bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trajectories and risk factors for anxiety and depression in children and adolescents with cancer: A 1‐year follow‐up
Authors: Yardeni Maya , Abebe Campino Gadi , Hasson‐Ohayon Ilanit , Basel Dana , Hertz‐Palmor Nimrod , Bursztyn Shira , Weisman Hana , Pessach Itai M. , Toren Amos , Gothelf Doron
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

There is limited data on the longitudinal trajectories of psychiatric disorders in children with cancer and risk factors for their persistence. The current study aimed to longitudinally assess the trajectories and risk factors for anxiety and depressive symptoms and disorders in children and adolescents with cancer.

METHODS

Children and adolescents with cancer and their parents completed the Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Depression and Anxiety Module and were interviewed by the semi‐structured Affective and Anxiety Modules of the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School‐Age Children (K‐SADS), at 4 time points, 1, 4, 7, and 12 months following the diagnosis of cancer.

RESULTS

Of the 99 patients enrolled, 48% met criteria for anxiety and/or depressive disorders at least once during the follow‐up period. There was a significant decrease in PROMIS pediatric and parent anxiety and depression scores (all p's < 0.01) and in the rate of depressive disorders over time (p = 0.02), while rates of anxiety disorders remained stable. Anxiety PROMIS pediatric and parent scores at baseline, having brain tumors and being in the acute treatment phase significantly predicted the presences of anxiety disorders at endpoint.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results highlight the importance of screening for anxiety and disorders in children with cancer, especially among those with brain tumors and at the acute phase of treatment.
The prognostic utility of pre‐treatment neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte‐ratio (NLR) in colorectal cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Naszai Mate , Kurjan Alina , Maughan Timothy S.
Published: July 2021

Background

Inflammation is a hallmark of cancer, and systemic markers of inflammation are increasingly recognised as negative prognostic factors for clinical outcome. Neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is readily available from routine blood testing of patients diagnosed with cancer.

Methods

Peer‐reviewed publications from PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science and EMBASE were identified according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Hazard ratios (HR) for overall survival (OS) and surrogate endpoints (SE; comprising disease‐, recurrence‐ and progression‐free survival) were pooled using a random effects model. Additional analysis was carried out to further investigate NLR as an independent prognostic factor and account for heterogeneity.

Results

Seventy‐one eligible papers comprising 32,788 patients were identified. High NLR was associated with poor clinical outcomes. Significant publication bias was observed, and larger studies also adjusted for more covariates. Correcting for publication bias in multivariate studies brought our best estimate for true effect size to HR = 1.57 (95% CI 1.39–1.78; p < 0.0001) for OS and to HR = 1.38 (95% CI 1.16–1.64; p = 0.0003) for SE.

Conclusions

NLR is confirmed as an easily available prognostic biomarker in colorectal cancer, despite the limitations of some studies previously reporting this finding. As such, it should be routinely collected in prospective clinical trials. While more standardised and rigorous large‐scale studies are needed before high NLR can be fully assessed as an independent predictor of CRC progression and outcome, the data suggest that it may be used to highlight individuals with tumour‐promoting inflammatory context.
'Mixed white and Black Caribbean' millennials in Britain: An exploration of identity
Authors: Clarke Yasmine
Published: July 2021

This study presents a qualitative exploration of individuals identifying as ‘mixed white and Black Caribbean’ (MWBC) in Britain. The focus of this research aimed to answer the question, 'how do mixed white and Black Caribbean millennials in Britain experience their identity?' Six participants, aged 22–31 years, were interviewed about their family, relationships and personal values. The results were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis and highlighted three main themes: ‘Public Perception’, ‘Caribbean Heritage’ and ‘Conversations’. Each theme was analysed from an integrative psychotherapeutic viewpoint, before concluding with suggestions for counsellors and psychotherapists working with this client group in clinical practice.
Adsorption and Co‐adsorption of Chlorine and Water‐Chlorine Complexes on Au(111) Surfaces: First‐Principles DFT Study
Authors: Xiao Yuan‐Hui , Liu Jia , Lin Jian‐De , Yu Huan‐Huan , Pang Ran , Wu De‐Yin , Tian Zhong‐Qun
Published: July 2021

The adsorption of atomic chlorine (Cl) on perfect Au(111) surfaces has been investigated by employing extensive density functional theory calculations, including the Cl coverage range from 1/9 to 1 monolayer (ML) and the effect of water on the Cl adsorption. The structural, energetic, and electronic properties are calculated and compared with previously reported experimental studies towards adsorption of Cl on metal surfaces. We found that there is a significant difference in energy and electronic structures for adsorption of Cl at the top site, compared with adsorption of Cl on other sites of the Au surface. Surface coverage lower than 1/3 ML is enough for the adsorption of Cl atoms at an fcc hollow site, whereas the Cl adopts a mixed adsorption sites at higher coverage reaching 3/4 ML. The negatively charged Cl− ion increase the work function of the Au(111) surface at all coverage, and the Au−Cl interaction is dominated by a strong coupling between the d‐band of Au and the p state of Cl atoms. The appearance of water molecules makes Cl more stable for adsorbing on the top site of Au (111) through hydrogen bonding interaction, and also promotes interfacial charge transfer between Cl and Au(111). We emphasize here is that the Au−Cl stretching vibrational frequency at the top site is similar to the observed values in the experiment, while the Au−Cl stretching frequency redshifts as the coverage increases for Cl adsorped at the fcc site. The presence of water would cause a significant redshift of the Au−Cl stretching vibrational frequency because of the stretched bond length and the decrease of the covalent bonding component. These changes motivate us to rethink of the Au−Cl vibration frequency and the corresponding interfacial structure.
Diastereoselective Photoreaction of Ir(III) Amine Complexes for Generation of New Multidentate Ligands in situ via a Postcoordinated Interligand‐Coupling Strategy
Authors: Chen Xing‐Yang , Yao Su‐Yang , Li Li‐Ping , Ye Bao‐Hui
Published: July 2021

