bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review of educational tools for skin self‐examination: A qualitative analysis of laypeople’s preferences
Authors: Silva Carina V. , Horsham Caitlin , Janda Monika
Published: June 2021

Issue addressed

Skin self‐examination (SSE) empowers individuals to be aware of their skin and to identify and present to a doctor with any suspicious lesions; however evidence‐based, clear guidance for SSE is lacking.

Methods

A new acronym entitled SCAN (Sore, Changing, Abnormal, New) was compiled to help laypeople recognise early signs of skin cancer. This study undertook a qualitative investigation on how well laypeople understand SCAN and other commonly used educational tools (ABCDE, AC, and “ugly duckling”), whether they have a preferred SSE tool, and whether pictorial presentations enhance their understanding.

Results

Seven focus groups were conducted with 28 participants (age range 19‐78 years), including 6 participants with a previous melanoma diagnosis. Among all the educational tools presented, SCAN was commonly described as the favoured to guide SSE. SCAN was perceived as patient‐oriented due to its simplicity and use of easily understood words, while other tools, although perceived as positive in some aspects, were often identified as complex, difficult to understand and aimed towards clinician use. Pictorial presentations were desired as part of an educational tool; however, many also raised their potential disadvantages.

Conclusion

This was the first study to determine the patient perspective of SCAN and established a diverse range of potential quality indicators for SSE educational tools.

So what?

The findings of this study suggest that current widely used SSE tools may not be the most effective to promote SSE. SCAN may be preferred, as it simplifies SSE by using lay language and is applicable to all skin cancers.
Composition control of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) copolymerization by oxygen transfer rate (OTR) in Azotobacter vinelandii OPNA
Authors: Torres‐Pedraza Angie Johanna , Salgado‐Lugo Holjes , Segura Daniel , Díaz‐Barrera Alvaro , Peña Carlos
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the composition of poly‐3‐hydoxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate (PHBV) by the polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) overproducing mutant OPNA of Azotobacter vinelandii cultured under different conditions.

RESULTS

The oxygen transfer rate (OTR) significantly affected PHBV composition in cultures in shaken flasks; the highest content of 3‐hydroxyvalerate (3HV; 28%) was achieved from cultures developed at an OTRmax of 5.87 mmol L−1 h−1. In the bioreactor, cultures were grown under oxygen‐limited conditions and different OTRs, varying the agitation rate. The highest PHBV accumulation (85%) was achieved at a low OTRmax (4.96 mmol L−1 h −1), whereas the maximum content of 3HV (8.5 mol%) was obtained at a higher OTRmax (20.3 mmol L−1 h−1). The OPNA strain produced a copolymer of ultra‐high molecular weight.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results reveal that increasing the OTRmax raises the molar fraction of 3HV in the PHBV copolymer. Therefore, the manipulation of OTR could be a feasible strategy to produce PHBV copolymers with different monomeric compositions at industrial level. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Raman spectroscopy and correlative‐Raman technology excel as an optimal stage for carbon‐based electrode materials in electrochemical energy storage
Authors: Zheng Ying , Deng Ting , Yue Nailin , Zhang Wei , Zhu Xuanbo , Yang He , Chu Xianyu , Zheng Weitao
Published: June 2021

The structural details of carbon materials directly affect their properties as an electrode material, such as specific capacitance and coulomb efficiency. Therefore, the structural analysis of carbon materials has always been an important step in the mechanistic insight into their roles in electrochemical energy storage. Raman spectroscopy, as molecular spectroscopy technique, has been widely used in understanding the lattice vibration mechanics of carbon materials and providing information on the chemical structure at molecular level, as well as microstructure analysis of carbon materials. In addition, the development of correlative‐Raman technology enables clarifying more comprehensive and accurate structural information for carbon‐based materials. With this information, it is of great significance to guide the construction of advanced carbon‐based electrode materials for energy storage.
The Prognostic Utility of Intraoperative Allograft Vascular Inflow Measurements in Donation After Circulatory Death Liver Transplantation
Authors: Nair Amit , Sasaki Kazunari , Diago Uso Teresa , D’Amico Giuseppe , Eghtesad Bijan , Aucejo Federico , Kwon Choon Hyuck David , Fujiki Masato , Miller Charles , Hashimoto Koji , Quintini Cristiano
Published: June 2021

