bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Finely Tuned Submicroporous Thin‐Film Molecular Sieve Membranes for Highly Efficient Fluid Separations
Authors: Ali Zain , Ghanem Bader S. , Wang Yingge , Pacheco Federico , Ogieglo Wojciech , Vovusha Hakkim , Genduso Giuseppe , Schwingenschlögl Udo , Han Yu , Pinnau Ingo
Published: April 2020

Polymeric membranes with increasingly high permselective performances are gaining a significant role in lowering the energy burden and improving the environmental sustainability of complex chemical separations. However, the commercial deployment of newly designed materials with promising intrinsic properties for fluid separations has been stalled by challenges associated with fabrication and scale up of low‐cost, high‐performance, defect‐free thin‐film composite (TFC) membranes. Here, a facile method to fabricate next‐generation TFC membranes using a bridged‐bicyclic triptycene tetra‐acyl chloride (Trip) building block with a large fraction of finely tuned structural submicroporosity (pore size < 4 Å) is demonstrated. The TFCs exhibit superb potential for removal of small (≈200 g mol−1) organic microcontaminants from organic solvent streams by showing both improved rejection and permeance in organic systems compared to current state‐of‐the‐art commercial membranes. The TFCs also display unprecedented properties for desalination applications with performance located far above the current water permeance/sodium chloride rejection trendline. The strategy of using highly contorted triptycene building blocks with well‐defined interconnected internal free volume elements establishes a scalable, generalized approach to fabricate highly selective, submicroporous TFC membranes for a wide variety of challenging energy‐intensive fluid separations.
Thermoplasmonic‐Activated Hydrogel Based Dynamic Light Attenuator
Authors: Pierini Filippo , Guglielmelli Alexa , Urbanek Olga , Nakielski Pawel , Pezzi Luigia , Buda Robert , Lanzi Massimiliano , Kowalewski Tomasz A. , De Sio Luciano
Published: April 2020

This work describes the morphological, optical, and thermo‐optical properties of a temperature‐sensitive hydrogel poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐N‐isopropylmethacrylamide) [P(NIPAm‐co‐NIPMAm]) film containing a specific amount of gold nanorods (GNRs). The light‐induced thermoplasmonic heating of GNRs is used to control the optical scattering of an initially transparent hydrogel film. A hydrated P(NIPAm‐co‐NIPMAm) film is optically clear at room temperature. When heated to temperatures over 37 °C via light irradiation with a resonant source (λ = 810 nm) to the GNRs, a reversible phase transition from a swollen hydrated state to a shrunken dehydrated state occurs. This phenomenon causes a drastic and reversible change in the optical transparency from a clear to an opaque state. A significant red shift (≈30 nm) of the longitudinal band can also be seen due to an increased average refractive index surrounding the GNRs. This change is in agreement with an ad hoc theoretical model which uses a modified Gans theory for ellipsoidal nanoparticles. Morphological analysis of the composite film shows the presence of well‐isolated and randomly dispersed GNRs. Thermo‐optical experiments demonstrate an all‐optically controlled light attenuator (65% contrast ratio) which can be easily integrated in several modern optical applications such as smart windows and light‐responsive optical attenuators.
SERS Barcode Libraries: A Microfluidic Approach
Authors: Sevim Semih , Franco Carlos , Chen Xiang‐Zhong , Sorrenti Alessandro , Rodríguez‐San‐Miguel David , Pané Salvador , deMello Andrew J. , Puigmartí‐Luis Josep
Published: April 2020

Microfluidic technologies have emerged as advanced tools for surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). They have proved to be particularly appealing for in situ and real‐time detection of analytes at extremely low concentrations and down to the 10 × 10−15 m level. However, the ability to prepare reconfigurable and reusable devices endowing multiple detection capabilities is an unresolved challenge. Herein, a microfluidic‐based method that allows an extraordinary spatial control over the localization of multiple active SERS substrates in a single microfluidic channel is presented. It is shown that this technology provides for exquisite control over analyte transport to specific detection points, while avoiding cross‐contamination; a feature that enables the simultaneous detection of multiple analytes within the same microfluidic channel. Additionally, it is demonstrated that the SERS substrates can be rationally designed in a straightforward manner and that they allow for the detection of single molecules (at concentrations as low as 10−14 m). Finally, it is shown that rapid etching and reconstruction of SERS substrates provides for reconfigurable and reusable operation.
3D Holey‐Graphene Architecture Expedites Ion Transport Kinetics to Push the OER Performance
Authors: Wu Pingwei , Wu Jing , Si Haonan , Zhang Zheng , Liao Qingliang , Wang Xin , Dai Fulong , Ammarah Kausar , Kang Zhuo , Zhang Yue
Published: April 2020

