bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of fingerprints contents of different extracts and parts of six endemic Salvia taxa by GC–MS: Source species for valuable compounds with drug or drug potential
Authors: Akdeniz Mehmet , Yener Ismail , Dincel Demet , Firat Mehmet , Karatas Degirmenci Dilek , Ertas Abdulselam
Published: October 2021

Public use of Salvia species and their importance in the scientific world is continually increasing. It is known that this use and the importance of Salvia species are mostly due to the terpenoid compounds that they contain. In this context, the terpenoid–steroid–flavonoid contents of extracts of six endemic Salvia (S. kurdica, S. pseudeuphratica, S. rosifolia, S. siirtica, S. cerino‐pruinosa var. cerino‐pruinosa and S. cerino‐pruinosa var. elazigensis) species prepared with different solvents were determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Within the framework of the ingredient analysis, content analysis of the ethanol extracts of the root, branch, leaf and flower parts of the species collected in the same period between 2015 and 2017 years was performed. In general, extracts prepared with chloroform and ethanol were found to contain a wide variety of compounds while petroleum ether extracts were found to contain much less varied compounds. In addition, in general, root extracts are richer in terpenoid compounds than aerial part extracts. Some species can be used as source species in terms of ferruginol, cryptanol, 6,7‐dehydroroyleanone, lup‐(20)29‐ene‐2α‐hydroxy‐3β‐acetate, salvigenin and β‐sitosterol contents (52,114.28, 75,979.08, 101,247.41, 40,071.29, 33,952.13 and 34,010.90 μg analyte/g extract, respectively).
Bouncing back fromCOVID‐19: Individual and ecological factors influence national resilience in adults from Israel, the Philippines, and Brazil
Authors: Ballada Christine Joy A. , Aruta John Jamir Benzon R. , Callueng Carmelo M. , Antazo Benedict G. , Kimhi Shaul , Reinert Maurício , Eshel Yohanan , Marciano Hadas , Adini Bruria , da Silva Juliano Domingues , Verdu Fabiane Cortez
Published: October 2021

One way that countries may differ in responding to the COVID‐19 pandemic is how they withstand extreme adversity while maintaining their societal values and institutions. This study explored national resilience in Israel, the Philippines, and Brazil during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Using Crisis in Context Theory, cross‐national understanding of national resilience was examined by assessing measurement models, exploring country differences in perceptions, and determining its predictors. Data from an internationally diverse sample of 1,587 adults were collected using multiple measures and subsequently subjected to various analytical strategies. Results on the factor structure of NR‐13 demonstrated acceptable fit of both first‐order and higher‐order models for each country, with generally high factor loadings. However, measurement invariance was only supported at the configural level for the first‐order model. Among the three countries, national resilience was highest in Israel, followed by the Philippines, and lowest in Brazil. Taken collectively, both individual and ecological variables contributed a significant variance in national resilience in each country. Community resilience, quality of life, and perceived threats were consistently strong predictors of national resilience across countries. Results are discussed. TheCommunity and Social Impact Statementof the study can be found in the Supplementary Material section.
Follow‐up of two cases of suspected interstitial lung disease following severe COVID‐19 infection shows persistent changes in imaging and lung function
Authors: Cherrez‐Ojeda Ivan , Robles‐Velasco Karla , Osorio María F. , Cottin Vincent , Vergara Centeno José , Felix Miguel
Published: October 2021

Physicians are observing persisting symptoms and unexpected organ dysfunction after severe COVID‐19. In this report, we present the follow‐up of two cases of suspected interstitial lung disease following the viral infection. Up to the last month of follow‐up, both patients presented with persistent changes in imaging and pulmonary function tests.
The Electrochemical cis‐Chlorination of Alkenes
Authors: Strehl Julia , Fastie Cornelius , Hilt Gerhard
Published: October 2021

The first example for the electrochemical cis‐dichlorination of alkenes is presented. The reaction can be performed with little experimental effort by using phenylselenyl chloride as catalyst and tetrabutylammoniumchloride as supporting electrolyte, which also acts as nucleophilic reagent for the SN2‐type replacement of selenium versus chloride. Cyclic voltammetric measurements and control experiments revealed a dual role of phenylselenyl chloride in the reaction. Based on these results a reaction mechanism was postulated, where the key step of the process is the activation of a phenylselenyl chloride‐alkene adduct by electrochemically generated phenylselenyl trichloride. Like this, different aliphatic and aromatic cyclic and acyclic alkenes were converted to the dichlorinated products. Thereby, throughout high diastereoselectivities were achieved for the cis‐chlorinated compounds of >95 : 5 or higher.
Investigation of Bis(Perfluoro‐tert‐Butoxy) Halogenates(I/III)
Authors: Pröhm Patrick , Berg Willi R. , Rupf Susanne M. , Voßnacker Patrick , Riedel Sebastian
Published: October 2021

