bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caribbean mangrove forests act as coral refugia by reducing light stress and increasing coral richness
Authors: Stewart Heather A. , Kline David I. , Chapman Lauren J. , Altieri Andrew H.
Published: March 2021

Foundation species structure communities by creating habitat and modifying environmental conditions, and there is increasing interest in how foundation species, such as corals and mangroves, interact with one another as these interactions can have cascading effects on diversity and abundance of associated organisms. Given recent reports of corals living on or between mangrove roots under the canopy, we hypothesized that mangroves can serve as a refuge for corals from stresses such as high solar irradiance and temperatures that are associated with the adjacent shallow reef. Using field surveys and a reciprocal transplant experiment, we tested the effects of light and habitat (e.g., reef or mangrove) on coral community structure (i.e., coral species richness, abundance, and diversity) and condition (i.e., level of bleaching, tissue loss, and mortality). The surveys revealed higher coral richness in mangroves than on the adjacent reef, indicating that mangroves can serve as refugia for numerous coral species. Our experimental manipulation of light in mangrove and reef habitats indicated that light intensity is a key environmental parameter mediating coral bleaching and survival, with mangrove habitats providing a refuge from the light stress experienced on nearby shallow reefs. Moreover, our experiment revealed that reef corals bleached less than mangrove corals following transplantation, regardless of whether they were transplanted into mangrove or reef habitats. We suggest that the lower coral richness of the shallow reef is the result of the extreme environmental conditions that select for a subset of coral species able to tolerate these conditions. The facilitative interactions that allow mangroves to act as coral refugia by reducing environmental stress will likely become increasingly important with global climate change.
Self‐care perception and behaviour in patients with heart failure: A qualitative and quantitative study
Authors: Sedlar Natasa , Lainscak Mitja , Farkas Jerneja
Published: March 2021

Background and objective

Self‐care strategies in heart failure (HF) are effective for disease management, yet adherence in many patients is inadequate. Reasons are presumably multifactorial but remain insufficiently investigated; thus, we aimed to analyse self‐care adherence and associated factors in outpatients with HF.

Methods and results

To measure self‐care levels and explore barriers and facilitators to self‐care adherence in patients with HF, quantitative study using the European Self‐Care Behaviour Scale (EHFScBS‐9) (n = 80; NYHA II–III, mean age 72 ± 10 years, 58% male) and qualitative study using semi‐structured interviews (n = 32; NYHA II–III, mean age 73 ± 11, 63% male) were conducted. We detected lowest adherence to regular exercise (39%) and contacts with healthcare provider in case of worsening symptoms (47%), whereas adherence was highest for regular medication taking (94%). Using the EHFScBS‐9 standardized cut‐off score ≤ 70, 51% of patients reported inadequate self‐care. Binary logistic regression analysis showed significant influence of education (OR = 0.314, 95% CI: 0.103–0.959) and perceived control (OR = 1.236, 95% CI: 1.043–1.465) on self‐care adequacy. According to the situation‐specific theory of HF self‐care, most commonly reported factors affecting the process of self‐care were knowledge about HF self‐care behaviours (84%), experience with healthcare professionals (84%), beliefs about their expertise (69%) and habits related to medication taking (72%). Among values, working responsibilities (53%) and maintenance of traditions (31%) appeared as the most prevalent socially based values affecting motivation for self‐care. Situational characteristics related to the person (self‐confidence, 53%; adaptive coping strategies, 88%), problem (burdensome breathing difficulties, 56%; co‐morbidities, 81%) and environment (practical support from family/caregivers, 59%; financial difficulties, 50%) were also commonly reported.

Conclusions

Various factors, including health‐related beliefs, habits and socially based values, need to be taken into account when planning self‐care interventions in patients with HF. A patient tailored approach should be based on adequate patient evaluation, taking into consideration the particular personal and social context.
ONO‐Pincer‐Type Coumarin‐Based Copper(II) Metalates: Effect on Alzheimer's Disease Pathologies in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Kalaiarasi Giriraj , Mohankumar Amirthalingam , Dharani Sivadasan , Dallemer Frederic , Sundararaj Palanisamy , Prabhakaran Rathinasabapathi
Published: March 2021

Four copper(II) complexes 1–4 of 3‐acetylchromene‐2‐one and substituted 3‐acetylchromene‐2‐one derived Schiff bases were synthesized and structurally characterized using analytical and spectral techniques. The molecular structure of complex 1 has been confirmed by single crystal X‐ray diffraction studies, which revealed that ligand 3‐acetylchromene‐2‐one‐4 N‐semicarbazone is coordinated to the metal as ONO pincer type ligand. Two nitrate molecules are coordinated to the copper ion through oxygen atoms, of which one nitrate molecule was found to coordinate via two oxygen atoms, thereby achieving six‐coordination. Preliminary biological studies like DNA and protein binding analyses indicated the binding of the ligands and complexes to CT‐DNA (Calf Thymus DNA) and BSA (Bovine Serum Albumin). We investigated the effects of complexes 1–4 against amyloid‐β (Aβ) toxicity using transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans strains expressing muscle‐ and neuronal‐specific human Aβ1‐42. The results showed that the complexes 2–4 remarkably reduced the Aβ‐induced paralysis phenotype, Aβ plaque deposition, and other Alzheimer's disease‐associated functional deficits in C. elegans by their potent antioxidant and anti‐aggregative properties. Complexes 2–4 delayed Alzheimer's disease pathologies, providing a basis for further investigating these effects on higher models.
Dysprosium Coordination Polymer Incorporating Dianthracene: Thermo‐induced Phase Transition Accompanied with Magnetic and Optical Changes
Authors: Liu Jing‐Cui , Zou Qian , Huang Xin‐Da , Bao Song‐Song , Zheng Li‐Min
Published: March 2021

