bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cephalodiones A–D: Compound Characterization and Semisynthesis by [6+6] Cycloaddition
Authors: Ge Zhan‐Peng , Fan Yao‐Yue , Deng Wen‐De , Zheng Cheng‐Yu , Li Ting , Yue Jian‐Min
Published: February 2021

Cephalodiones A–D (1–4), the first example of C19‐norditerpenoid dimers, were isolated and fully characterized from a Cephalotaxus plant. These new skeletal natural products shared a unique tricyclo[6.4.1.12,7]tetradeca‐3,5,9,11‐tetraene‐13,14‐dione core that was capped in both ends with rigid multicyclic ring systems either C2‐symmetrically or asymmetrically. Compounds 1–4 were proposed to be biosynthetically produced by the [6+6]‐cycloaddition of two identical C19‐norditerpenoid troponoids, which was validated by the semisyntheses of dimers 2–4. Moreover, some compounds showed significant inhibition on Th17 cell differentiation.
N‐Heterocyclic Carbene‐Catalyzed Atroposelective Annulation for Access to Thiazine Derivatives with C−N Axial Chirality
Authors: Li Tingting , Mou Chengli , Qi Puying , Peng Xiaolin , Jiang Shichun , Hao Gefei , Xue Wei , Yang Song , Hao Lin , Chi Yonggui Robin , Jin Zhichao
Published: February 2021

A catalytic atroposelective cycloaddition reaction between thioureas and ynals is developed. This reaction features the first NHC‐catalyzed addition of thioureas to acetylenic acylazolium intermediates to eventually set up C−N axial chirality with excellent optical purities. The obtained axially chiral thiazine derivative products bear multiple functional groups and are feasible for further transformations.
Trends in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and chemometrics applied to chemical data
Authors: Houhou Rola , Bocklitz Thomas
Published: February 2021

Artificial intelligence‐based methods such as chemometrics, machine learning, and deep learning are promising tools that lead to a clearer and better understanding of data. Only with these tools, data can be used to its full extent, and the gained knowledge on processes, interactions, and characteristics of the sample is maximized. Therefore, scientists are developing data science tools mentioned above to automatically and accurately extract information from data and increase the application possibilities of the respective data in various fields. Accordingly, AI‐based techniques were utilized for chemical data since the 1970s and this review paper focuses on the recent trends of chemometrics, machine learning, and deep learning for chemical and spectroscopic data in 2020. In this regard, inverse modeling, preprocessing methods, and data modeling applied to spectra and image data for various measurement techniques are discussed.
Reactivity of a Cadmium–Terpyridine Complex: [Cd(L1)(NO3)2(H2O)] (L1 = (4′‐(4‐bromophenyl)‐2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridine)
Authors: Lee Gang Min , Yoon Woojin , Yun Hoseop , Lee Soon W.
Published: February 2021

A novel pincer‐type ligand L2 (4′‐(4‐(6‐methoxypyridin‐3‐yl)phenyl)‐2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridine), a terpyridine derivative, was prepared by Suzuki–Miyaura CC coupling. Under heating conditions in ethanol, ligands L1 (4′‐(4‐bromophenyl)‐2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridine) and L2 reacted with Cd(NO3)2·4H2O to produce [Cd(L1)(NO3)2(H2O)] (1) and [Cd(L2)(NO3)2(H2O)]·(H2O) (2), respectively. In complexes 1 and 2, the seven‐coordinate cadmium metal is coordinated to one terpyridine ligand, two nitrato ligands, and an aqua ligand. Under heating conditions in acetonitrile at 120 °C, complex 1 was converted into a 1:1 mixture (3) of [Cd2L2(NO3‐κ3O,O′,O″)(NO3‐κ2O,O′)3] (3a) and [CdL(NO3‐κ2O,O′)2] (3b). When complex 1 was treated with 4,4′‐bipyridine (bpy) under hydrothermal conditions, a one‐dimensional linear coordination polymer [[Cd(L1)(bpy)(NO3)](NO3)(H2O)2]∞ (4) was produced. Complex 1 reacted with 4‐((E)‐2‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)vinyl)pyridine (bpe) in ethanol under microwave‐heating conditions to produce a dimeric complex [Cd2(L1)2(bpe)(EtOH)2(NO3)2)]·(NO3)2 (5). Solid‐state photoluminescent spectra of all complexes displayed a ligand‐based π–π* emission band.
Gender differences in subliminal affective face priming: A high‐density ERP study
Authors: Tanaka Mutsuhide , Yamada Emi , Maekawa Toshihiko , Ogata Katsuya , Takamiya Naomi , Nakazono Hisato , Tobimatsu Shozo
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Subliminal affective priming effects (SAPEs) refer to the phenomenon by which the presentation of an affective prime stimulus influences the subsequent affective evaluation of a target stimulus. Previous studies have reported that unconsciously processed stimuli affect behavioral performance more than consciously processed stimuli. However, the impact of SAPEs on the face‐specific N170 component is unclear. We studied how SAPEs for fearful faces affected the N170 for subsequent supraliminal target faces using event‐related potentials (ERPs).

