bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Cofacial Porphyrin‐Based Homo‐ and Heterotrimetallic Complexes of Transition Metals
Authors: Schissler Christoph , Schneider Erik K. , Lebedkin Sergei , Weis Patrick , Niedner‐Schatteburg Gereon , Kappes Manfred M. , Bräse Stefan
Published: August 2021

We present a straightforward and generally applicable synthesis route for cofacially linked homo‐ and heterotrimetallic trisporphyin complexes. The protocol encompasses synthesising the first aryl‐based, trans‐o‐phenylene trisporphyrin starting from pyrrole and benzaldehyde with an overall yield of 3.6 %. It also allows investigating the respective cis‐isomer as the first conformationally restricted planar‐chiral trisporphyrin. The free‐base ligand was used in subsequent metalation reactions to afford the corresponding homotrimetallic Mn(III)‐, Fe(III)‐, Ni(II)‐, Cu(II)‐, Zn(II)‐ and Pd(II) complexes – additionally, a small adaptation of the protocol resulted in the defined Ni(II)Fe(III)Ni(II) complex in a total yield of 2.3 %. By monitoring Ni(II) insertion into the empty trimeric ligands, we affirmed that the outer porphyrin rings are filled before the internal ring. The molecular species were characterised by 1H NMR, UV‐Vis, photoluminescence, IR, MS, CID, and high‐resolution IMS measurements.
Mutual Prodrugs of 5‐Fluorouracil: From a Classic Chemotherapeutic Agent to Novel Potential Anticancer Drugs
Authors: Ciaffaglione Valeria , Modica Maria N. , Pittalà Valeria , Romeo Giuseppe , Salerno Loredana , Intagliata Sebastiano
Published: August 2021

The development of potent antitumor agents with a low toxicological profile against healthy cells is still one of the greatest challenges facing medicinal chemistry. In this context, the “mutual prodrug” approach has emerged as a potential tool to overcome undesirable physicochemical features and mitigate the side effects of approved drugs. Among broad‐spectrum chemotherapeutics available for clinical use today, 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) is one of the most representative, also included in the World Health Organization model list of essential medicines. Unfortunately, severe side effects and drug resistance phenomena are still the primary limits and drawbacks in its clinical use. This review describes the progress made over the last ten years in developing 5‐FU‐based mutual prodrugs to improve the therapeutic profile and achieve targeted delivery to cancer tissues.
Individual‐ and neighborhood‐level socioeconomic status and risk of aggressive breast cancer subtypes in a pooled cohort of women from Kaiser Permanente Northern California
Authors: Aoki Rhonda‐Lee F. , Uong Stephen P. , Gomez Scarlett Lin , Alexeeff Stacey E. , Caan Bette J. , Kushi Lawrence H. , Torres Jacqueline M. , Guan Alice , Canchola Alison J. , Morey Brittany N. , Lin Katherine , Kroenke Candyce H.
Published: August 2021

Background

Low socioeconomic status (SES) has been associated with a higher risk of aggressive breast cancer (BC) subtypes, but few studies have examined the independent effects of both neighborhood‐level socioeconomic status (nSES) and individual‐level SES measures.

Methods

This study included 5547 women from the Pathways and Life After Cancer Epidemiology cohorts who were diagnosed with invasive BC. Generalized estimating equation models were used to examine associations of nSES (a composite score based on income, poverty, education, occupation, employment, rent, and house value) and individual‐level SES (income and education) with BC subtypes: luminal B (LumB), Her2‐enriched (Her2‐e), and triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) relative to luminal A (LumA). Models controlled for age, race, nativity, stage, days from diagnosis to survey, and study cohort and simultaneously for nSES and individual‐level SES.

Results

In fully adjusted models, low nSES was significantly associated with the LumB (odds ratio for quartile 1 vs quartile 4 [ORQ1vQ4], 1.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11‐1.54;Pfor trend = .005) and TNBC subtypes (ORQ1vQ4, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.02‐1.71;Pfor trend = .037) relative to LumA. Conversely, individual education was significantly associated with only the Her2‐e subtype (odds ratio for high school degree or less vs postgraduate, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.03‐2.75;Pfor trend = .030) relative to LumA. Individual income was not significantly associated with any BC subtype.

Conclusions

nSES and individual‐level SES are independently associated with different BC subtypes; specifically, low nSES and individual‐level education are independent predictors of more aggressive BC subtypes relative to LumA.
Comparative description of themRNAexpression profile of Na+/K+‐ATPaseisoforms in adult mouse nervous system
Authors: Jiao Song , Johnson Kory , Moreno Cristina , Yano Sho , Holmgren Miguel
Published: August 2021

Mutations in genes encoding Na+/K+‐ATPase α1, α2, and α3 subunits cause a wide range of disabling neurological disorders, and dysfunction of Na+/K+‐ATPase may contribute to neuronal injury in stroke and dementia. To better understand the pathogenesis of these diseases, it is important to determine the expression patterns of the different Na+/K+‐ATPase subunits within the brain and among specific cell types. Using two available scRNA‐Seq databases from the adult mouse nervous system, we examined the mRNA expression patterns of the different isoforms of the Na+/K+‐ATPase α, β andFxydsubunits at the single‐cell level among brain regions and various neuronal populations. We subsequently identified specific types of neurons enriched with transcripts for α1 and α3 isoforms and elaborated how α3‐expressing neuronal populations govern cerebellar neuronal circuits. We further analyzed the co‐expression network for α1 and α3 isoforms, highlighting the genes that positively correlated with α1 and α3 expression. The top 10 genes for α1 wereChn2,Hpcal1,Nrgn,Neurod1,Selm,Kcnc1,Snrk,Snap25,CkbandCcndbp1and for α3 wereSorcs3,Eml5,Neurod2,Ckb,Tbc1d4,Ptprz1,Pvrl1,Kirrel3,Pvalb, andAsic2.
Gender quotas and the environment: Environmental performance and enforcement
Authors: Marchini Pier Luigi , Tibiletti Veronica , Mazza Tatiana , Gabrielli Gianluca
Published: August 2021