Main observation and conclusion

The diastereoselective photoreactions of Ir(III)‐amine and Ir(III)‐diamine complexes are observed in the presence of O2. The Ʌ‐[Ir(pq)2(R‐mapy)](PF6) (pq is 2‐phenylquinoline and mapy is 2‐(1‐aminoethyl)pyridine) diastereomer is dehydrogenatively oxidized into imine complex Ʌ‐[Ir(pq)2(mapy‐2H)](PF6) at room temperature, while the Ʌ‐[Ir(pq)2(S‐mapy)](PF6) diastereomer occurs interligand C—N cross‐coupling reaction at 60 °C, affording a new tetradentate complex Ʌ‐[Ir(pq)(S‐pqpe)] (PF6) (pqpe is 2‐phenyl‐N‐(1‐pyridin‐2‐yl)ethyl‐quinolin‐8‐amine). The identical cases are also observed in diamine complexes Ʌ‐[Ir(pq)2(R,R‐chda)](PF6) (chda is 1,2‐diaminocyclohexane), Ʌ‐[Ir(pq)2(R,S‐chda)](PF6), and Ʌ‐[Ir(pq)2(S,S‐chda)](PF6), where the R configuration ligand is dehydrogenatively oxidized into imine, while the S configuration is retentive and the bound nitrogen atom is coupling to the C8 of pq ligand, affording Ʌ‐[Ir(pq)2(chdi)](PF6) (chdi is 1,2‐diiminocyclohexane), Ʌ‐[Ir(pq)(S‐pqchim)](PF6) (pqchim is N‐(2‐iminocyclohexyl)‐2‐phenyl‐ quinolin‐8‐amine), and Ʌ‐[Ir(S,S‐pqchda)](PF6) (pqchda is N',N”‐bis(2‐phenylquinolin‐8‐yl)cyclohexane‐1,2‐diamine), respectively. These provide a new and useful protocol for the synthesis of multidentate ligands in situ via the postcoordinated interligand‐coupling strategy under mild conditions.
Influence of Fluorine Substitution on Nonbonding Interactions in Selected Para‐Halogeno Anilines
Authors: Pietruś Wojciech , Kurczab Rafał , Kalinowska‐Tłuścik Justyna , Machalska Ewa , Golonka Dominika , Barańska Małgorzata , Bojarski Andrzej J.
Published: July 2021

A series of 4‐halogeno aniline derivatives was studied employing combined theoretical and experimental methods (i. e. crystal structure analysis and vibrational spectroscopies). This simplified model system was selected to shed light on the impact of fluorine substitution on the formation of noncovalent interactions such as halogen bonds (XBs) and hydrogen bonds (HBs), which are key interactions in fluorinated/halogenated drug‐protein complex formation. Comparative analysis of three previously reported and five newly determined crystal structures indicated that, in most cases, 2‐fluoro and 2,6‐difluoro substitution of 4‐X anilines increases the ability of adjacent amine to form strong N−H⋅⋅⋅N HBs. Additionally, fluorine substituents in the difluorinated derivatives are competitive and attractive HB and XB acceptors and increase the probability of halogen‐halogen contacts. A peculiar observation was made for 4‐iodoaniline and 2,6‐difluoro‐4‐iodoaniline, which form distinct interaction patterns compared to the corresponding 4‐Cl and 4‐Br analogs. The observed intramolecular N−H⋅⋅⋅F interactions lead to additional NH bands in the FT‐IR spectra.
Overlap between marine predators and proposed Marine Managed Areas on the Patagonian Shelf
Authors: Baylis Alastair M. M. , de Lecea Ander M. , Tierney Megan , Orben Rachael A. , Ratcliffe Norman , Wakefield Ewan , Catry Paulo , Campioni Letizia , Costa Marina , Boersma P. Dee , Galimberti Filippo , Granadeiro José P. , Masello Juan F. , Pütz Klemens , Quillfeldt Petra , Rebstock Ginger A. , Sanvito Simona , Staniland Iain J. , Brickle Paul
Published: July 2021

