bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A behaviour‐based coding tool for assessing supervisors' adherence and competence: Findings from a motivational interviewing implementation study
Authors: Beckman Maria , Alfonsson Sven , Rosendahl Ingvar , Berman Anne H. , Lindqvist Helena
Published: June 2022

Supervision seems to be an essential part of therapist training and thus also of implementing evidence‐based practices. However, there is a shortage of valid and reliable instruments for objective assessment of supervision competence that include both global measures and frequency counts of behaviour—two essential aspects of supervisory competence. This study tests the internal consistency and inter‐rater reliability of an assessment tool that includes both these measures. Additionally, strategies and techniques used by 10 supervisors in 35 Motivational interviewing supervision sessions are described. Codings were conducted after two separate coding training sessions. The internal consistency across the global measures was acceptable (α = 0.70; 0.71). After the second training, the inter‐rater reliabilities for all frequency counts were in the moderate to good range, except for two that were in the poor range; inter‐rater reliability for one of the four global measures was in the moderate range, and three were in the poor range. A prerequisite for identifying specific supervisor skills central to the development of therapist skills, teaching these skills to supervisors and performing quality assurance of supervision, is to create instruments that can measure these behaviours. This study is a step in that direction.
Board gender diversity, corporate social commitment and sustainability
Authors: Arayakarnkul Pochara , Chatjuthamard Pattanaporn , Treepongkaruna Sirimon
Published: June 2022

Building a sustainable organization is one of the most important goals in business. To build sustainability, firms need to have strong social commitment to establish value‐creating stakeholder relationships. As boards of directors play a critical role in setting strategy, providing management oversight and monitoring, it is also their responsibility to ensure the firm's commitment to its social responsibilities. With the right composition, boards can be effective in driving long‐term vision and creating good stakeholder relationships, contributing to firms' social capital. In this paper, we analyze board characteristics of publicly listed US firms and find evidence that support the diversity theory. In particular, that board gender diversity (proportion of female directors) is positively associated with firms' social commitment to human rights, product responsibility, and their community and workforce, evidencing female directors' contribution to firms' sustainability. To ensure the robustness of our analysis, we conduct additional analyses including propensity score matching, entropy balancing, and instrumental‐variable analysis.
Uric acid versus metabolic syndrome as markers of fatty liver disease in young people with overweight/obesity
Authors: Di Bonito Procolo , Valerio Giuliana , Licenziati Maria Rosaria , Di Sessa Anna , Miraglia del Giudice Emanuele , Morandi Anita , Maffeis Claudio , Baroni Marco Giorgio , Chiesa Claudio , Pacifico Lucia , Manco Melania
Published: June 2022

Aims

To compare the association of high serum uric acid (HUA) or metabolic syndrome (MetS) with fatty liver disease (FLD) in youths with overweight/obesity (OW/OB).

Materials and Methods

Cross‐sectional study of anthropometrics, biochemical variables, and liver ultrasound of 3104 individuals with OW/OB (age 5–17 years). Metabolic syndrome was defined by ≥ 3 criteria among (1) high waist circumference; (2) high triglycerides; (3) low high‐density lipoproteins; (4) fasting glucose ≥100 mg/dl; (5) blood pressure ≥95th percentile in children, and ≥130/80 mmHg in adolescents. High serum uric acid was defined as serum UA value ≥ 75th percentile adjusted for sex. Fatty liver disease was determined by echography.

Results

The sample was stratified in four categories: (1) no HUA, no MetS (reference category); (2) MetS; (3) HUA; (4) HUA and MetS (HUA + MetS). The prevalence of FLD increased across the four categories from 29.9%, 44.0%, 52.2%, to 67.1%, respectively (p < 0.0001). The ORs for the categorical variables were 1.33 (1.06–1.68) for MetS (p = 0.02), 3.19 (2.51–4.05) for HUA (p < 0.0001) and 3.72 (2.65–5.21) for HUA + MetS (p < 0.0001), versus the reference category regardless of the body mass index.

Conclusions

HUA represents a useful marker of FLD in youths with OW/OB, given its greater ability to identify those at increased risk of the disease compared to MetS. The ability of both to predict incident FLD must be investigated in longitudinal study.
Adhesion molecule Amigo2 is involved in the fasciculation process of the fasciculus retroflexus
Authors: Company Verónica , Murcia‐Ramón Raquel , Andreu‐Cervera Abraham , Aracil‐Pastor Paula , Almagro‐García Francisca , Martínez Salvador , Echevarría Diego , Puelles Eduardo
Published: June 2022

Background

The fasciculus retroflexus is the prominent efferent pathway from the habenular complex. Medial habenular axons form a core packet whereas lateral habenular axons course in a surrounding shell. Both groups of fibers share the same initial pathway but differ in the final segment of the tract, supposedly regulated by surface molecules. The gene Amigo2 codes for a membrane adhesion molecule with an immunoglobulin‐like domain 2 and is selectively expressed in the medial habenula. We present it as a candidate for controlling the fasciculation behavior of medial habenula axons.

Results

First, we studied the development of the habenular efferents in an Amigo2 lack of function mouse model. The fasciculus retroflexus showed a variable defasciculation phenotype. Gain of function experiments allowed us to generate a more condensed tract and rescued the Amigo2 knock‐out phenotype. Changes in Amigo2 function did not alter the course of habenular fibers.

