bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio and outcomes in patients with new‐onset or worsening heart failure with reduced and preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Curran Fraser M. , Bhalraam U , Mohan Mohapradeep , Singh Jagdeep S. , Anker Stefan D. , Dickstein Kenneth , Doney Alexander S. , Filippatos Gerasimos , George Jacob , Metra Marco , Ng Leong L. , Palmer Colin N. , Samani Nilesh J. , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Voors Adriaan A. , Lang Chim C. , Mordi Ify R.
Published: May 2021

Aims

Inflammation is thought to play a role in heart failure (HF) pathophysiology. Neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a simple, routinely available measure of inflammation. Its relationship with other inflammatory biomarkers and its association with clinical outcomes in addition to other risk markers have not been comprehensively evaluated in HF patients.

Methods

We evaluated patients with worsening or new‐onset HF from the BIOlogy Study to Tailored Treatment in Chronic Heart Failure (BIOSTAT‐CHF) study who had available NLR at baseline. The primary outcome was time to all‐cause mortality or HF hospitalization. Outcomes were validated in a separate HF population.

Results

1622 patients were evaluated (including 523 ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] < 40% and 662 LVEF ≥ 40%). NLR was significantly correlated with biomarkers related to inflammation as well as NT‐proBNP. NLR was significantly associated with the primary outcome in patients irrespective of LVEF (hazard ratio [HR] 1.18 per standard deviation increase; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11–1.26, P < 0.001). Patients with NLR in the highest tertile had significantly worse outcome than those in the lowest independent of LVEF (<40%: HR 2.75; 95% CI 1.84–4.09, P < 0.001; LVEF ≥ 40%: HR 1.51; 95% CI 1.05–2.16, P = 0.026). When NLR was added to the BIOSTAT‐CHF risk score, there were improvements in integrated discrimination index (IDI) and net reclassification index (NRI) for occurrence of the primary outcome (IDI + 0.009; 95% CI 0.00–0.019, P = 0.030; continuous NRI + 0.112, 95% CI 0.012–0.176, P = 0.040). Elevated NLR was similarly associated with adverse outcome in the validation cohort. Decrease in NLR at 6 months was associated with reduced incidence of the primary outcome (HR 0.75; 95% CI 0.57–0.98, P = 0.036).

Conclusions

Elevated NLR is significantly associated with elevated markers of inflammation in HF patients and is associated with worse outcome. Elevated NLR might potentially be useful in identifying high‐risk HF patients and may represent a treatment target.
Characterization of Oleogels Based on Waxes and Their Hydrolyzates
Authors: Wettlaufer Till , Hetzer Birgit , Flöter Eckhard
Published: May 2021

In this paper, the structuring of liquid oils, also known as oleogelation, is systematically investigated for the first time using a quasi‐quaternary mixing system approach. Native waxes with different quantities of wax esters (WE), n‐alkanes (hydrocarbons (HC)), fatty acids (FA), and fatty alcohols (FaOH) are applied in mixtures with hydrolyzed waxes to systematically change the composition. Hydrolyzed waxes contain high levels of FA and FaOH. The model systems are investigated on microscopic level (brightfield light microscopy (BFM), cryogenic scanning electron microscopy (cryo‐SEM)) as well as on their macroscopic properties (rheology, gel hardness) and calorimetric behavior (differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)). It is found that sunflower wax (SFW)‐based gels (12% structurant) become less hard on any admixture. Beeswax (BW)‐based gels show significant increases in hardness when 25% and 50% (w/w) hydrolyzate are admixed. This could be related to stepwise crystallization. Further analysis reveals that the dissolution/melting behavior of the wax ester mixtures can be surprisingly well described as ideal solubility of a single pseudocomponent. The approach to unravel the individual contributions of the different species present in waxes is successful and marks a first step to better understand the systematic of wax functionality as oleogelators.

Practical Application: The substitution of hardstock fats in structured oil phases is of interest for two reasons. The improved nutritional profile oleogels offer are beneficial for public health while the elimination of palm oil based ingredients appears to be a general public desire. Among the technical solutions for non‐TAG oil structuring waxes are very promising. This is primarily due to their availability, prior consumption, potentially low cost for functionality. Currently waxes are technically and scientifically wrongly treated as single components. In order to better utilize the potential of waxes and design future sourcing strategies it is necessary to understand the wax functionality at a compositional/molecular level. This contribution marks the first step into this direction by considering classes of molecules with respect to their contribution to functionality. This understanding is considered as a key for future compositional design.
The Atrazine Saga and its Importance to the Future of Toxicology, Science, and Environmental and Human Health
Authors: Rohr Jason R.
Published: May 2021

