bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blood tests predict the therapeutic prognosis of anti-PD-1 in advanced biliary tract cancer
Authors: Du Fei , Qiu Zhiquan , Ai Wenchao , Huang Chenjun , Ji Jun , Xiao Xiao , Zhou Jun , Fang Meng , Jiang Xiaoqing , Gao Chunfang
Published: March 2021

Predictive prognostic markers for immunotherapy are crucial and desperately required for clinical precise medicine. This retrospective study aimed to assess the efficacy of anti-PD-1 (programmed cell death protein 1) treatment and find the therapeutic prognostic biomarkers in advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC). A total of 60 patients of advanced BTC who received at least one dose of anti-PD-1 therapy between June 2016 and October 2019 were recruited and followed up till April 2020. Systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and neutrophils-to-lymphocytes ration (NLR) were obtained from the routine circulating hematologic analysis before treatment. Serum 45-Plex Panel cytokines were detected using multiplexed bead immunoassays. Logistic regression nomogram was used to construct the algorithm model for prognosis prediction. Of the 60 patients, the overall benefit rate (OBR) was 38.3%, the median progression free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were 4.0 mo (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.28–5.72) and 13.0 mo (95% CI: 8.05–17.95), respectively. High levels of SII (≥720), NLR (≥4.3) and cytokine IFN-inducible protein-10 (IP-10; ≥45 pg/ml) indicated worse OS. Those with high SII (≥720) and high IP-10 (≥45 pg/ml) also had shorter PFS. The nomogram algorithm combining above three independent factors (SII, IP-10, and macrophage inflammatory protein-1β) had better efficacy in predicting OBR. Our study offers a simple, affordable, and noninvasive method to help physicians predict therapeutic response in BTC patients receiving anti-PD-1 antibody treatment.
Rapid detection of perfluorinated sulfonic acids through preconcentration by bubble bursting and surface‐assisted laser desorption/ionization
Authors: Lee Chuping , Yang Tzu‐Ling , Yao Yu‐Zhen , Li Jian‐You , Huang Cheng‐Liang
Published: March 2021

We developed a preconcentration method in which aerosol droplets containing enriched perfluorinated sulfonic acids (PFSs) are generated through bubble bursting and collected. The droplets were subjected to PFS analysis of perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) through surface‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry; silver nanoplates (AgNPts) were assisting materials. The method was highly efficient, with an approximately three‐order magnitude enhancement (5 × 10−13 to 1 × 10−11 M). Ultralow PFS concentrations (0.5 ng/L of PFOS; 0.4 ng/L of PFHxS) were detected in preconcentrated tap water containing PFSs. Our method has potential for rapid real‐world PFS detection in water.
Intramolecular benzyl cation transfer in the gas‐phase fragmentation of protonated benzyl phenyl sulfones
Authors: Yin Qi , Guo Nian , Yin Xinchi , Ma Ge , Huang Yu , Pan Yuanjiang
Published: March 2021

In this study, the gas‐phase fragmentations of protonated benzyl phenyl sulfones were investigated by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐MSn). Upon collisional activation, several characteristic fragment ions were observed, and the similar results occurred with different substituted benzyl phenyl sulfones. A mechanism involving an intramolecular benzyl cation transfer and the formation of intermediate ion was proposed and further identified by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. In addition, a reference compound, benzenesulfinic acid benzyl ester, has been synthesized, and its protonated ion has the same gas‐phase behavior as compared to the protonated benzyl phenyl sulfone. This work provides access to some insight into the intramolecular benzyl‐transfer reactions of benzyl phenyl sulfones in the gas phase and orients the characteristic peaks in collision‐induced dissociation spectrometry (CID‐MS).
Adolescent intermittent ethanol exposure induces sex‐dependent divergent changes in ethanol drinking and motor activity in adulthood in C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Maldonado‐Devincci Antoniette M. , Makdisi Joseph G. , Hill Andrea M. , Waters Renee C. , Hall Nzia I. , Shobande Mariah J. , Kumari Anjali
Published: March 2021

With alcohol readily accessible to adolescents, its consumption leads to many adverse effects, including impaired learning, attention, and behavior. Adolescents report higher rates of binge drinking compared to adults. They are also more prone to substance use disorder in adulthood due to physiological changes during the adolescent developmental period. We used C57BL/6J male and female mice to investigate the long‐lasting impact of binge ethanol exposure during adolescence on voluntary ethanol intake and open field behavior during later adolescence (Experiment 1) and during emerging adulthood (Experiment 2). The present set of experiments were divided into four stages: (1) adolescent intermittent vapor inhalation exposure, (2) abstinence, (3) voluntary ethanol intake, and (4) open field behavioral testing. During adolescence, male and female mice were exposed to air or ethanol using intermittent vapor inhalation from postnatal day (PND) 28–42. Following this, mice underwent short‐term abstinence from PND 43–49 (Experiment 1) or protracted abstinence from PND 43–69 (Experiment 2). Beginning on PND 50–76 or PND 70–97, mice were assessed for intermittent voluntary ethanol consumption using a two‐bottle choice drinking procedure over 28 days. Male adolescent ethanol‐exposed mice showed increased ethanol consumption following short‐term abstinence and following protracted abstinence. In contrast, female mice showed no changes in ethanol consumption following short‐term abstinence and decreased ethanol consumption following protracted abstinence. There were modest changes in open field behavior following voluntary ethanol consumption in both experiments. These data demonstrate a sexually divergent shift in ethanol consumption following binge ethanol exposure during adolescence and differences in open field behavior. These results highlight sex‐dependent vulnerability to developing substance use disorders in adulthood.
Extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 2 (Erk2) and Erk5 in the central nervous system differentially contribute to central sensitization in male mice
Authors: Matsuura Fumihiro , Satoh Yasushi , Itakura Sayako , Morohashi Toru , Kawaguchi Masanori , Takahashi Tetsuya , Iwanaga Koji , Terashima Hayato , Kobayashi Yasushi , Wang Xin , Ishizuka Toshiaki , Endo Shogo , Ikeda Takehiko
Published: March 2021

