bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Admission NT‐proBNP and outcomes in patients without history of heart failure hospitalized with COVID‐19
Authors: Yoo Jeanwoo , Grewal Prabhjot , Hotelling Jessica , Papamanoli Aikaterini , Cao Kerry , Dhaliwal Simrat , Jacob Robin , Mojahedi Azad , Bloom Michelle E. , Marcos Luis A. , Skopicki Hal A. , Kalogeropoulos Andreas P.
Published: August 2021

Aims

We examined the value of N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) in patients admitted for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) without prior history of heart failure (HF) or cardiomyopathy.

Methods and results

Retrospective cohort of consecutive adults (N = 679; median age 59 years; 38.7% women; 87.5% White; 7.1% Black; 5.4% Asian; 34.3% Hispanic) admitted with documented COVID‐19 in an academic centre in Long Island, NY. Admission NT‐proBNP was categorized using the European Society of Cardiology Heart Failure Association age‐specific criteria for acute presentations. We examined (i) mortality and the composite of death or mechanical ventilation and (ii) out‐of‐hospital, intensive care unit (ICU)‐free, and ventilator‐free days at 28 days. Estimates were adjusted for confounders using a lasso selection process. Using age‐specific criteria, 417 patients (61.4%) had low, 141 (20.8%) borderline, and 121 (17.8%) high NT‐proBNP. Mortality was 5.8%, 20.6%, and 36.4% for patients with low, borderline, and high NT‐proBNP, respectively. In lasso‐adjusted models, high NT‐proBNP was associated with higher mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 2.15; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06–4.39; P = 0.034] and composite endpoint rates (HR 1.66; 95%CI 1.04–2.66; P = 0.035). Patients with high NT‐proBNP had 32%, 33%, and 33% fewer out‐of‐hospital, ICU‐free, and ventilator‐free days compared with low NT‐proBNP counterparts. Results were consistent across age, sex, and race, and regardless of coronary artery disease or hypertension, except for stronger mortality signal with high NT‐proBNP in women.

Conclusions

In patients with COVID‐19 and no HF history, high admission NT‐proBNP is associated with higher mortality and healthcare resources utilization. Preventive strategies may be required for these patients.
Dendrimeric and Corresponding Monometallic Iridium(III) Catalysts Bound to Carbon Nanotubes Used in Hydroamination Transformations
Authors: Pernik Indrek , Desmecht Antonin , Messerle Barbara A. , Hermans Sophie , Riant Olivier
Published: August 2021

This report describes the synthesis of a carbon nanotube‐bound dendrimer and three carbon nanotube‐bound monometallic complexes and their use as catalysts. The polyamidoamine third generation dendrimer used here incorporates pyrazole‐triazole moieties suitable for ligating iridium(III) centres. The monometallic complexes use the same pyrazole‐triazole ligands coordinated to an iridium(III) centre. All catalysts were characterized using ICP‐AES and XPS to evaluate their metal loadings on the carbon surface with significantly higher relative weight percentage of iridium determined for the denrimeric species. The catalytic activity and practicality of the formed catalysts were tested using two different intramolecular hydroamination reactions.
Auxiliary Degumming and Pressurized High Temperature Water Washing to Mitigate the Formation of Monochloropropanediols in Palm Oil
Authors: Nagy Kornél , Theurillat Xanthippe , Redeuil Karine , Nicolas Marine
Published: August 2021

This study reports the benefits of auxiliary degumming (Aux.D) and pressurized high temperature (165 °C) water washing (PHTW) to mitigate the formation of monochloropropanediols (MCPD) during labscale physical refining of palm oil. Water‐based degumming in combination with bleaching and deodorization are performed as the selected physical refining process. The mitigation concepts Aux.D and PHTW are integrated into the refining protocol and the ultimately observed MCPD levels in the fully refined oils are determined. Aux.D is performed by extracting the hydratable gum from pressed sunflower oil and using it as a degumming agent to further purify palm oil that has been previously subjected to centrifugation and water degumming. This approach enables the mitigation of 3‐MCPD from the water washed reference 2.4–0.9 mg kg−1 in ampoules. Even stronger mitigation is obtained when Aux.D is combined with bleaching and executed twice allowing a mitigation from the reference 1.9–0.6 mg kg−1, in ampoules. PHTW is shown to decrease the 3‐MCPD content of the refined oil from the reference 2.4–1 mg kg−1, in ampoules and when combined with bleaching and executed twice showing a decrease from the reference 1.9–0.9 mg kg−1.

Practical applications: The benefits of these mitigation concepts are confirmed both in sealed ampoule tests and in deodorizer experiments at the lab scale. A combined application of Aux.D or PHTW with physical refining may represent new insights that can help to potentially further mitigate the formation of MCPD in physically refined palm oil beyond the limits achievable with current refining practices.
Dopamine‐polyethyleneimine co‐deposition of a capillary for α‐glucosidase immobilization and its application in enzyme inhibitor screening
Authors: Li Peng , He Fu‐Qin , Ma Xiao‐Hui , Jin Ling , Chen Juan
Published: August 2021

