bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computer‐assisted planning with 3D printing for mandibular reconstruction caused by a mandibular fracture with secondary osteomyelitis: A Case Report
Authors: Barreda Hale Mauricio , Romero‐Araya Pablo , Cea Herrera Macarena , Espinoza Daniela , Castro Nicolas , Castro Joaquín , Serandour Guillaume
Published: July 2021

Mandibular reconstructions are complex clinical pictures that require careful planning for functional and aesthetic outcomes. Virtual surgical planning and 3D printing are ideal to achieve a predictable result. Through “hybrid techniques” (prebending plates with 3D‐models) and free software, this goal is within reach for clinics with limited financial resources.
Imperforate hymen due to vaginal hypoplasia presenting as an acute abdomen in adolescence
Authors: Kakiuchi Toshihiko , Azusa Koji
Published: July 2021

Imperforate hymen due to vaginal hypoplasia is a rare condition but should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients complaining of abdominal pain.
Electroless Plating of Metal Nanomaterials
Authors: Muench Falk
Published: July 2021

Invited for this month's cover picture is Falk Muench. The cover picture shows electrolessly plated nanostructures from the author′s research, clockwise and starting from the top: silver nanoparticles on glass, employed in plasmonic biosensing. Copper‐platinum nanotubes, fabricated to demonstrate the nanoscale conformality of the alloy plating reaction. Silver nanoplates, which spontaneously form during kinetically controlled, anisotropic growth. Stacked layers of porous silver nanosheets, which represent a dendritic version of the previous nanoplates. Read the full text of the Review at 10.1002/celc.202100285.
Advances in carbon‐based thermoelectric materials for high‐performance, flexible thermoelectric devices
Authors: Yun Jeong‐Seob , Choi Seongyun , Im Sang Hyuk
Published: July 2021

Waste energy harvesting can contribute to the increase of the efficiency of many industrial processes, which consume energy to produce valuable products. Among all the wasted energy, heat energy is the most abundant, existing in almost any situation. Thermoelectric devices have the capability to harvest and convert the thermal energy into electrical power via the Seebeck effect. With its simple operating principle, thermoelectric devices can be reliable even under the harshest environments, taking advantage of any type of heat source. As a result, various inorganic and organic materials are being explored as thermoelectric materials. Among the reported materials, carbon‐based materials are promising in terms of commericialization, due to their nontoxic and abundant nature, and solution processability. In particular, poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS), carbon nanotubes, and graphene are extensively studied as thermoelectric materials owing to their remarkable thermoelectric performance. Also, organic–inorganic hybrid halide perovskites show the potential to be used as future high‐performance thermoelectric materials. Here, the progess in carbon materials as thermoelectrics is reviewed in detail, focusing on four base materials (PEDOT:PSS, carbon nanotubes, graphene, and organic–inorganic hybrid halide perovskites). This review illuminates the potential of carbon‐based materials in the field of thermoelectrics and their application to next‐generation energy devices.
Identification of a Putative β‐Arrestin Superagonist of the Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor (GHSR)
Authors: Karaki Fumika , Oki Tomoya , Sakao Yuma , Sato Noriko , Hirayama Shigeto , Miyano Kanako , Uezono Yasuhito , Fujii Hideaki
Published: July 2021

Ghrelin is a pleiotropic feeding hormone which also has a pivotal role in the central nervous system. Upon the activation of its receptor, growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR), the Gαq/11‐mediated and the β‐arrestin‐mediated signaling pathways are activated. As the β‐arrestin pathway is a potential drug target, there is a strong need for β‐arrestin‐biased GHSR modulators. Activation of the β‐arrestin pathway should inhibit the Gαq/11‐mediated calcium flux through internalization of the receptor. Hence, we used the antagonistic activity in the calcium assay as the first screening for the β‐arrestin activation. By conducting the second screening assay for the β‐arrestin activation based on extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 phosphorylation, we discovered a putative β‐arrestin‐biased superagonist. The activity of the compound was not completely blocked with the competitive antagonist, which implies that the effect is mediated, at least partly, by allosteric binding of the compound.
Calcification‐Based Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy
Authors: Shou Hao , Wu Jicheng , Tang Ning , Wang Ben
Published: July 2021

