bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced immobilization of Cr(VI) by a Fe0–microorganisms composite system: Benchmark and pot experiments
Authors: Liu Li , Zhao Jinxin , Yin Weizhao , Lv Sihao , Su Mei , Li Ping , Zheng Xiangyu , Chiang Penchi , Wu Jinhua
Published: July 2021

In this study, a collaborative system of Fe0 and mixed anaerobic microorganisms was established for remediating chromium (Cr)‐contaminated soil and restraining the translocation of Cr from soil to swamp cabbage (Ipomoea aquatica Forssk.). Solid phase characterization demonstrated that more reactive secondary minerals such as green rust, magnetite, and lepidocrocite were generated in the composite system as compared with the Fe0‐only system. Hence, the Fe0–microorganisms composite system achieved a remarkably higher aqueous Cr(VI) removal of 85.6%, 2.9 times higher than that in the Fe0‐only system. After 14 d remediation, easily available Cr(VI) and Crtotal species such as water‐soluble, exchangeable, and bound‐to‐carbonates were converted to less available Cr(III) and Crtotal species (e.g., Fe–Mn oxides‐bound and organic matter‐bound species) because of the production of Cr–Fe hydroxides and oxides [CrxFe1−x(OH)3 or CrxFe1−xOOH] on the Fe0 surface. A pot experiment showed that Cr uptake by swamp cabbage after the composite system remediation was suppressed by 69.1%, two times higher than that after the Fe0‐only system remediation. Excessive Fe uptake by swamp cabbage also was efficiently inhibited by the composite system treatment due to enhanced Fe hydroxides and oxides production on the Fe0 surface because of biological corrosion and mineralization. These results indicated that Fe0–microorganisms composite system remediation could efficiently enhance Cr(VI) immobilization and decrease its bioavailability and bioaccumulation by plants, which is a promising technology in Cr‐contaminated soil remediation.
Microstructural changes in normal‐appearing white matter in male sleep apnea patients are reversible after treatment: A pilot study
Authors: Salsone Maria , Caligiuri Maria Eugenia , Castronovo Vincenza , Canessa Nicola , Marelli Sara , Quattrone Andrea , Quattrone Aldo , Ferini‐Strambi Luigi
Published: July 2021

Visually appreciable white matter (WM) changes have been described in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, few data exist on the involvement of silent WM abnormalities. This prospective study investigated the microstructural integrity of normal‐appearing white matter (NAWM) in male OSA patients before and after continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment, using a neuroimaging approach. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was acquired from 32 participants (16 severe never‐treated OSA and 16 controls). Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and Tract‐Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS) were used to assess the microstructural NAWM changes in fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD). In order to evaluate the efficacy of the therapy, OSA patients underwent MRI evaluations at baseline and after 3 months of treatment (follow‐up). CPAP treatment significantly increased the FA in NAWM of the brain stem, corpus callosum and bilateral internal capsule of OSA patients at follow‐up compared to baseline (p < 0.05, TFCE‐corrected). OSA patients also showed increases in AD in the corpus callosum, superior corona radiata, and internal capsule of the right hemisphere (p < 0.05, TFCE‐corrected) after CPAP treatment. A significant negative correlation was found between the FA of the corona radiata, corpus callosum, internal capsule, limbic structures, and neuropsychological scores at follow‐up evaluation. No significant differences were found in MD and RD of NAWM in our patients after treatment. Our results demonstrate that FA and AD of NAWM in major tracts such as the corpus callosum and the internal capsule increased significantly after CPAP treatment, as a potential beneficial effect of ventilatory therapy. The recovery of NAWM alterations might also be related to the improvement in the neurocognitive profile, suggesting that nonclearly visible WM alterations may contribute to the physiopathology of OSA‐related cognitive impairment.
Competition and cheating: Investigating the role of moral awareness, moral identity, and moral elevation
Authors: Vadera Abhijeet K. , Pathki Chandra Shekhar
Published: July 2021

Competition can lead individuals to cheat; yet our knowledge of why competition affects cheating and how to mitigate these effects is limited. To address this limitation, we first contrast two theories: arousal theories of competition (via desire to win) and social cognitive theory (via impaired moral awareness). Our results were consistent with social cognitive theory in that competition impairs moral awareness and that this impairment explains why people cheat. We therefore build on social cognitive theory and show that two factors, moral identity and moral elevation, which are likely to make morality salient, moderated the effects of competition on cheating such that these effects were weaker for individuals whose moral identity was more (vs. less) chronically accessible or who were more (vs. less) morally elevated. We test our hypotheses in five experimental studies and one field study with students as well as working adult populations in India and the United States.
Modelling deep convective activity using lightning clusters and machine learning
Authors: Shi Manxing , Zhang Wei , Fan Peng , Chen Qihao , Liu Zhipeng , Li Qin , Liu Xiuguo
Published: July 2021