The herbicide atrazine is one of the most commonly used, well studied, and controversial pesticides on the planet. Much of the controversy involves the effects of atrazine on wildlife, particularly amphibians, and the ethically questionable decision making of members of industry, government, the legal system, and institutions of higher education, in most cases in an effort to “bend science,” defined as manipulating research to advance economic, political, or ideological ends. In this Critical Perspective I provide a timeline of the most salient events in the history of the atrazine saga, which includes a multimillion-dollar smear campaign, lawsuits, investigative reporting, accusation of impropriety against the US Environmental Protection Agency, and a multibillion-dollar transaction. I argue that the atrazine controversy must be more than just a true story of cover-ups, bias, and vengeance. It must be used as an example of how manufacturing uncertainty and bending science can be exploited to delay undesired regulatory decisions and how greed and conflicts of interest—situations where personal or organizational considerations have compromised or biased professional judgment and objectivity—can affect environmental and public health and erode trust in the discipline of toxicology, science in general, and the honorable functioning of societies. Most importantly, I offer several recommendations that should help to 1) prevent the history of atrazine from repeating itself, 2) enhance the credibility and integrity of science, and 3) enrich human and environmental health. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1544–1558. © 2021 SETAC
Making resilience explicit in FRAM: Shedding light on desired outcomes
Authors: Bueno Wagner Pietrobelli , Wachs Priscila , Saurin Tarcisio Abreu , Ransolin Natália , de Souza Kuchenbecker Ricardo
Published: May 2021

Resilience plays a key role in desired outcomes of socio‐technical systems. However, the Functional Resonance Analysis Method (FRAM), which has been the main modeling tool in light of resilience engineering, does not make explicit the role of resilience. This paper addresses this gap by proposing new procedures for the development of FRAM models of desired outcomes. They are: (i) the active search for functions that display resilient performance; (ii) the assessment of the frequency at which the function output is expected to occur at the same way as it occurred in the desired outcome – frequent unwanted variabilities that occur despite desired outcomes tend to be hidden; (iii) understanding of the reasons for desired outcomes based on the analysis of the logical associations between each function, the abilities of resilient systems and guidelines for coping with complexity; and (iv) the proposal of recommendations for sustaining the observed successful performance. Two case studies of events with desired outcomes in an intensive care unit illustrate the applicability of the proposal. The proposal is expected to be useful for making systems more resilient to everyday work, in which vulnerabilities might be hidden by desired outcomes.
International financial reporting standards, domestic debt finance and institutional quality: Evidence from developing countries
Authors: Tawiah Vincent , Gyapong Ernest
Published: May 2021

We have examined the relationship between international financial reporting standards (IFRS and IFRS for SMEs) and domestic credit to the private sector by banks. Using data on 107 developing countries from 2000 to 2017, we found that the use of IFRS and IFRS for SMEs is positively associated with an increase in domestic credit to the private sector in developing countries. Our analysis on the individual global standards shows that the relationship is much stronger for the use of full IFRS than IFRS for SMEs. We found that the effect of both international standards on domestic credit is more profound in countries with weaker institutional quality, indicating the overwhelming support that these sets of international standards are quality standards that boost confidence in financial statements. Other robustness tests confirm our results.
Sugarcane response to different soil water replenishment‐based deficit irrigation treatments during different growth stages in an Indian semi‐arid region*
Authors: Dingre S.K. , Gorantiwar S.D. , Pawar D.D. , Dahiwalkar S.D. , Nimbalkar C.A.
Published: May 2021

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of a specified water deficit during a specified growth stage by replenishing root zone soil water. A field experiment was conducted with 27 treatments in randomized block design comprising groupings of different root zone soil water replenishment levels (100%, 70%, and 40%) during different growth stages (tillering, grand growth, and maturity) over three full‐year seasons of 2015–2017 in clay soils of semi‐arid western India. The full‐season 100% soil water replenishment produced higher yield (174 t ha−1), net monetary returns, and benefit‐cost (B:C) ratio that decreased linearly with linear decrease in water use. Full‐season 40% soil water replenishment caused a reduction in yield of about 40.7%, whereas a 70% replenishment caused a reduction in yield by 14%. The quality parameters of sugarcane improved non‐significantly in high‐water‐deficit conditions compared with full irrigation. The smaller range of water productivity in all seasons indicated a linear decrease when irrigation water increased and yields decreased under the different treatments. The net income and B:C ratio related to marketable cane yield was highest in 100% soil water replenishment (INR 274,000 ha−1and 1.58, respectively) and then declined with the decrease in water use depth. The water deficit imposed during the long‐duration grand growth stage had adverse effects on cane yield, followed by tillering and maturity stages. Deficit irrigation scheduling at 100%, 70%, and 40% soil water replenishment at tillering, grand growth, and maturity stages, respectively, was appropriate. The water requirement of seasonal sugarcane under full irrigation and water deficit conditions was 1,320 and 1,150 mm, respectively.
Intramuscular adipose tissue in the quadriceps is more strongly related to recovery of activities of daily living than muscle mass in older inpatients
Authors: Akazawa Naoki , Kishi Masaki , Hino Toshikazu , Tsuji Ryota , Tamura Kimiyuki , Hioka Akemi , Moriyama Hideki
Published: May 2021

Background

The relationship between intramuscular adipose tissue at admission and recovery of activities of daily living (ADL) remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the relationship between intramuscular adipose tissue in the quadriceps at admission and recovery of ADL in older inpatients.

Methods

This prospective study included 404 inpatients aged ≥65 years (54.7% female). Recovery of ADL during hospital stay was assessed using the Barthel Index (BI) score at discharge, BI score change, and BI efficiency. Higher BI at discharge, BI score change, and BI efficiency indicate more improvement in ADL. Intramuscular adipose tissue and muscle mass of the quadriceps were assessed using echo intensity and muscle thickness on ultrasound images, respectively. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify factors independently associated with BI score at discharge, BI score change, and BI efficiency. The independent variables were BI score at admission, echo intensity and muscle thickness of the quadriceps, age, sex, number of medications, C‐reactive protein concentration, updated Charlson Comorbidity Index score, Food Intake Level Scale, Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index score, days from onset disease, length of hospital stay, number of units of rehabilitation therapy, and subcutaneous fat thickness of the thigh.