In nature, calcium deposition is a common biological process in mammals that shapes mechanical structures and creates the functions of bones and teeth, and causes calculi formation. Spontaneous tumor calcification and regional lymph node calcification in colorectal cancer, lung cancer, and glioblastoma have been proven to be benign prognostic factors in the clinic. In line with this concept, we introduce the idea and lead the compound development of artificially inducing bionic calcification around the surface of cancer cells. This process is shown to have excellent effects in the inhibition of growth and metastases of cervical, breast, and lung tumors, as well as superb performance in early‐stage diagnosis. Therefore, we predict that this concept may open the door for cancer targeting calcification therapy and diagnosis and provide an outlook for a new avenue in anticancer drug development.
Microscale Parallel Synthesis of Acylated Aminotriazoles Enabling the Development of Factor XIIa and Thrombin Inhibitors
Authors: Platte Simon , Korff Marvin , Imberg Lukas , Balicioglu Ilker , Erbacher Catharina , Will Jonas M. , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Karst Uwe , Kalinin Dmitrii V.
Published: July 2021

Herein we report a microscale parallel synthetic approach allowing for rapid access to libraries of N‐acylated aminotriazoles and screening of their inhibitory activity against factor XIIa (FXIIa) and thrombin, which are targets for antithrombotic drugs. This approach, in combination with post‐screening structure optimization, yielded a potent 7 nM inhibitor of FXIIa and a 25 nM thrombin inhibitor; both compounds showed no inhibition of the other tested serine proteases. Selected N‐acylated aminotriazoles exhibited anticoagulant properties in vitro influencing the intrinsic blood coagulation pathway, but not extrinsic coagulation. Mechanistic studies of FXIIa inhibition suggested that synthesized N‐acylated aminotriazoles are covalent inhibitors of FXIIa. These synthesized compounds may serve as a promising starting point for the development of novel antithrombotic drugs.
Clinical and genetic risk factors for radiation‐associated ototoxicity: A report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study and the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort
Authors: Trendowski Matthew R. , Baedke Jessica L. , Sapkota Yadav , Travis Lois B. , Zhang Xindi , El Charif Omar , Wheeler Heather E. , Leisenring Wendy M. , Robison Leslie L. , Hudson Melissa M. , Morton Lindsay M. , Oeffinger Kevin C. , Howell Rebecca M. , Armstrong Gregory T. , Bhatia Smita , Dolan M. Eileen
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

Cranial radiation therapy (CRT) is associated with ototoxicity, which manifests as hearing loss and tinnitus. The authors sought to identify clinical determinants and genetic risk factors for ototoxicity among adult survivors of pediatric cancer treated with CRT.

METHODS

Logistic regression evaluated associations of tinnitus (n = 1991) and hearing loss (n = 2198) with nongenetic risk factors and comorbidities among CRT‐treated survivors in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study. Genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) of CRT‐related tinnitus and hearing loss were also performed.

RESULTS

Males were more likely to report CRT‐related tinnitus (9.4% vs 5.4%; P = 5.1 × 10−4) and hearing loss (14.0% vs 10.7%; P = .02) than females. Survivors with tinnitus or hearing loss were more likely to experience persistent dizziness or vertigo (tinnitus: P < 2 × 10−16; hearing loss: P = 6.4 × 10−9), take antidepressants (tinnitus: P = .02; hearing loss: P = .01), and report poorer overall health (tinnitus: P = 1.5 × 10−6; hearing loss: P = 1.7 × 10−6) in comparison with controls. GWAS of CRT‐related tinnitus revealed a genome‐wide significant signal in chromosome 1 led by rs203248 (P = 1.5 × 10−9), whereas GWAS of CRT‐related hearing loss identified rs332013 (P = 5.8 × 10−7) in chromosome 8 and rs67522722 (P = 7.8 × 10−7) in chromosome 6 as nearly genome‐wide significant. A replication analysis identified rs67522722, intronic to ATXN1, as being significantly associated with CRT‐related hearing loss (P = .03) and de novo hearing loss (P = 3.6 × 10−4).

CONCLUSIONS

CRT‐associated ototoxicity was associated with sex, several neuro‐otological symptoms, increased antidepressant use, and poorer self‐reported health. GWAS of CRT‐related hearing loss identified rs67522722, which was supported in an independent cohort of survivors.

LAY SUMMARY

Hearing loss and subjective tinnitus (the perception of noise or ringing in the ear) are long‐term side effects of cancer treatment and are common in children treated with radiation to the brain.

These toxicities can affect childhood development and potentially contribute to serious learning and behavioral difficulties.

This study's data indicate that males are at greater risk for hearing loss and tinnitus than females after radiation therapy to the brain.

