bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persistent increase of β‐hCG level after salpingectomy in tubal pregnancy: Good or bad news?
Authors: Pinto Ribeiro Pedro Cristiano , Amann Niklas , Alba Alejandre Irene , Kost Bernd , Mahner Sven , Kaltofen Till
Published: March 2021

Heterotopic pregnancy is a rare event in natural conception (1:30000). We describe a case of a 36‐year‐old nulliparous. She presented to our department in the 4 + 6 gestational week with two simultaneous pregnancies intrauterine and extrauterine. Here, we compare treatment options and ultrasound findings to help examiners avoid inadequate therapeutic approaches.
ModraDoc006, an oral docetaxel formulation in combination with ritonavir (ModraDoc006/r), in metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer patients: A phase Ib study
Authors: Vermunt Marit A. C. , Robbrecht Debbie G. J. , Devriese Lot A. , Janssen Julie M. , Thijssen Bas , Keessen Marianne , van Eijk Maarten , Kessels Rob , Eskens Ferry A. L. M. , Beijnen Jos H. , Mehra Niven , Bergman Andries M.
Published: March 2021

Background

ModraDoc006 is an oral formulation of docetaxel, which is co‐administered with the cytochrome P450 3A4 and P‐glycoprotein inhibitor ritonavir (r): ModraDoc006/r. Weekly treatment with ModraDoc006/r had been evaluated in phase I trials in patients with different types of advanced solid tumors, but up to this point in time not in patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

Aim

We assessed safety and pharmacokinetics (PK) of ModraDoc006/r to establish the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) in patients with mCRPC.

Methods

mCRPC patients, treatment naïve or following abiraterone or enzalutamide treatment, were included. Dose‐escalation of ModraDoc006/r was based on safety and docetaxel PK. Antitumor activity was assessed by serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) and radiological evaluation.

Results

Cohort 1 (n = 5) received once weekly ModraDoc006 30 mg with ritonavir 100 mg in the morning, and ModraDoc006 20 mg with ritonavir 100 mg in the evening (30‐20/100‐100). The mean docetaxel area under the plasma concentration‐time curve (mAUC0‐inf) was 461 ng/mL × h with 1 dose limiting toxicity (DLT); grade 3 alanine transferase increase. In cohort 2 (n = 6, ModraDoc006/r 30‐20/200‐200), the mAUC0‐inf was 1687 ng/mL × h with 2 DLTs; grade 3 diarrhea and mucositis. In cohort 3A (n = 6, ModraDoc006/r 30‐20/200‐100), the mAUC0‐inf was 1517 ng/mL × h with 1 DLT; grade 3 diarrhea. In cohort 3B (n = 3, ModraDoc006/r 20‐20/200‐100), the mAUC0‐inf was 558 ng/mL × h without DLTs. The mAUC0‐inf exceeded estimated exposures of intravenous docetaxel in cohort 2 and 3A, was lower in cohort 1 and was in range in cohort 3B. PSA decreases of >50% occurred in 6/10 evaluable patients throughout the various cohorts. In five radiological evaluable patients, two confirmed partial responses were observed.

Conclusion

The RP2D was established at weekly ModraDoc006/r 30‐20/200‐100. Observed PSA and radiological responses suggest promising clinical activity. These results have led to an ongoing randomized Phase 2b study, comparing weekly ModraDoc006/r with 3‐weekly IV docetaxel in patients with mCRPC.
Excitation of plasma wakefields by intense ultra‐relativistic proton beam
Authors: Karmakar Mithun , Patel Bhavesh , Chakrabarti Nikhil , Sengupta Sudip
Published: March 2021

We report here an exact analytical travelling wave solution for a non‐linear electron plasma wave excited by an intense ultra‐relativistic proton beam. It demonstrates the underlying physics of longitudinal electric field characteristics of the excited wake wave formed behind the drive beam. The results are further supplemented by a fully relativistic particle‐in‐cell code OSIRIS in two‐dimensional geometry. The investigation is further extended by providing an analytical description of the wake wave excited by an equi‐spaced train of small proton bunches with the inclusion of the non‐relativistic plasma ion dynamics. Our results show that the amplitude of the wake field does not grow indefinitely with the increase in the number of proton bunches. On the contrary, it saturates to a definitive limit.
Piping plovers demonstrate regional differences in nesting habitat selection patterns along the U.S. Atlantic coast
Authors: Zeigler Sara L. , Gutierrez Benjamin T. , Hecht Anne , Plant Nathaniel G. , Sturdivant Emily J.
Published: March 2021