Nervous systems are designed to become extra sensitive to afferent nociceptive stimuli under certain circumstances such as inflammation and nerve injury. How pain hypersensitivity comes about is key issue in the field since it ultimately results in chronic pain. Central sensitization represents enhanced pain sensitivity due to increased neural signaling within the central nervous system (CNS). Particularly, much evidence indicates that underlying mechanism of central sensitization is associated with the change of spinal neurons. Extracellular signal‐regulated kinases have received attention as key molecules in central sensitization. Previously, we revealed the isoform‐specific function of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 2 (Erk2) in spinal neurons for central sensitization using mice with Cre‐loxP‐mediated deletion of Erk2 in the CNS. Still, how extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 5 (Erk5) in spinal neurons contributes to central sensitization has not been directly tested, nor is the functional relevance of Erk5 and Erk2 known. Here, we show that Erk5 and Erk2 in the CNS play redundant and/or distinct roles in central sensitization, depending on the plasticity context (cell types, pain types, time, etc.). We used male mice with Erk5 deletion specifically in the CNS and found that Erk5 plays important roles in central sensitization in a formalin‐induced inflammatory pain model. Deletion of both Erk2 and Erk5 leads to greater attenuation of central sensitization in this model, compared to deletion of either isoform alone. Conversely, Erk2 but not Erk5 plays important roles in central sensitization in neuropathic pain, a type of chronic pain caused by nerve damage. Our results suggest the elaborate mechanisms of Erk signaling in central sensitization.
Development and evaluation of pre and post integration techniques for enhancing drought predictions over India
Authors: Kolluru Venkatesh , Kolluru Srinivas
Published: March 2021

Accurate estimation and prediction of drought events are highly essential for implementing effective planning and management strategies to handle this complex natural phenomenon. Application of machine learning algorithms (MLAs) for integrating satellite precipitation products (SPPs), unlike gauge observations, can furnish precise drought estimations. In this study, we have proposed and tested two approaches (pre and post‐integration of SPPs) that deal with the prediction of drought employing 13 MLAs. Three SPPs are integrated under four combinations (involves two and three datasets integration) employing pre and post integration approaches to predict Standardized Precipitation Index and Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index at various temporal scales (1, 3, 6 and 12‐month). From the overall results, Approach‐2 that involves estimation of drought before integration using MLAs proved effective than Approach‐1 (prediction of drought post‐integration). Neural Networks based Bayesian Regularization (NBR) under three dataset integration outperformed at all temporal scales and climatic zones of India when compared to the other 12 MLAs and two dataset integration combinations. The blended product (NBR) manifested enhancements in statistical results at all temporal scales and climatic zones. European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts ReAnalysis (ERA‐5) dataset performed better in predicting drought events in more climatic zones compared to Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information using Artificial Neural Networks‐Climate Data Record (PERSIANN‐CDR) and Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station (CHIRPS) when compared against Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) dataset. In contrast, PERSIANN‐CDR proved effective in predicting drought at the country scale. ERA‐5 could be suitable for real‐time drought monitoring and prediction, whereas PERSIANN‐CDR can be used for retrospective drought analysis. The proposed approach and the best‐performed algorithm (NBR) can be extended and applied in any climatic region for enhancing the drought predictions where remotely sensed information are accessible even in regions with finite ground data availability.
Nutrition care practice patterns for patients with COVID‐19—A preliminary report
Authors: Ansu Velarie , Papoutsakis Constantina , Gletsu‐Miller Nana , Spence Lisa A. , Kelley Kathryn , Woodcock Lindsay , Wallace Taylor C. , Steiber Alison
Published: March 2021

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is a respiratory virus that poses risks to the nutrition status and survival of infected patients, yet there is paucity of data to inform evidence‐based quality care.

Methods

We collected data on the nutrition care provided to patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) by registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs).

Results

Hospitalized COVID‐19 patients (N = 101) in this cohort were older adults and had elevated body mass index. The most frequent nutrition problems were inadequate oral intake (46.7%), inadequate energy intake (18.9%), and malnutrition (18.4%). These problems were managed predominantly with enteral nutrition, food supplements, and multivitamin‐multimineral supplement therapy. Over 90% of documented problems required a follow‐up.