Results

The medians (inter‐quartile range) of the BI score at discharge, BI score change, and BI efficiency were 60.0 (35.0–80.0), 10.0 (0.0–25.0), and 0.11 (0.00–0.37), respectively. The median (inter‐quartile range) of the length of hospital stay (days) and days from onset disease were 58.0 (39.0–92.0) and 79.0 (49.0–112.0), respectively. Quadriceps echo intensity was independently and significantly associated with the BI score at discharge (β = −0.13, P < 0.01), BI score change (β = −0.23, P < 0.01), and BI efficiency (β = −0.21, P < 0.01). Quadriceps thickness was not independently and significantly associated with the BI score at discharge (β = −0.02, P = 0.68), BI score change (β = −0.02, P = 0.79), and BI efficiency (β = 0.03, P = 0.67).

Conclusions

Our study indicates that greater intramuscular adipose tissue in the quadriceps at admission is more strongly related to worse recovery of ADL than less muscle mass in older inpatients. Greater intramuscular adipose tissue in the quadriceps in older inpatients is considered to be a predictor of worse recovery of ADL, and intervening for greater intramuscular adipose tissue may be important for improving ADL in older inpatients.
Attached culture of Gibberella fujikuroi for biocomposite sorbent production and ciprofloxacin sequestration applications
Authors: Akar Tamer , Sayin Fatih , Celik Sema , Tunali Akar Sibel
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

The fluoroquinolone antibiotics in water sources are significant threats to public health, as well as the water ecosystem and water reuse. In this study, the feasibility of the biosorption of ciprofloxacin (CIP) using pine needles biomass‐Gibberella fujikuroi immobilized biocomposite (PNGFB) was promoted. It was prepared by passive cell immobilization onto the lignocellulosic matrix. The suggested biosorbent was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and zeta potential analysis. Series of batch and continuous mode experiments were conducted.

RESULTS

The results of both systems showed that the PNGFB was effectively used for the treatment of CIP contamination. The maximum uptake occurred at pH 6.0, 40 min contact time, 1.0 mL min−1 flow rate, and 0.10 g (batch) and 0.20 g (column) PNGFB dosages. Redlich–Peterson isotherm model was the best suited to equilibrium data and the pseudo‐second‐order model predicted the biosorption kinetics. The maximum monolayer biosorption capability was 39.17 mg g−1. The suggested biocomposite also reached CIP removal yields of 64.14% and 53.74% in synthetic hospital effluent and synthetic urine samples containing 100 mg L−1 antibiotic, respectively. The regeneration study indicates that PNGFB retained its high biosorption and desorption yields during five cycles of the biosorption‐desorption.

CONCLUSION

The findings clearly showed that the PNGFB seems to be an eco‐friendly, effective, economic, and potentially viable biocomposite sorbent for the sustainable removal of CIP contamination. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Concurrent schedules: How responses per reinforcer affects estimates of sensitivity to reinforcement
Authors: Davison Michael
Published: May 2021

Conventionally, when choice is measured under concurrent schedules, all responses are included. However, the class of all responses consists of 2 sub‐classes which are discriminable by their properties: Reinforced responses always equal obtained reinforcers, while unreinforced responses are free to vary. As a result, the inclusion of reinforced responses in choice measures results in sensitivity values in generalized matching that are biased toward larger values, and this bias becomes extreme in some combinations of overall response and reinforcer rates. Different ways of varying concurrent‐schedule values also affect estimated sensitivity and the linearity between choice based on all responses and reinforcer ratios. To avoid spurious results and comparisons, and as a matter of good practice, generalized‐matching fits and measures should be done using only unreinforced responses.
Detecting Muscle Invasion of Bladder Cancer Using a Proposed Magnetic Resonance Imaging Strategy
Authors: Wang Xiangyu , Tu Ning , Sun Feng , Wen Zhi , Lan Xinxin , Lei Yi , Cui Enming , Lin Fan
Published: May 2021

Background

Accurate evaluation of the invasion depth of tumors with a Vesical Imaging‐Reporting and Data System (VI‐RADS) score of 3 is difficult.

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of a new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) strategy based on the integration of the VI‐RADS and tumor contact length (TCL) for the diagnosis of muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (MIBC).

Study type

Single center, retrospective.

Subjects

A group of 179 patients with a mean age of 67 years (range, 24.0–96.0) underwent multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) before surgery, including 147 (82.1%) males and 32 (17.9%) females. Twenty‐four (13.4%), 90 (50.3%), 43 (24.0%), 15 (8.4%), and 7 (3.9%) cases were Ta, T1, T2, T3, and T4, respectively.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 1.5 T and 3.0 T, T2‐weighted turbo spin‐echo (TSE), single‐shot echo‐planar (SS‐EPI), diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI), and T1‐weighted volumetric interpolated breath‐hold examination (T1‐VIBE).

Assessment

Three radiologists independently graded the VI‐RADS score and measured the TCL on index lesion images. A proposed MRI strategy called VI‐RADS_TCL was introduced by modifying the VI‐RADS score, which was downgraded to VI‐RADS 3F (equal to a VI‐RADS score of 2) if VI‐RADS = 3 and TCL < 3 cm.