This study investigates the relationship between the implementation of mandatory gender quotas on boards and companies' environmental indicators for Italian listed firms from 2010 to 2018. First, based on the upper echelon and resource dependence theories, we expect that the resources provided by female directors appointed under a coercive legal approach will lead to a reduction in firms' greenhouse gas emissions and an increase in recycled waste. These resources are mainly based on female personality, backgrounds and environmental commitment, which improve firms' environmental decision‐making. Second, based on the gender socialisation and overconfidence theories, we expect that women's attention to stakeholders and experts will be negatively related to firms' environmental violations, which result in litigation and penalties. To test our hypotheses we used a content analysis and a staggered difference‐in‐difference multivariate regression model. Our results confirm our expectations for environmental performance and litigation, but not for penalties.
Retinal phenotyping of variants of Alzheimer's disease using ultra‐widefield retinal images
Authors: Csincsik Lajos , Quinn Nicola , Yong Keir X. X. , Crutch Sebastian J. , Peto Tunde , Lengyel Imre
Published: August 2021

Background

Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) is the most common atypical variant of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Changes associated with PCA in the brain affect the visual cortex, but little is known about retinal changes in PCA. In this study, we explored retinal phenotypic variations in typical AD (tAD) and PCA.

Methods

Retinal phenotyping was carried out on ultra‐widefield (UWF) images of 69 control, 24 tAD, and 25 PCA participants.

Results

Individuals with tAD (odds ratio [OR] = 2.76 [confidence interval (CI):1.24 to 6.10], P = .012) and PCA (OR = 3.40 [CI:1.25 to 9.22], P = .016) were more likely phenotyped as hard drusen. tAD (OR = 0.34 [CI:0.12 to 0.92], P = .035) were less likely to have soft drusen compared to control. Almost 3‐fold increase in reticular pseudodrusen formation in tAD (OR = 2.93 [CI:1.10 to 7.76], P = .030) compared to control was estimated.

Discussion

Studying the peripheral retina may contribute to a better understanding of differences in retinal phenotypes of different AD variants.
In vitro metabolic studies of novel selective androgen receptor modulators and their use for doping control analysis
Authors: Kowalczyk Katarzyna , Torres‐Elguera Julio César , Jarek Anna , Konopka Anna , Kwiatkowska Dorota , Bulska Ewa
Published: August 2021

Selective androgen receptor modulators were developed as a treatment of choice for diseases that are currently treated or symtomatically treated with steroidal androgens. The present study aimed to explore the metabolic pathways of four structurally unrelated SARMs, namely, PF‐06260414, TFM‐4AS‐1, BMS‐564929, and GSK 2881078, in terms of their potential toxicology or doping control analysis. Detected metabolism, mainly resulting from a single or multiple hydroxylations, methoxylation, demethylation, dehydrogenation, and glucuronidation, was considered as potential markers of intake of examined SARMs.
R package for animal behavior classification from accelerometer data—rabc
Authors: Yu Hui , Klaassen Marcel
Published: August 2021

Increasingly, animal behavior studies are enhanced through the use of accelerometry. To allow translation of raw accelerometer data to animal behaviors requires the development of classifiers. Here, we present the “rabc” (r for animal behavior classification) package to assist researchers with the interactive development of such animal behavior classifiers in a supervised classification approach. The package uses datasets consisting of accelerometer data with their corresponding animal behaviors (e.g., for triaxial accelerometer data along the x, y and z axes arranged as “x, y, z, x, y, z,…, behavior”). Using an example dataset collected on white stork (Ciconia ciconia), we illustrate the workflow of this package, including accelerometer data visualization, feature calculation, feature selection, feature visualization, extreme gradient boost model training, validation, and, finally, a demonstration of the behavior classification results.
Protection against allergies: Microbes, immunity, and the farming effect
Authors: Deckers Julie , Marsland Benjamin J. , von Mutius Erika
Published: August 2021

The prevalence of asthma and other allergic diseases has rapidly increased in “Westernized” countries over recent decades. This rapid increase suggests the involvement of environmental factors, behavioral changes or lifestyle, rather than genetic drift. It has become increasingly clear that the microbiome plays a key role in educating the host immune system and, thus, regulation of disease susceptibility. This review will focus on recent advances uncovering immunological and microbial mechanisms that protect against allergies, in particular, within the context of a farming environment. A whole body of epidemiological data disclosed the nature of the protective exposures in a farm. Current evidence points toward an important role of the host microbiome in setting an immunological equilibrium that determines progression toward, or protection against allergic diseases. Conclusive mechanistic insights on how microbial exposures prevent from developing allergic diseases in humans are still lacking but findings from experimental models reveal plausible immunological mechanisms. Gathering further knowledge on these mechanisms and confirming their relevance in humans is of great importance to develop preventive strategies for children at risk of developing allergies.
Luminescence Detection of Ag+ and Phosphate Ions by a Ruthenium(II) Complex‐Based Multianalyte Probe: A Combined Spectroscopic, Crystallographic, and Theoretical Approach
Authors: Sen Bhaskar , Kumar Patra Sumit , Rabha Monosh , Kumar Sheet Sanjoy , Aguan Kripamoy , Samanta Debabrata , Khatua Snehadrinarayan
Published: August 2021