Retrieving thunderstorm activity through specific thermodynamic and kinematic parameters is paramount for predicting deep convective weather and investigating long‐term climatology of storm. However, the reliability of the relationship between parameters and convective events is restricted by the modelling methods and sampling of thunderstorm activity. There is no objective definition of a thunderstorm, so the clustering method is applied to the cloud‐to‐ground (CG) lightning stroke data in Central China to identify lightning clusters. These clusters are then gridded and associated with environmental variables derived from ERA5 reanalysis. Finally, machine learning (ML) technologies are applied to model the occurrence of thunderstorms. In addition, ERA5 is also evaluated. The parameters related to moisture and lapse rate calculated by ERA5 are close to sounding measurements, such as Td850, PW, LR700_400 and KI, whose correlation coefficients exceed 0.90. ERA5 has a good estimation of some parameters that are susceptible to the influence of the boundary layer. Compared with the lightning strike‐based scheme, our scheme obtains the best performance index values. An agreement between observations and predictions based on lightning clusters is also evident from the diurnal cycle of thunderstorm probabilities. Although thunderstorm activity on complex terrain is underestimated, the created ML model can explain 61.4% of the variance in the observed frequency. The results of the significance test reveal that there are statistically significant differences between the soundings corresponding to some isolated CG strikes and the thunderstorm class, but the distribution is the same as that of the non‐thunderstorm class. Solar radiation, topographic features and lake distribution play a major role in promoting the occurrence and development of thunderstorms.
Detecting publication selection bias through excess statistical significance
Authors: Stanley T. D. , Doucouliagos Hristos , Ioannidis John P. A. , Carter Evan C.
Published: July 2021

We introduce and evaluate three tests for publication selection bias based on excess statistical significance (ESS). The proposed tests incorporate heterogeneity explicitly in the formulas for expected and ESS. We calculate the expected proportion of statistically significant findings in the absence of selective reporting or publication bias based on each study's SE and meta‐analysis estimates of the mean and variance of the true‐effect distribution. A simple proportion of statistical significance test (PSST) compares the expected to the observed proportion of statistically significant findings. Alternatively, we propose a direct test of excess statistical significance (TESS). We also combine these two tests of excess statistical significance (TESSPSST). Simulations show that these ESS tests often outperform the conventional Egger test for publication selection bias and the three‐parameter selection model (3PSM).
Supercritical fluid chromatography using methacrylate‐based monolithic column for the separation of polar analytes
Authors: Huang Yang , Jiang Zhengjin
Published: July 2021

A poly(N,N‐dimethyl‐N‐methacryloyloxyethyl‐N‐(3‐sulfopropyl) ammonium betaine‐co‐ethylene dimethacrylate) monolith was prepared in a 100 × 2.0 mm id stainless‐steel column and was investigated for supercritical fluid chromatography. Optimization of its porosity was performed by changing the conditions of polymerization. Then, the chemical group of this column was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The morphology was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The prepared column showed good repeatability based on the retention factor of adenine, uracil and cytosine to calculate their run‐to‐run, day‐to‐day, column‐to‐column, and batch‐to‐batch relative standard deviations. Those values were less than 1.9% (n = 10), 6.5% (n = 3), 5.6% (n = 3), and 1.7% (n = 3), respectively. In addition, the column was found to be stable within 3 and 10 days with relative standard deviations less than 6.5 and 8.5%, respectively. These results indicated that the columns showed good reproducibility and stability. Compared with liquid chromatogaphy, supercritical fluid chromatography provided better kinetic performance and selectivity. Finally, several neutral, acid, and basic polar analytes were utilized to test its application. The results demonstrated that the prepared column exhibited a good separation performance and showed great potential in supercritical fluid chromatography.
Single Visit Evaluation and Tympanostomy Tube Placement for the Treatment of Acute Otitis Media in Children
Authors: Billings Kathleen R. , Hajduk John , Thompson Dana M.
Published: July 2021

Objective

To review our experiences with development of a single visit surgery (SVS) program for children with recurrent acute otitis media (AOM) undergoing tympanostomy tube (TT) placement the same day as their otolaryngology surgical consultation.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort analysis.

Methods

Retrospective series of patients participating in SVS from inception March 1, 2014 to April 30, 2020 were analyzed, with attention to factors associated with increasing interest and participation in SVS and parent experiences/satisfaction.

Results

A total of 224 children had TT placed through SVS for AOM management. The average age of patients was 18.1 months (standard deviation 7.8 months), and 130 (58.0%) were male. The median interval between initial contact to schedule SVS, and the SVS date was 15 days (interquartile range 9–23 days). When analyzing year‐over‐year volumes from inception of SVS, notable increases were seen in 2016 and 2017 after a radio advertisement was played locally. A marked increase in volume was noted after implementation of a Decision Tree Scheduling (DTS) algorithm for children with recurrent AOM. Sixty‐six (28.8%) procedures were performed after institution of DTS. A parent survey demonstrated high levels of satisfaction with the SVS experience. Estimations of savings to families in terms of time away from work demonstrated potential for indirect healthcare benefits.