Methods

Japanese adults (n = 44, 20 females) participated in this study. Subliminal prime faces (neutral or fearful) were presented for 17 ms, followed by a backward mask for 283 ms and 800 ms target faces (neutral, emotionally ambiguous, or fearful). 128‐channel ERPs were recorded while participants judged the expression of target faces as neutral or fearful. Response rates and response times were also measured for assessing behavioral alterations.

Results

Although the behavioral results revealed no evidence of SAPEs, we found gender‐related SAPEs in right N170 amplitude. Specifically, female participants exhibited enhanced right N170 amplitude for emotionally neutral faces primed by fearful faces, while male participants exhibited decreased N170 amplitude in fearful prime trials with fearful target faces. Male participants exhibited significant correlations between N170 amplitude and behavioral response time in the fearful prime‐neutral target condition.

Conclusions

Our ERP results suggest the existence of a gender difference in target‐face processing preceded by subliminally presented face stimuli in the right occipito‐temporal region.
Cancer survivorship in hematologic malignancies: Lifestyle changes after diagnosis
Authors: Malalur Pannaga , Agastya Manas , Wahi‐Gururaj Sandhya , Cross Chad L. , Deauna‐Limayo Delva , Kingsley Edwin C.
Published: February 2021

Background

Studies show that patients make lifestyle changes soon after certain solid tumor diagnoses, suggesting that this may be a teachable moment to motivate and promote healthy behaviors. There is a paucity of data regarding changes made after a diagnosis of a hematologic malignancy.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of 116 patients at a community oncology center who completed anonymous questionnaires was performed. Questions addressed lifestyle choices made with respect to smoking, alcohol consumption, recreational drug use, diet, and exercise habits before and after diagnosis of a hematologic malignancy. Support systems utilized, including psychiatry services, were also assessed.

Results

Patients exhibited significant reduction in smoking behavior (Χ2 = 31.0, p < 0.001). 82.4% (n = 14) of one pack per day smokers quit between the time periods, with nearly all smokers showing a reduction after diagnosis. Alcohol use overall did not change significantly, however, 10.3% (n = 12) of patients reported quitting drinking completely between time periods. Changes in dietary intake and exercise were not statistically significant overall. Utilization of external support systems correlated with improved diet as well as decrease in total smoking years.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that patients exhibited significant lifestyle changes after being diagnosed with a hematologic malignancy. Clinicians should take advantage of this ‘teachable moment’ to educate patients about positive health behavior changes. Advances in cancer therapeutics have led to an increase in cancer survivors, this education is crucial in reducing the risk of developing chronic comorbidities as well as secondary malignancies.
Comparison of efficacy, safety, patients’ quality of life, and doctors’ occupational stress between lenalidomide‐based and bortezomib‐based induction in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma
Authors: Xu Limei , Liu Junru , Huang Beihui , Kuang Lifen , Gu Jingli , Chen Meilan , Zou Waiyi , Li Juan
Published: February 2021

Background

In the new therapeutic era, comparisons between regimens containing lenalidomide and bortezomib are needed.

Methods

In this single‐center, prospective study, patients received four to six cycles of lenalidomide+liposomal doxorubicin+dexamethasone (RAD) or bortezomib+liposomal doxorubicin+dexamethasone (PAD) every 4 weeks, with subsequent autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) and maintenance therapy. We compared the efficacy, safety, patients’ quality of life, and doctors’ occupational stress between RAD and PAD induction in newly diagnosed MM patients.

Results

The complete response (CR) rate was comparable between the RAD and PAD groups after induction (30.8% vs. 32.0%, p = 0.92). Common adverse events, including infections, peripheral neuropathy, and gastrointestinal disturbances, were more frequent in the PAD group, while leukopenia and rashes were more common in the RAD group. Compared with PAD, RAD improved patients’ quality of life more quickly and caused less occupational stress for doctors. However, only 31.6% of patients collected adequate CD34+ cells (≥2 × 106/kg) in the RAD group, which was significantly lower than that in the PAD group (95.5%, p < 0.001). The number of CD34+ cells collected was significantly higher in patients within three courses of RAD than in patients with four or five to six courses (14.18 ± 13.57 vs. 2.07 ± 2.42 vs. 1.51 ± 1.81 × 106/kg, p = 0.028). The median progression‐free survival and overall survival of the two groups were not reached by the end of follow‐up.

Conclusion

Compared to PAD, RAD induction had comparable efficacy and a significantly better safety profile, improved quality of life for patients, and reduced occupational stress for doctors. However, RAD induction may need to be limited to four cycles to avoid irreversible damage to hematopoietic stem cells.

Clinical trial registration

This study was registered at www.chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR1900021558).
Effect of Argemone mexicana on Local Edema and LPS‐Induced Neuroinflammation
Authors: Monterrosas‐Brisson Nayeli , Zagal‐Guzmán Mayra , Zamilpa Alejandro , Jiménez‐Ferrer Enrique , Avilés‐Flores Margarita , Fuentes‐Mata Macrina , Herrera‐Ruiz Maribel
Published: February 2021

Argemone mexicana L. is a widely used plant in Mexican traditional medicine to treat inflammatory and nervous medical conditions. It has been subjected to several pharmacological and chemical studies in which acute anti‐inflammatory activity is indicated. This work aimed at finding an extract and fraction with anti‐inflammatory activity by means of 2‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate (TPA)‐induced auricular edema. Afterward, the extract and the fraction were tested on neuroinflammation caused by lipopolysaccharides (LPS).