A bis‐heteroleptic Ru(II) complex, 1[PF6]2, of substituted pyridyl‐1,2,3‐triazole ligand (L1) has been developed for the photoluminescence(PL) detection of phosphate (HP2O73−/PPi) and Ag+ ion in distilled CH3CN and mixed aqueous buffer (carbonate‐bicarbonate buffer/CH3CN; v/v, 9.5 : 0.5; 0.1 M; pH 10.6) at two different wavelengths, respectively. The multianalyte probe, 1[PF6]2 showed significant PL enhancement in the presence of H2PO4−, PPi, and Ag+ with low detection limits of 0.48 μM, 0.43 μM, and 0.46 μM, respectively. The PL enhancement with phosphate ions is due to the triazole C−H⋅⋅⋅anion H‐bonding interaction that has been supported by 1H NMR titration (for PPi) and single‐crystal X‐ray structure (for H2PO4−). A unique Ag(I)‐triazolide complex formation is responsible for the PL enhancement in Ag+ ion detection. Triplet state TDDFT calculations were carried out to explain the PL enhancement of 1 ⋅ PPi and 1‐Ag adducts. In 1‐Ag, the L1 ligand becomes a better σ‐donor as well as π‐donor. Consequently, the 3MLCT‐3MC energy gap is increased and the 1‐Ag emits efficiently from the 3MLCT state. The probe also shows low cytotoxicity against Hela cells and is used for intracellular Ag+ imaging.
Consider increased grad student housing to improve retention rates
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: August 2021

The state of California is facing a housing crisis, one that has only worsened with the COVID‐19 pandemic. The University of California, Santa Cruz, is doing its part to combat that crisis by converting open fields to a new student housing complex, which will be called Student Housing West.
Simplified computational methods for estimating dynamic impedance of batter pile groups in homogeneous soil
Authors: Cemalovic Miran , Husebø Jan B. , Kaynia Amir M.
Published: August 2021

A simplification of existing analytical solutions together with an extended hybrid model is proposed for estimating the horizontal impedance of batter pile groups subjected to harmonic loading. The solutions are given through compact interaction factors and analogue pile‐soil‐pile interaction elements. Benefits and pitfalls of the simplified models are elucidated through a comprehensive comparison with a refined finite element model. The effect of varying center‐to‐center pile distance with respect to depth is discussed. It is shown that the analytical model is able to represent pile‐soil‐pile interaction rather well within the specified framework.
A lightweight data transmission reduction method based on a dual prediction technique for sensor networks
Authors: Jain Khushboo , Kumar Anoop
Published: August 2021

An essential design concern in a resource‐constraint sensor network is optimizing data transmission for each sensor node (SN) to prolong the network lifetime. Many research works cited that the dual prediction technique remains the most efficient technique for data reduction. A large amount of redundant data is usually transmitted across the network, leading to collisions, loss of data, and energy dissipation. This article proposes a data transmission reduction method (DTRM) to solve these problems, implemented on the cluster heads and operates in rounds. DTRM is lightweight in processing, has low complexity costs, and needs a limited memory footprint, but it is robust and effective. It can be combined with any form of cluster‐based data aggregation. We have incorporated the proposed DTRM with the data aggregation‐adaptive frame method (DA‐AFM), implemented on the SNs within the clusters. DA‐AFM can eliminate temporal redundancies and correlations in the sensor's time‐series readings. This helps the SN take fewer readings, which improves the efficiency of reducing data transmission and decreases the amount of energy spent during sensing. The proposed DTRM approach decreases the average transmission rates of data while maintaining data quality. This study is evaluated on real data obtained from the Intel Berkeley Lab and compared with three recent data reduction techniques focused on prediction. The results show that DTRM consumes up to 70% less energy while preserving the expected quality of data and reducing transmission.
Assessment of the phytochemical profile and antioxidant activities of eight kiwi berry (Actinidia arguta (Siebold & Zuccarini) Miquel) varieties in China
Authors: Zhang Jiyue , Tian Jinlong , Gao Ningxuan , Gong Er Sheng , Xin Guang , Liu Changjiang , Si Xu , Sun Xiyun , Li Bin
Published: August 2021

The kiwi berry (Actinidia arguta) is a new product on the market that expanding worldwide acceptance and consumption. This widespread interest has created an increasing demand to identify the nutritional and health benefits of kiwi berry. Many studies are being actively conducted to investigate the composition and health‐promoting effects of kiwi berry. In this study, the phytochemical content of free and bound fractions of eight kiwi berry varieties were systematically investigated in order to better understand the potential of this superfood crop. Nine phenolic monomers were identified and quantified by ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry and ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography‐PAD. Antioxidant activity was further determined via peroxyl radical scavenging capacity and cellular antioxidant activity assays. The free extracts had higher phytochemical contents and antioxidant activities than the corresponding bound extracts among the eight kiwi berry varieties. Bivariate Pearson's and multivariate correlation analyses showed that antioxidant activities were most related to the total phenolic, flavonoid, vitamin C, and phenolic acids contents. The results provide a theoretical basis for the selection of kiwi berry varieties and the utilization of functional foods.
Petroleum geology: 3D reservoir modelling in the central Gulf of Suez, Egypt, to estimate the hydrocarbon possibility via petrophysical analysis and seismic data interpretation
Authors: Gawad Esam A. , Fathy Mohamed , Reda Mohamed , Ewida Hatem
Published: August 2021