An online method based on CE was established to screen α‐glucosidase inhibitors from traditional Tibetan medicine extracts. First, the inner wall at the inlet of capillary column was simply and effectively functionalized by dopamine‐polyethyleneimine co‐deposition method, which combines the adhesion property of dopamine and easy cationization of polyethyleneimine. Then α‐glucosidase was rapidly immobilized on the inner wall of the capillary column by electrostatic adsorption. The inter‐ and intraday repeatability of the peak area of the enzymatic reaction product (p‐nitrophenol) in a capillary was evaluated, and RSD% (n = 3) was 0.94% and 1.09%, respectively. Good batch‐to‐batch reproducibility of the peak area between different capillaries (RSD = 2.1%, n = 5) shows that the preparation method has good reproducibility. The Michaelis–Menten constant of the immobilized α‐glucosidase was measured to be 1.18 mM, and the capillary column enzyme reactor retained 85.9% of initial activity after 30 cycles. Finally, it was applied to the screening of enzyme inhibitors in 20 traditional Tibetan medicine extracts. Sixteen medicines with inhibitory activity were screened out, and Rheum australe had the strongest inhibitory effect with an inhibitory rate of 83.3 ± 0.4%. These results showed that this method is effective to find potential enzyme inhibitors.
The adsorption of phenol on granular activated carbon prepared from waste coconut shell in Trinidad
Authors: Wahid Safiyyah N. , Maharaj Rean , Boodlal Donnie , Smith Jeffrey V.
Published: August 2021

Activated carbon (AC) produced from waste coconut shells in Trinidad and Tobago was investigated as a sustainable method for adsorption of the pollutant phenol from produced water. Activation of produced char was optimized at 900°C for 10 min using a N2 flowrate of 96 ml/min and CO2 gas at a flowrate of 96 ml/min, and the associated kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of the phenol‐AC interaction was experimentally obtained. The maximum adsorption capacity was 0.027 mg phenol/g adsorbent (equilibration time of 2 h and initial phenol concentration of 2 mg/L) and the data satisfied a pseudo‐second order kinetic model fitted indicating the chemically rate controlled mechanism. The Freundlich isotherm modeled the adsorption data best with a maximum equilibrium constant, KF of 0.138 occurring at 85°C. The standard enthalpy change and standard entropy change were 155.48 kJ/mol and 0.44 kJ/mol K respectively and the Gibbs free energy change ranged from 5.89–46.3 kJ/mol for the temperature range studied. The results obtained provide key parameters for the design of an adsorption column containing the locally produced AC adsorbent for the sustainable treatment of produced water.
Measurement bruise volume of olive during impact test using FEM and quality evaluation of extracted olive oil
Authors: Rashvand Mahdi , Akbarnia Abbas , Abbaszadeh Rouzbeh , Karimi Davoud , Jafari Ali
Published: August 2021

Mechanical damage is a phenomenon that always occurred in the postharvest process. Due to the inappropriate harvest and postharvest process of Olive that lead to the bruise phenomenon, the quality of the extracted olive oil reduces. In this study, the effect of olive damage on bruising volume and quality characteristics was investigated. Three different varieties of Yellow, Oily, and Fishemi in three stages of unripe, semiripe, and ripped were used. Also, three kinds of the surface of rubber, nylon, and foam for the drop test were considered. The tests were performed in laboratory mode and simulated. For all tests, with increasing maturity, the amount of stress and internal energy were decreased and the bruise volume was increased. The amount of bruise volume and bruise susceptibility were obtained, and the experimental and simulated conditions were compared. On the other hand, the quality characteristics of olive oil including free fatty acid (FFA), peroxide value (PV), k232 and K270 coefficients, total chlorophyll, total carotenoid, total phenol, and total flavonoid were measured. The results showed that the finite element and chemometric methods are acceptable methods for predicting the generated energy of the fruit during impact, the amount of bruising volume, as well as evaluating the quality of the extracted oil.
Metro Doha Green Line: Fibre reinforced tunnel linings – Design and construction experience
Authors: Horny Ulrich , Bayer Lars , Schiesser Karl , Kliem Olaf
Published: August 2021

The Design and Build project ”Metro Doha Green Line Underground“ has been awarded to a joint venture composed of Porr, the Saudi Bin Ladin Group and HBK in summer 2013. It contains the ”ready to use“ construction of the underground part of the Green Line with 2 × 17 km tunnels, six stations, switching areas as well as cross passages and emergency exit shafts. The 34 km of tunnelling, realized with six EPB machines simultaneously, have been completed in only 18 months. The main impact on the determination of the design and build specification in terms of the segmental ring design is based on the extraordinary geological environment properties of the project area of Doha City. The geology is characterized by a dominating 3‐rocklayers system comprising massive upper and lower limestone deposits, which are commonly separated by a thin shale layer. Additionally, and in regard to the nearby located sea‐side the type of identified aggressive exposure conditions relevant to the concrete segment lining in terms of significant sulphate and chloride impact requires a durable reinforcement solution fit for required 120‐year service life. Especially due to chloride attack an ordinary steel bar reinforcement system including a projected 90 mm nominal concrete cover at lining's intrados and extrados turns out statically difficult and constructionally non‐practicable. Therefore, steel fibres are chosen to meet the strict design constraints.
Neubau Albulatunnel II – Erfahrungen mit Stahlfaserspritzbeton
Authors: Perner Reinhard , Schorn Roland , Atzl Georg
Published: August 2021

The new construction of the 5860 m long Albula Tunnel was mainly carried out by blasting from the Preda and Spinas portals. Due to the exposed location in the high mountains, mixing plants were installed on both portal sides for the concrete supply; the concrete aggregate was largely produced from the excavated material, with a gravel plant being built in Preda for this purpose. The planned tunnel lining provides for a single‐shell shotcrete construction for the most part. In the course of the excavation work, the excavation support was optimised so that the reinforcement mesh in the main support class in the single‐shell area were replaced by steel fibre shotcrete.
Ultrasound‐based criteria for adequate peripheral venous access in therapeutic apheresis procedures
Authors: Salazar Eric , Gowani Faaria , Segura Francisco , Passe Heather , Seamster Lamesha , Chapman Bettie , Joubert Felicia , Hopson Stephanie , Easley Tracy , Garcia Salvador , Miguel Robin , Medina Cindia , Musharbash Amer , Castillo Brian , Chen Jian , Ipe Tina , Leveque Christopher
Published: August 2021

Background

Apheresis procedures require adequate vascular access to achieve adequate inlet flow rates. Central dialysis‐type catheters are often used in apheresis, despite their multiple risks. Peripheral venous access is a safe and effective option for many patients.