Statistical Tests

Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), Mann–Whitney U test, chi‐square tests, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and 2 × 2 contingency tables were applied.

Results

Inter‐reader agreement values were 0.941 (95% CI, 0.924–0.955) and 0.934 (95% CI, 0.916–0.948) for the TCL and VI‐RADS score. The TCL was significantly increased in the MIBC group (6.40–6.85 cm) compared with the NMIBC group (1.98–2.45 cm) (P < 0.05). The specificity and positive predictive values (PPV) of VI‐RADS_TCL were 82.46%–87.72% and 90.91%–91.59%, which were significantly greater than VI‐RADS score (P < 0.05). Additionally, 52.17%–55.88% NMIBC lesions with VI‐RADS 3 were downgraded to 3F by using VI‐RADS_TCL.

Data Conclusion

The proposed MRI strategy could reduce the false‐positive rate of lesions with a VI‐RADS score of 3 while retaining sensitivity.

Evidence Level

4

Technical Efficacy

2
Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide and gingival fibroblast augment MMP‐9 expression of monocytic U937 cells through cyclophilin A
Authors: Chen Tzu‐Ying , Kuo Po‐Jan , Lin Chi‐Yu , Hung Tsung‐Fu , Chiu Hsien‐Chung , Chiang Cheng‐Yang , Shih Kuang‐Chung , Fu Earl
Published: May 2021

Background

Intercellular cross‐talking was suggested in matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9 expression with unknown mechanisms. Studies showed cyclophilin A (CypA) playing an important role in regulating MMP‐9 expression in varied diseases. The aim of the study was to examine the CyPA on the MMP‐9 augmentation in monocytic U937 cells after Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment and human gingival fibroblast (hGF) co‐culture.

Methods

In independent culture or co‐culture of hGF and U937 cell, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and zymography were selected to examine the mRNA and protein activity of MMP‐9, respectively. The CyPA expression was determined by qPCR.

Results

LPS could enhance MMP‐9 mRNA expression and enzyme activity in U937 cell. However, the enhancements were not observed in hGF. Similarly, LPS enhanced CyPA mRNA in U937, but not in hGF. After co‐cultured with hGF, however, MMP‐9 and CyPA in U937 increased regardless of the presence/absence of LPS. In U937 cells, the extra‐supplied CyPA increased MMP‐9 mRNA and enzyme activity, whereas the CyPA inhibitor, cyclosporine A, suppressed the LPS‐ and co‐culture‒enhanced MMP‐9. Moreover, the inhibitors for MAP kinase, including PD98059 (ERK) and SP600125 (JNK), suppressed the CyPA‐enhanced MMP‐9 in U937.

Conclusion

Through the CyPA pathway, the LPS and the hGF could augment the MMP‐9 expression in the U937 cells.
Evaluation of the effect of scaling and root planing on salivary and serum fetuin‐A levels in patients with Stages II and III periodontitis
Authors: Nair Sanjita , Nisha KJ
Published: May 2021

Background

Fetuin‐A has garnered recognition in the etiopathogenesis of several systemic disorders. It has been recently acknowledged as an anti‐inflammatory marker for periodontal disease. This study aimed to compare and correlate salivary and serum fetuin‐A levels in health and patients with stages II‐III periodontitis along with evaluating the effect of non‐surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) on the same.

Methods

Group 1 comprised of 30 healthy subjects. Group 2 embodied 30 patients with stages II‐III periodontitis. Clinical periodontal parameters were recorded. Saliva and serum samples were assembled. Periodontitis patients received non‐surgical periodontal treatment. They were recalled after 6 months, and collection of samples and recording of clinical parameters were reiterated. Fetuin‐A levels were analyzed using ELISA.

Results

Salivary and serum fetuin‐A levels were significantly lower in periodontitis patients when compared with the healthy subjects (P < 0.001) at baseline. Their concentrations significantly upregulated 6 months after active periodontal therapy (P < 0.001). Salivary fetuin‐A levels revealed a significant positive correlation with their serum levels in Group 1 at baseline (P < 0.001). They also displayed a positive correlation in Group 2 at baseline and 6 months post periodontal therapy, nevertheless failed to establish a statistically significant association.

Conclusion(s)

Our study concluded that salivary and serum fetuin‐A levels diminished with increasing severity of periodontal inflammation, and NSPT remarkably improved their levels. They also displayed a significant positive correlation in health, and a non‐significant, yet positive correlation in patients with periodontitis.
Application of X‐ray diffraction and energy dispersive spectroscopy in the isolation of sulfated polysaccharide from Porphyra haitanensis and its antioxidant capacity under in vitro digestion
Authors: Chen Peilin , Xu Yanhong , Yang Shuqi , Chang Qing , Zheng Baodong , Zhang Yi , Hu Xiaoke , Zeng Hongliang
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

The separation and purification of Porphyra haitanensis polysaccharide (PHP), and the determination of changes in molecular weight (Mw) and antioxidant capacity after in vitro digestion, were undertaken.

