bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pseudohypoxic pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas dominate in children
Authors: Redlich Antje , Pamporaki Christina , Lessel Lienhard , Frühwald Michael C. , Vorwerk Peter , Kuhlen Michaela 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectivePheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors that are associated with cancer predisposition syndromes in up to 80% of affected children. PPGLs can be divided into molecularly defined groups with comparable pathogenesis and biology: (1) pseudohypoxic, (2) kinase signaling, and (3) Wnt‐altered.MethodsWe report the data of children and adolescents diagnosed with PPGL who have been registered with the German GPOH‐MET registry since 1997.ResultsBy December 2019, a total of 88 patients with PPGL were reported. Pheochromocytoma occurred in 56%, paraganglioma in 35%, and synchronous PPGLs in 9.1%. A total of 16% of patients presented with lymph node (5.7%) and distant metastases (10%). Median follow‐up was 4.2 years (range 0–17.1). Overall and disease‐free survival (DFS) were 98.6% and 54.0%, respectively. Local relapses, metastases, and subsequent PPGLs occurred in 11%, 4.5%, and 15% of patients. Germline mutations were detected in 83% of patients (51% in VHL, 21% in SDHB, 7.8% in SDHD, and one patient each in RET and NF1). One patient was diagnosed with Pacak–Zhuang syndrome. A total of 96% of patients presented with PPGL of the pseudohypoxic subgroup (34% TCA cycle‐related, 66% VHL/EPAS1‐related). In multivariate analyses, extent of tumor resection was a significant prognostic factor for DFS.ConclusionsMost pediatric PPGLs belong to the pseudohypoxia subgroup, which is associated with a high risk of subsequent PPGL events and metastatic disease. Comprehensive molecular profiling of children and adolescents with newly diagnosed PPGLs will open new avenues for personalized diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance.
Not all low fetal fraction cell‐free DNA screening failures are at increased risk for aneuploidy
Authors: Caldwell Samantha , Almasri Eyad , Schmidt Lindsey , Xu Chen , Dyr Brittany , Wardrop Jenna , Cacheris Philip 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) redraws and pregnancy outcomes following low fetal fraction (FF) cfDNA failures, as it has been suggested that a failed cfDNA screen due to insufficient FF carries increased risk for fetal aneuploidy.MethodsHere >200,000 consecutive samples were reviewed and >1,100 patients were identified with a failed cfDNA due to low FF using genome‐wide massively parallel sequencing. Redraw results following the initial low FF failure were analyzed, as well as pregnancy outcomes for patients with repeated low FF failure on redraw.ResultsUpon redraw 84.2% of samples yielded a reportable result with no enrichment of aneuploidy observed (p = 0.332). Higher maternal weights and multifetal pregnancy rates were observed in samples with insufficient FF. In patients with repeated low FF failure on redraw, almost all pregnancies resulted in apparently healthy liveborns.ConclusionInsufficient FF was not an indicator of aneuploidy risk or adverse pregnancy outcomes in this study. Caution should be taken in generalizing aneuploidy risk to all low FF cfDNA failures. Redrawing may be an appropriate next step, as proceeding directly with diagnostic testing for aneuploidy may be unwarranted for most patients.
Waterproof Light‐Emitting Metal Halide Perovskite–Polymer Composite Microparticles Prepared via Microfluidic Device
Authors: Kim Kyung Hak , Park Jin Kyoung , Im Sang Hyuk , Park Bum Jun 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWaterproof light‐emitting perovskite–polymer composite microparticles are synthesized by a continuous one‐step microfluidic reactor, which enables in situ production of metal halide perovskite nanoparticles (MHP‐NPs) by the ligand‐assisted reprecipitation process (LARP) and the encapsulation of MHP‐NPs by UV cross‐linking polymerization in the microfluidic channel. Successful encapsulation of MHP‐NPs in polymer microparticles is attributed to the co‐dispersion of an LARP solution and UV polymerizable solution in an aqueous continuous phase within the microfluidic channel, in which N,N‐dimethylformamide, in co‐dispersion droplets, is continuously extracted to the aqueous medium upon UV polymerization. MHP‐NPs–polymer composite microparticles show enhanced stability against air and moisture.