Aim

We previously demonstrated that ultrasound guidance reduces central venous catheter use in apheresis patients; however, no validated criteria for preprocedural evaluation of peripheral veins exist. Here, we hypothesized that ultrasound‐based criteria could predict the adequacy of a peripheral vein for apheresis procedures.

Patients/Methods

In this pilot cohort study, we reviewed the procedural outcomes for 50 cases of peripheral venous procedures that used our ultrasound‐based criteria.

Results

Of the procedures that met our criteria, 96% (46/48) were successfully completed. Overall, our criteria had 100% sensitivity, 50% specificity, 96% positive predictive value, and 100% negative predictive value.

Conclusion

Our criteria justify an evidence‐based ultrasound‐guided standard for evaluation of peripheral venous access for apheresis procedures.
Synthetic routes to crinine and vittatine
Authors: Lin Yi‐Ching , Wu Yen‐Ku
Published: August 2021

Crinine and vittatine (the antipode of crinine) have long been, and remain, an inspiration for the development of reaction methods since their isolation in the 1950s. In particular, the all‐carbon quaternary stereocenter embedded in these targets has fuelled creativity in innovating strategies and tactics of synthesis. This review provides an overview of research endeavors toward assembling the unique carboskeleton of the title alkaloids.
Comparison of the analytical and clinical performances of two different routine testing protocols for antinuclear antibody screening
Authors: González Rodríguez Concepción , Fuentes Cantero Sandra , Pérez Pérez Antonio , Vázquez Barbero Francisco Javier , León Justel Antonio
Published: August 2021

Background

The diagnosis of systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARD) is based on the detection of serum antinuclear antibodies (ANA) for which indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) is the golden standard. New solid‐phase immunoassays have been developed to be used alone or in combination with the detection of extractable antinuclear antibodies (ENA) to improve SARD diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical performances of different ANA screening methods alone or in combination with ENA screening methods for SARD diagnosis.

Methods

A total of 323 patients were screened for ANA by IIF, EliA™ CTD Screen, and ELISA methods. Agreements were calculated between the methods. Then, EliA™ CTD Screen positive samples were screened for ENA by line immunoassay (LIA) and fluorescence enzyme immunoassay (FEIA).

Results

The diagnostic accuracy of EliA™ CTD Screen (79% sensitivity and 91% specificity) was better than that of ELISA or IIF. The combination of EliA™ CTD plus IIF had the highest sensitivity (93%). ENA determination revealed that Ro52 and Ro60 were the most prevalent specificities. The use of IIF alone was not able of detecting up to 36% of samples positive for Ro52, and 41% for Ro60.

Conclusions

EliA™ CTD Screen has a better diagnostic performance when compared to IIF and ELISA. The combined use of EliA™ CTD Screen and IIF clearly improves the rate and accuracy of SARD diagnosis. The use of EliA™ CTD Screen as first‐line screening technique allows the detection of antibodies, which could not be detected by IIF alone.
Frequency of auto‐antibodies of type 1 diabetes in adult patients with celiac disease
Authors: Ghozzi Mariam , Souguir Dorra , Melayah Sarra , Abidi Skander , Faleh Mariem , Ghedira Ibtissem
Published: August 2021

Both celiac disease (CD) and type 1 diabetes (T1D) are autoimmune diseases resulting from a complex interplay between genetic susceptibility and environmental factors.

Aim

In this retrospective study, we determined the frequency of auto‐antibodies of T1D in adult patients with active CD.

Materials and methods

Eighty adult patients with active CD were included in our study. Ninety healthy blood donors (HBD) served as control group. Anti‐glutamic acid decarboxylase IgG antibodies (GAD‐Ab), anti‐tyrosine phosphatase IgG antibodies (IA2‐Ab), and anti‐zinc transporter IgG antibodies (Zn‐T8‐Ab) were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for patients and control group. For statistical analysis, we used Chi‐square or Fisher's exact test.

Results

Out of 80 patients, 10 (12.50%) had auto‐antibodies of T1D vs. only one in control group (1.11%) (p = 0.003). Simultaneous presence of GAD‐Ab, IA2‐Ab, and Zn‐T8‐Ab was found in one patient (1.25%). Nine patients had only GAD‐Ab. IA2‐Ab and Zn‐T8‐Ab were absent in all HBD. The frequency of GAD‐Ab was significantly higher in CD patients than in HBD (12.5% vs 1.11%, p = 0.003).