Conclusions

SVS for TT placement was a successful, alternative model of care for management of children with AOM. Marketing strategies regarding SVS, and the inclusion of SVS pathway in DTS platforms increased rates of interest and choice of this option. Parents of children undergoing TT through SVS were satisfied with the overall experience.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:2823–2829, 2021
Aerosol Generation During Laryngology Procedures in the Operating Room
Authors: Zheng Melissa , Lui Christopher , O'Dell Karla , M. Johns Michael , Ference Elisabeth H. , Hur Kevin
Published: July 2021

Objective

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 spreads through respiratory fluids. We aim to quantify aerosolized particles during laryngology procedures to understand their potential for transmission of infectious aerosol‐based diseases.

Study Design

Prospective quantification of aerosol generation.

Methods

Airborne particles (0.3–25 μm in diameter) were measured during live‐patient laryngology surgeries using an optical particle counter positioned 60 cm from the oral cavity to the surgeon's left. Measurements taken during the procedures were compared to baseline concentrations recorded immediately before each procedure. Procedures included direct laryngoscopy with general endotracheal anesthesia (GETA), direct laryngoscopy with jet ventilation, and carbon dioxide (CO2) laser use with or without jet ventilation, all utilizing intermittent suction.

Results

Greater than 99% of measured particles were 0.3 to 1.0 μm in diameter. Compared to baseline, direct laryngoscopy was associated with a significant 6.71% increase in cumulative particles, primarily 0.3 to 1.0 μm particles (P < .0001). 1.0 to 25 μm particles significantly decreased (P < .001). Jet ventilation was not associated with a significant change in cumulative particles; when analyzing differential particle sizes, only 10 to 25 μm particles exhibited a significant increase compared to baseline (+42.40%, P = .002). Significant increases in cumulative particles were recorded during CO2 laser use (+14.70%, P < .0001), specifically in 0.3 to 2.5 μm particles. Overall, there was no difference when comparing CO2 laser use during jet ventilation versus GETA.

Conclusions

CO2 laser use during laryngology surgery is associated with significant increases in airborne particles. Although direct laryngoscopy with GETA is associated with slight increases in particles, jet ventilation overall does not increase particle aerosolization.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 131:2759–2765, 2021
Complete Remission of Severe Eosinophilic Otitis Media With Dupilumab: A Case Report
Authors: van der Lans Rik J. L. , van Spronsen Erik , Fokkens Wytske J. , Reitsma Sietze
Published: July 2021

Eosinophilic otitis media (EOM) is a difficult‐to‐treat otitis media (OM) characterized by eosinophilic accumulation in the middle ear mucosa and secretion. Associated sensorineural hearing loss can eventually lead to (functional) deafness. EOM is strongly associated with type 2 inflammation driven respiratory disease, i.e. asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), for which biological treatment is available. This case report discusses a patient suffering from EOM with severe mixed hearing loss, nearing functional deafness. Dupilumab treatment resulted in complete and enduring remission of the EOM, enabling adequate hearing rehabilitation. Concurrent control of the comorbid asthma and CRSwNP was obtained. Laryngoscope, 131:2649–2651, 2021
Ultrafast Laser Direct Writing in Glass: Thermal Accumulation Engineering and Applications
Authors: Tan Dezhi , Zhang Bo , Qiu Jianrong
Published: July 2021

Ultrafast laser direct writing (ULDW) is explored as a facile technique to induce unprecedented physical phenomena and functional structures three dimensionally in glass. The rapid prototyping and compatibility with a diversity of materials offer solutions to requirements for various applications and new emerging platforms in photonic circuits and networks, quantum platform, optical storage, nonlinear optics, and integrated multifunctional photonic chips. In this review, tuning the local thermal accumulation in the ULDW is demonstrated to provide a unique opportunity to induce a series of physical phenomena and produce structure modifications in glass beyond ULDW with negligible thermal accumulation. The device performance and fabrication efficiency are also improvable with adjusting local thermal accumulation. The principles of thermal ULDW, the generated structures and their applications are reviewed. This paper also gives an outlook to the basic challenges of thermal ULDW, and the important and promising directions for the future research.
Light‐Activated Biomedical Applications of Chlorophyll Derivatives
Authors: Pucci Carlotta , Martinelli Chiara , Degl'Innocenti Andrea , Desii Andrea , De Pasquale Daniele , Ciofani Gianni
Published: July 2021

Tetrapyrroles are the basis of essential physiological functions in most living organisms. These compounds represent the basic scaffold of porphyrins, chlorophylls, and bacteriochlorophylls, among others. Chlorophyll derivatives, obtained by the natural or artificial degradation of chlorophylls, present unique properties, holding great potential in the scientific and medical fields. Indeed, they can act as cancer‐preventing agents, antimutagens, apoptosis inducers, efficient antioxidants, as well as antimicrobial and immunomodulatory molecules. Moreover, thanks to their peculiar optical properties, they can be exploited as photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy and as vision enhancers. Most of these molecules, however, are highly hydrophobic and poorly soluble in biological fluids, and may display undesired toxicity due to accumulation in healthy tissues. The advent of nanomedicine has prompted the development of nanoparticles acting as carriers for chlorophyll derivatives, facilitating their targeted administration with demonstrated applicability in diagnosis and therapy. In this review, the chemical and physical properties of chlorophyll derivatives that justify their usage in the biomedical field, with particular regard to light‐activated dynamics are described. Their role as antioxidants and photoactive agents are discussed, introducing the most recent nanomedical applications and focusing on inorganic and organic nanocarriers exploited in vitro and in vivo.
Morphological Assessment of the Eastern Oyster Crassostrea virginica throughout the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Hajovsky Polly , Beseres Pollack Jennifer , Anderson Joel
Published: July 2021

The eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica is a commercially and ecologically important organism found throughout the western North Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. Morphological differences in shell shape of eastern oysters are known to arise from environmental, genetic, and husbandry-related factors. Here, live eastern oysters were collected from 17 sites along the U.S. Gulf of Mexico coast from Texas to Florida to examine morphological differences among geographic samples. Six morphological metrics were recorded for each individual, and four different composite ratios commonly used to describe oyster shape (fan, cup, volume ratio, and weight ratio) were calculated. Principal component analysis was used to demonstrate geographic differences in ordinated shape ratios, correlating roughly with eastern (Florida), northern (Alabama, Louisiana, north Texas), and western (south Texas) samples. In Texas, differences in shape were correlated with previously described genetic population boundaries, indicating that populations north versus south of Aransas Bay had different overall shell shapes. On a broader scale, shell shape variation correlated roughly with previously described genetic population boundaries throughout the Gulf of Mexico as well as tide depth (intertidal versus subtidal reefs). Among the various factors that might act as drivers of shell shape, individual variation is important, but population structure and tide height are also significant predictor variables of shape in this species.
The effect of identification with a sports team and its performance on the willingness of fans to pay for team products
Authors: Shtudiner Zeev , Tohar Gilad , Kantor Jeffrey
Published: July 2021

The current research tests the effect of the psychological connection between sport fans and their favorite team. The results indicate that both the degree of identification and the perceived performance of the team affect the consumption behavior of the fans in the case of consumption of all goods and services. The degree of identification weakens the relationship between the team's performance and the predicted amount of money that the fans will spend in the coming season. The findings indicate that the development of identification and the connection among potential fans will have a significant benefit for managers.
An Uzawa iterative method for the natural convection problem based on mixed finite element method
Authors: Li Xianzhu , Huang Pengzhan
Published: July 2021

In this paper, an Uzawa iterative method combined with a mixed finite element method is presented for solving the natural convection model, where a decoupling discrete system is solved and no saddle point system is required to solve at each iterative step. Moreover, the authors establish convergence result of the method and find an interval of relaxation parameter that is crucial for the convergence of the presented method.
A 10-Item Frailty Index Based on a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (FI-CGA-10) in Older Adults with Cancer: Development and Construct Validation
Authors: Nishijima Tomohiro F. , Shimokawa Mototsugu , Esaki Taito , Morita Masaru , Toh Yasushi , Muss Hyman B.
Published: July 2021

Background

A frailty index (FI) based on domain-level deficits identified through a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) has been previously developed and validated in general geriatric patients. Our objectives were to construct an FI-CGA and to assess its construct validity in the geriatric oncology setting.

Methods

Five hundred forty consecutive Japanese patients with cancer who underwent a CGA on a geriatric oncology service were included (median age 80 years, range 66–96 years). We developed a 10-item frailty index based on deficits in 10 domains (FI-CGA-10): cognition, mood, communication, mobility, balance, nutrition, basic and instrumental activities of daily living, social support, and comorbidity. Deficits in each domain were scored as 0 (no problem), 0.5 (minor problem), and 1.0 (major problem). Scores were calculated by dividing the sum of the scores for each domain by 10 and then categorized as fit (<0.2), pre-frail (0.2–0.35), and frail (>0.35). Construct validity was tested by correlating the FI-CGA-10 with other established frailty measures.

Results

FI-CGA-10 was well approximated by the gamma distribution. Overall, 20% of patients were fit, 41% were pre-frail, and 39% were frail. FI-CGA-10 was correlated with Canadian Study of Health and Aging (CSHA) Clinical Frailty Scale (r = 0.83), CSHA rules-based frailty definition (r = 0.67), and CSHA Function Score (r = 0.77). Increasing levels of frailty were significantly associated with functional and cognitive impairments, high comorbidity burden, poor self-rated health, and low estimated survival probabilities.

Conclusion

The FI-CGA-10 is a user-friendly and construct-validated measure for quantifying frailty from a CGA.

Implications for Practice

This article describes the construction of a user-friendly 10-item frailty index based on a comprehensive geriatric assessment (FI-CGA-10) for older adults with cancer: cognition, mood, communication, mobility, balance, nutrition, basic and instrumental activities of daily living, social support, and comorbidity. The FI-CGA-10 simplifies the original FI-CGA used in the general geriatric setting while maintaining its content validity. The index's construct validity was demonstrated in a cohort of older adults with various cancer types. The advantage of the FI-CGA-10 is that a frailty score can be calculated more readily and interpreted in a more clinically sensible manner than the original FI-CGA.
Exploring farmers' agrobiodiversity management practices and knowledge in clove agroforests of Madagascar
Authors: Mariel Juliette , Carrière Stéphanie M. , Penot Eric , Danthu Pascal , Rafidison Verohanitra , Labeyrie Vanesse
Published: July 2021

Interactions between farmers and agrobiodiversity are key drivers of agroecosystems sustainability and of the resilience of such systems to perturbations, but research into the human/nature interactions have overlooked some important aspects of agrobiodiversity management. In particular, farmers' ecological knowledge of the spatial organisation of plant diversity remains an open question, although knowledge and practices have major implications for the efficient and sustainable use of natural resources.

