bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early screening and diagnosis strategies of pancreatic cancer: a comprehensive review
Authors: Yang Jinshou , Xu Ruiyuan , Wang Chengcheng , Qiu Jiangdong , Ren Bo , You Lei
Published: July 2021

Pancreatic cancer is a highly malignant digestive system tumor with a poor prognosis. Most pancreatic cancer patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage or even metastasis due to its highly aggressive characteristics and lack of typical early symptoms. Thus, an early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is crucial for improving its prognosis. Currently, screening is often applied in high‐risk individuals to achieve the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Fully understanding the risk factors of pancreatic cancer and pathogenesis could help us identify the high‐risk population and achieve early diagnosis and timely treatment of pancreatic cancer. Notably, accumulating studies have been undertaken to improve the detection rate of different imaging methods and the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) which is the golden standard for pancreatic cancer diagnosis. In addition, there are currently no biomarkers with sufficient sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer to be applied in the clinic. As the only serum biomarker approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 (CA19‐9) is not recommended to be used in the early screening of pancreatic cancer because of its limited specificity. Recently, increasing numbers of studies focused on the discovering of novel serum biomarkers and exploring their combination with CA19‐9 in the detection of pancreatic cancer. Besides, the application of liquid biopsy involving circulating tumor cells (CTCs), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), microRNAs (miRNAs), and exosomes in blood and biomarkers in urine, and saliva in pancreatic cancer diagnosis are drawing more and more attention. Furthermore, many innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence, computer‐aided diagnosis system, metabolomics technology, ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) associated technologies, and novel nanomaterials have been tested for the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and have shown promising prospects. Hence, this review aims to summarize the recent progress in the development of early screening and diagnostic methods, including imaging, pathological examination, serological examination, liquid biopsy, as well as other potential diagnostic strategies for pancreatic cancer.
Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma: From clinical features to cancer genome
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Feng Shi , Tu Zhenhua , Sun Jingqi , Rui Tao , Zhang Xueyou , Huang Haitao , Ling Qi , Zheng Shusen
Published: July 2021

Background

Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare and highly lethal histological subtype of HCC, with completely unknown genetic etiology and therapeutic targets.

Methods

We included 16 patients with sarcomatoid HCC receiving radical resection among 6731 cases of pathological confirmed HCC in year 2008 to 2018 in our hospital. We compared the clinical features, prognosis and cancer genome between 15 sarcomatoid HCC and propensity score‐matched 75 non‐sarcomatoid HCC patients. The other concurrent case was analyzed using phylogenetic tree to assess the tumor heterogeneity and evolution.

Results

Sarcomatoid HCC group showed larger tumor size, more advanced differentiation grade, lower tumor free survival (p = 0.038) and overall survival (p = 0.001), and sarcomatoid type was an independent risk factor for patient death. Integrating sarcomatoid subtype into AJCC staging could increase the diagnostic curve in predicting patient survival. The cancer genome spectrum showed sarcomatoid HCC group had significant higher mutation rates in CDKN2A, EPHA5, FANCM and MAP3K1. Mutations in CDKN2A significantly reduced tumor‐free and overall survival in sarcomatoid HCC patients. Moreover, 46.6% sarcomatoid HCC patients had druggable mutations in cell cycle pathway genes, which were targeted by Abemaciclib, et al. We also found sarcomatoid and non‐sarcomatoid lesions might originate from a common progenitor but progress differently.

Conclusion

Our cancer genome analysis showed a specific genomic profile of sarcomatoid HCC, which were characterized by a high mutation rate in cell cycle genes particularly CDKN2A. The results indicate CDK4/6 inhibitors including abemaciclib, ribociclib and palbociclib as potential therapeutic targets and may help for therapeutic decision making.
Group‐specific contact and sense of connectedness during theCOVID‐19 pandemic and its associations with psychological well‐being, perceived stress, andwork‐lifebalance
Authors: Landmann Helen , Rohmann Anette
Published: August 2021

Theories of social cure, sense of community, and social identity suggest that feelings of connectedness affect how we have coped with the COVID‐19 pandemic. Although people can feel connected to a variety of different groups, such as their family, friends, co‐workers, neighbours, nation, or all humanity, previous research has focused on connectedness to only a subset of these groups. To examine the relative importance of connectedness to and contact with specific groups for well‐being, stress, and work‐life balance during the pandemic, we conducted a longitudinal experience sampling study (N = 578) during the first 8 weeks of the Spring 2020 COVID‐19 lockdown in Germany. Feeling connected to family members most strongly predicted psychological well‐being (positively) and perceived stress (negatively) during the lockdown, followed by a sense of connectedness with friends and neighbours. Sense of connectedness to other groups did not predict well‐being, stress, or work‐life balance when controlling for the respective other groups. Hence, it not only matters whether or not a person feels connected to a group but also to which specific group he or she feels connected.
A Universal Chemical Method for Rational Design of Protein‐Based Nanoreactors**
Authors: Reddy Mullapudi Mohan , Bathla Punita , Sandanaraj Britto S.
Published: August 2021

Self‐assembly of a monomeric protease to form a multi‐subunit protein complex “proteasome” enables targeted protein degradation in living cells. Naturally occurring proteasomes serve as an inspiration and blueprint for the design of artificial protein‐based nanoreactors. Here we disclose a general chemical strategy for the design of proteasome‐like nanoreactors. Micelle‐assisted protein labeling (MAPLab) technology along with the N‐terminal bioconjugation strategy is utilized for the synthesis of a well‐defined monodisperse self‐assembling semi‐synthetic protease. The designed protein is programmed to self‐assemble into a proteasome‐like nanostructure which preserves the functional properties of native protease.
Bread‐baking quality and the effects of Glu‐D1 gene introgressions in durum wheat (Triticum turgidum ssp. durum)
Authors: Morris Craig F.
Published: July 2021

Background and objectives

Durum wheat (Triticum turgidum ssp. durum) (2n = 28, AABB) utilization is somewhat hampered by its weak and/or inextensible gluten. One strategy to overcome this limitation is through the introduction of the Glu‐D1 alleles from bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) (2n = 42, AABBDD).

