , Adiguzel Zafer , Afshar Jahanshahi Asghar , Bakracheva Margarita , Orejarena Ballestas María C. , Cruz José Fernando A. , Dash Arobindu , Dias Claudia , Ferreira Maria J. , Goosen Johanna G. , Kamble Shanmukh V. , Mihaylov Nikolay L. , Pan Fada , Sofia Rui , Stallen Mirre , Tamir Maya , van Dijk Wilco W. , Vittersø Joar , Smith Craig A.
Published: July 2021

COVID‐19 has had a devastating impact on people worldwide. We conducted an international survey (n = 3646) examining the degree to which people's appraisals and coping activities around the pandemic predicted their health and well‐being. We obtained subsamples from 12 countries—Bangladesh, Bulgaria, China, Colombia, India, Israel, the Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Portugal, Turkey and the United States. For each, we assessed appraisals and coping strategies as well as indicators of physical and mental health and well‐being. Results indicated that, despite mean‐level societal differences in outcomes, the pattern of appraisals and coping strategies predicting health and well‐being was consistent across countries. Use of disengagement coping (particularly behavioural disengagement and self‐isolation) was associated with relatively negative outcomes. In contrast, optimistic appraisals (particularly of high accommodation‐focused coping potential and the ability to meet one's physical needs), use of problem‐focused coping strategies (especially problem‐solving) and accommodative coping strategies (especially positive reappraisal and self‐encouragement) were associated with relatively positive outcomes. Our study highlights the critical importance of considering accommodative coping in stress and coping research. It also provides important information on how people have been dealing with the pandemic, the predictors of well‐being under pandemic conditions and the generality of such relations.
Evaluation of surface albedo over the Tibetan Plateau simulated by CMIP5 models using in‐situ measurements and MODIS
Authors: An Yingying , Meng Xianhong , Zhao Lin , Li Zhaoguo , Wang Shaoying , Shang Lunyu , Chen Hao , Lyu Shihua
Published: July 2021

Surface albedo plays a key role in the energy and water cycles, and reasonable parameterizations of surface albedo will be greatly helpful to improve the simulation of radiation partition in climate models. In‐situ measurements of albedo from five sites over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) and MODIS albedo product are used to evaluate monthly, annual, and seasonal variations of the surface albedo simulated by 24 Global Climate Models (GCMs) archived by the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5). Potential factors contributing to the bias of simulated albedo were investigated. The results show that the monthly albedo of 24 GCMs varied across models, and the difference among the models was smaller in the June–July–August period than the December–January–February period. The ensemble mean albedo of the 24 GCMs was more consistent with the in‐situ measurements than the individual model. The albedo calculated from the BNU‐ESM, GFDL‐CM3, INM‐CM4, MIROC4h, MIROC‐ESM, and MIROC‐ESM‐CHEM models coincided with the observations from June to September, increasing rapidly to above 0.4 from November. However, the annual cycle of surface albedo was insignificant when simulated by some models, such as CanESM2, CSIRO‐Mk3.6.0, CMCC‐CMS, IPSL‐CM5A‐MR, and MPI‐ESM‐MR. Additionally, the surface albedo was overestimated by CMIP5 multi‐model ensemble mean—with a smaller amplitude of daily albedo—compared with the values estimated from in‐situ observations and MCD43A3. In all 24 models, snow albedo parameterization schemes were found to variably fit the attenuation of snow albedo over time. The cold temperature, relatively more precipitation, fresh snow density, and albedo in these models led to large biases in snow depth and ablation. The surface albedo tends to increase without the influence of blowing snow and withered grass on the model's albedo.
Mental Illness Stigma and Help‐Seeking Attitudes of Students With Immigrant Parents
Authors: Bismar Danna , Wang Chiachih DC
Published: July 2021