Our study addresses this question by analysing how farmers spatially organise plant species in agroforests based on their knowledge of species interactions and interactions with the environment. The Analanjirofo region on the north‐east coast of Madagascar provides an interesting context to explore this issue in clove‐based agroforests, as these systems were developed by farmers as a sustainable alternative to the traditional system of shifting rice cultivation.

Using an emic approach, that is based on the farmers' perspective, and participatory mapping, we studied plant diversity and its spatial organisation in 17 clove‐based agroforests and in 28 management sub‐units defined by farmers in a village of Vavatenina district. The plant functions and farmers' knowledge of plant interactions with clove tree were recorded in semi‐structured interviews, and the interactions were represented in a cognitive map.

Farmers manage more than 50 plant species associated with diverse functions. Analysis of participatory maps identified four main types of species association as a function of the age of the clove trees and the associated plant diversity, and different spatial organisation patterns as a function of the topography and the surrounding species. Analysis of farmers' knowledge provided valuable insights into spatial organisation practices, how farmers perceive the adaptation of plant species to biophysical heterogeneity of the environment and whether they can be associated with other species.

Our findings and methods pave the way for further interdisciplinary research on farmers/nature interactions to support the development of agrobiodiversity‐based systems taking into account farmer and scientific knowledge and practices, especially in the tropics where the expansion of cash crops in input‐intensive and mono‐cropping systems has driven major disruptions to smallholder agriculture.
Efficacy of ready‐to‐use therapeutic food in malnourished children with cancer: Results of a randomized, open‐label phase 3 trial
Authors: Prasad Maya , Tandon Sneha , Gala Rajul , Kannan Sadhna , Chinnaswamy Girish , Narula Gaurav , Vora Tushar , Banavali Shripad , Mehta Shaesta , Paradkar Amey , Goswami Savita , Ghadge Meera , Jagiasi Deepak , Sharma Sujata , Fernandes Lavina , Manglani Mamta , Jadhav Alka , Barr Ronald , Ladas Elena
Published: July 2021

Background

The adverse influence of undernutrition in children with cancer may be remediated by early nutritional intervention. This study assessed the efficacy of ready‐to‐use therapeutic food (RUTF) in improving nutritional status and reducing treatment‐related toxicities (TRTs) in such children.

Methods

In a randomized controlled phase‐3 open‐label trial, severely and moderately undernourished children with cancer were randomized 1:1 to receive standard nutritional therapy (SNT) or SNT+RUTF for 6 weeks. The primary outcome (weight gain >10%) and secondary outcomes (improved/maintained nutritional status, improved body composition) were assessed after 6 weeks. TRTs were assessed over 6 months.

Results

Between July 2015 and March 2018, 260 subjects were enrolled, 126 were analyzable in both arms at 6 weeks. More children on RUTF had weight gain (98 [77.8%] vs. 81 [64.2%], p = .025) with a greater increase in fat mass as a percentage of body mass (median 2% [IQR −0.12 to 4.9] vs. 0.5% [IQR −1.45 to 2.27, p = .005]) but a greater loss of lean mass (median −1.86% [IQR −4.4 to 0.50] vs. −0.4% [IQR −2.4 to 1.4, p = .007]) compared to the SNT arm. Fewer subjects on the RUTF arm had episodes of severe infection (10.6% vs. 31%, p < .0001), treatment delays (17.7% vs. 39%, p < .0001), and severe mucositis (11% vs. 23.8%, p = .006) compared to the SNT arm. The odds of developing TRTs on the RUTF arm were lower even after adjusting for improvement in nutritional status.

Conclusions

RUTF is efficacious in improving weight gain and nutritional status in undernourished children with cancer and decreases TRTs. Incorporating RUTF into a healthy, balanced diet should be considered in undernourished children with cancer.
Establishment of a new valid animal model for the evaluation of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Wagner Benedikt R. , Adamus Anna L. , Sönnecken Dörthe , Vahdad Reza , Jank Paul , Denkert Carsten , Mahnken Andreas H. , Seitz Guido
Published: July 2021

Background

Cytoreductive surgery in combination with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy has been established as a novel treatment approach for peritoneal sarcomatosis. Despite promising clinical reports, there is still a lack of knowledge regarding optimal drug usage and local effects. Therefore, we intended to establish a murine animal model for further evaluation.

Procedure

Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma cells were xenotransplanted into NOD/LtSz‐scid IL2Rγnullmice (n = 100). The mice received a continuous intraperitoneal lavage with isotonic saline solution as control or with cisplatin (30 or 60 mg/m2) as treatment group for 60 minutes at 37°C or 42°C (6 subgroups, each n = 16). Tumor spread was documented by an adapted peritoneal cancer index and MRI (n = 4). Tumor and tissue samples, harvested at the end of the perfusion, were evaluated regarding morphology, proliferation, and apoptosis (H&E‐, Ki‐67‐, cleaved caspase 3–staining, TUNEL assay).

