bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical outcomes of endoscopic resection for rectal neuroendocrine tumors: Advantages of endoscopic submucosal resection with a ligation device compared to conventional EMR and ESD
Authors: Kamigaichi Yuki , Yamashita Ken , Oka Shiro , Tamari Hirosato , Shimohara Yasutsugu , Nishimura Tomoyuki , Inagaki Katsuaki , Okamoto Yuki , Tanaka Hidenori , Yuge Ryo , Urabe Yuji , Arihiro Koji , Tanaka Shinji
Published: September 2021

Objectives

There are some endoscopic resection (ER) methods for neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), however, which method is most useful remains unclear. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of different ER techniques, such as conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (cEMR), endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), and endoscopic submucosal resection with a ligation device (ESMR‐L) for rectal NETs.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 96 consecutive patients with 102 rectal NETs of less than 10 mm in diameter who underwent ER between January 2001 and December 2019 at Hiroshima University Hospital. We compared the clinical outcomes of each ER method (cEMR 60 lesions, ESD 21 lesions, and ESMR‐L 21 lesions), divided according to the treatment periods, and evaluated the risk factors for vertical margin (VM) positivity in relation to clinicopathological and endoscopic characteristics.

Results

As for the mean procedure time, ESD took significantly longer to perform than the other methods. The histological complete resection rate was 80% (48/60) for cEMR, 85.7% (18/21) for ESD, and 100% (21/21) for ESMR‐L, and the VM positive rate was 20% (12/60) for cEMR, 14.3% (3/21) for ESD, and 0% (0/21) for ESMR‐L, with no significant difference. However, the tumor‐front‐to‐VM distance was significantly longer in the ESMR‐L group than in the cEMR and ESD groups. cEMR and ESD were both significant risk factors for VM positivity. No perforation or local recurrence was observed in all methods.

Conclusions

ESMR‐L is the most useful ER method for small rectal NETs.
Clinical moderators and predictors of cognitive‐behavioral therapy by guided‐self‐help versus therapist‐led for binge‐eating disorder: Analysis of aggregated clinical trials
Authors: Grilo Carlos M. , Thompson‐Brenner Heather , Shingleton Rebecca M. , Thompson Douglas R. , Franko Debra L.
Published: September 2021

Objective

Cognitive‐behavioral therapy (CBT)—therapist‐led (CBTth) and guided‐self‐help (CBTgsh)—has efficacy for binge‐eating disorder (BED) but many patients do not benefit sufficiently. We examined predictors and moderators for these two CBT methods.

Method

Data were aggregated from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) testing psychosocial treatments for BED in the U.S. Predictors and moderators of outcomes (treatment completion and binge‐eating remission) were examined in N = 457 participants who received either CBTgsh (N = 164) or CBTth (N = 293).

Results

Analyses, adjusting for demographic/clinical variables, indicated CBTth was significantly superior to CBTgsh for treatment completion (odds ratio [OR] = 20.0) and remission (OR = 14.6). For remission, analyses revealed significant predictors (age, treatment length, Weight Concern), a moderator (weight concern [OR = 5.13]), and a significant interaction between CBT‐type and treatment length (OR = 2.66). For CBTgsh, longer treatment was associated with less remission, whereas for CBTth, longer treatment was associated with greater remission. For CBTgsh, 44.1% with low weight concern versus 56.3% with high weight concern achieved remission whereas for CBTth, 43.5% with high weight concern and 61.0% with low weight concern achieved remission.

Discussion

Analyses of aggregated RCT BED data, adjusting for demographic/clinical characteristics, indicated superiority (large effect‐sizes) in treatment outcomes of CBTth over CBTgsh and that Weight Concern moderated outcomes.
Does seed mass drive interspecies variation in the effect of management practices on weed demography?
Authors: Kazakou Elena , Fried Guillaume , Cheptou Pierre‐Olivier , Gimenez Olivier
Published: September 2021

Optimizing the effect of management practices on weed population dynamics is challenging due to the difficulties in inferring demographic parameters in seed banks and their response to disturbance. Here, we used a long‐term plant survey between 2006 and 2012 in 46 French vineyards and quantified the effects of management practices (tillage, mowing, and herbicide) on colonization, germination, and seed survival of 30 weed species in relation to their seed mass. To do so, we used a recent statistical approach to reliably estimate demographic parameters for plant populations with a seed bank using time series of presence–absence data, which we extended to account for interspecies variation in the effects of management practices on demographic parameters. Our main finding was that when the level of disturbance increased (i.e., in plots with a higher number of herbicides, tillage, or mowing treatments), colonization success and survival in large‐seeded species increased faster than in small‐seeded species. High disturbance through tillage increased survival in the seed bank of species with high seed mass. The application of herbicides increased germination, survival, and colonization probabilities of species with high seed mass. Mowing, representing habitats more competitive for light, increased the survival of species with high seed mass. Overall, the strong relationships between the effects of management practices and seed mass provide an indicator for predicting the dynamics of weed communities under disturbance.
Stabilizing Indigo Z‐Isomer through Intramolecular Associations of Redox‐Active Appendages
Authors: Broløs Line , Klaue Kristin , Bendix Jesper , Grubert Lutz , Hecht Stefan , Nielsen Mogens Brøndsted
Published: September 2021