The kinetics process of heterogeneous catalysis involves several steps including adsorption, diffusion, and surface chemical reactions. Current studies generally aim at increasing active site amount and improving intrinsic activity. However, the ion diffusion kinetics at the electrode/electrolyte interface as a bottleneck has been rarely directly addressed. Here, a 3D holey‐graphene framework is demonstrated as a catalyst‐loading platform, with nanoscale holes that can be elaborately tuned via facile aqueous‐phase chemical etching. This enables the ions to be efficiently transported to deeply buried active sites to mitigate their insufficient supply. With systematical electrochemical investigations tuned by varied pore structures, a series of models from a simplified equivalent circuit to complicate realistic one are proposed to figure out the modulation rules of weakened electrochemical diffusion domination and identify the ion transport resistance as well. Moreover, given the inevitable negative effect on the conductivity of graphene skeleton by introducing nanoscale holes, the balance between the outside ion transport and the inside charge transport of electrode is highlighted. Such a protocol represents a synergistic modulation of catalytic performance from both the supply side (reactive ion transport) and the consuming side (active site), and provides striking information for the precise design of catalyst electrodes toward further pushing the oxygen evolution reaction performance limit.
Short‐term spatiotemporal relationship between plant and soil properties on natural turfgrass sports fields
Authors: Straw Chase M. , Grubbs Rebecca A. , Henry Gerald M.
Published: April 2020

The present study was conducted to explore the spatiotemporal relationship between several plant and soil properties on two natural turfgrass sports fields comprised of native and sand‐capped soils before and after irrigation. Minimal differences in strength of relationship and spatical variability among field properties occurred from before to after irrigation at both fields. A number of significant relationships between field properties were observed overall, although significance did not always result in comparable spatial distributions. Additionally, significant relationships on the native soil field were not always significant on the sand‐capped field. Results exemplify that a single, typical irrigation event will not noticeably change the strength of relationship or spatial distribution between field properties. Furthermore, the strength of relationship and its influence on spatial variability between field properties can be site‐specific, and soil type plays an important role in this phenomenon. This information is valuable to conduct precision turfgrass management practices for potential improvement in the uniformity of multiple field properties, and also to aid in efficient subsequent sampling for future spatial map creation.
Incidence of interval colorectal cancer: A tertiary hospital report
Authors: Lai Wan‐Tz , Chiu Shao‐Ming , Wu Cheng‐Kun , Liang Chih‐Ming , Yang Shih‐Cheng , Yao Chih‐Chien , Kuo Chung‐Mou , Lu Lung‐Sheng , Chiu Yi‐Chun , Wu Keng‐Liang , Tai Wei‐Chen , Chuah Seng‐Kee
Published: April 2020

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains the leading cause of death in Taiwan despite mandatory CRC screening programs for early detection. The development of CRC between periods of follow‐up remains a Taiwanese health and economic burden. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between consequent progression of polyps and interval CRC and identify potential risk factors. This retrospective chart review study reviewed 1671 CRC patients between 1 January 2002 and 31 December 2018, in Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for interval CRC analysis. Interval CRC is defined as CRC diagnosed within 5 years after a negative colonoscopy. We further analyzed potential risk factors associated with interval CRC such as sex, age, underlying disease, and previous pathologic type of polyps by univariate and multivariate analyses. A total of 44 patients developed interval CRC in this study (2.63%). Ten patients were from the proctologist division and five from the gastroenterology department. Mean diagnostic interval was 919.45 ± 547.78 days in male and 897.87 ± 586.14 days in female patients. Multivariate analysis showed that right‐side colon polyp demonstrated independent risk factors for interval CRC development in our observation (P < .001; hazard ratio (HR), 3.897; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.934‐7.780). In conclusion, interval CRC prevalence in a cohort is 2.63%. Location of polyps over the right colon is relevant to interval CRC occurrence.
The effect of diet and sociopolitical change on physiological stress and behavior in lateRoman‐EarlyByzantine (300–700AD) and Islamic (902–1,235AD) populations from Ibiza, Spain
Authors: Osipov Benjamin , Alaica Aleksa K , Pickard Catriona , Garcia‐Donas Julieta G , Márquez‐Grant Nicholas , Kranioti Elena F.
Published: April 2020

Objectives

This study evaluated chronological changes in physiological stress and levels of habitual loading of Ibizan populations from the Late Roman–Early Byzantine (LREB) to the Islamic period (300–1,235 AD) using measures of body size and bone cross‐sectional properties to compare Urban LREB, Urban Medieval Islamic, and Rural Medieval Islamic groups. It also explored the effect of diet, modeled using stable isotopes, on physiological stress levels and behavior.

Materials and methods

The sample comprised individuals from three archeological populations: Urban Late Roman‐ Early Byzantine (LREB) (300–700 AD), Medieval Urban Islamic (902–1,235 AD), and Medieval Rural Islamic. Bone lengths, femoral head dimensions, and cross‐sectional properties, diaphyseal products and circumferences, were compared to assess differences in body size and habitual loading in 222 adult individuals. Ordinary least squares regression evaluated the correlations between these measures and carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotope ratios in 115 individuals for whom both isotope values and osteological measures are available.

Results

The Medieval Rural Islamic group had shorter stature and reduced lower limb cross‐sectional properties compared to the two urban groups. Limb shape differs between Urban LREB and Urban Medieval Islamic groups. Measures of body size length were positively correlated with δ13C values in all individuals and separately in the Urban LREB and Rural Medieval Islamic groups. δ15N showed a positive correlation with left humerus shape in the Urban LREB sample.

