bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Taking population stratification into account by local permutations in rare‐variant association studies on small samples
Authors: Mullaert Jimmy , Bouaziz Matthieu , Seeleuthner Yoann , Bigio Benedetta , Casanova Jean‐Laurent , Alcaïs Alexandre , Abel Laurent , Cobat Aurélie
Published: August 2021

Many methods for rare variant association studies require permutations to assess the significance of tests. Standard permutations assume that all individuals are exchangeable and do not take population stratification (PS), a known confounding factor in genetic studies, into account. We propose a novel strategy, LocPerm, in which individual phenotypes are permuted only with their closest ancestry‐based neighbors. We performed a simulation study, focusing on small samples, to evaluate and compare LocPerm with standard permutations and classical adjustment on first principal components. Under the null hypothesis, LocPerm was the only method providing an acceptable type I error, regardless of sample size and level of stratification. The power of LocPerm was similar to that of standard permutation in the absence of PS, and remained stable in different PS scenarios. We conclude that LocPerm is a method of choice for taking PS and/or small sample size into account in rare variant association studies.
Outcomes for the treatment of locoregional recurrent nasopharyngeal cancer: Systematic review and pooled analysis
Authors: Newton Ethan , Valenzuela Dianne , Foley Joshua , Thamboo Andrew , Prisman Eitan
Published: August 2021

Despite advances in the treatment of primary nasopharyngeal carcinoma, locoregional recurrence (lrNPC) occurs at 10%–50% at 5 years. This review aims to evaluate salvage treatment for locally recurrent nasopharyngeal cancer. A literature search for all original articles published on the treatment of lrNPC from January 1990 to January 2021 was conducted. Pooled analysis was performed using a random effects model and assessed statistical heterogeneity of the combined results with I2 index. Overall, 66 studies were included for analysis. A total of 5286 patients treated with intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (39%), conformal radiotherapy (31%), open nasopharyngectomy (12%), endoscopic nasopharyngectomy (10%), stereotactic radiosurgery (4%), and brachytherapy (4%) were included. Surgical therapy has similar overall survival outcomes to re‐irradiation but with decreased treatment‐related morbidity and mortality. Both surgical and re‐irradiation for lrNPC have similar long‐term survival. Surgical approaches to lrNPC may offer similar survival while avoiding treatment‐associated morbidity and mortality.
Cyber4Dev‐Q: Calibrating cyber awareness in the developing country context
Authors: da Veiga Adéle , Loock Marianne , Renaud Karen
Published: August 2021

Citizens of the hyper‐connected world face tremendous challenges in managing their personal online risks; that is to preserve their cyber safety, cyber security and cyber privacy. Governments allocate significant resources to raising awareness about these three areas among their citizens to equip them to manage their online risks. To ensure maximum efficacy, these endeavors must be able to gauge existing levels of awareness to ensure that awareness‐creation drives target population‐level awareness gaps. A number of excellent and rigorously developed questionnaires exist for this purpose. However, these may not be as accurate in revealing awareness gaps and issues indevelopingcountries. Developing country citizens face a range of context‐specific challenges, distinct from those faced by developed country citizens. These are likely to impact their cyber awareness development and maintenance. A context‐sensitive cyber awareness measurement instrument designed for such a context has a better chance of revealing particular awareness aspects requiring attention. To meet this need, we developed and validated a cyber awareness questionnaire, the cyber awareness calibration instrument for developing countries (Cyber4Dev‐Q), for use in developing countries to measure the cyber awareness of their citizens in all three core cyber areas in a context‐sensitive fashion.
Unraveling the three‐dimensional morphology and dynamics of the optically evolving polystyrene nanoparticle assembly using dual‐objective lens microscopy
Authors: Kamit Abdullah , Tseng Ching‐Shiang , Kudo Tetsuhiro , Sugiyama Teruki , Hofkens Johan , Bresolí‐Obach Roger , Masuhara Hiroshi
Published: August 2021

Dynamically fluctuating assembly is prepared by trapping microparticles or nanoparticles at an interface. This phenomenon was previously described for 500 nm polystyrene nanoparticles optically trapped at water/glass interface, yielding a single disk‐like assembly, which size is much larger than the focal volume. In this work, we use a dual‐objective lens microscope to study the three‐dimensional shape and dynamics of such disk‐like assembly. The higher resolution of this system together with fast image acquisition (80 fps) rendered novel insights (e.g., particle fluctuation, assembly shape, interparticle distance, and so on), which could not be resolved using a conventional inverted microscope. These new insights will help to unravel the basis of this not yet fully understood “optically evolved phenomena,” which has a large potential in different research fields such as optical trapping, soft matter, and colloidal chemistry.
Influences of the lncRNA TUG1‐miRNA‐34a‐5p network on fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLSs) dysfunction in rheumatoid arthritis through targeting the lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA)
Authors: Zhang Mei , Lu Ning , Guo Xiao‐Yun , Li Hong‐Jun , Guo Ying , Lu Lu
Published: August 2021

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic and chronic inflammatory disease. The cellular glucose metabolism of fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLSs) of RA has been revealed to be essential to the pathogenesis and development of RA. To date, the precise roles and molecular mechanisms of long noncoding RNA TUG1 in RA have not been elucidated.