Conclusion

We have demonstrated that Amigo2 plays a subtle role in the fasciculation of the fasciculus retroflexus.
Efficient Preparation of 2‐SAc‐Glycosyl Donors and Investigation of Their Application in the Synthesis of 2‐Deoxyglycosides
Authors: Luo Tao , Zhang Qiang , Guo Yang‐Fan , Pei Zhi‐Chao , Dong Hai
Published: June 2022

In this study, we have developed efficient strategies for the synthesis of glycosyl donors with 2‐thioacetyl (SAc) groups in order to synthesize 2‐deoxysugars with exclusive α/β‐configuration. Starting from free methyl glycosides, four methyl 2‐SAc glycosides were synthesized with high efficiency mainly through the double serial inversion strategy, and further turned into four corresponding 1‐OAc, 2‐SAc α‐glycosyl donors (manno‐, gluco‐, galacto‐ and talo‐types) and four corresponding 1‐STol, 2‐SAc 1,2‐cis‐glycosyl donors (manno‐, gluco‐, galacto‐ and talo‐types). Glycosylation of the 1‐OAc, 2‐SAc donors and further 2‐deoxysugar synthesis have also been investigated in this study.
Electrochemical Synthesis of Azaborininones under Metal‐Catalyst‐Free Mild Conditions
Authors: Zeng Dongwen , Zhang Lizhu , Wang Wei , Li Ganpeng , Zhao Xiao‐Jing , He Yonghui
Published: June 2022

A novel electrochemical synthesis of azaborininones was developed using 2‐aminobenzamides and boronic acids under mild conditions. The advantage of this reaction system is that it avoided using metal catalysts and high‐temperature. Various 1,3,2‐benzodiazaborininones were obtained in moderate to excellent yields.
A Simple Method for Melatonin Determination in the Presence of High Levels of Tryptophan using an Unmodified Carbon Paste Electrode and Square Wave Anodic Stripping Voltammetry
Authors: Amjadi Somayeh , Akhoundian Maedeh , Alizadeh Taher
Published: June 2022

Electrochemical determination of melatonin in the presence of tryptophan is a challenge because of the coincidence of voltammetric signals of these compounds when executing a voltammetric technique. The new method for selective determination of melatonin based on the square wave anodic stripping voltammetry determination of an electroactive product of melatonin was suggested here. This product is produced by previously applied positive pre‐potential to a carbon paste electrode, immersed in the test solution. By this means, the electrochemical signal of melatonin was separated effectively from that of tryptophan, making it possible to determine melatonin in the presence of a high concentration of tryptophan. The effect of important parameters on electrode performance was studied and optimized. The optimum response was obtained at pH=2 and utilizing the pre‐potential magnitude of +0.8 V, applied for 10 s. A linear relationship was found between peak current intensity and melatonin concentrations over the range of 5.00×10−7 to 8.00×10−5 mol L−1. A detection limit of 8.30×10−8 mol L−1 was calculated for the method (S/N=3). The selectivity of the method was considerably high, because of the independence of melatonin signal to the presence of higher amounts of some potentially interfering agents such as ascorbic acid, tryptophane glucose, etc. As an analytical application, the proposed sensor was used for the determination of melatonin in pharmaceutical and food samples.
Applying a unified process kinetic equation to advanced materials process analysis: Characterization of the kinetics of isothermal microwave‐assisted chemical syntheses
Authors: Wong Boon
Published: June 2022

Rate‐enhancement of any isothermal, isobaric chemical synthesis conducted under resonant microwave (RM) irradiation versus the same process activated by conventional field‐free heating has been attributed to a reduction in activation enthalpy of the process. This report applies a unified process kinetic equation (UPKE) to demonstrate and characterize non‐thermal microwave effects (NTME) on kinetics‐enhancements observed in isothermal microwave‐assisted chemical syntheses (IMACS). The UPKE, derived from a mesoscopic irreversible thermodynamic model, pinpoints that the rate of any high‐affinity chemical reaction is effectively independent of the affinity of the process as described by the mass‐action rate law. Energetically, activation enthalpy reduction observed in IMACS is considered the major NTME, which causes dominant process‐rate enhancements. This NTME results from RM‐induced enthalpy variation during the reaction: RM energy‐input first promotes the molar enthalpy of the irradiated reactant(s) at temperature, which consequently motivates an activation enthalpy reduction for rate‐enhancement. Conversely, frequency coefficient lowering is another common NTME occurring in IMACS, causing an adverse yet compensable setback to process‐kinetics as predicted by the UPKE. Applicability of the UPKE‐proposed rationale and methodology for IMACS kinetic characterization is fully confirmed by relevant data in the literature.
Assessing DEM quality and minimizing registration error in repeated geomorphic surveys with multi‐temporal ground truths of invariant features: Application to a long‐term dataset of beach topography and nearshore bathymetry
Authors: Bertin Stéphane , Jaud Marion , Delacourt Christophe
Published: June 2022

Remotely sensed digital elevation models (DEMs) and uncertainty‐based geomorphic change detection have become very practical tools for geoscientists, including for coastal research. Through the analysis of DEMs of differences (DoDs) and the provision of DEM quality, it allows monitoring complex landforms and confidently relating the changes observed to environmental forcing conditions.