Donation after circulatory death (DCD) liver transplantation improves deceased donor liver use and decreases waitlist burden, albeit at an increased risk of biliary complications and inferior graft survival. Employing liver vascular inflow measurements intraoperatively permits allograft prognostication. However, its use in DCD liver transplantation is hitherto largely unknown and further explored here. DCD liver transplantation patient records at a single center from 2005 to 2018 were retrospectively scrutinized. Intraoperative flow data and relevant donor parameters were analyzed against endpoints of biliary events and graft survival. A total of 138 cases were chosen. The incidence of cumulative biliary complications was 38%, the majority of which were anastomotic strictures and managed successfully by endoscopic means. The ischemic cholangiopathy rate was 6%. At median thresholds of a portal vein (PV) flow rate of <92 mL/minute/100 g and buffer capacity (BC) of >0.04, both variables were independently associated with risk of biliary events (P = 0.01 and 0.04, respectively). Graft survival was 90% at 12 months and 75% at 5 years. Cox regression analysis revealed a PV flow rate of <50 mL/minute/100 g as predictive of poorer graft survival (P = 0.01). Furthermore, 126 of these DCD livers were analyzed against a propensity‐matched group of 378 contemporaneous donation after brain death liver allografts (1:3), revealing significantly higher rates (P < 0.001) of both early allograft dysfunction (70% versus 30%) and biliary complications (37% versus 20%) in the former group. Although flow data were comparable between both sets, PV flow and BC were predictive of biliary events only in the DCD cohort. Intraoperative inflow measurements therefore provide valuable prognostication on biliary/graft outcomes in DCD liver transplantation, can help inform graft surveillance, and its routine use is recommended.
DNA analysis of skeletal remains of an important historical figure from the period of mediaeval Bosnia
Authors: Dzehverovic Mirela , Cakar Jasmina , Bujak Edin , Pilav Amela , Ramic Jasmin , Kalajdzic Abdurahim , Pojskic Naris
Published: June 2021

The analysis of ancient DNA recovered from skeletal remains is routinely used for identification and individualization of long‐deceased persons mainly through the reconstruction of familial relationships. Such ancient genetic analyses have been conducted on archaeological material excavated at late mediaeval necropolis Kopošići (Ilijaš near Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina) dating from the 14th to 15th centuries AD. The genetic study included the analysis of nuclear short tandem repeats (STRs) and Y‐chromosomal short tandem repeats (Y‐STR) markers from four skeletons buried under the stećak tombstones. Under one stećak with two rosettes, the decapitated skeleton of an unknown identity was found. Although there were no historical records where the great Bosnian prince Mirko Radojević was buried, obtained DNA results suggested his identity. Association of Y‐haplogroups of skeletal remains to the two most common Y‐haplogroups in the population of Bosnia and Herzegovina indicates the consistency of genetic markers over hundreds of years as well.
Gadolinium is not necessary for surveillance MR imaging in children with chiasmatic‐hypothalamic low‐grade glioma
Authors: Malbari Fatema , Chintagumpala Murali M. , Wood Alexis C. , Levy Adam S. , Su Jack M. , Okcu M. Fatih , Lin Frank Y. , Lindsay Holly , Rednam Surya P. , Baxter Patricia A. , Paulino Arnold C. , Orzaiz Guillermo Aldave , Whitehead William E. , Dauser Robert , Supakul Nucharin , Kralik Stephen F.
Published: June 2021

Background

Patients with chiasmatic‐hypothalamic low‐grade glioma (CHLGG) have frequent MRIs with gadolinium‐based contrast agents (GBCA) for disease monitoring. Cumulative gadolinium deposition in the brains of children is a potential concern. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether MRI with GBCA is necessary for determining radiographic tumor progression in children with CHLGG.

Methods

Children who were treated for progressive CHLGG from 2005 to 2019 at Texas Children's Cancer Center were identified. Pre‐ and post‐contrast MRI sequences were separately reviewed by one neuroradiologist who was blinded to the clinical course. Three dimensional measurements and tumor characteristics were evaluated. Radiographic progression was defined as a 25% increase in size (product of two largest dimensions) compared with baseline or best response after initiation of therapy.

Results

A total of 28 patients with progressive CHLGG were identified with a total of 683 MRIs with GBCA reviewed (mean 24 MRIs/patient; range, 11‐43 MRIs). Radiographic progression was observed 92 times, 91 (99%) on noncontrast and 90 (98%) on contrast imaging. Sixty‐seven progressions necessitating management changes were identified in all (100%) noncontrast sequences and 66 (99%) contrast sequences. Tumor growth > 2 mm in any dimension was identified in 184/187 (98%) noncontrast and 181/187 (97%) with contrast imaging. Metastatic tumors were better visualized on contrast imaging in 4/7 (57%).

Conclusion

MRI without GBCA effectively identifies patients with progressive disease. When imaging children with CHLGG, eliminating GBCA should be considered unless monitoring patients with metastatic disease.
Optimizing rapid diagnostics and diagnostic stewardship in Gram‐negative bacteremia
Authors: Wagner Jamie L. , Markovich Kylie C. , Barber Katie E. , Stover Kayla R. , Biehle Lauren R.
Published: June 2021

Antimicrobial resistance remains a high global concern, as it is associated with prolonged hospitalizations, increased morbidity and mortality, and escalating healthcare‐related costs. Rapid diagnostic technology (RDT) has become the cornerstone in achieving prompt blood culture results providing a quicker initiation of optimal therapy, decreased mortality, and decreased spread of resistance. To maximize the benefits of RDTs, antimicrobial stewardship programs must implement a diagnostic stewardship (DS) subgroup to optimize communication, education, and interpretation of RDT results within the healthcare system. The DS subgroup is necessary to evaluate the technologies available, better integrate the selected technologies into the healthcare system, and develop innovative and appropriate use to improve patient outcomes.
Intracellular targets: A multiple cargo transporting molecule
Authors: Papadopoulos Christos , Fotou Evgenia , Moussis Vassilios , Ntoyhaniari Alaxandra , Zografou Sofia , Maltabe Violetta , Kouklis Panos , Christoforidis Savvas , Tsikaris Vassilios
Published: June 2021