Treatments obtained from A. mexicana included the methanolic extract (AmMeOH), a fraction extracted with ethyl acetate (AmAcOEt), and four sub‐fractions (AmF‐1 to AmF‐4), which were evaluated in auricular edema with the TPA assay. Both treatments with the most significant inhibitory effect were employed to test these in the LPS neuroinflammation model.

AmAcOEt and AmF‐3 induced a higher inhibition of edema (%), and both diminished ear inflammation when viewed under a microscope. These treatments also raised an increase in spleen, but not in brain of mice with neuroinflammation. They were able to decrease the concentration of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6) in both organs. Furthermore, the accumulation of amyloid‐β (Aβ) in hippocampus was not visible. AmF‐3 contains the flavonoids isoquercetin, luteolin, and rutin, the former being the most concentrated.
T‐cell receptors provide potential prognostic signatures for breast cancer
Authors: Liu Jingjing , Zhang Jin
Published: February 2021

Although T‐cell receptors (TCRs) are related to the progression of breast cancer (BC), their prognostic values remain unclear. We downloaded the messenger RNA (mRNA) profiles and corresponding clinical information of 1413 BC patients from the Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus database, respectively. The different expression analysis of 104 TCRs in BC samples was performed, and the consensus clustering based on 104 TCRs was performed by using the K‐mean method of R language. Univariate cox regression analysis was used to screen TCRs significantly associated with the prognosis of BC, and LASSO Cox analysis was applied to optimize key TCRs. The risk score was calculated using the prognostic model constructed based on six optimal TCRs, and multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to determine whether it was an independent prognostic signature. Finally, the nomogram was constructed to predict the overall survival of BC patients. Six optimal TCRs (ZAP70, GRAP2, NFKBIE, IFNG, NFKBIA, and PAK5), which were favorable for the prognosis of BC patients, were screened. Risk score could reliably predict the prognosis of BC patients as an independent prognostic signature. In addition, when bringing into two independent prognostic signatures, age and risk score, the nomogram model could better predict the overall survival of BC patients. Our results suggested that the poor prognosis of BC patients with high risk might be due to an immunosuppressive microenvironment. In summary, a prognostic risk model based on six TCRs was established and could efficiently predict the prognosis of BC patients.
Gravity mass powder flow through conical hoppers ‐ Part I: A mathematical model predicting the radial velocity profiles of free‐flowing granular systems as a function of cohesion and adhesion properties
Authors: Chaib Oumaima , Achouri Ines E. , Gosselin Ryan , Abatzoglou Nicolas
Published: February 2021

It has been demonstrated that the concentration, velocity profiles, and residence time distribution (RTD) of a binary powder mixture flowing under gravity‐driven conditions can be evaluated via near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Contrary to a classical fluid flow profile, a granular flow profile was proven to be a function of cohesion and adhesion powder mixture properties. The present work aimed to develop a semi‐empirical equation inspired by the radial flow profile equation used for classical fluids. It achieves this by introducing the effect of powder friction properties as internal (particle‐particle) and external (particle‐hopper wall) friction angles. The developed equation shows good agreement with the experimental results using various hopper angles and two types of free‐flowing granular systems. The knowledge gained from the developed equation is intended to predict flow behaviour in conical hoppers as a function of flowing powder adhesion and cohesion parameters. Combining such knowledge with residence time distribution and the radial concentration profiles would make it possible to evaluate the expected extent of segregation, which could lead to prohibitive deviations in the production of pharmaceutical solid dosage forms.
Validation of eDNA as a viable method of detection for dangerous cubozoan jellyfish
Authors: Bolte Brett , Goldsbury Julie , Huerlimann Roger , Jerry Dean , Kingsford Michael
Published: February 2021

Stings from certain species of cubozoan jellyfish are dangerous to humans and their seasonal presence in tropical marine waters poses a significant risk to coastal communities. The detection of cubozoans is difficult due to high spatial and temporal variation in their occurrence and abundance. Environmental DNA (eDNA) has the potential to detect rare species and therefore offers potential to detect cubozoans, not only pelagic medusae, but presence of cryptic polyp life stages. The objective of this study was to validate the use of eDNA as a viable detection method for four cubozoan species (Chironex fleckeri, Copula sivickisi, Carybdea xaymacana, and Carukia barnesi). Species‐specific primers were developed for each of these four cubozoans and an eDNA approach validated utilizing both laboratory and field trials. Laboratory DNA degradation experiments demonstrated that C. sivickisi DNA degraded quickly but could still be detected in sea water for up to 9 days post‐jellyfish removal. Positive detection was found for C. fleckeri, C. xaymacana, and C. sivickisi medusae in the waters surrounding Magnetic Island, Queensland, in the Austral spring/summer (September‐January). Based on visual surveys, there was a poor relationship between concentration of eDNA and abundance of jellyfish. Positive eDNA amplification was also found from water sampled near the substratum when C. sivickisi medusae were out of season and absent. This suggests the eDNA analysis was likely detecting C. sivickisi polyps located within the substratum. Consequently, eDNA is an effective tool to detect both the medusae and likely polyps of cubozoans. This approach provides the means to reduce the risk of envenomation to swimmers and enhance our knowledge of cubozoan ecology.
“I hate to be a burden!”: Experiencing feelings associated with ostracism due to one's poor performance burdening the group
Authors: Wirth James H. , Sacco Donald F. , Brown Mitch , Okdie Bradley M.
Published: February 2021