Findings

Several methods have been employed to introduce or transfer the Glu‐D1 locus into durum wheat. These have included whole chromosome additions of 1D, substitutions of 1D for 1A or 1B, spontaneous and Ph1b‐induced homoeologous recombination of bread wheat chromosome 1D with the 1A or 1B of durum, and genetic transformation using Glu‐D1 Dx and Dy genes singly or together.

Conclusions

The introduction of whole 1D chromosomes has three main drawbacks: (a) instability of the n = 30 chromosome addition lines, (b) agronomic inferiority of 1D substitutions, and (c) lack of homologous pairing of 1D in subsequent breeding. Genetic transformation has shown limited utility as gene insertion and inheritance are not predictable, and consumer acceptance of genetically modified organisms is not widespread. Consequently, homoeologous recombination appears to be the most promising approach. Key considerations include (a) size of the 1D translocation, (b) substituted (loss, replacement) of a portion of 1A or 1B, and (c) utilization of Dx2 + Dy12 versus Dx5 + Dy10, or other possible Glu‐D1 alleles. In general, the introduction of Glu‐D1 increased dough strength and bread‐making quality. Glu‐D1 Dx2 + Dy12 seemed superior to Dx5 + Dy10, as the latter produced excessively strong, inelastic doughs.

Significance and novelty

Durum wheat production and consumption will increase as bread quality improves. The Glu‐D1 high molecular weight glutenin proteins will likely play a role in improving bread‐making ability.
Catalytic Combustion of Toluene Over Broccoli‐Shaped Ce1Mn3Ox Solid Solution
Authors: Li Xuelian , Niu Yongfang , Zhang Chuanwei , Su Huaigang , Qi Yanxing
Published: August 2021

Ce1Mn3Ox with broccoli morphology were synthesized by simple redox‐precipitation. A series of Ce−Mn‐based catalysts with different activities were obtained by changing calcination time. The catalytic activity of Ce−Mn solid solution was greatly improved compared with that of pure oxides. Ce1Mn3Ox‐1 (C1M3‐1) briefly calcined at 400 °C showed the optimal catalytic performance (WHSV=60000 mL h−1 g−1, Toluene concentration=3000 ppm, T100%=180 °C). The characterization results unambiguously identified that C1M3‐1 had a large amount of Ce3+, Mn3+ and surface adsorbed oxygen. This work emphasized the preparation of Ce−Mn‐based solid solution with strong interaction by simple redox precipitation, and the activity of the catalyst was regulated by changing the calcination time. The advantages of low cost, high efficiency, good stability, and recycling indicated that the catalyst had the possibility of industrial application.
A Full Flexible NH4+ Ion Battery Based on the Concentrated Hydrogel Electrolyte for Enhanced Performance
Authors: Farai Kuchena Shelton , Wang Ying
Published: July 2021

Non‐metal ammonium (
) ions have recently been explored as effective charge carriers in battery systems due to their abundancy, light weight, small hydration shells in water. The research concerning the use of
redox chemistry in batteries, particularly in flexible batteries, is still in its infancy. For the first time, we report a flexible full
ion battery (AIB) composed of a concentrated hydrogel electrolyte sandwiched between NH4V3O8 ⋅ 2.9H2O nanobelts cathode and polyaniline (PANI) anode, for enhanced performance. The hydrogel electrolyte is simply synthesized by using ammonium sulfate, xanthan gum and water. As a reference, the AIB based on the liquid aqueous electrolyte is prepared first, which exhibits a capacity of 121 mAh g−1 and a capacity retention of 95 % after 400 cycles at a specific current of 0.1 A g−1. On the other hand, the simple synthesis of the hydrogel electrolyte allows us to facilely tune and optimize the salt contents in the electrolyte, to maximize the ionic conductivity, transport kinetics, mechanical characteristics, and consequently the battery performance. It is found that the flexible battery based on the hydrogel electrolyte prepared from 3 M ammonium sulfate solution shows the best electrochemical performance, i. e., a capacity of 60 mAh g−1 while maintaining a capacity retention of 88 % after 250 cycles at a specific current of 0.1 A g−1. Moreover, the flexible AIB retains excellent electrochemical performance when bent at different angles, demonstrating remarkable mechanical strength and flexibility. Therefore, this study sheds new light on the utilization of concentrated hydrogel electrolyte in the AIB chemistry, for developments of novel electrochemical energy storage technology with high safety and low cost.
Bubble behaviour investigation in a wet fluidized bed using digital image analysis
Authors: Dai Li , Yuan Zhulin , Guan Lei , Wu Kai , Gu Conghui
Published: July 2021