RESULTS

Analysis of two polysaccharide fractions (PHP0.5‐1‐UF and PHP1.0‐1‐UF) by various techniques showed that they were very pure sulfated polysaccharides without pigment or protein. PHP0.5‐1‐UF was filamentous or ‘tape‐like’ sheets, whereas PHP1.0‐1‐UF had some filaments and large numbers of rounded aggregates. The Mw of PHP, PHP0.5‐1‐UF and PHP1.0‐1‐UF was 2.06 × 106 (±2.02%), 6.68 × 106 (±3.17%), and 1.14 × 106 (±3.44%) (g mol–1), respectively. After in vitro digestion, the Mw of PHP, PHP0.5‐1‐UF, and PHP1.0‐1‐UF decreased. Their antioxidant capacities were markedly higher than before digestion, especially PHP0.5‐1‐UF and its digestion products, which might be related to the reductions in Mw.

CONCLUSION

These findings provide a greater understanding of the separation and purification of sulfated polysaccharides and the influence of digestion on biological activity. They also contribute to the practical application of sulfated polysaccharides in functional foods. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Decoupling of Global Brain Activity and Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow in Parkinson's Disease Cognitive Decline
Authors: Han Feng , Brown Gregory L. , Zhu Yalin , Belkin‐Rosen Aaron E. , Lewis Mechelle M. , Du Guangwei , Gu Yameng , Eslinger Paul J. , Mailman Richard B. , Huang Xuemei , Liu Xiao
Published: May 2021

Background

Deposition and spreading of misfolded proteins (α‐synuclein and tau) have been linked to Parkinson's disease cognitive dysfunction. The glymphatic system may play an important role in the clearance of these toxic proteins via cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow through perivascular and interstitial spaces. Recent studies discovered that sleep‐dependent global brain activity is coupled to CSF flow, which may reflect glymphatic function.

Objective

The objective of this current study was to determine if the decoupling of brain activity–CSF flow is linked to Parkinson's disease cognitive dysfunction.

Methods

Functional and structural MRI data, clinical motor (Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale), and cognitive (Montreal Cognitive Assessment [MoCA]) scores were collected from 60 Parkinson's disease and 58 control subjects. Parkinson's disease patients were subgrouped into those with mild cognitive impairment (MoCA < 26), n = 31, and those without mild cognitive impairment (MoCA ≥ 26), n = 29. The coupling strength between the resting‐state global blood‐oxygen‐level‐dependent signal and associated CSF flow was quantified, compared among groups, and associated with clinical and structural measurements.

Results

Global blood‐oxygen‐level‐dependent signal–CSF coupling decreased significantly (P < 0.006) in Parkinson's disease patients showing mild cognitive impairment, compared with those without mild cognitive impairment and controls. Reduced global blood‐oxygen‐level‐dependent signal–CSF coupling was associated with decreased MoCA scores present in Parkinson's disease patients (P = 0.005) but not in controls (P = 0.65). Weaker global blood‐oxygen‐level‐dependent signal–CSF coupling in Parkinson's disease patients also was associated with a thinner right entorhinal cortex (Spearman's correlation, −0.36; P = 0.012), an early structural change often seen in Alzheimer's disease.

Conclusions

The decoupling between global brain activity and associated CSF flow is related to Parkinson's disease cognitive impairment. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
SMARCA4‐deficient rhabdoid tumours show intermediate molecular features between SMARCB1‐deficient rhabdoid tumours and small cell carcinomas of the ovary, hypercalcaemic type
Authors: Andrianteranagna Mamy , Cyrta Joanna , Masliah‐Planchon Julien , Nemes Karolina , Corsia Alice , Leruste Amaury , Holdhof Dörthe , Kordes Uwe , Orbach Daniel , Corradini Nadège , Entz‐Werle Natacha , Pierron Gaëlle , Castex Marie‐Pierre , Brouchet Anne , Weingertner Noëlle , Ranchère Dominique , Fréneaux Paul , Delattre Olivier , Bush Jonathan , Leary Alexandra , Frühwald Michael C , Schüller Ulrich , Servant Nicolas , Bourdeaut Franck
Published: May 2021

Extracranial rhabdoid tumours (ECRTs) are an aggressive malignancy of infancy and early childhood. The vast majority of cases demonstrate inactivation of SMARCB1 (ECRTSMARCB1) on a background of a remarkably stable genome, a low mutational burden, and no other recurrent mutations. Rarely, ECRTs can harbour the alternative inactivation of SMARCA4 (ECRTSMARCA4) instead of SMARCB1. However, very few ECRTSMARCA4 cases have been published to date, and a systematic characterization of ECRTSMARCA4 is missing from the literature. In this study, we report the clinical, pathological, and genomic features of additional cases of ECRTSMARCA4 and show that they are comparable to those of ECRTSMARCB1. We also assess whether ECRTSMARCB1, ECRTSMARCA4, and small cell carcinomas of the ovary, hypercalcaemic type (SCCOHT) represent distinct or overlapping entities at a molecular level. Using DNA methylation and transcriptomics‐based tumour classification approaches, we demonstrate that ECRTSMARCA4 display molecular features intermediate between SCCOHT and ECRTSMARCB1; however, ECRTSMARCA4 appear to be more closely related to SCCOHT by DNA methylation. Conversely, both transcriptomics and DNA methylation show a larger gap between SCCOHT and ECRTSMARCB1, potentially supporting their continuous separate classification. Lastly, we show that ECRTSMARCA4 display concomitant lack of SMARCA4 (BRG1) and SMARCA2 (BRM) expression at the protein level, similar to what is seen in SCCOHT. Overall, these results expand our knowledge on this rare tumour type and explore the similarities and differences among entities from the ‘rhabdoid tumour’ spectrum. © 2021 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cognitive, emotional, and behavioral mediators of the impact of coping self‐efficacy on adaptation to breast cancer: An international prospective study
Authors: Karademas Evangelos C. , Simos Panagiotis , Pat‐Horenczyk Ruth , Roziner Ilan , Mazzocco Ketti , Sousa Berta , Oliveira‐Maia Albino J. , Stamatakos Georgios , Cardoso Fatima , Frasquilho Diana , Kolokotroni Eleni , Marzorati Chiara , Mattson Johanna , Pettini Greta , Poikonen‐Saksela Paula
Published: May 2021

Objective

The main objective of this prospective multicenter study was to examine whether illness representations of control, affect, and coping behaviors mediate the effects of self‐efficacy to cope with cancer on psychological symptoms and overall quality of life, in breast cancer patients.