With continuing remote sensing advances, and as some monitoring programmes are reaching several decades of repeated data collection, it is timely to consider approaches that enable the reconciliation of DEMs of variable and potentially unknown quality before their subsequent geomorphic analyses. In this paper, we present an original workflow whereby composite data formed by fusing available measurements over invariant features serve as multi‐temporal ground truths for assessing repeated DEMs. Results of the evaluation enable identification of DEMs of lower quality (bias and precision) and correction of registration error (horizontal and vertical bias), and thus offer the in‐built capacity for estimating and improving change detection levels afforded by the data.

The workflow was applied to a freely accessible multi‐sensor: RTK‐GNSS, terrestrial laser‐scanning, drone photogrammetry and multibeam echo‐sounding dataset of high‐resolution topographic and nearshore bathymetric DEMs collected at the macrotidal pocket beach of Porsmilin (France) over the period 2003–2019. Our results show that consistently high DEM precision can be achieved in a long‐term multi‐sensor dataset, but registration errors may be present and can be minimized through co‐registration with the purpose‐built ground truths. Although the study focuses primarily on measuring height discrepancies, which is directly relevant for DoD analysis, we show that the methods can also be used for dealing with horizontal error when high‐resolution imagery is available. Finally, the detailed DEM evaluations presented, in application to a rare dataset documenting beach and shoreface change for nearly two decades, provide original insights on the performance of usual topo‐bathymetric surveying techniques.
Analyzing the role of resilience and life satisfaction as mediators of the impact of COVID‐19 worries on mental health
Authors: Tamarit Alicia , De la Barrera Usue , Schoeps Konstanze , Castro‐Calvo Jesús , Montoya‐Castilla Inmaculada
Published: June 2022

The aim of this study was to test whether resilience and life satisfaction (two traditional protective factors) mediate between COVID‐19 related worries and the development of symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in adolescents and young adults. Participants involved 392 adolescents and young adults (70.20% female) aged between 12 and 25 years (M = 17.05 years, SD = 3.08). Participants completed the COVID‐19 related worries scale, the CD‐RISC to analyse resilience, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales‐21 to study emotional symptoms. Descriptive analyses and Pearson correlations were conducted, together with a structural equation modeling testing a mediational model and multigroup invariance. Results show that resilience and life satisfaction play a mediating role in the relation between the COVID‐19 related worries and emotional symptoms (depression, anxiety, and stress). This study highlights the role of protective factors on adolescents' and young adults' emotional symptoms during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Characteristics of chronic intestinal failure in the USA based on analysis of claims data
Authors: Mundi Manpreet S. , Mercer David F. , Iyer Kishore , Pfeffer Daniel , Zimmermann Lis B. , Berner‐Hansen Mark , Bishop Joan , Seidner Douglas L.
Published: June 2022

Background

This study investigated the prevalence, characteristics, and management of patients with chronic intestinal failure (CIF) in the United States in 2012–2020, based on parenteral support (PS) prescription claims and healthcare utilization.

Methods

Patients with CIF were identified from the Integrated DataVerse® claims database if they had at least two PS prescriptions within 6 months and a relevant diagnosis. Analysis included prevalence and characteristics of patients with CIF, their travel distance to receive PS prescriptions, and the distribution of PS providers and their prescribing history.

Results

Up to 24,048 patients with CIF were identified, equivalent to 75 patients per million. CIF affected people of all ages, being more prevalent in women than in men. Many providers signed PS orders for small patient groups over short time periods, whereas few providers signed PS orders for large patient groups long term, indicating a lack of centralization. The distribution of PS providers suggested a disparity in healthcare coverage in rural vs urban areas, leading to patients traveling considerable distances to receive PS prescriptions. This may be exacerbated by a decline of providers with expertise in CIF and nutrition.

Conclusions

Healthcare disparities for patients with CIF have likely been obscured by the lack of CIF‐specific diagnostic and procedure codes, obliging providers to code for their patients under other codes. Effective policy changes, including centralized care, revision of reimbursement models, and expansion of nutrition‐focused education in addition to the newly introduced International Classification of Diseases codes, are needed to provide the best care for patients.
Nutritional and textural properties and antioxidant activity of breads prepared from immature, mature, germinated, fermented and black chickpea flours
Authors: Yaver Elif
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND

Chickpea is a rich source of proteins with well‐balanced amino acids, dietary fibers, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. In the present study, immature, mature, germinated, fermented and black chickpea flours at a 20% ratio were used in breadmaking to reduce the glycemic index and enhance nutritive value. The effects of chickpea flours on the physical, chemical and textural characteristics, as well as the antioxidant properties and in vitro glycemic index of bread were compared.

RESULTS

Compared to the control (100% wheat bread), the inclusion of chickpea flours at a 20% ratio generally showed greater ash, fat and protein contents in bread. The use of immature, germinated and fermented chickpea flours in bread elicited a lower phytic acid concentration than that of bread containing mature and black chickpea flours. On the other hand, the inclusion of immature and germinated chickpea flours presented the highest total phenolic content in bread. Moreover, in vitro glycemic index values of loaves made with chickpea flours were markedly lower (at least 11%) compared to the control. The specific volume values of bread samples formulated with chickpea flours (except for fermented chickpea flour) were similar (P > 0.05) to each other. Bread samples containing immature and germinated chickpea flours exhibited lower hardness and chewiness than those of other samples containing chickpea flours.