The generation of cell‐penetrating peptides as cargo‐delivery systems has produced an immense number of studies owing to the importance of these systems as tools to deliver molecules into the cells, as well as due to the interest to shed light into a yet unclear mechanism of the entrance of these peptides into the cells. However, many cell‐penetrating peptides might present drawbacks due to causing cellular toxicity, or due to being entrapped in endosomes, or as a result of their degradation before they meet their target. In this work, a cargo transporting molecule, the Cell Penetrating Sequential Oligopeptide Carrier (CPSOC), formed by the repetitive ‐Lys‐Aib‐Cys‐ moiety, was tested for its ability to penetrate the cell membrane and transport the conjugated peptides into the cells. The cysteine residue anchors bioactive molecules through a stable thioether bond. The lysine supplies the positive charge to the construct, whereas the α‐amino isobutyric acid is well known to induce helicoid conformation to the peptide backbone and protects from enzymatic degradation. The present study demonstrates that CPSOC penetrates the membrane transporting the conjugated cargo into the cell. When we tested CPSOC‐conjugated peptides carrying critical domains of Cdc42, a small GTPase implicated in exocytosis, the internalized peptides were found to be functional because they inhibited exocytosis of von Willebrand factor from endothelial Weibel–Palade bodies a trafficking event depending on the Cdc42 protein. The data suggest that the carrier can deliver efficiently functional peptides into the cells, and thus, it can be used as a multiple‐cargo transporting molecule.
Network module‐based drug repositioning for pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Wang Rui‐Sheng , Loscalzo Joseph
Published: June 2021

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disorder characterized by pulmonary vascular remodeling leading to increased pulmonary vascular resistance and pulmonary arterial pressure. PAH is a highly morbid cardiopulmonary disease adversely affecting lifespan and quality of life. Despite increased awareness and advances of medical therapies in recent decades, long‐term prognosis and survival remain poor for patients with PAH. Novel therapies that can target the underlying pathobiology of PAH and reverse pulmonary vascular remodeling are clearly needed. In this study, we develop a network module‐based framework to examine potential drug repositioning for PAH. The rationale for this approach is that in order to have therapeutic effects, the targets of potential drugs must be significantly proximate to the disease module of interest in the human protein‐protein interactome. Based on 15 existing drugs for treating PAH, our framework integrates drug‐drug interactions, drug‐drug chemical similarity, drug targets, and PAH disease proteins into the human interactome, and prioritizes candidate drugs for PAH. We identified 53 drugs that could potentially be repurposed for PAH. Many of these candidates have strong literature support. Compared to black‐box‐like machine learning models, network module‐based drug repositioning can provide mechanistic insights into how repositioned drugs can target the underlying pathobiological mechanisms of PAH.
In Situ Analytical Techniques for the Investigation of Material Stability and Interface Dynamics in Electrocatalytic and Photoelectrochemical Applications
Authors: Pishgar Sahar , Gulati Saumya , Strain Jacob M. , Liang Ying , Mulvehill Matthew C. , Spurgeon Joshua M.
Published: June 2021

Electrocatalysis and photoelectrochemistry are critical to technologies like fuel cells, electrolysis, and solar fuels. Material stability and interfacial phenomena are central to the performance and long‐term viability of these technologies. Researchers need tools to uncover the fundamental processes occurring at the electrode/electrolyte interface. Numerous analytical instruments are well‐developed for material characterization, but many are ex situ techniques often performed under vacuum and without applied bias. Such measurements miss dynamic phenomena in the electrolyte under operational conditions. However, innovative advancements have allowed modification of these techniques for in situ characterization in liquid environments at electrochemically relevant conditions. This review explains some of the main in situ electrochemical characterization techniques, briefly explaining the principle of operation and highlighting key work in applying the method to investigate material stability and interfacial properties for electrocatalysts and photoelectrodes. Covered methods include spectroscopy (in situ UV–vis, ambient pressure X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (APXPS), and in situ Raman), mass spectrometry (on‐line inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) and differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS)), and microscopy (in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electrochemical atomic force microscopy (EC‐AFM), electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy (EC‐STM), and scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM)). Each technique's capabilities and advantages/disadvantages are discussed and summarized for comparison.
Label-Free Quality Control and Identification of Human Keratinocyte Stem Cells by Deep Learning-Based Automated Cell Tracking
Authors: Hirose Takuya , Kotoku Jun'ichi , Toki Fujio , Nishimura Emi K. , Nanba Daisuke
Published: June 2021