Static (fixed‐boundary) protected areas are key ocean conservation strategies, and marine higher predator distribution data can play a leading role toward identifying areas for conservation action. The Falkland Islands are a globally significant site for colonial breeding marine higher predators (i.e., seabirds and pinnipeds). However, overlap between marine predators and Falkland Islands proposed Marine Managed Areas (MMAs) has not been quantified. Hence, to provide information required to make informed decisions regarding the implementation of proposed MMAs, our aims were to objectively assess how the proposed MMA network overlaps with contemporary estimates of marine predator distribution. We collated tracking data (1999–2019) and used a combination of kernel density estimation and model‐based predictions of spatial usage to quantify overlap between colonial breeding marine predators and proposed Falkland Islands MMAs. We also identified potential IUCN Key Biodiversity Areas (pKBAs) using (1) kernel density based methods originally designed to identify Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) and (2) habitat preference models. The proposed inshore MMA, which extends three nautical miles from the Falkland Islands, overlapped extensively with areas used by colonial breeding marine predators. This reflects breeding colonies being distributed throughout the Falklands archipelago, and use being high adjacent to colonies due to central‐place foraging constraints. Up to 45% of pKBAs identified via kernel density estimation were located within the proposed MMAs. In particular, the proposed Jason Islands Group MMA overlapped with pKBAs for three marine predator species, suggesting it is a KBA hot spot. However, tracking data coverage was incomplete, which biased pKBAs identified using kernel density methods, to colonies tracked. Moreover, delineation of pKBA boundaries were sensitive to the choice of smoothing parameter used in kernel density estimation. Delineation based on habitat model predictions for both sampled and unsampled colonies provided less biased estimates, and revealed 72% of the Falkland Islands Conservation Zone was likely a KBA. However, it may not be practical to consider such a large area for fixed‐boundary management. In the context of wide‐ranging marine predators, emerging approaches such as dynamic ocean management could complement static management frameworks such as MMAs, and provide protection at relevant spatiotemporal scales.
Does life history mediate discharge as a driver of multi‐decadal changes in populations of freshwater fish?
Authors: Lyon Jarod P. , Bird Tomas , Tonkin Zeb , Raymond Scott , Sharley Joanne , Hale Robin
Published: July 2021

Understanding how and why the size of populations varies is critical knowledge for conservation and management. While considerable work has explored how different demographic parameters affect population growth, less is known the drivers of variability in these parameters. Long‐term time series tracking population size that are coupled with empirical data to examine the relative importance of different drivers are rare, especially in freshwater systems. Even rarer are studies that collect this information concurrently from multiple species with contrasting life history strategies in the same system to assess whether population size and the relative importance of drivers also vary. We studied changes in the abundance and size structure of four native freshwater fish species in the Murray River, southeastern Australia, over a continuous 19‐yr period. Two species with traits typical of “equilibrium” species (Murray codMaccullochella peeliiand trout codMaccullochella macquariensis) and two with traits of “periodic” species (golden perchMacquaria ambiguaand silver perchBidyanus bidyanus) were sampled annually and capture–mark–recapture modeling was used to ask (1) how did population size change during this period, (2) how were changes in population size related to variability in hydrology, and (3) how were changes in population size driven by different processes (local recruitment or migration events)? Populations of all four species varied throughout the study, and our results are consistent with the notion that local recruitment is an important driver of this variability for Murray cod and trout cod, whereas immigration is more important for the two other species. Increases in spring river discharge strongly influenced these responses for trout cod and golden perch. Our study provides fundamental insights into the population dynamics of these valued species, and how management strategies might differ based on their life histories. Management should focus on allowing connectivity for golden and silver perch, and on promoting local scale recruitment and survival for Murray cod and trout cod. More generally, our study highlights the importance of understanding the processes underpinning population persistence, how these processes may vary for different species, and ultimately how this knowledge can inform targeted management actions.
Electrical actuation of dielectric droplets by negative liquid dielectrophoresis
Authors: Piao Yuhao , Yu Kun , Jones Thomas B , Wang Weiqiang
Published: July 2021

This paper presents an electrical actuation scheme of dielectric droplet by negative liquid dielectrophoresis. A general model of lumped parameter electromechanics for evaluating the electromechanical force acting on the droplets is established. The model reveals the influence of actuation voltage, device geometry, and dielectric parameter on the actuation force for both conductive and dielectric medium. Using this model, we compare the actuation forces for four liquid combinations in the parallel‐plate geometry and predict the low voltage actuation of dielectric droplets by negative dielectrophoresis. Parallel experimental results demonstrate such electric actuation of dielectric droplets, including droplet transport, splitting, merging, and dispending. All these dielectric droplet manipulations are achieved at voltages < 100 Vrms. The frequency dependence of droplet actuation velocity in aqueous solution is discussed and the existence of surfactant molecules is believed to play an important role by realigning with the AC electric field. Finally, we present coplanar manipulation of oil and water droplets and formation of oil‐in‐water emulsion droplet by applying the same low voltage.
Neubaustrecke Dresden–Prag – aktueller Planungsfortschritt mit dem Schwerpunkt Baugrund/Geologie
Authors: Kostkanová Vladislava , Müller Kay
Published: July 2021

Die DB Netz AG und Správa železnic planen gemeinsam die neue Hochgeschwindigkeitseisenbahnstrecke zwischen Dresden und Prag. Kernstück des Neubauvorhabens ist ein mindestens 25 km langer Tunnel unter dem Erzgebirge zwischen Heidenau in Deutschland und Stradov bei Ústi nad Labem in Tschechien. Der grenzübergreifende Tunnel wird durch ein gemeinsames Planungsteam der beiden Eisenbahninfrastrukturunternehmen geplant. Dieser Beitrag zeigt die Komplexität des anstehenden Gebirges, die durchgeführten Untersuchungen und gibt einen Ausblick auf die noch anstehenden Untersuchungen (Bearbeitungsstand Juni 2021).
Avelumab expanded access program in metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma: Efficacy and safety findings from patients in Europe and the Middle East
Authors: Ascierto Paolo Antonio , Orlova Kristina , Grignani Giovanni , Dudzisz‐Śledź Monika , Fenig Eyal , Chiarion Sileni Vanna , Fazio Nicola , Samimi Mahtab , Mortier Laurent , Gebhardt Christoffer , Kramkimel Nora , Steven Neil , Bechter Oliver , Arance Ana , Benincasa Elena , Kostkova Lenka , Costa Nuno , Lorigan Paul
Published: July 2021