CONCLUSION

The findings showed that immature, germinated and black chickpea flours are a good alternative to mature chickpea flour with respect to producing healthy bread. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Emissions of biological soil crust particulate matter and its proportion in total wind erosion
Authors: Wang Yusong , Wang Dandan , Yu Xinxiao , Jia Guodong , Chang Xiaomin , Sun Lele , Zheng Pengfei , Qiu Yunxiao
Published: June 2022

Areas subjected to frequent winds show severe farmland degradation and air pollution caused by wind erosion and particulate matter emissions. Biological soil crust (BCS) coverage can inhibit wind erosion. This study used wind tunnels to analyze the wind erosion and particulate matter emissions of algae crusts and moss crusts for different wind speeds and coverage conditions, providing the proportion of particulate matter emission of the total wind erosion under different conditions. Wind erosion of algae crusts was 33% higher than that of moss crusts, and the average emissions of total suspended particles (TSP), PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 were 51%, 64%, 149%, and 167% higher than those of moss crusts. The wind erosion process pairs of the two biological soil crusts both had strong responses to wind speed and coverage, and particulate matter emissions were particularly sensitive to coverage. The average aerodynamic roughness length of moss crusts was 164% higher than that of algae crusts; with increasing wind speed, the aerodynamic roughness length of algae crusts decreased 60% faster than that of moss crusts. The proportion of particulate matter emissions from biological soil crusts in wind erosion was inversely proportional to wind speed and coverage. The particle emission capacity of moss crusts was directly proportional to the particle size and inversely proportional to the coverage. In contrast, the particle emission capacity of algae crust particles was proportional to the particle size. This study provides information for the management of farmland wind erosion and particulate matter emission.
Phytoplankton size distributions in the western North Atlantic and their seasonal variability
Authors: Haëntjens Nils , Boss Emmanuel S. , Graff Jason R. , Chase Alison P. , Karp‐Boss Lee
Published: June 2022

Phytoplankton play a major role on Earth, impacting the global distribution and cycles of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and other elements, and structuring marine food webs. One fundamental trait of phytoplankton with direct biogeochemical implications is their size, as it governs metabolic and sinking rates as well as prey–predator interactions. Phytoplankton size spans approximately 3.5 orders of magnitude (when expressed as an equivalent spherical diameter), and thus measuring the full range in size distribution of phytoplankton is challenging and rarely attempted. Here, we constructed phytoplankton size spectra by merging state‐of‐the‐art cytometry and imaging cytometry measurements that were collected in the western North Atlantic Ocean, along a latitudinal gradient (36°N to 55°N) and during different phases of the annual cycle of phytoplankton. The derived spectra show a seasonal pattern that parallels changes in phytoplankton biomass, and do not always follow a commonly assumed power‐law model. Shifts in size spectra were more pronounced in the sub‐Arctic and temperate subregions, compared to the subtropical region of the study area. We evaluated the relationships between different size groups and environmental parameters to derive ecologically meaningful size groups. Finally, to simulate Ocean Color remote‐sensing algorithms of phytoplankton size, we compared temporal variations in descriptors of the size spectra (median particle size, phytoplankton size distribution exponent) with optical size proxies derived from light absorption and attenuation; good agreement was observed in the northern sections of the study area where temporal changes in community size structure were more pronounced.
Longitudinal nuclear spin relaxation of 129Xe in solution and in hollow fiber membranes at low and high magnetic field strengths
Authors: Bryden Nicholas , McHugh Christian T. , Kelley Michele , Branca Rosa T.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To measure dissolved‐phase 129Xe T1 values at high and low magnetic fields and the field dependence of 129Xe depolarization by hollow fiber membranes used to infuse hyperpolarized xenon in solution.

Methods

Dissolved‐phase T1 measurements were made at 11.7T and 2.1 mT by bubbling xenon in solution and by using a variable delay to allow spins to partially relax back to thermal equilibrium before probing their magnetization. At high field, relaxation values were compared to those obtained by using the small flip angle method. For depolarization studies, we probed the magnetization of the polarized gas diffusing through an exchange membrane module placed at different field strengths.

Results

Total loss of polarization was observed for xenon diffusing through hollow fiber membranes at low field, while significant polarization loss (>20%) was observed at magnetic fields up to 2T. Dissolved‐phase 129Xe T1 values were found consistently shorter at 2.1 mT compared to 11.7T. In addition, both O2 and Xe gas concentrations in solution were found to significantly affect dissolved‐phase 129Xe T1 values.

Conclusion

Dissolved‐phase 129Xe measurements are feasible at low field, but to assess the feasibility of in vivo dissolved‐phase imaging and spectroscopy the T1 of xenon in blood will need to be measured. Both O2 and Xe concentrations in solution are found to greatly affect  dissolved‐phase 129Xe T1 values and may explain, along with RF miscalibration, the large discrepancy in previously reported results.
Clinical and electrophysiological findings in C9ORF72 ALS
Authors: Sista Sri Raghav S. , Shelly Shahar , Oskarsson Björn , Rubin Devon I. , Martinez‐Thompson Jennifer M. , Parra‐Cantu Carolina , Staff Nathan P. , Laughlin Ruple S.
Published: June 2022

Introduction/Aims

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, fatal, neurodegenerative disorder of motor neurons in which the cause is mostly unknown. Early identification of genetic ALS cases, of which C9ORF72 (C9ALS) is the most frequent, can have important implications for evaluation, prognosis, and therapeutics. Here, we aimed to characterize the clinical and electrophysiological hallmarks of C9ALS and investigate differences from C9ORF72 negative ALS (non‐C9ALS).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed clinical and electrodiagnostic (EDX) data for all genetically confirmed C9ALS cases seen between 1/1/2012 and 10/1/2020 who met Gold Coast criteria and compared them 1:1 with non‐C9ALS patients within the same time frame.