Due to the presence of liquid bridge forces, wet particles reveal totally different fluidization behaviours than dry fluidized beds. This paper studies the bubble dynamics of wet Geldart‐D particles in a wet 2D fluidized bed. A digital image analysis method is adopted to identify bubbles and extract bubble properties based on MATLAB software. During fluidization, the bubble feature analysis of optimized binary images captures the bubble size variation, bubble fraction, and bubble shape. The results show that the increasing liquid saturation promotes the gas holding capacity of the emulsion phase, leading to the decreasing bubble fraction. When the particle size grows, the stability of the emulsion phase is promoted and hence the average bubble diameter increases. As the liquid saturation increases, the enhancing liquid bridge forces limit the bubble growth and promote the bubble breakage, which contributes to the small bubbles. With respect to the wet particles, of which the diameter is 1 mm and the liquid saturation is over 15%, slugging is likely to be observed, resulting in the increasing equivalent bubble diameter. The growing liquid saturation increases the wide aspect ratio, decreases the shape factor, and disperses the dependence between the two parameters. This indicates that small and irregular bubbles are likely to be seen in wet fluidized beds.
Online seminar and online laboratory course on chemistry experiments for schools – Digitalization of a bachelor course for chemistry teacher training
Authors: Holländer Monika , Greitemann Lars , Melle Insa
Published: August 2021

Aufgrund der Corona‐Pandemie musste zu Beginn des Sommersemesters 2020 innerhalb kürzester Zeit eine umfangreiche Bachelor‐Veranstaltung zur schulexperimentellen Erschließung chemischer Inhalte (6 SWS) digitalisiert werden. Wöchentlich wurden Seminar‐ und Äquivalente zu Praktikumssitzungen in Form von Zoom‐Videokonferenzen durchgeführt; dabei diente Moodle als Lernplattform zur Bereitstellung von Materialien, für Online‐Tests und zur Abgabe von Studienleistungen. Im Seminarteil erarbeiteten die Studierenden nach einer Instruktionsphase kollaborativ fachdidaktische Inhalte. Anschließend wurden die Versuche aus dem Praktikumsskript mithilfe von Videos in Partnerarbeit erschlossen und in digitalen Versuchsprotokollen dokumentiert. Zur weitergehenden Verarbeitung erstellten die Studierenden beispielsweise Erklärvideos oder mithilfe von online zugänglichen PDF‐Formularen Gefährdungsbeurteilungen. Die digitalisierte Lehrveranstaltung wurde zum Abschluss des Semesters mit den Studierenden in Form eines Online‐Fragebogens evaluiert.
Identifying local‐scale meteorological conditions favorable to large fires in Brazil
Authors: Li Sihan , Rifai Sami , Anderson Liana O. , Sparrow Sarah
Published: August 2021

This study aims to investigate local‐scale meteorological conditions associated with large fires in Brazil during recent decades. We assess whether there are large fire types with preceding predictors. Our results show that large fires, defined with a threshold of a daily burned area >95th percentile of the historical record, mainly occur in August and September in Brazil, and Amazônia and Cerrado experience much higher numbers of large fires than the other biomes. There are two large fire types that have robust meteorological signatures: (1) a wind driven type, characterized by peak wind speed on the day of the fire, and anomalously high wind speed a few (∼3) days before and after the fire; and (2) a Hot‐Drought driven type, characterized by anomalously high temperature, low relative humidity, and consistent drought conditions indicated by anomalously high fuel aridity starting as far back as 5 months prior to the fires. A third one is characterized by no anomalous meteorological conditions. The wind driven type most frequently occurs in southern and southeastern Amazônia, Pantanal, and western and northern‐to‐central Cerrado, with some occurrences over the western Caatinga region bordering Cerrado, southern Cerrado, and southern Mata Atlântica; whereas the Hot‐Drought driven type most frequently occurs in southern and southeastern Amazônia, Pantanal and western and northern‐to‐central Cerrado, with some occurrences over the western Caatinga region bordering Cerrado, southern Cerrado, central‐to‐southern Mata Atlântica, and a few occurrences over Northern Brazil where the Amazônia meets Roraima. Southern and southeastern Amazônia, Pantanal and western and northern‐to‐central Cerrado are the major large fire prone regions. Our results highlight that understanding the temporal and spatial variability of the meteorological conditions associated with large fires is essential for developing spatially explicit forecasting, and future projections of large fire hazards under climate change in Brazil, in particular the Hot‐Drought driven type.
An optimal control approach to determine resistance‐type boundary conditions from in‐vivo data for cardiovascular simulations
Authors: Fevola Elisa , Ballarin Francesco , Jiménez‐Juan Laura , Fremes Stephen , Grivet‐Talocia Stefano , Rozza Gianluigi , Triverio Piero
Published: August 2021