New Perspectives of Using Chitosan, Silver, and Chitosan–Silver Nanoparticles against Multidrug‐Resistant Bacteria
Authors: Polinarski Marcos A. , Beal Ana L. B. , Silva Felipe E. B. , Bernardi‐Wenzel Juliana , Burin Glaucia R. M. , de Muniz Graciela I. B. , Alves Helton J. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractNanomaterials with antimicrobial activity are promising alternatives to overcome microbial resistance in medical devices. Catheters, probes, and wound dressings are among the medical devices mostly affected by microbial contamination and the formation of polymicrobial biofilms. Nanoparticles (NPs) derived from natural sources, such as chitosan nanoparticles (CsNPs), and metal‐based nanoparticles, including silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), are receiving increased interest in nanomedicine. CsNPs have been widely explored as a coating material and antimicrobial agent. AgNPs have a strong antimicrobial effect against bacteria and fungi. The nanocomposite chitosan–silver nanoparticles (Cs‐AgNPs) can be more effective against several microorganisms, including multidrug‐resistant bacteria, due to the synergistic effect between chitosan and silver. This review addresses the most used synthesis methods, including green routes, to produce CsNPs, AgNPs, and Cs–AgNPs. It also discusses physicochemical characteristics and antimicrobial properties of these NPs in medical, pharmaceutical, and biotechnological areas.
Frequency of asthma exacerbation in children during the coronavirus disease pandemic with strict mitigative countermeasures
Authors: Fan Hui‐Feng , He Chun‐Hui , Yin Gen‐Quan , Qin Yi , Jiang Nan , Lu Gen , Li Xing 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundStrict countermeasures for coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) were undertaken in China without knowing their influence on asthma.ObjectiveTo investigate the associations between the frequencies of asthma exacerbations and respiratory infections and air pollutants before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic, which were direct consequences of countermeasures undertaken for the pandemic.MethodsAsthma exacerbations and respiratory infections among hospitalized children in the permanent population of Guangzhou City, China, from February to June 2016–2019 (before the pandemic) to February to June 2020 (during the pandemic) were collected in this cross‐sectional study in Guangzhou.ResultsThe number of asthma exacerbation cases per month documented in the Guangzhou Women and Children's Hospital before (median: 13.5; range: 0–48) and during (median: 20; range: 0–34) the mitigative response to the COVID‐19 pandemic was similar. The frequency of severe asthma exacerbation cases per month decreased, whereas that of mild asthma exacerbation cases per year increased (p = .004). The number of patients hospitalized with infectious respiratory diseases decreased from 146 (range: 90–172) per month before the pandemic to 42 (range: 33–57) per month during the pandemic (p = .004). Most pathogens and air pollutants decreased during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The frequency of severe asthma exacerbations positively correlated to that of respiratory infections in children, but did not correlate to air pollutants.ConclusionStrict countermeasures undertaken for the pandemic were associated with a decreased the frequency of infectious respiratory diseases and severe asthma exacerbations among urban children.