A systematic study of halogenate(I/III) anions with polyatomic ligands is presented. The bis(perfluoro‐tert‐butoxy) halogenates(I) [X(OC4F9)2]−, X=Cl, Br, I, of chlorine, bromine, and iodine are prepared as their tetraethylammonium salts and characterized with IR, Raman, and NMR spectroscopic methods, as well as single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses. Spectroscopical data are supported by quantum‐chemical calculations. Additionally, the bonding situation of the species in question are analyzed and discussed. Furthermore, the oxidation to the corresponding halogenate(III) derivatives was studied. For [Br(OC4F9)2]−, oxidation with elemental fluorine gave [BrF2(OC4F9)2]−. Iodide was directly oxidized by ClOC4F9 to the IIII species [I(OC4F9)4]−, which is a surprisingly inert anion that might be used as a weakly coordinating anion (WCA) in the future. For [Cl(OC4F9)2]−, the decomposition products of the synthetic approaches towards a chlorine(III) system were analyzed.
Difluorocarbene‐Induced Ring‐Opening Difluoromethylation‐Halogenation of Cyclic (Thio)Ethers with TMSCF2X (X=Br, Cl)**
Authors: Zhang Rongyi , Li Qigang , Xie Qiqiang , Ni Chuanfa , Hu Jinbo
Published: October 2021

The ring‐opening difluoromethylation‐halogenation of cyclic (thio)ethers is reported through a simple strategy relying on carbon‐chalcogen bond activation with difluorocarbene. The reaction proceeds through in situ protonation of the previously little‐known difluoromethylene oxonium or sulfonium ylide intermediate followed by ring‐opening with halide ion to afford halogenated acyclic difluoromethyl (thio)ethers that can then be employed for further elaboration. TMSCF2X (X=Br, Cl) are unique reagents to achieve this synthetic purpose, which serve as both the difluorocarbene source and the halide ion source.
Mitosis‐Karyorrhexis Index evaluation by digital image visual analysis for application of International Neuroblastoma Pathology Classification in FNA biopsy
Authors: Bhardwaj Neha , Rohilla Manish , Trehan Amita , Bansal Deepak , Kakkar Nandita , Srinivasan Radhika
Published: October 2021

Background

The Mitosis‐Karyorrhexis Index (MKI) score is important in neuroblastoma evaluation and in the application of the International Neuroblastoma Pathology Classification (INPC). Currently, it is not standardized for smears. Hence, the aim of this study was to devise and validate methods for MKI evaluation in fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of neuroblastoma.

Methods

A total of 50 cases of neuroblastoma diagnosed by FNAB from January 2017 to December 2019 were retrieved, and detailed cytomorphological evaluations were performed. The MKI was evaluated, and the eyeball visual assessment score (EVAS) was compared with the digital image visual analysis score (DIVAS) on cytology smears and corresponding histology sections of cell blocks. The interobserver reproducibility and concordance were calculated. INPC subtyping into favorable and unfavorable groups was performed by the collation of age, MKI, and cytomorphology and was correlated to clinical outcomes.

Results

Neuroblastoma was categorized as undifferentiated (22 of 50) or poorly differentiated (28 of 50) on cytomorphology. The overall concordance for the MKI by 3 observers was 86% (κ = 0.85), and this increased to 98% in the high MKI category. MKI evaluations on smears showed 96% concordance with cell block histology, and the EVAS was concordant with the DIVAS in 86% of the cases. Overall, the MKI was high in 39 cases, intermediate in 4 cases, and low in 7 cases. The INPC category was unfavorable in 90% (n = 45) and favorable in 10% (n = 5) and had significant correlations with outcomes (P = .029).

Conclusions

An MKI assessment on smears by digital image visual analysis is accurate, reproducible, and objective and should be incorporated into the routine reporting of neuroblastoma FNAB for diagnostic schemas as per the INPC.
Effect of Spectator Ligands on Haptotropic Rearrangements of Metal‐Azulene Complexes
Authors: Guzmán‐Espinoza Carlos Víctor , Ledesma‐Olvera Lydia Gabriela , Barquera‐Lozada José Enrique
Published: October 2021

Azulene is a very remarkable ligand because of its zwitterionic character and the large variety of ways that it can coordinate with a metal. However, there is little knowledge about the factors that control the diversity of coordination modes in metal‐Azulene complexes. We carry out an energy and electron density analysis in the framework of DFT and QTAIM to understand how the nature of the spectator ligands affects the azulene‘s coordination preference in these systems. The results show that the π back‐donation plays a fundamental role in the coordination preference of the metal and also show that the π‐acidity of spectator ligands can be used to control inter‐ring haptotropic preferences. If the spectator ligands are strong acceptors as CO, the metal centre prefers to coordinate at the five‐membered ring. Meanwhile, poor acidic ligands as amines, favour a coordination to the seven‐membered ring.
Syntheses of Optically Active V‐Shaped Molecules: Relationship Between their Chiroptical Properties and the Orientation of the Stacked π‐Electron System
Authors: Asakawa Ryo , Tabata Daiki , Miki Nanami , Tsuchiya Motoki , Inoue Ryo , Morisaki Yasuhiro
Published: October 2021

Two kinds of optically active V‐shaped molecules were synthesized from enantiopure disubstituted and tetrasubstituted [2.2]paracyclophane as chiral building blocks. The p‐arylene‐ethynylene‐type π‐electron systems in these species were stacked at an angle of 60°, and although the two molecules consisted of the same π‐electron system, the orientations of these systems were different. In addition, their optical properties were almost identical, while in contrast, significant differences were observed between their chiroptical properties. It was therefore suggested that circularly polarized luminescence behavior could be controlled by adjusting the orientation of the stacked π‐electron systems.
Recruitment into dementia studies: Experiences of researchers using the Join Dementia Research register
Authors: Karagiannidou Maria , Stevens Madeleine , Knapp Martin , Cyhlarova Eva
Published: October 2021

Key points

Dementia studies often struggle to recruit research participants. Volunteer registers can potentially help facilitate participant recruitment.