Conclusion

This data set is the first of its kind to report on the types of nutrition diagnoses and interventions for COVID‐19 cases used by RDNs and highlights the need for increased and continued nutrition care.
Not herbs and forbs alone: pollen‐based evidence for the presence of boreal trees and shrubs in Cis‐Baikal (Eastern Siberia) derived from the Last Glacial Maximum sediment of Lake Ochaul
Authors: Kobe Franziska , Leipe Christian , Shchetnikov Alexander A. , Hoelzmann Philipp , Gliwa Jana , Olschewski Pascal , Goslar Tomasz , Wagner Mayke , Bezrukova Elena V. , Tarasov Pavel E.
Published: March 2021

A new accerator mass spectrometry (AMS)‐dated sedimentary record from Lake Ochaul (54°14′N, 106°28′E; 641 m a.s.l.) in Eastern Siberia covers the interval from ca. 27 850 to 20 400 cal a bp at ca. 180‐year resolution and contributes to a better understanding of the complex spatial vegetation pattern during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Non‐arboreal pollen taxa are abundant in the pollen assemblages (mean value ca. 92.6%), but boreal trees are represented by all major taxa that grow in the lake catchment today, including Betula sect. Albae (0.6–4.8%), Picea (0.6–2.8%), Pinus sibirica (Haploxylon type) (up to 1.5%), Pinus sylvestris (Diploxylon type) (up to 2%), Larix (up to 0.6%) and Abies (up to 0.6%). Betula sect. Nanae/Fruticosae (2–5.2%) and Salix (up to 3.2%) are the most representative boreal shrub taxa. Together with existing modern and fossil pollen data from the wider study region, the current record provides further evidence for the long‐debated presence of boreal trees and shrubs in Eastern Siberia throughout the LGM. Our results show that the Upper Lena was a region in which refugia for arboreal taxa existed and that far‐distant pollen transport can be ruled out as the source of the detected arboreal pollen.
Nobiletin promotes the pyroptosis of breast cancer via regulation of miR‐200b/JAZF1 axis
Authors: Wang Ji‐Guo , Jian Wen‐Jing , Li Yang , Zhang Jing
Published: March 2021

Nobiletin is a polymethoxylated flavone present in citrus fruits, which has been reported to have inhibitory effects on tumorigenesis of cancers. However, the biological function of nobiletin in breast cancer (BC) is largely unknown. To investigate the effect of nobiletin on growth of BC cells, the cell viability of BC was measured by MTT assay. In addition, gene and protein expressions were detected by qRT‐PCR and western blot, respectively. The apoptosis and pyroptosis of BC cells were tested by flow cytometry. Finally, the correlation between miR‐200b and JAZF1 was detected by dual luciferase report. The data indicated that nobiletin inhibited the proliferation of BC cells in a dose‐dependent manner. Moreover, miR‐200b mimics‐induced pyroptosis of BC cells was further increased by nobiletin. Meanwhile, JAZF1 was found to be the target of miR‐200b. Moreover, nobiletin induced apoptosis and pyroptosis of BC cells via miR‐200b/JAZF1/NF‐κB axis. In conclusion, nobiletin inhibited the tumorigenesis of BC via regulation of miR‐200b/JAZF1 axis. Thus, nobiletin might serve as a new agent for the treatment of BC.
Adjuvant Cesium‐131 Brachytherapy for Patients Intolerant of External Beam Radiation Therapy
Authors: Sagheer S. Hamad , Bornstein Jonathan , Bar‐Ad Vochita , Cheng Michael , Cummins Andi , Cognetti David M. , Curry Joseph , Yao Min , Lavertu Pierre , Kutler David I. , Zender Chad , Luginbuhl Adam J.
Published: March 2021

View Video S1 Laryngoscope, 131:E2449–E2451, 2021
Evaluation of Pharyngeal Background Mucosa in Patients with Superficial Hypopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Kimura Yuki , Watanabe Akihito , Shimizu Yuichi , Goda Kenichi , Ito Suguru , Nishimura Yusuke , Inoue Masaki , Taniguchi Masanobu
Published: March 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

Transoral surgery (TOS) has become increasingly popular for patients with superficial hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). However, the number of patients in whom metachronous multiple SCC of the head and neck (HNSCC) occurs has also increased. In this study, we investigated whether multiple lugol‐voiding lesions (LVLs) in the pharyngeal background mucosa observed during TOS would be a biomarker of metachronous HNSCC.

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Methods

We examined 362 patients who underwent TOS for superficial hypopharyngeal carcinoma. Endoscopic images were reviewed in a blinded fashion by two endoscopists. LVLs in the pharyngeal mucosa were graded as follows: A, no lesions; B, 1 to 4 lesions; and C, ≥5 lesions per endoscopic view.

Results

Cumulative incidence curves of secondary HNSCC in the groups of grades A, B, and C revealed 3‐year incidence rates of 14.4%, 18.8%, and 29.3%, respectively (P = .001 for A vs. C and P = .002 for B vs. C). Cumulative incidence curves of third HNSCC in the groups of grades A, B. and C revealed 5‐year incidence rates of 3.9%, 9.8%, and 19.6%, respectively (P = .001 for A vs. C and P = .006 for B vs. C). Cumulative incidence curves of fourth HNSCC in the groups of grades A, B, and C revealed 7‐year incidence rates of 0%, 2.3%, and 13.2%, respectively (P = .025 for A vs. C and P = .009 for B vs. C).