Conclusions

The low stature and cross‐sectional properties of the Medieval Rural Islamic group may be an indicator of greater physiological stress, potentially due to poorer diet. Positive correlations between measures of body size and δ13C values further suggest that greater access to C4resources improved diet quality. Alternatively, this relationship could indicate greater body size among migrants from areas where individuals consumed more C4resources.
Consular diplomacy's first challenge: Communicating assistance to nationals abroad
Authors: Melissen Jan
Published: April 2020

This article discusses the first hurdle for consular diplomacy in the digital age: the communicative challenge. Providing information and assistance to nationals abroad is a major challenge, and governments are well advised to go about this activity in a more citizen‐centric fashion. It is therefore important for ministries of foreign affairs (MFAs) and their consular divisions to acquire a deeper understanding of their nationals' communicative behaviour. Creativity from a new generation of tech‐savvy diplomats is going a long way in applying digital tools to consular challenges, but greater control across communication channels, and therefore management capacity, is required. Getting through to citizens in a fragmented communication environment in the 2020s implies the strategic coordination of various forms of offline and online communication. Framing consular services in market terms and identifying citizens as customers would, however, go against the MFAs' own interests. Governments would do well to view consular assistance as part of their growing diplomatic engagement with domestic society. Analysis of consular policy and practice also suggests that there are good reasons for MFAs to articulate existing links between consular assistance and wider foreign and security policy, rather than seeing ‘consular’ as a self‐contained activity.
Large‐scale asymmetry between clockwise and counterclockwise galaxies revisited
Authors: Shamir Lior
Published: April 2020

The ability of digital sky surveys to collect and store very large amounts of data provides completely new ways to study the local universe. Perhaps one of the most provocative observations reported with such tools is the asymmetry between galaxies with clockwise and counterclockwise spin patterns. Here, I use ∼1.7 × 105 spiral galaxies from Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) and sort them by their spin patterns (clockwise or counterclockwise) to identify and profile a possible large‐scale pattern of the distribution of galaxy spin patterns as observed from Earth. The analysis shows asymmetry between the number of clockwise and counterclockwise spiral galaxies imaged by SDSS and a dipole axis. These findings largely agree with previous reports using smaller datasets. The probability of the differences between the number of galaxies occurring by chance is p < 4 × 10−9, and the probability of an asymmetry axis occurring by mere chance is p < 1.4×10−5.
Heritable Epigenetic Changes Alter Transgenerational Waveforms Maintained by Cycling Stores of Information
Authors: Jose Antony M.
Published: April 2020

Our view of heredity can potentially be distorted by the ease of introducing heritable changes in the replicating gene sequences but not in the cycling assembly of regulators around gene sequences. Here, key experiments that have informed the understanding of heredity are reinterpreted to highlight this distortion and the possible variety of heritable changes are considered. Unlike heritable genetic changes, which are always associated with mutations in gene sequence, heritable epigenetic changes can be associated with physical or chemical changes in molecules or only changes in the system. The transmission of cycling stores along the continuous lineage of cells that connects successive generations creates waves of activity and localization of the molecules that together form the cell code for development in each generation. As a result, heritable epigenetic changes can include any that can alter a wave such as changes in form, midline, frequency, amplitude, or phase. Testing this integrated view of all heritable information will require the concerted application of multiple experimental approaches across generations.
How spatial accessibility to colonoscopy affects diagnostic adherences and adverse intestinal outcomes among the patients with positive preliminary screening findings
Authors: Chen Weiyi , Zhang WangJian , Liu Huazhang , Liang Yingru , Zhou Qin , Li Yan , Gu Jing
Published: April 2020

Background

Colonoscopy is an important procedure for early colorectal cancer (CRC) detection, however, patients with positive preliminary screening results in China may not seek for colonoscopy to confirm the diagnosis. We evaluated the spatial accessibility of colonoscopy among the residents with positive preliminary screening results in Guangzhou, China, and investigated how colonoscopy accessibility was associated with the population adherence and adverse intestinal outcomes.

Methods

This study was based on the Guangzhou community‐based CRC screening program. Spatial accessibility was measured using three metrics including travel time from home to nearest colonoscopy hospital, physician‐to‐population ratio (PPR) and accessibility indicator estimated with enhanced two‐step floating catchment area method (E2SFCA). We used Cox regression and logistic regression to assess the association of colonoscopy accessibility with population adherence and adverse intestinal outcomes, respectively.

Results

A total of 34 606 people were identified with positive preliminary screening findings. Central areas were reported with higher E2SFCA scores, higher PPR and less travel time. The model adjusting for potential individual level confounders found that PPR > 50 (Hazard Ratio (HR) = 1.88, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.79‐1.97) and higher scores of E2SFCA (HR = 3.78, 95% CI: 2.07‐6.92) were associated with increased adherence, although estimates were not significant in the model adjusting for both individual and district‐level confounders. For adverse intestinal outcomes, the final multilevel logistic model suggested a lower risk of intestinal lesions among the residents in areas with PPR > 50 (Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.24‐0.99) and higher scores of E2SFCA (OR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.05‐0.82).

