bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green spectrofluorimetric determination of salmeterol xinafoate in its pure forms, medicinal commercial formula, and human plasma: Application for stability studies
Authors: Omar Mahmoud A. , Nagy Dalia M. , Ahmed Hoda S. , Attia Tamer Z.
Published: February 2021

A natural, accurate, extremely rapid, and precise spectrofluorometric method has been developed and validated for determination of salmeterol (SAL) xinafoate in its medicinal commercial form and spiked human plasma. The native SAL fluorescence has been measured at 415 nm (after 340 nm as excitation) in distilled water. Different factors affecting the native fluorescence consistency of SAL were surveyed and optimized. The suggested procedure was capable of SAL determination over concentrations ranging 200–2000 ng.mL−1 with excellent correlation coefficient of 0.9995. The limits of detection and quantification were estimated as 44.44 ng mL−1 and 134.66 ng mL−1, respectively. The method has good accuracy and precision. The green spectrofluorometric method was used for determination of SAL in its commercial preparations and the results were in accordance with other reported methods regarding accuracy and precision. Moreover, the proposed procedure was enforced for stability indicating assay of SAL and for SAL determination in spiked human plasma. Nearly no cost, high sensitivity, and wide application make the proposed method ideally suited for analysis of SAL in quality control laboratories.
Being pro‐environmentally oriented SMEs: Understanding the entrepreneur's explicit and implicit power motives
Authors: Handrito Radityo Putro , Slabbinck Hendrik , Vanderstraeten Johanna
Published: February 2021

The increased number of environmental problems caused by business activities put higher pressures on entrepreneurs to implement pro‐environmental policies within their businesses. However, studies show that SMEs are less engaged with sustainable and pro‐environmental policies. Hence, it is important to understand the barriers and drivers of implementing a pro‐environmental strategy in SMEs from an entrepreneur's perspective. In a study with Indonesian SME owners, we find that environmental sustainability orientation (ESO) is driven by an entrepreneur's explicit and implicit power motives. Using polynomial regression with surface analysis, we also reveal that a high level of SME's ESO is affected by power motive discrepancy. We discuss implementations for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and educational programs in entrepreneurship.
Sustaining the sustainable development: How do firms turn government green subsidies into financial performance through green innovation?
Authors: Hu Die , Qiu Lu , She Maoyan , Wang Yu
Published: February 2021

The impact of government green subsidies on firms' green innovation behaviors and sustainable development has been recognized in the existing literature, but the deep relationship remains poorly understood. This study aims to examine the mechanism of how government green subsidies influence firms' financial performance via green innovation and how the mediating effect varies under different contingent conditions. Empirical results based on data of Chinese listed companies between 2006 and 2018 reveal that green subsidies have positive effects on green process and product innovation, but only green product innovation can rise higher financial performance, which further verifies that green subsidies positively influence financial performance through green product innovation rather than green process innovation. In addition, both higher absorptive capacity and higher market turbulence strengthen the indirect effect of green subsidies on firms' financial performance via green product innovation. Our study provides useful implications for enterprises by revealing the influence mechanism of green subsidies on financial performance through green innovation under different leveraging levels of internal and external conditions. It also provides basis for the government to formulate relevant environmental policies.
Influence of the change of methodology in the practical laboratories of the power electronics subject
Authors: Cabrera‐Peña Jose. M. , Quevedo Eduardo , Fabelo Himar , Ortega Samuel , Marrero‐Callicó Gustavo , Zapatera‐Llinares Alberto
Published: February 2021

Background

The use of novel didactic approaches in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) academic programs is a relevant topic in current educational research. In this context, Project‐Based learning is shown as a promising didactic tool for improving the motivation of engineering students.

Objective

To propose an adapted project‐based approach for lecturing on Power Electronics. The main objective of the project‐based approach is to enhance the attention and motivation of the students in the practical lessons, increasing their knowledge about the subject and, hence, improving results in the theoretical part of the subject.

Methods

First, we propose a project which combines all the theoretical aspects related to the subject Power Electronics, namely. “Power, Control, Monitoring and Supervision System of an Electric Motor.” Second, each subsystem of the final project is analyzed during each practical lesson, and simulation environments and real circuit manipulations are used for introducing complex Power Electronics concepts to undergraduate students.

Results

This project‐based methodology has been compared with the demonstration method followed in the previous course by using the validated Students' Evaluations of Educational Quality survey (SEEQ).

Conclusions

The results show that the adopted methodology has clearly improved the SEEQ results with respect to the demonstration method.
Nutrition intervention is beneficial to the quality of life of patients with gastrointestinal cancer undergoing chemotherapy in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Linh Thuy , Dang Anh Kim , Duong Phuong Thi , Phan Hanh Bich Thi , Pham Chinh Tuyet Thi , Nguyen Anh Tuan Le , Le Huong Thi
Published: February 2021

Introduction

The best treatment therapy for gastrointestinal cancer patients is assessed by the improvement of health status and quality of life (QoL) after treatments. Malnutrition is related to loss of muscle strengths which leads to lower physical performance and emotional status. Thus, this study aimed to estimate the effects of nutritional interventions on the improvement of QoL among gastrointestinal patients undergoing chemotherapy in Vietnam.