Dianthracene ligands obtained through photocycloaddition reaction can undergo de‐dimerization upon heating. Here we report the first examples of lanthanide‐dianthracene coordination polymers with chain structures, namely, [LnL(depma2)]Br ⋅ xH2O [1‐Ln, Ln=Dy (x=5), Gd (x=4); H2L=N1,N3‐bis(salicylideneimino)diethylenetriamine, depma2=photodimerized 9‐diethylphosphonomethylanthracene]. The lanthanide ions possess pseudo‐D5h geometries with five equatorial positions occupied by three N and two O atoms from L2− and two axial positions by the phosphonate oxygen atoms from bridging depma2 ligands. Thermo‐induced structural transformation is observed for both compounds between 120 and 140 °C, which involves de‐dimerization of depma2 and elimination of bromoethane. The structural transformation is accompanied with the switch‐on of photoluminescence and, in the case of 1‐Dy, also changes of magnetic dynamics.
The Aza Diels‐Alder Reaction on Brominated Conjugated Dienes
Authors: Uceda Rafael G. , Roldan‐Molina Esther , Navarro Jorge A. R. , Oltra J. Enrique
Published: March 2021

The use of electron‐deficient dienes as substrates in the aza Diels‐Alder reaction (ADA) has been studied scarcely. However, the ADA process offers a wide range of applications in organic synthesis. In this communication, the reaction between different brominated conjugated dienes and 4‐phenyl‐1,2,4‐triazoline‐3,5‐dione (PTAD), one of the most vigorous dienophiles, is reported. We have synthesized tricyclic compounds from acyclic substrates in only two steps, considering variables such as ring size and steric hindrance and substantially improved the results obtained with other dienophiles.
Biomonitoring of workers employed in a titanium dioxide production plant: Use of buccal micronucleus cytome assay as noninvasive biomarker to evaluate genotoxic and cytotoxic effects
Authors: Ursini Cinzia Lucia , Di Basilio Marco , Ciervo Aureliano , Fresegna Anna Maria , Maiello Raffaele , Buresti Giuliana , Campopiano Antonella , Angelosanto Federica , Papacchini Maddalena , Iavicoli Sergio , Cavallo Delia
Published: March 2021

We aimed to evaluate whether TiO2 production process induces genotoxic and cytotoxic effects on the first target organ of inhalable particles by a sensitive and noninvasive biomarker of effect. Final aim was to find a useful and suitable tool to assess and manage the risk of TiO2 occupational exposure. We enrolled 40 workers employed in TiO2 production, 5 office workers, and 18 external controls. Buccal micronucleus cytome assay (BMCyt assay) was applied because it allows to evaluate micronucleus (MN), nuclear buds (NB), and broken eggs (BE) indicating the presence of chromosomal instability and gene amplification and binucleated cells (BIN), karyolytic cells (KL), and condensed chromatin (CC) indicating cytokinesis defect or arrest, cell death and apoptosis respectively. We characterized the exposure measuring inhalable and respirable particles by personal monitoring. BMCyt‐assay showed in exposed workers compared with external controls a higher value of MN frequency (2.57 vs. 0.05‰, p < .001) and MN positivity, evaluated as percentage of subjects with MN frequency higher than a 1.5‰ cut‐off value (52.5 vs. 0%). We also found in exposed workers higher frequency of BE + NB (2.41 vs. 0.22‰, p = .002), BIN (9.45 vs. 8.44‰, p = .047) and CC (1.80 vs. 0.21, p = .001) than in controls. Moreover, we found a relationship between personal monitoring results and presence of MN and other cellular anomalies. This study demonstrates induction of genotoxic and cytotoxic effects on buccal cells of workers involved in TiO2 production, suggesting the suitability of BMCyt assay as tool for risk assessment and management of TiO2 exposure.
Analysis of defects in a twin roll cast Mg‐Y‐Zn magnesium alloy
Authors: Kittner Kristina , Ullmann Madlen , Arndt Falko , Berndorf Susanne , Henseler Thorsten , Prahl Ulrich
Published: March 2021

Twin roll casting (TRC) enables the production of magnesium strips in an economic manner. TRC has enormous potential for the production of thin strip material from magnesium alloys. However, a range of defects may arise during casting. Internal and surface defects also influence the final properties of TRC strips. In this work, the magnesium alloy Mg‐6.8Y‐2.5Zn‐0.4Zr (WZ73) containing long‐period stacking ordered (LPSO) structures was twin roll cast with different process parameters, and the defects that arose were investigated. In particular, defects such as surface bleeds, center‐line segregations and deformation segregations in the mid‐thickness of the strip were observed and analyzed with regard to the TRC parameters applied. The latter may have developed due to the solidification of solute‐rich liquid in the center of the strip. X‐ray diffraction analysis was carried out to determine the phase compositions within the casting defects. A (Mg,Zn)3Y phase was found to precipitate in a blocky or lamellar shape within large, plate‐like LPSO phases. Wavy lines resulting from high specific rolling forces can be avoided if specific rolling force does not exceed a value of 8 kN/mm. Casting speed of 1.5 m/min has proven to be favorable to prevent the occurrence of center‐line segregation.
Flame‐retardant thermoplastic polyurethane based on reactive phosphonate polyol
Authors: Cai Changchen , Sun Qian , Zhang Kai , Bai Xiaoyu , Liu Peng , Li Aixiang , LYu Zijian , Li Qiuhong
Published: March 2021

