bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The challenge of avidity determination in SARS‐CoV‐2 serology
Authors: Bauer Georg , Struck Friedhelm , Schreiner Patrick , Staschik Eva , Soutschek Erwin , Motz Manfred 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe serological responses towards severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) nucleoprotein, receptor‐binding domain (RBD), and spike protein S1 are characterized by incomplete avidity maturation. Analysis with varying concentrations of urea allows to determine distinct differences in avidity maturation, though the total process remains at an unusually low level. Despite incomplete avidity maturation, this approach allows to define early and late stages of infection. It therefore can compensate for the recently described irregular kinetic patterns of immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G (IgG) directed towards SARS‐CoV‐2 antigens. The serological responses towards seasonal coronaviruses neither have a negative nor positive impact on SARS‐CoV‐2 serology in general. Avidity determination in combination with measurement of antibody titers and complexity of the immune response allows to clearly differentiate between IgG responses towards seasonal coronaviruses and SARS‐CoV‐2. Cross‐reactions seem to occur with very low probability. They can be recognized by their pattern of response and through differential treatment with urea. As high avidity has been shown to be essential in several virus systems for the protective effect of neutralizing antibodies, it should be clarified whether high avidity of IgG directed towards RBD indicates protective immunity. If this is the case, monitoring of avidity should be part of the optimization of vaccination programs.
Mucosal Grafting Reduces Recurrence After Endonasal Surgery of Petrous Apex Cholesterol Granulomas
Authors: Patel Chirag R. , Snyderman Carl H. , Fernandez‐Miranda Juan C. , Gardner Paul A. , Wang Eric W. 
Published: February 2021

Objectives/HypothesisThe endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) is increasingly utilized for management of petrous apex cholesterol granuloma (PACG). Surgical goals include drainage and marsupialization of the cyst. Various techniques have been described to try to reduce the rates of recurrence. We studied the effect of mucosal grafting on recurrence.Study DesignRetrospective Cohort study.MethodsPatients who underwent EEA for PACG at two tertiary care centers between 1999 and 2018 were identified and divided into two cohorts: Mucosal versus no mucosal reconstruction. Surgical approach, reconstructive method, and recurrence were recorded. Primary endpoint was symptomatic or radiographic recurrence.ResultsThirty‐four patients were identified undergoing 37 surgeries. Four patients developed recurrences of which three elected to undergo revision. Some form of mucosa was used to line the drainage tract in 20 cases. A free mucosal graft was used in 8, and a small customized nasal septal flap (miniflap) in 12. All four recurrences occurred in cases where no mucosa was used, demonstrating decreased recurrences with mucosal reconstruction (P < .05). There was no difference found between free mucosal grafts and miniflaps.ConclusionsUtilization of mucosa to partially line a circumferentially de‐epithelialized drainage pathway after EEA for PACG reduce recurrence rates.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 131:E2513–E2517, 2021
A threshold‐like effect on the interaction between hydrological connectivity and dominant plant population in tidal marsh wetlands
Authors: Liu Jiakai , Liu Ying , Xie Lumeng , Zhao Shiqiang , Dai Liyi , Zhang Zhenming 
Published: February 2021

AbstractTidal marsh wetlands in the Yellow River Delta provide valuable eco‐services to the local population and global ecology. However, this area is suffering from serious degradation under the stresses of social development and climate change. Hydrological connectivity, a new framework in hydrology and ecology, has been proposed as the main factor affecting the ecological processes in coastal wetlands; however, its role in hydrology–soil–vegetation interactions remains unclear. In this study, we parametrically quantified the hydrological connectivity in the tidal marsh wetlands and analyzed its relationship with Phragmites australis, one of the dominant species in this area. Our results showed threshold‐like effects on the interaction between hydrological connectivity and P. australis on the plot scale. When biomass is lower than 2.2 kg m−2, the population density and structure size were found to increase with hydrological connectivity. When the biomass is higher than the threshold, the plots disconnected hydrologically because of high water consumption. Compared with soil chemistry, salinity, and water soil content, hydrological connectivity in the surface soil layer is more strongly linked to the plant traits and spatial structure in the tidal marsh wetlands due to the narrow ranges of other variables. Based on the Best on previous study and our analysis, we do not recommend dense plantation of P. australis, especially near the freshwater sources in the tidal marsh, because of its high reproduction ability and competitive nature, which may cut the freshwater connectivity off, lowering the richness of plant species and habitat diversity.