Results

Extensive peritoneal sarcomatosis in over 91% of the cases was observed. HIPEC was feasible without acute side effects. Ki‐67 staining revealed concentration‐ or temperature‐dependent effects of cisplatin‐based HIPEC on the tumors. Although cleaved caspase‐3 showed only sporadic apoptotic effects. TUNEL assay detected concentration‐ or temperature‐dependent apoptotic effects at the outer tumor surface. MRI scans confirmed the observed tumor dissemination.

Conclusion

This is the first animal model for evaluation of HIPEC in pediatric RMS in mice. Cisplatin‐based HIPEC had early effects on the proliferation whereas circumscribed apoptotic effects could be detected at the tumor surface. This model allows further insights on the possible efficiency of HIPEC in RMS. Further studies using other drug combinations and treatment will follow.
Effect of TiC nanoparticles on accelerated weathering of coir fiber filler and basalt fabric reinforced bio/synthetic epoxy hybrid composites: Physicomechanical and thermal characteristics
Authors: Hemath Mohit , Tengsuthiwat Jiratti , Mavinkere Rangappa Sanjay , Siengchin Suchart , Khan Anish , Marwani Hadi M. , Dzudzevic‐Cancar Hurija , Asiri Abdullah M.
Published: July 2021

In the present research, the physical, mechanical, and thermal characteristics of bio and synthetic basalt fabric epoxy composites reinforced with coir microparticles and TiC nanofillers under before and after exposure of accelerated weathering were investigated. All the bio and synthetic epoxy hybrid composites were exposed to humidity, elevated temperature, and ultraviolet radiation. It has been examined that both bio and synthetic epoxy composites exhibited reduced mechanical characteristics after the exposure of accelerated weathering when compared with before exposure. The wettability experiment was performed from the contact angle evaluation method and found that all the fabricated samples before and after the exposure of accelerated weathering have contact angle value lower than 90° that is assigned with the hydrophilic surface characteristics of the laminate. The water absorption capacity showed that all the bio and synthetic epoxy composites reacted for water absorption up to 45 days and then endured constant in both conditions. After the exposure of accelerated weathering, epoxy hybrid composites absorbed more water than before exposure. The chemical modifications possessed on the surface were evaluated from Fourier transform infrared spectra. The intensity of hydroxyl and carbonyl functional groups of bio and synthetic epoxy hybrid composites decreased compared with the original samples, which tends to decrement in tensile, flexural, and impact characteristics of the laminate. The production of more fracture lines on the cross‐sectional surface of epoxy hybrid composites has been observed from scanning electron microscope micrographs after the exposure of accelerated weathering. The onset, end set, and glass transition temperature of bio and synthetic epoxy composites in the thermal examination were reduced after the disclosure of accelerated weathering for all fabricated specimens. The reason may be assigned to the weaker bonding between the coir microparticles and TiC nanofillers. The undesirable impact emerged from ultraviolet radiation, elevating the temperature and humidity. The test results showed that the accelerated weathering has negative impact on physicomechanical characteristics of bio/synthetic epoxy hybrid polymer composites. The overall thermal characteristics were not considerably affected with 570 h of the weathering exposure.
Transphobic bullying: Relationships between attitudes, observation, and perpetration
Authors: Orue Izaskun , Larrucea‐Iruretagoyena Maite , Calvete Esther
Published: July 2021

Transphobic bullying is prevalent in schools around the world. The present study examined the bidirectional relationships among transphobic attitudes, perpetration of transphobic bullying, and witnessing transphobic bullying. The study also included the validation of an instrument to measure transphobic bullying and the prevalence rates of transphobic attitudes and behaviors. The sample was composed of 567 adolescents (38.8% girls; aged 12–17; M = 13.96; SD = 1.18). Participants completed measures of transphobic attitudes, perpetration of transphobic bullying and witnessing transphobic bullying at time 1 (T1) and time 2 (T2) during a 1‐year interval. Results showed that transphobic attitudes predicted perpetration of transphobic bullying 1 year later, and that perpetration of transphobic bullying predicted witnessing transphobic bullying 1 year later. As expected, boys scored higher on the measures of perpetration of transphobic bullying and transphobic attitudes at both T1 and T2. These results indicate the importance of working to eliminate transphobic attitudes to reduce bullying behavior.
The linkages between Chinese children's both cognitive engagement and emotional engagement and behavioral engagement: Mediating effect of perceptions of classroom interactions in math
Authors: Yang Yanfei , Yuan Yuan , Tan Hongqi , Wang Yili , Li Guangzheng
Published: July 2021