Methods

TUG1 and miR‐34a‐5p were detected by qRT‐PCR. Interactions between lncRNA‐miRNA and miRNA‐mRNA were validated by RNA pull‐down assay and luciferase assay. The glucose metabolism was evaluated by glucose uptake and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR). Cell viability was determined by MTT assay and Annexin V assay.

Results

TUG1 expression was significantly upregulated in synovial fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLSs) compared with normal FLSs. Functional assays uncovered that silence of TUG1 suppressed FLSs‐RA invasion, migration, glucose metabolism, and increased apoptosis. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that TUG1 interacted with miR‐34a‐5p. RNA pull‐down assay and luciferase assay validated that TUG1 sponged miR‐34a‐5p in FLSs‐RA. Overexpression of miR‐34a‐5p effectively inhibited glucose metabolism of FLSs‐RA. Furthermore, the glucose metabolism of FLSs‐RA was significantly elevated compared with normal FLSs. The glucose metabolism enzyme, LDHA, was directly targeted by miR‐34a‐5p in FLSs. Rescue experiments validated that the miR‐34a‐5p‐inhibited glucose metabolism of FLSs‐RA was through targeting LDHA. Finally, we showed restoration of miR‐34a‐5p in TUG1‐overexpressing FLSs‐RA successfully overcame the TUG1‐promoted glucose metabolism and apoptosis resistance via targeting LDHA.

Conclusion

The present study uncovered critical roles and molecular mechanisms underlying the TUG1‐mediated glucose metabolism and apoptosis of FLSs‐RA through modulating the miR‐34a‐5p‐LDHA pathway in fibroblast‐like synoviocytes of rheumatoid arthritis.
Application of the presentation–assimilation–discussion class in oral pathology teaching
Authors: Zhai Jiemei , Dai Lin , Peng Canbang , Dong Baocai , Jia Youlin , Yang Chun
Published: August 2021

Objectives

The presentation–assimilation–discussion (PAD) class is a novel teaching method in which half the class time is allocated for the instructor's presentation and the other half for student's assimilation and discussion. This study evaluates and compares the teaching outcomes of the PAD class and traditional lecture‐based method in oral pathology courses in School of Stomatology, Kunming Medical University.

Materials and methods

The experimental and control groups included 88 undergraduates from Class 2017 and 72 undergraduates from Class 2016, respectively. The PAD method was applied on the experimental group in 2019, whereas the traditional lecture‐based method was applied on the control group in 2018. The two groups’ teaching outcomes were compared using final theory tests, biopsy diagnostic tests, and questionnaires. The Mann–Whitney U‐test and independent‐sample t‐test were adopted for statistical analysis.

Results

In five multiple‐choice questions examining the same knowledge point from final theory tests, the distribution of the final scores showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p < 0.05). In the biopsy diagnostic tests, the experimental group scored higher than the control group (p < 0.05). In the questionnaires, there was no statistically significant difference for the “enhancing knowledge mastery” item (p > 0.05). However, the experimental group showed significant superiority in the remaining nine items (p < 0.05). [Correction added on August 30, 2021, after first online publication: The data value p was corrected in the last sentence of result section.]

Conclusions

Compared with the traditional lecture‐based teaching, the PAD class stimulated a passion for learning among students and results in improved teaching outcomes. Therefore, the application of PAD class in oral pathology teaching should be recommended.
Stem cell-like memory T cells: The generation and application
Authors: Wang Yutong , Qiu Feng , Xu Yifan , Hou Xiaorui , Zhang Zhili , Huang Lei , Wang Huijun , Xing Hui , Wu Sha
Published: August 2021

Stem cell-like memory T cells (Tscm), are a newly defined memory T cell subset with characteristics of long life span, consistent self-renewing, rapid differentiation into effector T cells, and apoptosis resistance. These features indicate that Tscm have great therapeutic or preventive purposes, including being applied in chimeric Ag receptor-engineered T cells, TCR gene-modified T cells, and vaccines. However, the little knowledge about Tscm development restrains their applications. Strength and duration of TCR signaling, cytokines and metabolism in the T cells during activation all influence the Tscm development via regulating transcriptional factors and cell signaling pathways. Here, we summarize the molecular and cellular pathways involving Tscm differentiation, and its clinical application for cancer immunotherapy and prevention.
Evaluating the efficacy of extracted squalene from seed oil in the form of microemulsion for the treatment of COVID‐19: A clinical study
Authors: Ebrahimi Mahmoud , Farhadian Nafiseh , Amiri Ali Reza , Hataminia Fatemeh , Soflaei Sara Saffar , Karimi Mohammad
Published: August 2021

This study investigates the effect of the nanostructure of squalene in the form of microemulsion on COVID‐19 patients. In this blinded clinical trial, a comparison was made between the efficacy of squalene treatment and controls. A total of 30 COVID‐19 patients admitted to the emergency department, and the infection ward was equally allocated to case (n = 15) and control (n = 15) groups according to their age and underlying diseases. The baseline characteristics of subjects, including age, gender, time of treatment onset, underlying condition, white blood cells count, and lymphocyte count were similar (p < 0.05). Baseline laboratory tests and computed tomography (CT) scans were performed for the study groups. The treatment group received 5 mg of intravenous squalene twice a day and standard treatment for 6 days, while controls received only standard treatment. After 6 days of treatment, clinical and CT scan changes were evaluated and compared in intervention and control groups. The need for oxygen therapy (p = 0.020), 2 days of no fever (p = 0.025), cough alleviation (p = 0.010), and lung high‐resolution computed tomography improvement (p = 0.033) were significantly different between cases and controls within 7 days of admission. No adverse effects were observed in the treatment group. Our data suggest that squalene could be considered as a potential treatment for COVID‐19, and further studies are required to confirm the results.
Ultrananocrystalline diamond‐like carbon (UN‐DLC) assembled on epitaxial ZnO film by PLD technique and SIMS Raman Rutherford spectroscopic fingerprint investigation
Authors: Elayaperumal Manikandan , Gnanasekaran Kavitha , Moodley Mathew K. , Mwakikunga Bonex Wakufwa , Gaur Ravinder , Umapathy Siva , Ladchumananandasivam Rasiah , Maaza Malik
Published: August 2021

