bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Porous silicon prepared from monolithic porous silica glass using a two‐step magnesiothermic reduction
Authors: Matsubara Keisuke , Shiomi Haruhisa , Shiono Takeshi , Okada Arifumi , Wakasugi Takashi , Kadono Kohei
Published: September 2020

Magnesiothermic reduction to convert silicon dioxide into silicon is difficult to control because the reduction often proceeds through the formation of magnesium silicide. To improve the yield of silicon, we have applied a two‐step magnesiothermic reduction to produce porous silicon from a monolithic porous silica glass substrate. At the first step, the porous silica glass substrate with pore size of approximately 40 nm was reacted with magnesium at 525°C for 6 hours, in which magnesium silicide was formed in the several tens of micrometers‐deep surface layer, while the inside of the substrate remained unreacted. Subsequently, in the second step, the product was heat‐treated at 650°C for 72 hours to produce silicon. In this step, the obtained magnesium silicide reacted with the unreacted silica glass and the intermediate products, which consist of silicon in the intermediate oxidation states generated in the first step of the reaction. The obtained silicon retained the characteristic porous structure of the initial porous silica glass. The sample also retained the monolithic shape of the initial substrate, even after being divided into several pieces. In addition, we found that periodical layered structures were generated in the course of the reduction procedure. We successfully obtained a monolithic porous silica glass sample, the surface region of which consists of porous silicon.
Amino‐Functionalization of Vinyl‐Substituted Aromatic Diimides by Quantitative and Catalyst‐Free Hydroamination**
Authors: Sanematsu Haruki , Matsushita Yoshitaka , Takeuchi Masayuki , Takai Atsuro
Published: September 2020

Development of facile and versatile synthetic tools for decorating π‐conjugated molecules has attracted considerable interest because of their potential application in creating novel functional π‐systems. Reported herein are quantitative catalyst‐free hydroamination reactions of a series of aromatic diimide compounds having vinyl groups at the π‐core, which have been confirmed by NMR, UV‐vis absorption spectroscopy, mass analysis, and single‐crystal X‐ray structural analysis. Kinetic studies revealed that the hydroamination reaction of a vinyl‐substituted naphthalenediimide with an aliphatic amine proceeded rapidly under benign conditions. Similarly, the two vinyl groups attached to aromatic diimides reacted with amines simultaneously, resulting in the formation of amine bisadducts and macromolecules. An amino group appended perylenediimide through an ethylene spacer at the π‐core exhibited distinct fluorescence switching in response to acid and base.
Enhancing Robustness of Sortase A by Loop Engineering and Backbone Cyclization
Authors: Zou Zhi , Mate Diana M. , Nöth Maximilian , Jakob Felix , Schwaneberg Ulrich
Published: September 2020

Invited for the cover of this issue is Ulrich Schwaneberg and co‐workers at RWTH Aachen University and DWI Leibniz‐Institut für Interaktive Materialien. The image depicts a loop engineered, and backbone cyclized Staphylococcus aureus sortase A which shows enhanced robustness in site‐specific protein and peptide modifications. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202002740.
A DIY‐LED‐Photometer in STEM‐fields: Basics and application examples from chemical to effect‐related analysis
Authors: Happel Oliver
Published: September 2020

Mit Hilfe von LEDs als quasi monochromatische Strahlungsquellen können auf einfache Weise Photometer selbst aufgebaut werden. Kombiniert mit aktueller Mikroelektronik und Low‐Cost‐Sensoren entstehen Messsysteme, die sich für viele analytische Fragestellungen einsetzen lassen. Im Beitrag werden nach Vorstellung des Photometeraufbaus mögliche Einsatzbereiche anhand mehrerer Methoden aus dem Bereich der chemischen Analytik aufgezeigt. Abschließend wird näher auf einen Hefezellen‐Wachstumshemmtest eingegangen, zu dessen Auswertung photometrische Trübungsmessungen eingesetzt werden. Mit diesem Test lassen sich im didaktischen Bereich gefahrlos toxikologische Untersuchungen durchführen, wobei typische Dosis‐Wirkungs‐Kurven erhalten werden.
Effect of obstructive sleep apnea on right ventricular ejection fraction in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
Authors: Wang Shengwei , Cui Hao , Ji Keshan , Ren Changwei , Guo Hongchang , Zhu Changsheng , Lai Yongqiang , Wang Shuiyun
Published: September 2020

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disease associated with worse structural and functional impairment of the heart in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM).

Hypothesis

The presence and severity of OSA can decrease the right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) in patients with HOCM.

Methods

In total, 151 consecutive patients with a confirmed diagnosis of HOCM at Fuwai Hospital between September 2017 and September 2018 were included. Polysomnography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging were performed in all patients.

Results

Overall, 84 (55.6%) patients were diagnosed with OSA. The RVEF significantly decreased with the severity of OSA (none, mild, moderate‐severe: 46.1 ± 8.2 vs 42.9 ± 7.5 vs 41.4 ± 7.4, P = .009). The apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) was significantly high in patients with RVEF<40% among the different OSA groups (mild, moderate:7.7 ± 2.4 vs 9.6 ± 2.9, P = .03; 24.4 ± 9.0 vs 36.3 ± 18.0, P = .01). In the multiple linear regression model, the right ventricular end‐systolic volume (β = −0.28, P < .001), AHI (β = −0.09, P = .02), and oxygen desaturation index (β = −0.11, P = .04) were independently associated with a decrease in RVEF (adjusted R2 = 0.347, P < .001). Furthermore, the prevalence of RVEF<40% was high in patients with OSA. Compared with RVEF>40%, RVEF<40% was associated with more symptoms, mainly chest pain, chest distress, NYHA class III or IV, pulmonary hypertension, and moderate or severe mitral regurgitation.