Habitat studies that encompass a large portion of a species’ geographic distribution can explain characteristics that are either consistent or variable, further informing inference from more localized studies and improving management successes throughout the range. We identified landscape characteristics at Piping Plover nests at 21 sites distributed from Massachusetts to North Carolina and compared habitat selection patterns among the three designated U.S. recovery units (New England, New York–New Jersey, and Southern). Geomorphic setting, substrate type, and vegetation type and density were determined in situ at 928 Piping Plover nests (hereafter, used resource units) and 641 random points (available resource units). Elevation, beach width, Euclidean distance to ocean shoreline, and least‐cost path distance to low‐energy shorelines with moist substrates (commonly used as foraging habitat) were associated with used and available resource units using remotely sensed spatial data. We evaluated multivariate differences in habitat selection patterns by comparing recovery unit‐specific Bayesian networks. We then further explored individual variables that drove disparities among Bayesian networks using resource selection ratios for categorical variables and Welch’s unequal variances t‐tests for continuous variables. We found that relationships among variables and their connections to habitat selection were similar among recovery units, as seen in commonalities in Bayesian network structures. Furthermore, nesting Piping Plovers consistently selected mixed sand and shell, gravel, or cobble substrates as well as areas with sparse or no vegetation, irrespective of recovery unit. However, we observed significant differences among recovery units in the elevations, distances to ocean, and distances to low‐energy shorelines of used resource units. Birds also exhibited increased selectivity for overwash habitats and for areas with access to low‐energy shorelines along a latitudinal gradient from north to south. These results have important implications for conservation and management, including assessment of shoreline stabilization and habitat restoration planning as well as forecasting effects of climate change.
Ocean warming and species range shifts affect rates of ecosystem functioning by altering consumer–resource interactions
Authors: Gilson Abby R. , Smale Dan A. , O’Connor Nessa
Published: March 2021

Recent warming trends have driven widespread changes in the performance and distribution of species in many regions, with consequent shifts in assemblage structure and ecosystem functioning. However, as responses to warming vary across species and regions, novel communities are emerging, particularly where warm‐affinity range‐expanding species have rapidly colonized communities still dominated by cold‐affinity species. Such community reconfiguration may alter core ecosystem processes, such as productivity or nutrient cycling, yet it remains unclear whether novel communities function similarly to those they have replaced, and how continued warming will alter functioning in the near future. Using simplified kelp forest communities as a model system, we compared rates of respiration, consumption and secondary productivity between current cold‐affinity and future warm‐affinity kelp assemblages under both present‐day temperatures and near‐future warming in a series of mesocosm experiments. Overall, respiration rates of gastropods and amphipods increased with warming but did not differ between cold and warm affinity kelp assemblages. Consumption rates of three consumers (urchin, gastropod and amphipod) differed between kelp assemblages but only amphipod consumption rates increased with warming. A diet derived from warm‐affinity kelp assemblages led to a decrease in growth and biomass of urchins, whereas the response of other consumers was variable depending on temperature treatment. These results suggest that climate‐driven changes in assemblage structure of primary producers will alter per capita rates of ecosystem functioning, and that specific responses may vary in complex and unpredictable ways, with some mediated by warming more than others. Understanding how differences in life history and functional traits of dominant species will affect ecological interactions and, in turn, important ecosystem processes is crucial to understanding the wider implications of climate‐driven community reconfiguration.
Ursodeoxycholic acid impairs liver‐infiltrating T‐cell chemotaxis through IFN‐γ and CX3CL1 production in primary biliary cholangitis
Authors: Shimoyama Shin , Kawata Kazuhito , Ohta Kazuyoshi , Chida Takeshi , Suzuki Tetsuro , Tsuneyama Koichi , Shimoda Shinji , Kurono Nobuhito , Leung Patrick S.C. , Gershwin M. Eric , Suda Takafumi , Kobayashi Yoshimasa
Published: March 2021

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is the primary treatment for primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), but its mechanism of action remains unclear. Studies suggest that UDCA enhances NF erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (NFE2L2) expression and that the interaction between IFN‐γ and C‐X3‐C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CX3CL1) facilitates biliary inflammation in PBC. Therefore, we examined the effects of UDCA on the expression of IFN‐γ and CX3CL1 in in vitro and in vivo PBC models such as human liver tissue, a murine model, cell lines, and isolated human intrahepatic biliary epithelial cells (IHBECs). We observed a significant decrease in IFN‐γ mRNA levels and positive correlations between IFN‐γ and CX3CL1 mRNA levels post‐UDCA treatment in PBC livers. NFE2L2‐mediated transcriptional activation was significantly enhanced in UDCA‐treated Jurkat cells. In 2‐octynoic acid‐immunized mice, IFN‐γ production by liver‐infiltrating T cells was dependent on NFE2L2 activation. IFN‐γ significantly and dose‐dependentlyinduced CX3CL1 expression, which was significantly decreased in HuCC‐T1 cells and IHBECs upon UDCA treatment. These results suggest that UDCA‐induced suppression of IFN‐γ and CX3CL1 production attenuates the chemotactic and adhesive abilities of liver‐infiltrating T cells in PBC.
Mixed‐Metal Monophosphate Tungsten Bronzes Containing Rhodium and Iridium
Authors: Karbstein Alexander , Weber Markus , Lahr Dominic , Daniels Jörg , Assenmacher Wilfried , Mader Werner , Rosowski Frank , Schunk Stephan A. , Glaum Robert
Published: March 2021