October oil field is considered one of the most prolific areas in the central Gulf of Suez, which recently suffered a lack of production in some areas, in addition to some wells that have begun to deplete, which negatively affects the economic value of this field. 3D integrated reservoir model on five wells has been performed to simulate the subsurface structural setting, petrophysical modelling, and distribution of facies modelling of the Late Cretaceous Matulla Formation and Early Miocene Asl Member of Upper Rudeis Formation, which are the main oil‐bearing reservoirs in this study. Structural modelling controlled by the incorporation of explained structures, horizons, and picked zones for 3D grid express northwest–southeast to northeast–southwest fault systems, whilst facies modelling has enabled the spatial distribution of lithologic facies within the established 3D structural model reflecting two types of facies: marine carbonates and lagoon shale, and the petrophysical modelling explained a complete distribution of the petrophysical characteristic of the Matulla and Asl oil reservoirs revealed good reservoir characteristics, which are high net pay, high effective porosity, low shale content, low water saturation, and high hydrocarbon saturation. Therefore, three new commercial promising areas were identified to raise the productive value of this field according to the three‐way dip closure, petrophysical results, and the facies distribution.
Microbially induced sedimentary structures from the Xinji Formation (Cambrian Series 2), Western Henan, North China
Authors: Zheng Wei , Dai Ming‐Yue , Qi Yong‐An , Bai Wan‐Bei , Yang Wen‐Tao , Wang Min , Xing Zhi‐Feng , Li Da
Published: August 2021

Abundant well‐preserved microbially induced sedimentary structures (MISS) are exposed in the Xinji Formation, the earliest Cambrian sedimentary unit in North China. The MISS herein are categorized into microbial mat growth structure (wrinkle structures and mat biolaminites) and microbial mat destruction structure (sand cracks and ‘Manchuriophycus’ structures). The MISS developed on the surface of thick quartz sandstones, as well as the lithologic interface between thin sandstone and mudstone. Most of the sand cracks lack the direct evidence of microbial activities, whereas the mat biolaminites that consist of filamentous mica, clay minerals, and quartz grains may record the in situ microbial mats. The Xinji Formation deposited along with the Cambrian explosion when biodiversity and abundance of metazoan stayed relatively low. Besides, the intermittently exposed tidal flats are not the ideal place for early life, which exacerbated the ecological vacuum therein. The massive occurrence of the MISS in the siliciclastic rocks of the Xinji Formation indicated that the tidal flat setting during this period was still beneficial for accumulations of microbial mat because of the deficient grazing metazoans and weak bioturbation.
Effectiveness of a mindfulness intervention for older adults to improve emotional well‐being and cognitive function in a Chinese population: A randomized waitlist‐controlled trial
Authors: Lee Eric Kam‐Pui , Wong Bel , Chan Peter Hoi Shing , Zhang Daisy Dexing , Sun Wen , Chan Dicken Cheong‐Chun , Gao Ting , Ho Florence , Kwok Timothy Chi Yui , Wong Samuel Yeung‐Shan
Published: August 2021

Background

To investigate the effect of a modified mindfulness‐based stress reduction (mMBSR) program on mental well‐being and cognitive function of older adults.

Method

Two hundred and fourty‐six participants were randomly assigned to mMBSR (n = 120) group or waitlist control group which received mMBSR at 2‐month (n = 123). Data collected at baseline, 2 and 4 months after recruitment. Primary outcome: mental well‐being: Short Warwick‐Edinburgh Mental Well‐being Scale (SWEMWBS). Secondary outcomes: Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire Short Form, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA), Verbal Fluency Test (VFT), international shopping list test, self‐compassion scale, peace of mind scale, geriatric depression scale (GDS), and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI). In modified‐intention‐to‐treat analysis, paired t‐test for within group comparison, and ANCOVA to compare group differences at 2‐months with adjustment of baseline values.

Results

Most participants were female (83.7%), living with others (67.0%), and married (50.7%). No significant difference of baseline characteristics except sleep quality. At 2 months, intervention group reported better mental well‐being (0.9, 95%CI: 0.1–1.8, p = 0.025) and less depressive symptoms (−1.0; 95%CI: −1.7 to −0.3, p = 0.004). Within group at 2 months, intervention group had improvement in: mental well‐being (SWEMWBS: 22.5–23.4, p = 0.011), cognitive function (MOCA: 24.6–25.8, p < 0.001; VFT: 38.7–42.1, p < 0.001), depressive symptoms (GDS: 4.1–3.1, p < 0.001), and sleep quality (PSQI: 8.3–6.7, p < 0.001). All these changes, except mental well‐being, were sustained at 4 months.