Stem cell-based products have clinical and industrial applications. Thus, there is a need to develop quality control methods to standardize stem cell manufacturing. Here, we report a deep learning-based automated cell tracking (DeepACT) technology for noninvasive quality control and identification of cultured human stem cells. The combination of deep learning-based cascading cell detection and Kalman filter algorithm-based tracking successfully tracked the individual cells within the densely packed human epidermal keratinocyte colonies in the phase-contrast images of the culture. DeepACT rapidly analyzed the motion of individual keratinocytes, which enabled the quantitative evaluation of keratinocyte dynamics in response to changes in culture conditions. Furthermore, DeepACT can distinguish keratinocyte stem cell colonies from non-stem cell-derived colonies by analyzing the spatial and velocity information of cells. This system can be widely applied to stem cell cultures used in regenerative medicine and provides a platform for developing reliable and noninvasive quality control technology.
Application exercise design for team‐based learning in online courses
Authors: Dorneich Michael C. , O'Dwyer Brian , Dolowitz Annetta R. , Styron Jennifer L. , Grogan James
Published: June 2021

This chapter describes best practices for adapting traditional, face‐to‐face, team‐based learning principles to develop online application exercise design, support effective facilitation, and use appropriate technology to promote effective online team collaboration. The unique challenges of online TBL applications include maintaining effective team collaboration, discussion facilitation, and simultaneous reporting. A framework is proposed to guide practitioners to make appropriate, systematic choices in the development of online TBL applications.
Comparing veterinary students’ and practitioners’ perceptions of communication in a bilingual context
Authors: Pun Jack K.H.
Published: June 2021

Background

Using veterinary medicine as the clinical context, this case study elicited perspectives of practitioners and students in Hong Kong about the impact of their communication skills on clinical practice.

Methods

A cross‐sectional mixed‐method design was adopted. Fifty students from the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine programme were surveyed about their perspectives on expected communication needs as future practitioners and their perceptions of communication skills to be acquired in their programme. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with five veterinary medical practitioners to ask how they themselves feel about communicating in bilingual situations.

Results

The students highlighted that English is the predominant instructional language in their training, although there are evident discrepancies between the curriculum and the clinical setting given the three predominant languages used in Hong Kong. The veterinary medical practitioners also highlighted strategies for clear communication, and the significance of interpersonal skills as effective communication is essential for learners in training to ensure client satisfaction and optimal clinical outcomes.

Conclusion

This study can offer insights to educators on ways to bridge veterinary training and the clinical setting in bilingual contexts where communication problems result from language differences used for instruction and in clinical settings. Taking cultural context into consideration, multimodal teaching and learning materials can be developed to accommodate students’ needs for both academic and professional purposes.
Aptamer‐functionalized hydrogels: An emerging class of biomaterials for protein delivery, cell capture, regenerative medicine, and molecular biosensing
Authors: Abune Lidya , Davis Brandon , Wang Yong
Published: June 2021

Molecular recognition is essential to the development of biomaterials. Aptamers are a unique class of synthetic ligands interacting with not only their target molecules with high affinities and specificities but also their complementary sequences with high fidelity. Thus, aptamers have recently attracted significant attention in the development of an emerging class of biomaterials, that is, aptamer‐functionalized hydrogels. In this review, we introduce the methods of incorporating aptamers into hydrogels as pendant motifs or crosslinkers. We further introduce the functions of these hydrogels in recognizing proteins, cells, and analytes through four applications including protein delivery, cell capture, regenerative medicine, and molecular biosensing. Notably, as aptamer‐functionalized hydrogels have the characteristics of both aptamers and hydrogels, their potential applications are broad and beyond the scope of this review.

This article is categorized under:

Biology‐Inspired Nanomaterials > Nucleic Acid‐Based Structures

Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanomaterials and Implants

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies
In vitro dissolution considerations associated with nano drug delivery systems
Authors: Gupta Ritu , Chen Yuan , Xie Huan
Published: June 2021

Nano drug delivery systems (NDDS) offer promising solution for the translation of future nanomedicines. As bioavailability and therapeutic outcomes can be improved by altering the drug release from these NDDS, it becomes essential to thoroughly understand their drug release kinetics. Moreover, U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires critical evaluation of potential safety, efficacy, and public health impacts of nanomaterials. Spiraling up market share of NDDS has also stimulated the pharmaceutical industry to develop their cost‐effective generic versions after the expiry of patent and associated exclusivity. However, unlike the conventional dosage forms, the in vivo disposition of NDDS is highly intricate and different from their in vitro behavior. Significant challenges exist in the establishment of in vitro–in vivo correlation (IVIVC) due to incomplete understanding of nanoparticles' in vivo biofate and its impact on in vitro experimental protocols. A rational design of dissolution may serve as quality and quantity control tool and help develop a meaningful IVIVC for favorable economic implications. Clinically relevant drug product specifications (critical quality attributes) can be identified by establishing a link between in vitro performance and in vivo exposure. In vitro dissolution may also play a pivotal role to understand the dissolution‐mediated clearance and safety of NDDS. Prevalent in vitro dissolution methods for NDDS and their limitations are discussed in this review, among which USP 4 is gaining more interest recently. Researchers are working diligently to develop biorelevant in vitro release assays to ensure optimal therapeutic performance of generic versions of these NDDS. This article focuses on these studies and presents important considerations for the future development of clinically relevant in vitro release methods.