Those who develop these toxicities are more likely to use antidepressants and report poorer overall health.

Health care providers can improve the management of survivors by informing patients and/or their parents of these risks.
Pharmacokinetics and Bioequivalence of a Generic Fixed‐Dose Combination Tablet of Metformin Hydrochloride/Vildagliptin Versus a Branded Product in Healthy Chinese Subjects Under Fed and Fasting Conditions
Authors: Ye LiJun , Li Bei , Ling NengMing , Gao Yue , Tao XueXia , Cai ShuFan , Wang Yan , Chen ShaoChun , Wang Fei
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this study was to compare the bioequivalence and safety of test and reference preparations of fixed‐dose combination tablets of metformin hydrochloride/vildagliptin 850 mg/50 mg in healthy volunteers under fasting and fed conditions for marketing authorization in China. A single‐dose, randomized, open‐label, 2‐way crossover study was conducted. Blood samples were collected up to 36 hours after dosing in each period with a 7‐day washout. Pharmacokinetic parameters, including maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), time to reach Cmax, area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) from time 0 to the last time point of the measurable concentration, AUC from time 0 to infinity, terminal elimination half‐life, and apparent clearance, were calculated using noncompartmental methods and compared between the 2 formulations. Safety profiles were assessed, including significant findings of vital signs, electrocardiogram, laboratory tests, physical examination, and adverse events. A total of 30 healthy subjects (19 men, 11 women) were randomized, and 29 subjects were treated under fasting conditions. Likewise, 30 subjects (24 men, 6 women) were randomized and treated under fed conditions. The geometric mean ratio and corresponding 90% confidence intervals of Cmax, AUC from time 0 to the last time point of the measurable concentration , and AUC from time 0 to infinity for both metformin hydrochloride and vildagliptin between the 2 fixed‐dose combination formulations were within the bioequivalence acceptance range of 80% to 125% under fasting or fed conditions. Therefore, the generic and branded formulations were bioequivalent and well tolerated in healthy Chinese subjects.
Methadone Destabilizes Cardiac Repolarization During Sleep
Authors: Solhjoo Soroosh , Punjabi Naresh M. , Ivanescu Andrada E. , Crainiceanu Ciprian , Gaynanova Irina , Wicken Cassie , Buckenmaier Chester , Haigney Mark C.
Published: July 2021

Methadone, a widely prescribed medication for chronic pain and opioid addiction, is associated with respiratory depression and increased predisposition for torsades de pointes, a potentially fatal arrhythmia. Most methadone‐related deaths occur during sleep. The objective of this study was to determine whether methadone’s arrhythmogenic effects increase during sleep, with a focus on cardiac repolarization instability using QT variability index (QTVI), a measure shown to predict arrhythmias and mortality. Sleep study data of 24 patients on chronic methadone therapy referred to a tertiary clinic for overnight polysomnography were compared with two matched groups not on methadone: 24 patients referred for overnight polysomnography to the same clinic (clinic group), and 24 volunteers who had overnight polysomnography at home (community group). Despite similar values for heart rate, heart rate variability, corrected QT interval, QTVI, and oxygen saturation (SpO2) when awake, patients on methadone had larger QTVI (P = 0.015 vs. clinic, P < 0.001 vs. community) and lower SpO2 (P = 0.008 vs. clinic, P = 0.013 vs. community) during sleep, and the increase in their QTVI during sleep vs. wakefulness correlated with the decrease in SpO2 (r = −0.54, P = 0.013). QTVI positively correlated with methadone dose during sleep (r = 0.51, P = 0.012) and wakefulness (r = 0.73, P < 0.001). High‐density ectopy (> 1,000 premature beats per median sleep period), a precursor for torsades de pointes, was uncommon but more frequent in patients on methadone (P = 0.039). This study demonstrates that chronic methadone use is associated with increased cardiac repolarization instability. Methadone’s pro‐arrhythmic impact may be mediated by sleep‐related hypoxemia, which could explain the increased nocturnal mortality associated with this opioid.
Long noncoding RNA IL6‐AS1 is highly expressed in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and is associated with interleukin 6 by targeting miR‐149‐5p and early B‐cell factor 1
Authors: Yi Erkang , Zhang Jiahuan , Zheng Mengning , Zhang Yi , Liang Chunxiao , Hao Binwei , Hong Wei , Lin Biting , Pu Jinding , Lin Zhiwei , Huang Peiyu , Li Bing , Zhou Yumin , Ran Pixin
Published: July 2021