Gene spectrum and clinical traits of 10 patients with primary carnitine deficiency
Authors: Chen Yao , Lin Qingying , Zeng Yinglin , Qiu Xiaolong , Liu Guanghua , Zhu Wenbin 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundRare studies focused on the tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) findings for the primary carnitine deficiency (PCD) in the neonates in China mainland. In this study, we aim to analyze the gene mutation spectrum of PCD in Fujian Province in China mainland.MethodsPrimary carnitine deficiency (PCD) samples used in this study were selected from 95,453 cases underwent neonatal screening between May 2015 and February 2020. SLC22A5 gene sequencing was performed on the neonates and their parents with C0 level of less than 8.8 μmol/L.ResultsTen patients (male: 7; female: 3) were finally included in this study. Among these patients, nine were neonates, and one was maternal decline of C0 of less than 8.8 μmol/L. The maternal case showed two types of mutations of SLC22A5 including c.760C>T(p.R254*) and c.1400C>G(p.S467C). The other nine neonates showed compound mutations involving nine types in 18 sites, among which two mutations [i.e., c.37G>T(p.E13*) and c.694A>G(p.T232A)] were novel that had never been reported before. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that c.37G>T(p.E13*) was a pathogenic mutation, while the c.694A>G (p.T232A) was considered to be likely pathogenic.ConclusionMS/MS screening on PCD contributed to the early diagnosis and screening. In addition, SLC22A5 gene mutation analysis contributed to the PCD screening.
A method for increasing the solubility of industrial azo pigments for 13C and 1H NMR spectra and the assignments of their 13C and 1H NMR peaks
Authors: Zhu Meiling , Feng Guangyuan , Lv Dongjun , Qin Nan , Li Chunbao 
Published: February 2021

AbstractA method for increasing the solubilities of industrial azo pigments in DMSO by adding DBU (1,8‐diaza‐7‐bicyclo[5.4.0]undecene) has been developed. This facilitated the acquisition of solution 13C NMR spectra of the pigments. This method was applied to four types of azo pigments: naphthol AS (3‐hydroxy‐2‐naphthoic acid anilide) pigments, naphthol pigments, pyrazolone pigments and acetoacetanilide pigments. This represents the first solution 13C NMR spectra for naphthol AS pigments. Altogether 18 industrial azo pigments were analysed using 1D and 2D NMR techniques. The proton and corresponding carbon NMR resonances of these pigments have all been assigned.
Exploring cation disorder in mixed‐metal pyrochlore ceramics using 17O NMR spectroscopy and first‐principles calculations
Authors: Fernandes Arantxa , Moran Robert F. , McKay David , Griffiths Ben L. , Herlihy Anna , Whittle Karl R. , Dawson Daniel M. , Ashbrook Sharon E. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractCharacterising the local structures (e.g., the cation distribution) of mixed‐metal ceramics by NMR spectroscopy is often challenging owing to the unfavourable properties (low γ, large quadrupole moment and/or low abundance) of many metal nuclei. 17O is an attractive option owing to the prevalence of oxygen within ceramics. The moderate γ and small quadrupole moment of 17O mean that the greatest barrier to accessing the information available from this nucleus is isotopic enrichment. We explore the challenges of ensuring uniform isotopic enrichment with 17O2(g) for the pyrochlore solid solutions, Y2SnxTi2–xO7, La2SnxZr2–xO7 and La2SnxHf2–xO7, demonstrating that high enrichment temperatures (900 °C for 12 hr) are required. In addition, for sites with very high symmetry (such as the tetrahedral OY4 and OLa4 sites with CQ ≈ 0 present here), we demonstrate that quantitative 17O NMR spectra require correction for the differing contributions from the centreband of the satellite transitions, which can be as high as a factor of ~3.89. It is common to use first‐principles calculations to aid in interpreting NMR spectra of disordered solids. Here, we use an ensemble modelling approach to ensure that all possible cation arrangements are modelled in the minimum possible number of calculations. By combining uniform isotopic enrichment, quantitative NMR spectroscopy and a comprehensive computational approach, we are able to show that the cation distribution in Y2SnxTi2–xO7 is essentially random, whereas in La2SnxZr2–xO7 and La2SnxHf2–xO7, OLa2SnZr and OLa2SnHf sites are slightly energetically disfavoured, leading to a weak preference for clustering of like cations.
