bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
U–Pb age, Hf–O isotopes, and geochemistry of the Sardasht ophiolite in the NW Zagros orogen: Implications for the tectonic evolution of Neo‐Tethys
Authors: Ao Songjian , Mao Qigui , Khalatbari‐Jafari Morteza , Windley Brian F. , Song Dongfang , Zhang Zhiyong , Zhang Ji'en , Wan Bo , Han Chunnming , Xiao Wenjiao
Published: September 2020

Ophiolites in the Zagros orogen represent relics of the Neo‐Tethyan Ocean that existed between the Laurasia and Gondwana continents. There is much debate about the formation and evolution of the Neo‐Tethyan Ocean. Knowledge of its pre‐collisional tectonic evolution is essential in constraining the timing and process of the collision between the Eurasian and Arabian continents. We present a combined analysis of zircon LA–ICP–MS U–Pb ages and Hf–O isotopes of the Sardasht ophiolite from the NW Zagros orogen. Our new data demonstrate that the Sardasht ophiolite formed at ca. 50.6 Ma. Geochemistry of plagiogranite and diabase indicates that the Sardasht ophiolite probably originated in the mantle wedge, influenced by subduction fluids. The mafic rocks of the Sardasht ophiolite include boninites, arc basaltic rocks, and OIBs, which accreted together when the Neo‐Tethys finally closed. Finally, we argue that there was an intra‐oceanic fore‐arc extension and arc system during 50–24 Ma in the southern branch of the Neo‐Tethys in NW Zagros.
Distance matters! The role of employees' age distance on the effects of workforce age heterogeneity on firm performance
Authors: De Meulenaere Kim , Kunze Florian
Published: September 2020

Age heterogeneity in Western workforces is increasing, generating potential informational benefits as well as harmful age‐based social categorizations. When can firms benefit from age heterogeneity? Building on the categorization‐elaboration model, we propose the average age distance between employees as a fundamental contingency. Using a longitudinal archival sample of 3,336 Belgian firms (2012–2015), we find that firms with a high level of age heterogeneity are less productive when employees' average distance is great (Study 1). Through an online experiment with 260 US participants, we show that employees in age‐heterogeneous workforces are less willing to engage in inter‐age cooperative contact and knowledge exchange under a great level of average age distance (Study 2). Our findings support that great distances foster age‐based social categorizations that undermine the productive information elaborations between employees of different ages. This broadens our knowledge on the implications of workforce age diversity and helps organizations understand when they can(not) reap the productivity benefits of their age‐diverse workforce. Moreover, this study's theory and implications are relevant to other types of diversity for which both heterogeneity and distance are meaningful constructs. We also discuss the practical implications of this study.
Evaluating the role of alcohol consumption in breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility using population‐based cohort studies and two‐sample Mendelian randomization analyses
Authors: Ong Jue‐Sheng , Derks Eske M. , Eriksson Mikael , An Jiyuan , Hwang Liang‐Dar , Easton Douglas F. , Pharoah Paul P. , Berchuck Andrew , Kelemen Linda E. , Matsuo Keitaro , Chenevix‐Trench Georgia , Hall Per , Bojesen Stig E. , Webb Penelope M. , MacGregor Stuart
Published: September 2020

Alcohol consumption is correlated positively with risk for breast cancer in observational studies, but observational studies are subject to reverse causation and confounding. The association with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is unclear. We performed both observational Cox regression and two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses using data from various European cohort studies (observational) and publicly available cancer consortia (MR). These estimates were compared to World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) findings. In our observational analyses, the multivariable‐adjusted hazard ratios (HR) for a one standard drink/day increase was 1.06 (95% confidence interval [CI]; 1.04, 1.08) for breast cancer and 1.00 (0.92, 1.08) for EOC, both of which were consistent with previous WCRF findings. MR ORs per genetically predicted one standard drink/day increase estimated via 34 SNPs using MR‐PRESSO were 1.00 (0.93, 1.08) for breast cancer and 0.95 (0.85, 1.06) for EOC. Stratification by EOC subtype or estrogen receptor status in breast cancers made no meaningful difference to the results. For breast cancer, the CIs for the genetically derived estimates include the point‐estimate from observational studies so are not inconsistent with a small increase in risk. Our data provide additional evidence that alcohol intake is unlikely to have anything other than a very small effect on risk of EOC.
Agreement between prenatal ultrasound and 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of anomalies of the central nervous system: A single‐center experience in Slovakia
Authors: Jezberova Michaela , Kosutzka Zuzana , Waczulikova Iveta , Kolnikova Miriam , Cunderlik Anton , Lehotska Viera
Published: September 2020

Objective

To assess the concordance of in‐utero magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings at 3.0T in fetuses with suspect abnormalities of the central nervous system (CNS) on ultrasonography.

Methods

A retrospective study was done on 222 pregnant women indicated for fetal MRI, with the examination performed within 2 weeks from indication. The inclusion criteria for patients were age 18 years or older with the fetus at 18 weeks of gestation or more. Fetal CNS pathologies were divided into six categories: ventriculomegaly; supratentorial midline abnormalities (ACC); supratentorial space‐occupying lesions; abnormalities of the posterior fossa; destructive cerebral lesions; and cortical formation abnormalities (CFA). Chance‐adjusted agreement was assessed using unweighted Cohen’s kappa (κ).