Conclusion

The present study has shown that CD is associated with a high frequency of auto‐antibodies of T1D. Screening for T1D in this population, at risk for other autoimmune diseases, may be useful.
Effect of hydrogen sulfide on glycolysis‐based energy production in mouse erythrocytes
Authors: Wondimu Eden T. , Zhang Quanxi , Jin Zhuping , Fu Ming , Torregrossa Roberta , Whiteman Matthew , Yang Guangdong , Wu Lingyun , Wang Rui
Published: August 2021

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gasotransmitter that regulates both physiological and pathophysiological processes in mammalian cells. Recent studies have demonstrated that H2S promotes aerobic energy production in the mitochondria in response to hypoxia, but its effect on anaerobic energy production has yet to be established. Glycolysis is the anaerobic process by which ATP is produced through the metabolism of glucose. Mammalian red blood cells (RBCs) extrude mitochondria and nucleus during erythropoiesis. These cells would serve as a unique model to observe the effect of H2S on glycolysis‐mediated energy production. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of H2S on glycolysis‐mediated energy production in mitochondria‐free mouse RBCs. Western blot analysis showed that the only H2S‐generating enzyme expressed in mouse RBCs is 3‐mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (MST). Supplement of the substrate for MST stimulated, but the inhibition of the same suppressed, the endogenous production of H2S. Both exogenously administered H2S salt and MST‐derived endogenous H2S stimulated glycolysis‐mediated ATP production. The effect of NaHS on ATP levels was not affected by oxygenation status. On the contrary, hypoxia increased intracellular H2S levels and MST activity in mouse RBCs. The mitochondria‐targeted H2S donor, AP39, did not affect ATP levels of mouse RBCs. NaHS at low concentrations (3–100 μM) increased ATP levels and decreased cell viability after 3 days of incubation in vitro. Higher NaHS concentrations (300–1000 μM) lowered ATP levels, but prolonged cell viability. H2S may offer a cytoprotective effect in mammalian RBCs to maintain oxygen‐independent energy production.
BAIAP2L2 is required for the maintenance of mechanotransducing stereocilia of cochlear hair cells
Authors: Yan Keji , Zong Wen , Du Haibo , Zhai Xiaoyan , Ren Rui , Liu Shuang , Xiong Wei , Wang Yanfei , Xu Zhigang
Published: August 2021

Stereocilia are actin‐based cell protrusions of inner ear hair cells that play an essential role in mechano‐electrical transduction (MET). Stereocilia are organized into several rows of increasing heights with the MET protein complex localized at the tips of shorter row stereocilia. At the tips of shorter row mechanotransducing stereocilia also resides a so‐called “row 2 protein complex” whose dysfunction causes degeneration of the mechanotransducing stereocilia. In the present work, we show that BAIAP2L2 is localized at the tips of shorter row stereocilia in neonatal and adult mouse cochlear hair cells. Baiap2l2 inactivation causes degeneration of the mechanotransducing stereocilia, which eventually leads to profound hearing loss in mice of either sex. Consistently, electrophysiology and FM 1‐43FX dye uptake results confirm that MET currents are compromised in Baiap2l2 knockout mice. Moreover, BAIAP2L2 binds to known row 2 complex components EPS8L2, TWF2, and CAPZB2, and the stereociliary tip localization of CAPZB2 is dependent on functional BAIAP2L2. Interestingly, BAIAP2L2 also binds to CIB2, a known MET complex component, and the stereociliary tip localization of BAIAP2L2 is abolished in Cib2 knockout mice. In conclusion, our present data suggest that BAIAP2L2 is a row 2 complex component, and is required for the maintenance of mechanotransducing stereocilia. Meanwhile, specific MET components such as CIB2 might play a direct role in stereocilia maintenance through binding to BAIAP2L2.
Comparison of seven heterophile antibody assays for laboratory diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis in pediatric patients
Authors: Wei Sharon , Huang Wei , Farah Mohamed , Khanolkar Aaruni , Zheng Xiaotian
Published: August 2021

Heterophile antibody assays have been used to aid the diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis caused by the Epstein‐Barr virus. Seven commercially available assays currently widely utilized in clinical laboratories were compared in this study. Variable performance characteristics and assay times are observed, and these pieces of data may assist clinical laboratories in assay selection and result interpretation.
Is cyclooxygenase‐1 involved in neuroinflammation?
Authors: Ghazanfari Nafiseh , van Waarde Aren , Dierckx Rudi A. J. O. , Doorduin Janine , de Vries Erik F. J.
Published: August 2021

Purpose: Reactive microglia are an important hallmark of neuroinflammation. Reactive microglia release various inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines, chemokines, and prostaglandins, which are produced by enzymes like cyclooxygenases (COX). The inducible COX‐2 subtype has been associated with inflammation, whereas the constitutively expressed COX‐1 subtype is generally considered as a housekeeping enzyme. However, recent evidence suggests that COX‐1 can also be upregulated and may play a prominent role in the brain during neuroinflammation. In this review, we summarize the evidence that supports this involvement of COX‐1. Methods: Five databases were used to retrieve relevant studies that addressed COX‐1 in the context of neuroinflammation. The search resulted in 32 articles, describing in vitro, in vivo, post mortem, and in vivo imaging studies that specifically investigated the COX‐1 isoform under such conditions. Results: Reviewed literature generally indicated that the overexpression of COX‐1 was induced by an inflammatory stimulus, which resulted in an increased production of prostaglandin E2. The pharmacological inhibition of COX‐1 was shown to suppress the induction of inflammatory mediators like prostaglandin E2. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging studies in animal models confirmed the overexpression of COX‐1 during neuroinflammation. The same imaging method, however, could not detect any upregulation of COX‐1 in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Conclusion: Taken together, studies in cultured cells and living rodents suggest that COX‐1 is involved in neuroinflammation. Most postmortem studies on human brains indicate that the concentration of COX‐1‐expressing microglial cells is increased near sites of inflammation. However, evidence for the involvement of COX‐1 in neuroinflammation in the living human brain is still largely lacking.
A case‐control study on the association between periodontitis and coronavirus disease (COVID‐19)
Authors: Anand Pradeep S. , Jadhav Pranavi , Kamath Kavitha P. , Kumar Salavadi Revanth , Vijayalaxmi Sandapola , Anil Sukumaran
Published: August 2021

Background

Coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) and periodontitis share common characteristics, such as an exaggerated inflammatory response. As periodontal diseases were shown to be associated with respiratory diseases, such as pneumonia, it is quite possible that a relationship may exist between periodontitis and COVID‐19. Hence, the aim of the present study was to determine whether periodontitis and poor oral hygiene are associated with COVID‐19.