Propylene oxide (PO) was used to block polycarboxyethyl phenyl ethylene phosphinate (PCEPEP) synthesized by 2‐carboxyethylphenylphosphinic acid (CEPPA) and ethylene glycol (EG) to obtain a reactive phosphonate polyol. The results of chemical titration analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FT‐IR) showed that the end‐capping effect was best when the molar ratio of PO to acidic functional groups in PCEPEP was 6:1. Moreover, the obtained phosphorus‐containing polyol was used as a reactive monomer to be introduced into thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) to prepare flame retardant TPU. Cone calorimetry results demonstrated that TPU containing 20 wt% phosphorus‐containing polyol showed a reduction of 3.8%, 72.2%, and 39.3% in the peak heat release rate, total heat release and total smoke release, and an increment of 351.9% in mass retention. The addition of phosphonate polyol enhanced the char‐forming performance of TPU, which effectively prevented the transfer of combustible gas and heat, and displayed a good flame retardant effect.
Hepatitis C virus‐associated indolent B‐cell lymphomas: A review on the role of the new direct antiviral agents therapy
Authors: Mazzaro Cesare , Dal Maso Luigino , Visentini Marcella , Ermacora Anna , Andreone Pietro , Gattei Valter , Pozzato Gabriele
Published: March 2021

Several studies have suggested that hepatitis C virus (HCV) may be the causative agent of some B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphomas (B‐NHL). Several authors have demonstrated that pegylated interferon (Peg‐IFN) plus ribavirin (RBV) can revert indolent low‐grade B‐NHL by inducing HCV eradication. Presently, the combination therapy (IFN plus RBV) has been abandoned since the direct antiviral agents (DAAs) have shown very high efficacy in achieving sustained virologic response (SVR) (range: 95%–100%). This review analyzed DAAs efficacy in HCV‐associated indolent low‐grade NHL, providing a detailed literature review. Overall, 122 B‐cell NHL patients were treated with DAAs: complete/partial hematological response, particularly in those with marginal zone lymphoma, was obtained in most cases. Hematological response, obtained either with DAAs or IFN‐based therapy, was similar. Nonetheless, DAAs therapy showed better tolerability and higher SVR. A fraction of the patients, despite SVR, underwent hematologic relapse or progression. In these cases, a recovery treatment with immunotherapy, or chemoimmunotherapy, had to be planned. In conclusion, data obtained from published studies mostly agree that HCV eradication with DAAs should be considered as the first‐line treatment in HCV‐related NHL. In fact, the chronic viral stimulation of the immune system might be the primary pathogenic mechanism in disease development and progression.
Impact of the sampling duration on the uncertainty of averaged velocity measurements with acoustic instruments
Authors: Marian Muste , Kim Jongmin , Kim Dongsu
Published: March 2021

Average velocity in streams is a key variable for the analysis and modelling of hydrological and hydraulic processes underpinning water resources science and practice. The present study evaluates the impact of the sampling duration on the quality of average velocity measurements acquired with contemporary instruments such as Acoustic Doppler Velocimeters (ADV) an Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCP). The evaluation combines considerations on turbulent flows and principles and configurations of acoustic instruments with practical experience in conducting customized analysis for uncertainty analysis purposes. The study sheds new insights on the spatial and temporal variability of the uncertainty in the measurement of average velocities due to variable sampling durations acting in isolation from other sources of uncertainties. Sampling durations of 90 and 150 s are found sufficient for ADV and ADCP, respectively, to obtain reliable average velocities in a flow affected only by natural turbulence and instrument noise. Larger sampling durations are needed for measurements in most of the natural streams exposed to additional sources of data variability.
Explaining mutual fund behavior through the structure‐conduct‐performance lens
Authors: Coleman Les
Published: March 2021

This paper examines mutual funds. These are economically important as the largest institutional investors, and form an important principal‐agent relationship as custodians of retirement savings. Despite a huge literature, there is no agreed explanation of mutual fund behavior. This analysis links mutual fund research across disciplines under the structure‐conduct‐performance paradigm (SCP), which is widely used in strategy research to explain firm actions and results. SCP explains mutual fund actions after placing the fund manager at the center of fund operations, where their conduct is driven by structure of markets and the funds management industry. Structural influences on fund managers include unpredictability of markets, the oligopolistic nature of the mutual fund industry, and disengagement of clients. As a result, funds derive income as commission on assets under management, which is sub‐optimal for clients. In addition, fund managers' conduct is driven by their homogeneity and socialization with competitors and investee firms. While the most obvious role of fund managers is construction of investment portfolios, outperformance is not their sole, or perhaps even principal, objective. The SCP lens offers insights into mutual funds of value to fund managers, investors, regulators and executives of investee firms. This paper impounds evidence from real‐world data in theory to offer an actor‐centric perspective of investment which is an archetypal practitioner driven discipline.
High‐risk HPV positivity is a long‐term risk factor for recurrence after cervical excision procedure in women living with HIV
Authors: Agarossi Alberto , Delli Carpini Giovanni , Sopracordevole Francesco , Serri Matteo , Giannella Luca , Gardella Barbara , Maestri Marta , Del Fabro Anna , Sansone Matilde , Fallani Maria Grazia , Pieralli Annalisa , Fasolo Maria Michela , Mazzali Cristina , Ciavattini Andrea
Published: March 2021

Objective

To evaluate the risk factors for recurrence of high‐grade disease after cervical excision in women living with HIV (WLWH), with a specific interest in the role of high‐risk (HR‐) HPV positivity.