Incidence rates of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), an uncommon skin cancer with an aggressive disease course, have increased in recent decades. Limited treatment options are available for patients with metastatic MCC (mMCC). Avelumab, an anti‐programmed cell death‐ligand 1 monoclonal antibody, became the first approved treatment for mMCC after the results of the phase 2 JAVELIN Merkel 200 study. Prior to its regulatory approval, an expanded access program (EAP) enabled compassionate use of avelumab in patients with mMCC. Here we report findings from patients enrolled in the EAP in Europe and the Middle East. Efficacy and safety data were provided at the discretion of treating physicians. Between March 2, 2016, and December 22, 2018, 403 requests for avelumab were received from 21 countries, and avelumab was supplied to 335 patients. Most patients (96.7%) received avelumab as second‐line or later treatment. In 150 patients for whom response data were available, the objective response rate was 48.0%, and in responding patients, median duration of treatment was 7.4 months (range, 1.0‐41.7 months). The most common treatment‐related adverse events were infusion‐related reaction (2.4%) and pyrexia (2.1%), and no new safety signals were observed. Overall, results from European and Middle Eastern patients enrolled in this EAP confirm the efficacy and safety of avelumab treatment observed in previous studies in patients with mMCC.
A cluster randomized trial to evaluate a centralized remote clinical pharmacy service in large, health system primary care clinics
Authors: Kennelty Korey A. , Coffey Christopher S. , Ardery Gail , Uribe Liz , Yankey Jon , Ecklund Dixie , James Paul A. , Vander Weg Mark W. , Chrischilles Elizabeth A. , Christensen Alan J. , Polgreen Linnea A. , Gryzlak Brian , Carter Barry L. ,   MEDication Focused Outpatient Care for Underutilization of Secondary Prevention (MEDFOCUS) trial investigators
Published: July 2021

Background

We developed a remote cardiovascular risk service (CVRS) managed by clinical pharmacists to support primary care teams. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the CVRS could improve guideline adherence in primary care clinics with diverse geographic and patient characteristics.

Methods

This study was a cluster‐randomized trial initiated in 20 primary care clinics across the United States. Clinics were stratified as a high or low minority and then randomized to receive the intervention or maintain usual care for 12 months. The primary outcome was adherence to relevant The Guideline Advantage (TGA) criteria met. TGA is a compilation of criteria from practice guidelines intended to improve the quality of primary care. Post‐hoc outcomes included changes in individual TGA measures.

Results

A total of 401 study subjects were included in the analysis. Mean TGA scores remained the same in the intervention group (n = 193, 0.72) and slightly decreased in the usual care group (n = 208, 0.67‐0.66) over the 12‐month study period. There was no significant difference between the mean TGA scores in the intervention and usual care groups for the overall population at 12 months (0.72 vs 0.66, respectively, P = .10). For under‐represented minority subjects, there was no significant difference between TGA scores at 12 months (n = 186; 0.70 vs 0.67, respectively, P = .50). In a post‐hoc analysis of subjects uncontrolled at baseline, there was a significant improvement in systolic BP at 12 months in the intervention group vs usual care (model‐based difference of −8.03 mmHg, P = .03).

Conclusions

Improvements in individual TGA measures were limited, in part, due to higher‐than‐expected baseline TGA scores. Future studies of this model should focus on patients with uncontrolled conditions at high risk for cardiovascular events.

Clinical Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02215408; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02215408?id=NCT02215408.
In vitro therapeutic effects of abemaciclib on triple‐negative breast cancer cells
Authors: Ozman Zeynep , Guney Eskiler Gamze , Sekeroglu Mehmet R.
Published: July 2021

The cyclin‐dependent kinases 4 and 6 have led to a significant improvement in the treatment of hormone‐receptor‐positive breast cancer. However, the therapeutic potential of abemaciclib in triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) has not been definitively elucidated. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate abemaciclib mediated antiproliferative effects on MDA‐MB‐231 and MDA‐MB‐468 TNBC and MCF‐10A cell line through annexin V, cell cycle, caspase‐3, reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction analysis, acridine orange, and DAPI staining, for the first time. In addition, the autophagy‐related cell death was assessed by autophagy‐LC3 assay and acidic vesicular organelles staining. Our findings demonstrated that abemaciclib treatment resulted in significant apoptotic cell death in TNBC cells via G0/G1 arrest, chromatin condensation, the upregulation of caspase‐3 and Bax levels, and the downregulation of Bcl‐2. However, the formation of a large number of cytoplasmic vacuoles was not associated with autophagy. Therefore, abemaciclib treatment could be an effective treatment for TNBC. However, further studies are needed to elucidate the molecular mechanism of abemaciclib‐induced apoptotic as well as atypical cell death derived from lysosomes in TNBC.
Genetic interaction between F‐box motif encoding YDR131C and retrograde signaling‐related RTG1 regulates the stress response and apoptosis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Shoket Heena , Pandita Monika , Sharma Meenu , Kumar Ravinder , Rakwal Ayushi , Wazir Shreya , Verma Vijeshwar , Salunke Deepak B. , Bairwa Narendra K.
Published: July 2021