Photoswitchable small molecules, such as N,N’‐disubstituted indigos, have received great interest within fields such as pharmacology, energy storage, and functional materials, as they represent key building blocks for reversible and non‐invasive control of chemical processes. However, to ensure applicability of photochromic systems it is of paramount importance to manipulate the photostationary state. In this work, we achieved this by tethering two redox‐active indenofluorene‐extended tetrathiafulvalene units to an N,N’‐disubstituted indigo photoswitch. Upon two‐electron oxidation, we observe significantly enhanced stability of the Z‐isomer, compared to the neutral compound, illustrated by a substantial increase in the half‐life from 0.48 seconds to 22 hours. This remarkable stabilization is ascribed to formation of strong, intramolecular π‐dimers between the oxidized subunits.
CO2‐Mediated Non‐Destructive Cyanide Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Petersen Allan R. , Juhl Martin , Petrovic Aleksa , Lee Ji‐Woong
Published: September 2021

The facile removal of cyanide anions from cyanide‐containing water was achieved using CO2 in conjunction with aldehydes which can be recycled from the process. The conversion of the cyanide ion into an insoluble cyanohydrin in water allowed the removal of cyanide and could be used as a method for treating cyanide contaminated wastewater and for recovering cyanide or cyanohydrins for further applications.
Investigation of entrance effects on particle electrophoretic behavior near a nanopore for resistive pulse sensing
Authors: Hsu Chien , Lin Chih‐Yuan , Alizadeh Amer , Daiguji Hirofumi , Hsu Wei‐Lun
Published: September 2021

Resistive pulse sensing using solid‐state nanopores provides a unique platform for detecting the structure and concentration of molecules of different types of analytes in an electrolyte solution. The capture of an entity into a nanopore is subject not only to the electrostatic force but also the effect of electroosmotic flow originating from the charged nanopore surface. In this study, we theoretically analyze spherical particle electrophoretic behavior near the entrance of a charged nanopore. By investigating the effects of pore size, particle–pore distance, and salt concentration on particle velocity, we summarize dominant mechanisms governing particle behavior for a range of conditions. In the literature, the Helmholtz–Smoluchowski equation is often adopted to evaluate particle translocation by considering the zeta potential difference between the particle and nanopore surfaces. We point out that, due to the difference of the electric field inside and outside the nanopore and the influence from the existence of the particle itself, the zeta potential of the particle, however, needs to be at least 30% higher than that of the nanopore to allow the particle to enter into the nanopore when its velocity is close to zero. Accordingly, we summarize the effective salt concentrations that enable successful particle capture and detection for different pore sizes, offering direct guidance for nanopore applications.
Engineering evaluation of the EQSIM simulated ground‐motion database: The San Francisco Bay Area region
Authors: Petrone Floriana , Abrahamson Norman , McCallen David , Pitarka Arben , Rodgers Arthur
Published: September 2021

Ground‐motion simulations for infrequent earthquake scenarios are gaining increasing interest in the engineering community for their potential to inform performance‐based structural design and assessment, particularly in regions where major earthquakes are expected, but recordings from consistent historical events are not available. However, the absence of empirical data makes the evaluation of such scenarios and the interpretation of the simulation results very challenging. In this context, this paper presents the evaluation of the first EQSIM (v.1.1.0) ground‐motion simulations generated for the San Francisco Bay Area (SFBA) region. The current database, which is at the first stages of development, includes eight realizations of a Hayward Fault Mw7 event. The evaluation of the simulated motions is first conducted on the average ground‐motion amplitudes through comparison against the NGA‐W2 GMPEs and a selected population of real records. A methodology for selecting a population of real records consistent with the simulated event is proposed. The objective of the proposed evaluation is twofold: (1) build confidence in the realistic character of the simulated motions for their use in engineering applications and (2) offer a critical physics‐based interpretation of the simulation results that can help improve key features of the simulation models. To further investigate the implications of using the simulated ground motions for site‐specific structural assessments, the ASCE7‐16 approach is employed for the analysis of two hazard‐consistent near‐field sites in the SFBA. Results are discussed. This study offers a critical review of the EQSIM (v.1.1.0) SFBA ground‐motion simulations and suggestions for improving the earthquake rupture models.
Emotional processing in recovered anorexia nervosa patients: A 15 year longitudinal study
Authors: Castro Telma Fontão , Miller Kylee , Araújo Maria Xavier , Brandão Isabel , Torres Sandra
Published: September 2021

Objective

This 15 years longitudinal study aimed to examine whether difficulties in cognitive processing of emotions persisted after long‐term recovery from anorexia nervosa (AN), and its link to anxiety and depression.

Method

Twenty‐four females, who were tested longitudinally during their acute and recovered AN phases, and 24 healthy control (HC) women, were screened for anxiety, depression, alexithymia, emotion regulation difficulties (ER; only assessed in recovery phase), and completed an experimental task to analyse emotional experience.

Results

In spite of significant improvement in alexithymia, anxiety, and depression with AN recovery, some emotion functioning difficulties did not normalize. The occurrence of comorbid anxiety and depression explained the reduced ability to identify, understand, and accept emotions in long‐term recovery (relative to controls), but not the increased global difficulty in using ER strategies, which revealed a more stable nature of deficit. With recovery, negative emotions linked to situations addressing food and body weight are felt more intensely.