Methods

Multicentric retrospective study conducted on WLWH who underwent cervical excision between January 1987 and June 2017 in six Italian institutions. The rate of high‐grade recurrence was determined. Risk factors for recurrence and HR‐HPV positivity were determined with the Log‐rank test and Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Results

A total of 271 WLWH were included in the final analysis. A high‐grade recurrence was found in 58 (21.4%) patients. Age 41 years or more at inclusion and HR‐HPV positivity during follow up were independently associated with a higher risk of disease recurrence with relative risks of 4.15 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.01–8.58, P < 0.001) and 5.18 (95% CI 2.12–12.67, P < 0.01), respectively. Age 41 years or more (relative risk 1.75, 95% CI 1.01–3.04, P = 0.047) resulted as a risk factor for HR‐HPV positivity during follow up.

Conclusion

HR‐HPV positivity is a risk factor for recurrence after cervical excision in WLWH. Women older than 41 years may benefit from a long‐term yearly follow up. Future studies regarding HPV vaccination after treatment in WLWH may be useful, considering the protective role of the higher probability of HPV negativity in vaccinated women.
Stay Home, Stay Connected: A virtual model for enhanced prenatal support during the COVID‐19 pandemic and beyond
Authors: Ramirez Biermann Chloe , Choo Monica S. , Carman Kelsey , Siden Jonathan Y. , Minns Annie , Peahl Alex
Published: March 2021

Synopsis

Virtual prenatal support groups addressed heightened mental health, psychosocial support, and anticipatory guidance needs in pregnant patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
In vivo coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering microscopy reveals vitamin A distribution in the liver
Authors: Rodewald Marko , Bae Hyeonsoo , Huschke Sophie , Meyer‐Zedler Tobias , Schmitt Michael , Press Adrian Tibor , Schubert Stephanie , Bauer Michael , Popp Juergen
Published: March 2021

Here we present a microscope setup for coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) imaging, devised to specifically address the challenges of in vivo experiments. We exemplify its capabilities by demonstrating how CARS microscopy can be used to identify vitamin A (VA) accumulations in the liver of a living mouse, marking the positions of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). HSCs are the main source of extracellular matrix protein after hepatic injury and are therefore the main target of novel nanomedical strategies in the development of a treatment for liver fibrosis. Their role in the VA metabolism makes them an ideal target for a CARS‐based approach as they store most of the body's VA, a class of compounds sharing a retinyl group as a structural motive, a moiety that is well known for its exceptionally high Raman cross section of the C═C stretching vibration of the conjugated backbone.
Contribution of the Toxoplasma ICT IgG IgM® test in determining the immune status of pregnant women against toxoplasmosis
Authors: Rym Ben‐Abdallah , Yasmine Kalboussi , Hedia Bellali , Nesrine Issaoui , Olfa Souissi , Rania Maatoug , Karim Aoun , Aïda Bouratbine
Published: March 2021

Background

An immunochromatography technology (ICT) rapid diagnostic test, the Toxoplasma ICT IgG‐IgM®, was recently developed. Our aim was to study its contribution to establish accurately the Toxoplasma immune status in Tunisian pregnant women using Western blot (WB) Toxo II IgG® as a reference technique.

Methods

Thirty‐nine sera were selected for the study from among 2,615 which were already tested by IgG and IgM ELISA. They displayed equivocal IgG titres (4.4–9 IU/ml) in absence of IgM (19 sera) or IgM anti‐Toxoplasma antibodies in absence of IgG (titre <4.4 IU/ml) (20 sera). All these sera were additionally tested by WB Toxo II IgG®.

Results

Immunochromatography technology Sensitivity in the detection either of low IgG titres in absence of IgM or of specific anti‐Toxoplasma IgM was 100%. Only one serum with equivocal IgG titre by ELISA and negative with Toxo II IgG® test revealed positive in ICT. However, this serum showed a P30 band in WB analysis. On the other hand, three sera positive in ELISA IgM and negative in ELISA IgG revealed positive in ICT and negative in WB Toxo II IgG®, the reference test.

Conclusion

Results confirm the high sensitivity of Toxoplasma ICT IgG‐IgM® in detecting both specific anti‐Toxoplasma IgG and IgM, and highlight the usefulness of this rapid test as a first or second‐line Toxoplasma serological test in pregnant women.
Ultrastructural comparison between the tongue of two reptilian species endemic in Egyptian fauna; Bosc's fringe‐toed lizard Acanthodactylus boskianus and Sinai fan‐fingered gecko Ptyodactylus guttatus
Authors: Gewily Doaa I. , Mahmoud Fatma A. , Saber Samy A. , ElSalkh Boshra A. , El‐Dahshan Asmaa A. , Abumandour Mohamed M. A. , Kandyel Ramadan M. , Gadel‐Rab Ali G.
Published: March 2021