Method

Data from 413 women (Mean age = 54.87; SD = 8.01), coming from four countries (i.e., Finland, Israel, Italy, Portugal), who received medical therapy for their early breast cancer, were analyzed. Coping self‐efficacy was assessed at baseline. Potential mediators were assessed three months later, and outcomes after six months.

Results

Coping self‐efficacy was related to all mediators and outcomes. Illness representations of treatment control, positive and negative affect, and certain coping behaviors (mostly, anxiety preoccupation) mediated the effects of coping self‐efficacy. Coping self‐efficacy was related to each outcome through a different combination of mediators.

Conclusions

Coping self‐efficacy is a major self‐regulation factor which is linked to well‐being through multiple cognitive, emotional, and behavioral pathways. Enhancement of coping self‐efficacy should be a central intervention goal for patients with breast cancer, towards promotion of their well‐being.
Strong emotional reactions for doctors working in palliative care: Causes, management and impact. A qualitative study
Authors: Hubik Daniel John , O’Callaghan Clare , Dwyer Justin
Published: May 2021

Objective

Doctors working in palliative care services are exposed to challenging emotional environments almost daily. Strong‐emotional reactions experienced in this setting have implications for patient care and doctor wellbeing. Existing research has not focused on doctors working in specialist palliative care. This study aimed to understand what strong emotional reactions are experienced by doctors working in specialist palliative care, the cause of these strong emotional reactions and the impact they have on the lives of palliative care doctors.

Methods

Qualitative descriptive design included grounded theory techniques. Semi‐structured, audio‐recorded individual interviews explored doctors’ memories of strong emotional reactions and challenging aspects in palliative care work, how emotions were managed and affected doctors’ lives.

Setting/participants

Twenty doctors were recruited from a specialist palliative care service within a public health network in Melbourne, Australia, comprising of two inpatient units, a consult service and outpatient clinic.

Results

Palliative care doctors experience a myriad of strong emotions in their line of work. Experiences found to elicit strong emotional reactions included patient, family and staff distress and organizational issues. Strong emotional reactions impacted clinical behaviours, patient care and doctors’ personal lives. Strategies developed for managing strong emotional reactions included debrief, setting boundaries, avoidance and self‐reflection, along with non‐work strategies such as time with family.

Conclusions

Whilst emotionally challenging experiences are unavoidable and necessary in a palliative care doctor’s development, doctors need to be supported to avoid adversely impacting patient care or their own wellbeing.
Impact of season, cloud cover, and air pollution on different spectral regions of ultraviolet and visible incident solar radiation at the surface
Authors: Musiolková Marie , Huszár Peter , Navrátil Martin , Špunda Vladimír
Published: May 2021

This study deals with the impact of season, cloud cover, and air pollution on spectral regions of incident solar radiation (UVB, UVA, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) = Blue + Green + Red, 660, 730 nm) and their ratios (Blue/Red, Blue/PAR, Green/PAR, Red/PAR, 660/730 nm, UVB/UVA, UVB/PAR, and UVA/PAR) measured at three measuring stations at two locations in the City of Ostrava, Czech Republic. The mentioned spectral regions are crucial for plants because they influence photosynthesis and photomorphogenesis. However, there is still a lack of published information about the radiation regime in the plants' environment. The measured data underwent a quality check and were divided into 40 groups corresponding to different combinations of season, cloud cover, and air pollution level. Standard statistical characteristics of spectral regions and their ratios were calculated for each combination. Generalized linear models were used to evaluate the effect of air pollutants on spectral regions of incident solar radiation. Average irradiance values in the spectral regions generally decreased with increasing air pollution on both cloudy and sunny days. A mostly decreasing trend of average values of ratios with increasing air pollution is found mainly on sunny days and, for some cases, even on cloudy days. Each ratio shows a specific patterns depending on the season and cloud cover. The generalized linear models confirm previously published results and underline that air pollution affects various spectral regions of incident solar radiation differently.
Toward an autonomic approach for Internet of Things service placement using gray wolf optimization in the fog computing environment
Authors: Salimian Mahboubeh , Ghobaei‐Arani Mostafa , Shahidinejad Ali
Published: May 2021