Conclusion

Significant inequality of colonoscopy accessibility was observed across Guangzhou. The increased incidence of intestinal lesions was associated with spatial inequalities of medical resources. Policies against the spatial inequality in medical resources should be developed.
How many chronic myeloid leukemia patients who started a frontline second‐generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor have to switch to a second‐line treatment? A retrospective analysis from the monitoring registries of the italian medicines agency (AIFA)
Authors: Breccia Massimo , Olimpieri Pier Paolo , Olimpieri Odoardo , Pane Fabrizio , Iurlo Alessandra , Foggi Paolo , Cirilli Alessia , Colatrella Antonietta , Cuomo Marcello , Gozzo Lucia , Summa Valentina , Corradini Paolo , Russo Pierluigi ,   the AIFA’s Monitoring Registries Group
Published: April 2020

The frequency of patients who switch to a second‐line therapy from a frontline second‐generation (2gen) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) such as dasatinib and nilotinib, is still substantially unknown. We retrospectively investigated a large series of chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CP‐CML) patients initially treated with 2gen TKIs monitored through the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA Agenzia Italiana del farmaco) registries. Overall, 2420 patients were analyzed over a period of 6 years. One hundred and fifty‐seven patients (16.3%) treated with dasatinib and 164 treated with nilotinib (11.3%) have switched to another drug, with an overall frequency of 13.2%. In the dasatinib cohort, 39.4% of patients changed treatment for failure and 36.3% for intolerance as compared to 45.7% and 27.4% respectively in the nilotinib cohort. Overall, the median time to switch due to resistance was 293 days, whereas it was 317 days in case of intolerance. Resistance was observed mainly in younger male patients with high‐risk features, while intolerance was not related to any baseline parameter. After resistance/intolerance to nilotinib, the majority of patients switched to dasatinib (53.8%) whereas in case of frontline dasatinib to ponatinib (43.2%). To the best of our knowledge these data provide the first report on the frequency of discontinuation of frontline 2gen TKIs and on the main causes and pattern of choice to a second‐line therapy in the real‐life setting.
Simultaneous bifocal and asymptomatic intramuscular nodular fasciitis of the thigh: A case report
Authors: Sukpanichyingyong Sermsak , Matsumoto Seiichi , Ae Keisuke , Tanizawa Taisuke , Hayakawa Keiko , Funauchi Yuki , Minami Yusuke , Saito Masanori , Yamashita Kyoko
Published: April 2020

Nodular fasciitis (NF) is a rapid‐growth benign that is misdiagnosed as sarcoma and leads to overtreatment. The spontaneous regression of NF is a possible phenomenon. “Wait and see” ideal is one of the treatment strategies of NF.
Pregnancy with diaphragmatic and stomach rupture: Lessons from a case report
Authors: Alizadeh Reza , Aghsaeifard Ziba , Marzban‐rad Zahra , Marzban‐rad Saied
Published: April 2020

This report presents a case of diaphragmatic and stomach rupture in a 30‐week pregnant woman. Timely diagnosis and management of the rupture is important to reduce systemic complications and effects on the mother and fetus. Symptoms and signs should be clearly studied to prevent misdiagnosis and delay in the treatment.
Electrocatalysts Based on Transition Metal Borides and Borates for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Cui Liang , Zhang Wenxiu , Zheng Rongkun , Liu Jingquan
Published: April 2020

Electrochemical water splitting is a clean and sustainable process for hydrogen production on a large scale as the electrical power required can be obtained from various renewable energy resources. The key challenge in electrochemical water splitting process is to develop low‐cost electrocatalysts with high catalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) on the cathode and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) on the anode. OER is the most important half‐reaction involved in water splitting, which has been extensively studied since the last century and a large amount of electrocatalysts including noble and non‐noble metal‐based materials have been developed. Among them, transition metal borides and borates (TMBs)‐based compounds with various structures have attracted increasing attention owing to their excellent OER performance. In recent years, many efforts have been devoted to exploring the OER mechanism of TMBs and to improving the OER activity and stability of TMBs. In this review, recent research progress made in TMBs as efficient electrocatalysts for OER is summarized. The chemical properties, synthetic methodologies, catalytic performance evaluation, and improvement strategy of TMBs as OER electrocatalysts are discussed. The electrochemistry fundamentals of OER are first introduced in brief, followed by a summary of the preparation and performance of TMBs‐based OER electrocatalysts. Finally, current challenges and future directions for TMBs‐based OER electrocatalysts are discussed.
Impact of prebiopsy magnetic resonance imaging on biopsy and radical prostatectomy grade concordance
Authors: Shoag Jonathan E. , Cai Peter Y. , Gross Michael D. , Gaffney Christopher , Li Dongze , Mao Jialin , Nowels Molly , Scherr Douglas S. , Sedrakyan Art , Hu Jim C.
Published: April 2020

Background

Adoption of prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before biopsy is based on evidence demonstrating superior detection of clinically significant prostate cancer on biopsy. Whether this is due to the detection of otherwise occult higher grade cancers or preferential sampling of higher grade areas within an otherwise low‐grade cancer is unknown.

Methods

To distinguish these two possibilities, this study examined the effect of prebiopsy MRI on the rate of pathologic upgrading and downgrading at prostatectomy in Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–Medicare linked data from 2010 to 2015. Logistic regression was performed to assess the effect of MRI use on the Gleason grade change between biopsy and prostatectomy.