The current observations focused on the ultrastructure comparison between the tongue of two reptile species endemic the Egyptian fauna; Bosc's fringe‐toed lizard Acanthodactylus boskianus and Sinai fan‐fingered gecko Ptyodactylus guttatus to exhibit the relationship between the lingual epithelium and its function according to their specific feeding strategy. A. boskianus possessed triangular elongated tongue with bifurcated tapering apex and wide base while; the P. guttatus had a triangular flattened tongue with conical shallow bifurcated apex and broad base. The ventral surface of the lingual apex of A. boskianus had transverse while in P. guttatus had two oval pads and median ventral groove. Both surfaces of the tongue of both examined species are covered by stratified squamous epithelium with great variability of degree of keratinization. The dorsal epithelium formed flattened and conical filiform papillae in A. boskianus, while in P. guttatus formed cylindrical papillae, conical, and tall filiform ones. Few taste buds are observed on the fore‐tongue but increase on the mid‐tongue of A. boskianus, while in P. guttatus, numerous taste buds are distributed on the fore‐tongue and mid‐tongue. Both surfaces of the laryngeal mound of both examined species provided with numerous of cilia and orifices of laryngeal gland. The present results confirmed that the tongue of A. boskianus acts as a chemoreceptor organ to follow pheromone trails of prey and mates. While in P. guttatus the tongue may play an important role in the feeding mechanism and act as a chemoreceptor organ.
In silico prediction, molecular docking and binding studies of acetaminophen and dexamethasone to Enterococcus faecalis diaminopimelate epimerase
Authors: Singh Harpreet , Das Satyajeet , Yadav Jyoti , Srivastava Vijay Kumar , Jyoti Anupam , Kaushik Sanket
Published: March 2021

Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) is a Gram‐positive coccoid, non‐sporulating, facultative anaerobic, multidrug resistance bacterium responsible for almost 65% to 80% of all enterococcal nosocomial infections. It usually causes infective endocarditis, urinary tract and surgical wound infections. The increase in E. faecalis resistance to conventionally available antibiotic has rekindled intense interest in developing useful antibacterial drugs. In E. faecalis, diaminopimelate epimerase (DapF) is involved in the lysine biosynthetic pathway. The product of this pathway is precursors of peptidoglycan synthesis, which is a component of bacterial cell wall. Also, because mammals lack this enzyme, consequently E. faecalis diaminopimelate epimerase (EfDapF) represents a potential target for developing novel class of antibiotics. In this regard, we have successfully cloned, overexpressed the gene encoding DapF in BL‐21(DE3) and purified with Ni‐NTA Agarose resin. In addition to this, binding studies were performed using fluorescence spectroscopy in order to confirm the bindings of the identified lead compounds (acetaminophen and dexamethasone) with EfDapF. Docking studies revealed that acetaminophen found to make hydrogen bonds with Asn72 and Asn13 while dexamethasone interacted by forming hydrogen bonds with Asn205 and Glu223. Thus, biochemical studies indicated acetaminophen and dexamethasone, as potential inhibitors of EfDapF and eventually can reduce the catalytic activity of EfDapF.
Synthesis and characterization of tetracycline‐imprinted membranes: A detailed positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy investigation
Authors: Akbulut Söylemez Meshude
Published: March 2021

Molecularly imprinted thin membranes for selective removal of tetracycline from real water samples were prepared using the radiation‐induced polymerization method. The chemical and physical characterization of the membranes was conducted by FTIR, XPS, AFM and SEM analyses. The effect of the template on the size and the size distribution of the pores in the membrane structure was investigated by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) experiments. The presence of the template molecule causes the formation of larger cavities, which have a strong correlation to the molecular size of the template molecule. The density of the free volume holes in the imprinted network shows a significant increase due to the presence of the template molecule. The binding performances of the membranes were tested against various factors such as pH, time and initial concentration of template molecules. The specific selectivity of the membranes was investigated by cross‐reactivity experiments. The binding capacity of the imprinted membranes was obtained at 14.5 μmol g−1, with the highest imprinting factor (2.84) for tetracycline. The imprinting factor was obtained at 1.44, 1.25 and 1.57 for oxytetracycline hydrochloride, doxycycline hyclate and chlortetracycline, respectively. The binding capability of the imprinted membranes in real water samples was promising for the application of the membranes as a filter material for removal of tetracycline with high binding capacity. Tetracycline binding percentage of the membranes was determined at 92.4, 81.1., 75.0 and 68.7 for ultra‐pure water, tap water and natural water samples collected from different sources, respectively.
Magnetic Resonance T2* Is Increased in Patients With Early‐Stage Achilles and Patellar Tendinopathy
Authors: Malmgaard‐Clausen Nikolaj M. , Tran Peter , Svensson Rene B. , Hansen Philip , Nybing Janus D. , Magnusson Stig Peter , Kjær Michael
Published: March 2021

Background

T2* mapping has proven useful in tendon research and may have the ability to detect subtle changes at an early stage of tendinopathy.

Purpose

To investigate the difference in T2* between patients with early tendinopathy and healthy controls, and to investigate the relationship between T2* and clinical outcomes, tendon size, and mechanical properties.

Study Type

Prospective cross‐sectional.

Subjects

Sixty‐five patients with early tendinopathy and 25 healthy controls.

Field Strength/Sequence

Three Tesla, ultrashort time to echo magnetic resonance imaging.

Assessment

Tendon T2* was quantified using a monoexponential fitting algorithm. Clinical symptoms were evaluated using the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment‐Achilles/Patella (VISA‐A/VISA‐P). In vivo mechanical properties were measured using an ultrasound‐based method that determined force and deformation simultaneously in tendons of patellar tendinopathy patients.

Statistical Tests

A generalized linear model adjusted for age was applied to investigate the difference between patients and controls. In the two patient groups, linear regressions were applied to investigate the association between T2* and tendon size, clinical outcomes, and biomechanical properties.