Divers and the huge amount of data produced by the Internet of Things (IoT) applications on the one hand, and inherent limitations of local equipment to handle these data, on the other hand, leads to present emerging closer technologies to the end‐users such as fog computing environment. Nevertheless, despite the numerous advantages of such an environment, it still needs state‐of‐the‐art approaches to cope with some inherent limitations. In the literature, resource placement strategies are generally proposed to address such problems, in which the IoT applications are mapped to fog nodes. However, despite its importance, different approaches attempt to enhance the overall system's performance and users' expectations: none of such approaches is satisfactory. In this article, to deploy IoT applications on fog nodes, an autonomic IoT service placement approach based on the gray wolf optimization scheme is proposed, enhancing the system's performance while considering execution costs. Besides, the autonomic concepts help make an appropriate automanagement system that fits better the fog environment's dynamic behavior. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed approach outperforms the other approaches and converges to the solution in near‐optimal application deployment on fog nodes in respect of the performance of performing services that are 93.7%, the performance of the average waiting time for performed services that are 100%, the remaining services sent to an extra provisioned period that is zero.
Natural and forced soil aeration during agricultural managed aquifer recharge
Authors: Ganot Yonatan , Dahlke Helen E.
Published: May 2021

One of the suggested approaches to mitigate the chronic groundwater depletion in California is agricultural managed aquifer recharge (Ag‐MAR), in which farmland is flooded using excess surface water in order to recharge the underlying aquifer. Successful implementation of Ag‐MAR projects requires careful estimation of the soil aeration status, as prolonged saturated conditions in the rhizosphere can damage crops due to O2 deficiency. We studied the soil aeration status under almond [Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb] trees and cover crops during Ag‐MAR at three sites differing in drainage properties. Water application included several cycles (2–7) and flooding durations (27–63 h) that varied according to the soil infiltration capacity at each site. We used O2 and redox potential as soil aeration quantifiers to test the impact of forced aeration by air‐injection compared with natural soil aeration. Results suggest an average increase of up to 2% O2 at one site, whereas mixed impact was observed at the two other sites. Additionally, no impact on crop yield was observed for one growing season. Results further suggest that natural aeration can support crop O2 demand during Ag‐MAR if flooding duration is controlled according to O2 depletion rates. In large Ag‐MAR projects, forced aeration might be useful to improve local zones of O2 deficiency, which are expected to occur due to topographic irregularities and spatial variability of drainage properties.
Enabling assessment of distributive justice through models for climate change planning: A review of recent advances and a research agenda
Authors: Jafino Bramka Arga , Kwakkel Jan H. , Taebi Behnam
Published: May 2021

Models for supporting climate adaptation and mitigation planning, mostly in the form of Integrated Assessment Models, are poorly equipped for aiding questions related to fairness of adaptation and mitigation strategies, because they often disregard distributional outcomes. When evaluating policies using such models, the costs and benefits are typically aggregated across all actors in the system, and over the entire planning horizon. While a policy may be beneficial when considering the aggregate outcome, it can be harmful to some people, somewhere, at some point in time. The practice of aggregating over all actors and over time thus gives rise to problems of justice; it could also exacerbate existing injustices. While the literature discusses some of these injustices in ad‐hoc and case specific manner, a systematic approach for considering distributive justice in model‐based climate change planning is lacking. This study aims to fill this gap by proposing 11 requirements that an Integrated Assessment Model should meet in order to enable the assessment of distributive justice in climate mitigation and adaptation policies. We derive the requirements from various ethical imperatives stemming from the theory of distributive justice. More specifically, we consider both intra‐generational (among people within one generation) and intergenerational (between generations) distributive justice. We investigate to what extent the 11 requirements are being met in recent model‐based climate planning studies, and highlight several directions for future research to advance the accounting for distributive justice in model‐based support for climate change planning.

This article is categorized under:

Climate, Nature, and Ethics > Climate Change and Global Justice
Acetic acid stress in budding yeast: From molecular mechanisms to applications
Authors: Guaragnella Nicoletta , Bettiga Maurizio
Published: May 2021

Acetic acid stress represents a frequent challenge to counteract for yeast cells under several environmental conditions and industrial bioprocesses. The molecular mechanisms underlying its response have been mostly elucidated in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, where acetic acid can be either a physiological substrate or a stressor. This review will focus on acetic acid stress and its response in the context of cellular transport, pH homeostasis, metabolism and stress‐signalling pathways. This information has been integrated with the results obtained by multi‐omics, synthetic biology and metabolic engineering approaches aimed to identify major cellular players involved in acetic acid tolerance. In the production of biofuels and renewable chemicals from lignocellulosic biomass, the improvement of acetic acid tolerance is a key factor. In this view, how this knowledge could be used to contribute to the development and competitiveness of yeast cell factories for sustainable applications will be also discussed.
Stable, but still reactive – investigations on the effects of Lewis acid binding on copper nitrene intermediates
Authors: Warm Katrin , Monte Pérez Inés , Kuhlmann Uwe , Hildebrandt Peter , Farquhar Erik , Swart Marcel , Ray Kallol
Published: May 2021

Copper nitrenes are proposed as reactive intermediates in a number of copper mediated aziridination and amination reactions. However, the isolation and characterization of such intermediates have proved challenging because of their transient nature. One successful approach for the stabilization of the copper‐nitrene cores is the employment of a redox innocent Lewis acid (LA) like Sc3+. We herein report the stabilization of two transient copper nitrene species 3 and 4 in the absence of LAs by employing electronegative −CF3 and −NO2 groups in the nitrene substituent. Detailed investigations of the spectroscopic properties of 3 and 4 by theoretical and experimental methods, and a comparison of their reactivities in presence and absence of LAs provide some vital insights into the effect of LAs on the geometric and electronic structures of the copper nitrenes.
Selective separation of uranium using modified Dowex 1X8 /TOA from carbonate leaching of Dolostone ore, Allouga area, Sinai
Authors: Bakry Ahmed R. , Zaki Doaa I. , Gamil Elham A. , El Hady Saleh M. , Abdel Fattah Nasr A.
Published: May 2021