Methods

A case‐control study was conducted. Patients who had positive real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction results for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection were included in the case group (n = 79), and patients with negative results were included in the control group (n = 71). The periodontal examination involved recording the plaque scores, calculus scores, tooth mobility, gingival bleeding, probing depth, recession, and clinical attachment level (CAL).

Results

Logistic regression analysis showed significant associations of mean plaque scores ≥ 1 (odds ratio (OR), 7.01; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.83 to 26.94), gingivitis (OR, 17.65; 95% CI, 5.95 to 52.37), mean CAL ≥ 2 mm (OR, 8.46; 95% CI, 3.47 to 20.63), and severe periodontitis (OR, 11.75; 95% CI, 3.89 to 35.49) with COVID‐19; these findings were more prevalent in the case group.

Conclusion

Based on the above mentioned observations, it can be concluded that there is an association between periodontitis severity and COVID‐19. Gingival bleeding and dental plaque accumulation are also more frequent among COVID‐19 patients. Hence, it is essential to maintain periodontal health and good oral hygiene as an important measure for COVID‐19 prevention and management.
Summer pruning of sweet cherry: a way to control sugar content in different organs
Authors: Vosnjak Matej , Mrzlic Davor , Usenik Valentina
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Sweet cherry trees (Prunus aviumL.) of the cultivar Grace Star were pruned either in dormancy or in summer. The response was studied by analyzing the sugar content in different organs (flower bud, leaf, and fruit) at three sections of the canopy (inner, outer, and upper) using high‐performance liquid chromatography. The effect of summer pruning was evaluated by measuring photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) and leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD).

RESULTS

In this study, the timing of pruning had a significant effect on sugar content in flower buds, leaves, and fruit. Trees pruned in summer had higher glucose, fructose, sorbitol, and sucrose content in flower buds, higher glucose and fructose contents in leaves, and lower fructose, sorbitol, and total sugar content in fruit than in trees pruned at dormancy. Higher average PPFD and lower SPAD values were measured in the inner canopy of trees pruned in summer. All measured parameters were influenced by position in the canopy. The lowest fructose and sorbitol contents in the flower bud, the lowest content of glucose, fructose, sorbitol, total sugars and the highest SPAD values in the leaf, while less dark and lighter fruit were measured in the inner part of the canopy.

CONCLUSION

Summer pruning affects sugar distribution in the tree by altering irradiation conditions within the canopy. Our results suggest that summer pruning is an effective technological measure to improve sugar content in the buds. A strong, well nourished flower bud is a good indication of high fruit production next season. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
A rapid ultra high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method for the quantification of daidzein, its valine carbamate prodrug, and glucuronide in rat plasma samples: Comparison of the pharmacokinetic behavior of daidzine valine carbamate prodrugs
Authors: Li Yingchao , Lu Farong , Zhang Yawei , Liu Xiaoyu , Lin Longyi , Jiang Qikun , Zhang Tianhong
Published: August 2021

Two valine carbamate prodrugs of daidzein were designed to improve its bioavailability. To compare the pharmacokinetic behavior of these prodrugs with different protected phenolic hydroxyl groups of daidzein, a rapid and sensitive method for simultaneous quantification of daidzein, its valine carbamate prodrug, and daidzein‐7‐O‐glucuronide in rat plasma was developed and validated in this study. The samples were processed using a fast one‐step protein precipitation method with methanol added to 50 μL of plasma and were analyzed by ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. To improve the selectivity, peak shape, and peak elution, several key factors, especially stationary phase and the composition of the mobile phase, were tested, and the analysis was performed using the Kinetex®C18 column (100 × 2.1 mm, 2.6 μm) within only 2.6 min under optimal conditions. The established method exhibited good linearity over the concentration range of 2.0–1000 ng/mL for daidzein, and 8.0–4000 ng/mL for the prodrug and daidzein‐7‐O‐glucuronide. The accuracy of the quality control samples was between 95.5 and 110.2% with satisfactory intra‐ and interday precision (relative standard deviation values < 10.85%), respectively. This sensitive, rapid, low‐cost, and high‐throughput method was successfully applied to compare the pharmacokinetic behavior of different daidzein carbamate prodrugs.
Focal nodular hyperplasia after systemic chemotherapy: Pathological features of a series of 15 cases
Authors: Brunet Anaïs , Beaufrère Aurélie , Cauchy François , Paradis Valérie
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Chemotherapy, particularly oxaliplatin, has been associated with the development of focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH). Imaging diagnosis of FNH is well standardized, but it can be misdiagnosed as liver metastasis. The aim of this study was to describe the pathological features of FNH occurring after systemic chemotherapy.

Materials and methods

From our pathological files for 1990‐2021, we retrieved 15 cases of resected newly developed FNH in adults with liver metastasis treated with systemic chemotherapy. Pathological features of FNH nodules and non‐tumoral liver samples were reviewed.