Pharmacokinetics, safety, and immunogenicity of HLX03, an adalimumab biosimilar, compared with reference biologic in healthy Chinese male volunteers: Results of a randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐controlled, phase 1 study
Authors: Zhang Hong , Wu Min , Sun Jixuan , Zhu Xiaoxue , Li Cuiyun , Ding Yanhua , Zhang Xiaodi , Chai Katherine , Li Xiaojiao 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe primary objective of this randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐controlled study (from December 2016 to October 2018) was to evaluate pharmacokinetic (PK) equivalence of adalimumab biosimilar HLX03 and reference adalimumab in healthy volunteers, and to assess safety, and immunogenicity of HLX03. The primary PK endpoints were maximum observed plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration curve from time zero to the last quantifiable concentration (AUC0–t). Equivalence was determined if the 90% confidence interval (CI) of geometric least square mean ratio between the two treatment groups were within the predefined range of 80%–125%. Safety and immunogenicity were monitored during the study. Healthy Chinese males (N = 220) were randomized 1:1 to receive a single subcutaneous 40 mg dose of HLX03 or China (CN)‐sourced adalimumab. The ratios of the geometric mean of Cmax and AUC0–t were 102.2% and 105.7%, respectively, with corresponding 90% CIs falling in the predefined margins, which demonstrated PK equivalence between HLX03 and CN‐adalimumab. The incidence of treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) was similar in the two groups (73.8% and 66.0% in the HLX03 and CN‐adalimumab groups, respectively). Grade 3–4 TEAEs were reported in 7.5% and 5.7% of participants, respectively. The incidences of participants with antidrug antibodies (HLX03: 96.2%; CN‐adalimumab: 93.4%) or neutralizing antibodies (HLX03: 40.6%, CN‐adalimumab: 41.4%) were comparable between groups. This study demonstrated PK bioequivalence between HLX03 and CN‐adalimumab, with similar safety and immunogenicity profiles. These data support further clinical development of HLX03 as an adalimumab biosimilar.
New pneumothorax complicating successful treatment of persistent air leak by endobronchial valves
Authors: Yeung Yiu Cheong , Chan Yu Hong , Ho Man Ying , Chan Ming Chiu , Kwok Hau Chung , Yu Wai Cho 
Published: March 2021

AbstractEndobronchial one‐way valves (EBV) have been proposed as a treatment option for persistent air leak (PAL) complicating spontaneous pneumothorax when surgical intervention is considered not feasible. Published case series showed this form of treatment to be generally safe. We report two such cases in which both achieved immediate cessation of air leak and post‐procedural chest radiograph showed significant collapse of the treated lobe, but developed sudden onset of shortness of breath within 24 h after EBV insertion. Chest radiograph showed continued collapse of the treated lobes with enlarged ipsilateral pneumothorax in one patient and new contralateral pneumothorax in the other. Pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons inserting EBV for treatment of PAL should be aware of this possible and important complication.
Self‐assembled fullerene (C60)‐pentacene superstructures for photodetectors
Authors: Tang Qin , Zhang Guangpu , Jiang Bohong , Ji Deyang , Kong Huihui , Riehemann Kristina , Ji Qingmin , Fuchs Harald 
Published: March 2021

AbstractFullerene assembling with specific donor molecules would yield multifunctional metamaterials via the collective behavior, wherein linear acenes are widely used as donor molecules to construct the charge‐transfer heterojunction structure with fullerene. However, they are generally prepared by vacuum deposition due to the insoluble property of high‐performance linear acenes molecules in common solvents, which makes the construction of fullerene with insoluble donor molecules still be a big challenge in the solution‐processed method. To this end, chemical modification provides an effective solution‐processed strategy to construct donor and acceptor systems. Here, the C60‐pentacene is assembled into controllable flower‐like superstructures by the surface grafting method. It is found that the nanofeatures of the microflowers could be regulated by temperature, resulting in dense‐flakes morphology at room temperature and loose flakes at high temperatures. Furthermore, the dense‐flakes microflowers structures with less mass but better crystalline structure exhibit better optoelectronic properties. Our results reveal an effective control on the nanofeatures of the self‐assembled fullerenes complex superstructures and their role for the optoelectronic performance, which may promote the exploring of fullerene superstructures as photodetectors.
Effect of self‐compacting concrete infill on the flexural behavior of hollow channel sections: Experimental and numerical studies
Authors: P.S kumar , G Dhamodhara kannan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractUse of hollow cold‐formed steel (CFS) sections has gained popularity in the construction of light industrial and commercial structures. However, their overall load carrying capacity under flexure can be severely affected due to the possible buckling failure modes. Addition of concrete as an infill material for hollow CFS sections can significantly improve their overall performance by resisting their inward local buckling. In this paper, the effectiveness of self‐compacting concrete (SCC) as an infill material for hollow channel sections (HCS) is investigated under flexure. In total, nine full‐scale hollow channel sections with and without SCC infill are tested to understand the effect of different parameters namely (i) width to depth ratio, (ii) section thickness, and (iii) developed length. In addition, a detailed nonlinear finite element (FE) modeling was performed using the software ABAQUS. Moreover, an analytical investigation was performed to determine the ultimate moment capacity of SCC infilled sections using the strain compatibility procedure. Test results revealed that the addition of SCC infill helped in increasing the ultimate moment resistance by more than 100% when compared to the specimens with no infill. Moreover, the local buckling resistance of HCS is significantly improved due to the addition of SCC infill. The validated analytical and finite element models were used for performing an extensive parametric investigation.