Join Dementia Research (JDR) register helped in recruiting study volunteers and raised awareness of dementia research in general.

The effectiveness of research registers depends on their design, maintenance and the information included.
Usability evaluation of augmented reality‐based maintenance instruction system
Authors: Wang Chao‐Hung , Lo Wei‐Jen , Wang Mao‐Jiun J.
Published: October 2021

This article presents an augmented reality‐based instruction (ARBI) system for maintenance tasks. A traditional manual instruction method and a computer‐assisted instruction method were compared. Three maintenance instruction methods, three task difficulty levels (low, medium, and high), and the user's gender (male and female) were specified as the independent variables in the experimental design. The dependent variables included task completion time and error rate as objective measures, and system usability scale (SUS) and NASA‐task load index (NASA‐TLX) scores as subjective measures. There were 30 participants (15 males and 15 females) in the experiment. The results indicated that the instruction method and task difficulty significantly affected the task completion time, error rate, SUS, and NASA‐TLX. Among the instruction methods, the ARBI method exhibited the highest SUS score, lowest NASA‐TLX score, shortest task completion time, and minimum error rate. In conclusion, the proposed ARBI method was beneficial for assisting iPhone maintenance tasks.
Investigating the carbon emission aspects of agricultural land utilization in Turkey
Authors: Kara Funda , Bas Tugba , TIrmandioğlu Talu Nimet Hülya , Alola Andrew Adewale
Published: October 2021

As a pathway to environmental sustainability, several approaches to sustainable agriculture practices have consistently been echoed through international government agencies such as the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations Development Programme. Given this perspective, this study examines the carbon emission effects of the categories of agricultural land utilization (this includes arable land, permanent cropland, meadows land, and forest land) for Turkey over the period 1988–2019. The study further explores the dimension of carbon dioxide (CO2) emission from agricultural land use for sown crops, fruits and beverages, vineyards, and olives, in addition to the effect of economic expansion. By employing the autoregressive distributed lag empirical approach, the study finds that the use of agricultural land for arable farming and permanent plantation helps to reduce carbon emissions, especially in the long-run, while the impact of meadows is also desirable only in the short-run. Consequently, the study further shows that the use of farmland for fruits and beverages, and vineyard mitigates carbon emission, especially in the long-run. Whereas the use of farmland for olives plantation and fallow exhibits a significant contribution of carbon emission, especially in the short-run with elasticities of 0.91 and 1.48 respectively. Moreover, economic expansion in Turkey causes significant harm to environmental quality in the long-run thereby truncating its short-run desirable environmental effect. In order to sustain the largely efficient agricultural practice in Turkey, the study offers two policy dimensions to the government and the country's stakeholders in the agricultural sector. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:988–996. © 2021 SETAC

KEY POINTS

We examine categories of land utilization for agriculture in Turkey. Carbon emissions are mitigated through land use for arable and permanent plantation. There is environmental benefit from the use of land for meadows purpose. Using farmland for fruits and beverages, and vineyard mitigates carbon emission.
Intrapulmonary Pharmacokinetic Modeling and Simulation of Cefiderocol, a Parenteral Siderophore Cephalosporin, in Patients With Pneumonia and Healthy Subjects
Authors: Kawaguchi Nao , Katsube Takayuki , Echols Roger , Wajima Toshihiro , Nicolau David P.
Published: October 2021

Cefiderocol is a siderophore cephalosporin for the treatment of infections caused by gram‐negative bacteria including carbapenem‐resistant strains. The aim of this study was to develop an intrapulmonary pharmacokinetic (PK) model of cefiderocol and assess the PK profile in lungs. An intrapulmonary PK model of cefiderocol was developed using the concentration data in plasma and epithelial lining fluid (ELF) from 7 patients with pneumonia requiring mechanical ventilation and 20 healthy subjects. Subsequently, the model was applied to assess the ELF exposure of 125 patients with nosocomial pneumonia. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to calculate the probability of target attainment for the percentage of time for which free ELF concentrations exceed the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) over the dosing interval (%fT>MIC,ELF). The developed model adequately described ELF concentrations and suggested the delayed distribution in ELF for patients with pneumonia compared to healthy subjects. Lung penetration ratio of cefiderocol in patients with pneumonia was calculated to be 34%, which was 1.4‐fold that in healthy subjects. The estimated %fT>MIC,ELF was 100% in most of patients with nosocomial pneumonia, and no PK/pharmacodynamic relationship with %fT>MIC,ELF was found for microbiological or clinical outcome. The probability of target attainment for 100% fT>MIC,ELF was ≥ 99.5% against MICs ≤2 μg/mL and ≥87.0% against MICs ≤4 μg/mL regardless of renal function. The median of simulated ELF trough concentrations at steady state was >4 μg/mL regardless of renal function. These results reveal the adequacy of cefiderocol exposure in plasma and ELF at the recommended dosing regimens adjusted on the basis of renal function in critically ill patients with pneumonia.
Unaccounted for no more: Explicating managers' role in accountability enactment
Authors: Brees Jeremy , Ellen B. Parker
Published: October 2021