The choice of appropriate boundary conditions is a fundamental step in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of the cardiovascular system. Boundary conditions, in fact, highly affect the computed pressure and flow rates, and consequently haemodynamic indicators such as wall shear stress (WSS), which are of clinical interest. Devising automated procedures for the selection of boundary conditions is vital to achieve repeatable simulations. However, the most common techniques do not automatically assimilate patient‐specific data, relying instead on expensive and time‐consuming manual tuning procedures. In this work, we propose a technique for the automated estimation of outlet boundary conditions based on optimal control. The values of resistive boundary conditions are set as control variables and optimized to match available patient‐specific data. Experimental results on four aortic arches demonstrate that the proposed framework can assimilate 4D‐Flow MRI data more accurately than two other common techniques based on Murray's law and Ohm's law.
Influence of CYP2C19 Polymorphisms on the Pharmacokinetics of Omeprazole in Elderly Subjects
Authors: Na Joo Young , Jeon Inseung , Yoon Jangsoo , Choi Yewon , Yoon Seo Hyun , Yu Kyung‐Sang , Chung Jae‐Yong
Published: August 2021

Omeprazole blocks the gastric H+/K+ adenosine triphosphatase, thus inhibiting gastric acid secretion, and is metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C19. Due to the physiological changes in the elderly, there are different pharmacokinetic consequences compared to young people. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic profiles of omeprazole in 15 elderly participants according to the CYP2C19 genotype. The concentration‐time profiles of omeprazole and its metabolites, 5‐hydroxy (5‐OH) omeprazole and omeprazole sulfone, were similar between the CYP2C19 extensive metabolizer (EM) and intermediate metabolizer groups. In contrast, when comparing the EM group and CYP2C19 poor metabolizer (PM) group, the EM/PM geometric mean ratio (95% confidence interval) of area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time of dosing to the last measurable concentration was 0.52 (0.27‐1.01) and that of the IM group was 0.71 (0.32‐1.59), indicating that the exposure of omeprazole in the PM group was increased. The exposure of 5‐OH omeprazole was significantly decreased in the PM group when compared to the EM group, with an EM/PM geometric mean ratio (95% confidence interval) of 2.20 (1.50‐3.22). In conclusion, the tendency of drug exposure according to the CYP2C19 genotype in the elderly and young adults was similar in that the exposure level was highest in the PM group. However, when compared to young adults, the difference between the genotype groups was smaller in the elderly.
Patterns and determinants of elephant attacks on humans in Nepal
Authors: Ram Ashok Kumar , Mondol Samrat , Subedi Naresh , Lamichhane Babu Ram , Baral Hem Sagar , Natarajan Laxminarayanan , Amin Rajan , Pandav Bivash
Published: August 2021

Attacks on humans by Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) is an extreme form of human–elephant conflict. It is a serious issue in southern lowland Nepal where elephant‐related human fatalities are higher than other wildlife. Detailed understanding of elephant attacks on humans in Nepal is still lacking, hindering to devising appropriate strategies for human–elephant conflict mitigation. This study documented spatiotemporal pattern of elephant attacks on humans, factors associated with the attacks, and human/elephant behavior contributing to deaths of victims when attacked. We compiled all the documented incidences of elephant attacks on humans in Nepal for last 20 years across Terai and Chure region of Nepal. We also visited and interviewed 412 victim families (274 fatalities and 138 injuries) on elephant attacks. Majority of the victims were males (87.86%) and had low level of education. One fourth of the elephant attacks occurred while chasing the elephants. Solitary bulls or group of subadult males were involved in most of the attack. We found higher number of attacks outside the protected area. People who were drunk and chasing elephants using firecrackers were more vulnerable to the fatalities. In contrast, chasing elephants using fire was negatively associated with the fatalities. Elephant attacks were concentrated in proximity of forests primarily affecting the socioeconomically marginalized communities. Integrated settlement, safe housing for marginalized community, and community grain house in the settlement should be promoted to reduce the confrontation between elephants and humans in entire landscape for their long‐term survival.
Epigenetic variation associated with responses to different habitats in the context of genetic divergence in Phragmites australis
Authors: Qiu Tian , Liu Zhiyuan , Yang Yunfei , Liu Bao
Published: July 2021

The mechanisms underlying heritable phenotypic divergence associated with adaptation in response to environmental stresses may involve both genetic and epigenetic variations. Several prior studies have revealed even higher levels of epigenetic variation than genetic variation. However, few population‐level studies have explored the effects of epigenetic variation on species with high levels of genetic diversity distributed across different habitats. Using AFLP and methylation‐sensitive AFLP markers, we tested the hypothesis that epigenetic variation may contribute to differences in plants occupying different habitats when genetic variation alone cannot fully explain adaptation. As a cosmopolitan invasive species, Phragmites australis (common reed) together with high genetic diversity and remarkable adaptability has been suggested as a model for responses to global change and indicators of environmental fluctuations. We found high levels of genetic and epigenetic diversity and significant genetic/epigenetic structure within each of 12 studied populations sampled from four natural habitats of P. australis. Possible adaptive epigenetic variation was suggested by significant correlations between DNA methylation‐based epigenetic differentiation and adaptive genetic divergence in populations across the habitats. Meanwhile, various AMOVAs indicated that some epigenetic differences may respond to various local habitats. A partial Mantel test was used to tease out the correlations between genetic/epigenetic variation and habitat after controlling for the correlation between genetic and epigenetic variations. We found that epigenetic diversity was affected mostly by soil nutrient availability, suggesting that at least some epigenetic differentiation occurred independently of genetic variation. We also found stronger correlations between epigenetic variation and phenotypic traits than between genetic variation and such traits. Overall, our findings indicate that genetically based differentiation correlates with heterogeneous habitats, while epigenetic variation plays an important role in ecological differentiation in natural populations of P. australis. In addition, our results suggest that when assessing global change responses of plant species, intraspecific variation needs to be considered.
Preliminary assessment of cavity‐nesting Hymenopterans in a low‐intensity agricultural landscape in Transylvania
Authors: Lajos Károly , Demeter Imre , Mák Róbert , Balog Adalbert , Sárospataki Miklós
Published: August 2021