Results

Among biopsy‐naive men, those who underwent prebiopsy MRI had higher odds of downgrading at prostatectomy (odds ratio [OR], 1.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05‐1.66). In contrast, the odds of upgrading were significantly lower for men who underwent prebiopsy MRI (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.61‐0.99). Limitations included a low overall rate of MRI‐utilization prior to biopsy and an inability to distinguish between template, software‐assisted and cognitive fusion biopsy.

Conclusions

Prebiopsy MRI is associated with both oversampling of higher grade areas, which results in downgrading at prostatectomy, and the detection of otherwise occult higher grade lesions, which results in less upgrading at prostatectomy.
Chloroquine Dosing Recommendations for Pediatric COVID‐19 Supported by Modeling and Simulation
Authors: Verscheijden Laurens F. M. , van der Zanden Tjitske M. , van Bussel Lianne P. M. , de Hoop‐Sommen Marika , Russel Frans G. M. , Johnson Trevor N. , de Wildt Saskia N.
Published: April 2020

As chloroquine (CHQ) is part of the Dutch Centre for Infectious Disease Control coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) experimental treatment guideline, pediatric dosing guidelines are needed. Recent pediatric data suggest that existing World Health Organization (WHO) dosing guidelines for children with malaria are suboptimal. The aim of our study was to establish best‐evidence to inform pediatric CHQ doses for children infected with COVID‐19. A previously developed physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model for CHQ was used to simulate exposure in adults and children and verified against published pharmacokinetic data. The COVID‐19 recommended adult dosage regimen of 44 mg/kg total was tested in adults and children to evaluate the extent of variation in exposure. Based on differences in area under the concentration‐time curve from zero to 70 hours (AUC0–70h) the optimal CHQ dose was determined in children of different ages compared with adults. Revised doses were re‐introduced into the model to verify that overall CHQ exposure in each age band was within 5% of the predicted adult value. Simulations showed differences in drug exposure in children of different ages and adults when the same body‐weight based dose is given. As such, we propose the following total cumulative doses: 35 mg/kg (CHQ base) for children 0–1 month, 47 mg/kg for 1–6 months, 55 mg/kg for 6 months–12 years, and 44 mg/kg for adolescents and adults, not to exceed 3,300 mg in any patient. Our study supports age‐adjusted CHQ dosing in children with COVID‐19 in order to avoid suboptimal or toxic doses. The knowledge‐driven, model‐informed dose selection paradigm can serve as a science‐based alternative to recommend pediatric dosing when pediatric clinical trial data is absent.
Cumulative meta‐analysis identifies declining but negative impacts of invasive species on richness after 20 yr
Authors: Crystal‐Ornelas Robert , Lockwood Julie L.
Published: April 2020

A principal impact of invasive species is that they reduce local species richness. However, it is unknown whether the magnitude of the richness decrease has been consistent over the past two decades of published research. We used cumulative meta‐analysis to synthesize evidence from 240 articles evaluating whether this cumulative evidence base generally supports, or refutes, the association between invasive species presence and richness declines. First, we determined whether evidence accumulation lowered the mean effect size of invasive species on local native richness through time; termed the “decline effect.” Then, as mean effect sizes changed over time, we identified when accumulated evidence reached sufficiency, indicating that the mean effect direction (positive or negative) was unlikely to be reversed by unpublished research. We also assessed whether the mean effect size reached a threshold of stability over publication years. To date, no research has tested mechanisms of the decline effect, and here we determine whether publication bias, sample size, time since invasion, or invader trophic position are driving a decline effect in the published evidence base. We found a clear decline in the cumulative mean effect of invasive species on local native species richness as published evidence accumulated between 1999 and 2016. Despite this decline, an average negative association was stable and sufficiently robust to unpublished studies by 2007, showing a 21% mean richness decrease by 2016. Contrary to our expectation, the decline effect manifested consistently regardless of invasive species trophic position, time since invasion, or journal rank. Within taxonomic subgroups, trees, insects, and herbaceous plants exhibit a decline effect, yet still show sufficient and stable negative impacts on richness. However, many other taxonomic subgroups (e.g., crustaceans, fish, mammals) lack evidence for average negative impacts on richness, or have not met sufficiency or stability thresholds.
Reproductive phenology across the lunar cycle: parental decisions, offspring responses, and consequences for reef fish
Authors: Shima Jeffrey S. , Osenberg Craig W. , Alonzo Suzanne H. , Noonburg Erik G. , Mitterwallner Pauline , Swearer Stephen E.
Published: April 2020