Leaching of uranium from a technological sample (680 mg/Kg U) in SW Sinai of Um Bogma Formation is carried out using a mix of sodium carbonte/sodium bicarbonate in presence of an oxidant (MnO2or H2O2). The relevant factors e.g. (grain size=−200 mesh, alkali concentration= 100 g/l (3 : 1) mixed Na2CO3/NaHCO3, time=2 h, solid/liquid ratio=1/3, T=50 °C and H2O2=60 ml) of alkaline leaching of uranium have been optimized. This is followed by uranium recovery using an anion exchange resin, modified Dowex 1X8/TOA. Therefore, highly 92 % pure product of uranium has been obtained as sodium di‐urinate Na2U2O7.
The Coordination Chemistry and Clustering of Subvalent Ga+ and In+ upon Addition of σ‐Donor Ligands
Authors: Dabringhaus Philipp , Barthélemy Antoine , Krossing Ingo
Published: May 2021

This review addresses the coordination chemistry (mainly) enabled by using the univalent [M(fluoroarene)2–3]+[Al(ORF)4]−‐salts (M=Ga, In; RF=C(CF3)3) as robust starting materials. In the course of this work, it became clear that the orbital energy of the ns2 (n=4, 5) lone pair in such [:M(L)n]+ cations reacts drastically depending on the quality of the ligand employed. Activation of the lone pair with strong σ‐donor ligands might be used for bond activation and oxidative addition reactions. Yet, unexpectedly, using sterically undemanding and electron rich ligands with limited π‐accepting properties, aggregation to highly charged and rather unusual univalent cluster cations [Mn(L)m]°+ (n=2…5, m=4…6, o=3…5) was observed. An overview and rationalization of these findings is presented here.
Buruh Siluman: The Making and Maintaining of Cheap and Disciplined Labour on Oil Palm Plantations in Indonesia
Authors: Sinaga Hariati
Published: May 2021

Increasing attention has been paid to working conditions on Indonesian oil palm plantations. Reports have documented decent work deficits on plantations in Indonesia that are associated with cheap and disciplined labour as an important feature of the plantation labour regime. This chapter focuses on female labour on oil palm plantations. Drawing on insights from feminist theories, the coloniality/modernity school of thought, as well as literature on racial capitalism, this chapter argues that female labour on plantations, often calledburuh siluman, plays a central role in the making and maintaining of these kinds of labour relations.
Die Zwischenphase als ›Zwischenphase‹: Zeitreflexion und metatextuelle Selbstreflexion
Authors: Brössel Stephan
Published: May 2021

Ein Paradebeispiel für selbstreflexives Erzählen in der Zwischenphase ist Karl Gutzkows erstmals 1847 publizierte Novelle Imagina Unruh. Der Text führt einige der wesentlichen Merkmale zusammen, die für unsere Überlegungen von Bedeutung sind – den Lebenslauf eines Künstlersubjekts, Kunstreflexion, Regressivität, Metatextualität – und entfaltet dadurch ein zeitreflexives Potenzial, das auf eine dritte Säule hindeutet, die wir im Hinblick auf die literarische Diskursivierung des Zeitproblems zu eröffnen haben: Zeitreflexion auf Basis metatextuell-selbstreflexiven Erzählens.
Inner horizon instability and the unstable cores of regular black holes
Authors: Carballo-Rubio Raúl , Di Filippo Francesco , Liberati Stefano , Pacilio Costantino , Visser Matt
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Regular black holes with nonsingular cores have been considered in several approaches to quantum gravity, and as agnostic frameworks to address the singularity problem and Hawking’s information paradox. While in a recent work we argued that the inner core is destabilized by linear perturbations, opposite claims were raised that regular black holes have in fact stable cores. To reconcile these arguments, we discuss a generalization of the geometrical framework, originally applied to Reissner-Nordtsröm black holes by Ori, and show that regular black holes have an exponentially growing Misner-Sharp mass at the inner horizon. This result can be taken as an indication that stable nonsingular black hole spacetimes are not the definitive endpoint of a quantum gravity regularization mechanism, and that nonperturbative backreation effects must be taken into account in order to provide a consistent description of the quantum-gravitational endpoint of gravitational stellar collapse.
Near-BPS baby Skyrmions with Gaussian tails
Authors: Gudnason Sven Bjarke , Barsanti Marco , Bolognesi Stefano
Published: May 2021

Abstract

We consider the baby Skyrme model in a physically motivated limit of reaching the restricted or BPS baby Skyrme model, which is a model that enjoys area-preserving diffeomorphism invariance. The perturbation consists of the kinetic Dirichlet term with a small coefficient ϵ as well as the standard pion mass term, with coefficient $$ \upepsilon {m}_1^2 $$
ϵ

m
1
2

. The pions remain lighter than the soliton for any ϵ and therefore the model is physically acceptable, even in the ϵ → 0 limit. The version of the BPS baby Skyrme model we use has BPS solutions with Gaussian tails. We perform full numerical computations in the ϵ → 0 limit and even reach the strict ϵ = 0 case, finding new nontrivial BPS solutions, for which we do not yet know the analytic form.