Results

The best agreement between ultrasound and MRI was observed in ventriculomegaly (κ=0.817; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.76–0.88). There was only a moderate agreement in ACC (κ=0.483; 95% CI 0.35–0.61). CFA pathologies had a poor agreement between the modalities (κ=0.140; 95% CI −0.03 to 0.31).

Conclusion

Ultrasonography has good overall agreement with MRI in diagnosing fetal CNS anomalies. CFA had the most disagreement between ultrasound and MRI. The prognostic implication of these findings can be used for parental neuro‐counseling but should be investigated further.
Diverse species in the genus Cryptococcus: Pathogens and their non‐pathogenic ancestors
Authors: Gupta Shelly , Paul Karan , Kaur Sukhmanjot
Published: September 2020

The genus Cryptococcus comprises of more than 30 species. It consists of clinically significant pathogenic Cryptococcus neoformans/Cryptococcus gattii species complex comprising of a minimum of seven species. These pathogens cost more than 200,000 lives annually by causing cryptococcal meningoencephalitis. The evolution of the pathogenic species from closely related non‐pathogenic species of the Cryptococcus amylolentus complex is of particular importance and several advances have been made to understand their phylogenetic and genomic relationships. The current review briefly describes the sexual reproduction process followed by an individual description of the members focusing on their key attributes and virulence mechanisms of the pathogenic species. A special section on phylogenetic studies is aimed at understanding the evolutionary divergence of pathogens from non‐pathogens. Recent findings from our group pertaining to parameters affecting codon usage bias in six pathogenic and three non‐pathogenic ancestral species and their corroboration with existing phylogenetic reports are also included in the current review.
Evaluation of the Relationship of Glasdegib Exposure and Safety End Points in Patients With Refractory Solid Tumors and Hematologic Malignancies
Authors: Ruiz‐Garcia Ana , Shaik Naveed , Lin Swan , Jamieson Catriona , Heuser Michael , Chan Geoffrey
Published: September 2020

Glasdegib is approved for treating acute myeloid leukemia in elderly patients at 100 mg once daily in combination with low‐dose cytarabine. Exposure‐efficacy analysis showed that the survival benefit of glasdegib was not glasdegib exposure‐dependent. The relationship between glasdegib exposure and adverse event (AE) cluster terms of clinical concern was explored in this analysis. The incidence and severity of dysgeusia, muscle spasms, renal toxicity, and QT interval prolonged was modeled using ordinal logistic regression. AEs were graded using the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (version 4.03). Estimated pharmacokinetic parameters were used to derive glasdegib exposure metrics. Demographic characteristics, disease factors, and other variables of interest as potential moderators of safety signals were evaluated. Clinical trial data from patients who received single‐agent glasdegib (N = 70; 5–640 mg once daily); or glasdegib (N = 202, 100–200 mg once daily) with low‐dose cytarabine, decitabine, or daunorubicin and cytarabine were analyzed. Glasdegib exposure was statistically significantly associated with the cluster term safety end points dysgeusia, muscle spasms, renal toxicity, and QT interval prolonged. The impact of age on muscle spasms and baseline body weight and creatinine clearance on renal toxicity helped explain the AE grade distribution. At the 100 mg once daily clinical dose, the predicted probabilities of the highest AE grade were 11.3%, 6.7%, 7.7%, and 2.5% for dysgeusia, muscle spasms, renal toxicity, and QT interval prolonged, respectively. Overall, the predicted probability of developing an AE of any severity for these safety end points was low. Therefore, no starting dose adjustments are recommended for glasdegib based on the observed safety profile.
Development of a continuous‐flow anaerobic co‐digestion process of olive mill wastewater and municipal sewage sludge
Authors: Bovina Sara , Frascari Dario , Ragini Alessandro , Avolio Francesco , Scarcella GianNicola , Pinelli Davide
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

Olive mill wastewater (OMW) represents an environmental problem due to its high organic load and relevant concentration of phenolic compounds (PCs). OMW treatment and disposal represents a relevant challenge and cost for olive mills and multi‐utilities in charge of waste management in Mediterranean countries. The goal of this study was to develop an anaerobic co‐digestion (co‐AD) process of OMW and sewage sludge (SwS) from municipal wastewater treatment.

RESULTS

Different volumetric OMW:SwS ratios up to 100% OMW were fed in continuous 1.7‐L bioreactors. The reactors fed with raw OMW (rOMW) performed better than those fed with OMW dephenolized by adsorption (dOMW). At a 23‐day hydraulic retention time, the best performances were obtained in the reactor fed with 25% rOMW, with a 105% increase in methane yield in comparison to the 100% SwS test. At a 40‐day hydraulic retention time, the reactor fed with 40% rOMW attained a 268 NLCH4/kgvolatile solids methane yield. The conversion of phenolic compoundsreached 70% when the hydraulic retention time was increased from 23 to 40 days. A cost–benefit analysis indicated that both rOMW co‐AD in existing digesters and phenolic compounds recovery from OMW followed by co‐AD of dOMW can lead to relevant additional revenues for the multi‐utilities in charge of wastewater management.