Accountability research has focused primarily on how subordinates perceive or react to workplace accountabilities and largely ignored how managers choose to enact it. This omission has occurred despite repeated claims that managers hold subordinates accountable to different degrees and in different ways. We conducted a systematic review of accountability research for insights into managers' role in, and differential application of, workplace accountability. Through this review, we inductively developed a model of managerial accountability enactment, which highlights how managers choose to enact accountability in reaction to relevant subordinate events. Research suggests that variations in managers' enactment of accountability depend upon a myriad of individual, organizational, and situational characteristics. We discuss implications and suggest new directions for future accountability research that consider managers' role in the accountability process.
Characteristics and large‐scale drivers of atmospheric rivers associated with extreme floods in New Zealand
Authors: Kingston Daniel G. , Lavers David A. , Hannah David M.
Published: October 2021

The Southern Alps in the South Island of New Zealand are one of wettest places globally, making it critical to understand the mechanisms for delivery of extreme precipitation and river flooding. Atmospheric rivers (ARs) are recognized as key causes of extreme precipitation in New Zealand, but relatively little is known about their large‐scale meteorological drivers. Here, we aim to investigate these hydroclimatological connections for five major South Island catchments located from south–north along the axis of the Southern Alps: Te Anau, Matukituki, Pūkaki, Rakaia and Waiau Toa. For each catchment, the top eight flood events over a 38‐year period are characterized. Specifically, vertically integrated horizontal water vapour transport (IVT), 500 hPa geopotential and 300 hPa winds are examined to quantify the large‐scale atmospheric drivers of flood events. The Kidson synoptic weather classification is also employed to understand better the connection of IVT to New Zealand weather patterns. Intense IVT is associated with flood events for all five catchments and, in most instances, corresponds to AR‐type events. Spatial patterns of IVT display substantial variation between flood events and catchments; however, there are some generalizable patterns. First, clear AR‐type IVT patterns dominate for all catchments (except the Waiau Toa) with AR orientation ranging from westerly to northwesterly. For the most northerly catchment (Waiau Toa), cyclonic zones of high IVT occur instead for some events. Second, AR length varies from those restricted to the Tasman Sea (~2,000 km) to those extending to the west or north of Australia. Third, northwesterly ARs are associated with the passage of a depression in the general westerly circulation, characterized in particular by the Kidson “Trough” weather type. Finally, AR orientation is associated strongly with 300 hPa winds, and in many cases to the general wave characteristics of Southern Hemisphere circulation, particularly the Zonal Wave 3 pattern.
Glacial oscillations during the Bølling–Allerød Interstadial–Younger Dryas transition in the Ruda Valley, Central Pyrenees
Authors: Fernandes M. , Oliva M. , Vieira G. , Palacios D. , Fernández‐Fernández J. M. , Garcia‐oteyza J. , Schimmelpfennig I. , Team Aster , Antoniades D.
Published: October 2021

The Upper Garonne Basin included the largest glacial system in the Pyrenees during the last glacial cycle. Within the long‐term glacial retreat during Termination‐1 (T‐1), glacier fluctuations left geomorphic evidence in the area. However, the chronology of T‐1 glacial oscillations on the northern slopes of the Central Pyrenees is still poorly constrained. Here, we introduce new geomorphological observations and a 12‐sample dataset of 10Be cosmic‐ray exposure ages from the Ruda Valley. This U‐shaped valley, surrounded by peaks exceeding 2800 m a.s.l., includes a sequence of moraines and polished surfaces that enabled a reconstruction of the chronology of the last deglaciation. Following the maximum ice extent, warmer conditions prevailing at ~15–14 ka, during the Bølling–Allerød (B–A) Interstadial, favoured glacial retreat in the Ruda Valley. Within the B–A, glaciers experienced two phases of advance/stillstand with moraine formation at 13.5 and 13.0 ka. During the early Younger Dryas (YD), glacial retreat exposed the highest surfaces of the Saboredo Cirque (~2300–2350 m) at 12.7 ka. Small glaciers persisted only inside the highest cirques (~2470 m), such as in Sendrosa Cirque, with moraines stabilising at 12.6 ka. The results of this work present the most complete chronology for Pyrenean glacial oscillations from the B–A to the YD.
The Safety and Efficacy of Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis Among Infants Less Than 3 kg
Authors: Taufique Zahrah , Ebert Bridget , Smith Emily C. , Zavala Hanan , Scott Andrew R. , Roby Brianne B.
Published: October 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

Mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) is a safe and effective surgery to address respiratory and feeding issues due to micrognathia in patients with Robin Sequence (RS). Previous studies examining postoperative complications in neonates receiving MDO have considered 4 kg as the cut‐off for low weight; however, an increasing number of MDO interventions are performed in infants <4 kg. To determine if a weight <3 kg at time of MDO is a risk factor for postoperative complications or need for subsequent tracheostomy or gastrostomy tube (G‐tube).

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Methods

A retrospective review of all infants <6 months of age undergoing MDO at two tertiary pediatric hospitals from 2008 to 2018. Demographic data, syndromic status, weight, and age at time of surgery, length of postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative outcomes were recorded including tracheostomy placement, G‐tube placement, hardware infection, reintubation, facial/marginal mandibular nerve damage, and need for revision MDO.