Conclusions

Managing emotions, especially the negative ones, remains a challenge for individuals recovered from AN. Under this circumstance, maladaptive eating behaviour can serve as an affect regulatory function, increasing the risk of relapse. Emotional education is an important avenue in protecting long‐term AN relapse.
Multi‐marker genetic association and interaction tests with interval‐censored survival outcomes
Authors: Wu Di , Li Chenxi , Lu Qing
Published: September 2021

The development of set‐based genetic‐survival association tests has been focusing on right‐censored survival outcomes. However, interval‐censored failure time data arise widely from health science studies, especially those on the development of chronic diseases. In this paper, we proposed a suite of set‐based genetic association and interaction tests for interval‐censored survival outcomes under a unified weighted‐V‐statistic framework. Besides dealing with interval censoring, the new tests can account for genetic effect heterogeneity and accommodate left truncation of survival outcomes. Simulation studies showed that the new tests perform well in terms of size and power under various scenarios and that the new interaction test is more powerful than the standard likelihood ratio test for testing gene–gene/gene–environment interactions. The practical utility of the developed tests was illustrated by a genome‐wide association study of age to early childhood caries.
Quantification of polyreactive immunoglobulin G facilitates the diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Taubert Richard , Engel Bastian , Diestelhorst Jana , Hupa‐Breier Katharina L. , Behrendt Patrick , Baerlecken Niklas T. , Sühs Kurt‐Wolfram , Janik Maciej K. , Zachou Kalliopi , Sebode Marcial , Schramm Christoph , Londoño María‐Carlota , Habes Sarah ,   the UK‐AIH Consortium, Oo Ye H. , Lalanne Claudine , Pape Simon , Schubert Maren , Hust Michael , Dübel Stefan , Thevis Mario , Jonigk Danny , Beimdiek Julia , Buettner Falk F. R. , Drenth Joost P. H. , Muratori Luigi , Adams David H. , Dyson Jessica K. , Renand Amédée , Graupera Isabel , Lohse Ansgar W. , Dalekos George N. , Milkiewicz Piotr , Stangel Martin , Maasoumy Benjamin , Witte Torsten , Wedemeyer Heiner , Manns Michael P. , Jaeckel Elmar
Published: September 2021

Background and Aims

Detection of autoantibodies is a mainstay of diagnosing autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). However, conventional autoantibodies for the workup of AIH lack either sensitivity or specificity, leading to substantial diagnostic uncertainty. We aimed to identify more accurate serological markers of AIH with a protein macroarray.

Approach and Results

During the search for more‐precise autoantibodies to distinguish AIH from non‐AIH liver diseases (non‐AIH‐LD), IgG antibodies with binding capacities to many human and foreign proteins were identified with a protein macroarray and confirmed with solid‐phase ELISAs in AIH patients. Subsequently, polyreactive IgG (pIgG) was exemplarily quantified by reactivity against human huntingtin‐interacting protein 1‐related protein in bovine serum albumin blocked ELISA (HIP1R/BSA). The diagnostic fidelity of HIP1R/BSA binding pIgG to diagnose AIH was assessed in a retrospective training, a retrospective multicenter validation, and a prospective validation cohort in cryoconserved samples from 1,568 adults from 10 centers from eight countries. Reactivity against HIP1R/BSA had a 25% and 14% higher specificity to diagnose AIH than conventional antinuclear and antismooth muscle antibodies, a significantly higher sensitivity than liver kidney microsomal antibodies and antisoluble liver antigen/liver pancreas antigen, and a 12%–20% higher accuracy than conventional autoantibodies. Importantly, HIP1R/BSA reactivity was present in up to 88% of patients with seronegative AIH and in up to 71% of AIH patients with normal IgG levels. Under therapy, pIgG returns to background levels of non‐AIH‐LD.

Conclusions

pIgG could be used as a promising marker to improve the diagnostic workup of liver diseases with a higher specificity for AIH compared to conventional autoantibodies and a utility in autoantibody‐negative AIH. Likewise, pIgG could be a major source of assay interference in untreated AIH.
Hydraulic redistribution by deeply rooted grasses and its ecohydrologic implications in the southern Great Plains of North America
Authors: Oerter Erik , Slessarev Eric , Visser Ate , Min Kyungjin , Kan Megan , McFarlane Karis J. , Saha Malay C. , Berhe Asmeret Asefaw , Pett‐Ridge Jennifer , Nuccio Erin
Published: September 2021

Perennial bioenergy crops with deep (>1 m) rooting systems, such as switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), are hypothesized to increase carbon storage in deep soil. Deeply rooted plants may also affect soil hydrology by accessing deep soil water for transpiration, which can affect soil water content and infiltration in deep soil layers, thereby affecting groundwater recharge. Using stable H and O isotope (δ2H and δ18O) and 3H values, we studied the soil water conditions at 20–30 cm intervals to depths of 2.4–3.6 m in paired fields of switchgrass and shallow rooted crops at three sites in the southern Great Plains of North America. We found that soil under switchgrass had consistently higher soil water content than nearby soil under shallow‐rooted annual crops by a margin of 15%–100%. Soil water content and isotopic depth profiles indicated that hydraulic redistribution of deep soil water by switchgrass roots explained these observed soil water differences. To our knowledge, these are the first observations of hydraulic redistribution in deeply rooted grasses, and complement earlier observations of dynamic soil water fluxes under shallow‐rooted grasses. Hydraulic redistribution by switchgrass may be a strategy for drought avoidance, wherein the plant may actively prevent water limitation. This raises the possibility that deeply rooted grasses may be used to passively subsidize soil water to more shallow‐rooted species in inter‐cropping arrangements.
Computations on Pericyclic Reactions Reveal the Richness of Ambimodal Transition States and Pericyclases
Authors: Houk K. N. , Xue Xiao‐Song , Liu Fang , Chen Yu , Chen Xiangyang , Jamieson Cooper
Published: September 2021