CONCLUSION

This work proves that, using the existing network of SwS anaerobic digesters, it is feasible to co‐digest the entire OMW production in regions characterized by intense olive oil production, thus attaining a relevant increase in methane production yield (a 144% increase in comparison to 100% SwS). © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
Effect of dopamine on early larvae of sea urchins, Mesocentrotus nudus and Strongylocentrotus intermedius
Authors: Kalachev Alexander V.
Published: September 2020

Larvae of many echinoids are known to be phenotypically plastic and capable of changing the growth rate of their post‐oral arms depending on the microalgae concentration in their habitat. As literature data show, developing larvae use chemosensation to detect algae in the environment and “adjust” the rate of growth of their post‐oral arms through dopamine signaling. According to our results, dopamine has a significant effect on the post‐oral arm growth in early larvae of two sea urchin species, Mesocentrotus nudus and Strongylocentrotus intermedius. The dopamine effect depends on concentration: the higher the dopamine concentration in the water, the shorter the post‐oral arms. We suggest that the pattern of response to variation in dopamine concentration, manifested by early larvae of both species, is similar to that observed at different concentrations of microalgae.
Use of simple scoring systems for a public health approach in the management of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease patients
Authors: Zain Shamsul Mohd , Tan Hwa‐Li , Mohamed Zahurin , Chan Wah‐Kheong , Mahadeva Sanjiv , Basu Roma Choudhury , Mohamed Rosmawati
Published: September 2020

Background and Aim

Advanced fibrosis is the most important predictor of liver‐related mortality in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of noninvasive scoring systems in identifying advanced fibrosis in a Malaysian NAFLD cohort and propose a simplified strategy for the management of NAFLD in a primary care setting.

Methods

We enrolled and reviewed 122 biopsy‐proven NAFLD patients. Advanced fibrosis was defined as fibrosis stages 3–4. Noninvasive assessments included aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase (AST/ALT) ratio, AST‐to‐platelet ratio index (APRI), AST/ALT ratio, diabetes (BARD) score, fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4) score, and NAFLD fibrosis score.

Results

FIB‐4 score had the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 0.86 and 94.3%, respectively, for the diagnosis of advanced fibrosis. FIB‐4 score < 1.3 ruled out advanced fibrosis in 72% of the patients, with 6% being understaged. Further stratification of the indeterminate group patients by other non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) clinical predictors, such as abnormal gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) level and presence diabetes mellitus (DM), could further reduce the number of patients who are unlikely to have advanced fibrosis by 52% and 35%, respectively.

Conclusion

We found that FIB‐4 score outperforms other scoring systems based on AUROC and NPV. The use of a simple scoring system such as FIB‐4 as first‐line triage to risk‐stratify NAFLD patients in the primary care setting, with further stratification of those in the indeterminate group using clinical predictors of NASH, can help in the development of a simplified strategy for a public health approach in the management of NAFLD.
Obesity a predictor of outcomes of COVID‐19 hospitalized patients—A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Malik Preeti , Patel Urvish , Patel Karan , Martin Mehwish , Shah Chail , Mehta Deep , Malik Faizan Ahmad , Sharma Ashish
Published: September 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic is a global health crisis. Very few studies have reported association between obesity and severity of COVID‐19. In this meta‐analysis, we assessed the association of obesity and outcomes in COVID‐19 hospitalized patients. Data from observational studies describing the obesity or body mass index and outcomes of COVID‐19 hospitalized patients from December 1, 2019, to August 15, 2020, was extracted following PRISMA guidelines with a consensus of two independent reviewers. Adverse outcomes defined as intensive care units, oxygen saturation less than 90%, invasive mechanical ventilation, severe disease, and in‐hospital mortality. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were obtained and forest plots were created using random‐effects models. A total of 10 studies with 10,233 confirmed COVID‐19 patients were included. The overall prevalence of obesity in our study was 33.9% (3473/10,233). In meta‐analysis, COVID‐19 patient with obesity had higher odds of poor outcomes compared with better outcomes with a pooled OR of 1.88 (95% CI: 1.25–2.80; p = 0.002), with 86% heterogeneity between studies (p < 0.00001). Our study suggests a significant association between obesity and COVID‐19 severity and poor outcomes. Our results findings may have important suggestions for the clinical management and future research of obesity and COVID‐19.
Prognostic, clinical, and therapeutic importance of RANTES‐CCR5 axis in hepatitis A infection: A multiapproach study
Authors: Baruah Vargab , Tiwari Diptika , Hazam Rajib Kishore , Bose Moumita , Bujarbaruah Dipankar , Saikia Anjan Kumar , Kar Premashish , Dutta Sangit , Bose Sujoy
Published: September 2020

Fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) is a lethal manifestation of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection, whose underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. We aimed to evaluate the importance of the modulation of the RANTES‐chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) signaling axis and its immunomodulatory effects in directing hepatitis A disease pathogenesis using an in silico, in vitro and patient cohort‐based approach. In silico interaction studies were performed using computation approaches with suitable software. Differential expression of relevant cytokines and immune cell markers were studied using real‐time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT‐PCR), enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and flow‐cytometry‐based methods. In the HepG2 cell line, we studied inflammatory responses and susceptibility to HAV infection following RANTES stimulation and antibody blockade of CCR5. The HAV‐VP3 region exhibited high interaction in CCR5: HAV complexes. RANTES levels were significantly increased in FHF cases. Reduced monocyte and T‐cell activation were observed in FHF cases. RANTES expression inversely correlated with viremia but positively correlated with proinflammatory responses. Hyper Th1‐biased immune responses, marked by high interleukin (IL)‐12/IL‐10 ratio were observed in FHF cases, which were also characterized by upregulated tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) expression and reduced interferon‐gamma expression. In vitro, RANTES was protective against HAV infection but resulted in upregulated TNF‐α expression. Although viral load increased upon the regulation of inflammatory responses by CCR5 blocking, it was still significantly lower compared to control HAV‐infected cells. Our study suggests the importance of RANTES‐CCR5 signaling and linked‐immunomodulation in HAV disease pathogenesis, as well as highlights the utility of CCR5 antagonists as a risk‐reduction strategy in FHF patients. Our findings, therefore, have important implications for the management of high‐risk HAV infections.
Efficiency of Dodecenylsuccinic Amide of n‐Phenyl‐p‐Phenylenediammine as Novel Multifunctional Lubricant Additive for Deposit Control and Lubricity
Authors: Faujdar Ekta , Negi Himani , Bhonsle Aman , Atray Neeraj , Singh Raj K.
Published: September 2020

A novel multifunctional amide additive N‐phenyl‐p‐phenylenediamine‐dodecenylsuccinic anhydride (PPA‐DDSA) was synthesized by the reaction of DDSA and N‐phenyl‐p‐phenylenediamine. The successful synthesis of amide additive was confirmed by various analytical techniques like Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Performance of prepared additive was evaluated as multifunctional additive for anti‐oxidant, detergent dispersant, anti‐corrosion, and lubricity properties. The MAK‐500® mineral base oil and synthetic polyol base oil were used as a reference. The antioxidant property was evaluated by using the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl method, which revealed that PPA‐DDSA was better antioxidant than PPA and gallic acid but less effective than butylated hydroxytoluene. PPA‐DDSA was found to be excellent detergent dispersant in polyol in comparison to the MAK‐500. At 4000 ppm additive concentration, the coking value is reduced to 0.0205 g from the value of 0.0840 g for blank polyol while the % dispersancy increased to 40.67 from 20.00 for polyol base oil. The anti‐wear property was observed to be better in the MAK‐500 while the antifriction potential was found to be better in polyol base oil. The average wear scar is reduced from 881 to 550 μM at 2000 ppm concentration in MAK‐500 base oil, while at 3000 ppm PPA‐DDSA concentration, the average friction coefficient reduces to 0.0826 from 0.1276 for blank polyol.
Aggregation and Adsorption Behavior of Cationic Surfactants (Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide and Dodecyltrimethylammonium Bromide) in Aqueous Solutions of Antibiotic Drug (Amikacin Sulphate) at Different Temperatures
Authors: Chauhan Suvarcha , Chaudhary Poonam , Sharma Vivek
Published: September 2020

Conductivity and spectroscopy techniques have been accomplished to comprehend the mechanism of supramolecular assembly of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) in aqueous solution of amikacin sulphate (0.001, 0.005, and 0.010 mol kg−1). For CTAB, the normal boost of the CMC value with rise in temperature manifests the significant role of aquaphilic dehydration. However, the aquaphobic dehydrations become prominent with temperature and depict typical U‐shaped behavior of CMC for DTAB. The thermodynamic parameters of micellization have been derived from CMC values. The outcomes have been conferred in terms of solvation of hydrophobic part of surfactants by hydrophobic part of amikacin sulphate and micellization becomes more favorable for surfactant with more hydrophobic character in the presence of drug. The alteration in micro‐environment of the ternary (drug/surfactant/water) system has been explained in terms of fluorescence emission intensity of surfactant solutions which has been found to decrease by the addition of drug. The obtained absorbance spectrum by varying concentrations of surfactant/drug affords noteworthy information regarding the diverse interactions in studied systems. Moreover, the exhaustive understanding of surfactant micellar behavior have been discussed in consideration of use of surfactants as drug delivery agents and hence to amplify drug bioavailability consequently remodeling its treatment efficacy.
Structural characterization of calcium‐binding sunflower seed and peanut peptides and enhanced calcium transport by calcium complexes in Caco‐2 cells
Authors: Bao Xiaolan , Yuan Xingyu , Feng Guoxue , Zhang Meili , Ma Sarina
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

Peptide–Ca complexes can promote Ca absorption. The present study aimed to determine the transport mechanism and structural characteristics of sunflower seed and peanut peptides with high Ca binding capacity with respect to developing third‐generation Ca supplements and functional food ingredients.

RESULTS

High Ca‐binding fractions of 1–3 kDa sunflower seed peptide (SSP4) and ≥ 10 kDa peanut peptide (PP1) had higher amount of Ca transported than CaCl2 and two hydrolyzed proteins in Caco‐2 cells. SSP4 and PP1 were separated by Ca ion metal chelate affinity chromatography, and high Ca‐binding fractions were observed for SSP4‐P2 and PP1‐P2. The amino acid sequences of SSP4‐P2 and PP1‐P2 were characterized by high‐performance liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionization‐time of flight mass spectrometry. Seven and eight peptides were identified from SSP4‐P2 and PP1‐P2, respectively. These peptides had molecular weights ranging from 1500 Da to 2500 Da and a large number of characteristic amino acid sequences, such as EEEQQQ, EQ–QQQ–QQ, QQ–QQQQQ, E–EEE, EE–EEQ, RR, Q–QQ–QQQ, EE–EQ–EE–Q, QQ–QQQQ, and Q–QQQQ, where ‘E’ is glutamic acid and ‘Q’ is glutamine.