Conclusions

Multiple LVLs in the pharyngeal mucosa increase the risk of development of metachronous multiple HNSCC.

Level of Evidence

3 (nonrandomized, controlled cohort/follow‐up study) Laryngoscope, 131:2036–2040, 2021
Understory removal accelerates nucleic phosphorus release but retards residual phosphorus release in decomposing litter of Phyllostachys edulis in subtropical China
Authors: Qiu Lijun , Zhang Yang , Mao Rong , Chen Fusheng , Liu Juan , Yang Guangyao , Wan Songze
Published: March 2021

Despite the importance of understory vegetation for ecosystem processes and functions, its contribution to the dynamics of phosphorus (P) fractions in decomposing litter has rarely been studied in subtropical plantations. Herein, by conducting an understory removal (UR) experiment in a moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) plantation of South China, we assessed the effect of understory species on leaf litter mass loss and P fractions (inorganic P, sugar P, nucleic P, and residual P) of moso bamboo over a 12‐month incubation period. We also examined the effect of UR on soil physicochemical properties, as well as fungal and bacterial phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs). Our results showed that UR reduced litter decomposition rate (6.0–12.4%), but exhibited no effect on total P remaining in decomposing litter. Furthermore, UR produced variable effects on the amounts of P fractions in decomposing litter. Despite no changes were observed in the amount of inorganic and sugar P fractions, UR accelerated nucleic P release (3.0–6.6%), and residual P immobilization (9.2–27.9%) in decomposing litter. Moreover, UR increased fungal PLFAs (8.0–44.9%) but decreased bacterial PLFAs (18.7–36.8%) in the soil, leading to an increase in fungal to bacterial PLFAs ratio (34.5–80.9%). The correlation analysis showed that accelerated litter nucleic P release after UR was mainly attributed to the increases in soil fungal PLFAs, while decelerated litter residual P release was mainly resulted from the increased soil fungal PLFAs and decreased soil bacterial PLFAs. These results indicate that understory vegetation can mediate the dynamics of litter P fractions via its effect on soil microbial composition in subtropical plantations and suggest that understory vegetation is crucial to maintain soil P availability in moso bamboo plantations.
In‐air one‐point calibration of oxygen optodes in underway systems
Authors: Becker Meike , Olsen Are , Reverdin Gilles
Published: March 2021

Ships of opportunity are a frequently used platform in surface ocean carbon observations and estimating the annual ocean carbon sink. For understanding the drivers behind changes in the ocean carbon system, oxygen measurements alongside the carbon dioxide measurements can be a valuable tool. We developed an in‐air calibration system for oxygen optodes in underway systems. The regular measurements of atmospheric oxygen enable us to correct for sensor drift and biofouling. This new system can help to obtain reliable oxygen data from underway applications, especially if the vessel is not easily accessible and a frequent recalibration of the optode is not feasible.
A theoretical and experimental study of phosphate ester inhibitors for AISI 1018 in carbon dioxide‐saturated 3.5 wt% NaCl solution
Authors: Vasques Roberta Bastos , Levy Marjory Moreira , Rodrigues Matheus Souza , de Queiroz Almeida Neto Francisco Wagner , da Silva Leonardo Paes , Vaz Gustavo Leitão , Magalhães Álvaro Augusto Oliveira , de Lima‐Neto Pedro , Araújo Walney Silva
Published: March 2021

Phosphate ester was investigated as a corrosion inhibitor for AISI 1018 carbon steel in carbon dioxide‐saturated chloride solutions at different temperatures and pressures. The corrosion tests were realized by electrochemical techniques, weight loss measurements, bubble tests, and a high‐pressure/high‐temperature autoclave system. The corrosion tests demonstrated that the investigated molecule is an excellent corrosion inhibitor. The inhibiting effect is even bigger at high pressure and temperature than at atmospheric pressure and room temperature. The thermodynamic parameters were calculated and determined to obey the Langmuir isotherm. Polarization studies revealed that the evaluated inhibitor is a mixed type.
Ideals of multilinear mappings via Orlicz spaces and translation invariant operators
Authors: Mastyło Mieczysław , Sánchez Pérez Enrique A.
Published: March 2021

We study some new summability properties of multilinear operators. We introduce the concepts of φ‐summing, φ semi‐integral and φ‐dominated multilinear maps generated by Orlicz functions. We prove a variant of Pietsch's domination theorem for φ‐summing operators, providing also a characterization of φ‐dominated operators in terms of factorizations. We analyze vector‐valued inequalities associated to these maps, which are applied to obtain general variants of multiple summing operators. We also study translation invariant multilinear operators acting in products of spaces of continuous functions, proving that a factorization theorem can be obtained for them as a consequence of a suitable representation of the corresponding normalized Haar measure.
Solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance study of polymorphism in tris(8‐hydroxyquinolinate)aluminium
Authors: Cross Callum , Cervini Luca , Halcovitch Nathan R. , Griffin John M.
Published: March 2021