Solution combustion synthesis followed by annealing in air led to the MPTB‐related phosphates (Rh1/6W5/6O3)8(PO2)4, (Ir1/6W5/6O3)8(PO2)4 (a=5.258(2) Å, b=6.538(3) Å, c=17.322(8) Å), (Rh1/9W8/9O3)12(PO2)4 and (Rh2/21W19/21O3)14(PO2)4. Single‐crystals of the mixed‐metal (Rh,W)‐MPTBs at m=4 and at m=7 were grown by chemical vapor transport (CVT). Their crystal structures have been refined from X‐ray single‐crystal data {(Rh,W)‐MPTB at m=4: P212121, Z=1, a=5.2232(3) Å, b=6.4966(3) Å, c=17.3819(9) Å, R1=0.032, wR2=0.075 for 1714 unique reflections, 1524 with Fo>4σ(Fo), 66 variables, 1 constraint, composition from refinement (Rh0.15W0.85O3)8(PO2)4; (Rh,W)‐MPTB at m=7: P21/n, Z=1, a=5.2510(4) Å, b=6.4949(5) Å, c=26.685(2) Å, β=90.30(1)°, R1=0.060, wR2=0.163 for 2074 unique reflections, 1894 with Fo>4σ(Fo), 100 variables, comp. from ref. (Rh0.07W0.93O3)14(PO2)4}. These structure refinements show unexpected distribution of Rh and W over the available metal sites. Further characterization (powder reflectance and magnetic measurements) of the (Rh,W)‐MPTB at m=4 and at m=7 suggest for both phases a homogeneity range with respect to the Rh/W ratio and the presence of small amounts of W5+ besides Rh3+ and W6+. Results of the ligand field analysis for the reference material Rh(PO3)3, which is containing the octahedral chromophore [RhIIIO6], are reported (Δo=23200 cm−1, B=490 cm−1).
Self‐Assembly of Cobalt(II) Coordination Polymers with Differently Halosubstituted Nicotinate Ligands and 4,4’‐Bipyridine – The Effect of the Halosubstituent Positions on Polymer Types
Authors: Hok Lucija , Lluch Sanchez Eloi , Vianello Robert , Kukovec Boris‐Marko , Popović Zora
Published: March 2021

Two structurally different 1D cobalt(II) coordination polymers with 4,4’‐bipyridine (4,4’‐bpy) and 2‐chloronicotinate (2‐Cl‐nic) or 5‐bromonicotinate (5‐Br‐nic), namely {[Co(2‐Cl‐nic)2(4,4’‐bpy)(H2O)2] ⋅ 4H2O}n (1) and {[Co(4,4’‐bpy)(H2O)4] [Co(5‐Br‐nic)4(H2O)2] ⋅ 4,4’‐bpy ⋅ 2H2O}n (2), were prepared under the same experimental conditions. The cobalt(II) ions in 1 are bridged by 4,4’‐bipyridine ligands into a 1D polymeric chain, each cobalt(II) ion being coordinated with two O‐monodentate 2‐chloronicotinate ligands and two water molecules as well, while 2 consists of a complex cation {[Co(4,4’‐bpy)(H2O)4]2+}n, in which cobalt(II) ions are bridged by 4,4’‐bipyridine ligands into a 1D polymeric chain, and a complex anion [Co(5‐Br‐nic)4(H2O)2]2−, in which cobalt(II) ion is coordinated with four 5‐bromonicotinate ligands (two of them being O‐monodentate and the other two are N‐monodentate) and two water molecules. DFT calculations revealed a correlation between the halosubstituent (chlorine or bromine) positions in the employed nicotinate ligands and the cobalt(II) coordination environments in the obtained coordination polymers, being responsible for their different structural types.
A binder‐free composite of graphite and kaolinite as a stable working electrode for general electrochemical applications
Authors: Karunadasa Kohobhange S. P. , Rathnayake Dananjali , Manoratne Chinthan , Pitawala Amarasooriya , Rajapakse Gamini
Published: March 2021

Composite electrodes are essential to overcome dynamic challenges related to electrodes made of polymeric binders. Herein, this work reports a composite electrode consisting of graphite and kaolinite (GKCE) as a potential alternative for commercial electrodes. The GKCE series exhibits exponential decay in resistivity parallel to the linear increase in mechanical strength depending on the relative strength of the unique lamella‐like graphite structure when going from low to high graphite percentage. GKCE with 80% graphite employed as the model working electrode for analyte detection and electropolymerization. GKCE can produce a typical voltammogram response with a narrow potential range and highest sensitivity (1.2 A m/mol) towards the analyte (Fe2+/Fe3+) compared to commercial working electrodes. Electropolymerization with GKCE leads to a polyaniline network consisting of nanofibers with the lowest charge transfer resistance of 403 Ω. GKCE is a potential low‐cost electrode for general electrochemical applications in comparison with expensive commercial working electrodes.
Experimental charging/discharging studies of organic phase change materials for cold thermal energy storage application
Authors: Chinnasamy Veerakumar , Appukuttan Sreekumar
Published: March 2021

This article presents the experimental charging and discharging characteristics of two organic phase change materials (PCMs) for the application of cold thermal energy storage. Lauryl alcohol and butyl stearate were encapsulated in rectangular encapsulation and the experimental study was carried out in vapor compression refrigeration system. The experiment also conducted for different masses of PCMs and the result showed that lauryl alcohol shows stable phase change with less temperature variation of 3.5°C during the charging and discharging which is not evidenced in butyl stearate. Also, the discharging duration is more in lauryl alcohol than butyl stearate due to its high energy density. The discharge in lauryl alcohol occurs for more than two times of the discharge time of the butyl stearate. Both the PCMs produced cooling inside the chamber during the experiment but comparatively lauryl alcohol advances in the real‐time performance and recommended for cold thermal energy storage applications.
Segregation/cycling effects on thermophysical properties of salt hydrate phase change materials
Authors: Nada Sameh A. , Alshaer Walid G. , Saleh Ramy M.
Published: March 2021