The growth hormone and insulin‐like growth factor 1 axis in cattle during the peri‐ovulatory period activates the synthesis and release of oviductal contraction related substances
Authors: Kodithuwakku Suranga P. , Akthar Ihshan , Muhandiram Subhashini , Wijayagunawardhana Missaka P. B. , Miyamoto Akio 
Published: February 2021

AbstractGrowth hormone (GH) and insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF1) are crucial for female reproductive functions. The cyclic regulation of the local GH/IGF1 axis in the oviduct and its involvement in oviductal contraction in cattle has not been investigated. Thus, the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression for GH receptor (GHR), IGF1, IGF1 receptor (IGF1R) in the whole oviducts, as well as in cultured bovine oviductal epithelial cells (BOECs) were evaluated. The GHR, IGF1, and IGF1R mRNA expression was significantly higher during postovulatory phase. The luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol‐17β (E2), and LH + E2 treatments significantly increased GHR and IGF1 mRNA expression in cultured BOECs. Further, GH and combination of GH with LH and E2 upregulated IGF1 mRNA expression in the BOECs. Moreover, IGF1 + LH and combined IGF1 + LH + E2 treatments significantly increased prostaglandin synthesis cascade enzyme mRNA expression in the BOECs. An ex vivo microdialysis assay revealed that GH and IGF1 induced the release of oviductal contraction related prostaglandins, endothelin‐1, and angiotensin II in follicular and postovulatory phases. Together, the findings strongly suggest that the presence of the active GH/IGF1 axis during the peri‐ovulatory period, regulating the local system for the release of oviductal contraction related substances, which may provide the optimal oviductal environment for gametes and early embryo.
Large‐scale synthesis of compressible and re‐expandable three‐dimensional nanofiber matrices
Authors: McCarthy Alec , Saldana Lorenzo , McGoldrick Daniel , John Johnson V. , Kuss Mitchell , Chen Shixuan , Duan Bin , Carlson Mark A. , Xie Jingwei 
Published: February 2021

AbstractDue to their biomimetic properties, electrospun nanofibers have shown great potential in many biomedical fields. However, traditionally‐produced nanofibers are typically two‐dimensional (2D) membranes limiting their applications. Herein, we report a large‐scale synthesis of compressible and re‐expandable three‐dimensional (3D) nanofiber matrices for potential biomedical applications. The reproducible mass production of such matrices is achieved using a multiple‐emitter electrospinning machine with a controlled environment (e.g., temperature, humidity, and air flow rate) followed by an innovative gas‐foaming expansion. The modified 20‐emitter circular array with 3D‐printed needle caps is capable of maintaining stable Taylor cones under extremely high flow rates. The introduction of such an emitter array allows for the production rate of 3D nanofiber matrices to increase by over 800 times while retaining the desired morphological, mechanical, and absorptive properties when compared to ones generated by a single‐nozzle electrospinning setup. Taken together, a feasible, optimized method has been demonstrated for scaling up production of shape‐recoverable, expansile nanofiber matrices, representing a step towards translating such materials into preclinical, large animal testing, clinical trials, and eventually clinical applications.
Nanoporous gold: A review and potentials in biotechnological and biomedical applications
Authors: Xiao Sa , Wang Shuangjue , Wang Xia , Xu Ping 
Published: February 2021

AbstractNanoporous gold (NPG) is one of the representatives of emerging materials that combine the advantages of nano, porous, and metallic materials. In addition to the general characteristics of nanoporous materials, NPG also has many unique properties, such as excellent structural stability, adjustable pore size, high conductivity, remarkable biocompatibility, clean surface, easy recycle and reuse, and unique electrochemical catalytic activities. These performances endow NPG promising application potentials in the fields of catalysis, environmental monitoring, energy storage, biomedicine, etc. Herein, this review summarizes the recent advances of NPG over the past decade. Besides preparation and modification of NPG, special emphasis is placed on its applications in biotechnology and biomedicine: catalysis, biosensors, biofuel cells, and drug delivery. The significant and representative studies in each area are comprehensively reviewed and analyzed as a reference for researchers working in related areas. The main challenges and future opportunities of NPG in these areas are also discussed.