This article is categorized under:

Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Regulatory and Policy Issues in Nanomedicine
Na2Rb2SrB18O30 with [B9O19]11− fundamental building block consisting of three [B3O7]5− groups
Authors: Zheng Jingjing , Zhang Ting , Feng Junwei , An Donghai , Bai Chunyan , Sun Yi
Published: June 2021

A new sodium rubidium strontium borate, Na2Rb2SrB18O30, has been successfully synthesized via the high temperature solution method and characterized by single crystal X ray diffraction. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c (No. 14) with the following cell parameters: a=8.464(5) Å, b=8.516(5) Å, c=17.110(10) Å, β=92.281(8)°, V=1232.3(12) Å3, Z=2. The fundamental building block (FBB) of Na2Rb2SrB18O30 is [B9O19]11−, which consists of three [B3O7]5− groups bridged by oxygen atoms. The FBB connects with adjacent ones through the terminal oxygen atoms condensed into a three dimensional (3D) 3∞[B9O15] network with three types of channels, and two of them are occupied by Rb+ and Sr2+ cations. Besides, the structure comparison and categorization between the borates with [B9O19]11− FBB were investigated via the topological analysis for the first time. Also, theoretical analyses of the band structures and partial densities of states (PDOS) calculations were carried out to elaborate the relationship between crystal structures and optical properties by first‐principles calculation.
Moving beyond the mirror: relational and performative meaning making in human–robot communication
Authors: Gemeinboeck Petra , Saunders Rob
Published: June 2021

Current research in human–robot interaction often focuses on rendering communication between humans and robots more ‘natural’ by designing machines that appear and behave humanlike. Communication, in this human-centric approach, is often understood as a process of successfully transmitting information in the form of predefined messages and gestures. This article introduces an alternative arts-led, movement-centric approach, which embraces the differences of machinelike robotic artefacts and, instead, investigates how meaning is dynamically enacted in the encounter of humans and machines. Our design approach revolves around a novel embodied mapping methodology, which serves to bridge between human–machine asymmetries and socioculturally situate abstract robotic artefacts. Building on concepts from performativity, material agency, enactive sense-making and kinaesthetic empathy, our Machine Movement Lab project opens up a performative-relational model of human–machine communication, where meaning is generated through relational dynamics in the interaction itself.
Independence-friendly logic without Henkin quantification
Authors: Barbero Fausto , Hella Lauri , Rönnholm Raine
Published: June 2021

We analyze the expressive resources of $$\mathrm {IF}$$
IF
logic that do not stem from Henkin (partially-ordered) quantification. When one restricts attention to regular $$\mathrm {IF}$$
IF
sentences, this amounts to the study of the fragment of $$\mathrm {IF}$$
IF
logic which is individuated by the game-theoretical property of action recall (AR). We prove that the fragment of prenex AR sentences can express all existential second-order properties. We then show that the same can be achieved in the non-prenex fragment of AR, by using “signalling by disjunction” instead of Henkin or signalling patterns. We also study irregular IF logic (in which requantification of variables is allowed) and analyze its correspondence to regular IF logic. By using new methods, we prove that the game-theoretical property of knowledge memory is a first-order syntactical constraint also for irregular sentences, and we identify another new first-order fragment. Finally we discover that irregular prefixes behave quite differently in finite and infinite models. In particular, we show that, over infinite structures, every irregular prefix is equivalent to a regular one; and we present an irregular prefix which is second order on finite models but collapses to a first-order prefix on infinite models.
Long axial field of view PET scanners: a road map to implementation and new possibilities
Authors: Slart Riemer H. J. A. , Tsoumpas Charalampos , Glaudemans Andor W. J. M. , Noordzij Walter , Willemsen Antoon T. M. , Borra Ronald J. H. , Dierckx Rudi A. J. O. , Lammertsma Adriaan A.
Published: June 2021

In this contribution, several opportunities and challenges for long axial field of view (LAFOV) PET are described. It is an anthology in which the main issues have been highlighted. A consolidated overview of the camera system implementation, business and financial plan, opportunities and challenges is provided. What the nuclear medicine and molecular imaging community can expect from these new PET/CT scanners is the delivery of more comprehensive information to the clinicians for advancing diagnosis, therapy evaluation and clinical research.
Pharmacokinetics of preoperative intraperitoneal 5-FU in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Öman Mikael , Wettergren Yvonne , Odin Elisabeth , Westermark Sofia , Naredi Peter , Hemmingsson Oskar , Taflin Helena
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The aim was to investigate the pharmacokinetics of preoperatively administered intraperitoneal (IP) 5-FU in patients with resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) by analyzing levels of 5-FU and target metabolites in peritoneal fluid, plasma, liver, lymph nodes, pancreatic tumour, and pancreatic tissue. These results were correlated to expression of genes encoding enzymes of the 5-FU pathway and cell membrane transporters of 5-FU and FdUMP.

Methods

Twenty-two patients with PDAC were treated with IP 5-FU before surgery. The postoperative treatment followed a routine clinical protocol. 5-FU and its metabolites were analyzed by LC–MS/MS. The expression of genes encoding enzymes and transporters in the 5-FU pathway was analyzed by qPCR.