We examined if perceiving oneself as burdensome, due to performing poorly in a group, can lead to feelings associated with ostracism (being excluded and ignored), without actually being ostracized. Participants completed a typing game (Study 1) or solved Remote Associates Test (Study 2) items where they performed worse, equal, or better than the group. To isolate the influence of burdensomeness, participants were consistently selected by computerized agents to play. In each study, worse performers experienced greater perceptions of being burdensome, less basic need satisfaction, increased negative mood, and greater anticipation of being excluded from a future group task compared to equal or better performers. Additionally, despite reporting being included, poor performers experienced social pain. These results suggest that although feeling burdensome can lead to outcomes related to ostracism, feeling burdensome is a distinct experience. Consequently, feeling burdensome may be one of many aversive social experiences leading to decreased social well‐being.
Low‐temperature preparation and photoelectrochemical properties of TiO2 nanotubes‐graphene‐CNT hybrid structure
Authors: Tavakol Hossein , Momeni Mohamad Mohsen , Mohammadi Baset
Published: February 2021

In this study, by examining various growth temperature and time, graphene sheets and CNTs have been grown on the surface of TiO2 nanotubes to produce TiO2‐carbon hybrid material (TNG) using the chemical vapor deposition method. The produced hybrid structures were analyzed with FESEM, EDS, Raman, XRD, and TGA. Then, photoelectrochemical properties of prepared films were evaluated by measurements of the photocurrent density‐voltage and photocurrent density‐time curves. The TiO2 nanotube‐graphene hybrid material sample (sample TNG10) exhibited enhanced photoelectrochemical water‐splitting performances, compared with bare TiO2 nanotube. The photoelectrochemical results revealed that optimum graphene incorporated into TiO2 nanotubes played a crucial role. Therefore, this hybrid catalyst could be considered as a potential candidate for industrial water splitting.
Multiethnic genome‐wide association study of differentiated thyroid cancer in the EPITHYR consortium
Authors: Truong Thérèse , Lesueur Fabienne , Sugier Pierre‐Emmanuel , Guibon Julie , Xhaard Constance , Karimi Mojgan , Kulkarni Om , Lucotte Elise A. , Bacq‐Daian Delphine , Boland‐Auge Anne , Mulot Claire , Laurent‐Puig Pierre , Schvartz Claire , Guizard Anne‐Valérie , Ren Yan , Adjadj Elisabeth , Rachédi Frédérique , Borson‐Chazot Francoise , Ortiz Rosa Maria , Lence‐Anta Juan J. , Pereda Celia María , Comiskey Daniel F. , He Huiling , Liyanarachchi Sandya , de la Chapelle Albert , Elisei Rossella , Gemignani Federica , Thomsen Hauke , Forsti Asta , Herzig Anthony F. , Leutenegger Anne‐Louise , Rubino Carole , Ostroumova Evgenia , Kesminiene Ausrele , Boutron‐Ruault Marie‐Christine , Deleuze Jean‐François , Guénel Pascal , de Vathaire Florent
Published: February 2021

Incidence of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) varies considerably between ethnic groups, with particularly high incidence rates in Pacific Islanders. DTC is one of the cancers with the highest familial risk suggesting a major role of genetic risk factors, but only few susceptibility loci were identified so far. In order to assess the contribution of known DTC susceptibility loci and to identify new ones, we conducted a multiethnic genome‐wide association study (GWAS) in individuals of European ancestry and of Oceanian ancestry from Pacific Islands. Our study included 1554 cases/1973 controls of European ancestry and 301 cases/348 controls of Oceanian ancestry from seven population‐based case‐control studies participating to the EPITHYR consortium. All participants were genotyped using the OncoArray‐500K Beadchip (Illumina). We confirmed the association with the known DTC susceptibility loci at 2q35, 8p12, 9q22.33 and 14q13.3 in the European ancestry population and suggested two novel signals at 1p31.3 and 16q23.2, which were associated with thyroid‐stimulating hormone levels in previous GWAS. We additionally replicated an association with 5p15.33 reported previously in Chinese and European populations. Except at 1p31.3, all associations were in the same direction in the population of Oceanian ancestry. We also observed that the frequencies of risk alleles at 2q35, 5p15.33 and 16q23.2 were significantly higher in Oceanians than in Europeans. However, additional GWAS and epidemiological studies in Oceanian populations are needed to fully understand the highest incidence observed in these populations.
A comparison of methods in estimating population attributable risk for colorectal cancer in the United States
Authors: Kim Hanseul , Wang Kai , Song Mingyang , Giovannucci Edward L.
Published: February 2021