Most organisms reproduce in a dynamic environment, and life‐history theory predicts that this can favor the evolution of strategies that capitalize on good times and avoid bad times. When offspring experience these environmental changes, fitness can depend strongly upon environmental conditions at birth and at later life stages. Consequently, fitness will be influenced by the reproductive decisions of parents (i.e., birth date effects) and developmental decisions (e.g., adaptive plasticity) of their offspring. We explored the consequences of these decisions using a highly iteroparous coral reef fish (the sixbar wrasse, Thalassoma hardwicke) and in a system where both parental and offspring environments vary with the lunar cycle. We tested the hypotheses that (1) reproductive patterns and offspring survival vary across the lunar cycle and (2) offspring exhibit adaptive plasticity in development time. We evaluated temporal variation in egg production from February to June 2017, and corresponding larval developmental histories (inferred from otolith microstructure) of successful settlers and surviving juveniles that were spawned during that same period. We documented lunar‐cyclic variation in egg production (most eggs were spawned at the new moon). This pattern was at odds with the distribution of birth dates of settlers and surviving juveniles—most individuals that successfully survived to settlement and older stages were born during the full moon. Consequently, the probability of survival across the larval stage was greatest for offspring born close to the full moon, when egg production was at its lowest. Offspring also exhibited plasticity in developmental duration, adjusting their age at settlement to settle during darker portions of the lunar cycle than expected given their birth date. Offspring born near the new moon tended to be older and larger at settlement, and these traits conveyed a strong fitness advantage (i.e., a carryover effect) through to adulthood. We speculate that these effects (1) are shaped by a dynamic landscape of risk and reward determined by moonlight, which differentially influences adults and offspring, and (2) can explain the evolution of extreme iteroparity in sixbars.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue: Distinct epidemiological profile disease
Authors: Yosefof Eyal , Hilly Ohad , Stern Sagit , Bachar Gideon , Shpitzer Thomas , Mizrachi Aviram
Published: April 2020

Background

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) occurs in different subsites within the oral cavity. Our goal was to investigate the epidemiological features of OSCC with relation to age and subsite.

Methods

Retrospective review of all patients treated for OSCC in a tertiary care center between 2000 and 2018.

Results

A total of 360 patients were included. Five age groups were defined: 0 to 30, 31 to 45, 46 to 60, 61 to 75, and 76+. In the 0 to 30 and 31 to 45 groups, 94.6% of tumors originated in the oral tongue compared to 87%, 66%, and 61% in the 46 to 60, 61 to 75, and 76+ groups, respectively (P < .001). A higher proportion of oral tongue SCC (OTSCC) was found in nonsmokers (76% vs 62%, P = .02). In nonsmokers aged 0 to 60, 97.9% had OTSCC compared to 67.5% in the 61+ groups (P < .001).

Conclusions

OSCC in young nonsmokers originates primarily in the tongue. The etiology of OTSCC in young patients may be different than other OSCC subsites and not related to smoking.
Bladder cancer therapy without toxicity—A dose‐escalation study of alpha1‐oleate
Authors: Hien Tran Thi , Ambite Ines , Butler Daniel , Wan Murphy Lam Yim , Tran Tuan Hiep , Höglund Urban , Babjuk Marek , Svanborg Catharina
Published: April 2020

Potent chemotherapeutic agents are required to counteract the aggressive behavior of cancer cells and patients often experience severe side effects, due to tissue toxicity. Our study addresses if a better balance between efficacy and toxicity can be attained using the tumoricidal complex alpha1‐oleate, formed by a synthetic, alpha‐helical peptide comprising the N‐terminal 39 amino acids of alpha‐lactalbumin and the fatty acid oleic acid. Bladder cancer was established, by intravesical instillation of MB49 cells on day 0 and the treatment group received five instillations of alpha1‐oleate (1.7‐17 mM) on days 3 to 11. A dose‐dependent reduction in tumor size, bladder size and bladder weight was recorded in the alpha1‐oleate treated group, compared to sham‐treated mice. Tumor markers Ki‐67, Cyclin D1 and VEGF were inhibited in a dose‐dependent manner, as was the expression of cancer‐related genes. Remarkably, toxicity for healthy tissue was not detected in alpha1‐oleate‐treated, tumor‐bearing mice or healthy mice or rabbits, challenged with increasing doses of the active complex. The results define a dose‐dependent therapeutic effect of alpha1‐oleate in a murine bladder cancer model.
A cholecystic extracellular matrix‐based hybrid hydrogel for skeletal muscle tissue engineering
Authors: Raj Reshmi , Sobhan Praveen K. , Pratheesh Kanakarajan V. , Anilkumar Thapasimuthu V.
Published: April 2020

Tailoring the properties of extracellular matrix (ECM) based hydrogels by conjugating with synthetic polymers is an emerging method for designing hybridhydrogels for a wide range of tissue engineering applications. In this study, poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA), a synthetic polymer at variable concentrations (ranging from 0.2 to 2% wt/vol) was conjugated with porcine cholecyst derived ECM (C‐ECM) (1% wt/vol) and prepared a biosynthetic hydrogel having enhanced physico‐mechanical properties, as required for skeletal muscle tissue engineering. The C‐ECM was functionalized with acrylate groups using activated N‐hydroxysuccinimide ester‐based chemistry and then conjugated with PEGDA via free‐radical polymerization in presence of ammonium persulfate and ascorbic acid. The physicochemical characteristics of the hydrogels were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and environmental scanning electron microscopy. Further, the hydrogel properties were studied by evaluating rheology, swelling, gelation time, percentage gel fraction, in vitro degradation, and mechanical strength. Biocompatibility of the gel formulations were assessed using the C2C12 skeletal myoblast cells. The hydrogel formulations containing 0.2 and 0.5% wt/vol of PEGDA were non‐cytotoxic and found suitable for growth and proliferation of skeletal myoblasts. The study demonstrated a method for modulating the properties of ECM hydrogels through conjugation with bio‐inert polymers for skeletal muscle tissue engineering applications.
Heparin‐hyaluronic acid nanofibers for growth factor sequestration in spinal cord repair
Authors: Mays Elizabeth A. , Kallakuri Sridula S. , Sundararaghavan Harini G.
Published: April 2020