Methods

A quasi‐experiment with intervention and control groups for pre‐ and post‐intervention assessment was carried out at the Department of Oncology and Palliative Care—Hanoi Medical University Hospital from 2016 to 2019. Sixty gastrointestinal cancer patients were recruited in each group. The intervention regimen consisted of nutritional counseling, a specific menu with a recommended amount of energy, protein, and formula milk used within 2 months. Nutritional status and QoL of patients were evaluated using The Scored Patient‐Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG‐SGA) and The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC). The difference in differences (DiD) method was utilized to estimate the outcome between control and intervention groups.

Results

After the intervention, patients of the intervention group had better changes in scores of global health status (Coef =16.68; 95% CI =7.90; 25.46), physical (Coef =14.51; 95% CI =5.34; 23.70), and role functioning (Coef =14.67; 95% CI =1.63; 27.70) compared to the control group. Regarding symptom scales, the level of fatigue, pain, and insomnia symptoms significantly reduced between pre‐ and post‐intervention in the intervention group. In addition, living in urban areas, defined as malnourished and having low prealbumin levels, were positively associated with the lower global health status/QoL score.

Conclusion

Nutritional therapy with high protein was beneficial to the improvement in QoL, physical function and the reduction of negative symptoms among gastrointestinal cancer patients. Early individualized nutritional support in consultation with professional dietitians during chemotherapy plays an integral part in enhancing the QoL and better treatment prognosis.

Clinical trial registration number: NCT04517708.
CD44 expression in the tumor periphery predicts the responsiveness to bevacizumab in the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma
Authors: Nishikawa Masahiro , Inoue Akihiro , Ohnishi Takanori , Yano Hajime , Kanemura Yonehiro , Kohno Shohei , Ohue Shiro , Ozaki Saya , Matsumoto Shirabe , Suehiro Satoshi , Nakamura Yawara , Shigekawa Seiji , Watanabe Hideaki , Kitazawa Riko , Tanaka Junya , Kunieda Takeharu
Published: February 2021

Antiangiogenic therapy with bevacizumab (Bev), a monoclonal antibody targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), is a common treatment for recurrent glioblastoma (GBM), but its survival benefit is limited. Resistance to Bev is thought to be a major cause of ineffectiveness on Bev therapy. To optimize Bev therapy, identification of a predictive biomarker for responsiveness to Bev is required. Based on our previous study, we focused on the expression and functions of CD44 and VEGF in the Bev therapy. Here, we analyze a relationship between CD44 expression and responsiveness to Bev and elucidate the role of CD44 in anti‐VEGF therapy. CD44 and VEGF expression in the tumor core and periphery of 22 GBMs was examined, and the relationship between expression of these molecules and progression‐free time on Bev therapy was analyzed. The degree of CD44 expression in the tumor periphery was evaluated by the ratio of the mRNA expression in the tumor periphery to that in the tumor core (P/C ratio). VEGF expression was evaluated by the amount of the mRNA expression in the tumor periphery. To elucidate the roles of CD44 in the Bev therapy, in vitro and in vivo studies were performed using glioma stem‐like cells (GSCs) and a GSC‐transplanted mouse xenograft model, respectively. GBMs expressing high P/C ratio of CD44 were much more refractory to Bev than those expressing low P/C ratio of CD44, and the survival time of the former was much shorter than that of the latter. In vitro inhibition of VEGF with siRNA or Bev‐activated CD44 expression and increased invasion of GSCs. Bev showed no antitumor effects in mice transplanted with CD44‐overexpressing GSCs. The P/C ratio of CD44 expression may become a useful biomarker predicting responsiveness to Bev in GBM. CD44 reduces the antitumor effect of Bev, resulting in much more highly invasive tumors.
Evaluating a combined intervention targeting at‐risk post‐secondary students: When it comes to graduating, mental health matters
Authors: Antunes‐Alves Sara , Langmuir Tori
Published: February 2021

Amid reports of the surging mental health crisis among students, a related area of concern for many post‐secondary institutions is retention rates. Mental distress has been shown to impact academic functioning, leading to decreased academic performance and dropout. This quantitative study evaluated a 12‐week combined counselling intervention programme designed to improve both the mental health and academics of 244 self‐referred, at‐risk students at a Canadian university. Differences pre‐ and post‐programme were examined among the following groups: those who were struggling academically, those who were mentally distressed and those who were experiencing both issues. Mental health, academic functioning and academic performance were measured pre‐ and post‐programme by means of Likert‐style questionnaires and overall grade point average (GPA). Results of paired‐samples t tests demonstrated that all groups experienced significant improvement in academic performance, academic functioning and mental health. Almost all students who presented to the programme on academic warning were able to increase their grades in order to remain in their programmes, avoiding suspension. Findings demonstrate the programme's potential to provide support for university students who are struggling both academically and mentally, as well as increasing student retention rates. Discussion of these results highlights the implications for the implementation of holistic, combined intervention approaches within university policy to increase student retention rates and answer student calls for increased mental health support.
Hirschsprung Disease in an Infant with L1 syndrome: Report of a New Case and a novel L1CAM variant
Authors: Gauntner Timothy D. , Karumuri Manasa , Guzman Miguel A. , Starnes Sara E. , Besmer Sherri , Pinz Hailey , Braddock Stephen R. , Andreone Teresa L.
Published: February 2021