Energy storage systems designers normally use the thermophysical properties of phase change materials (PCMs) from the manufactures/suppliers data sheet. Unfortunately, sometimes PCMs systems do not behalf according to supplier data sheet, especially after cycling use. Designing systems based on these unrealistic data sheet make the system operates at off design conditions most of time. The problem is substantially appears in salt hydrates PCMs systems. In this short communication, a case study of such discrepancies in air free cooling is addressed. The system design was based on SP24E PCM data sheet, but results showed that liquids and solidus lines cannot shown on the temperature transient history during charging and discharging process, and complete solidification and melting could not be obtained. For further detailed investigations; differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) tests were conducted for SP24E PCM and completely different results than supplier data sheet were obtained DSC tests showed (a) a wide range of temperature variation during melting and solidifications, (b) phase change starts and ends at lower temperatures compared with supplier data sheet, and (c) phase change latent heat is lower than the one listed in supplier data sheet.
A Note of Gratitude for Leith
Authors: Williams Bianca C.
Published: March 2021

Bianca Williams writes a note of gratitude to Leith Mullings, retracing many moments that they shared together. In particular, she shares lessons that Mullings taught her about social movement organizing, transformative justice work, Black feminist leadership, and the role that the academy may or may not play in racial justice for Black Lives.
Impact of later retirement on mortality: Evidence from France
Authors: Bozio Antoine , Garrouste Clémentine , Perdrix Elsa
Published: March 2021

This paper investigates the impact of delaying retirement on mortality among the French population. We take advantage of the 1993 pension reform in the private sector to identify the causal effect of an increase in claiming age on mortality. We use administrative data which provide detailed information on career characteristics, dates of birth and death. Our results, precisely estimated, show that an exogenous increase of one year in the claiming age has no significant impact on the probability to die, measured between age 61 and 79, even when we allow for nonlinear effects of treatment intensity. To test the power of our sample to detect statistically significant effects for rare events like death, we compute minimum detectable effects (MDEs). Our MDE estimates suggest that, if an impact of later retirement on mortality would be detectable, it would remain very small in magnitude.
Spatial and seasonal variability of sediment accumulation potential through controlled flooding of the beels located in the polders of the Ganges‐Brahmaputra‐Meghna delta of Southwest Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Md Feroz , Middelkoop Hans , Schot Paul P. , Dekker Stefan C. , Griffioen Jasper
Published: March 2021

The Ganges‐Brahmaputra‐Meghna (GBM) delta plain within Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable to relative sea level rise (RSLR) in the world especially under current anthropogenically modified (i.e., embanked) conditions. Tidal river management (TRM) as practiced in coastal regions of Bangladesh may provide an opportunity to combat RSLR by raising the land level through controlled sedimentation inside beels (depression within embanked polders) with re‐opening of polders. To date, TRM has been applied to tide‐dominated coastal regions, but the potential applicability of TRM for the beels within the polders of river‐dominated and mixed flow (MF) regimes remains to be assessed. We apply a calibrated 2D numerical hydromorphodynamic model to quantify sediment deposition in a beel flooded through breaching of the polder dike under conditions of river‐dominated, tide‐dominated and MF regimes for different seasons and applying different regulation schemes for the flow into the beel. Simulation results show considerable seasonality in sediment deposition with largest deposition during the monsoon season. The potential of controlled flooding is highest in the tide‐dominated region, where sediment accumulation can be up to 28 times higher than in the river‐dominated region. Regulating flow into a beel increases trapping efficiency, but results in slightly lower total deposition than without regulation. We conclude that re‐establishing flooding of the beel within the polder without regulating the flow into the beel through breaching of the polder dike is a promising strategy for the mixed and tide‐dominated flow regions in the delta as the sediment accumulation can raise the land surface at a higher rate than RSLR and effective SLR (ESLR). In the more upstream river‐dominated section of the delta, accumulation rates would be much lower, but the pressure of sea level rise on these areas is lower as well. Owing to the abundant availability of sediment, application of controlled flooding like TRM therefore provides an opportunity to counteract the impact of RSLR and ESLR by means of land raising, particularly along the tidal river reaches in the GBM delta.
The impact of aquifer stratification on saltwater intrusion characteristics. Comprehensive laboratory and numerical study
Authors: Etsias Georgios , Hamill Gerard A. , Águila Jesús F. , Benner Eric M. , McDonnell Mark C. , Ahmed Ashraf A. , Flynn Raymond
Published: March 2021

Laboratory experiments and numerical simulations were utilized in this study to assess the impact of aquifer stratification on saltwater intrusion. Three homogeneous and six layered aquifers were investigated. Image processing algorithms facilitated the precise calculation of saltwater wedge toe length, width of the mixing zone, and angle of intrusion. It was concluded that the length of intrusion in stratified aquifers is predominantly a function of permeability contrast, total aquifer transmissivity and the number of heterogeneous layers, being positively correlated to all three. When a lower permeability layer overlays or underlays more permeable zones its mixing zone widens, while it becomes thinner for the higher permeability strata. The change in the width of the mixing zone (WMZ) is positively correlated to permeability contrast, while it applies to all strata irrespectively of their relative vertical position in the aquifer. Variations in the applied hydraulic head causes the transient widening of WMZ. These peak WMZ values are larger during saltwater retreat and are negatively correlated to the layer's permeability and distance from the aquifer's bottom. Moreover, steeper angles of intrusion are observed in cases where low permeability layers overlay more permeable strata, and milder ones in the inverse aquifer setups. The presence of a low permeability upper layer results in the confinement of the saltwater wedge in the lower part of the stratified aquifer. This occurs until a critical hydraulic head difference is applied to the system. This hydraulic gradient value was found to be a function of layer width and permeability contrast alike.
Combining the management of water level regimes and plant structures for waterbird habitat provision in wetlands
Authors: Qiu Xintian , Liu Hongrui , Yin Xinan , Qin Jinglan
Published: March 2021