Results

After IP treatment, 5-FU could be detected in plasma, lymph nodes, liver, pancreatic tumour, and pancreatic tissue. The highest 5-FU concentration was found in the liver, also expressing high levels of the 5-FU transporter OAT2. 5-FU was converted to active FdUMP in all tissues and the highest concentration was measured in lymph nodes, liver and pancreatic tumour (18.5, 6.1 and 6.7 pmol/g, respectively). There was a correlation between the FdUMP and dUr levels in lymph nodes (r = 0.70, p = 0.0076). In tumours, there was an association between OAT2 expression and FdUMP concentration.

Conclusion

The study shows uptake of IP 5-FU and drug metabolism to active FdUMP in pancreatic tumour, liver, and lymph nodes. Extended studies are warranted to evaluate the IP route for 5-FU administration in PDAC patients.
Implications of 2D versus 3D surveys to measure the abundance and composition of benthic coral reef communities
Authors: Kornder Niklas A. , Cappelletto Jose , Mueller Benjamin , Zalm Margaretha J. L. , Martinez Stephanie J. , Vermeij Mark J. A. , Huisman Jef , de Goeij Jasper M.
Published: June 2021

A paramount challenge in coral reef ecology is to estimate the abundance and composition of the communities residing in such complex ecosystems. Traditional 2D projected surface cover estimates neglect the 3D structure of reefs and reef organisms, overlook communities residing in cryptic reef habitats (e.g., overhangs, cavities), and thus may fail to represent biomass estimates needed to assess trophic ecology and reef function. Here, we surveyed the 3D surface cover, biovolume, and biomass (i.e., ash-free dry weight) of all major benthic taxa on 12 coral reef stations on the island of Curaçao (Southern Caribbean) using structure-from-motion photogrammetry, coral point counts, in situ measurements, and elemental analysis. We then compared our 3D benthic community estimates to corresponding estimates of traditional 2D projected surface cover to explore the differences in benthic community composition using different metrics. Overall, 2D cover was dominated (52 ± 2%, mean ± SE) by non-calcifying phototrophs (macroalgae, turf algae, benthic cyanobacterial mats), but their contribution to total reef biomass was minor (3.2 ± 0.6%). In contrast, coral cover (32 ± 2%) more closely resembled coral biomass (27 ± 6%). The relative contribution of erect organisms, such as gorgonians and massive sponges, to 2D cover was twofold and 11-fold lower, respectively, than their contribution to reef biomass. Cryptic surface area (3.3 ± 0.2 m2 m−2planar reef) comprised half of the total reef substrate, rendering two thirds of coralline algae and almost all encrusting sponges (99.8%) undetected in traditional assessments. Yet, encrusting sponges dominated reef biomass (35 ± 18%). Based on our quantification of exposed and cryptic reef communities using different metrics, we suggest adjustments to current monitoring approaches and highlight ramifications for evaluating the ecological contributions of different taxa to overall reef function. To this end, our metric conversions can complement other benthic assessments to generate non-invasive estimates of the biovolume, biomass, and elemental composition (i.e., standing stocks of organic carbon and nitrogen) of Caribbean coral reef communities.
Nanobodies: new avenue to treat kidney disease
Authors: Wanner Nicola , Eden Thomas , Liaukouskaya Nastassia , Koch-Nolte Friedrich
Published: June 2021

Current therapeutic options for renal diseases are limited, and the search for disease-specific treatments is ongoing. Nanobodies, single-domain antibodies with many advantages over conventional antibodies, provide flexible, easy-to-format biologicals with many possible applications. Here, we discuss the potential use of nanobodies for renal diseases.
Rapid groundwater potential mapping in humanitarian contexts: improving borehole implementation in basement environments
Authors: Scherrer Cyrille , Schweitzer Ryan , Bünzli Marc-André , Milnes Ellen
Published: June 2021

Emergency responses in humanitarian contexts require rapid set-up of water supply. Boreholes are often drilled where the needs are highest and not where hydrogeological conditions are most favourable. The Rapid Groundwater Potential Mapping (RGWPM) methodology was therefore developed as a practical tool to support borehole siting when time is critical, allowing strategic planning of geophysical campaigns. RGWPM is based on the combined analysis of satellite images, digital elevation models and geological maps, obtained through spatial overlay of the two main hydrogeological variables controlling groundwater potential: water availability (WA) and reservoir capacity (RC). The WA associates hydrogeomorphological features to groundwater dynamic processes, while the RC reflects estimates of the hydraulic conductivity. RGWPM maps are produced through an overlay of WA and RC with the overall groundwater potential (GWP) characterized as ‘very low’, ‘low’, ‘medium’, and ‘high’, with each zone associated to a specific water supply option. The first RGWPM map was elaborated during a drilling campaign in Northern Uganda. The average yield for the eight boreholes sited ‘with’ RGWPM was 35 m3/h versus 3 m3/h for the 92 preexisting boreholes that were sited ‘without’ RGWPM. Statistical comparison of the classified yields of all hundred boreholes with the RGWPM predicted-yield ranges revealed a good correlation for the ‘low’ GWP unit, highlighting areas where well siting for motorised systems should be avoided. A rather poor correlation of 33% was found for the ‘medium’ GWP unit, believed to be artificially induced by the numerous hand pumps (low yields) located in potentially higher yielding areas.
Correction to: A sequential homotopy method for mathematical programming problems
Authors: Potschka Andreas , Bock Hans Georg
Published: June 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10107-021-01668-5
Surgical margin clearance and extended chemotherapy defines survival for synchronous oligometastatic liver lesions of the ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas
Authors: Safi S. A. , Fluegen G. , Rehders A. , Haeberle L. , Fung S. , Keitel V. , Krieg A. , Knoefel W. T. , Lehwald-Tywuschik N.
Published: June 2021