L1syndrome is an X‐linked disorder manifesting with congenital hydrocephalus, adducted thumbs and spasticity. There are rare cases of L1 syndrome and coincident Hirschsprung disease, with mutations in the L1CAM gene thought to underlie both. We present a novel pathogenic L1CAM variant in someone with L1 syndrome and Hirschsprung disease.
Phenotypic overlap between pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency and FOXG1 syndrome
Authors: Akaba Yuichi , Takahashi Satoru , Takeguchi Ryo , Tanaka Ryosuke , Nabatame Shin , Saitsu Hirotomo , Matsumoto Naomichi
Published: February 2021

Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHC) deficiency is a mitochondrial disorder. We report two cases of PDHC deficiency with clinical symptoms and brain imaging findings reminiscent of FOXG1 syndrome, suggesting a phenotypic overlap of these disorders.
Management considerations for a critically ill 26‐gestational week patient with COVID‐19: A case report
Authors: Khatib Mohamad Y. , Olagundoye Victor O. , Elshafei Moustafa S. , El Khatib Fadi M. , Mohamed Ahmed S. , Nashwan Abdulqadir J.
Published: February 2021

Pregnant women are potentially more susceptible to respiratory tract infections making them a high‐risk group. We describe the successful management of a 35‐year‐old pregnant woman, G3, P1, with a history of a cesarean section who tested positive for COVID‐19 at 26 weeks and required critical care support.
Industrie 4.0 in der Filtertechnik
Authors: Hensel Heiko
Published: February 2021

Zur Überwachung des Filtrationsprozesses ist ein modernes, effizientes und umweltfreundliches Filterkonzept entstanden, das reale Bedingungen gläsern darstellt. Die neue Generation der Steuerung /überwachung hilft, Abfälle zu reduzieren und Ausfallzeiten von Anlagen zu minimieren.
Nonparametric manifold learning approach for improved process monitoring
Authors: Cui Ping , Wang Xuhong , Yang Yupu
Published: February 2021

A novel nonparametric method based on manifold learning is proposed for industrial process monitoring. In conventional algorithms, to preserve the global and local structure information of data, heat kernels containing two auxiliary parameters are introduced to define the global and local weight matrices, respectively. However, it is difficult to identify and choose these two parameters empirically. The inadequate selection of parameters can lead to one‐sided and inappropriate global and local feature extractions, resulting in an inadequate fault detection performance. To resolve the above problems, a nonparametric strategy is used in this study to generate two nonparametric weight matrices to replace the heat kernel‐based weight matrices. Consequently, the proposed method requires no auxiliary parameters in defining the weight matrices, making it more practical. Moreover, it automatically determines a good trade‐off between global and local feature extractions. A process monitoring model based on the proposed method was developed. The feasibility and effectiveness of the new nonparametric method are evaluated using a synthetic example and the Tennessee Eastman chemical process.
Design, Synthesis and Ring‐Opening Properties of a New Bipyridine Fused Rhodamine‐Like Chelating Ligand and the Related Transition Metal Complexes†
Authors: Qian Zhiyuan , Cheng Yukun , Zhao Shunan , Wong Keith Man‐Chung
Published: February 2021

Main observation and conclusion

A new bipyridine fused rhodamine‐like chelating ligand and the corresponding transition metal complexes of platinum(II) and iridium(III) have been designed, synthesized and structurally characterized by X‐ray crystallography. Their photophysical properties and acid‐ or metal ion‐promoted spirocarbon ring‐opening properties have been investigated. The platinum(II) and iridium(III) complexes show a drastic color change in solution with Hg2+ ions and emergency of an absorption band at around 450—600 nm, assignable to the absorption band of the ring‐opened rhodamine‐like ligand. The platinum(II) complex was suggested to undergo dissociation with Hg2+ ion, based on the corresponding absorption titration study. Emission titration studies of iridium(III) complexes were found to suffer from the quenching process, probably due to the presence of a lower‐lying non‐emissive excited state from the ring‐opened form of ligand.
The effect of smoking, obesity and diabetes on recurrence‐free and overall survival in patients with stage III colon cancer receiving adjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Croese Alex , Gartrell Richard , Hiscock Richard , Lee Margaret , Gibbs Peter , Faragher Ian , Yeung Justin
Published: February 2021

Background

The association between smoking, diabetes and obesity and oncological outcomes in patients with stage III colon cancer treated with surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy is unclear.

Aim

To evaluate whether smoking, obesity and diabetes are associated with the disease‐free survival and overall survival rates of patients with stage III colon cancer who have received adjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods

Patients were selected from the prospectively maintained Australian Cancer Outcomes and Research Database (ACCORD). All stage III colon cancer patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy between January 2003 to December 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. The three primary exposures of interest were smoking status, body mass index (BMI) and diabetic (DM) status. The primary outcomes of interest were disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

A total of 785 patients between 2003 and 2015 were included for analysis. Using Kaplan‐Meier survivorship curves, there was no association between OS and smoking (P = .71), BMI (P = .3) or DM (P = .72). Similarly, DFS did not reveal an association with smoking (P = .34), BMI (P = .2) and DM (P = .34). Controlling for other covariates the results did not reach statistical significance in adjusted multiple regression models.