Nanocomposite materials coating opens up tremendous opportunities in the development of commercial products for household to industrial applications. In this present article, we are reporting the formation of 10‐nm carbon (C) layer underneath the 6‐nm ZnO epitaxial thin‐film grown on simple quarts or Si(100) substrate by pulsed laser deposition. As‐obtained nanocrystalline carbon layers between the Si(100) and ZnO and above ZnO epitaxial film were studied by micro‐Raman, secondary ion mass (SIMS), and resonant Rutherford backscattering (RRBS) spectroscopic methods. The carbon diffusivity analysis revealed that the diffusion at nanoscale is governed predominantly by a nonlinear Fick's law rather than the Soret‐Ludwig law. Quantum diffusion dominates the classical diffusion and carbon diffusivity into ZnO layer and was found to be ~7.8 × 10−12 cm2 s−1. This diffusion explains the doping profiles of ZnO layer up to its surface where carbon packing suggests presence of ultrananocrystalline‐diamond‐like‐carbon (UN‐DLC) thin films revealed by Raman spectroscopy.
Comparative metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses revealed the differential accumulation of secondary metabolites during the ripening process of acerola cherry (Malpighia emarginata) fruit
Authors: Xu Mingfeng , Shen Chenjia , Zhu Qin , Xu Yunsheng , Xue Changfeng , Zhu Beiwei , Hu Jiangning
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Acerola cherry is a famous functional fruit containing plentiful antioxidants and other nutrients. However, studies on the variations among nutrients during the ripening process of acerola fruit are scare.

RESULTS

Comparative metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses were performed and identified 31 331 unigenes and 1896 annotated metabolite features in acerola cherry fruit. K Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis showed that several antioxidant and nutrient‐related metabolic pathways, such as the flavonoids, vitamins, carotenoids, amino acids, and fatty acids metabolic pathways, were significantly changed during the ripening process. The metabolites related to the vitamin, carotenoid, and fatty acid metabolic pathways were downregulated during the ripening process. Several flavonoid biosynthesis‐related genes (including dihydroflavonol 4‐reductase, chalcone synthase, flavanone 3‐hydroxylase, and anthocyanidin synthase), were significantly upregulated, suggesting their essential functions in the accumulation of flavonoids in mature fruit.

CONCLUSION

Most of the vitamin and carotenoid metabolism‐related metabolites significantly accumulated in immature fruit, suggesting that immature acerola fruit is a good material for the extraction of vitamins and carotenoids. For macronutrients, most of the amino acids accumulated in mature fruit and most of the fatty acids greatly accumulated in immature fruit. Our data revealed the differential accumulation of antioxidants and nutrients during the ripening process of acerola cherry fruit. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effect of baking technique for rice wine production and the characteristics of baked rice wine
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Tian Rungang , Yang Huanyi , Shen Chi , Han Xueyuan
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Driven by the requirement to reduce the emission of wastewater in the brewing process, it is necessary to improve and innovate the fermentation technology of Chinese rice wine. In this study, the baking technique used to brew rice wine was explored.

RESULTS

Rice wine was brewed based on baked glutinous rice undergoing different high‐temperature stages, designated as baked rice wine (BRW1, BRW2 and BRW3). X‐ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared analysis revealed that baking treatment under 110 °C 0.5 h + 170 °C 30 min relatively changed the crystal properties and short‐range molecular order of starch. Compared with the traditional rice wine (RW) from steamed rice, the alcohol content in BRWs was nearly twice that of RW, especially in BRW3. The contents of protein, ascorbic acid and total phenols in BRWs were significantly higher than that in RW. Besides, BRWs presented more abundance in the contents of volatile compounds, free amino acids and certain organic acids, including volatile esters and alcohols and 17 amino acids, which would give rice wine a pleasant aroma and a more comprehensive taste. Furthermore, analysis of the antioxidant capacity indicated a functional difference between RW and BRWs.

CONCLUSION

It was feasible to produce rice wine using baked rice. The baking method allowed for several advantages, including the improvement of alcohol yield, fermentation efficiency, new typicality and stronger antioxidant capacity. This work is expected to provide a foundation for related research. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Evaluation of the aerosol generating potential of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy
Authors: Chen Darren A. , Lee Mark , Lelli Gary J. , Kacker Ashutosh
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The COVID‐19 pandemic gave rise to renewed concerns of the transmission risks posed by surgeries on sites of high viral colonization such as the nasopharynx. Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) involves the creation of a new tear duct from the lacrimal sac to the nasal cavity. The purpose of this project is to determine if endoscopic DCR is an aerosol generating procedure (AGP).