Conclusion

In patients with HOCM, the presence and severity of OSA is independently associated with a lower RVEF. In addition, compared with patients with RVEF>40%, those with RVEF<40% had more symptoms, including chest pain, chest distress, and NYHA class III or IV.
Radiosynthesis and Preclinical Investigation of 11C‐Labelled 3‐(4,5‐Diphenyl‐1,3‐oxazol‐2‐yl)propanal Oxime ([11C]SZV 1287)
Authors: Forgács Viktória , Németh Enikő , Gyuricza Barbara , Kis Adrienn , Szabó Judit P. , Mikecz Pál , Mátyus Péter , Helyes Zsuzsanna , Horváth Ádám István , Kálai Tamás , Trencsényi György , Fekete Anikó , Szikra Dezső
Published: September 2020

The radiosynthesis, as well as the in vivo and ex vivo biodistribution of the 11C radiolabelled 3‐(4,5‐diphenyl‐1,3‐oxazol‐2‐yl)propanal oxime (6, [11C]SZV 1287) are reported. SZV 1287 is a novel semicarbazide‐sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO) inhibitor and a promising candidate to be a novel analgesic for the treatment of neuropathic pain. Its radiolabelling was developed via a four‐step radiosynthesis which started from the reaction of a Grignard reagent with [11C]CO2 to produce [11C]oxaprozin (3). In the next step this carboxylic acid 3 was directly reduced to yield the corresponding aldehyde, which was then converted into the oxime. [11C]SZV 1287 was administered to male NMRI mice. The animals were examined with dynamic PET/MR imaging for 90 minutes. Biodistribution studies were performed at 10, 30, 60 and 120 minutes post injection. The accumulation of the labelled compound was observed in the brain of the animals. The main excretion pathway was found to be through the liver and intestines. These studies provide preliminary information for pharmacokinetic characterization of the SZV 1287.
Clinical trial design: Past, present, and future in the context of big data and precision medicine
Authors: Li Allen , Bergan Raymond C.
Published: September 2020

Clinical trials are fundamental for advances in cancer treatment. The traditional framework of phase 1 to 3 trials is designed for incremental advances between regimens. However, our ability to understand and treat cancer has evolved with the increase in drugs targeting an expanding array of therapeutic targets, the development of progressively comprehensive data sets, and emerging computational analytics, all of which are reshaping our treatment strategies. A more robust linkage between drugs and underlying cancer biology is blurring historical lines that define trials on the basis of cancer type. The complexity of the molecular basis of cancer, coupled with manifold variations in clinical status, is driving the individually tailored use of combinations of precision targeted drugs. This approach is spawning a new era of clinical trial types. Although most care is delivered in a community setting, large centers support real‐time multi‐omic analytics and their integrated interpretation by using machine learning in the context of real‐world data sets. Coupling the analytic capabilities of large centers to the tailored delivery of therapy in the community is forging a paradigm that is optimizing service for patients. Understanding the importance of these evolving trends across the health care spectrum will affect our treatment of cancer in the future and is the focus of this review.
Cytologic features of undifferentiated and dedifferentiated carcinomas of the endometrium
Authors: Akbari Amir‐Hossein , Wang Lu , Soslow Robert A. , Murali Rajmohan
Published: September 2020

Background

Undifferentiated carcinoma (UC) is a rare, aggressive subtype of endometrial carcinoma. Dedifferentiated carcinomas (DCs) are UCs associated with a component of well differentiated endometrioid carcinoma. The authors sought to describe the morphologic features of UCs and DCs in cytologic specimens.

Methods

Cytologic specimens from 23 women (aged 46‐86 years; median age, 59 years) were reviewed, including cervicovaginal specimens (n = 7), peritoneal washings (n = 5), touch preparations of core biopsies from various sites (n = 5), fine‐needle biopsies of lymph nodes (n = 3), ascitic fluid (n = 1), pleural fluid (n = 1), and intrauterine fluid (n = 1).

Results

There were 10 UCs (43%) and 13 DCs (57%). Tumor cells were arranged as single cells (9 UCs, 90%; 12 DCs, 92%) and 3‐dimensional groups (8 UCs, 80%; 11 DCs, 85%). Most cases showed high nuclear‐to‐cytoplasmic ratios. Nuclear molding was observed in 3 UCs (30%) and in 5 DCs (38%). Nuclear chromatin was often coarsely granular 6 UCs, 60%; 9 DCs, 69%). Nucleoli were inconspicuous in some cases (6 UCs, 60%; 8 DCs, 62%) but were appreciable in others. Necrosis was observed in 5 UCs (50%) and in 5 DCs (38%). Most cases exhibited clean backgrounds, and a few showed acute inflammation. Comparison of the cytologic features of UCs and DCs did not reveal any statistically significant differences.