Conclusion

Smoking, obesity and DM were not shown to influence DFS or OS for patients with stage III colon cancer who have received adjuvant chemotherapy.
Trusted data collection for Internet of Things
Authors: Ning Zhenhu , Gong Bei , Xu Meng , Zhou Caiqiu
Published: February 2021

Trusted date collection is the precondition of the security of Internet of Things (IOT). Recently, compressed sensing technology, which can enable the reduction of the energy consumption and time delay of data collection, has been extensively studied in IOT; However, the security of compressed sensing technology in IOT has not been sufficiently considered. Since compressed sensing depends the cooperation between IOT nodes and then sensing data is transparent for all IOT nodes, which is subjected to malicious nodes attack. Therefore, we propose a trusted data collection scheme based on compressed sensing oriented to the IOT. When data collection is tampered with, the scheme can detect malicious nodes. Experiments demonstrate that the proposed scheme can ensure data security with a low energy consumption.
Evaluation of Meropenem‐Ciprofloxacin Combination Dosage Regimens for the Pharmacokinetics of Critically Ill Patients With Augmented Renal Clearance
Authors: Agyeman Akosua A. , Rogers Kate E. , Tait Jessica R. , Bergen Phillip J. , Kirkpatrick Carl M. , Wallis Steven C. , Bulitta Jürgen B. , Paterson David L. , Lipman Jeffrey , Nation Roger L. , Roberts Jason A. , Landersdorfer Cornelia B.
Published: February 2021

Augmented renal clearance (ARC, creatinine clearance > 130 mL/minute) makes difficult achievement of effective concentrations of renally cleared antibiotics in critically ill patients. This study examined the synergistic killing and resistance suppression for meropenem‐ciprofloxacin combination dosage regimens against Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates within the context of ARC. Clinically relevant meropenem and ciprofloxacin concentrations, alone and in combinations, were studied against three clinical isolates with a range of susceptibilities to each of the antibiotics. Isolate Pa1280 was susceptible to both meropenem and ciprofloxacin, Pa1284 had intermediate susceptibility to meropenem and was susceptible to ciprofloxacin, and CR380 was resistant to meropenem and had intermediate susceptibility to ciprofloxacin. Initially, isolates were studied in 72‐hour static‐concentration time‐kill (SCTK) studies. Subsequently, the pharmacokinetic profiles expected in patients with ARC receiving dosage regimens, including at the highest approved daily doses (meropenem 6 g daily divided and administered as 0.5‐hour infusions every 8 hours, or as a continuous infusion; ciprofloxacin 0.4 g as 1‐hour infusions every 8 hours), were examined in a dynamic hollow‐fiber infection model (HFIM) over 7–10 days. In both SCTK and HFIM, combination regimens were generally synergistic and suppressed growth of less‐susceptible subpopulations, these effects being smaller for isolate CR380. The time‐courses of total and less‐susceptible bacterial populations in the HFIM were well‐described by mechanism‐based models, which enabled conduct of Monte Carlo simulations to predict likely effectiveness of approved dosage regimens at different creatinine clearances. Optimized meropenem‐ciprofloxacin combination dosage regimens may be a viable consideration for P. aeruginosa infections in critically ill patients with ARC.
Self‐Assembly Method for Insensitive DAAF/FOX‐7 Composite Crystals with Microspheres Structure
Authors: Liu Shujie , Wu Bidong , Xie Jiani , Li Zhimin , An Chongwei , Wang Jingyu , Li Xiaodong
Published: February 2021

Highly efficient design for the formulation of explosives is desired for accelerating the development of energetic materials. These investigations are focused on the preparation of the compounds 3,3′‐diamino‐4,4′‐azoxyfurazan (DAAF) and 1,1‐diamino‐2,2‐dinitroethylene (FOX‐7). DAAF/FOX‐7 microspheres are prepared via the self‐assembly method using different mass ratios of DAAF and FOX‐7. Materials Studio is used to analyze the intermolecular binding energy (Ebind) of the composite system. DAAF/FOX‐7 with a mass ratio of 90:10 shows a higher Ebind (183.24 kJ mol−1) and peak temperature at the heating rate of 0 °C min−1 (266.2 °C) than DAAF/FOX‐7 with a mass ratio of 70:30 and DAAF/FOX‐7 with a mass ratio of 80:20; this indicates that DAAF/FOX‐7 (90:10) shows better thermal stability. EXPLO5 is used to analyze the detonation velocity of the composite system, and the detonation velocity of DAAF/FOX‐7 microspheres increase by 0.5 km s−1 compared to that of DAAF. The characteristic drop height of impact sensitivity is more than 100 cm, and this demonstrates that the microspheres exhibit good safety performance. The morphology, crystal structure, thermal decomposition property, and impact sensitivity of the microspheres are investigated and compared. X‐ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results indicate that the structure of the DAAF/FOX‐7 composite is not changed compared to that of the raw material.
A potent and selective small molecule inhibitor of myoferlin attenuates colorectal cancer progression
Authors: He Yuan , Kan Weiqiong , Li Yunqi , Hao Yun , Huang Anling , Gu Haijun , Wang Minna , Wang Qingqing , Chen Jinlian , Sun Zhenliang , Liu Mingyao , Chen Yihua , Yi Zhengfang
Published: February 2021