Methods

An optical particle sizer (OPS) was used to intraoperatively quantify aerosol concentrations during four cases of endoscopic DCR. The OPS sampled the air once every 60 seconds throughout the operations. The time of important operative steps were documented and correlated with OPS readings. Particle concentrations during each major surgical step were compared to baseline readings by the Mann Whitney U Test.

Results

There were statistically significant increases in median particle concentrations during laryngeal mask airway intubations for both particles 0.3 to 5.0 μm and >5.0 μm (P < .001 and P = .023, respectively). Median particle concentrations during nasolacrimal duct probing, middle meatal debridement, drilling, balloon insertion, tube insertion, and Posisef insertion were not statistically different from baseline.

Conclusions

Endoscopic DCR in itself does not appear to be an AGP. It is, however, associated with other aerosol generating events such as laryngeal mask intubation, and thus requires appropriate personal protective equipment. Cautious interpretation of the results is encouraged given the limitations of OPS.

Level of Evidence

4.
Creativity in problem solving to improve complex health outcomes: Insights from hospitals seeking to improve cardiovascular care
Authors: Brewster Amanda L. , Lee Yuna S. H. , Linnander Erika L. , Curry Leslie A.
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Improving performance often requires health care teams to employ creativity in problem solving, a key attribute of learning health systems. Despite increasing interest in the role of creativity in health care, empirical evidence documenting how this concept manifests in real‐world contexts remains limited.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study to understand how creativity was fostered during problem solving in 10 hospitals that took part in a 2‐year collaborative to improve cardiovascular care outcomes. We analyzed interviews with 197 hospital team members involved in the collaborative, focusing on work processes or outcomes that participants self‐identified as creative or promoting creativity. We sought to identify recurrent patterns across instances of creativity in problem solving.

Results

Participants reported examples of creativity at both stages typically identified in problem solving research and practice: uncovering non‐obvious problems and finding novel solutions. Creativity generally involved the assembly of an “ecological view” of the care process, which reflected a more complete understanding of relationships between individual care providers, organizational sub‐units, and their environment. Teams used three prominent behaviors to construct the ecological view: (a) collecting new and diverse information, (b) accepting (rather than dismissing) disruptive information, and (c) employing empathy to understand and share feelings of others.

Conclusions

We anticipate that findings will be useful to researchers and practitioners who wish to understand how creativity can be fostered in problem solving to improve clinical outcomes and foster learning health systems.
Microhardness, compression performance and high‐temperature tribological properties of Ti2AlNb‐silver self‐lubricating composite
Authors: Gao Y. , Zhao S. , Wang W. , Zhou H. , Wang Q.
Published: August 2021

The Ti2AlNb‐based self‐lubricating composite material reinforced with silver particles of 0 wt% to 15 wt% was prepared by spark plasma sintering, and the microhardness, compression performance and high‐temperature tribological properties were investigated. The results show that the silver is distributed in the Ti2AlNb matrix as small islands. The microhardness reaches the maximum at 5 wt% silver content but then decreases sharply. The compressive strength is reduced due to the silver‐rich areas have become the initiation points of cracks, and the softening of silver at high temperatures intensifies the process. The friction coefficient and wear rate of the composite material at 500 °C are significantly reduced by silver, and the lubrication mechanism is attributed to the synergistic effect of silver and oxides.
Polygenic Risk Scores in a Prospective Parkinson's Disease Cohort
Authors: Sia Ming‐Wei , Foo Jia‐Nee , Saffari Seyed‐Ehsan , Wong Aidan Sheng‐Yong , Khor Chiea‐Chuen , Yuan Jian‐Min , Tan Eng‐King , Koh Woon‐Puay , Tan Louis Chew‐Seng
Published: August 2021

Background

Ethnic‐specific genetic risk assessment framework for Parkinson's disease (PD) is lacking for the Asian population.

Objective

We investigated the association of a polygenic risk score (PRS) with PD incidence in a population‐based Asian prospective cohort.

Methods

Genetic, dietary, and lifestyle information were prospectively collected from 25,646 participants within the Singapore Chinese Health Study cohort. PRS was constructed with Asian‐specific and top genome‐wide association study variants. The association between PRS and PD incidence was evaluated with multivariable Cox proportional hazard models, Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, and concordance statistics.

Results

A total of 333 incident cases were identified after a follow‐up period of more than 20 years. Participants with PRS in the top tertile (hazard ratio [HR], 1.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.37–2.39) and middle tertile (HR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.00–1.83) are at higher risk of developing PD after adjusting for dietary and lifestyle risk factors, with a shorter time to PD event in a Kaplan–Meier survival analysis (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

We identified a PRS that was significantly associated with PD incidence in a prospective Chinese cohort after adjusting for dietary and lifestyle factors. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Phenotypes and genotypes in non‐consanguineous and consanguineous primary microcephaly: High incidence of epilepsy
Authors: Duerinckx Sarah , Désir Julie , Perazzolo Camille , Badoer Cindy , Jacquemin Valérie , Soblet Julie , Maystadt Isabelle , Tunca Yusuf , Blaumeiser Bettina , Ceulemans Berten , Courtens Winnie , Debray François‐Guillaume , Destree Anne , Devriendt Koenraad , Jansen Anna , Keymolen Kathelijn , Lederer Damien , Loeys Bart , Meuwissen Marije , Moortgat Stéphanie , Mortier Geert , Nassogne Marie‐Cécile , Sekhara Tayeb , Van Coster Rudy , Van Den Ende Jenny , Van der Aa Nathalie , Van Esch Hilde , Vanakker Olivier , Verhelst Helene , Vilain Catheline , Weckhuysen Sarah , Passemard Sandrine , Verloes Alain , Aeby Alec , Deconinck Nicolas , Van Bogaert Patrick , Pirson Isabelle , Abramowicz Marc
Published: August 2021

Background

Primary microcephaly (PM) is defined as a significant reduction in occipitofrontal circumference (OFC) of prenatal onset. Clinical and genetic heterogeneity of PM represents a diagnostic challenge.