The retrograde signaling pathway is well conserved from yeast to humans, which regulates cell adaptation during stress conditions and prevents cell death. One of its components, RTG1 encoded Rtg1p in association with Rtg3p communicates between mitochondria, nucleus, and peroxisome during stress for adaptation, by regulation of transcription. The F‐box motif protein encoded by YDR131C  constitutes a part of SCF Ydr131c‐E3 ligase complex, with unknown function; however, it is known that retrograde signaling is modulated by the E3 ligase complex. This study reports epistasis interaction between YDR131C and RTG1, which regulates cell growth, response to genotoxic stress, decreased apoptosis, resistance to petite mutation, and cell wall integrity. The cells of ydr131cΔrtg1Δ genetic background exhibits growth rate improvement however, sensitivity to hydroxyurea, itraconazole antifungal agent and synthetic indoloquinazoline‐based alkaloid (8‐fluorotryptanthrin, RK64), which disrupts the cell wall integrity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The epistatic interaction between YDR131C and RTG1 indicates a link between protein degradation and retrograde signaling pathways.
Excited state distribution function for probing Herzberg–Teller vibronic coupling using linear optical response theory: Application to glassy pheophytin a
Authors: Toutounji Mohamad
Published: July 2021

The goal of the present work is to develop an excited‐state distribution function that can be used to calculate electronic transition dipole moment time correlation functions at a considerably low computational cost. An additional merit of the distribution function is its capability to probe the Hertzberg–Teller vibronic coupling effect in terms of the previously reported Condon correlation functions in the literature without having to start from the equilibrium density operator to probe spectral non‐Condon effects, thereby exploring Hertzberg–Teller vibronic coupling by building on the Condon regime. It is easily extendable to anharmonic systems. Model calculations are reported to show the high degree of accuracy and computational efficiency of the presented approach. Application to a photosynthetic system such as pheophytin a in triethylamine is provided.
The effect of applied electric field on the micromorphology of Pt nanoparticles synthesized by laser ablation
Authors: Bakhtiari Mohammad , Hantehzadeh Mohammadreza , Darabi Elham
Published: July 2021

In the present study, laser ablation technique (Nd:YAG) has been applied to synthesize platinum nanoparticles (NPs). Also, the effect of applied electric field on the physical, structural, and morphological properties of Pt NPs has been investigated during the nanosecond pulsed laser ablation of platinum. Based on the results extracted from TEM and scanning electron microscopy images, the formation of high percentage of NPs with spherical shape is demonstrated in all samples. The increase of applied electric field creates few rectangular, hexagonal, and rhombic NPs with the average size decreased from 20 to 9 nm. The significant influence of increasing electric field is also observed in UV–vis spectra by appearing the blue shift of the localized surface plasmon resonance peak. The UV–vis spectra also confirm the metallic nature of Pt NPs and the existence of inhomogeneous‐sized particles and the coagulation of particle because of the long tail in higher wavelengths. In addition, atomic force microscopy images have been analyzed through MountainsMap Premium program and fractal dimension. As can be seen, increasing the applied electric field make the surface more irregular and the maximum value of Df reveals the most irregular topography for sample with 50 V/cm electric field. Finally, the bending and stretching frequencies of the functional bending groups connected to the NPs surface have been characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Electrical field‐assisted laser ablation in liquids method allows a better control of the size, morphology, structure, and chemical composition of nanoparticles.
Results of the Genetic Counselor SARS‐CoV‐2 Impact Survey from the National Society of Genetic Counselors: Progress and penalty during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Pan Vivian , Doerr Megan , Hoell Christin , Ryan Lauren , Erwin Deanna J. , Hooker Gillian , Haverty Carrie ,   The National Society of Genetic Counselors GC SARS‐CoV‐2 Impact Survey Working Group
Published: July 2021

The Genetic Counselor SARS‐CoV‐2 Impact Survey (GCSIS) describes the impact of the pandemic on genetic counselors and genetic counseling services. With this information, the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) can better: (1) support advocacy and access efforts for genetic counseling services at both federal‐ and state‐level; (2) promote effective billing and reimbursement for genetic counseling services provided via telemedicine; and (3) make decisions about how to best support genetic counselors.

The survey was hosted on a novel data collection and analysis platform from LunaDNA and was open to all genetic counselors (n = 5,531 based on professional society membership). Survey response rate was approximately 3.8% (n = 212/5,531), with a demographic distribution broadly representative of the North American genetic counseling field. Genetic counselors remained largely employed, providing genetic counseling services throughout the pandemic, although almost one in five respondents (17%, n = 35/211) reported experiencing some degree of pandemic‐related financial hardship. Nearly all respondents (90%, n = 104/115) transitioned, at least in part, to remote work settings, with about half (47%. n = 88/189) reporting restrictions in the care they were able to provide. These shifts came at a cost: existing gaps in Medicare status for genetic counselors and attendant reimbursement concerns led to uncertainty about whether genetic counselors' work will be reimbursed. Outside of work, caregiving responsibilities increased for 34% (n = 74/212) of respondents.