As a pivotal vesicular trafficking protein, Myoferlin (MYOF) has become an attractive target for cancer therapy. However, the roles of MYOF in colorectal cancer invasion remain enigmatic, and MYOF‐targeted therapy in this malignancy has not been explored. In the present study, we provided the first functional evidence that MYOF promoted the cell invasion of colorectal cancer. Furthermore, we identified a novel small molecule inhibitor of MYOF (named YQ456) that showed high binding affinity to MYOF (KD = 37 nM) and excellent anti‐invasion capability (IC50 = 110 nM). YQ456 was reported for the first time to interfere with the interactions between MYOF and Ras‐associated binding (Rab) proteins at low nanomolar levels. This interference disrupted several vesicle trafficking processes, including lysosomal degradation, exosome secretion, and mitochondrial dynamics. Further, YQ456 exhibited excellent inhibitory effects on the growth and invasiveness of colorectal cancer. As the first attempt, the anticancer efficacy of YQ456 in the patient‐derived xenograft (PDX) mouse model indicated that targeting MYOF may serve as a novel and practical therapeutic approach for colorectal cancer.
Restoration of renal TIMP3 levels via genetics and pharmacological approach prevents experimental diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Casagrande Viviana , Iuliani Giulia , Menini Stefano , Pugliese Giuseppe , Federici Massimo , Menghini Rossella
Published: February 2021

Background

Diabetic nephropathy (DN), one of the major complications of diabetes, is characterized by albuminuria, glomerulosclerosis, and progressive loss of renal function. Loss of TIMP3, an Extracellular Matrix bound protein affecting both inflammation and fibrosis, is a hallmark of DN in human subjects and mouse models.

Methods

This study was designed to provide evidences that the modulation of the system involving TIMP3 and its target A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM17), may rescue kidney pathology in diabetic mice. Mice with cell‐targeted overexpression of TIMP3 in myeloid cells (MacT3), podocyte‐specific ADAM17 knockout mice (∆PodA17), and DBA/2J mice, were rendered diabetic at 8 weeks of age with a low‐dose streptozotocin protocol. DBA/2J mice were administered new peptides based on the human TIMP3 N‐terminal domain, specifically conjugated with G3C12, a carrier peptide highly selective and efficient for transport to the kidney. Twelve weeks after Streptozotocin injections, 24‐hour albuminuria was determined by ELISA, kidney morphometry was analyzed by periodic acid‐shift staining, and Real Time‐PCR and western blot analysis were performed on mRNA and protein extracted from kidney cortex.

Results

Our results showed that both genetic modifications and peptides treatment positively affect renal function and structure in diabetic mice, as indicated by a significant and consistent decline in albuminuria along with reduction in glomerular lesions, as indicated by reduced mesangial expansion and glomerular hypertrophy, decreased deposition of extracellular matrix in the mesangium, diminished protein expression of the NADPH oxidases 4 (NOX4), and the improvement of podocyte structural markers such as WT1, nephrin, and podocin. Moreover, the positive effects were exerted through a mechanism independent from glycemic control.

Conclusions

In diabetic mice the targeting of TIMP3 system improved kidney structure and function, representing a valid approach to develop new avenues to treat this severe complication of diabetes.
Concordance of CSF measures of Alzheimer's pathology with amyloid PET status in a preclinical cohort: A comparison of Lumipulse and established immunoassays
Authors: Keshavan Ashvini , Wellington Henrietta , Chen Zhongbo , Khatun Ayesha , Chapman Miles , Hart Melanie , Cash David M. , Coath William , Parker Thomas D. , Buchanan Sarah M. , Keuss Sarah E. , Harris Matthew J. , Murray‐Smith Heidi , Heslegrave Amanda , Fox Nick C. , Zetterberg Henrik , Schott Jonathan M
Published: February 2021

INTRODUCTION

We assessed the concordance of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau measured on the fully automated Lumipulse platform with pre‐symptomatic Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology on amyloid positron emission tomography (PET).

METHODS

In 72 individuals from the Insight 46 study, CSF Aβ40, Aβ42, total tau (t‐tau), and phosphorylated tau at site 181 (p‐tau181) were measured using Lumipulse, INNOTEST, and Meso Scale Discovery (MSD) assays and inter‐platform Pearson correlations derived. Lumipulse Aβ42 measures were adjusted to incorporate standardization to certified reference materials. Logistic regressions and receiver operating characteristics analysis generated CSF cut‐points optimizing concordance with 18F‐florbetapir amyloid PET status (n = 63).

RESULTS

Measurements of CSF Aβ, p‐tau181, and their ratios correlated well across platforms (r 0.84 to 0.94, P < .0001); those of t‐tau and t‐tau/Aβ42 correlated moderately (r 0.57 to 0.79, P < .0001). The best concordance with amyloid PET (100% sensitivity and 94% specificity) was afforded by cut‐points of 0.075 for Lumipulse Aβ42/Aβ40, 0.087 for MSD Aβ42/Aβ40 and 17.3 for Lumipulse Aβ42/p‐tau181.

DISCUSSION

The Lumipulse platform provides comparable sensitivity and specificity to established CSF immunoassays in identifying pre‐symptomatic AD pathology.
Cervical cancer: Automation of Pap test screening
Authors: Rezende Mariana T. , Bianchi Andrea G. C. , Carneiro Cláudia M.
Published: February 2021

Background

Cervical cancer progresses slowly, increasing the chance of early detection of pre‐neoplastic lesions via Pap exam test and subsequently preventing deaths. However, the exam presents both false‐negatives and false‐positives results. Therefore, automatic methods (AMs) of reading the Pap test have been used to improve the quality control of the exam. We performed a literature review to evaluate the feasibility of implementing AMs in laboratories.

Methods

This work reviewed scientific publications regarding automated cytology from the last 15 years. The terms used were “Papanicolaou test” and “Automated cytology screening” in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, in the three scientific databases (SCIELO, PUBMED, MEDLINE).