Sample size and representational bias in bioarchaeology: A case study of stature estimation from medieval Prussia
Authors: Ramsier Marissa , Gruenthal‐Rankin Ariel , Gaddis Katherine , Koperkiewicz Arkadiusz 
Published: February 2021

AbstractFor bioarchaeological studies, a common approach to estimating stature is via regression formulae that are based on the scaling of skeletal elements relative to overall height. Both stature and the proportions of contributing elements may be affected by biocultural and ecological factors, and thus, it is generally preferable to apply population‐specific formulae when possible. Within bioarchaeology, the establishment of population‐specific regression formulae is complicated by the need to base formulae on a sufficiently large number of individuals for which all skeletal elements contributing to stature can be measured. Yet disciplinary conventions within bioarchaeology suggest the need for sample sizes that are larger than typical within related fields, and it is thus possible that disciplinary status quo has led to a systematic bias in the literature toward larger sites, regions with relatively good preservation, and populations associated with these aspects. To investigate the efficacy of combined‐sex stature regression formulae based on relatively small samples, this study calculated population‐specific formulae based on long bone length for 22 individuals from a late medieval Old Prussian cemetery at Bezławki, Poland. The relationship between stature and each of the predictor elements/measurements considered was strong, particularly for maximum femoral length (r = 0.976). For the latter measurement, a sample size as small as 18 produced accurate and precise stature estimates. Further, the Bezławki‐specific formula based on maximum femoral length provided estimates of the stature that performed better than or similar to formulae based on larger populations, supporting that population‐specific formulae may be warranted, even when based on small samples.
Prognostic impact of minimal residual disease at the end of consolidation in NCI standard‐risk B‐lymphoblastic leukemia: A report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Rau Rachel E. , Dai Yunfeng , Devidas Meenakshi , Rabin Karen R. , Zweidler‐McKay Patrick , Angiolillo Anne , Schore Reuven J. , Burke Michael J. , Salzer Wanda L. , Heerema Nyla A. , Carroll Andrew J. , Winick Naomi J. , Hunger Stephen P. , Raetz Elizabeth A. , Loh Mignon L. , Wood Brent L. , Borowitz Michael J. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe 5‐year disease‐free survival (DFS) of National Cancer Institute (NCI) high‐risk (HR) B‐lymphoblastic leukemia (B‐ALL) patients with end of induction (EOI) minimal residual disease (MRD) ≥0.1% and end of consolidation (EOC) MRD ≥0.01% is 39 ± 7%, warranting consideration of hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). However, the impact of EOC MRD in NCI standard‐risk (SR) B‐ALL patients using COG regimens is unknown. We found that SR patients with MRD ≥0.01% at both EOI and EOC have a 4‐year DFS/overall survival (OS) of 72.9 ± 19.0%/91.7 ± 10.8% versus 90.7 ± 2.9%/95.5 ± 2.0% (p = .0019/.25) for those with EOI MRD ≥0.01% and EOC MRD <0.01%. These data suggest that routine use of HSCT may not be warranted in EOC MRD ≥0.01% SR patients.