Tris(8‐hydroxyquinolinate)aluminium (Alq3) is a metal–organic coordination complex, which is a widely used electroluminescent material in organic light‐emitting diode technology. Crystalline Alq3 is known to occur in five polymorphic forms (denoted α, β, γ, δ, and ε), although the structures of some of these polymorphs have been the subject of considerable debate. In particular, the structure of α‐Alq3, which is a model for the local structure in amorphous films used in devices, is highly complex and has never been conclusively solved. In this work, we use solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations to investigate the local structure of four Alq3 samples. We find that the first structure proposed for α‐Alq3 is inconsistent with all of the samples studied, and DFT calculations further suggest that this structure is energetically unfavourable. Instead, samples containing the meridional (mer) isomeric form are found to contain local structures consistent with ε‐Alq3, and a sample containing the facial (fac) isomeric form is consistent with a mixture of γ‐Alq3 and δ‐Alq3. We also investigate the influence of different strategies for dispersion correction in DFT geometry optimisations. We find that a recently proposed modified semiempirical dispersion correction scheme gives good agreement with experiment. Furthermore, the DFT calculations also show that distinction between mer and fac isomers on the basis of ηQ that has been assumed in previous work is not always justified.
Steric and electronic effects on the 1H hyperpolarisation of substituted pyridazines by signal amplification by reversible exchange
Authors: Rayner Peter J. , Burns Michael J. , Fear Elizabeth J. , Duckett Simon B.
Published: March 2021

Utility of the pyridazine motif is growing in popularity as pharmaceutical and agrochemical agents. The detection and structural characterisation of such materials is therefore imperative for the successful development of new products. Signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE) offers a route to dramatically improve the sensitivity of magnetic resonance methods, and we apply it here to the rapid and cost‐effective hyperpolarisation of substituted pyridazines. The 33 substrates investigated cover a range of steric and electronic properties and their capacity to perform highly effective SABRE is assessed. We find the method to be tolerant to a broad range of electron donating and withdrawing groups; however, good sensitivity is evident when steric bulk is added to the 3‐ and 6‐positions of the pyridazine ring. We optimise the method by reference to a disubstituted ester that yields signal gains of >9000‐fold at 9.4 T (>28% spin polarisation).
A one‐step method to manufacture biodegradable poly (butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) bead foam parts
Authors: Cai Wenrui , Liu Pengju , Bai Shibing , Li Sai
Published: March 2021

Pollution caused by waste plastic, particularly from the foam packages, is increasingly worse, and utilizing biodegradable material is considered a promising solution to handle this environmental issue. Poly (butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) is a typical environment‐friendly polymer due to the recognized biodegradability and excellent mechanical performance. However, there have been very few works preparing PBAT bead foams via the supercritical fluid foaming technology, and the related foaming behavior is still unclear. In this study, we foamed PBAT and PBAT‐polylactide (PLA) beads using supercritical carbon dioxide (Sc‐CO2) as a foaming agent, and the foaming behaviors of beads as well as the mechanical properties of bead foam parts manufactured by one‐step foaming method were systematically investigated. The incorporation of PLA enhanced the mechanical properties of the composition. At the optimal foaming conditions, the expansion ratio and cell density of PBAT/PLA foam were 13.44 and 4.08 × 108 cells/cm3, respectively. Benefitting from the uniform cell structure, the bead foam part showed excellent resilience and elasticity with adhesive strength of 0.57 MPa and compression strength of 1.05 MPa. Meanwhile, PBAT and PBAT‐PLA foam parts had high surface quality and good interbead sintering properties. PBAT can be a promising substitute for traditional non‐polymer foams for packaging, household, and automobile fields.
Clinical and research applications of multiplexed immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization
Authors: McGinnis Lisa M , Ibarra‐Lopez Veronica , Rost Sandra , Ziai James
Published: March 2021

Over the past decade, invention and adoption of novel multiplexing technologies for tissues have made increasing impacts in basic and translational research and, to a lesser degree, clinical medicine. Platforms capable of highly multiplexed immunohistochemistry or in situ RNA measurements promise evaluation of protein or RNA targets at levels of plex and sensitivity logs above traditional methods – all with preservation of spatial context. These methods promise objective biomarker quantification, markedly increased sensitivity, and single‐cell resolution. Increasingly, development of novel technologies is enabling multi‐omic interrogations with spatial correlation of RNA and protein expression profiles in the same sample. Such sophisticated methods will provide unprecedented insights into tissue biology, biomarker science, and, ultimately, patient health. However, this sophistication comes at significant cost, requiring extensive time, practical knowledge, and resources to implement. This review will describe the technical features, advantages, and limitations of currently available multiplexed immunohistochemistry and spatial transcriptomic platforms. © 2021 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dissolution window in in situ polymerization preparation of polyamide single‐polymer composites
Authors: Song Le , Wang Xiulei , Xie Pengcheng , Ding Yumei , Dang Kaifang , Yang Weimin
Published: March 2021