The results of the GCSIS amplify the importance of federal‐ and state‐level advocacy efforts for genetic counselors and their employers. They also highlight the impact of broader cultural intransigence on our majority‐female profession. During the pandemic, genetic counselors continued to provide care, but without consistent financial support or expectation of reimbursement. The ability to attract and retain talented professionals to the genetic counseling field will hinge on the success of continued advocacy efforts.
Recent evidence for warmer and drier growing seasons in climate sensitive regions of Central America from multiple global datasets
Authors: Stewart Iris T. , Maurer Edwin P. , Stahl Kerstin , Joseph Kenneth
Published: July 2021

Smallholder livelihoods throughout Central America are built on rain‐fed agriculture and depend on seasonal variations in temperature and precipitation. Recent climatic shifts in this highly diverse region are not well understood due to sparse observations, and as the skill of global climate products have not been thoroughly evaluated. We examine the performance for several reanalysis and satellite‐based global climate data products (CHIRPS/CHIRTS, ERA5, MERRA‐2, PERSIANN‐CDR) as compared to the observation‐based GPCC precipitation dataset. These datasets are then used to evaluate the magnitude and spatial extent of hydroclimatic shifts and changes in aridity and drought over the last four decades. We focus on water‐limited regions that are important for rain‐fed agriculture and particularly vulnerable to further drying, and newly delineate those regions for Central America and Mexico by adapting prior definitions of the Central American Dry Corridor. Our results indicate that the CHIRPS dataset exhibits the greatest skill for the study area. A general warming of 0.2–0.8°C·decade−1 was found across the region, particularly for spring and winter, while widespread drying was indicated by several measures for the summer growing season. Changes in annual precipitation have been inconsistent, but show declines of 20–25% in eastern Honduras/Nicaragua and in several parts of Mexico. Some regions most vulnerable to drying have been subject to statistically significant trends towards summer drying, increases in drought and aridity driven by precipitation declines, and/or a lengthening of the winter dry season, highlighting areas where climate adaptation measures may be most urgent.
Organic color‐conversion media for full‐color micro‐LED displays
Authors: Dong Shou‐Cheng , Jiang Yibin , Tang Ching W.
Published: July 2021

We developed green and red color‐conversion medium (CCM) films for applications in VR/AR microdisplays. These CCM films comprise a host–dopant composition, where the host DMP is a perylene‐based molecule with an absorption coefficient of nearly 2.0 × 105 at 458 nm, the peak absorption closely matching the emission from blue LEDs. DMP was specially designed to have large steric substituents to minimize intermolecular aggregation and to preserve monomeric emissions. Thin CCM films can achieve peak blue‐light absorption of over 99.9% with a mere 500‐nm thickness. Green and red CCM films with PLQYs of 44% and 58% using DMQA and DBP as dopants, respectively, have been demonstrated. With an ultra‐thin silicon nitride shadow mask, high‐resolution CCM arrays of 2000 ppi have also been demonstrated.
Patterns of protist distribution and diversification in alpine lakes across Europe
Authors: Vogt Janina C. , Olefeld Jana L. , Bock Christina , Boenigk Jens , Albach Dirk C.
Published: July 2021

Biogeography in Europe is known to be crucially influenced by the large mountain ranges serving as biogeographical islands for cold‐adapted taxa and geographical barriers for warm‐adapted taxa. While biogeographical patterns are well‐known for plants and animals in Europe, we here investigated diversity and distribution patterns of protist freshwater communities on a European scale (256 lakes) in the light of the well‐studied post‐glacial distribution patterns of macroorganisms. Thus, our study compared 43 alpine protist communities of lakes located in the Alps, Carpathians, Pyrenees, and the Sierra Nevada with that of surrounding lowland lakes. We verified altitudinal diversity gradients of freshwater protists with decreasing richness and diversity across altitudes similar to those observed for plants and animals. Alpine specialists and generalists could be identified differing significantly in richness and diversity, but hardly in occurrence and proportions of major taxonomic groups. High proportions of region‐specific alpine specialists indicate an increased occurrence of distinct lineages within each mountain range and thus, suggested either separated glacial refugia or post‐glacial diversification within mountain ranges. However, a few alpine specialists were shared between mountain ranges suggesting a post‐glacial recolonization from a common lowland pool. Our results identified generalists with wide distribution ranges and putatively wide tolerance ranges toward environmental conditions as main drivers of protist diversification (specification) in alpine lakes, while there was hardly any diversification in alpine specialists.
A half‐mode substrate integrated waveguide filtering power divider with Fourier‐varying via holes
Authors: Hussein Osama , Al Shamaileh Khair , Sigmarsson Hjalti , Abushamleh Said , Aboserwal Nafati , Devabhaktuni Vijay
Published: July 2021

In this article, a novel design methodology of a half‐mode substrate integrated waveguide (HM‐SIW) filtering Wilkinson power divider is proposed. The width between the two metallic rows of vias in the conventional HM‐SIW divider is governed by a truncated Fourier series expansion to obtain specific passband/stopband performance. The optimized varying width is obtained using the even‐mode analysis, whereas the odd‐mode analysis is used to find the optimum values of three isolation resistors that achieve acceptable isolation and output ports matching over specific frequency range. For validation, a HM‐SIW divider with a center frequency of 12.3 GHz and 3.7% 10‐dB fractional bandwidth is designed, simulated, and measured. Simulated and measured results show a good agreement with passband return loss and transmission losses better than −15 and −3.0 dB, respectively.
Predicting fever in neutropenia with safety‐relevant events in children undergoing chemotherapy for cancer: The prospective multicenter SPOG 2015 FN Definition Study
Authors: Lavieri Luana , Koenig Christa , Bodmer Nicole , Agyeman Philipp K. A. , Scheinemann Katrin , Ansari Marc , Roessler Jochen , Ammann Roland A.
Published: July 2021

Background

Fever in neutropenia (FN) remains a frequent complication in pediatric patients undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. Preventive strategies, like primary antibiotic prophylaxis, need to be evidence‐based.