Perfluorotridecanoic acid inhibits fetal Leydig cell differentiation after in utero exposure in rats via increasing oxidative stress and autophagy
Authors: Li Changchang , Zou Cheng , Yan Haoni , Li Zengqiang , Li Yang , Pan Peipei , Ma Feifei , Yu Yige , Wang Yiyan , Wen Zina , Ge Ren‐Shan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPerfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA) is a long‐chain perfluoroalkyl substance, and its effect on the differentiation of fetal Leydig cells remains unclear. The objective of this study is to explore the effect of in utero PFTrDA exposure on the differentiation of fetal Leydig cells and investigate its underlying mechanisms. Pregnant Sprague–Dawley female rats were daily administered by gavage of PFTrDA at doses of 0, 1, 5, and 10 mg/kg from gestational day 14 to 21. PFTrDA had no effect on the body weight of dams, but significantly reduced the body weight and anogenital distance of male pups at birth at a dose of 10 mg/kg. PFTrDA significantly decreased serum testosterone levels as low as 1 mg/kg. PFTrDA did not affect fetal Leydig cell number, but promoted abnormal aggregation of fetal Leydig cells at doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg. PFTrDA down‐regulated the expression of Insl3, Lhcgr, Scarb1, Star, Hsd3b1, Cyp17a1, Nr5a1, and Dhh as well as their proteins. PFTrDA lowered the levels of antioxidants (SOD1, CAT, and GPX1), induced autophagy as shown by increased levels of LC3II and beclin1, and reduced the phosphorylation of mTOR. In conclusion, PFTrDA inhibits the differentiation of fetal Leydig cells in male pups after in utero exposure mainly through increasing oxidative stress and inducing autophagy.
Electrochemiluminescence immunosensor for cytokeratin fragment antigen 21-1 detection using electrochemically mediated atom transfer radical polymerization
Authors: Jian Lihe , Wang Xiaolan , Hao Lulu , Liu Yanju , Yang Huaixia , Zheng Xiaoke , Feng Weisheng 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe cytokeratin fragment antigen 21-1 (CYFRA 21-1) protein is a critical tumor biomarker tightly related to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Herein, we prepared an effective electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunosensor for CYFRA 21-1 detection using electrochemically mediated atom transfer radical polymerization (eATRP). The CYFRA 21-1 antigen was fixed on the electrode surface by constructing a sandwich type antibody-antigen-antibody immune system. The sensitivity of ECL was improved by using the eATRP reaction. In this method, eATRP was applied to CYFRA 21-1 detection antibody with N-acryloyloxysuccinimide as functional monomer. This is the first time that ECL and eATRP signal amplification technology had been combined. Under the optimized testing conditions, the immunosensor showed a good linear relation in the range from 1 fg mL−1 to 1 μg mL−1 at a limit of detection of 0.8 fg mL−1 (equivalent to ~ 134 molecules in a 10 μL sample). The ECL immunosensing system based on eATRP signal amplification technology provided a new way for rapid diagnosis of lung cancer by detecting CYFRA 21-1.
Graphical abstract
A collective investment problem in a stochastic volatility environment: The impact of sharing rules
Authors: Chen An , Nguyen Thai , Rach Manuel 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIt is typical in collectively administered pension funds that employees delegate fund managers to invest their contributions. In addition, many pension funds still need to sustain guarantees (prescribed by law) in spite of the current low interest environment. In this paper, we consider an optimal collective investment problem for a pool of investors who (implicitly) demand minimum guarantees by deriving utility from the wealth exceeding their guarantees in two financial market settings, one with a stochastic and one with a constant volatility. We find that individual investors’ well-being will not be worsened through the collective investment in both financial markets, as individual optimal solutions are attainable if a financially fair state-dependent sharing rule is applied. When more prevailing sharing rules like linear rules are applied, this holds no longer. Furthermore, the degree of sub-optimality imposed by linear sharing rules is more pronounced in the stochastic volatility market than in the constant volatility market.