Conclusions

UCs and DCs have a spectrum of cytomorphologic appearances that are not pathognomonic, but the presence of some of these (relatively uniform population of predominantly singly dispersed cells with high nuclear‐to‐cytoplasmic ratios and variably conspicuous nucleoli) should prompt consideration of UC and DC in the differential diagnosis.
Cyclization Dynamics and Competitive Processes of Photochromic Perfluorocyclopentene Dithienylethylene in Solution
Authors: Hamdi Ismail , Buntinx Guy , Tiwari Amit Kumar , Delbaere Stéphanie , Takeshita Michinori , Aloïse Stéphane
Published: September 2020

Time‐resolved absorption spectroscopy measurements were performed to study the dynamics of photochromic 1,2‐Bis(2,4‐dimethylthiophene‐3‐yl)perfluoro‐cyclopentene (DMTPF) in chloroform, including antiparallel conformer ring‐closure reaction and parallel conformer photophysics. All characteristic times are given, discussed and compared to a previous publication concerning the close molecule substituted with phenyl rings. (Hamdi et al., PCCP, 2016). Apart from the expected photocyclization process, condensed ring by‐product formation is observed and hypotheses concerning the origin of this by‐product are presented.
Phosphoproteome Analysis in Immune Cell Signaling
Authors: Rathore Deepali , Nita‐Lazar Aleksandra
Published: September 2020

Immune cell signaling is largely regulated by protein phosphorylation. Stimulation of toll‐like receptors (TLRs) by pathogen‐associated ligands drives the cascade of immune response, which can be influenced by differences in phosphoprotein abundance. Therefore, the analysis of phosphorylation signatures at a global level is central to understanding the complex and integrated signaling in macrophages upon pathogen attack. Here, we describe a mass spectrometry‐based approach to identify and quantify phosphoproteome changes in response to the stimulation of TLR2, TLR4, and TLR7 with immune‐response inducing ligands in cultured immune cells. This review will focus on the TLR stimulation of mouse macrophages as an example; however, the technique is applicable to any immortalized immune cell and any soluble stimuli. The methodology includes protocols for metabolic labeling of immune cells (stable isotope labeling of amino acids in cell culture, i.e., SILAC); ligand‐initiated stimulation of immune receptors followed by cell lysis; in‐solution trypsin digestion of proteins and enrichment of the resulting peptide mix for collecting phosphopeptides, which are then analyzed by high‐resolution LC‐MS/MS (liquid‐chromatography tandem mass spectrometry). Published 2020. U.S. Government.

Basic Protocol 1: SILAC labeling of mouse macrophages

Basic Protocol 2: Stimulation, cell lysis and Western Blotting

Basic Protocol 3: Trypsin digestion, fractionation and phosphopeptide enrichment

Basic Protocol 4: Quantitative mass spectrometry

Alternate Protocol: Culturing SILAC‐labeled cells from frozen mouse macrophages cells
Optimizing Pharmacology Studies in Pregnant and Lactating Women Using Lessons From HIV: A Consensus Statement
Authors: Eke Ahizechukwu C. , Olagunju Adeniyi , Momper Jeremiah , Penazzato Martina , Abrams Elaine J. , Best Brookie M. , Capparelli Edmund V. , Bekker Adrie , Belew Yodit , Kiser Jennifer J. , Struble Kimberly , Taylor Graham , Waitt Catriona , Mirochnick Mark , Cressey Tim R. , Colbers Angela ,   the participants of the WHO‐IMPAACT workshop on “Approaches to Optimize and Accelerate Pharmacokinetic Studies in Pregnant and Lactating Women”
Published: September 2020

Information on the extent of drug exposure to mothers and infants during pregnancy and lactation normally becomes available years after regulatory approval of a drug. Clinicians face knowledge gaps on drug selection and dosing in pregnancy and infant exposure during breastfeeding. Physiological changes during pregnancy often result in lower drug exposures of antiretrovirals, and in some cases a risk of reduced virologic efficacy. The International Maternal Pediatric Adolescent AIDS Clinical Trials (IMPAACT) network and the World Health Organization (WHO)–convened Pediatric Antiretrovirals Working Group collaboratively organized a workshop of key stakeholders in June 2019 to define key standards to generate pharmacology data for antiretrovirals to be used among pregnant and lactating women; review the antiretroviral product pipeline; describe key gaps for use in low‐income and middle‐income countries; and identify opportunities to undertake optimal studies allowing for rapid implementation in the clinical field. We discussed ethical and regulatory principles, systemic approaches to obtaining data for pregnancy pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) studies, control groups, optimal sampling times during pregnancy, and pharmacokinetic parameters to be considered as primary end points in pregnancy PK/PD studies. For lactation studies, the type of milk to collect, ascertainment of maternal adherence, and optimal PK methods to estimate exposure were discussed. Participants strongly recommended completion of preclinical reproductive toxicology studies prior to phase III, to allow study protocols to include pregnant women or to allow women who become pregnant after enrolment to continue in the trial. The meeting concluded by developing an algorithm for design and interpretation of results and noted that recruitment of pregnant and lactating women into clinical trials is critical.
Aflatoxin accumulation in corn influenced by cultural practices in the U.S. Mid‐South
Authors: Williams J. J. , Henry W. B. , Smith J. S. , Buehring N. W. , Boykin D. L.
Published: September 2020