CONCLUSION

SSP4 and PP1 can promote Ca transport in Caco‐2 cells without affecting cell permeability. The amino acid sequences of SSP4‐P2 and PP1‐P2 with high Ca‐binding abilities contain characteristic sequences, such as continuous glutamic acid and glutamine, and have low molecular weights. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Can drip irrigation under mulch be replaced with shallow‐buried drip irrigation in spring maize production systems in semiarid areas of northern China?
Authors: Geng Yuhui , Cao Guojun , Wang Lichun , Wang Meng , Huang Jinxin
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

In recent years, shallow‐buried drip irrigation in spring maize production has gradually replaced drip irrigation under plastic films and has become a common irrigation method in semiarid areas of northern China.

RESULT

Two years of field experiments were carried out in the semiarid area of western Jilin province to compare the two drip irrigation methods in the spring maize production system. The treatments included MW1 (drip irrigation under mulch + moderate irrigation amount), MW2 (drip irrigation under mulch + high irrigation amount), SM1 (shallow‐buried drip irrigation + moderate irrigation amount), and SM2 (shallow‐buried drip irrigation + high irrigation amount). The maize yields were significantly higher under mulch than under shallow‐buried drip irrigation, but there was no interaction between mulch and the irrigation amount. Drip irrigation under mulch greatly improved spring maize N, P and K uptake compared with that under shallow‐buried drip irrigation. The agronomic‐use efficiency, recovery‐use efficiency, and partial factor productivity were ranked in the order of MW2 > MW1 > SW2 > SW1. The water‐use efficiency of drip irrigation under mulch was 7.44% and 6.82% higher than that of shallow‐buried drip irrigation under the moderate and high irrigation levels, respectively. However, considering the costs of the plastic mulch, there was no significant (P < 0.05) difference in economic benefits between the SW and MW treatments.

CONCLUSION

Drip irrigation under plastic film provides greater advantages for production, but shallow‐buried drip irrigation may be a suitable method for farmers until fertigation technology is further optimized and the problem of plastic film pollution is solved. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Combining ethanol pre‐treatment and ultrasound‐assisted drying to enhance apple chips by fortification with black carrot anthocyanin
Authors: Rojas Meliza Lindsay , Augusto Pedro Esteves Duarte , Cárcel Juan Andrés
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

An interesting approach to improve dried foods nutritional properties, functionality, and sensorial attributes, is by taking advantage of pre‐treatments for incorporating components into the food matrix. Based on this, this work studied the incorporation of black carrot anthocyanins in apple tissue by using ethanol (concentrations 0–300 mL L−1) as a pre‐treatment to ultrasound‐assisted convective drying. Samples were pre‐treated in acidified ethanol solutions, with and without anthocyanins, and then dried (50 °C, 1 m s−1) by convective and ultrasound‐assisted convective (21.77 kHz, 20.5 kW m−3) drying. Both the drying process improvement and the obtained product properties were studied.

RESULTS

The anthocyanins did not influence the drying kinetics. In contrast, time reduction was > 50% by using both ethanol pre‐treatments and ultrasound. Ethanol pre‐treatments decreased the external resistance to mass transfer, while ultrasound decreased both internal and external resistances. The impregnation increased the anthocyanins (above 947%), which were retained after drying. Colour modifications after pre‐treatments and after drying (L*, b*, h° decrease, and a* increase), and antioxidant capacity retention were observed in samples with anthocyanin addition.

CONCLUSION

The results point that ethanol pre‐treatments and ultrasound application can accelerate drying, and through the natural colouring incorporation during pre‐treatments, the nutritional properties of dried samples were better retained. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Patient generated health data and electronic health record integration in oncologic surgery: A call for artificial intelligence and machine learning
Authors: Melstrom Laleh G. , Rodin Andrei S. , Rossi Lorenzo A. , Fu Paul , Fong Yuman , Sun Virginia
Published: September 2020

In this review, we aim to assess the current state of science in relation to the integration of patient‐generated health data (PGHD) and patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) into routine clinical care with a focus on surgical oncology populations. We will also describe the critical role of artificial intelligence and machine‐learning methodology in the efficient translation of PGHD, PROs, and traditional outcome measures into meaningful patient care models.
Nodal characteristics associated with adverse prognosis in oral cavity cancer are linked to host immune status
Authors: Valero Cristina , Zanoni Daniella K. , Pillai Anjali , Xu Bin , Katabi Nora , Ghossein Ronald A. , Ganly Ian , Morris Luc G. T. , Shah Jatin P. , Wong Richard J. , Patel Snehal G.
Published: September 2020

Background and Objective

Nodal metastasis is one of the strongest predictors of outcomes in oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC). The aim was to analyze the interplay of nodal characteristics in OSCC prognosis.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study we included OSCC patients treated with primary surgery including neck dissection between 2005 and 2015 (n = 619). Disease‐specific survival (DSS) was the primary endpoint. Optimal cutoffs were identified using recursive‐partitioning analysis (RPA). A novel characteristic—metastatic focus‐to‐lymph node size ratio (MLR)—was introduced. We compared the American Joint Committee on Cancer, Eighth Edition (AJCC8) pN categories to a new categorization.