Growth factor (GF) delivery is a common strategy for spinal cord injury repair, however, GF degradation can impede long‐term therapies. GF sequestration via heparin is known to protect bioactivity after delivery. We tested two heparin modifications, methacrylated heparin and thiolated heparin, and electrospun these with methacrylated hyaluronic acid (MeHA) to form HepMAHA and HepSHHA nanofibers. For loaded conditions, MeHA, HepMAHA, and HepSHHA fibers were incubated with soluble basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) or nerve growth factor (NGF) and rinsed with PBS. Control groups were hydrated in PBS. L929 fibroblast proliferation was analyzed after 24 hr of culture in either growth media or bFGF‐supplemented media. Dissociated chick dorsal root ganglia neurites were measured after 3 days of cell culture in serum free media (SFM) or NGF‐supplemented SFM (SFM + NGF). In growth media, fibroblast proliferation was significantly increased in loaded HepMAHA (α < .05) compared to other groups. In SFM, loaded HepMAHA had the longest average neurite length compared to all other groups. In SFM + NGF, HepMAHA and HepSHHA had increased neurite lengths compared to MeHA, regardless of loading (α < .01), suggesting active sequestration of soluble NGF. HepMAHA is a promising biomaterial for sequestering released GFs in a spinal cord injury environment and will be combined with GF filled microspheres for future studies.
Assessment of fresh and preserved amniotic membrane for guided bone regeneration in mice
Authors: Fenelon Mathilde , Etchebarne Marion , Siadous Robin , Grémare Agathe , Durand Marlène , Sentilhes Loic , Torres Yoann , Catros Sylvain , Gindraux Florelle , L'Heureux Nicolas , Fricain Jean‐Christophe
Published: April 2020

Thanks to its biological properties, the human amniotic membrane (HAM) can be used as a barrier membrane for guided bone regeneration (GBR). However, no study has assessed the influence of the preservation method of HAM for this application. This study aimed to establish the most suitable preservation method of HAM for GBR. Fresh (F), cryopreserved (C) lyophilized (L), and decellularized and lyophilized (DL) HAM were compared. The impact of preservation methods on collagen and glycosaminoglycans (GAG) content was evaluated using Masson's trichrome and alcian blue staining. Their suture retention strengths were assessed. In vitro, the osteogenic potential of human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (hBMSCs) cultured on the four HAMs was evaluated using alkaline phosphatase staining and alizarin red quantification assay. In vivo, the effectiveness of fresh and preserved HAMs for GBR was assessed in a mice diaphyseal bone defect after 1 week or 1 month healing. Micro‐CT and histomorphometric analysis were performed. The major structural components of HAM (collagen and GAG) were preserved whatever the preservation method used. The tearing strength of DL‐HAM was significantly higher. In vitro, hBMSCs seeded on DL‐HAM displayed a stronger ALP staining, and alizarin red staining quantification was significantly higher at Day 14. In vivo, L‐HAM and DL‐HAM significantly enhanced early bone regeneration. One month after the surgery, only DL‐HAM slightly promoted bone regeneration. Several preserving methods of HAM have been studied for bone regeneration. Here, we have demonstrated that DL‐HAM achieved the most promising results for GBR.
Strontium and antimony serum levels in healthy individuals living in high‐ and low‐risk areas of esophageal cancer
Authors: Mirzaee Majid , Semnani Shahryar , Roshandel GholamReza , Nejabat Mojgan , Hesari Zahra , Joshaghani Hamidreza
Published: April 2020

Background

It has been shown there is an upward trend for strontium (Sr) and antimony (Sb) levels from low‐risk (LR) to high‐risk (HR) areas of etiology of esophageal cancer in water, soil, and grains grown in Golestan province. In the present study, the serum levels of Sr and Sb were determined in healthy individuals living in these areas.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was performed on fasting blood serum of adult healthy individuals collected by cluster sampling. Subjects were divided into two groups, those living in either HR or LR areas. Strontium and antimony serum levels were measured using a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy.

Results

A total of 200 volunteers were enrolled from which 96 persons (48%) and 104 persons (52%) were from either HR or LR areas, respectively. The sex distribution was 40.9% male and 59.1% female, and the average age of enrolled people was 50.9 years. The average strontium levels were 30.44 ± 4.05 and 30.29 ± 3.74 μg/L in LR and HR, respectively. It also has been shown the average antimony levels were 15.21 ± 3.40, 14.81 ± 3.17, 15.13 ± 3.62, and 15.07 ± 3.62 μg/L in LR, HR, urban, and rural populations, respectively.