Results

Of the resulting 787 articles, 34 were selected for a complete review, including three AMs: ThinPrep Imaging System, FocalPoint GS Imaging System and CytoProcessor. In total, 1 317 148 cytopathological slides were evaluated automatically, with 1 308 028 (99.3%) liquid‐based cytology slides and 9120 (0.7%) conventional cytology smears. The AM diagnostic performances were statistically equal to or better than those of the manual method. AM use increased the detection of cellular abnormalities and reduced false‐negatives. The average sample rejection rate was ≤3.5%.

Conclusion

AMs are relevant in quality control during the analytical phase of cervical cancer screening. This technology eliminates slide‐handling steps and reduces the sample space, allowing professionals to focus on diagnostic interpretation while maintaining high‐level care, which can reduce false‐negatives. Further studies with conventional cytology are needed. The use of AM is still not so widespread in cytopathology laboratories.
Tectorigenin regulates migration, invasion, and apoptosis in dexamethasone‐induced human airway epithelial cells through up‐regulating miR‐222‐3p
Authors: Qian Xiong , Xiao Qi , Li Zongqi
Published: February 2021

Glucocorticoids (GCs) can effectively control airway inflammation, but can also cause airway epithelial injury. Tectorigenin, a type of isoflavone isolated from various medicinal plants, has hypolipidemic activity, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant effects. We aimed to investigate whether Tectorigenin can repair GCs‐induced airway epithelial injury. Airway epithelial cell line (9HTE cells) were treated with dexamethasone (Dex), Tectorigenin, or further transfected, then cell viability, migration, and invasion were examined by Cell Counting Kit (CCK‐8), wound healing, and Transwell assays. The expressions of potential miRNAs related to the effect of Tectorigenin were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Expressions of poptosis‐related proteins Bcl‐2‐associated protein‐X (Bax), B‐cell lymphoma‐2 (Bcl‐2), Cleaved Caspase‐3, and related to Mitorgen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway serine/threonine kinase (Raf1), extracellular signal‐regulated kinase kinase 1/2 (MEK1/2), and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) were detected by Western blot. Dex inhibited the cell viability, migration and invasion by promoting Bax and Cleaved Caspase‐3 expressions (p <.001) and by inhibiting the expressions of Bcl‐2 and miR‐222‐3p (p <.001). Then, 10 μmol/L Tectorigenin itself did not affect cell viability but could inhibit the effect of Dex on cell viability, migration, and invasion. Tectorigenin up‐regulated the expressions of miR‐222‐3p, Bcl‐2, p‐Raf1, p‐MEK1/2, and p‐ERK1/2 (p <.01), but down‐regulated the expressions of Bax and Cleaved Caspase‐3 (p <.05) in Dex‐induced cells. MiR‐222‐3p inhibitor reversed the antagonistic effect of Tectorigenin on Dex. The study demonstrates that Tectorigenin inhibits apoptosis of Dex‐induced 9HTE cells by up‐regulating the expression of miR‐222‐3p, which involves with the MAPK pathway.
Eutrophication management in a Great Lakes wetland: examination of the existence of alternative ecological states
Authors: Kim Dong‐Kyun , Yang Cindy , Parsons Christopher T. , Bowman Jennifer , Theÿsmeÿer Tys , Arhonditsis George B.
Published: February 2021

The degradation and loss of ecologically important wetlands has been a topical issue in the Great Lakes region, where 60–80% of the coastal wetlands have been lost since the 1800s. The present modeling study aims to guide the restoration efforts in Cootes Paradise marsh, one of the most degraded shallow wetlands in Southern Ontario. We use a process‐based eutrophication model designed to reproduce the biotic competition among multiple phytoplankton and macrophyte functional groups. Our primary focus is to offer guidelines for wetland restoration by characterizing the ecophysiological processes of the autotrophic assemblage, such as the nutrient uptake from the water column and/or the sediment pore waters, the relative ability to harvest light and fuel photosynthesis, and temperature control of the algal/macrophyte growth and basal metabolism. We predict that the additional reduction of external phosphorus loading in Cootes Paradise could induce an abrupt, non‐linear shift from the current turbid phytoplankton‐dominated state to a desirable clear macrophyte‐dominated state. The emergence of this critical (or tipping) point, where the shift to another ecological state may occur, can be accelerated by the presence of a thriving macrophyte community with an enhanced ability to sequester phosphorus. However, it may also be delayed by the presence of a suite of biogeochemical mechanisms (often referred to as “feedback loops”), such as the remobilization of legacy P due to sediment diagenetic processes, wind resuspension, bioturbation, hydraulic loading from local tributaries, water‐level fluctuations, and the leachable P pool of dead plant material that can be returned into the water column through senescence. Our study identifies the restoration actions required to minimize the likelihood of prolonged hysteresis and to facilitate a shift to a desirable ecological state in the foreseeable future. The areal expansion of aquatic vegetation will not only lead to the establishment of a thriving meadow and emergent vegetation community, but may also pave the way for submerged macrophytes through a suite of synergistic mechanisms. Additional point‐source loading reductions will facilitate the transition to an alternative stable clear macrophyte‐dominated state, but could also consolidate the future resilience of the marsh.
The plasticity of ungulate migration in a changing world
Authors: Xu Wenjing , Barker Kristin , Shawler Avery , Van Scoyoc Amy , Smith Justine A. , Mueller Thomas , Sawyer Hall , Andreozzi Chelsea , Bidder Owen R. , Karandikar Harshad , Mumme Steffen , Templin Elizabeth , Middleton Arthur D.
Published: February 2021