This study examined the relations among mental illness stigma, parent‐child communication about mental health concerns, parent‐child acculturation gap, and attitudes toward seeking professional services of college students from immigrant families. Findings from 219 participants indicated significant direct and indirect effects of stigma on negative help‐seeking attitudes and supported the moderator effect of the acculturation gap. Implications of the findings and future research directions are discussed from the cultural contexts faced by college students with immigrant parents.
A Metastudy of The Journal of Humanistic Counseling: An Analysis of Publication Characteristics From 2000 to 2019
Authors: Sylvester Anne‐Marie , Wary Sami , Reilly Joe , Erford Bradley T. , MacInerney Erin
Published: July 2021

Articles published in The Journal of Humanistic Counseling from 2000 to 2019 were analyzed to determine trends over time in article content (e.g., topical content, research methodology, participant characteristics, research design, statistics used, reporting standards) and author characteristics (e.g., leading contributors and institutions, gender, work setting, domicile).
Well‐posedness for fully nonlinear functional differential equations
Authors: Tanaka Naoki
Published: July 2021

This paper deals with the well‐posedness for the fully nonlinear functional differential equation in a general Banach space X, where is a family of operators whose domains are subsets of the so‐called initial‐history space and whose ranges are subsets of the space X. The special case where for and with has been extensively studied so far, but there has not been a satisfactory solution to the flow invariance problem. This paper establishes the well‐posedness for the fully nonlinear functional differential equations and solves the above‐mentioned problem on flow invariance.
Low duty cycle pulse trains for exchange rate insensitive chemical exchange saturation transfer MRI
Authors: Chung Julius Juhyun , Jin Tao
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To introduce and validate a pulse scheme that uses low duty cycle trains of π‐pulses to achieve saturation that is relatively insensitive to exchange rate yet linearly dependent on labile proton concentration.

Methods

Simulations were performed to explore the exchange rate sensitivity of π‐pulse trains and continuous wave chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) signals. Creatine phantoms with varying pH and varying concentrations were imaged to demonstrate pH insensitivity and concentration dependence of low duty cycle π‐pulse saturation.

Results

Simulations show decreasing the duty cycle of π‐pulse saturation decreases peak sensitivity to exchange rate, and this range of insensitivity can be tuned to different exchange rates through average B1 power. The range of insensitivity is unaffected by changes in relaxation and magnetization transfer, while the sensitivity of CEST signal maintains linear dependence on labile proton concentration. Under B1,avg = 0.48 μT, 30 mM creatine with pHs ranging between 6.36 and 8.21 exhibited CEST contrast ranging between ~6 and 11% under continuous wave and ~4% across all pHs using 10% duty cycle π‐pulses. Imaging these phantoms using duty cycles of 5, 10, 25, and 50% showed decreasing pH sensitivity with decreased duty cycle. Creatine phantoms with varied concentrations and pHs reveal that π‐pulse train saturation exhibited stricter correlation to concentration at lower DCs.

Conclusion

Low DC π‐pulse train is an easy‐to‐implement way of providing labile proton concentration‐dependent CEST MRI signal that is insensitive to exchange rate. This approach can be useful in studies where a change of chemical exchange rate may interfere with accurate assessments of physiology or pathology.
Kohlenstoffgehalt überwachen
Authors: Hupach Sascha
Published: July 2021

Das meistverwendete Betriebsmittel in der chemischen Industrie ist Wasser. Es dient als Lösemittel und Reagenz, als Energieträger zum Wärmen oder Kühlen oder etwa zur Reinigung. Ganz gleich, wofür es verwendet wird: Das Wassermonitoring gehört zu den wichtigen Aufgaben in einem Chemiepark. Ein entscheidender Parameter ist der Gehalt an organischem Kohlenstoff.
Trendbericht Biochemie: Vorwort
Authors: Helm Mark
Published: July 2021

Wie funktioniert die Qualitätskontrolle, wenn Ribosome genetische Information aus der mRNA in Proteine übersetzen? Welche Einblicke in die Biochemie der Coronaviren liefert die spektroskopische Methode Fret an einzelnen Molekülen? Wie hilft Massenspektrometrie gegen Viren wie Sars‐CoV‐2? Und wie hat sich im letzten Jahr die Forschung zu kovalenten Proteinliganden entwickelt, die sich als Grundlage für Inhibitoren ansonsten schwer adressierbarer Proteine eignen? Antworten liefert dieser Bericht in vier Kapiteln.
Lanthanoide in der Natur
Authors: Daumann Lena
Published: July 2021