The pericyclic reaction concept was developed by Woodward and Hoffmann 56 years ago, before accurate quantum mechanical calculations of organic reaction pathways were possible. Since then, computational methods such as density functional theory and coupled‐cluster methods have been formulated, and computer speeds have increased a hundred trillion (1011)‐fold. The subtleties and timings of bond formation in reactions have been established by high‐accuracy quantum mechanical calculations. The field of pericyclic reactions has been enriched by understanding of the borderline between concerted pericyclic reactions and stepwise reactions. Higher‐order pericyclic reactions, involving more than six electrons, have ambimodal transition states that can form two, three, or even four products. In addition, while only imagined in the last century, the fact that enzymes can catalyze many pericyclic reactions has been repeatedly established in the 21st century, aided enormously by computational studies.
Pēpē‐infant sleep practices and sudden unexpected death in infancy in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: MacFarlane Melanie , Thompson John M. D. , Mitchell Edwin A. , Lawton Beverley , McLardy Elaine M. , Jonas Shelley D. , Tepania‐Palmer Gwen , Roa Tom , Warren Graham , Jowsey Tanisha
Published: September 2021

Objective

To explore pēpē [infant] sleep practices and the key motivators among selected Māori and non‐Māori māmā [mothers] in Auckland, New Zealand, in relation to the risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI).

Methods

Qualitative research underpinned by a kaupapa Māori cultural framework was undertaken. In‐depth face‐to‐face interviews occurred in the homes of māmā with young pēpē born in Counties Manukau, Auckland. Interview transcripts were analyzed using general purpose thematic analysis.

Results

Thirty māmā participated, including 17 Māori. Two‐thirds of māmā reported previous or current bed sharing. The fundamental human need for adequate sleep motivated half the māmā in the present study, and especially Māori māmā, to bed share. The second most common reason given was closeness and convenience. This was followed by breastfeeding, which was cited as a reason by Māori māmā only. These findings were interpreted in terms of intrinsic fear, culture, and māmā deployment of knowledge.

Conclusion

Service providers are encouraged to respond to the lived experiences and cultural realities, values, and beliefs of māmā when designing and delivering effective SUDI prevention interventions. Innovative approaches for providing structured and opportunistic, culturally appropriate education and support around safe sleep are likely to be well‐received by māmā and their whānau [family/ies].
LncRNA LINC00888 upregulation predicts a worse survival of laryngeal cancer patients and accelerates the growth and mobility of laryngeal cancer cells through regulation of miR‐378g/TFRC
Authors: Cui Panpan , Dai Xiuli , Liu Ruiyue , Cao Hanhai
Published: September 2021

In this study, we aimed to detect the clinical significance and potential mechanism of LINC00888 in laryngeal cancer. Data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) afforded the expression of LINC00888 in laryngeal cancer samples. The clinical significance of LINC00888 expression in laryngeal cancer was demonstrated by χ2, Cox analysis, and Kaplan–Meier. The downstream targets of LINC00888 were identified based on analysis from bioinformatics and laryngeal cancer‐related TCGA data sets. The microRNA‐378g (miR‐378g)/TFRC (transferrin receptor) axis was selected and identified by qRT‐PCR, Western blot analysis, and luciferase activity assays. Cell counting kit‐8, colony formation, and transwell assays were applied to detect the phenotypes of laryngeal cancer cells. We observed that LINC00888 expression was notably increased in laryngeal cancer and associated with death, recurrence, and prognosis. Depletion of LINC00888 repressed the proliferative and motile abilities of laryngeal cancer cells in vitro. LINC00888 was predicted to act as a competing endogenous RNA within the microRNA (miRNA)/messenger RNA (mRNA) axis based on analysis from bioinformatics and laryngeal cancer‐related TCGA data sets. Interestingly, we discovered that LINC00888 functioned as an miRNA sponge to suppress the effect of miR‐378g on laryngeal cancer cells behaviors, as well as positively regulate TFRC expression. Furthermore, the knockdown of TFRC strengthened the inhibitory effect of si‐LINC00888 on laryngeal cancer cells' malignant properties. LINC00888 is an oncogenic lncRNA that promotes the growth and mobility of laryngeal cancer cells by controlling laryngeal cancer‐related mRNA and tumor‐suppressive miRNA. The LINC00888/miR‐378g/TFRC pathway might lead to the development of laryngeal cancer cells and, therefore, might be a candidate therapeutic target for laryngeal cancer.
Stability of S‐nitrosothiols and S‐nitrosylated proteins: A struggle for cellular existence!
Authors: Chatterji Ajanta , Sengupta Rajib
Published: September 2021

Nitric oxide is a well‐known gasotransmitter molecule that covalently docks to sulfhydryl groups of proteins resulting in S‐nitrosylation of proteins and nonprotein thiols that serve a variety of cellular processes including cGMP signaling, vasodilatation, neurotransmission, ion‐channel modulation, and cardiac signaling. S‐nitrosylation is an indispensable modification like phosphorylation that directly regulates the functionality of numerous proteins. However, recently there has been a controversy over the stability of S‐nitrosylated proteins (PSNOs) within the cell. It has been argued that PSNOs formed within the cell is a transient intermediate step to more stable disulfide formation and disulfides are the predominant end effector modifications in NO‐mediated signaling. The present article accumulates state‐of‐the‐art evidence from numerous research that strongly supports the very existence of PSNOs within the cell and attempts to put an end to the controversy. This review illustrates critical points including comparative bond dissociation energies of S‐NO bond, the half‐life of S‐nitrosothiols and PSNOs, cellular concentrations of PSNOs, X ray crystallographic studies on PSNOs, and stability of PSNOs at physiological concentration of antioxidants. These logical evidence cumulatively support the endogenous stability and inevitable existence of PSNOs/RSNOs within the cell that directly regulate the functionality of proteins and provide valuable insight into understanding stable S‐nitrosylation mediated cell signaling.
Long non‐coding RNA growth arrest‐specific 5 and its targets, microRNA‐21 and microRNA‐140, are potential biomarkers of allergic rhinitis
Authors: Song Ji , Wang Taojiao , Chen Yandan , Cen Ruixiang
Published: September 2021