Results

A total of 99 C9ALS and 99 non‐C9ALS cases were identified. Compared to non‐C9ALS, C9ALS demonstrated higher prevalence in women, lesser racial variability, stronger family history of ALS, and higher frequency of upper motor neuron signs. EDX testing of C9ALS showed higher median sensory nerve and lower fibular compound muscle action potential amplitudes.

Discussion

Although the differences between C9ALS and non‐C9ALS reached statistical significance in certain nerve conduction parameters, they were not sufficient to discriminate between groups on a case‐by‐case basis. Genetic testing is required to identify C9ALS patients.
The ecology and evolution of human‐wildlife cooperation
Authors: Cram Dominic L. , van der Wal Jessica E. M. , Uomini Natalie , Cantor Mauricio , Afan Anap I. , Attwood Mairenn C. , Amphaeris Jenny , Balasani Fatima , Blair Cameron J. , Bronstein Judith L. , Buanachique Iahaia O. , Cuthill Rion R. T. , Das Jewel , Daura‐Jorge Fábio G. , Deb Apurba , Dixit Tanmay , Dlamini Gcina S. , Dounias Edmond , Gedi Isa I. , Gruber Martin , Hoffmann Lilian S. , Holzlehner Tobias , Isack Hussein A. , Laltaika Eliupendo A. , Lloyd‐Jones David J. , Lund Jess , Machado Alexandre M. S. , Mahadevan L. , Moreno Ignacio B. , Nwaogu Chima J. , Pierotti Raymond , Rucunua Seliano A. , dos Santos Wilson F. , Serpa Nathalia , Smith Brian D. , Sridhar Hari , Tolkova Irina , Tun Tint , Valle‐Pereira João V. S. , Wood Brian M. , Wrangham Richard W. , Spottiswoode Claire N.
Published: June 2022

Human‐wildlife cooperation is a type of mutualism in which a human and a wild, free‐living animal actively coordinate their behaviour to achieve a common beneficial outcome.

While other cooperative human‐animal interactions involving captive coercion or artificial selection (including domestication) have received extensive attention, we lack integrated insights into the ecology and evolution of human‐wildlife cooperative interactions.

Here, we review and synthesise the function, mechanism, development, and evolution of human‐wildlife cooperation.

Active cases involve people cooperating with greater honeyguide birds and with two dolphin species, while historical cases involve wolves and orcas.

In all cases, a food source located by the animal is made available to both species by a tool‐using human, coordinated with cues or signals.

The mechanisms mediating the animal behaviours involved are unclear, but they may resemble those underlying intraspecific cooperation and reduced neophobia.

The skills required appear to develop at least partially by social learning in both humans and the animal partners. As a result, distinct behavioural variants have emerged in each type of human‐wildlife cooperative interaction in both species, and human‐wildlife cooperation is embedded within local human cultures.

We propose multiple potential origins for these unique cooperative interactions, and highlight how shifts to other interaction types threaten their persistence.

Finally, we identify key questions for future research. We advocate an approach that integrates ecological, evolutionary and anthropological perspectives to advance our understanding of human‐wildlife cooperation. In doing so, we will gain new insights into the diversity of our ancestral, current and future interactions with the natural world.

Read the freePlain Language Summaryfor this article on the Journal blog.
Real‐world experience in treating pediatric relapsed/refractory or therapy‐related myeloid malignancies with decitabine, vorinostat, and FLAG therapy based on a phase 1 study run by the TACL consortium
Authors: Schafer Eric S. , Chao Karen , Stevens Alexandra M. , Jo Eunji , Hilsenbeck Susan G. , Gossai Nathan P. , Doan Andrew , Colace Susan I. , Guinipero Terri , Otterson Daniel , Kaplan Joel A. , Hinson Ashley , Pommert Lauren , Wayne Alan S. , Bhojwani Deepa , Burke Michael J.
Published: June 2022