Conclusion

The serum levels of strontium and antimony were not significantly different in healthy adults living in high‐ and low‐risk areas of esophageal cancer. However, the average antimony serum levels in Golestan Province were above the reference interval in different countries.
Circular RNA 0016788 displays as a biomarker for tumor progression and poor prognosis in surgical hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Cheng Fantian , Wang Lili , Zhang Jun
Published: April 2020

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of circular RNA 0016788 (circ_0016788) regarding its correlation with tumor progression and survival in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Two hundred and seventy‐eight HCC patients who received tumor resection were retrospectively analyzed. Circ_0016788 expression in 278 tumor tissues and 116 adjacent tissues was detected by reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Circ_0016788 was elevated in tumor tissue compared with adjacent tissue, and it had an excellent value in distinguishing tumor tissue from adjacent tissue (area under the curve: 0.913; 95% confidence interval: 0.885‐0.941). Furthermore, circ_0016788 correlated to higher performance status score, larger tumor size, increased Barcelona clinic liver cancer (BCLC) stage, abnormal aspartate aminotransferase, abnormal alpha‐fetoprotein, and abnormal carbohydrate antigen 199 levels. Moreover, by Kaplan‐Meier curve and log‐rank test, circ_0016788 high expression correlated with shorter overall survival (OS). Importantly, multivariate Cox's regression analysis displayed that circ_0016788 high expression, older age (≥60 years), history of hepatitis B, history of liver cirrhosis, raised Child‐Pugh stage (B vs A), multifocal disease, largest tumor size (≥5 cm), and increased BCLC stage (B vs A) were independent predictors for poorer OS.

Conclusion

Circ_0016788 displays the potential as a biomarker for assisting personalized treatment, tumor management, and prognosis surveillance in surgical HCC patients.
Analytical evaluation of three soluble transferrin receptor measurement systems for diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia: A retrospective study
Authors: Hou Li'an , Lu Jun , Jiang Xianyong , Guo Xiuzhi , Ma Chaochao , Cheng Xinqi
Published: April 2020

Background

Soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) is a promising indicator of iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Here, we investigated the application value of sTfR assays based on three different methods for the diagnosis of IDA.

Methods

The sTfR concentrations in two groups of patient specimens with high‐level and low‐level sTfR concentrations and in quality control materials were measured four times a day for five consecutive days to evaluate the precision of the three methods. We selected patients with IDA, anemia of chronic disease (ACD), or chronic diseases with iron deficiency anemia (CIDA), and apparently healthy subjects, and measured the serum sTfR concentrations in all subjects using the three different methods. The cutoff points for an IDA diagnosis using the three assays and their corresponding clinical sensitivities and specificities were calculated by receiver operating characteristic analysis.

Results

For the diagnosis of IDA, the cutoff points of sTfR measured by the chemiluminescent, immunoturbidimetric, and immunonephelometric assays were 2.91, 6.70, and 2.48 mg/L, respectively. The corresponding sensitivities were 85.59%, 85.59%, and 85.59%, the specificities were 91.47%, 90.31%, and 90.70%, and area under the curve was 0.943, 0.944, and 0.936, respectively. The sTfR concentrations measured by the different methods were significantly higher in the IDA and CIDA groups than in the other two groups (P < .05).

Conclusions

The sTfR based on the three different measurement methods presented promising analytical performances and met the clinical requirements for sensitivity and specificity. However, the different measurement methods had markedly different cutoff points for IDA diagnosis, which should be critically considered in clinical practice.
Prenatal diagnosis of complete penoscrotal transposition with normal scrotum: Two case reports and review of the literature
Authors: Kurt Didar , Sivrikoz Tuğba Saraç , Kalelioğlu Halil İbrahim , Has Recep , Ziylan Hasan Orhan , Yüksel Atıl
Published: April 2020

Complete penoscrotal transposition is an extremely rare congenital anomaly and is usually associated with other urinary system abnormalities. Prenatal diagnosis is feasible by demonstrating perineal anatomy and its relation with scrotum and phallus. We describe two prenatal cases presenting with oligohydramniosis and megacystis due to lower urinary tract obstruction. Postnatal diagnosis was confirmed in both cases. Considering the dismal perinatal outcome, an accurate prenatal diagnosis is required for counseling the parents and preparing for postnatal care.
Application of ultrasound‐assisted liquid–liquid microextraction coupled with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry for the rapid determination of synthetic cannabinoids and metabolites in biological samples
Authors: Mercieca Gilbert , Odoardi Sara , Mestria Serena , Cassar Marisa , Strano‐Rossi Sabina
Published: April 2020

The constant emergence of new psychoactive substances is a challenge to clinical and forensic toxicologists who need to constantly update analytical techniques to detect them. A large portion of these substances are synthetic cannabinoids. The aim of this study was to develop a rapid and simple method for the determination of synthetic cannabinoids and their metabolites in urine and blood using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The method involves an ultrasound‐assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction that implies a rapid procedure, giving excellent extraction efficiencies with minimal use of toxic solvents. This is followed by silylation and analysis with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The chromatographic method allows for the separation and identification of 29 selected synthetic cannabinoids and some metabolites. The method was validated on urine and blood samples with the ability to detect and quantify all analytes with satisfactory limits of detection (from 1 to 5 ng/mL), limits of quantification (5 ng/mL), and selectivity and linearity (in the range of 5–200 ng/mL). The developed assay is highly applicable to laboratories with limited instrumental availability, due to the use of efficient and low‐cost sample preparation and instrumental equipment. The latter may contribute to enhance the detection of new psychoactive substances in clinical and forensic toxicology laboratories.