Results

There was a significant difference in T2* between patients and healthy controls (204.8 [95% CI: 44.5–365.0] μsec, P < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between tendon size and T2* for both Achilles (r = 0.72; P < 0.05) and patellar tendons (r = 0.53; P < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between VISA‐A and T2* (r = −0.2; P = 0.17) or VISA‐P and T2* (r = −0.5; P = 0.0504). Lastly, there was a negative correlation between modulus and T2* (r = −0.51; P < 0.05).

Data Conclusions

T2* mapping can detect subtle structural changes that translate to altered mechanical properties in early‐phase tendinopathy. However, T2* did not correlate with clinical scores in patients with early‐phase Achilles and patellar tendinopathy. Thus, T2* mapping may serve as a tool for early detection of structural changes in tendinopathy but does not necessarily describe the clinical severity of disease.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy Stage

2
Ionization of organic molecules with metal ions formed in the laser plasma
Authors: Filatov Vasily V. , Nikiforov Sergey M. , Zelenov Vladislav V. , Pento Andrey V. , Bukharina Aygul B. , Sulimenkov Ilia V. , Brusov Vladimir S. , Yu Jiajun , Kozlovskiy Viacheslav I.
Published: March 2021

A laser plasma ion source was used to ionize volatile organic compounds in a gas sample. The plasma was generated on a metal target in the intermediate vacuum region of ~0.3 Torr using a pulsed Nd:YAG laser with a wavelength of 1 μm. The resulting ions mass spectra were acquired using orthogonal time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer (O‐TOF MS). When using a copper target, the ions formed are simple complexes (CuM+) of copper ions with organic molecules. The possibility of online identification of trace amounts of alkanes in nitrogen and air, with a detection limit of ~10 ppb, was demonstrated. The ionization efficiency of volatile organic compounds through the formation of clusters with metal ions is 10−4 in terms of the quasimolecular complex ions. The rate constants of ion‐molecular reactions of copper ions with octane and water molecules in nitrogen and air are estimated.
Clinical performance of Roche cobas 6800, Luminex ARIES, MiRXES Fortitude Kit 2.1, Altona RealStar, and Applied Biosystems TaqPath for SARS‐CoV‐2 detection in nasopharyngeal swabs
Authors: Lee Chun Kiat , Tham Jason Wei Ming , Png Siyu , Chai Chean Nee , Ng Shu Chi , Tan Eunice Jia Min , Ng Li Jie , Chua Rui Ping , Sani Musa , Seow Yiqi , Yan Gabriel , Tang Julian
Published: March 2021

We compared the performance of five assays for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) detection on nasopharyngeal swab samples: Roche “cobas,” Luminex “ARIES,” MiRXES “Fortitude,” Altona “RealStar,” and Thermo Fisher Scientific “TaqPath.” A total of 94 nasopharyngeal swab samples were obtained from 80 confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 cases in the first 2 weeks of illness (median, 7 days; range, 2–14 days) and 14 healthy controls. After collection, all samples were transported to the hospital clinical laboratory within 24 h. These samples were tested on all five assays within 3 days of sample receipt. Of the 94 samples, 69 yielded the same result on all platforms, resulting in an agreement of 73.4% (69 of 94). Of these, 14 were the healthy control swabs which all tested negative, demonstrating good specificity across all platforms. The ARIES assay had the lowest detection rate (68.8%), followed by Fortitude (85.0%), RealStar (86.3%), cobas (95.0%), and TaqPath (100%). Statistically significant differences were observed for ARIES, Fortitude, and RealStar when compared against the best performing TaqPath using McNemar's χ2 test. A consensus result was established based on the results obtained by the cobas, Fortitude, RealStar, and TaqPath. Six discrepancies had failed to reach a consensus and were adjudicated using the Cepheid Xpert Xpress SARS‐CoV‐2. Overall, the TaqPath and cobas assays were the most sensitive at detecting their designated SARS‐CoV‐2 gene targets. On the other hand, the ARIES assay was the least sensitive, thus warranting the need for assay re‐optimization before go‐live at the testing laboratory.
Heterodielectric oxide‐engineered single‐lateral pocket‐based gated source TFET
Authors: Ashita  , Loan Sajad A. , Alkhammash Hend I. , Rafat Mohammad
Published: March 2021

In this work, we propose and investigate a new pocket‐based Si0.55Ge0.45/Si gate normal tunnel FET design employing a gate over source with a single lateral pocket (GSLP) with and without a heterogeneous dielectric (HD) gate oxide. Miller capacitance is significantly reduced with the GSLP design, which is further improved by the HD gate oxide leading to full overshoot/undershoot suppression capability in transient response. Further, a steep switching with more than one order improvement in ON current is achieved when compared to state‐of‐the‐art line pocket designs. As a result, an ~98.8% and ~88% improved intrinsic delay (CGGVDD/ION) is achieved in comparison to dual line pocket and non‐pocketed designs, respectively. Additionally, an improved worst‐case trap‐charge tolerance, reduced pocket‐width‐induced fluctuations, and excellent immunity to gate misalignment‐induced fluctuations are achievable just by replacing the gate‐aligned parallel‐line pockets with a vertically aligned single‐lateral pocket (LP) improving the design reliability. A Ge/Si HD‐GSLP TFET design further offers stable ON currents with SS < 60 mV/dec over a feasible range of pocket widths between ~6 and 8 nm at VDS = VGS = 0.7 V.
Predictors of lead break during transvenous lead extraction
Authors: Morita Junji , Yamaji Kyohei , Nagashima Michio , Kondo Yusuke , Sadohara Yohei , Hirokami Jun , Kuji Rei , Korai Kengo , Fukunaga Masato , Hiroshima Kenichi , Ando Kenji , Goya Masahiko
Published: March 2021

Background

The incidence, predictors, and clinical impact of lead break during transvenous lead extraction (TLE) were previously unknown.