Current therapies for relapsed/refractory (R/R) pediatric myeloid neoplasms are inadequately effective. Real‐world data (RWD) can improve care by augmenting traditional studies and include individuals not eligible for clinical trials. The Therapeutic Advances in Childhood Leukemia and Lymphoma (TACL) consortium recently completed T2016‐003, a phase 1 study of decitabine, vorinostat, fludarabine, cytarabine, and granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) in R/R acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which added epigenetic drugs to a cytotoxic backbone. We report results of RWD from six centers that treated 28 pediatric patients (26 with AML, two with other myeloid neoplasms) identically to the TACL study but who were not enrolled. This allowed unique analyses and the ability to compare data with the 35 TACL study patients. The overall response rate (ORR) (complete response [CR] plus CR with incomplete count recovery) among 26 RWD evaluable patients was 65%. The ORR of 13 patients with relapsed AML with epigenetic alterations was 69% (T2016‐003 + RWD: 68%, n = 25), of eight patients with refractory AML was 38% (T2016‐003 + RWD: 41%, n = 17) and of five patients with therapy‐related AML (t‐AML) was 80% (T2016‐003 + RWD: 75%, n = 8). The mean number of Grade 3/4 toxicities experienced by the T2016‐003‐eligible RWD population (n = 22) (one per patient‐cycle) was not meaningfully different than those (n = 6) who would have been TACL study‐ineligible secondary to comorbidities (two per patient‐cycle). Overall, this therapy was well tolerated and effective in pediatric patients with R/R myeloid neoplasms, particularly those with epigenetic alterations, t‐AML, and refractory disease.
Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis reveals variation in the metabolites and genes of Platycodon grandiflorus roots from different regions
Authors: Chang An , Pei Wen‐han , Li Si‐yu , Wang Tian‐min , Song Hui‐peng , Kang Ting‐guo , Zhang Hui
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Platycodon grandiflorum root (PG), a popular traditional Chinese medicine, contains considerable chemical components with broad pharmacological activities. The complexity and diversity of the chemical components of PG from different origins contribute to its broad biological activities. The quality of southern PG is superior to that of northern PG, but the mechanisms underlying these differences remain unclear.

Objectives

In order to study variation in the differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs), differentially expressed genes (DEGs), as well as their interactions and signalling pathways among PG from Anhui and Liaoning.

Methods

The metabolomes based on liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) and the transcriptome based on high‐throughput sequencing technology were combined to comprehensively analyse PGn and PGb.

Results

A total of 6515 DEGs and 83 DAMs from the comparison of PG from Anhui and Liaoning were detected. Integrated analysis of metabolomic and transcriptomic data revealed that 215 DEGs and 57 DAMs were significantly enriched in 48 pathways according to KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, and 15 DEGs and 10 DAMs significantly enriched in the main pathway sesquiterpenoid and triterpenoid and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis might play a key role in complex response or regulatory processes.

Conclusion

Differences in PG from southern and northern China might thus stem from differences in environmental factors, such as precipitation, light duration, and humidity. The results of our study provide new insight into geographic variation in gene expression and metabolite accumulation and will enhance the utilisation of PG resources.
Cancer incidence and stage at diagnosis among people with recent‐onset psychotic disorders: A retrospective cohort study using health administrative data from Ontario, Canada
Authors: Wootten Jared C. , Richard Lucie , Blanchette Phillip S. , Wiener Joshua C. , Anderson Kelly K.
Published: June 2022

Objective

Prior evidence on the relative risk of cancer among people with psychotic disorders is equivocal. The objective of this study was to compare incidence and stage at diagnosis of cancer for people with psychotic disorders relative to the general population.

Method

We constructed a retrospective cohort of people with a first diagnosis of non‐affective psychotic disorder and a comparison group from the general population using linked health administrative databases in Ontario, Canada. The cohort was followed for incident diagnoses of cancer over a 25‐year period. We used Poisson and logistic regression models to compare cancer incidence and stage at diagnosis between people with psychotic disorders and the comparison group, adjusting for confounding factors.

Results

People with psychotic disorders had an 8.6% higher incidence (IRR = 1.09, 95%CI = 1.05,1.12) of cancer overall relative to the comparison group, with effect modification by sex and substantial variation across cancer sites. People with psychotic disorders also had 23% greater odds (OR = 1.23, 95%CI = 1.13,1.34) of being diagnosed with more advanced stage cancer relative to the comparison group.

Conclusions

We found evidence of elevated cancer incidence in people with non‐affective psychotic disorders relative to the general population. The higher odds of more advanced stage cancer diagnoses in people with psychotic disorders represents an opportunity to improve patient participation in recommended cancer screening, as well as timely access to services for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Future research should examine confounding effects of lifestyle factors and antipsychotic medications on the risk of developing cancer among people with psychotic disorders.
Growth Mechanism of Spiky Nb2O5 Nanoparticles and their Electrochemical Property
Authors: Fuchigami Teruaki , Yamamoto Hayato , Tanibata Naoto , Nakayama Masanobu , Kakimoto Ken-ichi
Published: June 2022

Spiky nanoarchitecture composed of numerous nanorods and a spherical core has applications in various fields because of its high performance and durability. However, controlling the spiky structure is challenging because of an unclear formation mechanism. This study investigates the growth mechanism of spiky nanostructure by hydrothermally synthesizing Nb2O5 with various conditions and additives, and it is shown that adsorption and gradual decomposition of ligands promote the formation of the spiky shape. Using oxalic acid as an additive and synthesizing at 160 °C, which is below oxalic acid's decomposition temperature, spherical Nb2O5 with a rough surface that consists of a nanostructure with less than 5 nm size forms, and its surface is protected by oxalate ions. When the synthesis temperature increases to 180 °C, oxalate ions are decomposed, and nanorods grow on the spherical particles. The results show that oxalate ions suppress particle growth, promote self‐assembly, and control subsequent particle growth, resulting in complex nanostructures. When used as anode material in lithium‐ion batteries, the spiky Nb2O5 nanoparticles show a higher capacity (143 mAh g−1) than collapsed spiky particles (92 mAh g−1) and nanorods (37 mAh g−1) because of fast lithium‐ion diffusion on the surface nanostructure and high dispersibility.
An active learning Bayesian ensemble surrogate model for structural reliability analysis
Authors: Xiao Tianli , Park Chanseok , Ouyang Linhan , Ma Yizhong
Published: June 2022