A first, naturally occurring substitution at the second pyrethroid receptor of voltage‐gated sodium channel of Aedes aegypti
Authors: Itokawa Kentaro , Furutani Shogo , Takaoka Aki , Maekawa Yoshihide , Sawabe Kyoko , Komagata Osamu , Tomita Takashi , de Lima Filho José Luiz , Alves Luiz Carlos , Kasai Shinji 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDAedes aegypti is a remarkably effective mosquito vector of epidemiologically important arboviral diseases including dengue fever, yellow fever and Zika. The present spread of resistance against pyrethroids, the primary insecticides used for mosquito control, in global populations of this species is of great concern. The voltage‐gated sodium channel (VGSC) in the nervous system is the known target site of pyrethroids in insects. Past studies have revealed several amino‐acid substitutions in this channel that confer pyrethroid resistance, which are known as knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations.RESULTSThis study investigated a laboratory colony of Ae. aegypti, MCNaeg, established from larvae collected in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2016. The MCNaeg colony showed strong resistance against pyrethroids without laboratory selection. Of the two VGSC gene haplotypes present within this colony, one harbored three known kdr mutations, V410L, V1016I, and F1534C, and the other harbored only the known F1534C mutation. In latter haplotype, we also found novel amino‐acid substations including V253F. Previous molecular modeling and electrophysiological studies suggest that this residue serves a pyrethroid‐sensing site in the second receptor, PyR2. Our genetical analysis showed that the haplotype harboring V253F and F1534C is associated with equal or slightly stronger resistance than the other triple kdr haplotype to both Type I and Type II pyrethroids.CONCLUSIONThe novel substitution V253F is potentially involved in pyrethroid resistance in Ae. aegypti. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of this substitution in the pyrethroid susceptibility of VGSC.© 2021 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Murine cancer cachexia models replicate elevated catabolic pembrolizumab clearance in humans
Authors: Castillo Alyssa Marie M. , Vu Trang T. , Liva Sophia G. , Chen Min , Xie Zhiliang , Thomas Justin , Remaily Bryan , Guo Yizhen , Subrayan Uma L. , Costa Travis , Helms Timothy H. , Irby Donald J. , Kim Kyeongmin , Owen Dwight H. , Kulp Samuel K. , Mace Thomas A. , Phelps Mitch A. , Coss Christopher C. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundMonoclonal antibody (mAb) immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapies have dramatically impacted oncology this past decade. However, only about one‐third of patients respond to treatment, and biomarkers to predict responders are lacking. Recent ICI clinical pharmacology data demonstrate high baseline drug clearance (CL0) significantly associates with shorter overall survival, independent of ICI exposure, in patients receiving ICI mAb therapies. This suggests CL0 may predict outcomes from ICI therapy, and cachectic signalling may link elevated CL0 and poor response. Our aim was to determine if mouse models of cancer cachexia will be useful for studying these phenomena and their underlying mechanisms.MethodsWe evaluated pembrolizumab CL in the C26 and Lewis lung carcinoma mouse models of cancer cachexia. A single treatment of vehicle or pembrolizumab, at a dose of 2 or 10 mg/kg, was administered intravenously by tail vein injection. Pembrolizumab was quantified by an ELISA in serial plasma samples, and FcRn gene (Fcgrt) expression was assessed in liver using real‐time quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Non‐compartmental and mixed‐effects pharmacokinetics analyses were performed.ResultsWe observed higher pembrolizumab CL0 and decreased Fcgrt expression in whole liver tissue from tumour‐bearing vs. tumour‐free mice. In multivariate analysis, presence of tumour, total murine IgG, muscle weight and Fcgrt expression were significant covariates on CL, and total murine IgG was a significant covariate on V1 and Q.ConclusionsThese data demonstrate increases in catabolic clearance of monoclonal antibodies observed in humans can be replicated in cachectic mice, in which Fcgrt expression is also reduced. Notably, FcRn activity is essential for proper antigen presentation and antitumour immunity, which may permit the study of cachexia's impact on FcRn‐mediated clearance and efficacy of ICI therapies.
Regeneration of Supported Ammonia Borane to Achieve Higher Yield
Authors: Hajari Animesh , Roy Binayak , Kumar Vinit , Bishnoi Ankita , Sharma Pratibha 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAmmonia borane is considered as a potential hydrogen storage material due to its high hydrogen content, ease of handling, and moderate dehydrogenation temperature. The regeneration of ammonia borane (AB) is essential for its use as a sustainable hydrogen storage material. In the current work, we attempted to regenerate AB from the post heated product (spent fuel, i. e., products obtained after hydrogen release) through a digestion mediated B−O−C route. We have also demonstrated the dehydrogenation and regeneration compatibility with the use of a cost‐effective layered aluminosilicate support material, bentonite (gBen), and this facilitated both the dehydrogenation and regeneration processes. The isothermal dehydrogenation study suggested that the support material helped to improve the hydrogen release kinetics from AB at lower temperatures. During the regeneration process, gBen supported AB is observed to provide a higher yield (71 %) of the digested compound ammonium tetramethylborate (ATMB) as against post heated AB (with 35 % in case of pure AB to post AB to ATMB), which finally resulted in increasing the overall regeneration yield of AB. The regeneration of AB with high yield and purity is confirmed by 11B NMR and XRD analysis.