Discussion

Attrition rate was 14% and mindfulness intervention was found to be feasible and acceptable in older adults. Major limitation of the study was the absence of an active control group to control for non‐specific effect.
A meta‐analysis on shared and distinct neural correlates of the decision‐making underlying altruistic and retaliatory punishment
Authors: Boccadoro Sara , Wagels Lisa , Puiu Andrei A. , Votinov Mikhail , Weidler Carmen , Veselinovic Tanja , Demko Zachary , Raine Adrian , Neuner Irene
Published: August 2021

Individuals who violate social norms will most likely face social punishment sanctions. Those sanctions are based on different motivation aspects, depending on the context. Altruistic punishment occurs if punishment aims to re‐establish the social norms even at cost for the punisher. Retaliatory punishment is driven by anger or spite and aims to harm the other. While neuroimaging research highlighted the neural networks supporting decision‐making in both types of punishment in isolation, it remains unclear whether they rely on the same or distinct neural systems. We ran an activation likelihood estimation meta‐analysis on functional magnetic resonance imaging data on 24 altruistic and 19 retaliatory punishment studies to investigate the neural correlates of decision‐making underlying social punishment and whether altruistic and retaliatory punishments share similar brain networks. Social punishment reliably activated the bilateral insula, inferior frontal gyrus, midcingulate cortex (MCC), and superior and medial frontal gyri. This network largely overlapped with activation clusters found for altruistic punishment. However, retaliatory punishment revealed only one cluster in a posterior part of the MCC, which was not recruited in altruistic punishment. Our results support previous models on social punishment and highlight differential involvement of the MCC in altruistic and retaliatory punishments, reflecting the underlying different motivations.
Life satisfaction: The role of domain‐specific reference points
Authors: Neumann‐Böhme Sebastian , Attema Arthur E. , Brouwer Werner B. F. , van Exel Job N. J. A.
Published: August 2021

In the evaluation of well‐being, it is not only important what people have in absolute terms, but also how this compares to reference points in relative terms. We explore the relevance of relative comparisons by testing the effect of people's self‐rated position on potential reference points for income and health on their subjective well‐being. We used Multiple Discrepancies Theory as a framework to identify seven potentially relevant reference points for income and health. A representative sample (N = 550) of the Netherlands assessed their income and health relative to these reference points. In addition, we elicited monthly household income, health status (EQ‐5D‐5L), and subjective well‐being (SWLS). In line with the literature, we found a negative convex relationship between subjective well‐being and age and a positive relationship with being employed, income, and health. For income, subjective well‐being was also associated with how current income compared to respondents' needs and progression over time, and for health especially with how current health compared to what they felt they deserved. Our findings suggest that income and health are important for subjective well‐being both in absolute and relative terms. We found negative effects on life satisfaction if some of the domain specific reference points were not met.
Cystic partially differentiated nephroblastoma in a 74‐year‐old patient
Authors: Hayashida Michikata , Nagamoto Shoichi , Yano Akihiro , Fu Takayoshi , Tanaka Naoto , Hagiwara Kiichi , Oka Suguru , Sakaguchi Kazushige , Kinowaki Keiichi , Urakami Shinji
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Cystic partially differentiated nephroblastoma is a multilocular cystic variant of Wilms tumor that always presents in children. However, we encountered an elderly patient with cystic partially differentiated nephroblastoma. Therefore, we report it.

Case presentation

A 74‐year‐old male presented with a left renal tumor detected with ultrasonography. Contrast‐enhanced computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 4 cm multilocular cystic tumor with septa, which suggested multilocular cystic renal cell carcinoma. Therefore, we performed a radical nephrectomy. The definitive diagnosis of cystic partially differentiated nephroblastoma was made with histopathological findings. After the surgical resection, no recurrence has occurred in the past 13 years.

Conclusion

Cystic partially differentiated nephroblastoma can develop in adults, regardless of age. Furthermore, surgical resection can be used as an established treatment option in adult cystic partially differentiated nephroblastoma cases.
Bromodomain‐containing protein 9 is a prognostic biomarker associated with immune infiltrates and promotes tumor malignancy through activating notch signaling pathway in negative HIF‐2α clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Lou Weijuan , Gao Ke , Xu Chenyue , Li Qingquan
Published: August 2021

HIF‐2α selective inhibitor showed successful efficacy in sensitive clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) presenting higher levels of HIF‐2α compared to resistant tumors with low level of HIF‐2α (negative HIF‐2α ccRCC). Currently, negative HIF‐2α ccRCC lacks truly effective therapeutic agents to improve the outcomes. Bromodomain‐containing protein 9 (BRD9) plays a critical role in human hepatocellular carcinoma, squamous cell lung cancer, acute myeloid leukemia, and so on. However, expression and biological role of BRD9 in negative HIF‐2α ccRCC is poorly understood. Clinically, we demonstrated that expression of BRD9 in negative HIF‐2α ccRCC tissues was higher than that in positive HIF‐2α ccRCC. Moreover, high BRD9 expression was correlated with unfavorable clinicopathological features and predicted the poor overall survival of negative HIF‐2α ccRCC patients. Functionally, BRD9 knockout resulted in reduced proliferation, migration and invasion of negative HIF‐2α ccRCC cells (Caki‐2). In addition, BRD9 was related to the TIIC infiltration level in negative HIF‐2α ccRCC tissues. Mechanistically, Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) showed that BRD9 was closely related to Notch signaling pathway. BRD9 knockout resulted in reduced mRNA level of Hes1 and Notch1 in negative HIF‐2α ccRCC in vitro. The overexpression of NICD (Notch intracellular domain) enhanced malignant behaviors of Caki‐2 cells with BRD9 knockout. And Notch inhibition led to attenuation of cell growth and reduced migration and invasion in Caki‐2 cells. Overall, our results identified that BRD9 promotes the proliferation, migration and invasion of negative HIF‐2α ccRCC cells by targeting Notch signaling pathway and serve as a promising biomarker for negative HIF‐2α ccRCC.
Toxic stress and disconnection from work and school among youth in Detroit
Authors: Camp Jessica K. , Hall Tracy S. , Chua Jiahui C. , Ralston Kyle G. , Leroux Danielle F. , Belgrade Andrea , Shattuck Sadie
Published: August 2021