Aflatoxin contamination in corn (Zea mays L.) grain negatively affects human and animal health. This research was conducted to determine if interactions among cultural practices influence aflatoxin accumulation on inoculated and naturally infested corn. Season‐long irrigation thresholds (full irrigation at −50 kPa vs. deficit irrigation at −125 kPa), planting date (late March vs. late April), and hybrid selection (conventional short‐season, drought‐tolerant full‐season, or conventional full‐season) were evaluated for their influence on aflatoxin accumulation. Experiments were conducted on a Marietta fine sandy loam and a Leeper silty clay loam near Starkville and Verona, MS, in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Needle‐inoculated and noninoculated ears were harvested from each plot. Noninoculated samples indicated that year (p = .0013) and planting date × hybrid type interaction (p = .0263) affected aflatoxin accumulation. The first year of the study produced greater average aflatoxin levels than the second year due to hotter and drier growing conditions for noninoculated samples. Pooled over years, planting later only affected conventional short‐season hybrids, increasing aflatoxin levels by 77% in naturally infested corn. Inoculated samples were affected by a year × planting date interaction (p = .0044) and a planting date × hybrid type interaction (p = .0032). Planting in March 2016 increased aflatoxin more than threefold compared with planting in April, whereas there was no difference between planting date in 2017. Overall, year, planting date, and hybrid type affected aflatoxin levels.
Cytologic features of a case of mixed medullary and follicular cell‐derived thyroid carcinoma with review of the literature
Authors: Chambers Meagan , Tafe Laura J. , Gutmann Edward J. , Kerr Darcy A.
Published: September 2020

Mixed medullary and follicular cell‐derived thyroid carcinoma (MMFTC) is a rare primary thyroid carcinoma with morphologic and immunophenotypic evidence of admixed parafollicular and follicular cell‐derived tumor populations within the same tumor. We herein present the fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) cytology of a case of MMFTC that was diagnosed histologically and discuss potential clues to the diagnosis for cytologists. We also provide a literature review of this uncommon primary thyroid tumor. The patient was a 47‐year‐old man with a history of hypothyroidism who presented with ear and neck pain. Imaging demonstrated thyroid nodules with regional lymphadenopathy. FNAB samples of two thyroid nodules and an involved lymph node were diagnosed as papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). The subsequent total thyroidectomy specimen demonstrated classic‐type PTC which transitioned to a morphologically and immunophenotypically distinct medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) component within the same lesion, indicative of MMFTC. The patient experienced recurrence of the medullary component 20 months later and received chemotherapy with subsequent external beam radiation. As in this case, the cytologic diagnosis of MMFTC is almost never made prospectively. Retrospective review of the preoperative FNAB samples showed subtle cytomorphologic features suggestive of MTC in two of three biopsies, an impression confirmed by calcitonin immunohistochemistry on cell block material. In the broader literature, most MMFTCs on FNAB have been diagnosed as MTC, which is usually the more aggressive component of the mixed neoplasm.
The COVID‐19 pandemic: Psychological and behavioral responses to the shutdown of the beauty industry
Authors: Pikoos Toni D , Buzwell Simone , Sharp Gemma , Rossell Susan L
Published: September 2020

Objective

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, Australia implemented widespread closure of beauty and cosmetic services to control the virus spread. The effect of these restrictions is unknown, given that beauty services are widely used for stress relief or to enhance confidence. The current study explored the relationship between engagement in appearance‐focused behaviors and distress regarding beauty service closure. Participants with high and low levels of dysmorphic concern were compared to determine whether COVID‐19 restrictions may affect these groups differently.

Method

An online survey was completed by 216 participants living in Australia. Questions addressed engagement in appearance‐focused behaviors during the COVID‐19 pandemic and attitudes toward beauty service closure. The Dysmorphic Concern Questionnaire (DCQ) was used to group participants by low and high dysmorphic concern.

Results

Appearance‐focused behaviors decreased in the low DCQ group (n = 163) during the COVID‐19 pandemic, while such behaviors in the high DCQ group (n = 53) remained unchanged. Individuals who were living alone, younger, reported higher dysmorphic concern and greater distress over beauty service closure engaged in more frequent appearance‐focused behaviors (R2 = .57, p < .001). The high DCQ group reported greater distress over beauty service closure and increased desire to obtain future beauty treatments.

Discussion

While COVID‐19 restrictions may have provided a break from societal appearance pressure for those with low dysmorphic concern, appearance‐focused behaviors persisted in individuals with high dysmorphic concern. A greater understanding of the long‐term impacts on appearance‐related distress is needed to determine mental health priorities emerging from the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Genetic evaluation of migratory fish: Implications for conservation and stocking programs
Authors: Pimentel Juliana da Silva Martins , Ludwig Sandra , Resende Leonardo Cardoso , Brandão‐Dias Pedro Ferreira Pinto , Pereira Adriana Heloísa , de Abreu Nazaré Lúcio , Rosse Izinara Cruz , Martins Ana Paula Vimieiro , Facchin Susanne , Lopes João de Magalhães , Santos Gilmar Bastos , Alves Carlos Bernado Mascarenhas , Kalapothakis Evanguedes
Published: September 2020

Fish stocking programs have been implemented to mitigate the blockage of original riverbeds by the construction of hydropower dams, which affects the natural migration of fish populations. However, this method raises concerns regarding the genetic rescue of the original populations of migratory fish species. We investigated the spatial distribution of genetic properties, such as genetic diversity, population structure, and gene flow (migration), of the Neotropical migratory fish Prochilodus costatus in the Três Marias dam in the São Francisco River basin, Brazil, and examined the possible effects of fish stocking programs on P. costatus populations in this region. In total, 1,017 specimens were sampled from 12 natural sites and a fish stocking program, and genotyped for high‐throughput sequencing at 8 microsatellite loci. The populations presented low genetic variability, with evidence of inbreeding and the presence of only four genetic pools; three pools were observed throughout the study region, and the fourth was exclusive to one area in the Paraopeba River. Additionally, we identified high unidirectional gene flow between regions, and a preferred migratory route between the Pará River and the upper portion of the São Francisco River. The fish stocking program succeeded in transposing the genetic pools from downstream to upstream of the Três Marias dam, but, regrettably, promoted genetic homogenization in the upper São Francisco River basin. Moreover, the data show the fragility of this species at the genetic level. This monitoring strategy could be a model for the development of conservation and management measures for migratory fish populations that are consumed by humans.
Clinical implication of pulmonary hospitalization in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: from the TOPCAT
Authors: Dong Bin , He Xin , Xue Ruicong , Chen Yili , Zhao Jingjing , Zhu Wengen , Liang Weihao , Wu Zexuan , Wu Dexi , Huang Huiling , Zhou Yuanyuan , Dong Yugang , Liu Chen
Published: September 2020