Results

Sixty‐nine patients with RS were included. The mean age at MDO was 25 ± 20 days and mean weight was 3.32 ± 0.44 kg. There was no statistically significant correlation between weight (P = .699) or age (P = .422) and unfavorable postoperative outcomes. No patients (0%) underwent tracheostomy pre‐MDO. Two patients (2.9%) required tracheostomy postsurgery; neither was <3 kg. Eight patients (11.6%) required a G‐tube postoperatively.

Conclusion

Newborns <3 kg who undergo MDO experience the same rates of success and complication as larger infants, suggesting that MDO is a safe and efficacious procedure in infants less than 3 kg. Laryngoscope, 132:1295–1299, 2022
“Right” on the day: How the timing of date‐specific promotions influences consumer responses
Authors: Deng Huixin , Jin Liyin , Xu Qian
Published: October 2021

While it is common for companies to send greetings that include special promotions to their customers on special days (e.g., birthdays, holidays, etc.), consumers express mixed responses to such date‐specific promotions. Building upon the persuasion knowledge model, the present work examines the conditions under which sending date‐specific promotions lead to favorable consumer responses. In four studies, we demonstrate that consumers respond to date‐specific promotions more positively when they are sent in advance than when they are sent on specific days, especially for companies perceived as less warm (vs. warm). Sending promotions on the exact day elicits an ulterior motive inference from consumers regarding the company, which can be alleviated by sending promotions in advance. We further find that this effect is weakened when the message includes only greetings without highlighting specific promotional information. These findings have important implications for marketers regarding how firms should design date‐specific promotions and communicate with their customers.
Dual‐target inhibitors of bromodomain and extra‐terminal proteins in cancer: A review from medicinal chemistry perspectives
Authors: Feng Lu , Wang Guan , Chen Yi , He Gu , Liu Bo , Liu Jie , Chiang Cheng‐Ming , Ouyang Liang
Published: October 2021

Bromodomain‐containing protein 4 (BRD4), as the most studied member of the bromodomain and extra‐terminal (BET) family, is a chromatin reader protein interpreting epigenetic codes through binding to acetylated histones and non‐histone proteins, thereby regulating diverse cellular processes including cell cycle, cell differentiation, and cell proliferation. As a promising drug target, BRD4 function is closely related to cancer, inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and liver fibrosis. Currently, clinical resistance to BET inhibitors has limited their applications but synergistic antitumor effects have been observed when used in combination with other tumor inhibitors targeting additional cellular components such as PLK1, HDAC, CDK, and PARP1. Therefore, designing dual‐target inhibitors of BET bromodomains is a rational strategy in cancer treatment to increase potency and reduce drug resistance. This review summarizes the protein structures and biological functions of BRD4 and discusses recent advances of dual BET inhibitors from a medicinal chemistry perspective. We also discuss the current design and discovery strategies for dual BET inhibitors, providing insight into potential discovery of additional dual‐target BET inhibitors.
A Systematic Review of Metabolic Alterations Underlying IgE‐Mediated Food Allergy in Children
Authors: De Paepe Ellen , Van Gijseghem Lynn , De Spiegeleer Margot , Cox Eric , Vanhaecke Lynn
Published: October 2021

Scope

Immunoglobulin E‐mediated food allergies (IgE‐FA) are characterized by an ever‐increasing prevalence, currently reaching up to 10.4% of children in the European Union. Metabolomics has the potential to provide a deeper understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms behind IgE‐FA.

Methods and Results

In this work, literature is systematically searched using Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Embase, from January 2010 until May 2021, including human and animal metabolomic studies on multiple biofluids (urine, blood, feces). In total, 15 studies on IgE‐FA are retained and a dataset of 277 potential biomarkers is compiled for in‐depth pathway mapping. Decreased indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase‐1 (IDO‐ 1) activity is hypothesized due to altered plasma levels of tryptophan and its metabolites in IgE‐FA children. In feces of children prior to IgE‐FA, aberrant metabolization of sphingolipids and histidine is noted. Decreased fecal levels of (branched) short chain fatty acids ((B)SCFAs) compel a shift towards aerobic glycolysis and suggest dysbiosis, associated with an immune system shift towards T‐helper 2 (Th2) responses. During animal anaphylaxis, a similar switch towards glycolysis is observed, combined with increased ketogenic pathways. Additionally, altered histidine, purine, pyrimidine, and lipid pathways are observed.

Conclusion

To conclude, this work confirms the unprecedented opportunities of metabolomics and supports the in‐depth pathophysiological qualification in the quest towards improved diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for IgE‐FA.
Technical overview of magnetic resonance fingerprinting and its applications in radiation therapy
Authors: Chen Yong , Lu Lan , Zhu Tong , Ma Dan
Published: October 2021

Magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) is an emerging imaging technique for rapid and simultaneous quantification of multiple tissue properties. The technique has been developed for quantitative imaging of different organs. The obtained quantitative measures have the potential to improve multiple steps of a typical radiotherapy workflow and potentially further improve integration of magnetic resonance imaging guided clinical decision making. In this review paper, we first provide a technical overview of the MRF method from data acquisition to postprocessing, along with recent development in advanced reconstruction methods. We further discuss critical aspects that could influence its usage in radiation therapy, such as accuracy and precision, repeatability and reproducibility, geometric distortion, and motion robustness. Finally, future directions for MRF application in radiation therapy are discussed.
The patient pathway for overactive bladder management: A quantitative analysis
Authors: Seinen Auke. J. , Elburg Rogier , Hollegien Lianne M. , Blanker Marco H. , Witte Lambertus P. W.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

We aimed to explore the pathways followed by patients with overactive bladder (OAB) from referral to the urologist to final treatment.