Methods

We included consecutive patients who underwent TLE between September 2013 and July 2019 at our institute. Lead break during removal was defined as lead stretching and becoming misshapen, as assessed by fluoroscopy.

Results

A total of 246 patients underwent TLE for 501 leads. At a patient level, complete success was achieved in 226 patients (91.9%). At a lead level, 481 leads (96.0%) were completely removed and 101 leads (20.1%) were broken during the procedure. Of 392 identified pacemaker leads, 71 (18.3%) were broken during the TLE procedure. A multivariable analysis confirmed high lead age (odds ratio [OR] 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07‐1.17; P < .001), passive leads (OR 2.29 95% CI 1.09‐4.80; P = .028), coradial leads (OR 3.45 95% CI 1.72‐6.92; P < .001), and insulators made of nonpolyurethane (OR 2.38 95% CI 1.03‐5.26; P = .04) as predictors of lead break. Broken leads needed longer procedure times and were associated with a higher rate of cardiac tamponade.

Conclusions

Lead age, coradial bipolar leads, passive leads, and leads without polyurethane insulation were predictors of lead break and could increase the difficulty of lead extraction.
Changes in spring vegetation greenness over Siberia associated with weather disturbances during 1982–2015
Authors: Yao Peng‐Juan , Gong Dao‐Yi , Meng Meng
Published: March 2021

As the global climate warms rapidly, terrestrial vegetation experiences significant changes. The impact of high‐frequency variability, especially for variations related to weather disturbances (i.e., day‐to‐day weather fluctuations), however, is less studied and remains poorly understood. In the present study, we quantitatively investigated the linkages between the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and weather disturbances in spring (April and May) over Siberia for the period 1982–2015. Identified by empirical orthogonal function analysis, the inherent large‐scale spatial structure of weather disturbances shows synchronous variations over Siberia. It was found that weather disturbances are significantly related to the synchronous NDVI at a large spatial scale. The regional mean (48–67°N and 50–105°E) time series of the NDVI and weather variance, a measure of weather disturbance, is correlated at −0.32 (significant at the 0.05 level), suggesting that in springs with larger weather fluctuations, the concurrent NDVI tends to clearly decrease. Changes of frost events in association with weather disturbances are investigated to help understand the vegetation greenness response. We identified springs with the largest and smallest weather variances. Then, their differences were utilized to estimate the possible maximum changes for extremely cold temperatures. The results show that corresponding to the largest variance increase, for Siberia as a whole, the number of frost days has increased by 0.9 days (5%) and the accumulated adverse temperature has undergone a substantial increase of 18.9°C·day (15%). These results suggest that when there are active weather disturbances, the simultaneous increase in extremely cold temperatures plays a dominant role in adversely impacting vegetation activity. Our study demonstrates that, in addition to the increased mean temperature, the long‐term decrease in weather disturbances over Siberia, as observed in recent decades, should also contribute significantly to vegetation greening. This finding promotes a further understanding of the impacts of climate change on regional vegetation activity.
The anabolic effect of inorganic polyphosphate on chondrocytes is mediated by calcium signalling
Authors: Gawri Rahul , Bielecki Ryszard , Salter Eric W. , Zelinka Alena , Shiba Toshikazu , Collingridge Graham , Nagy Andras , Kandel Rita A.
Published: March 2021

Inorganic polyphosphates (polyP) are polymers composed of phosphate residues linked by energy‐rich phosphoanhydride bonds. As polyP can bind calcium, the hypothesis of this study is that polyP enters chondrocytes and exerts its anabolic effect by calcium influx through calcium channels. PolyP treatment of cartilage tissue formed in 3D culture by bovine chondrocytes showed an increase in proteoglycan accumulation but only when calcium was also present at a concentration of 1.5 mM. This anabolic effect could be prevented by treatment with either ethylene glycol‐bis(β‐aminoethyl ether)‐N,N,N',N'‐tetraacetic acid or the calcium channel inhibitors gadolinium and nifedipine. Calcium and polyP cotreatment of chondrocytes in monolayer culture resulted in calcium oscillations that were polyP chain length specific and were inhibited by gadolinium and nifedipine. The calcium influx resulted in increased gene expression of sox9, collagen type II, and aggrecan which was prevented by treatment with either calphostin, an inhibitor of protein kinase C, and W7, an inhibitor of calmodulin; suggesting activation of the protein kinase C‐calmodulin pathway. Tracing studies using  4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole, Mitotracker Red, and/or Fura‐AM staining showed that polyP was detected in the nucleus, mitochondria, and intracellular vacuoles suggesting that polyP may also enter the cell. PolyP colocalizes with calcium in mitochondria. This study demonstrates that polyP requires the influx of calcium to regulate chondrocyte matrix production, likely via activating calcium signaling. These findings identify the mechanism regulating the anabolic effect of polyP in chondrocytes which will help in its clinical translation into a therapeutic agent for cartilage repair.
Defective Zr‐based metal–organic frameworks as sorbent for the determination of fungicides in environmental water samples by rapid dispersive micro‐solid‐phase extraction coupled to liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Suling , Hua Ziluo , Zhao Hongting , Yao Weixuan , Wu Yuanzhao , Fu Defeng , Sun Jiancong
Published: March 2021