Objective

Long non‐coding RNA growth arrest‐specific 5 (lnc‐GAS5) and its targets (microRNA [miR]‐21 and miR‐140) are involved in the development and progression of allergic rhinitis (AR). However, the correlation of lnc‐GAS5 with miR‐21 and miR‐140 and their associations with disease risk, symptom severity, and Th1/Th2 cytokines in AR remain unclear. Thus, this study aimed to investigate this topic.

Methods

In total, 120 patients with AR and 60 controls were recruited. Nasal‐mucosa tissues were collected from all participants. Lnc‐GAS5, its targets (miR‐21 and miR‐140), interferon (IFN)‐γ, interleukin (IL)‐2, IL‐4, and IL‐10 were detected by reverse‐transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Lnc‐GAS5 was elevated, while miR‐21 and miR‐140 was downregulated in AR patients than in controls (p < 0.001). In AR patients, lnc‐GAS5 was negatively correlated with miR‐21 (p < 0.001), miR‐140 (p < 0.001), IFN‐γ (p = 0.019), and IL‐2 (p = 0.039) and positively correlated with IL‐4 (p = 0.004) and IL‐10 (p < 0.001), individual nasal symptom scores (INSSs) for itching, sneezing, and congestion (p < 0.05), and total nasal symptom score (TNSS) (p < 0.001). Moreover, miR‐21 and miR‐140 were negatively correlated with some INSSs, total TNSS score, and IL‐10 and positively correlated with IFN‐γ and IL‐2 (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Lnc‐GAS5 is negatively correlated with that of its targets (miR‐21 and miR‐140) in AR; meanwhile, lnc‐GAS5, miR‐21, and miR‐140 are correlated with disease risk, symptom severity, and Th1/Th2 imbalance in AR, suggesting the potential of these biomarkers in the development and progression of AR.
l‐lactic acidosis confers insensitivity to PKC inhibitors by competing for uptake via monocarboxylate transporters
Authors: Nguyen Khuong T. L. , Chiou Jhih‐Yi , Liu You‐Chi , Cheng Fang‐Ju , Shen Yi‐Cheng , Chen Chao‐Jung , Tang Chih‐Hsin , Huang Wei‐Chien , Chen Chia‐Hung , Tu Chih‐Yen
Published: September 2021

Targeting protein kinase C (PKC) family was found to repress the migration and resistance of non‐small cell lung cancer cells to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). However, none of the PKC inhibitors has been approved for anticancer therapy yet due to the limited efficacy in clinical trials, and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. l‐lactic acidosis, a common condition comprising high l‐lactate concentration and acidic pH in the tumor microenvironment, has been known to induce tumor metastasis and drug resistance. In this study, l‐lactic acid was found to reverse the inhibitory effects of pan‐PKC inhibitors GO6983 on PKC activity, cell migration, and EGFR‐TKI resistance, but these effects were not affected by the modulators of lactate receptor GPR81. Interestingly, blockade of lactate transporters, monocarboxylate transporter‐1 and ‐4 (MCT1 and MCT4), attenuated the intracellular level of GO6983, and its inhibitory effect on PKC activity, suggesting that lactic acid promotes the resistance to PKC inhibitors by competing for the uptake through these transporters rather than by activating its receptor, GPR81. Our findings explain the underlying mechanisms of the limited response of PKC inhibitors in clinical trials.
Clinical Outcome Data of First Cohort of Chronic Pain Patients Treated With Cannabis‐Based Sublingual Oils in the United Kingdom: Analysis From the UK Medical Cannabis Registry
Authors: Kawka Michal , Erridge Simon , Holvey Carl , Coomber Ross , Usmani Azfer , Sajad Mohammad , Platt Michael W. , Rucker James J. , Sodergren Mikael H.
Published: September 2021

Cannabis‐based medicinal products (CBMPs) are an emerging therapeutic option in the management of primary chronic pain, using the role of the endocannabinoid system in modulating central and peripheral pain processes. Despite promising preclinical data, there is a paucity of high‐quality evidence to support the use of CBMPs for chronic pain. This study aimed to investigate the health‐related quality‐of‐life outcomes of patients with chronic pain who were prescribed CBMP oil preparations (Adven, Curaleaf International, Guernsey, UK).