Aims

The aim of the study was to explore the risk factors and evaluate the prognostic implication of pulmonary hospitalization on heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

Methods and results

We performed a secondary analysis of the Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure with an Aldosterone Antagonist Trial (TOPCAT). A total of 1714 patients with HFpEF were analysed in our study. In the multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), smoking, bone fracture after the age of 45, and previous HF hospitalization were identified as independent risk factors for pulmonary hospitalization. To evaluate the prognostic significance of pulmonary hospitalization, patients were categorized into five groups according to the causes of their first hospitalization. The all‐cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality risks in these five groups were compared using time‐varying Cox proportional hazards model. Compared with patients without hospitalization during follow‐up, those with pulmonary hospitalization were associated with a 204% increase [hazard ratio (HR) 3.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.07–4.47, P < 0.001] and 164% increase (HR 2.64, 95% CI 1.60–4.36, P < 0.001) in risks of all‐cause and CV mortality, respectively, while the corresponding risk increases associated with HF hospitalization were 146% (HR 2.46, 95% CI 1.74–3.48, P < 0.001) for all‐cause mortality and 186% (HR 2.86, 95% CI 1.87–4.36, P < 0.001) for CV mortality.

Conclusions

Pulmonary hospitalization was associated with a significant increase in risks of all‐cause and CV mortality, which was comparable with that associated with HF hospitalization. The results suggested that pulmonary hospitalization could be another important clinical endpoint of HFpEF.
The overlooked chamber in coronavirus disease 2019
Authors: Cao Yunshan , Zhang Min , Guo Yanqing , Zhang Yan
Published: September 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) causes a pandemic around the globe. Debilitating and even deadly complications have occurred to the millions. A recent study reported 31% of right ventricular dilation in the hospitalized COVID‐19 patients, which is significantly associated with the mortality. Therefore, we sought to search for the lines of evidence in the literature that COVID‐19 may contribute to right heart dysfunction. The relevant literature and data from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library databases, and Web of Science were searched using the MeSH terms including ‘COVID‐19’, ‘SARS‐CoV‐2’, ‘novel coronavirus pneumonia’, ‘novel coronavirus’, ‘right heart failure’, ‘right heart dysfunction’, ‘pulmonary hypertension’, ‘pulmonary embolism’, and various combinations. The collected literature and data were sorted and summarized. Literature reports that angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the host receptor mediating the cell entry of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Clinical and experimental evidence shows that loss of function of ACE2 aggravates pulmonary hypertension and gain of function of ACE2 exerts protection on cardiopulmonary circulation. Moreover, the patients with COVID‐19 are more susceptible to pulmonary embolism and severe pneumonia‐induced acute respiratory distress syndrome. Therefore, COVID‐19 may cause right heart dysfunction by inducing pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary embolism, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Particular attention should be paid to the function of the right heart, the overlooked chamber in COVID‐19. Blood gas analysis, laboratory test of cardiac injury markers, physical examination, and echocardiography should be performed to identify right heart failure as early as possible. Once the right heart failure is confirmed, the therapeutic modalities following the guidelines of European Society of Cardiology should be employed to reduce mortality.
Graphical user interface editor for Octave applications
Authors: Burgos Enrique S. , Adam Eduardo J.
Published: September 2020

The use of calculation software for pedagogical purposes in degree courses is a central tool for addressing disciplinary knowledge in engineering careers. Particularly, open source and free license tools generally have lower associated costs than their propriety equivalents while offering a similarly rich set of functionalities. This document presents a software tool called guiEditor designed to create script applications based on graphical interfaces for GNU Octave. guiEditor is a visual editor, which incorporates different functionalities aimed at allowing the development of graphical applications based on basic programming knowledge. Within the development environment it incorporates, in addition to the typical controls of the graphical interfaces, new controls that extend the script language used. In addition, as an example of the development environment potential, two applications created with guiEditor are presented. The assessment made by the students about a third application, called ltitool, which has been used in degree courses to address Process Control topics, is also presented.
Cognitive inflexibility and over‐attention to detail: The Italian validation of the DFlex Questionnaire in patients with eating disorders
Authors: Marchiol Fiorenza , Lionetti Francesca , Luxardi Gian Luigi , Cavallero Corrado , Roberts Marion , Penolazzi Barbara
Published: September 2020

Objective

Cognitive inflexibility and over‐attention to detail are two cognitive styles common to eating disorders (ED) and other psychopathologies characterized by rigid perfectionism. Despite many options to assess the above styles, the only self‐report tool that simultaneously permits their specific assessment is the Detail and Flexibility Questionnaire (DFlex), originally developed to investigate the ED domain. The aim of this study was to validate the Italian version of the DFlex.

Method

170 patients (149 females) with ED and 148 controls (100 females) completed the Italian version of the DFlex.