Migratory ungulates are thought to be declining globally because their dependence on large landscapes renders them highly vulnerable to environmental change. Yet recent studies reveal that many ungulate species can adjust their migration propensity in response to changing environmental conditions to potentially improve population persistence. In addition to the question ofwhetherto migrate, decisions ofwhereandwhento migrate appear equally fundamental to individual migration tactics, but these three dimensions of plasticity have rarely been explored together. Here, we expand the concept of migratory plasticity beyond individual switches in migration propensity to also include spatial and temporal adjustments to migration patterns. We develop a novel typological framework that delineates every potential change type within the three dimensions, then use this framework to guide a literature review. We discuss broad patterns in migratory plasticity, potential drivers of migration change, and research gaps in the current understanding of this trait. Our result reveals 127 migration change events in direct response to natural and human‐induced environmental changes across 27 ungulate species. Species that appeared in multiple studies showed multiple types of change, with some exhibiting the full spectrum of migratory plasticity. This result highlights that multidimensional migratory plasticity is pervasive in ungulates, even as the manifestation of plasticity varies case by case. However, studies thus far have rarely been able to determine the fitness outcomes of different types of migration change, likely due to the scarcity of long‐term individual‐based demographic monitoring as well as measurements encompassing a full behavioral continuum and environmental gradient for any given species. Recognizing and documenting the full spectrum of migratory plasticity marks the first step for the field of migration ecology to employ quantitative methods, such as reaction norms, to predict migration change along environmental gradients. Closer monitoring for changes in migratory propensity, routes, and timing may improve the efficacy of conservation strategies and management actions in a rapidly changing world.
Phased array weather radar for heavy precipitation measurements with high resolution
Authors: Ushio Tomoo
Published: February 2021

A new Phased Array Radar (PAR) system for meteorological application has been developed by Toshiba Corporation and Osaka University under a grant of NICT, and installed in Osaka University, Japan in 2012. The PAR system developed has the unique capability of scanning the whole sky with 100 m and 10 to 30‐second resolution up to 60 km. The system adopts the digital beam forming technique for elevation scanning and mechanically rotates the array antenna in azimuth direction within 10 to 30 seconds. The radar transmits a broad beam of several degrees with 24 antenna elements and receives the back scattered signal with 128 elements digitizing at each element. Then, by digitally forming the beam in the signal processor, the fast scanning is realized. After the installation of the PAR, SIP project has started to develop a new PAR with polarimetric capabilities.
Prevalence of low health literacy levels in decompensated heart failure compared with acute myocardial infarction patients
Authors: Perrin Adèle , Abdalla Gergis , Viprey Marie , Delahaye François , Mewton Nathan , Ovize Michel , Sebbag Laurent , Bochaton Thomas , Dima Alexandra L. , Bravant Estelle , Schott Anne‐Marie , Haesebaert Julie
Published: February 2021

Aims

Health literacy (HL) is a health determinant in cardiovascular diseases as the active participation of patients is essential for optimizing self‐management of these conditions. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of low HL level in patients hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) and explore low HL determinants.

Methods and results

A prospective cross‐sectional study was performed in three cardiology units. HL level was assessed using Brief Health Literacy Screen (BHLS) and categorized as low or adequate. Dimensions of HL were assessed with the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ). Associations with sociodemographic factors, disease history, and comorbidities were explored. A total of 208 patients were included, mean ± SD age was 68.5 ± 14.9 years, and 65.9% were men. Patients with ADHF were significantly older and more often women than AMI patients. Prevalence of low HL was 36% overall, 51% in ADHF patients, and 21% in AMI patients (P < 0.001). After adjustment for sociodemographic factors, patients with lower income (€<10 000 per year, adjusted odds ratio = 10.46 95% confidence interval [2.38; 54.51], P = 0.003) and native language other than French (adjusted odds ratio = 14.36 95% confidence interval [3.76; 66.9], P < 0.002) were more likely to have low HL. ADHF patients presented significantly lower HLQ scores than AMI patients in five out of the nine HLQ dimensions reflecting challenges in access to healthcare.

Conclusions

Prevalence of low HL was higher among ADHF patients than among AMI patients. Low HL ADHF patients needed more support when accessing healthcare services, and these would require more adaptation to respond to low HL patients' needs.
Predicting outcome in children with dilated cardiomyopathy: the use of repeated measurements of risk factors for outcome
Authors: van der Meulen Marijke , den Boer Susanna , du Marchie Sarvaas Gideon J. , Blom Nico , ten Harkel Arend D.J. , Breur Hans M.P.J. , Rammeloo Lukas A.J. , Tanke Ronald , Bogers Ad J.J.C. , Helbing Willem A. , Boersma Eric , Dalinghaus Michiel
Published: February 2021

Aims

We aimed to determine whether in children with dilated cardiomyopathy repeated measurement of known risk factors for death or heart transplantation (HTx) during disease progression can identify children at the highest risk for adverse outcome.