This study is a case series of patients from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry, who were treated with CBMP oils for an indication of chronic pain. The primary outcomes were the changes in Brief Pain Inventory short form, Short‐Form McGill Pain Questionnaire‐2, Visual Analog Scale Pain, General Anxiety Disorder‐7, Sleep Quality Scale, and EQ‐5D‐5L, at 1, 3, and 6 months. One hundred ten patients were included. Significant improvements in Sleep Quality Scale, EQ‐5D‐5L pain and discomfort subscale, and Brief Pain Inventory Interference Subscale (P < .05) at 1, 3, and 6 months were demonstrated. There were no notable differences between cannabis‐naïve and previous cannabis users in quality‐of‐life outcomes. The adverse event incidence was 30.0%, with most (n = 58; 92.1%) adverse events being mild or moderate in intensity. Treatment of chronic pain with Adven CBMP oils was associated with an improvement in pain‐specific outcomes, health‐related quality of life, and self‐reported sleep quality. Relative safety was demonstrated over medium‐term prescribed use. While these findings must be treated with caution considering the limitations of study design, they can inform future clinical trials.
Influence of the electronic state of the metals in Cu–Pt/SiO2 catalysts on the catalytic properties in selective hydrogenation of the C≡C bond
Authors: Shesterkina Anastasiya , Shuvalova Elena , Strekalova Anna , Tkachenko Olga , Kustov Leonid
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND

The development of highly efficient and selective bimetallic catalytic systems for the hydrogenation of unsaturated compounds is an important scientific task.

RESULTS

A new bimetallic 1%Cu‐1%Pt/SiO2 catalyst for the selective hydrogenation of phenylacetylene was developed. The bimetallic catalysts were prepared by a consecutive incipient wetness impregnation method and a redox method with preadsorbed hydrogen. We showed that the catalytic properties of 1%Cu‐1%Pt/SiO2 catalysts and selectivity toward styrene depend on the states of metals and interactions between Cu and Pt in bimetallic particles. The strong contact interaction between Pt0, Ptδ– and Cu<2+ in sample prepared by the impregnation method provides a high selectivity of about 82% in styrene formation, while the interaction between PtO and CuO phases provides a 60% selectivity under mild conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

A new highly effective bimetallic Cu‐Pt/SiO2 catalyst was found for the selective hydrogenation of phenylacetylene with the formation of styrene. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Human Leukocyte Antigen DQ (HLA‐DQ) genotypes and haplotypes and their association with phenotype in patients with celiac disease in India
Authors: Ramakrishna Balakrishnan S , Venugopal Giriprasad , Singh Alka , Pugazhendhi Srinivasan , Dutta Sangitanjan , Ahuja Vineet , Makharia Govind K
Published: September 2021

Background and Aim

Human Leukocyte Antigen DQ (HLA‐DQ) genotypes play a permissive role in the genesis of celiac disease (CeD). In this case–control study, we used next‐generation sequencing to determine HLA‐DQA1 and ~DQB1 genotypes and haplotypes associated with CeD in Indian patients.

Methods

HLA‐DQA1 and ~DQB1 loci were amplified, using long‐range polymerase chain reaction (PCR), from DNA of 259 patients with symptomatic CeD (160 typical and 99 atypical), 45 asymptomatic CeD, 96 potential CeD, and 300 healthy adults. Amplicons were fragmented and sequenced on the Illumina platform, and alleles and haplotypes were assigned by matching against the HLA‐international ImMunoGeneTics (IMGT) database.

Results

HLA‐DQA1*05:01 (odds ratio [OR] 8.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.64–12.47) and HLA‐DQB1*02:01 (OR 8.59, 95% CI 5.75–12.83) were the genotypes that showed a risk association with symptomatic CeD. Among the haplotypes, HLA‐DQA1*05:01 ~ HLA‐DQB1*02:01 (OR 8.56, 95% CI 5.67–13.19) showed a strong risk association with symptomatic CeD. When comparing symptomatic CeD with subclinical forms (asymptomatic and potential) CeD, HLA‐DQA1*05:01 ~ HLA‐DQB1*02:01 (OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.61–3.43) was significantly associated with risk of symptomatic disease. The strength of association between the HLA‐DQA1*05:01 ~ HLA‐DQB1*02:01 haplotype and the CeD phenotype showed a gradient in the order typical > atypical > asymptomatic > potential CeD. Genotypes consistent with expression of HLA DQ2 and/or 8 were noted in 128 (80%) typical, 73 atypical (74%), 27 (60%) asymptomatic, and 52 (54%) potential CeD participants.

Conclusion

HLA‐DQA1*05:01 ~ HLA‐DQB1*02:01 (haplotype DQ2.5) showed a very strong risk association with symptomatic CeD in Indian patients. The strength of association showed a gradient of increase from potential to typical CeD, coinciding with a phenotypic change in the celiac iceberg.
National Robin Hoods and Local Avengers: On Two Shifts in the Criminal Myth of Rayyā and Sakīna in Present Day Egypt
Authors: Chiti Elena
Published: September 2021

The article examines bandit myths from a socio‐historical perspective, as part of the socio‐cultural reality of present‐day Egypt. It engages in the semiotics of banditry encouraged by Stephanie Cronin by taking a first step towards a social semiotics analysis of Rayyā and Sakīna, the two Egyptian female criminals par excellence, arrested in 1920 and executed in 1921. I will argue that Rayyā and Sakīna's criminal myth is currently being resignified in terms that can be conceived of as social banditry. Ethnography, press, and broadcast sources help to highlight two different recent shifts towards bandit myths, linked respectively to national and local circulation.
The perfection of Raman spectroscopic gas densimeters
Authors: Bakker Ronald J.
Published: September 2021