Results

A Confirmatory Factor Analysis showed that the two‐factor model originally proposed in the literature was a good fit to the data. Item factor loadings were largely equivalent across clinical and control groups, with intercept distributions showing higher values for the clinical group compared to controls. Both DFlex subscales showed good internal reliability and were able to predict membership to the group condition.

Conclusions

The DFlex is a reliable tool for investigation in the ED population. However, because DFlex items do not explicitly assess food and body shape domains, it is possible to extend its use to other psychopathologies characterized by rigid perfectionism. We propose the use of the DFlex in research and clinical practice as a useful tool for better understanding patients' cognitive functioning and in order to support treatment planning.
Guidelines for cell viability assays
Authors: Kamiloglu Senem , Sari Gulce , Ozdal Tugba , Capanoglu Esra
Published: September 2020

Recently, the interest in the application of cell viability assays has been increasing in various fields. Cell viability assays may be broadly classified as (a) dye exclusion assays, (b) colorimetric assays, (c) fluorometric assays, (d) luminometric assays, and (e) flow cytometric assays. Dye exclusion assays include trypan blue, eosin, congo red, and erythrosine B stain assays, whereas 3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT), 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐5‐(3‐carboxymethoxyphenyl)‐2‐(4‐sulfophenyl)‐2H‐tetrazolium (MTS), 2,3‐bis‐(2‐methoxy‐4‐nitro‐5‐sulfophenyl)‐2H‐tetrazolium‐5‐carboxanilide (XTT), 2‐(4‐iodophenyl)‐3‐(4‐nitrophenyl)‐5‐(2,4‐disulfophenyl)‐2H tetrazolium, monosodium salt (WST‐1), 2‐(2‐methoxy‐4‐nitrophenyl)‐3‐(4‐nitrophenyl)‐5‐(2,4‐disulfophenyl)‐2H‐tetrazolium, monosodium salt (WST‐8), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), sulforhodamine B (SRB), neutral red uptake (NRU), and crystal violet stain (CVS) assays are among the colorimetric assays. Similarly, resazurin and 5‐carboxyfluorescein diacetate acetoxymethyl ester (5‐CFDA‐AM) assays are based on fluorometric measurements, whereas luminometric assays comprise adenosine triphosphate and real‐time viability assays. Major flow cytometric assays include membrane asymmetry, membrane permeability, and mitochondria assays. In this guideline, the mechanisms and the practice of assessment of the most common cell viability assays applied in research labs are discussed in detail. An ideal cell viability assay should be safe, rapid, reliable, efficient, and time‐ and cost‐effective, and should not interfere with the test compound. Overall, it can be concluded that more than one cell viability assay should be applied in order to obtain reliable results.
Mitochondrial dynamics and bioenergetics regulated by netrin‐1 in oligodendrocytes
Authors: Nakamura Diane S. , Lin Yun Hsuan , Khan Damla , Gothié Jean‐David M , de Faria Omar , Dixon James A. , McBride Heidi M. , Antel Jack P. , Kennedy Timothy E.
Published: September 2020

Mitochondria are dynamic organelles that produce energy and molecular precursors that are essential for myelin synthesis. Unlike in neurons, mitochondria in oligodendrocytes increase intracellular movement in response to glutamatergic activation and are more susceptible to oxidative stress than in astrocytes or microglia. The signaling pathways that regulate these cell type‐specific mitochondrial responses in oligodendrocytes are not understood. Here, we visualized mitochondria migrating through thin cytoplasmic channels crossing myelin basic protein‐positive compacted membranes and localized within paranodal loop cytoplasm. We hypothesized that local extracellular enrichment of netrin‐1 might regulate the recruitment and function of paranodal proteins and organelles, including mitochondria. We identified rapid recruitment of mitochondria and paranodal proteins, including neurofascin 155 (NF155) and the netrin receptor deleted in colorectal carcinoma (DCC), to sites of contact between oligodendrocytes and netrin‐1‐coated microbeads in vitro. We provide evidence that Src‐family kinase activation and Rho‐associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibition downstream of netrin‐1 induces mitochondrial elongation, hyperpolarization of the mitochondrial inner membrane, and increases glycolysis. Our findings identify a signaling mechanism in oligodendrocytes that is sufficient to locally recruit paranodal proteins and regulate the subcellular localization, morphology, and function of mitochondria.
Neural association between non‐verbal number sense and arithmetic fluency
Authors: Li Mengyi , Cheng Dazhi , Lu Yujie , Zhou Xinlin
Published: September 2020

Non‐verbal number sense has been shown to significantly correlate with arithmetic fluency. Accumulated behavioral evidence indicates that the cognitive mechanism relies on visual perception. However, few studies have investigated the neural mechanism underlying this association. Following the visual perception account, we hypothesized that there would be a neural association in occipital areas of the brain between non‐verbal number sense, arithmetic fluency, and visual perception. We analyzed event‐related potentials that are sensitive to neural responses while participants performed five cognitive tasks: simple addition, simple subtraction, numerosity comparison, figure matching, and character rhyming. The single‐trial ERP‐behavior correlation approach was used to enhance the statistical power. The results showed that the N1 component significantly correlated with reaction time at occipital electrodes on all tasks except for character rhyming. The N1 component for arithmetic fluency (simple addition and subtraction) and character rhyming correlated with the reaction time for numerosity comparison and figure matching. The results suggest that there are neural associations between arithmetic fluency, non‐verbal number sense, and visual perception in the occipital cortex, and that visual perception is the shared mechanism for both non‐verbal number sense and arithmetic fluency.
Shaky scaffolding: Age differences in cerebellar activation revealed through activation likelihood estimation meta‐analysis
Authors: Bernard Jessica A. , Nguyen An D. , Hausman Hanna K. , Maldonado Ted , Ballard Hannah K. , Jackson T. Bryan , Eakin Sydney M. , Lokshina Yana , Goen James R. M.
Published: September 2020