Background

The role of surgery for circumscribed synchronous hepatic lesions of the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains controversial. Thus, the aim of our study was to compare survival outcome (OS) after surgery of patients with hepatic metastases (M1surg) to patients with only localized disease.

Methods

Correlation analysis of clinicopathological data and OS after resection of M1surg patients and patients with localized PDACs (M0) was performed. Patients were included for survival analysis only if a complete staging including perineural, venous and lymphatic invasion was available.

Results

Out of the study collective, 35 patients received extended surgery (M1surg), whereas 131 patients received standardized surgery for localized disease (M0). Length of hospitalization and mortality was similar in both groups. FOLFIRNOX as an adjuvant treatment regime was administered in ~ 23 and ~ 8% of M1surg and M0 patients, respectively. In subgroup analysis of R0 resected patients and in multivariate analysis of the total cohort, there was no difference in overall survival between both groups. Only the resection status (R1 vs R0) and venous invasion (V1) were identified as independent prognostic factors. Site of recurrence in R0 resected M1surg patients and in M0 patients were homogenously distributed.

Conclusion

This is the first study demonstrating a survival benefit after extended surgery for synchronously hepatic-metastasized PDACs. We found no difference in survival outcome of metastasized patients when compared to patients with localized disease. FOLFIRINOX as an adjuvant treatment regime for resected M1surg presumably is worthwhile. Larger multicenter studies are still needed to validate our results.
Option pricing: a yet simpler approach
Authors: Talponen Jarno , Turunen Minna
Published: June 2021

We provide a lean, non-technical exposition on the pricing of path-dependent and European-style derivatives in the Cox–Ross–Rubinstein (CRR) pricing model. The main tool used in this paper for simplifying the reasoning is applying static hedging arguments. In applying the static hedging principle, we consider Arrow–Debreu securities and digital options, or backward random processes. In the last case, the CRR model is extended to an infinite state space which leads to an interesting new phenomenon not present in the classical CRR model. At the end, we discuss the paradox involving the drift parameter $$\mu $$
μ
in the Black–Scholes–Merton model pricing. We provide sensitivity analysis and an approximation of the speed of convergence for the asymptotically vanishing effect of drift in prices.
Characteristics of receiver-related biases between BDS-3 and BDS-2 for five frequencies including inter-system biases, differential code biases, and differential phase biases
Authors: Mi Xiaolong , Sheng Chuanzhen , El-Mowafy Ahmed , Zhang Baocheng
Published: June 2021

It is foreseeable that the BeiDou navigation satellite system with global coverage (BDS-3) and the BeiDou navigation satellite (regional) system (BDS-2) will coexist in the next decade. Care should be taken to minimize the adverse impact of the receiver-related biases, including inter-system biases (ISBs), differential code biases (DCB), and differential phase biases (DPB) on the positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) provided by global navigation satellite systems (GNSS). Therefore, it is important to ascertain the intrinsic characteristics of receiver-related biases, especially in the context of the combination of BDS-3 and BDS-2, which have some differences in their signal level. We present a method that enables time-wise retrieval of between-receiver ISBs, DCB, and DPB from multi-frequency multi-GNSS observations. With this method, the time-wise estimates of the receiver-related biases between BDS-3 and BDS-2 are determined using all five frequencies available in different receiver pairs. Three major findings are suggested based on our test results. First, code ISBs are significant on the two overlapping frequencies B1II and B2b/B2I between BDS-3 and BDS-2 for a baseline with non-identical receiver pairs, which disrupts the compatibility of the two constellations. Second, epoch-wise DCB estimates of the same type in BDS-3 and BDS-2 can show noticeable differences. Thus, it is unreasonable to treat them as one constellation in PNT applications. Third, the DPB of BDS-3 and BDS-2 may have significant short-term variations, which can be attributed to, on the one hand, receivers composing baselines, and on the other hand, frequencies.
Quantitative assessment of liver steatosis using ultrasound controlled attenuation parameter (Echosens)
Authors: Ferraioli Giovanna
Published: June 2021

Controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) is the algorithm available on the FibroScan system (Echosens, France) for quantification of liver steatosis. It assesses the ultrasound beam attenuation, which is directly related to liver fat content. The inter-observer reproducibility of the technique is high, with a reported concordance correlation coefficient of 0.82. Specific quality criteria for CAP measurements are not clearly defined yet, and there are conflicting results in the literature. Using liver biopsy as the reference standard, several studies have assessed the CAP performance in grading liver steatosis, and have reported that values are not affected by liver fibrosis. The cutoff for detection of liver steatosis reported in the literature ranges from 222 decibels per meter (dB/m) in a cohort of patients with chronic hepatitis C to 294 dB/m in a meta-analysis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients. CAP has been used as a tool to noninvasively evaluate the prevalence of NAFLD in groups at risk or in the general population; however, it should be underscored that different CAP cutoffs for steatosis detection (S > 0) were used in different studies, and this limits the robustness of the findings. CAP, alone or combined with other noninvasive indices or biomarkers, has been proposed as a tool for assessing nonalcoholic steatohepatitis or as a noninvasive predictor of prognosis in patients with chronic liver disease. CAP is easy to perform and has become a point-of-care technique. However, there is a large overlap of values between consecutive grades of liver steatosis, and cutoffs are not clearly defined.
Infrared photo-induced force microscopy unveils nanoscale features of Norway spruce fibre wall
Authors: Kesari Kavindra Kumar , O’Reilly Padraic , Seitsonen Jani , Ruokolainen Janne , Vuorinen Tapani
Published: June 2021

Infrared photo-induced force microscopy (IR PiFM) was applied for imaging ultrathin sections of Norway spruce (Picea abies) at 800–1885 cm−1 with varying scanning steps from 0.6 to 30 nm. Cell wall sublayers were visualized in the low-resolution mode based on differences in their chemical composition. The spectra from the individual sublayers demonstrated differences in the orientation of cellulose elementary fibrils (EFs) and in the content and structure of lignin. The high-resolution images revealed 5–20 nm wide lignin-free areas in the S1 layer. Full spectra collected from a non-lignified spot and at a short distance apart from it verified an abrupt change in the lignin content and the presence of tangentially oriented EFs. Line scans across the lignin-free areas corresponded to a spatial resolution of ≤ 5 nm. The ability of IR PiFM to resolve structures based on their chemical composition differentiates it from transmission electron microscopy that can reach a similar spatial resolution in imaging ultrathin wood sections. In comparison with Raman imaging, IR PiFM can acquire chemical images with ≥ 50 times higher spatial resolution. IR PiFM is also a surface-sensitive technique that is important for reaching the high spatial resolution in anisotropic samples like the cell wall. All these features make IR PiFM a highly promising technique for analyzing the recalcitrant nature of lignocellulosic biomass for its conversion into various materials and chemicals.

Graphic abstract
Job Insecurity and Depressive Symptoms in Mothers and Adolescents: A Dyadic Study
Authors: Mauno Saija , Minkkinen Jaana , Hirvonen Riikka , Kiuru Noona
Published: June 2021

In this study, we examined whether maternal perceived job insecurity (JI) affected depressive symptoms in their adolescent children. Specifically, we tested a mediator-moderator model in which we hypothesized that maternal JI was related to adolescent depressive symptoms indirectly via maternal depressive symptoms. Most importantly, we also explored whether this indirect path was moderated by two buffering resources, i.e., maternal off-job recovery and adolescent self-esteem. There is little research on the effects of parental JI on adolescent children from the viewpoint of buffering moderators. Due to growing insecurity in the labor markets we need more information about resources that mitigate the harmful effects of JI within families. We tested the model via structural equation modeling among Finnish mother-adolescent dyads (N = 601, mothers aged 32–60 years; adolescents aged 14–18 years). Our results showed that mothers’ depressive symptoms did not mediate the relationship between mothers’ JI and adolescents’ depressive symptoms, but mothers’ JI was directly related to increased depressive symptoms among both adolescents and their mothers. Mothers’ off-job recovery and adolescents’ self-esteem buffered against mothers’ JI in relation to depressive symptoms. When off-job recovery (in mothers) and self-esteem (in adolescents) were high, the higher level of JI was not associated with increased depressive symptoms. Off-job recovery among working mothers should be improved as it has potential to protect against JI. Moreover, adolescents’ self-esteem should be boosted as it mitigates the effects of mothers’ job stress (e.g., JI) on adolescents’ well-being.
OWL2Vec*: embedding of OWL ontologies
Authors: Chen Jiaoyan , Hu Pan , Jimenez-Ruiz Ernesto , Holter Ole Magnus , Antonyrajah Denvar , Horrocks Ian
Published: June 2021

Semantic embedding of knowledge graphs has been widely studied and used for prediction and statistical analysis tasks across various domains such as Natural Language Processing and the Semantic Web. However, less attention has been paid to developing robust methods for embedding OWL (Web Ontology Language) ontologies, which contain richer semantic information than plain knowledge graphs, and have been widely adopted in domains such as bioinformatics. In this paper, we propose a random walk and word embedding based ontology embedding method named , which encodes the semantics of an OWL ontology by taking into account its graph structure, lexical information and logical constructors. Our empirical evaluation with three real world datasets suggests that benefits from these three different aspects of an ontology in class membership prediction and class subsumption prediction tasks. Furthermore, often significantly outperforms the state-of-the-art methods in our experiments.