Procedure

Data on pediatric patients with any malignancy from the prospective multicenter SPOG 2015 FN Definition Study (NCT02324231) were analyzed. A score predicting the risk to develop FN with safety‐relevant events (SRE; bacteremia, severe sepsis, intensive care unit admission, death) was developed using multivariate mixed Poisson regression. Its predictive performance was assessed by internal cross‐validation and compared with the performance of published rules.

Results

In 238 patients, 318 FN episodes were recorded, including 53 (17%) with bacteremia and 68 (21%) with SRE. The risk‐prediction score used three variables: chemotherapy intensity, defined according to the expected duration of severe neutropenia, time since diagnosis, and type of malignancy. Its cross‐validated performance, assessed by the time needed to cover (TNC) one event, exceeded the performance of published rules. A clinically useful score threshold of ≥11 resulted in 2.3% time at risk and 4.1 months TNC. Using external information on efficacy and timing of intermittent antibiotic prophylaxis, 4.3 months of prophylaxis were needed to prevent one FN with bacteremia, and 5.2 months to prevent one FN with SRE, using a threshold of ≥11.

Conclusions

This score, based on three routinely accessible characteristics, accurately identifies pediatric patients at risk to develop FN with SRE during chemotherapy. The score can help to design clinical decision rules on targeted primary antibiotic prophylaxis and corresponding efficacy studies.
Block copolymer solution self‐assembly: Recent advances, emerging trends, and applications
Authors: Karayianni Maria , Pispas Stergios
Published: July 2021

The self‐assembly process of block copolymers (BCPs) in solution has been at the focus of extended scientific research over the past several decades owing to the astonishing morphological diversity and attainable complexity of the resulting nanoassemblies, including spheres, cylinders, lamellae, vesicles, and many other complex, bicontinuous or even hierarchical structures. The ever‐increasing sophistication in the development of synthetic chemistry methods and techniques has led to a myriad of available macromolecules with varying chemical compositions, architectures, features, and properties. This assortment of characteristics has led in turn to a plethora of intriguing self‐organized polymeric nanostructures, with countless possible applications in several nanotechnological fields relevant to physics, chemistry, material science, nanomedicine, and biomaterials. The present review aims to illuminate the importance and fascinating potential of BCPs solution self‐assembly by highlighting recent advances and emerging trends in the field, as well as significant application‐oriented progress, through characteristic contemporary examples.
Preparation of Mitochondria‐ and Epigenetics‐Targeting Nanoparticles for Suppression of Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Yamazaki Takeru , Arima Kohe , Kubota Riku , Sato Kiyoshi , Kawakami Hiroyoshi
Published: July 2021

Epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) of carcinoma cells is a promising target for cancer therapy since it is closely related to tumor metastasis and therapeutic resistance. The process of EMT is strongly associated with epigenetic alterations in cancer cells. In addition, recent accumulating evidence suggests that EMT also has a significant influence on inducing cancer stem cells (CSCs). In this study, novel polymer core–lipid shell nanoparticles (PLNPs) are prepared to suppress cancer EMT by the combined effects of the antioxidant activity of core‐encapsulated Mn imidazolium porphyrin (MnImP) and the epigenetic control by histone acetyltransferase‐encoding plasmid DNA (pHAT) hybridized onto the shell surface. PLNPs show the ability to control the expression of EMT‐related markers, resulting in the suppression of EMT in lung epithelial cancer cells (paraquat‐treated A549 cells). Furthermore, PLNPs suppress the levels of intracellular mitochondrial ROS and the transformation to CSCs. The results of this study may provide a novel therapeutic strategy against tumor metastasis and treatment resistance.
Year in review 2020: Nutrition and gastrointestinal disease in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Sathe Meghana , Sharma Preeti B. , Savant Adrienne P.
Published: July 2021

The multisystemic manifestations of cystic fibrosis (CF) involve all parts of the gastrointestinal (GI) system, including the pancreas, intestine, and liver. As providers who care for people with CF, knowledge of the manifestations, treatment, and research related to nutrition and GI disease are important. This review is the last installment of the CF year in review 2020 series, focusing on nutritional, GI, and hepatobiliary articles from Pediatric Pulmonology and other journals of particular interest to clinicians.
Dynamics in an unusual acyl carrier protein from a ladderane lipid‐synthesizing organism
Authors: Dietl Andreas , Barends Thomas R. M.
Published: July 2021