Effect of seaweed extract application on wine grape yield in Australia
Authors: Arioli Tony , Mattner Scott W. , Hepworth Graham , McClintock David , McClinock Rachael 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSeaweed extracts are agricultural biostimulants that have been shown to increase the productivity of many crops. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a seaweed extract from the brown algae Durvillaea potatorum and Ascophyllum nodosum as a soil treatment on the yield of wine grapes grown in Australian production and climate conditions. This study used a series of seven field experiments (2012–2017), across five locations, in three Australian states and four cultivars, and analysed data using a linear mixed model approach. The analysis revealed that recurring soil applications of the seaweed extract significantly increased wine grape yield by an average of 14.7% across multiple growing years that experienced climate extremes. Partial budget analysis showed that the use of the seaweed extract increased profits depending on the grape cultivar. This study is the most extensive investigation of its type in Australian viticulture to understand the effect of a soil-applied seaweed extract on wine grape production.
Aleatoric and epistemic uncertainty in machine learning: an introduction to concepts and methods
Authors: Hüllermeier Eyke , Waegeman Willem 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe notion of uncertainty is of major importance in machine learning and constitutes a key element of machine learning methodology. In line with the statistical tradition, uncertainty has long been perceived as almost synonymous with standard probability and probabilistic predictions. Yet, due to the steadily increasing relevance of machine learning for practical applications and related issues such as safety requirements, new problems and challenges have recently been identified by machine learning scholars, and these problems may call for new methodological developments. In particular, this includes the importance of distinguishing between (at least) two different types of uncertainty, often referred to as aleatoric and epistemic. In this paper, we provide an introduction to the topic of uncertainty in machine learning as well as an overview of attempts so far at handling uncertainty in general and formalizing this distinction in particular.
A methodological framework for determining an optimal coastal protection strategy against storm surges and sea level rise
Authors: Miura Yuki , Qureshi Huda , Ryoo Chanyang , Dinenis Philip C. , Li Jiao , Mandli Kyle T. , Deodatis George , Bienstock Daniel , Lazrus Heather , Morss Rebecca 
Published: March 2021

AbstractInterdependent critical infrastructures in coastal regions, including transportation, electrical grid, and emergency services, are continually threatened by storm-induced flooding. This has been demonstrated a number of times, most recently by hurricanes such as Harvey and Maria, as well as Sandy and Katrina. The need to protect these infrastructures with robust protection mechanisms is critical for our continued existence along the world’s coastlines. Planning these protections is non-trivial given the rare-event nature of strong storms and climate change manifested through sea level rise. This article proposes a framework for a methodology that combines multiple computational models, stakeholder interviews, and optimization to find an optimal protective strategy over time for critical coastal infrastructure while being constrained by budgetary considerations.
When “Good Enough” Isn’t Good Enough: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Caring for Adults Using Substances at the End of Life
Authors: Templeton Lorna , Galvani Sarah , Peacock Marian 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis paper draws on data from one strand of a six-strand, exploratory study on end of life care for adults using substances (AUS). It presents data from the key informant (KI) strand of the study that aimed to identify models of practice in the UK. Participant recruitment was purposive and used snowball sampling to recruit KIs from a range of health and social care, policy and practice backgrounds. Data were collected in 2016–2017 from 20 KIs using a semi-structured interview approach. The data were analysed using template analysis as discussed by King (2012). This paper focusses on two of seven resulting themes, namely “Definitions and perceptions of key terms” in end of life care and substance use sectors, and “Service commissioning and delivery.” The KIs demonstrated dedicated individual practice, but were critical of the systemic failure to provide adequate direction and resources to support people using substances at the end of their lives.