Methods and results

Of 137 children we included in a prospective cohort, 36 (26%) reached the study endpoint (SE: all‐cause death or HTx), 15 (11%) died at a median of 0.09 years [inter‐quartile range (IQR) 0.03–0.7] after diagnosis, and 21 (15%) underwent HTx at a median of 2.9 years [IQR 0.8–6.1] after diagnosis. Median follow‐up was 2.1 years [IQR 0.8–4.3]. Twenty‐three children recovered at a median of 0.6 years [IQR 0.5–1.4] after diagnosis, and 78 children had ongoing disease at the end of the study. Children who reached the SE could be distinguished from those who did not, based on the temporal evolution of four risk factors: stunting of length growth (−0.42 vs. −0.02 length Z‐score per year, P < 0.001), less decrease in N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) (−0.26 vs. −1.06 2log pg/mL/year, P < 0.01), no decrease in left ventricular internal diastolic dimension (LVIDd; 0.24 vs. −0.60 Boston Z‐score per year, P < 0.01), and increase in New York University Pediatric Heart Failure Index (NYU PHFI; 0.49 vs. −1.16 per year, P < 0.001). When we compared children who reached the SE with those with ongoing disease (leaving out the children who recovered), we found similar results, although the effects were smaller. In univariate analysis, NT‐proBNP, length Z‐score, LVIDd Z‐score, global longitudinal strain (%), NYU PHFI, and age >6 years at presentation (all P < 0.001) were predictive of adverse outcome. In multivariate analysis, NT‐proBNP appeared the only independent predictor for adverse outcome, a two‐fold higher NT‐proBNP was associated with a 2.8 times higher risk of the SE (hazard ratio 2.78, 95% confidence interval 1.81–3.94, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The evolution over time of NT‐proBNP, LVIDd, length growth, and NYU PHFI identified a subgroup of children with dilated cardiomyopathy at high risk for adverse outcome. In this sample, with a limited number of endpoints, NT‐proBNP was the strongest independent predictor for adverse outcome.
Convergent development of experimental landforms with differing rainfall and substrate properties
Authors: Ouchi Shunji
Published: February 2021

Four runs of experimental landform development, with the same uplift rate, different rainfall intensity, and the same material of different permeability adjusted by the degree of compaction, showed complicated effects of rainfall and mound‐forming material. In the run with more rainfall on less permeable material, low separated ridges developed in the uplifted area, because abundant overland flow promoted valley erosion and slope processes from early stages. In the run with less rainfall on less permeable material, valley incision proceeded mostly in major valleys where surface water converges. Canyons developed during early stages and later a high massive mountain emerged. The effect of rainfall difference, however, appeared completely opposite on more permeable material accompanied by lower shear strength. In the run with more rainfall on more permeable material, a massive mountain similar to that with less rainfall on less permeable material appeared, and low separated ridges appeared in the run with less rainfall on more permeable material as in the run with more rainfall on less permeable material. In the former case, similar amount of water available for Hortonian overland flow in early stages estimated from rainfall rate and permeability can explain the development of similar landforms. In the latter case, while abundant surface water with more rainfall on less permeable material made fluvial erosion active from early stages, the deficiency in surface water with less rainfall on more permeable material apparently attenuated fluvial erosion but possibly accentuated slope processes and slope failures by seepage water flow through more permeable material of low shear strength. The active erosion from early stages apparently resulted in the development of enduring similar low landforms later in the dynamic equilibrium stage. These experimental results indicate that similar landforms can emerge from different environmental and lithologic controls, and that process does not necessarily follow from form.
Structural deformation in Kaladawan of North Altun orogenic belt, NW China: Constraints from magnetic and EBSD fabrics
Authors: He Jiangtao , Chen Bailin , Wang Yong
Published: February 2021

The North Altyn Tagh ductile shear zone is well exposed in the Kaladawan area of North Altun orogenic belt. The deformed rocks provide clues to the deformation conditions and the tectonic evolution of the North Altun orogen. This study investigated structural deformation in Kaladawan of North Altun orogenic belt using magnetic fabric and electronic backscattered diffraction (EBSD) quartz fabric in order to reveal the dynamic and kinematic characteristics of the North Altyn Tagh ductile shear zone. We conducted detailed field investigations and collected oriented samples to analyse magnetic and EBSD fabrics. The mean magnetic susceptibility (Km) value for the Kaladawan rocks is low, indicating that paramagnetic and diamagnetic minerals are the principal carriers of magnetic susceptibility. The corrected degree of anisotropy (Pj), magnetic lineation (L), magnetic foliation (F), shape parameter (T), and oblateness of the magnetic susceptibility ellipsoid (E) show that the deformation in the central part of a transect across Kaladawan is weak indicating elongated prolate strain, whereas the deformation in the north and south is strong indicating oblate strain. The anisotropic magnetic susceptibility (AMS) principal ellipsoidal axis K1 (magnetic lineation) trends mainly WNW–ESE and are oriented with variable magnetic foliation attitudes, whereas the AMS principal axis K3 (pole to magnetic foliation) trends NNE–SSW. Deformation under different conditions generated two types of quartz c‐axis fabric style: type A (point maximum) and type B (Y maximum plus crossed girdles). Fabric thermometry analyses suggest that the quartz fabrics formed at a medium temperature of 400–500°C. According to previous zircon U–Pb data from Kaladawan, deformation of the North Altyn Tagh ductile shear zone took place between 478.1 and 427.3 Ma. The ductile shear can be interpreted as a tectonic response to dextral oblique convergence between the Tarim and Central Altun blocks.