Student engagement not only improves student achievement but also affects the dropout rate. Positive classroom interaction between teachers and students enhances student engagement. The interaction between teachers and students is bidirectional, and student engagement can also affect teachers' classroom teaching behavior. Both student engagement and classroom interaction are multidimensional structures, and each dimension is interrelated and mutually influenced. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between perceived mathematics classroom interaction and various dimensions of student engagement. In this study, we recruited 1298 students from grades three to five and seven to eight from 36 classes and 15 schools in China participating in a web‐based survey. The results show that cognitive engagement is positively related to behavioral engagement, and emotional support, classroom organization and instructional support play a mediating role between cognitive engagement and behavioral engagement; Emotional engagement is positively related to behavioral engagement, and emotional support and instructional support play a mediating role between emotional engagement and behavioral engagement.
Gonadotropin‐releasing hormone antagonist associated with lower cardiovascular risk compared with gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist in prostate cancer: A nationwide cohort and in vitro study
Authors: Chen Dong‐Yi , Su Po‐Jung , See Lai‐Chu , Liu Jia‐Rou , Chuang Cheng‐Keng , Pang See‐Tong , Tseng Chi‐Nan , Chen Shao‐Wei , Hsieh I‐Chang , Chu Pao‐Hsien , Lin Yung‐Chang , Hsu Cheng‐Lung , Chang John Wen‐Cheng , Lin Miao‐Sui , Pang Jong‐Hwei S. , Hsieh Ming‐Jer , Huang Wen‐Kuan
Published: July 2021

Background

We aimed to determine whether cardiovascular (CV) risk in patients with prostate cancer (PCa) differs between those who receive gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist (GnRHa) therapy and those who receive GnRH antagonist therapy.

Methods

Using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, we analyzed data by comparing 666 participants receiving GnRH antagonists and 1332 propensity score‐matched participants treated with GnRHa in a 1:2 fashion during the period from May 1, 2015, to September 30, 2018. Cox proportional‐hazards models were used to estimate the treatment effect on CV outcomes. Furthermore, we conducted an in vitro study to investigate the effect of a GnRHa (leuprolide) or a GnRH antagonist (degarelix) on matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) expression and invasion ability in THP‐1 differentiated macrophages.

Results

GnRH antagonist therapy was associated with a lower risk of composite CV events of myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, or CV death (hazard ratio [HR], 0.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.25–0.90) than GnRHa therapy, with a mean follow‐up period of 1.21 years. Significantly lower risks of CV death (HR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.06–0.70) and all‐cause mortality (HR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.61–0.97) were observed in the GnRH antagonist group. In the in vitro study, leuprolide, but not degarelix, significantly increased the expression of MMP‐9 activity and the invasive ability of THP‐1 differentiated macrophages through gelatin zymography and the matrix invasion assay, respectively.

Conclusion

GnRH antagonists were associated with reduced risk CV events compared with the GnRHa among patients with PCa, which may be through effects on macrophages.
Inheritance patterns, cross‐resistance and synergism in Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) resistant to emamectin benzoate
Authors: Muraro Dionei S , de Oliveira Abbade Neto Dyrson , Kanno Rubens H , Kaiser Ingrid S , Bernardi Oderlei , Omoto Celso
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), is a relevant global pest due to severe damage caused on agricultural crops and its capacity to evolve resistance to insecticides. Here, we selected a strain of S. frugiperda resistant to emamectin benzoate under laboratory conditions to understand the inheritance patterns, cross‐resistance and synergism involved in the resistance.

RESULTS

The emamectin benzoate‐resistant (Ben‐R) strain was isolated by using F2 screen in a field population collected in Lucas do Rio Verde, Mato Grasso state, Brazil. After ten generations of selection pressure with emamectin benzoate, the estimated LC50 of the Ben‐R strain was 678.38 μg a.i. mL−1 whereas that of the susceptible (Sus) strain was 0.29 μg a.i.mL−1, resulting in a resistance ratio (RR) of 2340‐fold. The LC50 values of the offspring from reciprocal crosses of Sus and Ben‐R strains were 93.37 and 105.32 μg a.i. mL−1, suggesting that resistance is an autosomal incompletely dominant trait. The high survival of heterozygous and Ben‐R strains (>92%) on non‐Bt maize sprayed with the field rate of emamectin benzoate confirmed that resistance is functionally dominant. The minimum number of segregations influencing resistance was 3.55, suggesting a polygenic effect. Low cross‐resistance was detected between emamectin benzoate and the insecticides methomyl, chlorpyrifos, lambda‐cyhalothrin, spinetoram, indoxacarb and chlorantraniliprole (RR <5.75‐fold). There was no effect of synergists piperonyl butoxide, diethyl maleate and S, S, S‐tributyl phosphorotrithiotate on the Ben‐R strain, suggesting a minor role of metabolic resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed a high risk of resistance evolution of S. frugiperda to emamectin benzoate, based on incompletely dominant inheritance. Rotation of insecticides with different modes of action can be one of the resistance management strategies to be implemented to delay the evolution of resistance of S. frugiperda to emamectin benzoate in Brazil.
A Pseudopotential Study of Structural, Mechanical, and Lattice Dynamics Behavior of the Binary Intermetallic Yttrium Tristannide YSn3
Authors: Hedjar Yazid , Saib Salima , Muñoz Alfonso , Rodríguez-Hernández Placida , Bouarissa Nadir
Published: July 2021