Results

In 11/15 (73%) cases, FNH developed after an oxaliplatin‐based regimen. The median interval from the beginning of chemotherapy to the FNH diagnosis was 15 months. FNH was unique in 11 (73%) cases, and the median size of nodules was 1.1 cm [range 0.5‐2.5]. Histologically, 9 (60%), 11 (73%) and 11 (73%) cases exhibited fibrous central scar, dystrophic vessels and ductular proliferation, respectively, with all three criteria present in five (33%) cases. Eight (53%) cases showed intralesional steatosis and nine (60%) cases showed a glutamine synthetase immunostaining map‐like pattern. In non‐tumoral liver, eight (53%) cases exhibited sinusoidal obstruction syndrome and four (27%) nodular regenerative hyperplasia.

Conclusion

The occurrence of FNH after systemic chemotherapy is an emerging condition challenging the imaging diagnosis because typical morphological features are frequently missing. The presence of sinusoidal changes, including regenerative hyperplasia, in non‐tumoral liver supports the potential role of chemotherapy in the pathogenesis of FNH.
Beyond craving: Appetitive desire as a motivational antecedent of goal‐directed action intentions
Authors: Aguirre‐Rodriguez Alexandra , Bagozzi Richard P. , Torres Patricia L.
Published: August 2021

Self‐regulation is generally considered a process of constraining appetitive desire motivation toward goal‐inconsistent objects and actions through rationality‐based (volitive) motivation. The predominant temptation‐focused view of appetitive desire focuses on cravings and self‐control dilemmas, overlooking the beneficial role of appetitive desire in motivating many types of goal‐directed action intentions. We extend this line of research based in the philosophy of action theoretical perspective by proposing that appetitive desire is broader than cravings and it positively influences goal‐consistent action intentions by strengthening volitive desire motivation. Appetitive desire toward goal means containing pleasurable features provides reasons for enacting goal‐consistent actions, which energizes intention formation through volitive desire. Thus, appetitive desire often plays an instrumental rather than detrimental motivational role in reasoned action toward goal pursuit. Three studies, one measurement‐based and two experimental, involving different goal‐directed action contexts, demonstrate that goal means associated with high (vs. low) appetitive desire result in greater volitive desire, which strengthens intentions to enact the goal means. Our results contribute to an expanded understanding of appetitive desire, beyond craving and temptation, as a positive antecedent in the causal sequences of appetitive desire→volitive desire→intentions in the context of consumer goal pursuit.
Modulation of Aggregation‐Caused Quenching to Aggregation‐Induced Emission: Finding a Biocompatible Polymeric Theranostics Platform for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Wang Cheng , Wang Ziyu , Chen Shaoqing , Cui Pengfei , Qiu Lin , Zhou Shuwen , Jiang Hua , Jiang Pengju , Wang Jianhao
Published: August 2021

Dual intramolecular FRET polymers are synthesized via Suzuki coupling and their luminescence characteristics from aggregation‐caused quenching (ACQ) to aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) is modulated conveniently by adjusting the charged ratios. The finally obtained AIE polymer is further employed to construct doxorubicin loaded nanoparticles as a promising theranostics platform for cancer therapy.
Sustainable Hyperbranched Functional Materials via Green Polymerization of Readily Accessible Levoglucosenone‐Derived Monomers
Authors: Fadlallah Sami , Flourat Amandine L. , Mouterde Louis M. M. , Annatelli Mattia , Peru Aurélien A. M. , Gallos Antoine , Aricò Fabio , Allais Florent
Published: August 2021

The homopolymerization in basic conditions of the recently reported bis(γ‐lactone), 2H‐HBO‐HBO, is herein described for the first time. The solvent‐free polymerization of this pentafunctional levoglucosenone (LGO) derivative affords fully renewable poly(vinyl‐ether lactone) copolymers with a highly hyperbranched structure. This investigation stems from the polycondensation trials between 2H‐HBO‐HBO and di(methyl carbonate) isosorbide (DCI) that fails to give the anticipated polycarbonates. Such unexpected behavior is ascribed to the higher reactivity of the 2H‐HBO‐HBO hydroxy groups toward its α,β‐conjugated endocyclic C═C, rather than the DCI methylcarbonate moieties. The different mechanistic scenarios involved in 2H‐HBO‐HBO homopolymerization are addressed and a possible structure of poly(2H‐HBO‐HBO) is suggested. Furthermore, the readily accessible (S)‐γ‐hydroxymethyl‐α,β‐butenolide (HBO) is also polymerized for the first time at a relatively large scale, without any prior modification, resulting in a new hyperbranched polymer with an environmental factor (E factor) ≈0. These new HBO‐based polymers have a great potential for industrial‐scale production due to their interesting properties and easy preparation via a low‐cost, green, and efficient process.
A PROXYL‐Type Norbornene Polymer for High‐Voltage Cathodes in Lithium Batteries
Authors: Hatakeyama‐Sato Kan , Matsumoto Satoshi , Takami Hirofumi , Nagatsuka Tomomi , Oyaizu Kenichi
Published: August 2021

A newly designed radical polymer with a polynorbornene backbone and unsaturated derivative of tetramethylpyrrolidine 1‐oxyl (PROXYL) as pendant groups displays reversible redox at 3.75 V (vs Li/Li+). The robust polymer design enables the high voltage while maintaining a promising cyclability (over 1000 cycles). The polymer is also beneficial as an additive to the regular lithium iron phosphate electrodes, where the quickly responding organic material facilitates the charging reactions catalytically.
A potential signaling axis between RON kinase receptor and hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 alpha in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Kato Akihisa , Ng Serina , Thangasamy Amalraj , Han Haiyong , Zhou Wendi , Raeppel Stephane , Fallon Michael , Guha Sushovan , Ammanamanchi Sudhakar
Published: August 2021