In this work, defective Zr‐based metal–organic framework was successfully synthesized and evaluated as a dispersive micro‐solid‐phase extraction sorbent for efficient preconcentration and determination of fungicides in complex water samples. The defective Zr‐based metal–organic framework crystal with increased adsorption capacity was successfully synthesized by employing formic acid as the modulator. The extraction conditions, including the pH, extraction time, desorption solvent and desorption time, were comprehensively investigated. Under optimum conditions, it was found that dispersive micro‐solid‐phase extraction method, coupled with liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, exhibited a good linear relationship with correlation coefficients greater than 0.9980. The relative standard deviations of inter‐day and intra‐day precisions ranged from 2.6 to 9.2% and the limits of detection ranged from 0.004 to 0.036 μg/L. These merits, combined with their satisfactory recoveries (>80%), suggested the great potential of defective Zr‐based metal–organic framework as a new adsorbent for efficient extraction of trace fungicides. This method exhibits good application potential for the pretreatment of fungicides from environmental water samples.
How Enhancing Immunity to Low‐Risk HPV Could Cure Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis
Authors: Bai Ke , Allen Clint
Published: March 2021

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is currently treated with repeat surgical resection of papillomatous disease that does not address the fundamental underlying issue of chronic infection with low‐risk human papillomavirus. Here, we review the biology and immunology of low‐risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. Antiviral or antiangiogenic adjuvant treatments similarly address the papillomatous disease itself but do not activate HPV immunity. It is likely that only through immune‐mediated clearance of low‐risk HPV infection can patients with RRP be cured. In some patients, this occurs spontaneously. In others with more aggressive disease, adjuvant immunotherapy to activate immunity may be needed. Based on current understanding of antiviral immune responses, the only rational strategy to clear HPV‐infected epithelial cells is through activation of the T‐lymphocyte arm of the adaptive immune response. Translation of immunotherapies that are Food and Drug Administration‐approved or under clinical study for cancer, such as immune checkpoint blockade or engineered therapeutic vaccines, may provide a path toward tolerable and efficacious adjuvant immunotherapy for RRP.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 131:2041–2047, 2021
Distress Screening in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Planned for Cancer‐Directed Radiotherapy
Authors: Lewis Shirley , Pandey Saket , Salins Naveen , Deodhar Jayita , Patil Vijay , Gupta Tejpal , Laskar Sarbani Ghosh , Budrukkar Ashwini , Murthy Vedang , Joshi Amit , Prabhash Kumar , Nair Sudhir , Chaturvedi Pankaj , Noronha Vanita , Agarwal Jai Prakash
Published: March 2021

Objective/Hypothesis

To estimate the prevalence of baseline clinically significant distress (distress score ≥ 4) in head and neck cancer patients planned and treated with radical intent radiotherapy using the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer (DT) and assess factors predictive of distress.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study evaluating distress in 600 head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. The DT was used to screen patients for distress at baseline before radiotherapy.

Results

The median distress score of the entire cohort was 4 interquartile range (IQR) (IQR: 3–5), and 340 patients (56.7%) had clinically significant distress. On univariate analysis, the causal factors predictive of distress were low socioeconomic status (P = .04), presence of proliferative growth at presentation (P = .008), site of the tumor (oral cavity, P = .02), comorbidity (P = .04), and presence of Ryle's tube or tracheostomy tube at baseline (P = .01). Low socioeconomic status was significant (P = .04) on multivariate analysis for high levels of distress.

Conclusions

Among head and neck cancer patients, 56% of patients had clinically significant baseline distress, and patients with low socioeconomic status had high distress. There is a need for interventions to mitigate distress.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:2023–2029, 2021
The Recumbent Position Affects Nasal Resistance: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Calvo‐Henríquez Christian , Chiesa‐Estomba Carlos , Lechien Jerome R. , Carrasco‐Llatas Marina , Cammaroto Giovani , Mayo‐Yáñez Miguel , Abelleira‐Paris Romina , Gonzalez‐Barcala Francisco J. , Martinez‐Capoccioni Gabriel , Martin‐Martin Carlos
Published: March 2021

Objective

Nasal diseases are among the main motives for the early discontinuation of continuous positive airway pressure therapy and for long‐term therapeutic compliance with mandibular advancement device. Although our clinical experience leads us to the belief that recumbency impacts nasal airflow in some patient populations, there is no consensus regarding the magnitude of this effect and the specific group of patients who are the most affected by this condition. In this study, we conducted a meta‐analysis to assess the effect of the recumbent position on nasal resistance and nasal airflow.

Review Methods

PubMed (Medline), Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Scopus, and SciELO databases were checked for relevant studies by two members of the YO‐IFOS study group. The two authors extracted the data. The main outcome was expressed as the difference between nasal resistance and nasal airflow before and after recumbency.

Results

Nine studies with a total population of 291 individuals were included in the meta‐analysis for nasal resistance after recumbency. We found a statistically significant difference in nasal airway resistance of −0.18 Pa sec/cm3 as compared to before and after recumbency through rhinomanometry (RMM) analysis. A subgroup analysis revealed a variation of −0.20 Pa sec/cm3 for patients with snoring or sleep apnea and − 0.10 Pa sec/cm3 for healthy individuals. Regarding nasal airflow measured with RMM, three studies (n = 32) in asymptomatic controls revealed a statistically significant difference of 47.33 ml/sec.

Conclusions

Recumbency increases nasal resistance and diminishes nasal airflow. This finding is of utmost importance in snorers and sleep apnea patients. Laryngoscope, 132:6–16, 2022