Methods

We performed detailed phenotypic and genomic analyses in a large cohort (n = 169) of patients referred for PM and could establish a molecular diagnosis in 38 patients.

Results

Pathogenic variants in ASPM and WDR62 were the most frequent causes in non‐consanguineous patients in our cohort. In consanguineous patients, microarray and targeted gene panel analyses reached a diagnostic yield of 67%, which contrasts with a much lower rate in non‐consanguineous patients (9%). Our series includes 11 novel pathogenic variants and we identify novel candidate genes including IGF2BP3 and DNAH2. We confirm the progression of microcephaly over time in affected children. Epilepsy was an important associated feature in our PM cohort, affecting 34% of patients with a molecular confirmation of the PM diagnosis, with various degrees of severity and seizure types.

Conclusion

Our findings will help to prioritize genomic investigations, accelerate molecular diagnoses, and improve the management of PM patients.
Investigations into Early Larval Feeding Practices for the Tiger Barb Puntigrus tetrazona
Authors: Lipscomb Taylor N. , Durland Donahou Allison , Yanong Roy P. , Boldt Noah C. , DiMaggio Matthew A.
Published: August 2021

The Tiger Barb Puntigrus tetrazona is one of the highest trade volume freshwater species in the ornamental fish industry. Culture of larval Tiger Barb is largely dependent on live feeds at first feeding and throughout early life stages, leading to increased cost relative to the use of commercially produced microparticulate diets (MDs). Potential for the successful culture of Tiger Barb by using MDs from first feeding was evaluated here, with a focus on the physiological characteristics that limit digestive capacity in larval cyprinids, as well as the hypothetical benefit of including feed attractants in formulated larval feeds. Comparable growth and survival were achieved for the first 14 d of feeding with one of three MDs when compared to feeding with brine shrimp Artemia spp. Histological preparation revealed evidence for a fully functional pharyngeal jaw structure, including pharyngeal teeth and a pharyngeal pad, from 6 d posthatch, which coincided with first feeding. The masticatory function of these structures likely facilitated the breakdown and subsequent utilization of the relatively complex macronutrients that are characteristic of MDs. Inclusion of top-coated potential attractants (tryptophan, taurine, trimethylglycine betaine, or a mix of the three) with the most successful MD from the original trial failed to induce an increased feeding response, as evidenced by the observation of similar feeding incidence, total larval protein content, and tryptic enzyme activity relative to a negative control MD without added attractants. The results of this research suggest that the successful culture of larval Tiger Barb is possible with the use of commercially available MDs, potentially leading to cost savings and increased resilience of producers in the ornamental aquaculture industry.
Hormone Receptor Subtype in Ductal Carcinoma in Situ: Prognostic and Predictive Roles of the Progesterone Receptor
Authors: Hwang Ki-Tae , Suh Young Jin , Park Chan-Heun , Lee Young Joo , Kim Jee Ye , Jung Jin Hyang , Kim Seeyeong , Min Junwon ,   Korean Breast Cancer Society
Published: August 2021

Background

We investigated the prognostic and predictive roles of the hormone receptor (HRc) subtype in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). We focused on identifying the roles of the progesterone receptor (PR) independent of estrogen receptor (ER) status.

Methods

Nationwide data of 12,508 female patients diagnosed with DCIS with a mean follow-up period of 60.7 months were analyzed. HRc subtypes were classified as ER−/PR−, ER−/PR+, ER+/PR−, and ER+/PR+ based on ER and PR statuses. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

The ER+/PR+ group showed better prognoses than the ER+/PR− and ER−/PR− groups in the patients who received tamoxifen therapy (p = .001 and p = .031, respectively). HRc subtype was an independent prognostic factor (p = .028). The tamoxifen therapy group showed better survival than the patients who did not receive tamoxifen, but only in the ER+/PR+ subgroup (p = .002). Tamoxifen therapy was an independent prognostic factor (HR, 0.619; 95% CI, 0.423 − 0.907; p = .014). PR status was a favorable prognostic factor in patients with DCIS who received tamoxifen therapy (p < .001), and it remained a prognostic factor independent of ER status (HR, 0.576; 95% CI, 0.349 − 0.951; p = .031).

Conclusion

The HRc subtype can be used as both a prognostic and predictive marker in patients with newly diagnosed DCIS. Tamoxifen therapy can improve overall survival in the ER+/PR+ subtype. PR status has significant prognostic and predictive roles independent of ER status. Testing for the PR status in addition to the ER status is routinely recommended in patients with DCIS to determine the HRc subtype in clinical settings.