This study explores toxic stress and youth disconnection from work and school using data from the Detroit Jobs for Michigan's Graduates (JMG) program. A secondary cross‐sectional analysis was conducted using a program census of 1934 youth participating in JMG between 2014 and 2019. Youth with criminal justice contact, parenting responsibilities, and toxic stress barriers showed the greatest disparity in graduating or become employed following participation in the JMG program. Youth without toxic stress‐aligned barriers were 1.87 times the odds more likely of successful program outcomes when controlling for program enrollment year, program type, Detroit residency, gender, and age. Toxic stress is associated with disconnection from education and employment before and after participation in the JMG program. This indicates that expanding trauma‐informed systems and community approaches in youth‐serving programs can play a role in mitigating the impact of toxic stress exposure on connection to opportunity for Detroit youth.
Hsa‐miR‐599inhibits breast cancer progression via BRD4/Jagged1/Notch1 axis
Authors: Liu Yang , Liu Ning , Xu Danfeng , Wu Baohui , Wu Xiaosheng , Sun Xia , Yang Yi , Yan Fengqin
Published: August 2021

Hsa‐miR‐599was identified as a tumor suppressor against cancer. This study aimed to explore possible mechanisms of antitumor effect ofhsa‐miR‐599against breast cancer. Tissue specimens were collected from 106 breast cancer cases, and breast cancer cell line MCF‐7 was cultured for in vitro experiments. The expression pattern ofhsa‐miR‐599was measured via quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Lipofectamine® 2000 reagent was used for cell transfection. Cell viability, motility and apoptosis were detected using MTT assay, transwell assay, and flow cytometer, respectively. Protein analysis was performed via western blot.Hsa‐miR‐599expression was decreased in breast cancer tissues and cells. Moreover, its expression was negatively correlated with TNM stage (p = 0.004) and lymph node metastasis (p = 0.001). Enhancedhsa‐miR‐599expression in breast cancer cells could induce the inhibition against cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and strengthen cell apoptosis. BRD4 might be a target ofhsa‐miR‐599.Hsa‐miR‐599combined with BRD4 inhibited breast cancer progression through targeting Jagged1/Notch1 pathway.Hsa‐miR‐599expression is downregulated in breast cancer.Hsa‐miR‐599may inactivate BRD4/Jagged1/Notch1 axis, thus suppressing malignant progression of breast cancer.
Low‐dose whole‐lung irradiation in severe COVID‐19 pneumonia: a controlled clinical trial
Authors: Mousavi Darzikolaee Nima , Kolahdouzan Kasra , Abtahi Hamidreza , Kazemizadeh Hossein , Salehi Mohammadreza , Ghalehtaki Reza , Bayani Reyhaneh , Pestehei Seyed Khalil , Ghazanfari Tooba , Ebrahiminasab Fatemeh , Salarvand Samaneh , Haddad Peiman , Kazemian Ali , Aghili Mahdi
Published: August 2021

Introduction

The COVID‐19 pandemic has caused significant morbidity and mortality thus far. Considering the historical uses of high‐voltage X‐ray beams for unresolvable pneumonia, we aimed to assess whether low‐dose whole‐lung irradiation (WLI) could provide any benefits for patients with refractory COVID‐19 pneumonia.

Methods

Eleven patients with refractory COVID‐19 pneumonia were treated with WLI to a total dose of 1 Gy and compared to 11 patients in a matched control group from June to November 2020. The study's primary endpoint was improvement of chest X‐ray severity score (CXRS), followed by changes in mean oxygen (O2) saturation and 28‐day mortality as secondary endpoints.

Results

The final CXRS was significantly lower in the WLI group (8.7 ± 2.5) compared to the control group (12.3 ± 3.3) (P: 0.016). Change of CXRS from the first to the last chest X‐ray was −2.2 ± 3.1 for the WLI group and 0.7 ± 3.9 for the control group, which showed a trend for lower CXRS in the WLI group (U = 30, p: 0.085). Mean O2 saturation showed insignificant improvement in the first 24 hours after radiotherapy (mean difference: 2.5 ± 4.1, Z=−1.6, P value: 0.11). Overall survival after 28 days was 32% in the WLI group and 11% in the control group (P: 0.48). The reason for death in many patients was not merely respiratory failure, but also other adverse situations like pneumothorax, cardiogenic shock and pulmonary thromboembolism.