Lena Daumann untersucht die Funktion Seltener Erden in Enzymen. Hier beschreibt die Dozentenpreisträgerin, wie sie dazu kam und was Vulkankrater damit zu tun haben.
Strategien bei radikalischen Trifluormethylierungen
Authors: Didier Dorian , Reiners Felix
Published: July 2021

Fluor in Moleküle einzubauen verbessert oft deren metabolische Stabilität und andere Eigenschaften. Deshalb hat die pharmazeutische Industrie großes Interesse an fluorierten Wirkstoffkandidaten. Ein Überblick über die Methoden, wie sich das Halogen in Moleküle einbringen lässt.
Retropubic mid‐urethral slings and de novo urinary urgency and frequency: The role of retropubic hematomas
Authors: Wu Emily , High Rachel , Lewis Christopher , Kuehl Thomas J. , Danford Jill M. , Yandell Paul M.
Published: July 2021

Aims

This is a prospective cohort study comparing de novo lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in subjects undergoing a retropubic mid‐urethral sling who either did or did not develop a postoperative retropubic hematoma within 6 weeks of surgery. The secondary objective was to measure the incidence and prevalence of retropubic hematomas, and subject characteristics associated with retropubic hematomas.

Methods

Eligible subjects were recruited before undergoing a retropubic mid‐urethral sling with or without concurrent pelvic reconstructive surgery. Validated urinary symptom questionnaires were completed before surgery and at 6 weeks postoperatively. An abdominal ultrasound was used to establish baseline lower urinary tract imaging. Ultrasound was repeated immediately after surgery and 6 weeks later to assess for the presence of retropubic hematomas.

Results

Ninety‐four subjects were enrolled. Baseline urgency and frequency were measured in 35% (33/93) of subjects. At 6 weeks postoperatively, 2% (1/52) had de novo LUTS which were not associated with a retropubic hematoma at any time. Immediately after surgery, the incidence of retropubic hematomas was 17% (16/94) while the prevalence of retropubic hematomas 6 weeks after surgery was 4% (3/75). There was no significant difference in the change in hemoglobin before and after surgery between those with and without postoperative retropubic hematomas.

Conclusions

There is no significant association with de novo LUTS and retropubic hematomas. Though there is a 17% incidence of retropubic hematomas detected immediately after surgery, those with hematomas who were not lost to follow‐up resolved by the 6‐week postoperative visit and is of unclear clinical significance.
Impact of hybrid nanofillers on the structure and property of polypropylene/polystyrene composites based on elongation flow
Authors: Chen Rong‐Yuan , Yang Hao‐Ran , Yang Xiao‐Zhuang , Han Lin , Zhang Zhong‐Hou , Li Ya‐Dong
Published: July 2021

The composites comprised of polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS) and hybrid nanofillers were prepared by a novel eccentric rotor extruder based on elongation flow. The morphology, thermal behavior and rheological properties were investigated. The morphology of the PS dispersed phase changed from circular shape of PP70/PS30 blend to microfiber shape of PP/PS/MWCNTs/MMT composite with an increase of the number of the hybrid nanofillers dimensions. The nano‐TiO2 and MWCNTs were mainly located at the interface, did not change the shape of the PS dispersed phase but reduce the size of the dispersed phase. The hybrid nanofillers containing MWCNTs had better modification effect on the improvement of the crystalline ability of PP compared with the hybrid nanofillers without MWCNTs. The introduction of the hybrid nanofillers did not affect the crystal type of PP, but influence the perfection of crystallization of PP. The hybrid nanofillers had a nice enhancement on the thermal stability of the PP/PS blend. Compared with PP, the low frequency G′ of the hybrid nanofillers filled PP70/PS30 composites increased by two orders of magnitude. With an increase of the dimensionality of the hybrid nanofillers, the restriction of the molecular chains relaxation caused by the hybrid nanofillers was enhanced.