Population attributable risk (PAR) is becoming more widely used for quantifying preventability of cancer. However, its estimations have had a wide range, leading to questions about the true preventability. Our study aimed to compare the two PAR estimation methods (ie, literature‐based method and low‐risk method) for colorectal cancer (CRC) in the US population based on the same set of modifiable risk factors: physical activity, body mass index, alcoholic drinks, red meat, processed meat, dietary fiber, dietary calcium and cigarette smoking. For the literature‐based method, 65% and 53%, and for the low‐risk method, 62% and 49% of CRC cases for males and females, respectively, were attributable to the eight dietary and lifestyle risk factors. Additional sensitivity analyses were conducted with respect to the different choices of risk factors, relative risks (RRs) and exposure prevalence estimates used in the literature‐based method. The PARs including only the "convincing" factors and excluding “probable” factors defined by the WCRF/AICR were 50% for males and 34% for females. Using RRs derived from different studies changed the PARs considerably (57%‐74% for males and 37%‐60% for females). Our study assessed the robustness of PAR calculations through a direct comparison between the two methods using different assumptions and data and generally found high concordance. From the additional analyses, we found that the choice of risk factors and RRs could substantially influence the PAR estimates. Given the findings, future studies reporting PAR should consider presenting a range of PAR estimates based on choices of risk factors and RRs.
Persistence and dependence in geopolitical risks in various developed and developing countries
Authors: Solarin Sakiru Adebola , Gil‐Alana Luis A. , Gonzalez‐Blanch Maria Jesus
Published: February 2021

The motivation of this article is that despite the rising geopolitical events across the globe, several aspects of geopolitical risks have not been sufficiently explored in the literature including the persistence and dependence in the geopolitical risks. This article examines geopolitical risk in terms of time series persistence. In doing so, we are able to determine the nature of the shocks, which are either transitory or permanent depending on the integration order of the series. We examine 19 countries from January 1985 to February 2020. Our results show evidence of positive time trends in the cases of Mexico and Venezuela, and negative ones for South Africa and Argentina. These results are robust across seasonal and non‐seasonal data and for different modelling assumptions for the error term. With respect to the degree of persistence, the different parameter is found to be in the range (0, 1) although we also observe heterogeneity across all countries.
Nonstandard monetary policies and bank profitability: The case of Spain
Authors: Tercero‐Lucas David
Published: February 2021

The aim of this study is to examine the effects of nonstandard monetary policy measures implemented by the Eurosystem on the Spanish banking sector profitability. To do this, a new database is built merging data from the Spanish Banking Industry Statistical Yearbook and from the Spanish Stock Market Commission. Applying different econometric techniques to a panel of 54 Spanish banks that covers the period 2001–2017 and controlling for bank‐specific factors and macroeconomic conditions, no discernible impact is found between the Eurosystem's nonstandard monetary policy measures (ECB's total assets, excess reserves and the slope of the yield curve) and bank profitability measured as return on assets, pre‐tax operating income and interest margins. This result is robust to different specifications and to different groups of banks.
Using COVID‐19 cycle threshold and other lab values as predictors of hospitalization need
Authors: Seeni Ramamahesh , Firzli Tarek , Riddle Mark S. , Krasner Charles , Ashraf Sara , Siddiqui Faisal
Published: February 2021

SARS‐COV‐2 (COVID‐19) is a novel virus that has caused over 28 million cases worldwide and over 900,000 deaths since early 2020, rightfully being classified as a pandemic. COVID‐19 is diagnosed via polymerase chain reaction testing which looks at cycle threshold (CT) values of two genes, N2 and E. This study examined CT values of COVID‐positive patients at the VA hospital in Reno as well as other lab values and comorbidities to determine if any could aid clinicians in predicting the need for hospitalization and higher levels of care. Multiple variables, including N2 CT value, absolute lymphocyte count (ALC), D‐dimer, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C‐reactive protein, fibrinogen, and ferritin were evaluated for potential associations with N2 CT value as well as required level of care (based on World Health Organization [WHO] ordinal score). The results suggest that patients with a N2 CT value less than 34 are four times more likely to have WHO ordinal scores of 4–8 (p = .0021) while controlling for age and comorbidities (DM, cardiac, kidney, and lung disease). Patients of age 55 or greater were 15.18 times more likely to have WHO ordinal scores of 4–8 (p = .012) controlling for N2 CT value and comorbidities. Furthermore, patients with ALC less than 1 were 5.88 times more likely to have WHO ordinal score of 4–8 (p = .00024). N2 CT values also appear to be associated with many commonly obtained markers such as ALC, white blood cell count, C‐reactive protein, and D‐dimer. Patients with N2 CT values less than 34 were 3.49 times more likely to have ALC values less than 1, controlling for age and comorbidities (p = .0072) while patients 55 or older were 6.66 times more likely to have ALC less than 1 (p = .027). Finally, this study confirms previous conclusions that patients with advanced age had more severe infections and thus will likely require higher levels of care.
Self‐collected saliva for SARS‐CoV‐2 detection: A prospective study in the emergency room
Authors: Echavarria Marcela , Reyes Noelia S. , Rodriguez Pamela E. , Ypas Martin , Ricarte Carmen , Rodriguez María P. , Perez Matias G. , Seoane Alejandro , Martinez Alfredo , Videla Cristina , Stryjewski Martin E. , Carballal Guadalupe
Published: February 2021