Conclusions

Low‐dose WLI could improve the CXR severity score and O2 saturation in severely ill COVID‐19 patients, but larger studies are required to determine its impact on mortality.
Characteristics of climate extremes in China during the recent global warming hiatus based upon machine learning
Authors: Qin Peihua , Shi Chunxiang
Published: August 2021

During 1998–2013, global surface air temperature increased more slowly than greenhouse gas concentrations, and therefore this period was defined as a “global warming hiatus.” The characteristics of climate extremes in China during this period are still not clear. In this study, based on 2,841 meteorological station observations in China, the trends of precipitation and temperature extremes during the global warming hiatus were investigated relative to the reference period (RF) (1982–1997) and the whole historical period (HIS) (1982–2017). Machine learning was used to capture the nonlinear regression of climate extremes, and the Theil–Sen method with the Mann–Kendall significant test was used to calculate the slopes of their linear trends. During the global warming hiatus, annual and summer (JJA) warmest days TXx and the number of summer days SU over the whole of China and most of its four subregions were found to decrease relative to the HIS and RF periods. Annual and winter (DJF) coldest nights TNn over China and its four subregions were found to decrease moderately relative to the HIS and RF periods, whereas the number of frost days FD increased consistently. Precipitation extremes showed more temporal and spatial variability than temperature extremes. Trends of annual and JJA wet extremes during the hiatus were found to decrease relative to the HIS and RF periods, whereas the dry extreme index during the hiatus was found to increase generally over China and in most subregions. Lighter winds and lower relative humidity over most areas of China might have contributed to less pronounced trends of wet extremes during the hiatus period.
Wind trends analysis in southern South America from weather station and reanalysis data
Authors: Merino Rodrigo Andres , Gassmann María Isabel
Published: August 2021

Surface and upper‐level wind speed changes were analysed for several weather stations distributed throughout Argentina from 1990 to 2020. Both annual and seasonal wind speed trends were estimated for individual surface stations and available rawinsonde data. In order to explore the nature of these changes, different percentile time series were evaluated. NCEP/NCAR and ERA5 data were also assessed to verify how these long‐term changes are represented by the different reanalysis time series. A significant decline in measured surface wind speed is observed for most stations, with a reduction up to 13%·decade−1 in some of them. Despite differences on each station's wind speed distributions due to regional characteristics, the estimated trends were mostly negative for the annual 75th and 95th percentile time series. Upper‐level stations registered positive trends especially in the upper troposphere (200 hPa) in northern Argentina, while Patagonia's wind profile showed significant positive wind speed trends at most levels. Reanalysis data have severe limitations to reproduce the observed behaviour in the near‐surface levels, but managed to generate adequate estimates for the medium to high troposphere.
Impact of stratified resection margin classification on local tumor control and survival in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Hakim Samer G. , von Bialy Robert , Falougy Mohamed , Steller Daniel , Tharun Lars , Rades Dirk , Sieg Peter , Alsharif Ubai
Published: August 2021

Background

Guidelines recommended for resection of oral cancer define a free margin of ≥5 mm as clear and safe (R0). This statement was questioned recently based on the assumption that different surgical margins may hold different risk categories. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of stratification of the surgical margins on the survival outcome of patients with oral cancer.

Methods

In a cohort of 753 patients, the hazard ratio for local recurrence‐free survival (LRFS), overall survival (OS), and oral cancer‐specific survival (OCSS) were estimated for R0 resection, the close margin of 1–4 mm, involved resection borders but with free frozen sections. Competing risk factors were considered in the statistical regression model.

Results

One hundred seventy‐three (23%) patients developed local recurrence and 316 (42%) died in the 5 follow‐up years. There was a gradual improvement in the LRFS, OCSS, OS with the increase of clear margin. OS showed a similar tendency.

Conclusion

Not all patients with an R0cm status carry the same risk for impaired LRFS, OCSS, and OS. Their risk to develop recurrence is higher than those patients with R0 ≥5 mm but stratified risk management can be recommended according to the presented results.
Comprehensive feature‐based molecular networking and metabolomics approaches to reveal the differences components in Cinnamomum cassia and Cinnamomum verum
Authors: Wu Xingdong , Long Huali , Li Feifei , Wu Wenyong , Zhou Jing , Liu Chen , Hou Jinjun , Wu Wanying , Guo Dean
Published: August 2021

Cinnamon was been a widely used plant in medicinal and spices for a long time and has spread all over the world. However, the differences in the components of the bark from Cinnamomum cassia and Cinnamomum verum, the two most common types of cinnamon, have not been thoroughly investigated. In the present experiment, ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography LTQ‐Orbitrap Velos Pro hybrid mass spectrometer‐based metabolomics coupled with chemometrics and feature‐based molecular networking were employed to dramatically distinguish and annotate Cinnamomum cassia Bark and Cinnamomum verum bark. As a consequence, principal component analysis, orthogonal projection to latent structures discriminates analysis, and heat map analysis demonstrated clear discrimination between the profiles of metabolites in cinnamon. Besides, as the known compounds, proanthocyanidins (cinnamtannin B1 and procyanidin B2) and alkaloids (norboldine, norisoboldine) with variable importance in the projection scores >6, and an unknown alkaloid (formula C24H33NO6) were selected as the best markers to discriminate cinnamon. Furthermore, large numbers of proanthocyanidins and alkaloids components were identified through feature‐based molecular networking for the first time. Our investigation provides new ideas for the discovery of quality markers and identification of unknown components in natural products.
Flow intermittence alters carbon processing in rivers through chemical diversification of leaf litter
Authors: del Campo Rubén , Corti Roland , Singer Gabriel
Published: August 2021