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a complex condition with multiple etiologies, including inflammation. We identified a novel long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), interleukin 6 antisense RNA 1 (IL6‐AS1), which is upregulated in this disease and is associated with airway inflammation. We found that IL6‐AS1 promotes the expression of inflammatory factors, especially interleukin (IL) 6. Mechanistically, cytoplasmic IL6‐AS1 acts as an endogenous sponge by competitively binding to the microRNA miR‐149‐5p to stabilize IL‐6 mRNA. Nuclear IL6‐AS1 promotes IL‐6 transcription by recruiting early B‐cell factor 1 to the IL‐6 promoter, which increases the methylation of the H3K4 histone and acetylation of the H3K27 histone. We propose a model of lncRNA expression in both the nucleus and cytoplasm that exerts similar effects through differing mechanisms, and IL6‐AS1 probably increases inflammation via multiple pathways.
Deans offer advice to deans, Part III
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: July 2021

This summer, I've brought advice to you from Deans of Arts and Sciences at two technical colleges, and the Dean from the College of Education at University of Georgia. For the third and final part of this series, Don Altman, Dean of Graduate Health Studies, A.T. Still University, offers his advice. Just as I did with the earlier deans, I asked him a series of questions and he offered his guidance.
Support anti‐racism measures by catalyzing change, sharing best practices
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: July 2021

Lisa García Bedolla, Ph.D., Vice Provost for Graduate Studies and the Dean of the Graduate Division at University of California, Berkeley, first came to Berkeley as an undergraduate student. The daughter of Cuban refugees, García Bedolla said she grew up with a different conception of the role of higher education than her peers.
Increase in sexual motivation throughout adolescence in the cycling female rat
Authors: Armas Magdalena , Marín Gabriella , Uriarte Natalia , Agrati Daniella
Published: July 2021

Sexual behavior in the female rat is a highly motivated behavior first displayed during adolescence, a developmental period when neural circuits underlying motivation are not mature. This study characterizes the natural development of sexual motivation and behavior of female rats. We compared the incentive value of the male for mid‐adolescent (PNDs:39‐43), late adolescent (PNDs:49‐53), and adult (PNDs:90‐115) cycling females, using a male–female preference task and an ultrasonic vocalization emission test following exposure to a male or female stimulus animal. Furthermore, display of sexual and social behaviors during an interaction with a male or a nonreceptive female was assessed. Mid‐adolescent rats exhibited a reduced preference for the male than adults and performed less attempts to access the male. Unlike late adolescent and adult females, mid‐adolescent rats did not increase their ultrasonic vocalization emission after interacting with a male relative to a female. Although most of the sexual behavior did not differ between groups, mid‐adolescent females showed lower lordosis magnitude and higher levels of play and social investigation during a sexual interaction, giving rise to a unique behavioral profile. Present results indicate that the sexual behavior repertoire is fully displayed by mid‐adolescence, but sexual motivation is low and increases into late adolescence.
Unconventional translation initiation factor EIF2A is required for Drosophila spermatogenesis
Authors: Lowe David D. , Montell Denise J.
Published: July 2021

Background

EIF2A is an unconventional translation factor required for initiation of protein synthesis from non‐AUG codons from a variety of transcripts, including oncogenes and stress related transcripts in mammalian cells. Its function in multicellular organisms has not been reported.

Results

Here, we identify and characterize mutant alleles of the CG7414 gene, which encodes the Drosophila EIF2A ortholog. We identified that CG7414 undergoes sex‐specific splicing that regulates its male‐specific expression. We characterized a Mi{Mic} transposon insertion that disrupts the coding regions of all predicted isoforms and is a likely null allele, and a PBac transposon insertion into an intron, which is a hypomorph. The Mi{Mic} allele is homozygous lethal, while the viable progeny from the hypomorphic PiggyBac allele are male sterile and female fertile. In dEIF2A mutant flies, sperm failed to individualize due to defects in F‐actin cones and failure to form and maintain cystic bulges, ultimately leading to sterility.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that EIF2A is essential in a multicellular organism, both for normal development and spermatogenesis, and provide an entrée into the elucidation of the role of EIF2A and unconventional translation in vivo.
A recovery network leads to the natural recolonization of an archipelago and a potential trailing edge refuge
Authors: Smith Matthew M. , Gilbert Jonathan H. , Olson Erik R. , Scribner Kim T. , Van Deelen Timothy R. , Van Stappen Julie F. , Williams Bronwyn W. , Woodford James E. , Pauli Jonathan N.
Published: July 2021