Cognitive neuroscience research has provided foundational insights into aging, but has focused primarily on the cerebral cortex. However, the cerebellum is subject to the effects of aging. Given the importance of this structure in the performance of motor and cognitive tasks, cerebellar differences stand to provide critical insights into age differences in behavior. However, our understanding of cerebellar functional activation in aging is limited. Thus, we completed a meta‐analysis of neuroimaging studies across task domains. Unlike in the cortex where an increase in bilateral activation is seen during cognitive task performance with advanced age, there is less overlap in cerebellar activation across tasks in older adults (OAs) relative to young. Conversely, we see an increase in activation overlap in OAs during motor tasks. We propose that this is due to inputs for comparator processing in the context of control theory (cortical and spinal) that may be differentially impacted in aging. These findings advance our understanding of the aging mind and brain.
Low Incidence of Adverse Outcomes in Adults With Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection in the Era of Antiviral Therapy
Authors: Lok Anna S. , Perrillo Robert , Lalama Christina M. , Fried Michael W. , Belle Steven H. , Ghany Marc G. , Khalili Mandana , Fontana Robert J. , Sterling Richard K. , Terrault Norah , Feld Jordan J. , Di Bisceglie Adrian M. , Lau Daryl T.Y. , Hassan Mohamed , Janssen Harry L.A. ,   Hepatitis B Research Network (HBRN)
Published: September 2020

Background and Aims

Outcomes of persons with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in the era of antiviral therapy (AVT) are not well characterized. We determined the incidence and factors associated with clinical outcomes in a multiethnic, North American cohort of adults with chronic HBV infection, who were not on AVT at enrollment.

Approach and Results

Adults with chronic HBV infection, not receiving AVT, and without a history of decompensation, HCC, or liver transplantation (LT), were prospectively followed. Participants with known human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus, or hepatitis D virus (HDV) coinfection were excluded. During follow‐up, treatment could be initiated per standard of care. Clinical outcomes included: incident cirrhosis, decompensation, HCC, OLT, and HBV‐related death. Among 1,418 participants analyzed, 51.5% were women, median age was 41.1 years, 75% were Asian, 10% White, 13% Black, 24% HBeAg(+), and 1.5% cirrhosis at baseline. During the study, 274 started treatment, 83 had an alanine aminotransferase flare, 118 of 330 initially HBeAg(+) became HBeAg(−), and 90 of 1,329 became HBsAg(−). After 6,641 person‐years follow‐up, 8 participants (4 of 21 with baseline cirrhosis) had 12 clinical outcomes (2 decompensation, 5 HCC, 2 OLT, and 3 HBV‐related deaths) and 19 of 1,397 had incident cirrhosis. Twenty‐one of 26 participants had first outcome before treatment, none had become HBsAg(−), whereas 5/9 HBeAg(+) had become HBeAg(−) at time of first outcome. Cumulative percentage of clinical outcomes was 16% at year 4 in participants with baseline cirrhosis and 2% (including incident cirrhosis) at year 7 in those without.

Conclusions

Incidence of adverse outcomes was low in this closely monitored, large cohort of North American adults with predominantly inactive, chronic HBV without cirrhosis. Our data highlight the benefits of HBsAg loss and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to prevent cirrhosis and other complications of chronic HBV infection.
Navigating the COVID‐19 waters with chronic pelvic pain
Authors: Villegas‐Echeverri Juan Diego , Carrillo Jorge F.
Published: September 2020

Despite changes in healthcare approaches due to the COVID‐19 pandemic, patients with chronic pelvic pain should be assured of optimal access to care.
METTL3-Mediated m6A mRNA Methylation Modulates Tooth Root Formation by Affecting NFIC Translation
Authors: Sheng Rui , Wang Yuan , Wu Yunshu , Wang Jun , Zhang Shiwen , Li Qiwen , Zhang Danting , Qi Xingying , Xiao Qingyue , Jiang Shuang , Yuan Quan
Published: September 2020

N6-methyladenosine (m6A), as a eukaryotic mRNA modification catalyzed by methyltransferase METTL3, is involved in various processes of development or diseases via regulating RNA metabolism. However, the effect of METTL3-mediated m6A modification in tooth development has remained elusive. Here we show that METTL3 is prevalently expressed in odontoblasts, dental pulp cells, dental follicle cells, and epithelial cells in Hertwig's epithelial root sheath during tooth root formation. Depletion of METTL3 in human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) impairs proliferation, migration, and odontogenic differentiation. Furthermore, conditional knockout of Mettl3 in Osterix-expressing cells leads to short molar roots and thinner root dentin featured by decreased secretion of pre-dentin matrix and formation of the odontoblast process. Mechanistically, loss of METTL3 cripples the translational efficiency of the key root-forming regulator nuclear factor I-C (NFIC). The odontogenic capacity of METTL3-silenced hDPCs is partially rescued via overexpressing NFIC. Our findings suggest that m6A methyltransferase METTL3 is crucial for tooth root development, uncovering a novel epigenetic mechanism in tooth root formation. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Crohn's pericarditis identified with point‐of‐care ultrasonography: A case report
Authors: Levy Allison , Van Handel Daniel , Tierney David M.
Published: September 2020