In this study, our aim was to assess several traits of cavity‐nesting Hymenopteran taxa in a low‐intensity agricultural landscape in Transylvania. The study took place between May and August 2018 at eight study sites in the hilly mountainous central part of Romania, where the majority of the landscape is used for extensive farming or forestry. During the processing of the trap nest material, we recorded several traits regarding the nests of different cavity‐nesting Hymenopteran taxa and the spider prey found inside the nests of the spider‐hunting representatives of these taxa. We also evaluated the relationship between the edge density and proportion of low‐intensity agricultural areas surrounding the study sites and some of these traits.

The majority of nests were built by the solitary wasp genus Trypoxylon, followed by the solitary wasp taxa Dipogon and Eumeninae. Solitary bees were much less common, with Hylaeus being the most abundant genus. In the nests of Trypoxylon, we mostly found spider prey from the family of Araneidae, followed by specimens from the families of Linyphiidae and Theridiidae. In the nests of Dipogon, we predominantly encountered spider prey from the family of Thomisidae. We found significant effects of low‐intensity agricultural areas for the genera of Auplopus, Megachile, Osmia, and the Thomisid prey of Dipogon. We also found that the spider prey of Trypoxylon was significantly more diverse at study sites with higher proportions of low‐intensity agricultural areas.

Our results indicate that solitary bees seem to be more abundant in areas, where the influence of human activities is stronger, while solitary wasps seem to rather avoid these areas. Therefore, we suggest that future studies not only should put more effort into sampling in low‐intensity agricultural landscapes but also focus more on solitary wasp taxa, when sampling such an area.
The role of individual behavioral traits on fishway passage attempt behavior
Authors: Lothian Angus J. , Lucas Martyn C.
Published: August 2021

Variations in behavioral traits are widely recognized to drive animal behaviors exhibited within a population. However, information on how behavior traits influence behavior in anthropogenically modified habitats is lacking. Many habitats have become highly fragmented as a result of human processes. To mitigate this and improve habitat connectivity, wildlife passes are increasingly employed, with the aim of enabling animals to move freely between habitats. However, wildlife passes (e.g., fishways) are not always effective in achieving passage and it remains uncertain what factors play a role in an individual's likelihood of passing successfully. This study measured three behavioral traits (boldness, exploration, and activity) in juvenile brown trout (Salmo trutta; n = 78) under field conditions within a river and tested whether these behavior traits influenced both the passage success and the behaviors exhibited during upstream fishway passage attempts. Although behavioral traits were found and collapsed into two behavioral trait dimensions, behavioral traits had low repeatability and so did not contribute to a personality spectrum. Boldness was found to negatively influence the number of passage attempts carried out by an individual and to positively influence passage success, with bolder individuals carrying out fewer attempts and having an increased probability of passage success. No behavioral traits were found to be related to other passage metrics (passage success, Time until First Attempt, and Passage Duration) during the first passage. But all three behavioral traits were significantly negatively related to the changes in passage behaviors at consecutive, successful passage attempts, with bolder, more exploratory and more active individuals passing through a fishway quicker on the second passage than on the first. This study suggests that bolder and more active individuals may perform better during fishway passage attempts, particularly within rivers where multiple barriers to movement exist.
Continuous flow left ventricular assist devices do not worsen endothelial function in subjects with chronic heart failure: a pilot study
Authors: Cortese Francesca , Ciccone Marco Matteo , Gesualdo Michele , Iacoviello Massimo , Frigerio Maria , Cipriani Manlio , Giannattasio Cristina , Maloberti Alessandro , Giordano Paola
Published: July 2021

Aims

To evaluate endothelial function in subjects with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), comparing them with subjects with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction on the list for heart transplant (HT) and with HT patients with a normal systolic cardiac function to identify any differences.

Methods

We enrolled 28 subjects with LVAD, 55 subjects with HT, and 42 subjects with heart failure on the transplant list. The subjects underwent a general physical examination, assessment of laboratory blood parameters, and assessment of endothelial function through flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) of brachial artery.

Results

The three groups were homogeneous as regards age, gender, smoke abuse, C‐reactive protein (CRP) and FMD parameters (P = ns). In LVAD group percentage of FMD change showed an inverse correlation with CRP (rho: −0.5, P: 0.003), a well‐known marker of inflammation and tissue damage.