Results

Patients with higher neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio had more adverse nodal characteristics. All nodal characteristics were significant predictors of DSS in univariable analysis. In multivariable analysis, only number of positive nodes and MLR remained significant. An RPA including all nodal covariates confirmed the results. Compared with AJCC8, our RPA categorization had better hazard discrimination (0.681 vs. 0.598), but poorer balance value (0.783 vs. 0.708).

Conclusion

Patients with higher neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio had more adverse nodal characteristics. Total number of metastatic lymph nodes is the strongest predictor of outcomes in OSCC. MLR is a more powerful predictor than metastatic lymph node size or metastatic focus size alone.
Impact of ablation algorithm versus tumor‐dependent parameters on local control after microwave ablation of malignant liver tumors
Authors: Erten Ozgun , Li Pengpeng , Gokceimam Mehmet , Akbulut Serkan , Berber Eren
Published: September 2020

Background

The aim of this study is to assess the effect of tumor versus ablation‐algorithm dependent parameters on local recurrence (LR) after microwave ablation (MWA) of liver malignancies.

Methods

This was an institutional review board‐approved study of patients who underwent laparoscopic or open MWA of malignant liver tumors. The impact of ablation algorithm (stepwise or direct heating, single or overlapping ablations, and ablation margin) and tumor‐dependent (type, size, location, and blood vessel proximity) parameters on LR was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazards.

Results

A total of 179 patients with 602 liver tumors underwent 200 MWA procedures. Colorectal liver metastasis (CLM) was the most frequent tumor type followed by neuroendocrine liver metastasis (NELM), other metastatic tumors, and hepatocellular cancer (HCC). For patients followed at least a year with imaging, LR rate was 8.8% per lesion and 13.1%,1.3%, 11.7%, and 12.6%, for CLM, NELM, HCC, and other tumor types, respectively. On multivariate analysis, independent predictors of LR included tumor type, tumor size, and ablation margin.

Conclusion

LR after MWA for malignant liver tumors is predicted by both tumor and surgeon‐dependent factors. Variations in the ablation algorithm did not affect LR, leaving the ablation margin as the only parameter that could be modified to optimize local tumor control.
Simultaneous detection and quantification of 57 compounds in Spatholobi Caulis applying ultra‐fast liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Liu Xiao‐Yan , Zhang Lei , Yang Xiu‐Wei , Zhang You‐Bo , Xu Wei , Zhang Peng , Zhao Wei , Peng Kai‐Feng , Gong Yun , Liu Ni‐Fu
Published: September 2020

A method of ultra‐fast liquid chromatography in series with tandem mass spectrometry for the rapid and sensitive detection of 57 compounds in Spatholobi Caulis (the vine stem of Spatholobus suberectus Dunn) within 35 min was established. This assay can simultaneously determine a variety of compounds without matrix interference in multiple reaction monitoring mode including evaluating the quality of different batches of Spatholobi Caulis from several areas and further identifying the characteristic compounds efficiently. After comprehensive validation, this method can be used to determinate samples rapidly, precisely, accurately, repeatably, and sensitivity. There were significant content differences in 12 batches of Spatholobi Caulis, which were further classified and systematically differentiated applying multivariate statistical analysis. Furthermore, orthogonal partial least squares discrimination analysis results indicated that (−)‐gallocatechin (10), (−)‐epiafzelechin (20), 4,7,2′‐trihydroxy‐4′‐methoxyisoflavanol (51), and biochanin A (53) characterize compounds to discernment internal quality of Spatholobi Caulis, and recommended as quality control indicators. Hence, presented work provides a method for further study on pharmaceutic preparation, metabolism, as well as for the design, production optimization process, and clinical application.
Recent developments in the characterization of nucleic acids by liquid chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, ion mobility, and mass spectrometry (2010–2020)
Authors: Santos Inês C. , Brodbelt Jennifer S.
Published: September 2020

The development of new strategies for the analysis of nucleic acids has gained momentum due to the increased interest in using these biomolecules as drugs or drug targets. The application of new mass spectrometry ion activation techniques and the optimization of separation methods including liquid chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, and ion mobility have allowed more detailed characterization of nucleic acids and oligonucleotide therapeutics including confirmation of sequence, localization of modifications and interaction sites, and structural analysis as well as identification of failed sequences and degradation products. This review will cover tandem mass spectrometry methods as well as the recent developments in liquid chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, and ion mobility coupled to mass spectrometry for the analysis of nucleic acids and oligonucleotides.
A randomized pilot study on self‐management in head and neck lymphedema
Authors: McLaughlin Tess M. , Broadhurst Jane J. , Harris Courtenay J. , McGarry Sarah , Keesing Sharon L.
Published: September 2020

Background

The purpose of this pilot trial was to determine the feasibility of a self‐managed lymphedema randomized control trial to test the effectiveness of a head and neck‐specific exercise protocol.

Methods

Nine participants were randomized to receive usual treatment provided by an Australian metropolitan teaching hospital (n = 4) or usual treatment with an added head and neck exercise regime (n = 5). Feasibility was assessed through ease of recruitment, adherence, and safety. Lymphedema reduction and quality of life (QOL) data were assessed at baseline (0 week) and follow‐up (6 weeks).

Results

The study was feasible in terms of safety and participant retention. However, a slow recruitment rate and low adherence may impact future trials. There were no significant differences in lymphedema reduction or QOL between groups.