We report the case of a 71‐year‐old male with Crohn's disease, shortness of breath, and chest pain that highlights cardiac involvement in inflammatory bowel disease and the role of point‐of‐care ultrasonography using an alternate cardiac ultrasound window in making the diagnosis of Crohn's pericarditis. The role of ultrasonography in diagnosis and management of inflammatory bowel disease focuses primarily on intestinal pathology. Cardiac involvement is a rare but clinically impactful extraintestinal manifestation, the diagnosis of which benefits from ultrasonography if the clinician performing and interpreting the exam is aware of the possibility and understands the potential value of whole‐body ultrasonography as part of a physical exam.
A pilot randomized trial of an educational intervention to increase genetic counseling and genetic testing among Latina breast cancer survivors
Authors: Conley Claire C. , Castro‐Figueroa Eida M. , Moreno Laura , Dutil Julie , García Jennifer D. , Burgos Carolina , Ricker Charité , Kim Jongphil , Graves Kristi D. , Ashing Kimlin Tam , Quinn Gwendolyn P. , Soliman Hatem , Vadaparampil Susan T.
Published: September 2020

Latinas are less likely to participate in genetic counseling (GC) and genetic testing (GT) than non‐Hispanic Whites. A multisite, randomized pilot study tested a culturally targeted educational intervention to increase uptake of GC/GT among Latina breast cancer (BC) survivors (N = 52). Participants were recruited in Tampa, FL and Ponce, PR and randomized to: (a) fact sheet about BC survivorship (control) or (b) a culturally targeted educational booklet about GC/GT (intervention). Participants in the intervention condition were also offered no‐cost telephone GC followed by free GT with mail‐based saliva sample collection. Participants self‐reported hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) knowledge and emotional distress at baseline and 1‐ and 3‐month follow‐ups. We used logistic regression to examine differences in GC/GT uptake by study arm (primary outcome) and repeated measures ANOVA to examine the effects of study arm and time on HBOC knowledge and emotional distress (secondary outcomes). Compared to the control arm, intervention participants were more likely to complete GC (ORIntervention = 13.92, 95% CI = 3.06–63.25, p < .01) and GT (ORIntervention = 12.93, 95% CI = 2.82–59.20, p < .01). Study site did not predict uptake of GC (p = .08) but Ponce participants were more likely to complete GT (ORPonce = 4.53, 95% CI = 1.04–19.72, p = .04). ANOVAs demonstrated an increase in HBOC knowledge over time across both groups (F(2,88) = 12.24, p < .01, ηp2 = 0.22). We also found a significant interaction of study arm and time, such that intervention participants demonstrated a greater and sustained (to the 3‐month follow‐up) increase in knowledge than control participants (F(2,88) = 3.66, p = .03, ηp2 = 0.08). No other main or interaction effects were significant (all p’s> .15). Study findings demonstrate the potential of our culturally targeted print intervention. Lessons learned from this multisite pilot study for enhancing GC/GT in Latinas include the need to attend to both access to GC/GT and individual factors such as attitudes and knowledge.
The lacrimal/ectethmoid region of waterfowl (Aves, Anseriformes): Phylogenetic signal and major evolutionary patterns
Authors: De Mendoza Ricardo S. , Gómez Raúl O. , Tambussi Claudia P.
Published: September 2020

Waterfowl (Aves, Anseriformes) constitute an ancient global radiation, and understanding the pattern and timing of their evolution requires a well‐corroborated phylogeny including extant species and fossils. Following the molecular advances in avian systematics, however, morphology has often been held as misleading, yet congruence with molecular data has been shown to vary considerably among different skeletal parts. Here, we explore phylogenetic signal in discrete characters of the lacrimal/ectethmoid region of waterfowl, which is highly variable among species and constitutes a rich source of data. We do so by combining cladistic and multivariate approaches, and using phylogenetic comparative methods. We quantitatively recognize three major morphological types among lacrimal bones, and discuss homoplasy and potential synapomorphies of major clades using a molecular backbone tree. Our results clearly indicate that the lacrimal bone carries substantial phylogenetic signal and could be of systematic value at different levels of the phylogeny of waterfowl, feeding the exploration of other regions of the skull with this combined approach.
Assessing the dilution effect of specimen pooling on the sensitivity of SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR tests
Authors: Bateman Allen C. , Mueller Shanna , Guenther Kyley , Shult Peter
Published: September 2020

The SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic has led to an unprecedented demand for diagnostic tests. Many studies have modeled the efficiency gains of specimen pooling, but few have systematically evaluated the dilution effect of pooling on the sensitivity of tests. Using the frequency distribution of cycle threshold (Ct) values of our first 838 SARS‐CoV‐2 positive specimens, we modeled 100 specimens on the same frequency distribution. Given this distribution, we then tested dilutions of 1:5, 1:10, and 1:50 to find the percentage of specimens positive at each Ct value with each pool size. Using the frequency distribution and the percentage of specimens positive at each Ct value, we estimate that pools of 5 lead to 93% sensitivity, pools of 10 lead to 91% sensitivity, and pools of 50 lead to 81% sensitivity. Pools of 5 and 10 lead to some specimens with Ct values of ≥32 becoming negative, while pools of 50 lead to some specimens with Ct values of ≥28 becoming negative. These sensitivity estimates can inform laboratories seeking to implement pooling approaches as they seek to balance test efficiency with sensitivity.