The survival of waterbirds depends heavily on habitat, particularly aquatic plants. For each kind of aquatic plant, there are specific water level regime requirements to meet its germination and growth. Previous studies usually focused on the use of water level management to achieve protection and restoration of aquatic plants. However, the water level regimes in many wetlands have been greatly changed and their ecological objectives usually cannot be achieved by water level management alone. Accordingly, this study combined water level management and artificial planting for waterbird habitat provision in wetlands. The Hongze Lake National Wetland Nature Reserve was taken as the research area. In this study, we considered the needs of waterbirds for nesting and foraging, and determined the aquatic plant species to be planted. According to the seasonal water level requirements of these plants, we simulated the plantable areas of different aquatic plants under different water level regimes. We then further optimized the water level regimes according to the needs of waterbirds, and determined the optimal water level management scheme. In addition, we formulated planting principles, explored the planting structure under each water level regime, so that the plant structure can better serve the waterbirds. The results showed that the current water level regime of Hongze Lake is not consistent with the growth rhythm of aquatic plants. Because of the human regulation, the water level of the wetland is high in winter and low in summer, which is contrary to the requirements of aquatic plant growth. A combination of water level regimes and plant structure management, however, could effectively expand the area for waterbird habitat. The results of this study will help wetland managers to make informed decisions about how to restore the waterbird habitat in other similar regulated wetlands.
Negative childhood experiences and health inequalities among adults over 45: Evidence from China
Authors: Liu Yiwei , Diao Li , Wang Wenjing , Xu Ling , Su Yuting , Yin Yuru
Published: March 2021

Growing health inequalities have become an important challenge for Chinese society. This study analyses the impact of negative childhood experiences on health among Chinese adults over 45. Data were derived from the 2014 Life Course Survey under the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, with a total sample of 5,842 adults over the age of 45. The results showed that negative childhood experiences had a significant negative impact on the health of adults over 45 (β = −0.021, p < .001). The concentration index decomposition revealed that negative childhood experiences were associated with more health inequalities. The elasticity coefficient for negative childhood experiences was −0.119, the concentration index of negative childhood experiences was −0.019, and the contribution to health inequalities was 12.86%. The mechanism test and analysis found that negative childhood experiences had a greater negative impact on the health of the low‐income group than on that of the high‐income group. Therefore, health inequality should be viewed from life course theory. To reduce residents' health inequalities, government's decision‐making should be forward looking and start early in life; interventions should be pursued in residents who have had unfortunate childhood experiences.

Highlights

Negative childhood experiences have a negative impact on self‐rated health.

Negative childhood experiences were associated with more health inequalities.

Negative childhood experiences have a greater negative impact on the health of the low‐income group than on that of the high‐income group.
Imaging sebaceous gland using optical coherence tomography with deep learning assisted automatic identification
Authors: Luo Yuemei , Wang Xianghong , Yu Xiaojun , Jin Ruibing , Liu Linbo
Published: March 2021

Imaging sebaceous glands and evaluating morphometric parameters are important for diagnosis and treatment of serum problems. In this article, we investigate the feasibility of high‐resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT) in combination with deep learning assisted automatic identification for these purposes. Specifically, with a spatial resolution of 2.3 μm × 6.2 μm (axial × lateral, in air), OCT is capable of clearly differentiating sebaceous gland from other skin structures and resolving the sebocyte layer. In order to achieve efficient and timely imaging analysis, a deep learning approach built upon ResNet18 is developed to automatically classify OCT images (with/without sebaceous gland), with a classification accuracy of 97.9%. Based on the result of automatic identification, we further demonstrate the possibility to measure gland size, sebocyte layer thickness and gland density.
A 6‐lncRNA signature predicts prognosis of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Gao Hongyu , Wu Bin , Jin Hong , Yang Wei
Published: March 2021

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) comprises distinct entities due to its heterogeneity. The currently used international prognostic index for DLBCL prognosis prediction is only based on clinical factors and cannot reflect the molecular mechanisms underlying its progression. Here, we aimed to establish a long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA)‐based signature for DLBCL prognosis prediction. The data were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus and The Cancer Genome Atlas database. After identifying the differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs), univariate COX regression, LASSO regression, and stepwise regression analysis were performed to construct a 6‐lncRNA risk score system. Kaplan–Meier survival presented that the high‐risk group had a significantly poorer overall survival. Based on the risk score and clinical characters, a nomogram was established, which had better predictive accuracy than each factor alone. Finally, weighted gene co‐expression network analysis showed that these lncRNAs might regulate immune response, metabolism process, and signal transduction to influence the outcome. Conclusively, our model and nomogram could be reliable prognostic tools for DLBCL patients.
The outcomes of secondary AML post allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation significantly depend on the presence of poor‐risk cytogenetic abnormalities
Authors: Hassanein Mona , Fakih Riad El , Rasheed Walid , Ahmed Syed , Shaheen Marwan , Chaudhri Naeem , Alsharif Fahad , Ahmed Shad , Hanbali Amr , AlShaibani Alfadel , Alfraih Feras , Alhayli Saud , Elhassan Tusneem , Alahmari Ali , Alzahrani Hazzaa , Almohareb Fahad , Aljurf Mahmoud , Hashmi Shahrukh
Published: March 2021