Single‐polymer composites (SPCs) are promising composite materials in which the reinforcement and matrix have the same chemical composition. In situ polymerization shows a broad application potential for producing SPCs due to its wide temperature window. However, the dissolution of fiber reinforcements in the liquid monomer destroys the oriented chain structure of the fibers and affects the properties of SPCs. In this study, the polymerization time was adjusted by varying the activator dosage. The influence of the dissolution of fibers on the properties and the structure of SPCs was investigated. The maximum tensile strength was achieved at the highest activator dosage. A longer duration was required for the polymerization due to the low‐activator dosage, which led to the destruction of the oriented chain structure and the formation of a large amount of oligomers on account of the dissolution. Eventually, SPCs showed a low strength and a high deformation at break. In order to realize a good reinforcing effect, a sufficiently large dissolution window must be created by reducing the polymerization time. This study enhanced our understanding of the structure–property relationships of SPCs and provided a way to improve their mechanical characteristics.
Gender discrimination of Populus tomentosa barks by HPLC fingerprint combined with multivariate statistics
Authors: Wu Cui , Xu Bo , Li Zhuojun , Song Pingping , Chao Zhimao
Published: March 2021

A high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprint method with multivariate statistical analyses was applied to discriminate the male and female barks of Populus tomentosa for the first time. The samples of 11 male and 13 female barks of mature P. tomentosa were collected in Beijing. The chemical fingerprint of methanol extract was established by HPLC method with diode array detector (DAD). The principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA), and supervised orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS‐DA) were applied to discriminate male and female barks based on the area of common peaks identified in HPLC fingerprints. A clear grouping trend (R2X, 0.83; Q2, 0.595) among the male and female samples was exhibited by PCA score plot. Two groups were clearly divided into male and female samples by HCA. Both male and female samples were well discriminated with OPLS‐DA (R2X, 0.775; Q2, 0.795). Seven potential chemical markers were screened by variable importance in projection (VIP values >1.0) of OPLS‐DA model and four of them were identified as micranthoside, siebolside B, sakuranin, and isosakuranin. The HPLC fingerprint combined with multivariate statistical analyses could be used to discriminate the gender of barks of P. tomentosa and revealed the differences in chemical components, which enriched the basic studies on dioecious plant.
Synthesis of polyester by means of polycondensation of diol ester and dicarboxylic acid ester through ester–ester exchange reaction
Authors: Katoh Takayoshi , Ogawa Yukiko , Ohta Yoshihiro , Yokozawa Tsutomu
Published: March 2021

Based on our finding that the ester‐ester exchange reaction between butyl benzoate and ethyl 4‐phenylbenzoate in the presence of a metal alkoxide is faster than the ester‐alcohol exchange reaction of butyl benzoate and ethanol, we investigated the synthesis of polyester through ester‐ester exchange reaction under various conditions. The polycondensation of diol formate and methyl dicarboxylate in the presence of a catalytic amount of potassium tert‐butoxide (tBuOK) in diglyme at 120 °C under reduced pressure (90–100 Torr) afforded high‐molecular‐weight polyesters. Methyl dicarboxylate containing an amino group could be used for this polycondensation, although the corresponding diacid chloride containing an amino group was not isolable. The ester‐ester exchange reaction could proceed even at the polyester backbone, and the reaction of poly(1,12‐dodecamethylene isophthalate) (PEs1) with poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) in the presence of tBuOK at 140 °C afforded a copolymer PEs1‐stat‐PCL, the structure of which was confirmed by 13C NMR spectroscopy and DSC thermal analysis. A similar copolymer was also obtained by the polycondensation of dodecane‐1,12‐diol formate and dimethyl isophthalate in the presence of PCL and tBuOK at 120 °C under reduced pressure.
Primary and secondary caregiver depressive symptoms and family functioning following a pediatric cancer diagnosis: an exploration of the buffering hypothesis
Authors: Keim Madelaine C. , Fladeboe Kaitlyn , Galtieri Liana R. , Kawamura Joy , King Kevin , Friedman Debra , Compas Bruce , Breiger David , Lengua Liliana , Katz Lynn Fainsilber
Published: March 2021

Objective

After diagnosis, caregivers of children with cancer, particularly mothers or primary caregivers (PCs), often show elevated depressive symptoms which may negatively impact family functioning. We tested PC and secondary caregiver (SC) depressive symptoms as predictors of family, co‐parenting, and marital functioning and whether having a non‐depressed SC buffers against potential negative effects of PC depressive symptoms.

Methods

Families (N = 137) were recruited from two major children's hospitals following a diagnosis of pediatric cancer. Caregivers completed self‐report measures of depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiological Studies‐Depression Scale; Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale) and marital functioning (Dyadic Adjustment Scale) at 1‐month post‐diagnosis. A subset of families (n = 75) completed videotaped interaction tasks at approximately 3‐months post‐diagnosis that were coded for family and co‐parenting interactions.

Results

Higher PC depressive symptoms at 1‐month post‐diagnosis was associated with higher adaptability and lower conflict in family functioning. PC depressive symptoms were also associated lower dyadic consensus and lower dyadic satisfaction. SC depressive symptoms were not significantly associated with any family/co‐parenting/marital functioning variables. Significant interaction analyses suggested that SC depressive symptoms moderated the effect of PC depressive symptoms on family cohesion, withdrawn parenting, and affective expression in the marriage, such that the relationship between PC depressive symptoms and poorer functioning was attenuated when SC depressive symptoms were at low or average levels.