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) of a pancreatic cancer cohort identified high MST1R (RON tyrosine kinase receptor) expression correlated with poor prognosis in human pancreatic cancer. RON expression is null/minimal in normal pancreas but elevates from pan‐in lesions through invasive carcinomas. We report using multiple approaches RON directly regulates HIF‐1α, a critical driver of genes involved in cancer cell invasion and metastasis. RON and HIF‐1α are highly co‐expressed in the 101 human PDAC tumors analyzed and RON expression correlated with HIF‐1α expression in a subset of PDAC cell lines. knockdown of RON expression in RON positive cells blocked HIF‐1α expression, whereas ectopic RON expression in RON null cells induced HIF‐1α expression suggesting the direct regulation of HIF‐1α by RON kinase receptor. RON regulates HIF‐1α through an unreported transcriptional mechanism involving PI3 kinase‐mediated AKT phosphorylation and Sp1‐dependent HIF‐1α promoter activity leading to increased HIF‐1α mRNA expression. RON/HIF‐1α modulation altered the invasive behavior of PDAC cells. A small‐molecule RON kinase inhibitor decreased RON ligand, MSP‐induced HIF‐1α expression, and invasion of PDAC cells. Immunohistochemical analysis on RON knockdown orthotopic PDAC tumor xenograft confirmed that RON inhibition significantly blocked HIF‐1α expression. RON/HIF‐1α co‐expression also exists in triple‐negative breast cancer cells, a tumor type that also lacks molecular therapeutic targets. This is the first report describing RON/HIF‐1α axis in any tumor type and is a potential novel therapeutic target.
Proxy evaluation of dignity expectations and satisfaction of older patients with dementia by family members and nurses
Authors: Otake Eriko , Ota Katsumasa , Ikegami Chikako , Niimi Yukari , Yamada Satoko , Maeda Jukai , Matsuda Masami
Published: August 2021

Aim

Develop a proxy evaluation questionnaire for patients' family members and nurses to evaluate dignity expectations and satisfaction of patients with dementia.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Method

A proxy questionnaire draft was prepared with 30 items on expectations for dignity and 23 items on satisfaction with dignity. And administered to three paired groups: 81 older patients with intact cognitive function, 75 family members, and 77 nurses.

Results

18 of 30 items and 21 of 23 were correlated between patients and their family members' responses on dignity expectations and satisfaction, respectively. When limited to nurses with clinical experience of ≥20 years, there were significant correlations between patients' and nurses' responses (p < .05). Exploratory factor analysis of patient's responses to significantly correlated items extracted 3 factors with 13 items of expectations for dignity but no factors of satisfaction with dignity. Using a questionnaire provides insight for proxy evaluation of expectations for dignity.
Geotechnical site characterization using multichannel analysis of surface waves: A case study of an area prone to quick‐clay landslides in southwest Sweden
Authors: Salas‐Romero Silvia , Malehmir Alireza , Snowball Ian , Brodic Bojan
Published: August 2021

Quick‐clay landslides are important geohazards in Sweden, Norway and Canada. While they have been studied using various geotechnical and geophysical methods, only a handful of seismic surveys have been reported for their studies. Here, we reprocess active‐source seismic data from a quick‐clay landslide site in southwest Sweden to complement earlier studies of reflection imaging and first‐break traveltime tomography with surface‐wave dispersion analysis. Results suggest extremely low shear‐wave velocities, even as low as 60–100 m/s. From a geotechnical perspective, this implies that the region classifies as a high‐risk zone for landslides and construction purposes. High or anomalous values of Poisson's ratio (or similarly P‐ and S‐wave velocity ratio) depict a zone within the normally consolidated sediments that likely represents a coarse‐grained layer, thus confirming earlier results from a number of boreholes drilled in the study area. Overall, the results presented further support to the previous hypothesis that the coarse‐grained layer plays a major role in the formation and creation of quick‐clay landslides in the study area. Additionally, an attempt to model the distribution of potential quick clays along one of the seismic profiles is performed through a combination of the modelled geophysical properties and soil textures. This study illustrates the potential of seismic methods, and how the integration of multiple geophysical properties and different data handling strategies can help to accurately characterize regions susceptible to quick‐clay landslides.
Technology leaps in quantum sensing
Authors: Waasem Niklas , Fedder Helmut , Maletinsky Patrick
Published: August 2021

Taking advantage of quantum effects has enabled the so‐called first quantum revolution in the 20th century for technologies such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, magnetic resonance imaging, and the development of transistors, LEDs, solar panels, and lasers.
IMProVing directed energy deposition
Authors: Elsner Beatrix , Silze Frank , Marquardt Axel
Published: August 2021

Directed energy deposition (DED) is a powerful additive manufacturing technique that combines a high degree of freedom in design with relatively high deposition rates that can increase throughput. DED structures are created by repeatedly depositing weld beads from powder or wire feedstock, which also makes it an attractive technique for hybrid manufacturing because features can be added to a base component. However, the numerous heating and cooling cycles involved in the deposition process result in a complex thermal history that can entail distort the entire component.
Metrology & Industry 4.0
Authors: de Groot Peter J. , Schmidt Michael
Published: August 2021

When looking at the place of metrology in the ‘fourth industrial revolution', it is interesting to ponder whether industry 4.0 is being driven by developments in metrology or metrology developments are being driven by Industry 4.0.
New challenges for the laser micromachining community
Authors: Moglia Francesca
Published: August 2021