Conclusions

Continuous flow related to LVAD seems to not worsen endothelial function. Endothelial function was not affected by cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, diabetes, obesity, and tobacco habit), by the functional status expressed by New York Heart Association class, by the left ventricular systolic function and by the presence or absence of ischaemic heart disease in all the populations analysed. CRP was the only factor able to influence percentage of FMD change in patient with LVAD, reinforcing the hypothesis that inflammation is the main determinant of endothelial function.
C‐5 Aryl Substituted Azaspirooxindolinones Derivatives: Synthesis and Biological Evaluation as Potential Inhibitors of Tec Family Kinases
Authors: Mudasani Gopal , Paidikondala Kalyani , Gurská Soňa , Maddirala Shambabu Joseph , Džubák Petr , Das Viswanath , Gundla Rambabu
Published: August 2021

The interleukin‐2‐inducible kinase (ITK) and Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) are two crucial Tec family kinase members with important roles in the development of hematopoietic malignancies, autoimmune disorders and other diseases in humans. Thus, ITK and BTK are key targets for drug development. Spirooxindoles are important scaffolds for the synthesis of small molecules with broad and potent biological activities. In this study, we performed a structure‐activity relationship study of a new series of 5′‐(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol‐5‐yl)spiro[piperidine‐4,3′‐pyrrolo[2,3–b]pyridin]‐2′(1′H)‐one linked with N‐acyl and C‐5 aryl‐substituted scaffolds in a panel of ITK and BTK cancer cell lines. Four compounds 11, 12, 14, and 15 showed high antiproliferative activity against ITK and BTK cell lines. Compounds 11 and 12 with a C‐5 benzodioxole group and gem‐dialkyl group attached to carbonyl on piperidine were highly effective in ITK‐high Jurkat and CEM cell lines, and compound 14, a biotin analogue, was identified as a good inhibitor of BTK‐high RAMOS cells. Compound 15 with cyclopropyl group attached to carbonyl on piperidine also showed good activity in ITK and BTK cell lines.
Signal‐off Photoelectrochemical Aptasensor for S. aureus Detection Based on Graphite‐like Carbon Nitride Decorated with Nickel Oxide
Authors: Chen Xiaoqi , Yang Zhiqing , Ai Luchen , Zhou Shuang , Fan Hai , Ai Shiyun
Published: August 2021

A signal‐off photoelectrochemical (PEC) aptasensor was proposed for pathogenic bacteria detection based on graphite‐like carbon nitride decorated with NiO. The S. aureus be captured by the specific recognition of DNA aptamer, which was immobilized on the PEC electrode surface according to the specific effect of carboxylic group and NiO. The PEC signal would be obviously suppressed due to the transfer blocking of electron donor to PEC active material surface by steric hindrance and electrostatic repulsion. The PEC aptasensor showed excellent specificity and high sensitivity for S. aureus, and this provides simple strategy to construct point‐of‐care testing aptasensor for bacteria analysis.
Potential dependent spectroelectrochemistry of electrofluorogenic dyes on indium‐tin oxide
Authors: Sundaresan Vignesh , Cutri Allison R. , Metro Jarek , Madukoma Chinedu S. , Shrout Joshua D. , Hoffman Anthony J. , Willets Katherine A. , Bohn Paul W.
Published: July 2021

Indium‐tin oxide (ITO) is used in a variety of applications due to its electrical conductivity and optical transparency. Moreover, ITO‐coated glass is a common working electrode for spectroelectrochemistry. Thus, the ITO substrates should exhibit well‐understood spectroscopic characteristics. Here, we report anomalous potential‐dependent luminescence emission from three structurally dissimilar electrofluorogenic probe on ITO‐coated glass. The three probes, flavin mononucleotide, resorufin, and Nile blue, show the expected fluorescence modulation between their oxidized, emissive forms and their reduced, nonfluorescent forms at low laser irradiance and/or high concentrations. However, at high irradiance and/or low concentration, the emission intensity increases at reducing potentials, contrary to expectations. In addition, a strong interplay between probe molecule concentration and laser irradiance is observed. We attribute the anomalous behavior to a combination of (1) irradiance‐dependent ITO carrier dynamics, and (2) interaction of the fluorescent probe with ITO at reducing potentials resulting in a charge transfer state with altered emission behavior. Thus, the potential‐ and irradiance‐dependent behavior of ITO and the resulting charge transfer state may not only interfere with the observation of potential‐dependent fluorescence from redox probes but can completely reverse the polarity of the potential‐dependent luminescence, especially at high irradiance and low concentration.
Elevated urinary mutagenicity among those exposed to bituminous coal combustion emissions or diesel engine exhaust
Authors: Wong Jason Y. Y. , Vermeulen Roel , Dai Yufei , Hu Wei , Martin W. Kyle , Warren Sarah H. , Liberatore Hannah K. , Ren Dianzhi , Duan Huawei , Niu Yong , Xu Jun , Fu Wei , Meliefste Kees , Yang Jufang , Ye Meng , Jia Xiaowei , Meng Tao , Bassig Bryan A. , Hosgood H. Dean , Choi Jiyeon , Rahman Mohammad L. , Walker Douglas I. , Zheng Yuxin , Mumford Judy , Silverman Debra T. , Rothman Nathaniel , DeMarini David M. , Lan Qing
Published: July 2021