The dry phase of intermittent rivers promotes the accumulation of leaf litter on various terrestrial and aquatic habitats. This environmental heterogeneity causes a chemical diversification of leaf litter by a range of physical and biological degradation processes acting across the various habitats. After flow resumption, the chemically diversified leaves are mixed and subject to continued decomposition downstream. We hypothesized that the chemical diversification of leaf litter during the dry phase would affect leaf litter decomposition under re‐established lotic conditions. Our laboratory treatments mimicking dry‐phase habitats caused a strong chemical diversification of leaf litter, which—upon combination in mixed litter bags—accelerated its decomposition in a perennial river reach. We suggest that intermittent rivers may act as hotspots of organic matter diversification, with potential implications for organic matter processing at the river‐network scale.
A generalized exponential stabilization for a class of semilinear parabolic equations: Linear boundary feedback control approach
Authors: Wei Chengzhou , Li Junmin
Published: August 2021

This paper investigates the generalized exponential stabilization (GES) of a class of semilinear parabolic equations, which is a generalization of the result of exponential stabilization and has the character of accelerating decay process locally. From the point of admissibility of unbounded input operators of view, the well‐posedness of the open‐loop system is analyzed. Then, under some sufficient conditions expressed by linear matrix inequality, a linear boundary output feedback controller only using boundary measurement is proposed such that the closed‐loop system satisfies GES in absence of external disturbance and satisfies an H∞ performance index when disturbance exists. The well‐posedness of the resulting closed‐loop system is also given via semi‐group theory. Finally, we give numerical examples to verify the performance of the designed boundary controller.
Radiobiological comparison between Cobalt‐60 and Iridium‐192 high‐dose‐rate brachytherapy sources: Part I—cervical cancer
Authors: Dayyani Mahdieh , Hoseinian‐Azghadi Elie , Miri‐Hakimabad Hashem , Rafat‐Motavalli Laleh , Abdollahi Sara , Mohammadi Najmeh
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to compare the biological effective doses (BEDs) to clinical target volume (CTV) and organs at risk (OARs) for cervical cancer patients treated with high‐dose‐rate (HDR) Iridium‐192 (192Ir) or Cobalt‐60 (60Co) brachytherapy (BT) boost and to determine if the radiobiological differences between the two isotopes are clinically relevant.

Methods

Considering all radiosensitivity parameters and their reported variations, the BEDs to CTV and OARs during HDR 60Co/192Ir BT boost were evaluated at the voxel level. The anatomical differences between individuals were also taken into account by retrospectively considering 25 cervical cancer patients. The intrafraction repair, proliferation, hypoxia‐induced radiosensitivity heterogeneity, relative biological effectiveness (RBE), and source aging dose‐rate variation were also taken into account. The comparisons in CTV were performed based on equivalent uniform BED (EUBED).

Results

Considering nominal parameters with no RBE correction, the CTV EUBEDs were almost similar with a median ratio of ∼1.00 (p < 0.00001), whereas RBE correction resulted in 3.9%–5.5% (p = 0.005, median = 4.8%) decrease for 60Co with respect to 192Ir. For OARs, the median values of D2cc (in EQD23) for 60Co were lower than that of 192Ir up to 9.2% and 11.3% (p < 0.00001) for nominal parameters and fast repair conditions, respectively. In addition, for a nominal value (reported range) of radiosensitive parameters, the CTV EUBED differences of up to 6% (5%–10%) were assessed for HDR‐BT component.

Conclusion

The RBE values are the most important cause of discrepancies between the two sources. By comparing BED/EUBEDs to CTV and OARs between 60Co and 192Ir sources, this numerical study suggests that a dose escalation to ∼4% is feasible and safe while sparing well the surrounding normal tissues. This 4% dose escalation should be benchmarked with clinical evidences (such as the results of clinical trials) before it can be used in clinical practice.
Formation of micro/nanoparticles and microspheres from polyesters by dispersion ring‐opening polymerization
Authors: Guruprasad Reddy Pulikanti , Domb Abraham J.
Published: August 2021

The micro/nanoparticles and microspheres of polyesters derived from the heterocyclic monomers of lactide (L,L or D,L), ε‐caprolactone, and glycolide have received significant interest as drug carriers for biomedical applications. This review focuses on the recent advances in the study of polyester‐based micro/nanoparticles and microspheres derived from the dispersion ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of heterocyclic monomers, and/or self‐assembly of polyester macromolecules, and/or dialysis of polyester solution in water‐miscible organic solvents against water. The dispersion polymerization of heterocyclic monomers in the presence of non‐polar miscible solvents and amphiphilic polymer surfactant leads to the formation of polyester particles with a narrower size distribution. The use of the polymer surfactant is crucial in controlling the diameter, morphology, and stability of the polyester particles formed during the ROP. The polymer surfactant acts as a stabilizer and is bound to the polyester particles strongly and irreversibly to control the size and morphology of polyester microspheres. The properties of polyester particles are varied by controlling the number average diameter and diameter polydispersity index. Hence, in this article, we review different synthetic strategies developed for the formation of polyester based particles with controlled diameter of distribution and the factors influencing its formation such as structure of the polymer surfactant, critical micelle concentration of the surfactant, type of radical initiator/monomer used, reaction parameters, etc. The article also describes methods developed for transforming the polyester microspheres into the water for better biocompatibility and encapsulation of bioactive compounds, drugs, and proteins into the polyester particles and their potential release at the targeted specific site are reviewed.