Secondary acute myeloid leukemia (sAML) includes AML as a complication of an antecedent hematological disorder or a therapy‐related AML. Large registry‐based data identified sAML as an independent poor‐outcome type of AML post allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo‐HCT). In our study, we tried to define factors affecting
outcomes of sAML post allo‐HCT, and identify patients with sAML who may truly benefit from allo‐HCT. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 64 patients aged (14‐61 years) with sAML who received allo‐HCT between September 2010 and February 2018 at our institute. Most of the patients were transplanted from matched related donors (MRD; 54, 84.4%). Our results showed that poor‐risk cytogenetics were identified in 31 patients (48.4%), and their presence was an indicator of poor overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS; P‐value = .009, and .004, respectively). The cumulative incidence of chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (cGVHD) was significantly lower in sAML patients with poor‐risk cytogenetics (P‐value = .003) resulting in a high risk of death without cGVHD in this group of patients (P‐value = .02). Besides, GVHD relapse‐free survival (GRFS) analysis showed that most of our studied patients experienced either relapse or debilitating grade II‐IV cGVHD in the first 2 years post allo‐HCT. We conclude that sAML patients with poor‐risk cytogenetics have a significantly lower DFS post allo‐HCT with a high risk of death without active cGVHD.
Potential false‐positive reasons for SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody testing and its solution
Authors: Ye Qing , Zhang Ting , Lu Dezhao
Published: March 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has brought a huge impact on global health and the economy. Early diagnosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection is essential for epidemic prevention and control. The detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies is an important criterion for diagnosing COVID‐19. However, SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody testing also has certain false positives causing confusion in clinical diagnosis. This article summarizes the causes of false‐positive detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies in clinical practice. The results indicate that the most common endogenous interferences include rheumatoid factor, heterophile antibodies, human anti‐animal antibodies, lysozyme, complement, and cross‐antigens. The exogenous interference is mainly incomplete coagulation of the specimen, contamination of the specimen, and insufficient optimization of the diagnostic kit's reaction system.
Farmers' attitudes towards GM crops and their predictors
Authors: Mustapa Muhammad Adzran Che , Batcha Mohamed Faizal Noor , Amin Latifah , Arham Ahmad Firdhaus , Mahadi Zurina , Yusoff Noor Ashikin Mohamed , Yaacob Mashitoh , Omar Nor Asiah , Hussain Wan Hirwani Wan
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Genetically modified (GM) crops have become a controversial global issue since their commercialization in 1996. However, despite technological advancements, only a few studies have investigated farmers' attitudes towards GM crops in Malaysia. Therefore, this study aims to analyse such attitudes and their determining factors. A validated questionnaire was distributed to farmers in the Cameron Highlands, Pahang (n = 176). SPSS software was used to analyse the descriptive statistics of the farmers' attitudes to GM crops, while SmartPLS software was used to determine the predictors.

RESULTS

Descriptive analysis shows that the farmers claimed to have a high level of self‐efficacy, and perceived GM crops as possessing high benefits which translate into a highly positive attitude towards GM crops. However, at the same time, they rated GM crops as involving moderate risks and would incur moderate costs to farm, as well as acknowledging a low level of support from the government. The structural equation model (SEM) analysis demonstrates that five factors have been identified as direct predictors of attitude to GM crops: government support (ß = 0.364, P < 0.001), perceived costs (ß = −0.282, P < 0.01), perceived risks (ß = −0.227, P < 0.01), perceived benefits (ß = 0.205, P < 0.01) and perceived self‐efficacy (ß = 0.199, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study contributes to the existing knowledge and provides empirical support in explaining the factors that influence farmers' decisions to adopt GM crops and have significant implications for the future development of agro‐biotechnology in Malaysia and in other developing countries. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effects of magnetite nanoparticles on physiological processes to alleviate salinity induced oxidative damage in wheat
Authors: El‐Saber Mahmoud M , Mahdi Asmaa A , Hassan Ahmed H , Farroh Khaled Yehia , Osman Ali
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

One of the major abiotic stressors that have a serious effect on plant growth and productivity worldwide is the salinity of soil or irrigation water. The effect of foliar application of magnetite nanoparticles (size = 22.05 nm) at different concentrations (0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 ppm) was investigated to improve salinity tolerance in two wheat cultivars, namely, Misr1 (Tolerant) and Gimmeza11 (Sensitive). Moreover, toxicological investigations of magnetite oxide nanoparticle in Wistar albino rats were estimated.

RESULTS

The magnetite nanoparticles positively affected growth, chlorophyll, and enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), stimulating reduced glutathione and improving the aggregation of several polypeptide chains that may be linked to the tolerance of saline stress. In contrast, magnetite nanoparticles reduced malondialdehyde (MDA). Inverse sequence‐tagged repeat (ISTR) assay of DNA molecular marker showed the change in band numbers with the highest polymorphic bands with 90% polymorphism at primer F3, B5 and 20 positive bands in Gimmeza11 with 0.5 ppm magnetite nanoparticles. In the median lethal dose (LD50) study, no rats died after the oral administration of magnetite nanoparticle at different doses. Therefore, the iron oxide nanoparticle was nontoxic when administered orally by gavage.