Implications for Practice

The hormone receptor (HRc) subtype was an independent prognostic factor, and the estrogen receptor (ER)+/progesterone receptor (PR) + subtype showed a better survival in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) who received tamoxifen therapy. PR was an independent prognostic factor independent of ER, and PR was a favorable prognostic factor in patients with DCIS who received tamoxifen therapy. The HRc subtype could be used as both a prognostic and predictive marker in patients with newly diagnosed DCIS. Testing of PR status in addition to ER status is routinely recommended for patients with DCIS to determine the HRc subtype in clinical settings.
Mechanochemistry for Energy Materials: Impact of High‐Energy Milling on Chemical, Electric and Thermal Transport Properties of Chalcopyrite CuFeS2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Baláž Peter , Dutková Erika , Baláž Matej , Džunda Róbert , Navrátil Jiří , Knížek Karel , Levinský Petr , Hejtmánek Jiří
Published: August 2021

Chalcopyrite CuFeS2, a semiconductor with applications in chemical sector and energy conversion engineering, was synthetized in a planetary mill from elemental precursors. The synthesis is environmentally friendly, waste‐free and inexpensive. The synthesized nano‐powders were characterized by XRD, SEM, EDX, BET and UV/Vis techniques, tests of chemical reactivity and, namely, thermoelectric performance of sintered ceramics followed. The crystallite size of ∼13 nm and the strain of ∼17 were calculated for CuFeS2 powders milled for 60, 120, 180 and 240 min, respectively. The evolution of characteristic band gaps, Eg, and the rate constant of leaching, k, of nano‐powders are corroborated by the universal evolution of the parameter SBET/X (SBET‐specific surface area, X‐crystallinity) introduced for complex characterization of mechanochemically activated solids in various fields such as chemical engineering and/or energy conversion. The focus on non‐doped semiconducting CuFeS2 enabled to assess the role of impurities, which critically and often negatively influence the thermoelectric properties.
Remote gestational weight gain monitoring in a large low‐risk US population
Authors: Litman Ethan A. , Kavathekar Tanaya , Amdur Richard , Sebastian Anish , Marko Kathryn
Published: August 2021

Background

Over the past decade there have been rapid advancements in telemedicine and mobile health technology (mHealth) and rapid increases in adoption of these technologies among OB‐GYN providers. Mobile technology is routinely used in the general adult population to simplify monitoring of food intake and weight. Studies have demonstrated that weight loss achieved via remote monitoring, through use of wi‐fi scales and web applications, is similar to weight loss achieved with in‐person support. These technologies also increase flexibility for subjects and providers. However, there has been limited large‐scale research to evaluate the use of these technologies to improve adherence to weight‐gain recommendations during pregnancy.

Objectives

To evaluate gestational weight gain tracking in a large low‐risk obstetrical population using remote patient monitoring and a mobile phone app.

Methods

Self‐reported age, height, estimated due date, and weight data were extracted from low‐risk, singleton pregnancies entered from 50,769 participants who were enrolled in the BabyScriptsTM phone app between 1 January 2016 and 1 March 2020. After data cleaning, 15,468 participants were included the final analysis. Linear regression and Spearman's correlation were used to examine the relationships between total weight gain, rate of weight gain, body mass index (BMI), postpartum weight loss, and app engagement.

Results

The average weight gain in the first, second, and third trimester were 0.09 ± 1.8 kg, 4.2 ± 3.3 kg, and 3.9 ± 3.9 kg, respectively. The average rate of weight gain per week for the second and third trimesters were 0.5 ± 0.4 kg/wk and 0.6 ± 0.8 kg/wk, respectively. Participants with higher initial BMI had slower rate of weight gain than those with lower initial BMI (r = −0.24, r = −0.05, for second and third trimester, respectively). Overall, 21.4% of participants met the Institutes of Medicine (IOM) recommendation for total weight gain during pregnancy. Patients who were highly engaged with the mobile app had increased adherence to the IOM guidelines (29.8% vs. 9.4%, p < 0.001). A larger proportion of highly engaged patients adhered to the IOM guidelines for rate of weight gain in the second and third trimester, compared to the lowest engaged patients (12.7% vs. 6.8%, p < 0.001). On average, participants lost 8.8 ± 3.3 kg over an average of 8.1 ± 4.6 weeks in the immediate postpartum period. This weight loss was positively associated with engagement (r = 0.3, p < 0.001).

Comments

Engagement with the mobile app was associated with increased adherence to the IOM gestational weight gain guidelines and with increased postpartum weight loss. Use of remote patient monitoring in conjunction with mHealth technology may be a strategy to improve adherence to IOM guidelines.
Determining the optimal standard test condition correction procedure for high‐throughput field I–V measurements of photovoltaic modules
Authors: Golive Yogeswara Rao , Kottantharayil Anil , Vasi Juzer , Shiradkar Narendra
Published: August 2021