Urinary mutagenicity reflects systemic exposure to complex mixtures of genotoxic/carcinogenic agents and is linked to tumor development. Coal combustion emissions (CCE) and diesel engine exhaust (DEE) are associated with cancers of the lung and other sites, but their influence on urinary mutagenicity is unclear. We investigated associations between exposure to CCE or DEE and urinary mutagenicity. In two separate cross‐sectional studies of nonsmokers, organic extracts of urine were evaluated for mutagenicity levels using strain YG1041 in the Salmonella (Ames) mutagenicity assay. First, we compared levels among 10 female bituminous (smoky) coal users from Laibin, Xuanwei, China, and 10 female anthracite (smokeless) coal users. We estimated exposure–response relationships using indoor air concentrations of two carcinogens in CCE relevant to lung cancer, 5‐methylchrysene (5MC), and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P). Second, we compared levels among 20 highly exposed male diesel factory workers and 15 unexposed male controls; we evaluated exposure‐response relationships using elemental carbon (EC) as a DEE‐surrogate. Age‐adjusted linear regression was used to estimate associations. Laibin smoky coal users had significantly higher average urinary mutagenicity levels compared to smokeless coal users (28.4 ± 14.0 SD vs. 0.9 ± 2.8 SD rev/ml‐eq, p = 2 × 10−5) and a significant exposure‐response relationship with 5MC (p = 7 × 10−4). DEE‐exposed workers had significantly higher urinary mutagenicity levels compared to unexposed controls (13.0 ± 10.1 SD vs. 5.6 ± 4.4 SD rev/ml‐eq, p = .02) and a significant exposure‐response relationship with EC (p‐trend = 2 × 10−3). Exposure to CCE and DEE is associated with urinary mutagenicity, suggesting systemic exposure to mutagens, potentially contributing to cancer risk and development at various sites.
Amended lithostratigraphy of the Cretaceous Bagh Group, Western Lower Narmada Valley, India: A comparison with pervasive Tethyan basins
Authors: Shitole Apurva D. , Patel Satish J. , Darngawn Jehova L. , Joseph Jaquilin K.
Published: August 2021

The evolution of the Narmada, Saurashtra, and Kachchh basins in the western margin of the Indian Craton is associated with the Middle Jurassic segmentation of Gondwana. The Narmada Basin was evolved during the Early Cretaceous and preserved a thick clastic and non‐clastic sequence of the Bagh Group. The succession lies unconformably on the Precambrian rocks, and a complete sequence is exposed in the Western Lower Narmada Valley (WLNV). Until now, it has been described using various informal lithostratigraphic units emphasizing local lithic characters, which have no relevance with the stratotypes and do not fit into the concept of the International Subcommission on Stratigraphic Classification (ISSC). In the present study, the Bagh Group succession is mapped across the Lower Narmada Valley (LNV) and correlated between sections. The units in WLNV were revised and redefined assigning the stratotypes as per the ISSC. The amended lithostratigraphy of the Bagh Group comprises five formations, viz. Songir, Vajepur, Bilthana, Nodular Limestone, and Uchad. The Uchad Formation is a newly recognized youngest unit and is subdivided into the Narmada sandstone and the Men Nadi Limestone members. The lithological and palaeontological evidences indicate that the Bagh Group succession of the WLNV developed in a fluvio‐marine environment during the Berriasian? (Neocomian) to Coniacian age. The Cretaceous succession of the WLNV is also compared with the pervasive Tethyan basins, including the Eastern Desert (Egypt), Saurashtra–Kachchh (India), Mahajanga (Madagascar), and Carnarvon (Australia). The Albian–Coniacian lithostratigraphy of the Narmada Basin is comparable to the Eastern Desert, although located at different palaeolatitudes, which suggest similar eustatic and tectonic conditions. It also shows a similar sedimentation pattern compared with the adjoining Saurashtra Basin during the Cenomanian–Coniacian. However, it differs from the Kachchh, Mahajanga, and Carnarvon basins, which can be attributed to different palaeolatitudes, as well as the development of rift‐related events. The deposition of the Bagh Group in WLNV terminated with the separation of the Indian Plate from Madagascar and the outpouring of flood basalts during the Coniacian.
Incomplete information and irrelevant attributes in stated‐preference values for health interventions
Authors: Gonzalez Sepulveda Juan M. , Johnson F. Reed , Marshall Deborah A.
Published: July 2021

Violations of the assumptions of complete information [CI] and independence of irrelevant alternatives (IIA) in discrete‐choice experiment (DCE) data imply sensitivity of preference estimates to the decision context and the alternatives evaluated. There is a paucity of evidence on how these two assumptions affect health‐preference results and whether the usual specifications of random‐parameters logit models are sufficient to address these violations. We assessed the appropriateness of these assumptions in a DCE valuating interventions to prevent long‐term health problems that could be identified through whole genome sequencing. A DCE survey was administered to members of a nationally representative consumer panel to elicit their preferences for options to reduce the risk of health problems. The treatment options presented (surgery, medication, and watchful waiting) and the context for the decisions elicited (severity and likelihood of the health problem) were varied experimentally to evaluate the sensitivity of preference results to such changes. We find evidence of IIA violations as the options presented to prevent health changed. Our results also are consistent with the expectation that additional substitutes decrease the monetized value of alternatives. We also find some evidence that the decision context can moderate such effects, which constitutes a new finding.
Combined loss of expression of involucrin and cytokeratin 13 is associated with poor prognosis in squamous cell carcinoma of mobile tongue
Authors: Pandey Sushma , Søland Tine Merete , Bjerkli Inger Heidi , Sand Lars Peter , Petersen Fernanda Cristina , Costea Daniela Elena , Senguven Burcu , Sapkota Dipak
Published: August 2021

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of expression levels of involucrin (IVL), cytokeratin (CK)‐10 and ‐13 at different intratumor sites (tumor center and invading area) of oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC).

Methods

IVL, CK13 and CK10 expression levels were examined in a multicenter cohort of 146 OTSCCs using immunohistochemistry. External mRNA datasets were used for expression analysis and/or to validate survival associations.