CONCLUSION

Magnetite nanoparticles partially helped to alleviate the effects of salt stress by activating growth, chlorophyll content, SOD, glutathione, and soluble proteins in two wheat cultivars (Misr1 and Gimmeza11) and decreasing MDA content. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
A risk‐based approach for the safety analysis of eight trace elements in Chinese flowering cabbage (Brassica parachinensis L.) in China
Authors: Li Furong , Wang Xu , Wang Fuhua , Wen Dian , Wu Zhichao , Du Yingqiong , Du Ruiying , Robinson Brett H , Zhao Peihua
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Most countries set regulatory values for the total trace element (TE) concentrations in soil, although there is growing interest in using a risk‐based approach to evaluate the bioavailable TE using dilute salt extractants or other soil parameters, including pH and organic carbon. The present study compares the current regulatory system (based on total TEs and pH) and a risk‐based approach using 0.01 mol L–1 CaCl2 to estimate the bioavailable fraction.

RESULTS

In total, 150 paired samples of Chinese flowering cabbages (Brassica parachinensis) and their growth soils were collected, and the total and extractable concentrations of chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg), as well as soil pH and organic matter content, were measured. No more than 3.33% of the edible parts exceeded Chinese food safety standards, even when growing in soils exceeding the current regulatory thresholds by over 50%. The total soil Cd (1.5 mg kg−1), as well as the extractable concentrations of Cd (0.1 mg kg−1), Ni (0.03 mg kg−1) and Zn (0.1 mg kg−1), are the key factors affecting the TE concentrations in B. parachinensis.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that the current soil regulatory guidelines for safe production of B. parachinensis are overly strict and conservative. A risk‐based approach based on the extractable TE concentrations would provide a better indication for plant uptake of soil TEs and avoid the waste of farmlands that can still produce safe vegetables. Future research should focus on providing crop‐specific available TE concentration guidelines to promote effective utilization of farmlands. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Impact of encapsulated orange essential oil with β‐cyclodextrin on technological, digestibility, sensory properties of wheat cakes as well as Aspergillus flavus spoilage
Authors: Kringel Dianini Hüttner , Lang Gustavo Heinrich , Dias Álvaro Renato Guerra , Gandra Eliezer Avila , Valente Gandra Tatiana Kuka , da Rosa Zavareze Elessandra
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

The majority of studies with essential oils in foods focus mainly on improving the shelf life of products; however, the present study goes further and demonstrates not only the effect of essential oil on conservation properties, but also the effect of free and encapsulated orange essential oil (OEO) on the technological, sensorial and digestibility properties of bakery products.

RESULTS

OEO was encapsulated into β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) by inclusion complex formation (β‐CD/OEO 97.4% of encapsulation efficiency). OEO demonstrated in vitro antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus (inhibition zone of 11.33 mm on mycelial growth). In situ antifungal activity against A. flavus confirmed that free OEO can effectively delay the fungal growth, unlike encapsulated OEO. Regarding texture profile and starch digestibility: cake with β‐CD/OEO showed lower hardness (31.64 N) and lower starch digestibility (69.10%) than cake with free OEO (44.30 N; 82.10%, respectively) and the addition of OEO (both free and encapsulated) decreased the adhesiveness of the cakes. Cake with free OEO showed a higher intensity of orange aroma, being preferred by 60% of panelists, whereas cake with β‐CD/OEO presented a very slight orange taste and aroma.

CONCLUSION

The encapsulation of OEO into β‐CD improved the crumb texture of cakes and promoted a lower starch digestibility in the cakes. On the other hand, the encapsulation process was not effective under the conditions tested (OEO concentration and baking temperatures), compromising the action of the OEO as a natural flavoring and preservative agent. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Automatic Classification of Hepatic Cystic Echinococcosis Using Ultrasound Images and Deep Learning
Authors: Wu Miao , Yan Chuanbo , Wang Xiaorong , Liu Qian , Liu Zhihua , Song Tao
Published: March 2021

Background

Hepatic cystic echinococcosis is the main form of hepatic echinococcosis, which is a life‐threatening liver disease caused by parasites that requires a precise diagnosis and proper treatment.

Objective

This study focuses on the automatic classification system of five different subtypes of hepatic cystic echinococcosis based on ultrasound images and deep learning algorithms.

Methods

Three popular deep convolutional neural networks (VGG19, Inception‐v3, and ResNet18) with and without pretrained weights were selected to test their performance on the classification task, and the experiments were followed by a 5‐fold cross‐validation process.

Results

A total of 1820 abdominal ultrasound images covering five subtypes of hepatic cystic echinococcosis from 967 patients were used in the study. The classification accuracy for the models with pretrained weights (fine‐tuning) ranged from 88.2 to 90.6%. The best accuracy of 90.6% was obtained by VGG19. For comparison, the models without pretrained weights (from scratch) achieved a lower accuracy, ranging from 69.4 to 75.1%.

Conclusion

Deep convolutional neural networks with pretrained weights are capable of recognizing different subtypes of hepatic cystic echinococcosis from ultrasound images, which are expected to be applied in the computer‐aided diagnosis systems in future work.
Allergy‐Related Sialodochitis: A Preliminary Cohort Study
Authors: Zhao Ya‐Ning , Zhang Li‐Qi , Zhang Ya‐Qiong , Chen Yan , Liu Deng‐Gao , Yu Guang‐Yan
Published: March 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

To explore the clinically feasible diagnosis criteria and treatment outcomes of allergy‐related sialodochitis (ARS).