The field‐measured current–voltage (I–V) curves of photovoltaic (PV) modules need to be corrected to Standard Test Conditions (STC) in order to estimate the degradation rates. STC correction procedures have various attributes such as accuracy, requirement of minimum number and types of I–V curves, required irradiance range, and the type of correction (specific points or entire I–V curve) that determine their optimality for specific applications. This paper presents the investigation of accuracy and constraints of six different STC correction procedures for high‐throughput field I–V measurements through experimental and simulation studies. Following STC correction procedures are considered in this paper: IEC 60891‐Procedure 1, IEC 60891‐Procedure 2, Modified IEC 60891‐Procedure 1, Standard Irradiance and Desired Temperature (SIDT) procedure, Anderson procedure, and Voltage‐Dependent Temperature Coefficient (VDTC) Procedure. Eight different simulation models for predicting the performance of PV modules at arbitrary irradiance and temperature are compared, and the simulation model that yields lowest root mean square error and the most accurate estimation of power temperature coefficient is identified. The simulated I–V curves using this model and the experimentally measured I–V curves on a flash tester at different temperatures and irradiances are provided as an input to all of the STC correction procedures. The average percentage errors in correction of maximum power (Pmax), open‐circuit voltage (Voc), short‐circuit current (Isc), and fill factor (FF) were determined as a function of irradiance and temperature during measurement. Systematic biases introduced during correction by certain procedures were also identified. Based on the error estimation, constraints of various procedures, and requirements of high‐throughput field I–V measurements, the most optimal STC correction procedure was identified. Moreover, the analysis of the root cause of superior performance of this procedure is also presented.
Enhanced Reflectivity Change and Phase Shift of Polarized Light: Double Parameter Multilayer Sensor
Authors: Aulika Ilze , Zubkins Martins , Butikova Jelena , Purans Juris
Published: August 2021

Herein, the concept of point of darkness based on polarized light phase difference and absorption of light is demonstrated by simulations using low refractive index and extinction coefficient semiconductor and dielectric, and high refractive index nonoxidizing metal multilayer thin film structures. Several multilayer sensor configurations show great sensitivity to thickness and refractive index variation of the detectable material by measuring the reflectivity ratio Ψ and phase shift Δ. Focus is on such multilayers, which have sensitivity to both parameters (Ψ, Δ) in the visible spectral range, thus opening the possibility for further research on a new biomedical sensor development with enhanced double parameter sensing.
Characterising extratropical near‐tropopause analysis humidity biases and their radiative effects on temperature forecasts
Authors: Bland Jake , Gray Suzanne , Methven John , Forbes Richard
Published: August 2021

A cold bias in the extratropical lowermost stratosphere in forecasts is one of the most prominent systematic temperature errors in numerical weather prediction models. Hypothesized causes of this bias include radiative effects from a collocated moist bias in model analyses. Such biases would be expected to affect extratropical dynamics and result in the misrepresentation of wave propagation at tropopause level. Here the extent to which these humidity and temperature biases are connected is quantified. Observations from radiosondes are compared to operational analyses and forecasts from the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Integrated Forecasting System (IFS) and Met Office Unified Model (MetUM) to determine the magnitude and vertical structure of these biases. Both operational models over‐estimate lowermost stratospheric specific humidity, with a maximum moist bias around 1 km above the tropopause where humidities are around of the observed values on average. This moist bias is already present in the initial conditions and changes little in forecasts over the first five days. Though temperatures are represented well in the analyses, the IFS forecasts anomalously cool in the lower stratosphere, relative to verifying radiosonde observations, by 0.2 K day. The IFS single column model is used to show this temperature change can be attributed to increased long‐wave radiative cooling due to the lowermost stratospheric moist bias in the initial conditions. However, the MetUM temperature biases cannot be entirely attributed to the moist bias, and another significant factor must be present. These results highlight the importance of improving the humidity analysis to reduce the extratropical lowermost stratospheric cold bias in forecast models and the need to understand and mitigate the causes of the moist bias in these models.
In situ gas sparging for concentration and removal of per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from groundwater
Authors: Newell Charles J. , Kulkarni Poonam R. , Adamson David T.
Published: August 2021

Per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have unique chemical properties that require new remediation technologies or innovative applications/combinations of existing remediation technologies. Due to their surfactant properties, we propose the application of a well‐established remediation technology for volatile organic compounds, air sparging directly in aquifers (or trenches filled with porous media), that can be used to drive PFAS from the saturated zone to the top of an impacted aquifer. As shown in a small‐scale laboratory experiment, when a sparge gas is introduced in a groundwater treatment zone, PFAS will collect at the air‐groundwater interfaces and be drawn upwards by the buoyancy of the sparged gas. The sparging results in lower PFAS concentrations in the deeper portions of the sparged zone, remediating this portion of the aquifer. The sparging will also create higher PFAS concentrations and a PFAS foam/buoyant material comprised of a mixture of air, water, and PFAS that is less dense than water (and therefore buoyant in the subsurface). This buoyant material migrates to near the top of the aquifer, sometimes through channels formed by the material and/or through pressure. This migration makes it easier to remove the PFAS by skimming the low volume of groundwater containing higher concentrations of PFAS and/or by direct removal of any foam/buoyant material near the water table. This in situ concentration of PFAS in groundwater would provide the following benefits as it would: (i) reduce the volume of the contaminated plume; (ii) reduce the amount of extracted groundwater that needs to be treated; (iii) facilitate the removal of PFAS from the subsurface; and (iv) reduce PFAS‐impacted waste generation. Alternatively, the concentrated PFAS could be left in place as the retention of perfluoroalkyl acids in unsaturated soils is strong due to air/water partitioning. We propose that this process can be applied to PFAS sites where conventional air‐sparging can be re‐purposed to manage PFAS groundwater plumes.
Risk and responsibility: Private equity financiers and the US shale revolution
Authors: Field Sean
Published: August 2021