A theoretical study of many physical properties, namely structural stability, electronic, mechanical stability, and phonon properties of the nonmagnetic intermetallic compound is realized using the density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The structural properties are calculated in many phases, specifically, , , , and structures. The results show that crystallizes in the structure at ambient conditions, whereas the energy difference between the and structures is very weak and in the order of thermal energy at room temperature, which suggests the may also coexist in this structure. The single‐crystal elastic constants for different phases at zero pressure are computed, and main mechanical quantities are derived. The mechanical stability criteria predict that the crystal in the structure is stable when pressure is below 18.68 and 4.61 GPa for the and phases of . The phonon dispersion relations and their projected density of states are investigated. The titled compound is found to be dynamically and mechanically stable in the and Al3Ti prototype phases under ambient conditions. As far as the authors know, high‐pressure features of have not yet been explored neither experimentally nor theoretically.
What is the influence of cinnamon supplementation on liver enzymes? A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Mousavi Seyed Mohammad , Jayedi Ahmad , Bagheri Amir , Zargarzadeh Nikan , Wong Alexei , Persad Emma , Akhgarjand Camellia , Koohdani Fariba
Published: July 2021

Existing evidence has uncovered the potential health benefits of cinnamon intake; however, its effect on liver function is unclear. Thus, the aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to examine the effect of cinnamon supplementation on liver enzymes. Relevant articles were identified through a systematic search in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase up to September 2020. All trials assessing the effect of oral cinnamon supplementation on serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in adults were included. The pooled effect sizes were obtained using the random‐effects model and expressed as mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). A total of seven original trials (nine treatment arms) involving a total of 256 subjects were included in the final analysis. The pooled analysis indicated that cinnamon supplementation had no significant effect on serum levels of ALT, AST, and ALP. However, there was a significant reduction in ALT levels in patients with type 2 diabetes (MD: −4.01 U/L; 95% CI: −6.86, −1.15) and in trials with low‐dose supplementation (<1,500 mg/d), follow‐up duration longer than 12 weeks, and in the elderly patients (aged>50 years). The beneficial effects of cinnamon intake were also shown in AST levels in patients with type 2 diabetes and trials with long‐term follow‐up (>12 weeks). Longer‐term, oral cinnamon supplementation may improve serum levels of liver enzymes in patients with type 2 diabetes. Further high‐quality studies are needed, especially in populations with abnormal liver enzyme levels, to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of cinnamon on liver function.
Using machine learning to correct model error in data assimilation and forecast applications
Authors: Farchi Alban , Laloyaux Patrick , Bonavita Massimo , Bocquet Marc
Published: July 2021

The idea of using machine learning (ML) methods to reconstruct the dynamics of a system is the topic of recent studies in the geosciences, in which the key output is a surrogate model meant to emulate the dynamical model. In order to treat sparse and noisy observations in a rigorous way, ML can be combined with data assimilation (DA). This yields a class of iterative methods in which, at each iteration, a DA step assimilates the observations and alternates with a ML step to learn the underlying dynamics of the DA analysis. In this article, we propose to use this method to correct the error of an existing, knowledge‐based model. In practice, the resulting surrogate model is a hybrid model between the original (knowledge‐based) model and the ML model. We demonstrate the feasibility of the method numerically using a two‐layer, two‐dimensional, quasi‐geostrophic channel model. Model error is introduced by the means of perturbed parameters. The DA step is performed using the strong‐constraint 4D‐Var algorithm, while the ML step is performed using deep learning tools. The ML models are able to learn a substantial part of the model error and the resulting hybrid surrogate models produce better short‐ to mid‐range forecasts. Furthermore, using the hybrid surrogate models for DA yields a significantly better analysis than using the original model.
Event‐triggered global trajectory tracking control of a quadrotor: Synthesis, simulations, and experiments
Authors: Zhu Xuan‐Zhi , Casau Pedro , Silvestre Carlos
Published: July 2021

This paper presents an event‐triggered controller that solves the problem of trajectory tracking for an aerial vehicle with thrust actuation in a single body‐fixed direction and full angular velocity actuation. Firstly, we design a globally stabilizing hybrid controller and then, using the framework of hybrid dynamical systems, we derive an appropriate event‐triggering mechanism for sampling actuation signals. We prove the global asymptotic stability of a zero tracking error set for the closed‐loop system. For practical implementation of the proposed event‐triggered controller on digital platforms, we restrict the event‐triggering condition and inflate the zero tracking error set to avoid Zeno solutions while achieving global asymptotic stability of the inflated set for the closed‐loop system. The results are illustrated by numerical simulations and further verified by experiments.
The data filtering based multiple‐stage Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm for Hammerstein nonlinear systems
Authors: Ji Yan , Kang Zhen , Liu Ximei
Published: July 2021

This article considers the parameter identification problem of multiple‐input single‐output Hammerstein nonlinear systems. Applying the data filtering technique, the input–output data are filtered. The filtered system is decomposed into multiple subsystems with fewer variables by using the hierarchical identification principle. The data filtering based multiple‐stage Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm is proposed for interactively identifying each subsystem. Finally, a numerical simulation example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.