Anaerobic ammonium‐oxidizing (anammox) bacteria express a distinct acyl carrier protein implicated in the biosynthesis of the highly unusual “ladderane” lipids these organisms produce. This “anammox‐specific” ACP, or amxACP, shows several unique features such as a conserved FF motif and an unusual sequence in the functionally important helix III. Investigation of the protein's structure and dynamics, both in the crystal by ensemble refinement and by MD simulations, reveals that helix III adopts a rare six‐residue‐long 310‐helical conformation that confers a large degree of conformational and positional variability on this part of the protein. This way of introducing structural flexibility by using the inherent properties of 310‐helices appears unique among ACPs. Moreover, the structure suggests a role for the FF motif in shielding the thioester linkage between the protein's prosthetic group and its acyl cargo from hydrolysis.
Kidney damage from nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs—Myth or truth? Review of selected literature
Authors: Drożdżal Sylwester , Lechowicz Kacper , Szostak Bartosz , Rosik Jakub , Kotfis Katarzyna , Machoy‐Mokrzyńska Anna , Białecka Monika , Ciechanowski Kazimierz , Gawrońska‐Szklarz Barbara
Published: July 2021

Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely available drugs with anti‐inflammatory and analgesic properties. Their mechanism of action is associated with the enzymes of the arachidonic acid cycle (cyclooxygenases: COX‐1 and COX‐2). The cyclooxygenase pathway results in the formation of prostanoids (prostaglandins [PGs], prostacyclins, and thromboxanes). It affects various structures of the human body, including the kidneys. Medical literature associates the usage of NSAIDs with acute kidney injury (AKI), tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN), as well as nephrotic syndrome and chronic kidney disease (CKD). AKI associated with the chronic consumption of NSAIDs is mainly attributed to pharmacological polytherapy and the presence of cardiovascular or hepatic comorbidities. The pathomechanism of AKI and CKD is associated with inhibition of the biosynthesis of prostanoids involved in the maintenance of renal blood flow, especially PGE2 and PGI2. It is suggested that both COX isoforms play opposing roles in renal function, with natriuresis increased by COX‐1 inhibition followed by a drop in a blood pressure, whereas COX‐2 inhibition increases blood pressure and promotes sodium retention. TIN after NSAID use is potentially associated with glomerular basement membrane damage, reduction in pore size, and podocyte density. Therefore, nephrotic proteinuria and impairment of renal function may occur. The following article analyzes the association of NSAIDs with kidney disease based on available medical literature.
Sclerotium oryzae biocontrol in flooded rice fields with floating microcarrier technology: The effect of chitosan molecular weight
Authors: Matias Morelli N , Osvaldo Sponton , Rodrigo Leonardi J , Liliana Santiago G , Josue Heinrich M
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

Biocontrol strategies are of significant concern for their application in crops. Various green practices have been designed, but almost all of them had delivery constraints. In particular, to design biocontrol strategies against Sclerotium oryzae in flooded rice fields, the active agent should be retained on the plant leaves by spreading application, nevertheless the direct application onto the water produces the biocontrol agent dilution. An effective delivery model was needed. This work aimed to evaluate the effects of chitosan molecular weight on the formation of positively charged Pseudomonas fluorescens–chitosan complex as a floating microcarrier against Sclerotium oryzae. To this end, three different sizes of chitosan [molecular weights (MWs) 20 000, 250 000, and 1 250 000 g mol−1] at different pH values (4, 6, and 7) were tested. The electrostatic interaction was analyzed through ζ‐potential measurement. An adjustment of the experimental values was carried out for making predictions. The bacteria antifungal activity into the carrier with different chitosan MWs was analyzed.

RESULTS

Our results suggest that it is possible to form a bacteria–chitosan complex with a net positive charge under condition that improve bacteria incorporation to the microcarrier technology without harming bacteria viability and antifungal activity. Thus, high chitosan MW (1 250 000 g mol−1) at pH 6 is preferable for microcarrier technology.

CONCLUSION

Our findings provide relevant information about bacteria–chitosan interaction and may be useful in biocontrol programs that involved these two components as well as situations in which bacteria adsorption to an anionic carrier or anionic surface is desirable.
Development of a deep learning model from breeding substrate images: a novel method for estimating the abundance of house fly (Musca domestica L.) larvae
Authors: Ong Song‐Quan , Ahmad Hamdan , Majid Abdul Hafiz Ab
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

The application of computer vision and deep learning to pest monitoring has recently received much attention. Although several studies have demonstrated the application of object detection to the number of pests on a substrate, for house flies (Musca domestica L.), in which the larvae were aggregated and overlapped together, the object detection technique was difficult to implement. We demonstrate a novel method for estimating larval abundance by using computer vision on larval breeding substrate, in which the reflective color and topography are affected by the size of the population.

RESULTS

We demonstrate a method using a web‐based tool to construct a deep learning model and later export the model for deployment. We train the model by using breeding substrate images with different spectra of illumination on known densities of larvae and evaluate the training model in both the test set and field‐collected samples. In general, the model was able to predict the larval abundance by the laboratory‐prepared breeding substrate with 87.56% to 94.10% accuracy, precision, recall, and F‐score on the unseen test set, and white and green illumination performed significantly higher compared to other illuminations. For field samples, the model was able to obtain at least 70% correct predictions by using white and infrared illumination.

CONCLUSION

Larval abundance can be monitored with computer vision and deep learning, and the monitoring can be improved by using more biochemistry parameters as the predictors and examples of field samples included building a more robust model. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.