Current diagnostic standards involve severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) detection in nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS), but saliva is an attractive and noninvasive option for diagnosis. The objectives were to determine the performance of saliva in comparison with NPS for detecting SARS‐CoV‐2 and to compare the optimized home brew reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) with a commercial RT‐PCR. Paired NPS and saliva specimens were prospectively collected and tested by RT‐PCR from patients presenting at an emergency room with signs and symptoms compatible with coronavirus disease‐2019. A total of 348 samples from 174 patients were tested by RT‐PCR assays. Among 174 patients with symptoms, 63 (36%) were SARS‐CoV‐2 positive in NPS using the optimized home‐brew PCR. Of these 63 patients, 61 (98%) were also positive in saliva. An additional positive SARS‐CoV‐2 saliva was detected in a patient with pneumonia. Kappa Cohen's coefficient agreement between NPS and saliva was 0.96 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.90–0.99). Median Ct values in NPS versus saliva were 18.88 (interquartile range [IQR], 15.60–23.58; range, 11.97–38.10) versus 26.10 (IQR, 22.75–30.06; range, 13.78–39.22), respectively (p < .0001). The optimized home‐brew RT‐PCR demonstrated higher analytical and clinical sensitivity compared with the commercial RT‐PCR assay. A high sensitivity (98%) and agreement (kappa 0.96) in saliva samples compared to NPS was demonstrated when using an optimized home‐brew PCR even when the viral load in saliva was lower than in NPS. This noninvasive sample is easy to collect, requires less consumable and avoids discomfort to patients. Importantly, self‐collection of saliva can diminish exposure to healthcare personnel.
Developing, optimizing, and assessing a green electrophoretic method for determination of benzbromarone and allopurinol with its active metabolite in biological and pharmaceutical matrices
Authors: Essam Hebatallah M. , Mohamed Heba M.
Published: February 2021

A combination of allopurinol and benzbromarone is a common gout treatment protocol. A suboptimal response to allopurinol in patients is very common due to its pharmacokinetics variability. Moreover, the safe doses of benzbromarone is very crucial in patients with hepatic diseases. This raised the inquisitiveness to develop and optimize a capillary zone electrophoresis method for the determination of allopurinol and benzbromarone in their coformulation and in the presence of oxypurinol, the active metabolite of allopurinol, in biological and pharmaceutical matrices. The method greenness profile was assessed using green metric tools the “National Environmental Method Index,” the “Analytical Eco‐Scale,” and the “Green Analytical Procedure Index” by which the method proved to be ecofriendly. The method was successfully applied for the analysis of the pharmaceutical preparation and urine samples spiked with both drugs and the active metabolite. The linearity range was 25.0‐250.0 μg/mL for benzbromarone, 50.0‐350.0 μg/mL for allopurinol, and 100.0‐500.0 μg/mL for oxypurinol. The recoveries were 99.60 ± 0.67, 99.89 ± 0.98, and 98.71 ± 1.18% for benzbromarone, allopurinol, and oxypurinol, respectively. The analysis results indicate potential usefulness of capillary zone electrophoresis as a competitive and greener method of analysis in biological and quality control labs.
Unethical employee behavior against coworkers following unkind management treatment: An experimental analysis
Authors: Jeworrek Sabrina , Waibel Joschka
Published: February 2021

We study unethical behavior toward unrelated coworkers as a response to managerial unkindness with two experiments. In our lab experiment, we do not find that subjects who experienced unkindness are more likely to cheat in a subsequent competition against another coworker who simultaneously experienced mistreatment. A subsequent survey experiment suggests that behavior in the lab can be explained by individuals' preferences for norm adherence, because unkind management behavior does not alter the perceived moral appropriateness of cheating. However, having no shared experience of managerial unkindness opens up some moral wiggle room for employees to misbehave at the costs of others.
A drop of self‐confidence program about urinary incontinence
Authors: Szabó László , Szabó János , Vidor Eszter
Published: February 2021

Aim

The aim of our study was to find and map untreated incontinence patients through general practitioner (GP) practices.

Methods

General practitioners and their assistants participated in the program (Group A). GPs of all the country were involved in a representative manner. The process of the program was preparing the education program, praxis involvement, participant education, a population screening, and by questionnaire by medical staff. In Group B urological outpatients clinics participated.

Results

A total of 2761 GPs, 3015 nurses, and 110 specialists participated in the program between 2011 and 2019. The population participating in the program was 162,871, 86% women and 14% men. The age range was 18–96. 68% had urinary incontinence (UI), 76% of patients had stress, and 49% had urge incontinence. Incontinence is very high (98%) among bedridden patients. On average, 20% had very little information, 40% had little information, 33% had enough information about incontinence, and 7% thought they knew everything about it. 41% reported diabetes mellitus, 33% had frequent cough and sneezing, 31% obesity as a risk factor. 30% of incontinent patients did not go to the GP and 66% to the specialist. 34% of patients who were at GPs received no information, 34% of the patients received symptomatic, and 30% did not receive treatment from the GP.