Conclusions

Having a nondepressed SC buffered against negative effects of PC depressive symptoms on certain domains of family, coparenting, and marital functioning. SCs may play a protective role for families of children with cancer.
Development of a severity scale to assess chronic lung disease after extremely preterm birth
Authors: O'Brodovich Hugh M.  , Steinhorn Robin , Ward Robert M. , Hallman Mikko , Schwartz Ethan J. , Vanya Magdalena , Janssen Ellen M. , Mangili Alexandra , Han Linda , Sarda Sujata P.
Published: March 2021

Objective

Chronic lung disease of prematurity (CLDP) is a frequent complication of prematurity. We aimed to identify what clinicians believe are the most important factors determining the severity of CLDP in extremely preterm infants (<28 weeks gestational age) after discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) through 12 months corrected age (CA), and to evaluate how these factors should be weighted for scoring, to develop a CLDP severity scale.

Study design

Clinicians completed a three‐round online survey utilizing Delphi methodology. Clinicians rated the importance of various factors used to evaluate the severity of CLDP, from 0 (not at all important) to 10 (very important) for the period between discharge home from the NICU and 12 months CA. Fourteen factors were considered in Round 1; 13 in Rounds 2 and 3. The relative importance of factors was explored via a set of 16 single‐profile tasks (i.e., hypothetical patient profiles with varying CLDP severity levels).

Results

Overall, 91 clinicians from 11 countries who were experienced in treating prematurity‐related lung diseases completed Round 1; 88 completed Rounds 2 and 3. Based on Round 3, the most important factors in determining CLDP severity were mechanical ventilation (mean absolute importance rating, 8.89), supplemental oxygen ≥2 L/min (8.49), rehospitalizations (7.65), and supplemental oxygen <2 L/min (7.56). Single‐profile tasks showed that supplemental oxygen had the greatest impact on profile classification.

Conclusion

The most important factors for clinicians assigning CLDP severity during infancy were mechanical ventilation, supplemental oxygen ≥2 L/min, and respiratory‐related rehospitalizations.
Efficacy and adherence of noninvasive ventilation treatment in children with Down syndrome
Authors: MacDonagh Lauren , Farrell Lisa , O'Reilly Ruth , McNally Paul , Javadpour Sheila , Cox Des W.
Published: March 2021

Objective

Children with Down syndrome (DS) have an increased prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is a common modality of OSA treatment in this cohort. This study aimed to measure adherence and efficiency of NIV delivery in children with DS.

Study design

This was a retrospective cohort study involving 106 children with confirmed OSA and home NIV with downloadable data capacity. Children were divided into DS (n = 44) and non‐DS cohorts (n = 62). Adherence, clinical outcomes apnea‐hypopnoea index (AHI), positive airway pressure delivery, and leakage were recorded and compared between DS and non‐DS cohorts and within the DS cohort based on past surgical history.

Results

Significantly greater NIV usage was observed in the DS cohort, they showed more consistent use with an increased percentage of days used relative to their non‐DS counterparts (78.95 ± 2.26 vs. 72.11 ± 2.14, p = .031). However, despite greater usage, poorer clinical outcomes in the form of increased AHI (p = .0493) was observed in the DS cohort, where significantly greater leakage was also shown 41.00 ± 1.61 L/min versus 36.52 ± 1.18 L/min (p = .022). Twenty children with DS had prior cardiac surgery; compliance across all parameters was significantly reduced relative to those without.

Conclusion

These data confirm that satisfactory NIV adherence is achievable in children with DS. However, we have identified excessive system leak at the machine‐patient interface as a factor, which could undermine NIV efficacy in children with DS.
Real‐time effects of COVID‐19 pandemic lockdown on pediatric respiratory patients
Authors: Cahal Michal , Amirav Israel , Diamant Nir , Be'er Moria , Besor Omri , Lavie Moran
Published: March 2021

Objective

A national lockdown was implemented in Israel to slow the viral spread of COVID‐19. We assessed the real‐time effects of the lockdown on disease expression and lifestyle modifications in pediatric patients with chronic respiratory disorders.

Methods

An anonymous electronic questionnaire was distributed during lockdown (March–May 2020) to caregivers of patients with chronic respiratory disorders. The primary outcome was change in disease expression and the secondary outcomes were changes in lifestyle and caregivers’ emotional status.

Results

The clinical status of one‐third of the 445 participating patients (age 0–18 years) reportedly improved, including decreased respiratory symptoms (n = 133, 33%), exacerbation frequency (n = 147, 35%), and use of reliever medications (n = 101, 27.4%). The condition of ~10% of the patients worsened. Clinical improvement was noted mostly in young patients <5 years (p = .001), asthmatic patients (p = .033), and patients with multiple underlying respiratory disorders (p = .015). Patients whose condition significantly worsened were more likely to be >5 years (p < .001), had increased screen time, decreased physical activity, and shorter sleep duration compared to their younger counterparts (p = .008, <.001, and .001, respectively). Caregivers’ reports (n = 236 [58%]) of their own anxiety levels and perceptions of the patients’ elevated health risk were increased, regardless of the children's actual clinical status.