Surrogate models have been proven to be powerful tools to alleviate the computational burden of structural reliability analysis. An appropriate surrogate model can guarantee prediction accuracy with limited samples. However, the traditional single modeling technique ignores the model‐form uncertainty due to insufficient knowledge of the physical system, leading to unreliable prediction results or time‐consuming computation. To overcome the aforementioned deficiencies, an active learning ensemble surrogate model under the framework of Bayesian inference is proposed for structural reliability analysis. Based on the derived Bayesian posterior distribution of the predicted response, a learning function integrating the modified U function and the distance information between design points is developed to sequentially select the next point. Besides, in order to further enhance the computational efficiency, we propose an adaptive method to identify the sampling region according to the prediction uncertainty of the estimated limit state surface. Five benchmark examples are employed to verify the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed algorithm. Comparison results show that the proposed active learning reliability analysis method based on the Bayesian ensemble surrogate model can greatly reduce the computational expense with a competitive prediction accuracy. Taking the 10‐bar truss problem as an example, compared with AK‐MCS+U, ALR‐Bpce, and ALR‐SVR, the improved rate of the proposed method in efficiency is 51.58%, 12.78%, and 25.96%, respectively. Meanwhile, its prediction accuracy is high and much better than ALR‐ELSM. In addition, the superior performance is robust in a wide range of application cases.
Synthesis, Structural Analysis and Antiproliferative Activity of Nitrogen‐Containing Hetero Spirostan Derivatives: Oximes, Heterocyclic Ring‐Fused and Furostanes
Authors: Erdagi Sevinc Ilkar , Yildiz Ufuk
Published: June 2022

The present study focuses on the synthesis of spirostan derivatives as potential drug candidates for biological applications. Recently, spirostan derivatives containing the hetero‐atom have attracted great scientific attention due to their anti‐cancer, anti‐diabetes, and anti‐inflammatory properties. In this study, nitrogen‐containing novel spirostan derivatives with substituted oxime, nitrile, pyrazole, isoxazole structures in ring‐A and F were designed and synthesized starting from diosgenin. The intermediates and target derivatives’ chemical structures were characterized by FTIR, HRMS, 1HNMR, 13CNMR, elemental analysis, and HPLC techniques. The target compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicities in two human cancer cell lines (MCF‐7 and A549). The tested compounds exhibited potent anticancer activity against human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF‐7) and lung adenocarcinoma (A549). On the other hand, the toxicity of the tested compounds against human healthy fetal lung fibroblasts (MCR‐5) indicated that compounds were non‐toxic for the human body. The results showed that compounds may be used as a promising agents for anticancer agents with improved efficacy.
Design and Optimization of pH‐Responsive Chitosan‐Coated Zn‐Carboxymethyl Cellulose Hydrogel Bead Carriers for Amoxicillin Trihydrate Delivery
Authors: Bulut Emine
Published: June 2022

In the study, chitosan (CS)‐coated carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) bead carriers were developed via electrostatic interactions in the presence of chitosan and zinc ions, using amoxicillin trihydrate (AMX) as a model drug. The beads were produced by cross‐linking with Zn2+ ions by varying the drug/polymer ratio, concentration of chitosan and cross‐linker. Their structures were characterized with FTIR, XRD, TGA, DSC, and SEM. AMX release was investigated at two different pH mediums (1.2 and 7.4) at 37 °C. The release profiles of the carriers were highly affected by the degree of cross‐linking, the AMX/polymer ratio, pH, and especially the chitosan coating. As a result, the optimum AMX release was found as 77.4 % for chitosan‐coated beads (A3) with an AMX/polymer ratio of 1/5, ZnCl2 concentration of 1 %, CS concentration of 1 %. The entrapment efficiency for these carriers (A3) was found to be 57.61 % with high efficiency. It was also determined that AMX release was Fick diffusion and anomalous transport mechanism.
A Nonenzymatic DNA Nanomachine for Detection of Biomolecules by DNA Walker Strategy and Radical Polymerization Signal Amplification
Authors: Radfar Sasan , Ghanbari Reza , Alizadeh Abdolhamid , Safaei Zahra , Repo Eveliina
Published: June 2022

External intervention can make quasi‐mechanical movements in enzyme‐free DNA nanomachine, suggesting the promise of developing novel biosensing systems. The superiority of the “signal‐on” strategies inspired researchers to fabricate sensitive and selective biosensors by combining the advantages of chemical amplification methods with DNA nanomachines. Herein, a smart enzyme‐free DNA nanomachine for biomolecule detection has been developed using DNA walker strategy, Click Chemistry, and electrochemically mediated surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization. When the target biomarker is present, DNA walker (DW) could be unleashed which drives walking on the surface of the DNA‐coated Fe3O4/GCE. Then, this DW hybridized with Azide‐labeled DNA probe1 (H1) and subsequently substituted by DNA probe2 (H2) through walking process. Therefore, the loop of H1 was unlocked to form Azide group available at 3’ end. This procedure is repeated so that each released DW can open multiplex H1 strands, resulted in amplification of the signal. After successive walking, “Click reactions” carried out between Azide and 3‐Butynyl‐2‐bromoisobutyrate for initiating the radical polymerization reaction, which brought a great quantity of the electroactive labels on the electrode surface. The number of labels was quantified by square wave voltammetry which was proportional to the target biomarker concentration. In addition, this electroanalytical devicewas applied successfully for direct determination of biomolecules in real serum, and also showed wide dynamic range, excellent detection limit, storage stability and reproducibility. Thus, the proposed biosensor could be effectually utilized in biomedical research and clinical diagnosis.
DBU‐Catalyzed [3+2] Cycloaddition of Benzoaurones with 3‐Homoacyl Coumarins: Synthesis of Spiro[Benzofuranone‐Cyclopentane] Compounds
Authors: Lin Huawei , Gu Jing , Luo Shan , Gu Qilong , Cao Xiaoqun , Ge Yanqing , Wang Chang , Yuan Chunhao , Wang Hai
Published: June 2022