Conclusion

This pilot feasibility study demonstrated that a self‐management trial can be implemented, however, modifications will be required due to the slow recruitment and poor adherence rates.

Level of evidence

1b: Individualized randomized control trial.
Habitat‐specific biogenic production and erosion influences net framework and sediment coral reef carbonate budgets
Authors: Brown Kristen T. , Bender‐Champ Dorothea , Achlatis Michelle , van der Zande Rene M. , Kubicek Andreas , Martin Storm B. , Castro‐Sanguino Carolina , Dove Sophie G. , Hoegh‐Guldberg Ove
Published: September 2020

Carbonate budgets are increasingly being used as a key metric to establish reef condition. To better understand spatial variations in framework and sediment net carbonate budgets, we quantified biogenic carbonate production, erosion, and dissolution within and between five distinct geomorphological habitats of Heron Reef on the southern Great Barrier Reef. The protected reef slope had the greatest estimated net framework carbonate budget (22.6 kgCaCO3 m−2 yr−1 ± 2.4 SE), driven by abundant, fast‐growing acroporid corals coupled with low levels of macro‐ and micro‐bioerosion. The estimate of the exposed reef slope was significantly lower due to localized damage from a single tropical cyclone that occurred 7 years prior to this study (9.7 kgCaCO3 m−2 yr−1 ± 2.8 SE). Within the extensive lagoon, net framework carbonate budgets ranged from 0.24 kgCaCO3 m−2 yr−1 (± 0.1 SE) to 3.0 kgCaCO3 m−2 yr−1 (± 0.7 SE). The greatest net sediment carbonate budget was estimated within the reef crest (6.0 kgCaCO3 m−2 yr−1 ± 1.1 SE) and the lowest in the shallow lagoon (1.2 kgCaCO3 m−2 yr−1 ± 0.2 SE). Chemical dissolution of the sediments exhibited spatial variability, with reef crest and reef flat sediments in a state of net production. Considering the area of each habitat, the net reef framework and sediment budgets across Heron Reef were 4.06 kgCaCO3 m−2 yr−1 and 2.82 kgCaCO3 m−2 yr−1, respectively. The results of this study improve our understanding of spatial variability in carbonate production and bioerosion and provide a comprehensive reef‐scale carbonate budget for a relatively undisturbed coral reef ecosystem.
Dextroplantation of Left Liver Graft in Infants
Authors: Ahn Sung Woo , Yi Nam‐Joon , Kim Hyo‐Cheol , Ahn Hye Young , Hong Suk Kyun , Lee Jeong‐Moo , Cho Jae‐Hyung , Jin Ung Sik , Chang Hak , Lee Myungsu , Hur Saebeom , Jae Hwan Jun , Jung Chul‐Woo , Yang Seong‐Mi , Ko Jae Sung , Lee Kwang‐Woong , Suh Kyung‐Suk
Published: September 2020

The position of the left side liver graft is important, and it could lead to complications of the hepatic vein (HV) and portal vein (PV), especially in a small child using a variant left lateral section (vLLS) graft. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of a novel technique for the implantation of a vLLS graft to the right side (dextroplantation) in infants. For 3 years, 10 consecutive infants underwent dextroplantation using a vLLS graft (group D). The graft was implanted to the right side of the recipient after 90° counterclockwise rotation; the left HV graft was anastomosed to inferior vena cava using the extended right and middle HV stump, and PV was reconstructed using oblique anastomosis without angulation. Surgical outcomes were compared with the historical control group (n = 17, group C) who underwent conventional liver transplantation using a vLLS during infancy. Group D recipients were smaller than group C (body weight <6 kg: 50.0% versus 11.8%; P = 0.03). The rate of graft‐to‐recipient weight ratio >4% was higher in group D (60.0%) than C (11.8%; P = 0.01). Surgical drains were removed earlier in group D than in group C (15 versus 18 postoperative days [PODs]; P = 0.048). Each group had 1 PV complication (10.0% versus 5.9%); no HV complication occurred in group D, but 3 HV complications (17.6%) occurred in group C (P > 0.05). Hospital stay was shorter in group D than in group C (20 versus 31 PODs; P = 0.02). Dextroplantation of a vLLS graft, even a large‐for‐size one, was successful in small infants without compromising venous outcomes, compared with conventional vLLS transplantation. We could remove the surgical drains earlier and reduce hospital stays in cases of dextroplantation.
Development and analysis of frits for enamelling AA2024, AA6082 and AA7075 aluminium alloys
Authors: Bukovec Mitja , Xhanari Klodian , Finšgar Matjaž
Published: September 2020

This study reports the development of frits with different composition, time, and firing temperature for mitigating the corrosion of AA2024, AA6082, and AA7075 aluminium alloys in chloride‐containing solutions. The melting points of the frits were determined using a heating microscope, while the thermal expansion was measured using dilatometry. Several frits were prepared, of which seven were coated on AA2024, AA6082 and AA7075 aluminium alloys. The corrosion resistance of the coated samples was tested in 5 wt% NaCl solution at 25°C using potentiodynamic curve measurements. The corrosion resistance of the coated samples increased compared with the respective uncoated aluminium alloys. The composition and in‐depth homogeneity of the best‐performing coated samples were confirmed using a gas cluster ion beam sputtering source associated with X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. Furthermore, O2+ sputtering was performed in association with time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry to describe the three‐dimensional composition of the frits.
Using website information to reduce postpurchase dissonance: A mediated moderating role of perceived risk
Authors: Li Mingfang , Choudhury Askar H.
Published: September 2020