Methods

This was a single‐center, retrospective cohort study of female patients diagnosed with OAB in a large Dutch nonacademic teaching hospital. The number, sequence, and duration of treatment steps offered were analyzed, and the effectiveness, reasons for discontinuation, and possible case‐mix variables influencing OAB treatment were studied.

Results

In total, 120 patients were enrolled and required a median of 2 steps (range, 1–6) of treatment over a median total duration of 28 weeks (range, 5–256). Treatment typically started with drug therapy, including antimuscarinics (38%; 95% CI, 30%–47%), antimuscarinics plus pelvic floor muscle therapy (21%; 95% CI, 15%–29%), or mirabegron (11%; 95% CI, 6%–18%). However, 52% of patients required further treatment, with botulinum toxin A (BoNT‐A) injections being most effective (67%; 95% CI, 42%–85%), followed by antimuscarinics plus percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (50%; 95% CI, 25%–75%), and antimuscarinics plus pelvic floor muscle therapy (36%; 95% CI, 21%–54%). Other therapies showed lower effectiveness. Common reasons for discontinuation were insufficient response and side effects. Overall, 22 patients were lost to follow‐up.

Conclusion

Most patients try at least two treatments before they experience satisfactory symptom relief, with treatment evaluations requiring time because therapeutic onsets differ by patient and treatment. Our data can help to manage expectations among urologists and patients when seeking treatment for OAB.
Adjustable continence therapy (ACT®) balloons to treat neurogenic and non‐neurogenic female urinary incontinence
Authors: Demeestere Amélie , de Guerry Marie‐Liesse , Bergot Christophe , de Hauteclocque Astrid , Hascoet Juliette , Gamé Xavier , Bajeot Anne‐Sophie , Peyronnet Benoit , Capon Grégoire , Perrouin‐Verbe Marie‐Aimée , Biardeau Xavier
Published: October 2021

Aims

To compare efficacy and safety between neurogenic and non‐neurogenic women after adjustable continence therapy (ACT®) balloons implantation to treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI) due to intrinsic sphincter deficiency.

Methods

In the present retrospective multicentric study, all neurogenic and non‐neurogenic women implanted with ACT® balloons between 2000 and 2018 were considered for inclusion. Efficacy was compared 1 year after implantation, and women were allocated in three different groups as follows. Success: maximum 1 pad per day and patient's impression of improvement assessed using a numeral rating scale (NRS) ≥8/10. Improvement: decrease of daily pad use and/or NRS ≥5/10. Failure: increase or stability of daily pad use or NRS <5/10. Overall surgical complications and explantations were compared 1 year after implantation.

Results

Among the 277 included women, 51 presented with a neurologic underlying disease. Mean age at implantation was 68.5 years. There was no significant difference in efficacy between neurogenic and non‐neurogenic women with a success rate of 39.2% and 36.3%, respectively (p = 0.69). Similarly, improvement rate was reported to be 31.4% and 33.6%, in neurogenic and non‐neurogenic women, respectively (p = 0.92). The overall surgical complications rate (24% vs. 34.5%, p = 0.15) and the explantation rate (19.6% vs. 28.8%, p = 0.18) were not significantly different.

Conclusion

ACT balloons may be proposed to treat mixed or SUI in females with ISD. Efficacy and safety profiles appear to be similar in both neurogenic and non‐neurogenic patients.
Fish vertebrae as archeological biomarkers of past marine ecological conditions: Comparison of mercury levels in Chilean swordfish between the Middle Holocene and the modern period
Authors: Biton‐Porsmoguer Sebastian , Bouchoucha Marc , Marco‐Miralles Françoise , Salazar Diego , Béarez Philippe
Published: October 2021