In one of EPIC's recent meetings about laser micromachining, lively discussions took place about how the supply chain can support machine builders to reach new frontiers in applications. Laser‐based surface functionalization is still a hot topic and laser micro‐drilling in glass has achieved very high throughput. We report here on the wish‐lists of end‐users, service and machine providers, including interesting opportunities to collaborate with them.
Curcumin–cisplatin chemotherapy: A novel strategy in promoting chemotherapy efficacy and reducing side effects
Authors: Hussain Yaseen , Islam Lubna , Khan Haroon , Filosa Rosanna , Aschner Michael , Javed Saba
Published: August 2021

The efficacy of chemotherapy in cancer therapy is limited due to resistance, treatment selectivity, and severe adverse effects. Immunotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation, and surgery are the most common therapeutic strategies for treatment, with chemotherapy being the most successful. Nonetheless, these treatments exhibit poor effectiveness due to toxicity and resistance. Therefore, combination therapies of natural products may be used as an effective and novel strategy to overcome such barriers. Cisplatin is a platinum‐based chemotherapy agent, and when administered alone, it can lead to severe adverse effects and resistance mechanism resulting in therapeutic failure. Curcumin is a polyphenolic compound extracted from turmeric (Curcuma longa) exhibiting anticancer potential with minimal adverse effects. The combination therapy of curcumin and cisplatin is a novel strategy to mitigate/attenuate cisplatin‐related adverse effects and improve the barrier of resistance reducing unwanted effects. However, there are uncertainties on the efficacy of curcumin, and more in depth and high‐quality studies are needed. This review aims to explain the adverse effects related to individual cisplatin delivery, the positive outcome of individual curcumin delivery, and the combination therapy of curcumin and cisplatin from nano platform as a novel strategy for cancer therapy.
Posaconazole‐induced hypertension in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Marpole Rachael , Yeoh Daniel K. , Withers Adelaide L.
Published: August 2021

Posaconazole is a triazole antifungal with a broad spectrum of activity against moulds including Aspergillus spp. Emerging data suggest posaconazole may be effective in the treatment of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) complicating cystic fibrosis (CF). Rarely, posaconazole can cause pseudohyperaldosteronism, manifesting as hypertension and electrolyte abnormalities, with a number of cases recently reported in individuals without CF. We describe two cases of children with CF who developed hypertension, likely due to pseudohyperaldosteronism, following the initiation of posaconazole for the treatment of ABPA.
Hidden in a group? Market reactions to multi‐violator corporate social irresponsibility disclosures
Authors: Liu Chang , Wang Stephanie Lu , Li Dan
Published: August 2021

Research Summary

The media often discloses multiple firms' corporate social irresponsibility (CSI) behaviors together (i.e., multi‐violator CSI disclosures). Drawing on attribution theory, we propose that multi‐violator CSI disclosures artificially create “violator groups.” Such violator groups weaken the extent to which investors attribute each violator firm's CSI behaviors to the firm itself and subsequently lessen negative market reactions toward the violator firm. Further, the temporal consistency and context diversity of the focal firm's past CSI behaviors mitigate the relationship between CSI disclosure type (i.e., multi‐violator vs. single‐violator CSI disclosures) and stock market reactions. Empirical findings based on a sample of 1,369 CSI disclosures linked to 506 S&P 1500 firms between 2010 and 2017 support our hypotheses.

Managerial Summary

Some public media reports disclose multiple firms' CSI behaviors together, while others disclose only one firm's CSI behaviors at a time. These two different frames can result in very different stock market reactions. We find that while the stock market reacts negatively to media reports of firms' CSI behaviors on average, negative reactions are weaker when the media discloses multiple firms' CSI behaviors than when only one firm's CSI behaviors are disclosed. However, this difference in market reactions to multi‐violator versus single‐violator CSI disclosures is smaller for firms that have engaged in many CSI behaviors or have engaged in many different types of CSI behaviors before.
Few‐Layered MoxW1−xS2‐Modified CdS Photocatalyst: One‐Step Synthesis with Bifunctional Precursors and Improved H2‐Evolution Activity
Authors: He Jiangyuan , Zhong Wei , Xu Ying , Yu Huogen , Fan Jiajie , Yu Jiaguo
Published: August 2021

Introducing W into MoS2 to fabricate Mo
x
W1−x
S2 is a promising strategy to optimize the active‐site density and electrical conductivity of MoS2 to further improve its H2‐evolution efficiency. However, limited attention has been paid to developing facile and effective methods to prepare a Mo
x
W1−x
S2 H2‐evolution cocatalyst, especially the few‐layered Mo
x
W1−x
S2, to boost the photocatalytic H2‐evolution activity of host photocatalyst materials. Herein, a well‐designed Mo
x
W1−x
S2 cocatalyst with a few‐layered structure of 5–7 layers and an interlayer spacing of 0.65 nm is in‐situ grown on the CdS surface via a simple one‐step solvothermal method with (NH4)2MoS4 and (NH4)2WS4 as the dual‐functional precursors. In this case, the above dual‐functional precursors can not only transform into the few‐layered Mo
x
W1−x
S2 cocatalyst but also provide abundant S2− ions for the formation of the CdS host photocatalyst. The photocatalytic H2‐evolution results declare that the Mo0.5W0.5S2/CdS photocatalyst acquires the highest H2‐evolution rate of 2968.1 μmol h−1 g−1, which is higher than that of MoS2/CdS by a factor of 3.5. The remarkably promoted H2‐evolution activity of the few‐layered Mo
x
W1−x
S2/CdS is mainly ascribed to the speedy electron transport and efficient H2‐evolution reaction via the Mo
x
W1−x
S2 cocatalyst on CdS surface by W‐introduction.