Results

External transcriptomic datasets showed downregulation of IVL and KRT13 in oral malignancies including OTSCC as compared to normal controls. The combined loss of IVL and CK13 expression at the invading core but not at the center core was significantly associated with poor differentiation and reduced 5‐year overall survival. Multivariate Cox analysis confirmed the loss of CK13 and IVL expression to be an independent prognostic factor. Transcriptomic dataset corroborated immunohistochemistry results.

Conclusions

Combined expression levlels of IVL and CK13 might be useful as prognostic biomarkers in OTSCC.
Why do road traffic collision types repeat themselves? Look back before moving forward
Authors: Das Ripon C. , Shafie Imrul K. , Hamim Omar F. , Hoque Md. Shamsul , McIlroy Rich C. , Plant Katherine L. , Stanton Neville A.
Published: August 2021

Fatalities due to road crashes are rising globally, with the situation being particularly severe in low‐income countries. Traditional investigation methods have reached a ceiling in terms of reducing road traffic fatalities, hence safety researchers have begun to explore systems‐based approaches. In this study, two bus‐pedestrian collisions occurring in Bangladesh and separated by a time span of 13 years have been analyzed using the Accimap methodology. Building on and going further than the Accimaps of the two collisions, the recommendations that have been proposed to reduce the recurrence of such collision types have been graphically represented in a combined Preventimap. This graphically displays the inter‐connectedness of the countermeasures. Further, the countermeasures have been mapped against six road safety E's, namely engineering, education, enforcement, economics, emergency response, and enablement. Comparing the countermeasures arising from each of the two collisions showed that some preventive strategies are unique to one collision while others are common to both collisions. With a significant proportion of the proposed recommendations being of similar types, we discuss the idea that had prompt and appropriate intervention measures been implemented at different levels of the system after the first collision, the probability of the occurrence of the second collision would have been significantly less. The same would apply to similar collisions in the future. We also discuss the benefits of the Preventimap representation and its potential uses in road safety policy and practice.
MHD Williamson nanofluid across a permeable medium past an extended sheet with constant and irregular thickness
Authors: Sridhar Wuriti , Vijaya Lakshmi Garishe , Al‐Farhany Khaled , Ganesh Ganugapati Raghavendra
Published: August 2021

The main resource of this paper is to establish over fluid flows sheet using mathematical modeling for constant and variable thickness by including magnetic fields, electric fields, porous medium, heat propagation/immersion, and radiative heat relocation. The Implicit Finite Difference Method (IFDM) is applied to simplify using similarity conversions to implicate partial differential equations to convert into ordinary differential equations. IFDM has been implemented in MATLAB to tabulate numerical observations of the local parameters. Nusselt and Sherwood numbers are analyzed and measured for different parameters in different constant and variable thickness conditions of fluid properties. The influence of various parameters is explained through temperature, velocity, concentration, and nanoparticle volume fraction graphical representations. The coefficient of the skin friction for irregular fluid properties is shown to have a greater influence than that compared for constant fluid properties. Nevertheless, there is a reverse case in the local Nusselt number that is lower for the fluctuating fluid properties than with constant fluid properties. The results showed high‐exactness computational outcomes are attained from the IFDM.
The European Restructuring Directive and stays on creditor enforcement actions
Authors: McCormack Gerard
Published: August 2021

The European Restructuring Directive is Europe's answer to Chapter 11 of the US Bankruptcy Code. Under the Directive, debtors will have access to early warning tools that enable them to detect a deteriorating business and this should lead to more restructurings at an early stage. The debtor will benefit from a time‐limited ‘breathing space’ from enforcement action in order to facilitate negotiations on a restructuring plan. This article analyses in critical detail the stay or moratorium on actions against the debtor during the restructuring process. The stay is a fundamental part of the Directive. The paper highlights the importance of the stay and locates the stay in the context of the Directive and also in the light of the international parallels found in the US Bankruptcy Code and the UNCITRAL Legislative Guide on Insolvency Law.
Morphological switch is associated with increase in cell–cell contacts, ALP, and confluence above a minimum island area to perimeter ratio
Authors: Berent Zachary T. , Wagoner Johnson Amy J.
Published: July 2021

During osteogenic differentiation in vitro, stem‐like cells seeded at a low‐density spread and are isolated. As the cells proliferate and mature, they become more cuboidal in shape with more cell–cell contacts. However, the coordination of this switch in cell morphology from elongated to cuboidal, cell–cell contacts, and differentiation is not known. In this work, we present results from experiments and a simulation of cell proliferation on protein‐micropatterned islands that, independent of island size (25–1,000 μm) or shape (circles, squares, and hollow squares), shows a distinct morphological switch that is better described as a function of island confluence than time in culture, the standard measure in cell culture experiments. The simulation and experiments show cell morphology and island cell density versus confluence collapse to a single curve for all islands if the island area to perimeter ratio is ≥25 μm. Cell–cell contacts in the simulation and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression in experiments, a common marker for osteogenic differentiation, show exponential growth with confluence, rapidly increasing after the switch at ≈0.5 confluence. Furthermore, cell morphology, density, contacts, and ALP are better predicted by confluence than time in culture. The variability with time in culture leads to challenges in not only interpreting data but also in comparing data across research laboratories. This simulation can be used to predict cell behavior on different size and shape islands and to plan and optimize experiments that explore cell behavior as a function of a wide range of island geometries.