Raman spectroscopy can be used to determine density of gases, because the energy of fundamental vibrational modes is affected by intermolecular distances. The key problem is the estimation of exact peak positions of Raman bands, because the analyses require a precision that is mostly less than the pixel resolution of modern Raman spectrometers. A new method to determine peak positions of Raman bands and atomic emission lines in a discontinuous spectrum without numerical manipulations is tested in this study: modified scanning multichannel technique. Relocation of the gratings with a Sinus Arm Drive can be performed over a distance that is only a fraction of the pixel size that allows peak position estimations with precisions smaller than the pixel resolution and to determine the uncertainty in this estimation. This uncertainty was not determined in previous studies about gas densimeters, resulting in a large variety of inconsistent data. The new method is tested with fluid inclusions in quartz. A CO2 density of 0.1477 ± 0.0006 g·cm−3 and 0.8880 ± 0.0007 g·cm−3 determined with microthermometry correspond to a Fermi dyad of 103.12 ± 0.27 cm−1 and 104.71 ± 0.26 cm−1. A CH4 density of 0.3461 ± 0.0002 g·cm−3 and 0.4011 ± 0.0001 g·cm−3 correspond to peak positions of 2910.66 ± 0.12 cm−1 and 2910.57 ± 0.12 cm−1. The error in these numbers must be regarded as the best estimated uncertainties of peak positions, which are probably slightly adjusted to higher values due to mechanical irregularities of the Sinus Arm Drive in modern Raman systems.
Temperature effects on the nutritional quality in Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) during ultraviolet depuration
Authors: Cong Xiaohan , Wang Qi , Sun Cheng , Yu Fanqianhui , Chen Lipin , Sun Zhongkai , Shi Haohao , Xue Changhu , Li Zhaojie
Published: September 2021

Background

Oysters are mainly consumed in the raw form, so it is important to get rid of bacteria and other harmful substances. Ultraviolet (UV) sterilization depuration is a commonly used method and does not produce chemical residues or act directly on shellfish, resulting in minimal adverse effects on flavor. This study simulated the industrial depuration process using UV sterilization to depurate Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas). The effects of different temperatures (15, 20, and 25 °C) on the quality and taste components of C. gigas were investigated by measuring changes in physiological and biochemical indexes in C. gigas tissue samples.

Results

At the end of depuration, no oyster mortality occurred, but it was up to 55% at 25 °C at 84 h. Glycogen content decreased the most at 25 °C at 48 h. The fatty acid content was higher at 20 and 25 °C. Succinic acid content decreased significantly and was higher at 20 and 25 °C at 48 h with no significant difference. Total free amino acid (FAA) content was significantly higher at 20 °C, however, there were no significant differences in nucleotide content at any temperature at 48 h. Adenylate energy charge (AEC) values decreased, with higher values at 15 and 25 °C, and equivalent umami concentration (EUC) values increased, with higher values at 20 and 25 °C.

Conclusion

Considering the changes in flavor substances and mortality rate, 20 °C is the appropriate temperature for UV sterilization depuration of C. gigas to produce better edible quality. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Is local recurrence in bone and soft tissue sarcomas just a local recurrence or does it impact the overall survival, retrospective cohort from a sarcoma referral center
Authors: Hasan Obada , Nasir Momin , Jessar Muneeba , Hashimi Mustafa , An Qiang , Miller Benjamin J.
Published: September 2021

Background and Objectives

Sarcoma local recurrence (LR) is often associated with metastasis, but it is unclear if LR can be a causal event leading to metastasis. We question if LR is best viewed as an independent oncologic event or as a worrisome harbinger threatening a patient's overall survival.

Methods

We identified patients with LR and/or metastasis from an ongoing cohort of 629 patients with primary sarcoma and performed a detailed review to assess the timing of metastasis resulting in the following groups: (1) Isolated LR, (2) LR before metastasis, (3) LR within 6 months of metastasis, (4) LR 6–12 months after metastasis, (5) LR >12 months after metastasis, and (6) metastasis at diagnosis.

Results

Overall, 43 patients met the inclusion criteria with an LR rate of 7%. Ten patients (2% of the entire cohort, 23% of LR) developed an LR before or within 6 months of metastasis. For patients without systemic disease preceding LR, 3 of 23 soft tissue sarcoma STS (13%) and 7 of 10 bone sarcoma (70%) subsequently developed metastasis (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

LR with subsequent metastasis is a rare event. LR appears to be best viewed as a marker of tumor aggressiveness rather than the cause of metastasis and poor survival. LR in bone sarcoma patients should warn providers of a high risk of imminent metastasis.
New linear integral kinetic parameters assessment method based on an accurate approximate formula of temperature integral
Authors: Akbi Hamdane , Mekki Ahmed , Rafai Souleyman
Published: September 2021

This work concerns a proposition of a new assessment method to obtain kinetic parameters from nonisothermal solid‐state kinetics, based on a new and accurate approximate formula of temperature integral. The new formula was derived numerically by a two‐step linearly fitting process without using any further approximating series. The relative error involved in the activation energy has been estimated and found to be less than 0.001% in the practical range of 15 < x < 60. A comparison of the suggested approximations to published approximates has shown significant improvements in terms of accuracy at high and low x values. The validity of the new method has been confirmed by computing activation energy from experimental data. Moreover, two approaches have been proposed to determine the kinetic reaction model and preexponential factor based on the new approximate formula. The comparison of the obtained results arising from the application of the present method to others obtained by the most widely reported methods in the literature shows a remarkable preeminence of the new method.
The effects of crosslinking agents on faba bean flour–chitosan‐curcumin films and their characterization
Authors: Yildiz Eda , Ilhan Esmanur , Kahyaoglu Leyla Nesrin , Sumnu Gulum , Oztop Mecit Halil
Published: September 2021