Conclusion

COVID‐19 lockdown was associated with clinical improvement/stability for most of the surveyed children; however, their caregivers' anxiety level was heightened. An increased sedentary lifestyle was reported mostly in older children.
Kinetic Modeling of Liquid Phase RDX Thermal Decomposition Process and its Application in the Slow Cook‐Off Test Prediction
Authors: Gu Jiangshan , Li Huabo , Zhao Xiaoqiao , Wu Wenqian , Chen Wanghua , Jin Penggang , Chen Liping
Published: March 2021

RDX is an important and commonly used energetic material. The understanding thermal decomposition process of RDX is of great significance for the safety of its production, storage, and use. However, due to the coupling of phase transition and thermal decomposition process, a multi‐step kinetic model including melting and decomposition process has not been established so far, which is not helpful to the prediction of its thermal behavior in different conditions. In this paper, Differential Scanning Calorimetry was used to measure the decomposition characteristics of RDX at different heating rates. A four‐step consecutive reaction model A→Aliq→B→C→D was established to depict the melting and decomposition process. Then quench and reheat experiments were performed to determine the types of each step, where the reaction types are autocatalytic except that the step of B→C is an N‐order reaction. The model was used to predict the result of slow cook‐off test. It was found that the predicted time of thermal explosion is 0.2 h earlier than the experiment and the onset temperature is 0.6 °C smaller than experiment, which verifies the rationality of the kinetic model.
Mutations associated with pyrethroid resistance in Varroa mite, a parasite of honey bees, are widespread across the United States
Authors: Millán‐Leiva Anabel , Marín Óscar , Christmon Krisztina , vanEngelsdorp Dennis , González‐Cabrera Joel
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Managed honey bees are key pollinators of many crops and play an essential role in the United States food production. For more than ten years, beekeepers in the United States have been reporting high rates of colony losses. One of the drivers of these losses is the parasitic mite Varroa destructor. Maintaining healthy honey bee colonies in the United States is dependent on a successful control of this mite. The pyrethroid tau‐fluvalinate (Apistan®) was among the first synthetic varroacides registered in the United States. With over 20 years of use, mites resistant to Apistan® have emerged, and so it is unsurprising that treatment failures have been reported. Resistance to tau‐fluvalinate in US mite populations is associated with point mutations at position 925 of the voltage‐gated sodium channel.

RESULTS

Here, we have generated a distribution map of pyrethroid resistance alleles in Varroa samples collected from US apiaries in 2016 and 2017, using a high throughput allelic discrimination assay based on TaqMan®. Our results evidence that knockdown resistance (kdr)‐type mutations are widely distributed in Varroa populations across the country showing high variability among apiaries. We used these data to predict the phenotype of the mites in the case of treatments with pyrethroids.

CONCLUSION

We highlight the relevance of monitoring the resistance in mite populations to achieve an efficient control of this pest. We also put forward the benefits of implementing this methodology to provide data for designing pest management programs aiming to control Varroa. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
The rise, fall and resurrection of chemical‐induced resistance agents
Authors: Yassin Mustafa , Ton Jurriaan , Rolfe Stephen A , Valentine Tracy A , Cromey Matthew , Holden Nicola , Newton Adrian C
Published: March 2021

Since the discovery that the plant immune system could be augmented for improved deployment against biotic stressors through the exogenous application of chemicals that lead to induced resistance (IR), many such IR‐eliciting agents have been identified. Initially it was hoped that these chemical IR agents would be a benign alternative to traditional chemical biocides. However, owing to low efficacy and/or a realization that their benefits sometimes come at the cost of growth and yield penalties, chemical IR agents fell out of favour and were seldom used as crop protection products. Despite the lack of interest in agricultural use, researchers have continued to explore the efficacy and mechanisms of chemical IR. Moreover, as we move away from the approach of ‘zero tolerance’ toward plant pests and pathogens toward integrated pest management, chemical IR agents could have a place in the plant protection product list. In this review, we chart the rise and fall of chemical IR agents, and then explore a variety of strategies used to improve their efficacy and remediate their negative adverse effects. © 2021 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Ferroelectric Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 Thin Films Crystallized by Pulsed Laser Annealing
Authors: Volodina Natalia , Dmitriyeva Anna , Chouprik Anastasia , Gatskevich Elena , Zenkevich Andrei
Published: March 2021

The crystallization of as‐grown amorphous Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 (HZO) thin films to the metastable ferroelectric phase by pulsed laser annealing (PLA) is investigated. PLA experiments are conducted using a Nd:YAG laser operating in two regimes: Q‐switched mode with a pulse duration of τ ≈ 16 ns and free‐running mode (τ ≈ 1 ms). The crystallization of a ferroelectric orthorhombic phase in the annealed films is confirmed by X‐ray diffraction, polarization versus electric field (P–E) measurements, and piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) analyses. Remnant polarization up to 2P
r ≈ 50 μC cm−2 is achieved in the TiN/HZO/W capacitor structures grown on the Si substrate and subjected to millisecond PLA. In contrast, the use of laser annealing in a 10 ns pulse duration range is found ineffective for the crystallization of any HZO phase in capacitor structures. Detailed PFM analysis across a capacitor device area reveals the effect of the local temperature on the sample surface during PLA on the resulting ferroelectric domain structure. The lower thermal impact on the substrate during PLA opens the possibility of creating local areas of the ferroelectric phase in HZO films using reflecting copper masks.