The ocean has always been a source of inspiration for past and present civilizations, especially for those involved in fishing activities. The regular fishing of large pelagic fish by past societies using harpoons has been demonstrated, with several studies reporting the discovery of an important fishery of large pelagic fish (including swordfish) dating from as early as the sixth millennium BCE on the North Chilean Pacific Coast. The swordfish (Xiphias gladius) is a cosmopolitan, highly migratory species found in all warm and temperate oceans and seas, and mercury is known to bioamplify along food webs, increasing with the trophic level of organisms up to these top predators. This study, therefore, analyzes and compares the mercury levels of archeological and modern vertebrae in swordfish. The archeological fish remains were recovered during excavation of the Zapatero archeological site on the northern coast of Chile, and the modern vertebrae were collected from specimens caught in the Pacific Ocean. The archeological vertebrae showed lower levels of mercury in comparison with those of current individuals, despite their larger size. However, the elevated Hg levels in archeological vertebrae proved the presence of naturally occurring mercury in the mid‐Holocene. Analyses on modern vertebrae confirmed the anthropic origin of mercury in the marine food web. Mercury biomagnifies through the marine food chain to swordfish (and humans) and did so even during the Holocene (bioaccumulation phenomenon). This study evidences that vertebrae and bones are potentially good biomarkers of mercury, including for archeological fish remains, and that the possible harmful effects on the health of past human communities can be analyzed and explained by the high consumption of fish.
Inhibition of human prostate smooth muscle contraction by the inhibitors of protein kinase C, GF109203X, and Go6983
Authors: Huang Ru , Liu Yuhan , Li Bingsheng , Wang Ruixiao , Tamalunas Alexander , Waidelich Raphaela , Strittmatter Frank , Stief Christian G. , Hennenberg Martin
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Prostate smooth muscle contraction is promoted by receptor‐induced activation of intracellular signaling pathways. The presumed involvement in etiology and medical treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) imparts a high clinical relevance to prostate smooth muscle contraction, which is contrasted by incomplete understanding at the molecular level. Involvement of protein kinase C (PKC) has been commonly assumed, but available studies were limited to nonhuman prostate smooth muscle or cell cultures. Here, we examined the effects of the PKC inhibitors Go6983 and GF109203x on contractions of human prostate tissues.

Methods

Prostate tissues were obtained from radical prostatectomy. Contractions were induced by electric field stimulation (EFS), α1‐adrenergic agonists (noradrenaline, phenylephrine, methoxamine), thromboxane A2 analog U46619, endothelin‐1, or calcium chloride in an organ bath.

Results

GF109203X (500 nM) and Go6983 (300  nM) reduced EFS‐, noradrenaline‐, phenylephrine‐, methoxamine‐, and U46619‐induced contractions of human prostate tissues, with maximum inhibitions approaching up to 55%. Using concentrations of 3 µM, GF109203X and Go6983 inhibited EFS‐ and noradrenaline‐induced contractions, with similar effect sizes as 500 and 300 nM, respectively. Endothelin‐1‐induced contractions were not inhibited by GF109203X, and to neglectable extent by Go6983. After depolarization in calcium‐free solution, calcium chloride‐induced concentration‐dependent contractions, which were inhibited by GF109203X and Go6983.

Conclusions

GF109203X and Go6983 inhibit neurogenic, α1‐adrenergic, and thromboxane A2‐induced smooth muscle contractions in the human prostate, suggesting a role of PKC for human prostate smooth muscle contraction. The inhibition may by be imparted by inhibition of calcium sensitivity.
Pretherapeutic estimated glomerular filtration rate predicts development of chronic kidney disease in patients receiving PSMA‐targeted radioligand therapy
Authors: Widjaja Liam , Derlin Thorsten , Ross Tobias L. , Bengel Frank M. , Werner Rudolf A.
Published: October 2021

Background

Prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA)‐targeted radioligand therapy (RLT) may be associated with renal toxicity. We aimed to identify predictive parameters for the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) undergoing RLT.

Methods

In 46 mCRPC patients scheduled for Lu‐177‐PSMA‐RLT, pretherapeutic estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR [ml/min/1.73 m2]), Tc‐99m‐mercaptoacetyltriglycine (Tc‐99m‐MAG3) clearance and baseline Ga‐68‐PSMA‐ligand positron emission tomography (PET)‐derived renal cortical uptake and PSMA‐tumor volume (TV) were determined. We tested the predictive capability of these parameters and clinical risk factors for the occurrence of CKD (defined as CTCAE vers. 5.0 grade 2 or higher) during follow‐up.

Results

After 4 ± 3 cycles of RLT average eGFR declined from 76 ± 17 to 72 ± 20 ml/min/1.73 m2(p = 0.003). Increased estimated renal radiation dose (eRRD) was significantly associated with renal functional decline (p = 0.008). During follow‐up, 16/46 (30.4%) developed CKD grade 2 (no grade 3 or higher). In receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, pretherapeutic eGFR was highly accurate in identifying the occurrence of CKD vs no CKD with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.945 (p < 0.001; best threshold, 77 ml/min/1.73 m2), followed by Tc‐99m‐MAG3‐derived tubular extraction rate (TER; AUC, 0.831,p < 0.001; best threshold, 200 ml/min/1.73 m2). Renal PET signal (p = 0.751) and PSMA‐TV (p = 0.942), however, were not predictive. Kaplan–Meier analyses revealed adverse renal outcome for patients with lower eGFR (p = 0.001) and lower scintigraphy‐derived TER (p = 0.009), with pretherapeutic eGFR emerging as the sole predictive parameter in multivariate analysis (p = 0.007).

Conclusion

Serious adverse renal events are not a frequent phenomenon after PSMA‐targeted RLT. However, in patients developing moderate CKD after RLT, pretherapeutic eGFR is an independent predictor for renal impairment during follow‐up.
Dissipation kinetics of imidacloprid in cotton flower, nectariferous tissue, pollen and Apis mellifera products using QuEChERS method
Authors: Brar Pushpinder Kaur , Kang Balpreet Kaur , Rozy‐Rasool  , Chhuneja Pardeep Kumar , Sahoo Sanjay Kumar
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Exposure of Apis mellifera to neonicotinoid insecticides is one of the factors attributed to the recent decline in A. mellifera populations resulting in economic and ecological losses due to loss of pollination services. Honey bees can get exposed to neonicotinoids like imidacloprid directly in the field at the time of application as well as during consumption of pollen and nectar from treated plants. So, the fate of imidacloprid in commodities to which honey bees get exposed needs to be overhauled.