Although glutaraldehyde (GLU) has been frequently preferred to improve some characteristics of bio‐degradable food packages, it is regarded as a hazardous chemical. Therefore, in this study, the possibility of replacement GLU with citric acid (CA) a non‐toxic compound was questioned in a film formation. Different ratios of GLU and CA on faba bean flour, chitosan, and curcumin film were examined. To determine the most favorable film composition, water solubility (WS), swelling degree (SD), water contact angle (WCA), water vapor permeability (WVP), and mechanical properties of the films were examined. In addition, the effects of crosslinking agent and their ratios on crystallinity (XRD), thermal properties (DSC and TGA), and antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS) were also studied. Time Domain Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (TD‐ NMR) relaxometry was also employed to explain distribution and mobility of the protons in faba bean flour, chitosan, and curcumin films. At the end of the analysis, it was concluded that CA and GLU reduced SD by 75% and 13% compared to the films without cross‐linker, respectively. Incorporation of crosslinking agent increased the WCA from 77.22° to 99.41° and caused formation of more hydrophobic surfaces. Increasing both crosslinking ratios restricted the permeance drastically which was more than 110%. Furthermore, the lowest WVP was measured for the films containing CA at 1.5% w/v ratio (FC‐1.5C). While GLU improved the tensile strength (TS) of the film, lower elongation of the films caused formation of brittle character which limited the utilization of the films. At the end of the analysis, it was concluded that FC‐1.5 had more feasible character with respect to the other films and CA was suggested as a crosslinking agent instead of GLU for faba bean‐chitosan films.
On height of group trees on tame abelian product groups
Authors: He Jialiang
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we construct group trees of tame Polish groups of the form , where are countable abelian. Our first example where all are torsion reaches the known upper bound . Next we give examples having height for any , close to the known bound .
Uniqueness of self‐similar solutions to flows by quotient curvatures
Authors: Chen Li , Gao Shanze
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we consider a family of closed hypersurfaces which shrink self‐similarly with speed of quotient curvatures. We show that the only such hypersurfaces are shrinking spheres.
Biallelic PTRHD1 Frameshift Variants Associated with Intellectual Disability, Spasticity, and Parkinsonism
Authors: Al‐Kasbi Ghalia , Al‐Saegh Abeer , Al‐Qassabi Ahmed , Al‐Jabry Tariq , Zadjali Fahad , Al‐Yahyaee Said , Al‐Maawali Almundher
Published: September 2021

Background

PTRHD1 was proposed as a disease‐causing gene of intellectual disability, spasticity, and parkinsonism.

Objectives

To characterize the clinical phenotype and the molecular cause of intellectual disability in four affected individuals of a consanguineous family.

Methods

Clinical evaluation, whole‐exome sequencing, Sanger sequencing, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR), real‐time PCR, immunoblot, and isoelectric focusing.

Results

A homozygous 28‐nucleotide frameshift deletion introducing a premature stop codon in the PTRHD1 exon 1 was identified in the four affected members. We further confirmed the apparent transcript escape of the nonsense‐mediated messenger RNA (mRNA) decay pathway. Real‐time PCR showed that mRNA expression of the mutant PTRHD1 is higher compared to the wild‐type. Western blotting and isoelectric focusing identified a truncated, but stable mutant PTRHD1 protein expressed in the patient's primary cells.

Conclusions

We provide further evidence that PTRHD1 mutations are associated with autosomal‐recessive childhood‐onset intellectual disability associated with spasticity and parkinsonism.
Independent cover isogeometric Reissner‐Mindlin shell model for the simulation of the fabricated lining
Authors: Cai Yongchang , Chen Jingxu
Published: September 2021

The fabricated lining is widely used in the underground rail transit, water conveyance system and river‐crossing tunnel. It is generally composed of the precast concrete segments, joints, bolts and reinforcements. Compression and separation often coexist in a single joint, which brings great challenges to the modeling and calculation of the fabricated lining. In this paper, an independent cover isogeometric Reissner‐Mindlin shell model (denoted as the ICI‐R shell model) is proposed for the simulation of the fabricated lining. In the ICI‐R shell model, each segment is regarded as an independent cover, whose geometry is described with the nonuniform rational B‐splines (NURBS) surface, and an isogeometric displacement function is defined based on the Reissner‐Mindlin shell deformation theory. The adjacent segments are connected with the fictitious thin layers, of which the normal and tangential deformations and stresses can be correctly calculated. Within this framework, the difficulties in the continuity‐discontinuity coupling analysis occurring when using the existing shell models are well solved, and the fabricated lining can be simulated expediently. The ICI‐R shell model has the advantages of clear physical meaning, concise formulas and convenient implementation. Benefiting from the strong capability of representing geometries of NURBS and the simplicity of the formulation of the ICI‐R shell model, the parameterized modeling and automatic calculation of the fabricated lining can be easily achieved for simplifying the analysis process and reducing user cost for geotechnical engineers. The successful application in the benchmark tests and engineering example shows the versatility, efficiency and robustness of the ICI‐R shell model.
The Looming Threat: Cancer in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Neugut Alfred I. , El-Sadr Wafaa M. , Ruff Paul
Published: September 2021

Recent trends in cancer epidemiology in low- and middle-income countries show the need for urgent action. This article focuses on sub-Saharan Africa, where populations are showing an increased risk for diseases associated with the Western lifestyle, including cancer.