Drawing on ethnographic research in Houston, Texas, I explore how private equity financiers in the US hydrocarbon industry are empowered to define and take financial risks on our collective behalf. The US shale revolution could not have unfolded without the financial risk‐taking activities of private equity financiers who channeled billions of dollars into US unconventional exploration and production (“fracking”). These financiers are motivated not only by their own capitalist projects but also by feelings of responsibility to take financial risks for the benefit of others. Shedding light on this enigmatic community, I attend to the relatively neglected area of hydrocarbon finance and highlight how perceptions of financial risk and responsibility become entangled to shape our collective energy present(s) and future(s). As an essential piece of the financial infrastructure that connects investors around the world with US hydrocarbon activities, I suggest that private equity firms are conduits not only of capital but also of responsibility.
Nature of the N‐Substituted Alkyl Chain Influencing Emission Properties of Naphthalene Diimide (NDI) Via Excimer, and Exciplex Formation
Authors: Lasitha P.
Published: August 2021

In this paper, the effect of structural differences in alkyl chains substituted at the imide position of naphthalene diimide (NDI) derivatives were compared using oleylamine (NDI‐OL) and octadecylamine (NDI‐OD) in different solvents, solvent mixture, gel, and solid‐state inferring the photophysical properties at different states. The difference in alkyl chains renders a range of emission (∼90 nm) for NDI‐OL due to the steric reasons when self‐assemble from a non‐aromatic solvent mixture [CHCl3/MCH (1 : 9, v/v)] and aromatic solvents, wherein such emission tuning was absent for sterically less hindered NDI‐OD. Further, the emission tuning and enhancement were also observed via a host‐guest method, aggregation from a solvent mixture [aggregation induced emission enhancement (AIEE)], and by applying mechanical [mechanochromic behaviour] force deciphering these properties as the favourable formation of exciplex/excimer by NDI derivatives with excellent emission quantum yield enhancement (ϕf,%≈1–5) compared to the monomeric form of NDI (ϕf,%≈0.2). Further, the NDI compound was also found to be useful for distinguishing pH 14 among other ranges of pH solutions visually and spectroscopically.
Synthesis, Antiproliferative Activity, Apoptotic Profiling, and In‐silico ADME of New Thienylbenzamidine Derivatives
Authors: Ismail Mohamed A. , El‐Shafeai Heba M. , Arafa Reem K. , Abdel‐Rhman Mohamed H. , Abdel‐Latif Ehab , El‐Sayed Wael M.
Published: August 2021

Twelve new thienylbenzamidines and their analogues 4 a–i, 7, and 12 a, b were synthesized and their anti‐proliferative activity was evaluated against 60 cancer cell lines. The tested compounds showed potent anticancer activity against most cancer cell lines with median growth inhibition (GI50)<2 μM. Leukemia and renal cancer cell lines were the most responsive. Compound 12 a was the most active exhibiting GI50, total growth inhibition (TGI), and median lethal concentration (LC50) at 1.65, 3.71, and 9.3 μM, respectively. The benzamidine derivatives exerted their anti‐proliferative activity without causing any toxicity in normal human lung fibroblast (WI‐38) cells. The selectivity index (SI) ranged from 5.6 to 59.0 fold. Compound 4 h was the most selective compound (SI=59), and it was the least cytotoxic to WI‐38 cells. The cationic compounds 4 c, 4 h, 4 i, 7, and 12 b with high SI were selected for further mechanistic studies. Compounds 4 c, 4 h, and 4 i exerted their antiproliferative activity by inducing the cell cycle arrest (elevated p53 and downregulated cyclin‐dependent kinase 1 (cdk1)) and inducing apoptosis (elevated caspase 3). Compounds 7 and 12 b exerted their activity by inhibiting the growth and proliferation of cancer cells through inhibiting both topoisomerase II (topoII) and thioredoxin reductase1 (txnrd1). Finally, in silico predictions of the physicochemical, pharmacokinetic and drug‐likeness profiles of these new derivatives proved the oral availability and the inability to cross the blood‐brain barrier.
Detailed Investigation of Sm2O3 Catalysts with Different Morphologies for Oxidative Coupling of Methane
Authors: Özdemir Hasan
Published: August 2021

Sm2O3 catalysts with different morphologies (nanoparticle, nanorod, hollow nanosphere, nanofiber, flower‐like) were synthesized and tested for the oxidative coupling of methane. The results obtained showed that increasing specific surface area reduced the activity, C2 selectivity and, thus the yield. It was observed that the reaction initiation temperature was dependent on the total or partial oxidation of methane, which produced the heat for the initiation of the reaction. The effect of temperature on catalytic performance was relatively low at lower temperatures (<600 °C) than at higher temperatures (>700 °C). High reaction temperatures (>700 °C) decreased the C2 selectivity, lower temperatures were found beneficial to achieve higher C2 selectivity and yield as expected. Hollow nanosphere morphology showed the highest activity and selectivity at 450 °C and yielded 10.5 % C2 under high space velocity. The highest C2 yield (11.8 %) was obtained at 600 °C with nanoparticle morphology. Considering the results at the conditions that full oxygen conversion was attained, it was found that the C2 selectivity and yield decreased with the nanoparticle>flower‐like>nanorod and nanosphere>nanofiber sequence.