RESULTS

Residue of imidacloprid was investigated following imidacloprid application as seed treatment (2.4 and 4.8 g a.i. kg‐1 seed) at the time of sowing and as foliar spray (17.8 and 35.6 g a.i. ha‐1) at 70 days after sowing when the crop was at full bloom stage.  The imidacloprid residue was below limit of quantification (LOQ) in flowers, necatariferous tissue, pollen from seed‐treated cotton plants and honey collected from hives kept in plots with seed‐treated cotton plants. However, average initial imidacloprid residue (2 h after spray) was 1.84 and 1.95 mg kg−1 in flowers; 0.22 and 0.24 mg kg−1 in nectariferous tissue; 0.88 and 0.96 mg kg−1 in pollen collected from plants sprayed with imidacloprid @ 17.8 g a.i. ha−1 at locations Faridkot and Bathinda, respectively. The average initial imidacloprid residue (21 days after spray) in honey collected from hives was 0.01 mg kg−1.

CONCLUSION

The residue in different substrates sampled from seed treated cotton plants was below LOQ. However, its foliar spray at bloom time resulted in imidacloprid residue in flower, nectariferous tissue, pollen and honey sampled from hives placed in plots. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Understanding the post‐monsoon tropical cyclone variability and trend over the Bay of Bengal during the satellite era
Authors: Tiwari Gaurav , Rameshan Arathi , Kumar Pankaj , Javed Aaquib , Mishra Alok K.
Published: October 2021

An effort is made to investigate the tropical cyclone (TC) variability over the Bay of Bengal in the warming climate scenario during the satellite era (1979–2018). In this study, the authors investigate interannual variations in the overall capacity of the Bay of Bengal (BoB) basin in the post‐monsoon season to produce either intense or moderate TCs. Globally accepted and widely used metrics accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) and power dissipation index (PDI) are used to examine the energy and damage generated by TCs. A statistical change‐point analysis is conducted to detect the shift in the tropical cyclone frequency and ACE during the study period, indicating the year 1999 as a change point. The results show the increasing trend in ACE in the BoB during the post‐monsoon season with a statistical significance of 95%. On the contrary, the overall frequency is almost unchanged but has shown an increasing trend in the last decade of the study period. Additionally, atmospheric and ocean factors influencing the TC intensity are investigated by applying principal component analysis for three categories of TCs, viz. the very severe cyclonic storm, severe cyclonic storm, and cyclonic storm. Implementation of principal component analysis and correlations of maximum sustained wind speed (MSW2; intensity) with relative vorticity, minimum sea‐level pressure (MSLP), sea‐surface temperature (SST), specific rainwater content, and vertical wind shear revealed relative vorticity as the most dominating parameter amongst all governing factors which determine the final intensity of the BoB TCs. On the contrary, SST shows the different nature of the relationship with different TC categories.
Fixed‐time stability analysis and stabilization control of a class of nonlinear systems with output constraints
Authors: Chen Xiandong , Zhang Xianfu , Qian Chunjiang
Published: October 2021

This article investigates the fixed‐time stabilization problem for a class of high‐order nonlinear systems with monotone degrees and output constraints. Firstly, a new fixed‐time stability criterion is established, which is less conservative in the explicit and delicate selection of Lyapunov functions. Then, by choosing a novel ‐type barrier Lyapunov function (BLF) and using the generalized adding a power integrator (AAPI) technique, a fixed‐time stabilization controller is explicitly constructed while achieving the requirement of state constraints. The novelty of the proposed control strategy can tackle simultaneously the fixed‐time stabilization of the involved systems with and without output constraints, without changing the controller structure. A simulation example is given to show the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
Weld line recognition and path planning with spherical tank inspection robots
Authors: Li Jie , Jin Shanshan , Wang Cunjin , Xue Jiameng , Wang Xingsong
Published: October 2021

Periodic inspections are required for the safe operation of large pressure vessels such as spherical tanks. Inspection robots have been applied in large pressure vessels due to their low cost and high efficiency. This paper presents a robotic system for the inspection of spherical tanks, which can identify and track weld lines on the shortest running route. Two‐dimensional (2D) weld maps were prepared for robot path planning on the basis of the actual distribution of weld lines. In 2D weld maps, indispensable repetitive lines were added to form an Eulerian circuit that traversed all weld lines. In addition, an improved Fleury algorithm was proposed to solve Eulerian circuit and plan an optimal running route for robot inspection. To accurately identify weld lines, deep learning networks were constructed and trained with weld line data sets, which were captured by the camera mounted in the front of the robot. The laboratory experiments indicated that the inspection robot could identify weld lines within 0.2–0.25 s and track weld lines with a maximum offset of ±20 mm. The experiment results demonstrated that the robot could plan the shortest path to traverse all weld lines on the experimental platform. In the field tests, the virtual simulation of weld path planning on spherical tanks was explored in detail. The field tests of a spherical tank (3000 m3) verified that the robotic system could improve the efficiency and stability of inspection operations and replace manual inspection with automated weld line recognition and weld path planning.