Conclusion

The incidence of UI is similar to that in other countries. Patient recognition care is similar, perhaps worse. The findings of this study clearly indicate that harmful physical and psychosocial effects of UI are significant and require attention of the healthcare system.
Flame‐retardant cellulose nanofiber aerogel modified with graphene oxide and sodium montmorillonite and its fire‐alarm application
Authors: Zuo Boyu , Yuan Bihe
Published: February 2021

Thermal insulation materials (TIMs) are widely used to realize energy conservation in buildings, but most of the commonly used organic TIMs are flammable. A novel biomass‐based aerogel is produced by an environmentally friendly vacuum freeze‐drying method, and a facile approach is proposed to improve the flame‐retardant performance of cellulose nanofiber (CNF) aerogels by modifying them with graphene oxide (GO) and montmorillonite (MMT). GO and MMT form a barrier that blocks the contact between the composite aerogel and the external oxygen, achieving the flame‐retardation effect. Notably, based on the high‐temperature thermal reduction characteristic of GO, a fire‐alarm system that can provide an ultrasensitive and reliable fire‐warning signal is designed. A fire alarm of CNF‐MMT‐GO‐50% can be triggered in approximately 1.9 seconds and lasts for more than 137.0 seconds when the aerogels are attacked by fire. This work helps to develop advanced TIMs to solve the shortcomings of traditional organic insulation materials and supplies a newfangled idea for the design of fire‐alarm sensors, showing promising applications in building insulation, firefighting, and chemical industry.
Educational resilience among youth in foster care
Authors: Kothari Brianne H. , Godlewski Bethany , Lipscomb Shannon T. , Jaramillo Jamie
Published: February 2021

Youth in foster care can experience educational success. Yet, studies have tended to focus on their educational challenges and achievement gaps. Compared to their counterparts, youth in foster care lag behind on many academic outcomes. Research is needed to understand the academic and nonacademic indicators of educational resilience (i.e., the increased likelihood of school success despite adverse conditions) among youth in foster care. This prospective study expands the existing literature by examining key individual and contextual factors associated with educationally resilient outcomes among school‐aged youth in foster care, with a particular focus on two malleable protective factors—school engagement and quality youth–foster caregiver relationships. Academic proficiency benchmarks reported by state administrative data were used to operationalize three educationally resilient outcomes (i.e., math, reading, and attendance). Logistic regressions with robust standard errors were then estimated to determine which individual and contextual factors best predicted each educationally resilient outcome. Intersectionality was also explored. Results revealed that youth's lived experience of educational resilience varies by the intersection of their personal identities. In addition, two malleable protective factors (school engagement and quality youth–foster caregiver relationships) also predicted specific educationally resilient outcomes. Implications for research and practice in schools and child welfare agencies are discussed.
Manual mass spectrometry de novo sequencing of the anionic host defense peptides of the Cuban Treefrog Osteopilus septentrionalis
Authors: Samgina Tatiana Y. , Tolpina Maria D. , Surin Alexey K. , Kovalev Sergey V. , Bosch Roberto Alonso , Alonso Isel Pascual , Garcia Fabiola Almeida , Gonzalez Lopez Luis Javier , Lebedev Albert T.
Published: February 2021

Rationale

Host defense peptides accumulated in the skin glands of the animals constitute the basis of the adaptive and immune system of amphibians. The peptidome of the Cuban frog Osteopilus septentrionalis was established using tandem mass spectrometry as the best analytical tool to elucidate the sequence of these peptides.

Methods

Manual interpretation of complementary collision‐induced dissociation (CID), higher energy collision‐induced dissociation (HCD), and electron transfer dissociation (ETD) tandem mass spectra recorded with an Orbitrap Elite mass spectrometer in liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) mode was used to sequence the peptide components of the frog skin secretion, obtained by mild electrostimulation.

Results

Although the vast majority of amphibian peptides discovered so far are cationic, surprisingly only anionic peptides were identified in the skin secretion of the Cuban frog Osteopilus septentrionalis. Mass spectrometry allowed the sequences to be established of 16 representatives of new peptide families: septenins 1 and septenins 2. The highest sequence coverage when dealing with these anionic peptides was obtained with CID normalized collision energy 35 and HCD normalized collision energy 28.

Conclusions

Mirror‐symmetrical peptides are sequenced using N‐terminal acetylation. Acetylated Ser is reliably distinguished from isomeric Glu by the loss of ketene from b‐ions containing the corresponding residue. Calculations of the physicochemical and structural properties of the discovered anionic septenins 1 and 2 allowed the mechanism of their interaction with microbe cells to be postulated.
Performance output tracking for cascaded heat partial differential equation‐ordinary differential equation systems subject to unmatched disturbance
Authors: Wen Rui‐Li , Feng Hongyinping
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we are concerned with the performance output tracking for two cascades of one‐dimensional heat partial differential equation‐ordinary differential equation systems with Dirichlet and Neumann interconnection, respectively, where both the external disturbances are non‐collocated to the controller, and moreover, the disturbances come from exosystem. By means of the proper trajectory planning, the non‐collocated configurations can be converted into the collocated ones, so that the difficulties caused by these non‐collocateds are overcome. Exponential convergences of the regulation errors are proved. Finally, the numerical simulations validate the effectiveness of this method.
Human disease clinical treatment network for the elderly: The analysis of medicare inpatient length of stay data
Authors: Mei Hao , Jia Ruofan , Qiao Guanzhong , Lin Zhenqiu , Ma Shuangge
Published: February 2021