A significant body of research is dedicated to decreasing the product return rate by applying management measures that identify the factors and causes of returns. These studies examine how consumers' product return behavior can be explained by studying the information on retailers' websites. However, these studies have not shown how website information (WI) is linked to product returns. The study by Lee's work observed how product returns are motivated by consumers' need to mitigate postpurchase dissonance (PPD). However, a clear understanding of the relationship between WI and PPD is lacking. Therefore, our research examines the impact of WI on PPD in the product returns context. In our research, PPD serves as a key factor in understanding the linkage between WI and product returns. Our results showed that higher‐quality WI is associated with a lower level of PPD. In addition, a lower perceived risk (PR) or attractiveness of alternatives strengthens the association between WI and PPD. We also observed that PR partially mediated the moderation effect of the attractiveness of alternatives. These findings will help e‐retailers better understand customers' PPD, easing the process of reducing product returns.
TAF1 Transcripts and Neurofilament Light Chain as Biomarkers for X‐linked Dystonia‐Parkinsonism
Authors: Al Ali Jamal , Vaine Christine A. , Shah Shivangi , Campion Lindsey , Hakoum Ahmad , Supnet Melanie L. , Acuña Patrick , Aldykiewicz Gabrielle , Multhaupt‐Buell Trisha , Ganza Niecy G.M. , Lagarde John B.B. , De Guzman Jan K. , Go Criscely , Currall Benjamin , Trombetta Bianca , Webb Pia K. , Talkowski Michael , Arnold Steven E. , Cheah Pike S. , Ito Naoto , Sharma Nutan , Bragg D. Cristopher , Ozelius Laurie , Breakefield Xandra O.
Published: September 2020

Background

X‐linked dystonia‐parkinsonism is a rare neurological disease endemic to the Philippines. Dystonic symptoms appear in males at the mean age of 40 years and progress to parkinsonism with degenerative pathology in the striatum. A retrotransposon inserted in intron 32 of the TAF1 gene leads to alternative splicing in the region and a reduction of the full‐length mRNA transcript.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to discover cell‐based and biofluid‐based biomarkers for X‐linked dystonia‐parkinsonism.

Methods

RNA from patient‐derived neural progenitor cells and their secreted extracellular vesicles were used to screen for dysregulation of TAF1 expression. Droplet‐digital polymerase chain reaction was used to quantify the expression of TAF1 mRNA fragments 5′ and 3′ to the retrotransposon insertion and the disease‐specific splice variant TAF1‐32i in whole‐blood RNA. Plasma levels of neurofilament light chain were measured using single‐molecule array.

Results

In neural progenitor cells and their extracellular vesicles, we confirmed that the TAF1‐3′/5′ ratio was lower in patient samples, whereas TAF1‐32i expression is higher relative to controls. In whole‐blood RNA, both TAF1‐3′/5′ ratio and TAF1‐32i expression can differentiate patient (n = 44) from control samples (n = 18) with high accuracy. Neurofilament light chain plasma levels were significantly elevated in patients (n = 43) compared with both carriers (n = 16) and controls (n = 21), with area under the curve of 0.79.

Conclusions

TAF1 dysregulation in blood serves as a disease‐specific biomarker that could be used as a readout for monitoring therapies targeting TAF1 splicing. Neurofilament light chain could be used in monitoring neurodegeneration and disease progression in patients. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Correlated noise effect on the structure formation in the phase‐field crystal model
Authors: Ankudinov Vladimir , Starodumov Ilya , Kryuchkov Nikita P. , Yakovlev Egor V. , Yurchenko Stanislav O. , Galenko Peter K.
Published: September 2020

A phase‐field crystal model (PFC model) which takes into account exponential relaxation of the atomic flux and its fluctuations is developed. The model corresponds to a system undergoing phase transformation described with a partial differential equation of hyperbolic type. Such a model covers slow and rapid regimes of interface propagation at small and large driving forces during melting and solidification. The analysis is done for the evolution of atomic crystal lattices appearing from a metastable homogeneous liquid for the chemically pure system supercooled below its critical temperature. Numerical simulation of the system “Liquid ‐ Body Centered Cubic (BCC) crystal lattice” allows us to formulate the hypothesis about the formation of metastable periodic solutions (atomic configurations which are not in the thermodynamic equilibrium) during the relaxation of atomic configurations to the stable equilibrium. These metastable states may be destroyed (or even avoided) due to the action of colored noise. Namely, considering spatiotemporal correlations of the atomic flux fluctuations, we have found that the temporal correlations promote selecting long‐range atomic lattices, whereas the spatial correlations corresponding to the periodic structure scales decelerate such processes.
Existence results for non‐homogeneous boundary conditions in the relaxed micromorphic model
Authors: Ghiba Ionel‐Dumitrel , Neff Patrizio , Owczarek Sebastian
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we notice a property of the extension operator from the space of tangential traces of H(curl; Ω) in the context of the linear relaxed micromorphic model, a theory that is recently used to describe the behavior of some metamaterials showing unorthodox behaviors with respect to elastic wave propagation. We show that the new property is important for existence results of strong solution for non‐homogeneous boundary condition in both the dynamic and the static case.