Study Design

Prospective Cohort Study.

Methods

Ninety‐six consecutive patients were enrolled by the following criteria: 1) recurrent swelling of ≥2 large salivary glands that lasted for ≥3 months; 2) with mucus plug exudations; 3) with atopic diseases; 4) ductal stenosis and/or ectasia. Sixty‐four patients with elevation of peripheral blood eosinophil (PBE) and/or serum IgE level comprised group A (highly‐suspected ARS group), while the remaining 32 comprised group B (patients without confirmed evidence of ARS). These patients were treated with interventional endoscopy. A chronic obstructive sialadenitis symptom (COSS) questionnaire was used to quantify the treatment outcomes.

Results

In group A, Serum IgE was elevated in 84.4% of patients and PBE was elevated in 34.4% of patients. Percentage of submandibular gland involvement was higher in group A than group B (48.4% vs. 18.8%). On sialograms, the snowflake changes of branch ducts were seen in higher percentage of group A compared with group B (59% vs. 35% for parotid glands, 27% vs. 8% for submandibular glands, respectively). Mucus plug smears showed abundant eosinophils in 14 group A patients. Biopsy of five group A patients revealed significant eosinophil infiltration around the main and interlobular ducts. During follow‐up, the COSS scores were significantly decreased in both groups, and group B was improved better than group A.

Conclusion

PBE and serum IgE are important diagnostic indexes of ARS. Mucus plug smear or histopathology verifies the diagnosis. Interventional endoscopy is helpful for ARS cases.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 131:2030–2035, 2021
Innovating Parkinson's Care: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Telemedicine Depression Treatment
Authors: Dobkin Roseanne D. , Mann Sarah L. , Weintraub Daniel , Rodriguez Kailyn M. , Miller Rachael B. , St. Hill Lauren , King Arlene , Gara Michael A. , Interian Alejandro
Published: March 2021

Background

For several decades, a myriad of factors have contributed to the inadequate diagnosis and management of depression in Parkinson's disease (PD), leaving up to 60% of significantly symptomatic patients untreated. Poor access to evidence‐based neuropsychiatric care is one major barrier to achieving optimal Parkinson's outcomes.

Objective

The goal of this study was to compare the efficacy of individual Parkinson's‐informed, video‐to‐home cognitive‐behavioral therapy (experimental group), to clinic‐based treatment as usual (control group), for depression in PD.

Method

Ninety United States military veterans with clinical diagnoses of both depression and PD were computer‐randomized (1:1) to either the experimental or control group; randomization was stratified by baseline antidepressant use and blind to all other baseline data. The acute treatment period spanned 10 weeks and was followed by a 6‐month extension phase. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale was the a priori primary outcome. Depression treatment response was defined as a score ≤2 on the Clinical Global Impression Improvement Scale. All statistical analyses were intent to treat.

Results

Video‐to‐home cognitive‐behavioral therapy outperformed clinic‐based treatment as usual across three separate depression measures (P < 0.001). Effects were observed at the end of acute treatment and maintained through 6‐month follow‐up. Number needed to treat (based on treatment response classification) was 2.5 with an absolute risk reduction of 40%.

Conclusion

Video‐to‐home cognitive‐behavioral therapy may be an effective intervention to bypass access barriers to specialized, evidence‐based depression care in PD and to address the unmet neuropsychiatric treatment needs of the Parkinson's community. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Possible influence of the convection schemes in regional climate model RegCM4.6 for climate services over Central Africa
Authors: Komkoua Mbienda A. J. , Guenang G. M. , Tanessong R. S. , Ashu Ngono S. V. , Zebaze S. , Vondou D. A.
Published: March 2021

In this study we evaluate the reliability of the Regional Climate Model (RegCM4.6) by performing several sensitivity tests at 50 km horizontal resolution using 10 convection schemes or combination of convection schemes. Emphasis on model output is made for the September–October–November 2017–2019 seasonal period. Part of the Central African region, five sub‐regions, was identified. The simulated temperatures are compared to the daily climatology of near‐surface temperature of the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts Reanalysis fifth‐generation and the National Center for Environmental Prediction datasets, while the simulated precipitations are compared to the precipitation of the Global Precipitation Climatology Project and Climate Hazards Group Infrared Precipitation with Stations datasets. In most analyses, the Grell scheme with Arakawa–Schubert closure assumption tends to have the best index of agreement but its spatial distribution shows underestimation of rainfall. Generally, the Emanuel convection scheme is more suitable to represent rainfall and temperature over Central Africa. Compared to our previous study (Komkoua Mbiendaet al.,International Journal of Climatology, 2017, 37, 328–342), the present study shows that we have to pay attention to the choice of convective scheme when using any version of RegCM4 released for climate study over Central Africa. This choice is strictly related to the RegCM version released, the study years and the season. It is important to note, however, that the results presented are a preliminary study of the response to the selected convection schemes. The analysis uses a limited sample of climate model simulation (three model years for each convection scheme). Follow‐up work, featuring longer duration climate simulations and a full assessment of statistical significance, is therefore required to confirm the robustness of the analysis presented.