Disease clinical treatment measures, such as inpatient length of stay (LOS), have been examined for most if not all diseases. Such analysis has important implications for the management and planning of health care, financial, and human resources. In addition, clinical treatment measures can also informatively reflect intrinsic disease properties such as severity. The existing studies mostly focus on either a single disease (or a few pre‐selected and closely related diseases) or all diseases combined. In this study, we take a new and innovative perspective, examine the interconnections in length of stay (LOS) among diseases, and construct the very first disease clinical treatment network on LOS. To accommodate uniquely challenging data distributions, a new conditional network construction approach is developed. Based on the constructed network, the analysis of important network properties is conducted. The Medicare data on 100 000 randomly selected subjects for the period of January 2008 to December 2018 is analyzed. The network structure and key properties are found to have sensible biomedical interpretations. Being the very first of its kind, this study can be informative to disease clinical management, advance our understanding of disease interconnections, and foster complex network analysis.
Owner quality of life, caregiver burden and anticipatory grief: How they differ, why it matters
Authors: Spitznagel Mary Beth , Anderson Jason R. , Marchitelli Beth , Sislak Meg D. , Bibbo Jessica , Carlson Mark D.
Published: February 2021

Background: Understanding client perspective is important for veterinary communications, particularly during problem visits. Key client experiences of caregiver burden, anticipatory grief and quality of life (QoL) have been previously examined in this context, but never simultaneously considered.

Methods: A sample of 393 owners of an elderly or seriously ill companion animal was recruited online to complete cross‐sectional measures of psychosocial function, companion animal presentation and demographics.

Results: Exploratory factor analysis demonstrated that owner caregiver burden, anticipatory grief and QoL reflect distinct constructs. Cluster analysis showed these experiences occur in four separate owner profiles: ‘distressed’, ‘resilient’, ‘non‐distressed’ and owners experiencing strain due to ‘other influences’. These groups appear to be differentially influenced by various factors, such as the companion animal's QoL, nature of the illness and the owner's attachment. They also show distinct differences in consideration of euthanasia and emotional functioning, including experience of stress and depressive symptoms.

Conclusions: Constructs of caregiver burden, anticipatory grief and QoL are not interchangeable and may differentially impact owner decisions and behaviour. The veterinarian's understanding of owner profiles relevant to these issues and distinguishing underlying features may foster effective communication.
Corona Virus, Climate Change and Food Security
Authors: Meludu Nkiru Theresa , Abolade Toyin
Published: February 2021

Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) is a current pandemic causing lockdown of cities and countries. The nature of this disease and the global cases are still considered as deadly all over the world. Analogous was drawn between the current COVID-19 pandemic and some of the other contemporary crises of the world as regards to climate change in addition to food shortage. Also, Survey Monkey instrument was used to generate emperical evidences from 514 respondents on covid-19 awareness and the effect on food security. Effects of diseases on climate change, such as the increasing frequency and strength of extreme weather events or the expanding range and spread of diseases was considered. Then, the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change was investigated. Prior to the pandemic, climate change already had adverse effects on agriculture and vice versa, which led to food insecurity. The need for fruits as well as leafy and root vegetables in peri-urban and urban areas is increasing, as well as the food shortage. A drop in agricultural production will be expected in the future if the pandemic continues for a few more months. The perception and adherence to the preventive measures for this pandemic were determined to reduce its spread and lessen its effect on agricultural production as well as to improve food security.
Signal Transduction in Immune Cells and Protein Kinases
Authors: Neagu Monica , Constantin Carolina
Published: February 2021

Immune response relies upon several intracellular signaling events. Among the protein kinases involved in these pathways, members of the protein kinase C (PKC) family are prominent molecules because they have the capacity to acutely and reversibly modulate effector protein functions, controlling both spatial distribution and dynamic properties of the signals. Different PKC isoforms are involved in distinct signaling pathways, with selective functions in a cell-specific manner.

In innate system, Toll-like receptor signaling is the main molecular event triggering effector functions. Various isoforms of PKC can be common to different TLRs, while some of them are specific for a certain type of TLR. Protein kinases involvement in innate immune cells are presented within the chapter emphasizing their coordination in many aspects of immune cell function and, as important players in immune regulation.

In adaptive immunity T-cell receptor and B-cell receptor signaling are the main intracellular pathways involved in seminal immune specific cellular events. Activation through TCR and BCR can have common intracellular pathways while others can be specific for the type of receptor involved or for the specific function triggered. Various PKC isoforms involvement in TCR and BCR Intracellular signaling will be presented as positive and negative regulators of the immune response events triggered in adaptive immunity.
Constraints on neutrino non-standard interactions from LHC data with large missing transverse momentum
Authors: Liu DianYu , Sun ChuanLe , Gao Jun
Published: February 2021

Abstract

The possible non-standard interactions (NSIs) of neutrinos with matter plays important role in the global determination of neutrino properties. In our study we select various data sets from LHC measurements at 13 TeV with integrated luminosities of 35 ∼ 139 fb−1, including production of a single jet, photon, W/Z boson, or charged lepton accompanied with large missing transverse momentum. We derive constraints on neutral-current NSIs with quarks imposed by different data sets in a framework of either effective operators or simplified Z′ models. We use theoretical predictions of productions induced by NSIs at next-to-leading order in QCD matched with parton showering which stabilize the theory predictions and result in more robust constraints. In a simplified Z′ model we obtain a 95% CLs upper limit on the conventional NSI strength ϵ of 0.042 and 0.0028 for a Z′ mass of 0.2 and 2 TeV respectively. We also discuss possible improvements from future runs of LHC with higher luminosities.