In the presence of organocatalyst DBU, novel spiro[benzofuranone‐cyclopentane] compounds are prepared via a [3+2] cycloaddition of benzoaurones with 3‐homoacyl coumarins. This method proceeds smoothly under mild conditions and shows tolerance for various substituent groups, affording the desired products in good yields with excellent diastereoselectivities.
Affinities and Kinetics Detection of Protein–Small Molecule Interactions with a Monolayer MoS2‐Based Optical Imaging Platform
Authors: Zhu Hao , Chen Zixuan , Chen Yun , Zhu Jun‐Jie
Published: June 2022

Quantifying the binding kinetics and affinities of protein–small molecule interactions is critical for biomarker validation, drug discovery, and deep understanding of various biological processes at the molecular‐scale. Novel approaches are demanded as most common label‐free techniques are mass‐sensitive, which are not suitable for the detection of small molecule interactions. Here, an optical imaging platform is developed to measure the binding kinetics of both protein–small molecules and protein–ions based on monolayer MoS2, an ultra‐thin 2D material whose optical absorption is extremely sensitive to charge. A model is established to calibrate the optical response due to the charged analyte binding and it is applied to quantify the interactions between abl1 kinase and different small‐molecule inhibitors. Such a presented method is capable of distinguishing different inhibitors binding to a wild or mutated kinase, which provides guidance for drug evaluation and drug mechanism exploration. The binding kinetics of calcium ions to calmodulin is also measured, further broadening the application field of the method. In addition, the imaging capability allows mapping the local binding kinetics of the molecular interactions with a high resolution, which reveals visible spatial variability and offers a promising tool for studying heterogeneous local interfacial interactions.
The combined effect of load and corrosion on the flexural performance of recycled aggregate concrete beams
Authors: Wang Jian , Xu Qiang
Published: June 2022

To investigate the combined effect of load and steel corrosion on the flexural performance of recycled aggregate concrete beams, considering three types of aggregate replacement ratios (i.e., 0%, 50%, and 100%) and four levels of load (i.e., 0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6), 12 beams were designed for accelerated corrosion test and four‐points bending test. The load was applied to beams by using a designed loading device before the accelerated corrosion test. After the accelerated corrosion test, four‐point bending test was conducted to measure the flexural performance of beams. The results showed that, with the increase of load level applied to beams before accelerated corrosion test, the number of bending cracks on the bottom of corroded beams after four‐points bending test decreased, while the average spacing of bending cracks increased. The effect of aggregate replacement ratio on the average spacing of bending cracks was more significant than that of steel corrosion. Yield moment capacity and ultimate moment capacity of corroded beams had a strong linear relationship with the maximum mass loss of tensile reinforcement, and both of which decreased with the increase of load level and aggregate replacement ratio. For every 1% maximum mass loss of the tensile reinforcement, the reduction of ultimate moment capacity of beams was approximately 4–6 times larger than that of ordinary concrete beams. The degradation model for ultimate moment capacity of corroded beams proposed in this paper had satisfactory prediction accuracy.
Identification of cost and energy effective seawater membranes for use under hot climate conditions
Authors: Shaaban Sameh , Yahya Hany
Published: June 2022

Seawater desalination using a cost‐effective reverse osmosis system is crucial for hot climate countries suffering from water scarcity. The most favorable seawater membrane characteristics were identified under typical Egyptian operating conditions. Twelve different commercially available membrane elements were investigated. A reverse osmosis system was designed and simulated using available software (e.g., ROSA and IMSDesign). The characteristics of the most promising membranes were identified for operation at Matruh (Mediterranean Sea) and Sharm El‐Sheikh (Red Sea). The present work shows that the lowest cost of seawater desalination is obtained with membranes having high salt rejection, high permeate flow, high membrane active area, and permeate flux greater than 0.914 m3/(d·m2). Moreover, the cost of seawater desalination in summer is lower than in winter by 5% for Matruh and 2.7% for Sharm El‐Sheikh. However, the impact of water salinity on the cost and specific energy consumption is higher than that of the seawater temperature. The cost of Mediterranean seawater desalination is lower than that of the Red Sea by 10.6%. Cost analysis at five different locations in Egypt shows that the highest cost takes place at Suez (Gulf of Suez), and the lowest cost occurs at Matruh (Mediterranean Sea).

Practitioner Points

Twelve different membranes were investigated for use under typical hot climate conditions.

The cost of seawater reverse osmosis (RO) desalination is lower in summer by 2.7%–5% compared with winter.

RO desalination costs up to 10.6% less for the Mediterranean Sea compared with the Red Sea.

The optimum membrane element performance characteristics were identified for use under hot climate conditions.