Rapid environmental change is reshaping ecosystems and driving species loss globally. Carnivore populations have declined and retracted rapidly and have been the target of numerous translocation projects. Success, however, is complicated when these efforts occur in novel ecosystems. Identifying refuges, locations that are resistant to environmental change, within a translocation framework should improve population recovery and persistence. American martens (Martes americana) are the most frequently translocated carnivore in North America. As elsewhere, martens were extirpated across much of the Great Lakes region by the 1930s and, despite multiple translocations beginning in the 1950s, martens remain of regional conservation concern. Surprisingly, martens were rediscovered in 2014 on the Apostle Islands of Lake Superior after a putative absence of >40 yr. To identify the source of martens to the islands and understand connectivity of the reintroduction network, we collected genetic data on martens from the archipelago and from all regional reintroduction sites. In total, we genotyped 483 individual martens, 43 of which inhabited the Apostle Islands (densities 0.42–1.46 km−2). Coalescent analyses supported the contemporary recolonization of the Apostle Islands with progenitors likely originating from Michigan, which were sourced from Ontario. We also identified movements by a first‐order relative between the Apostle Islands and the recovery network. We detected some regional gene flow, but in an unexpected direction: individuals moving from the islands to the mainland. Our findings suggest that the Apostle Islands were naturally recolonized by progeny of translocated individuals and now act as a source back to the reintroduction sites on the mainland. We suggest that the Apostle Islands, given its protection from disturbance, complex forest structure, and reduced carnivore competition, will act as a potential refuge for marten along their trailing range boundary and a central node for regional recovery. Our work reveals that translocations, even those occurring along southern range boundaries, can create recovery networks that function like natural metapopulations. Identifying refuges, locations that are resistant to environmental change, within these recovery networks can further improve species recovery, even within novel environments. Future translocation planning should a priori identify potential refuges and sources to improve short‐term recovery and long‐term persistence.
Disturbance‐accelerated succession increases the production of a temperate forest
Authors: Gough Christopher M. , Bohrer Gil , Hardiman Brady S. , Nave Lucas E. , Vogel Christoph S. , Atkins Jeff W. , Bond‐Lamberty Ben , Fahey Robert T. , Fotis Alexander T. , Grigri Maxim S. , Haber Lisa T. , Ju Yang , Kleinke Callie L. , Mathes Kayla C. , Nadelhoffer Knute J. , Stuart‐Haëntjens Ellen , Curtis Peter S.
Published: July 2021

Many secondary deciduous forests of eastern North America are approaching a transition in which mature early‐successional trees are declining, resulting in an uncertain future for this century‐long carbon (C) sink. We initiated the Forest Accelerated Succession Experiment (FASET) at the University of Michigan Biological Station to examine the patterns and mechanisms underlying forest C cycling following the stem girdling‐induced mortality of >6,700 early‐successionalPopulusspp. (aspen) andBetula papyrifera(paper birch). Meteorological flux tower‐based C cycling observations from the 33‐ha treatment forest have been paired with those from a nearby unmanipulated forest since 2008. Following over a decade of observations, we revisit our core hypothesis: that net ecosystem production (NEP) would increase following the transition to mid‐late‐successional species dominance due to increased canopy structural complexity. Supporting our hypothesis, NEP was stable, briefly declined, and then increased relative to the control in the decade following disturbance; however, increasing NEP was not associated with rising structural complexity but rather with a rapid 1‐yr recovery of total leaf area index as mid‐late‐successionalAcer,Quercus, andPinusassumed canopy dominance. The transition to mid‐late‐successional species dominance improved carbon‐use efficiency (CUE = NEP/gross primary production) as ecosystem respiration declined. Similar soil respiration rates in control and treatment forests, along with species differences in leaf physiology and the rising relative growth rates of mid‐late‐successional species in the treatment forest, suggest changes in aboveground plant respiration and growth were primarily responsible for increases in NEP. We conclude that deciduous forests transitioning from early to middle succession are capable of sustained or increased NEP, even when experiencing extensive tree mortality. This adds to mounting evidence that aging deciduous forests in the region will function as C sinks for decades to come.
The transformation of Caribbean coral communities since humans
Authors: Cramer Katie L. , Donovan Mary K. , Jackson Jeremy B. C. , Greenstein Benjamin J. , Korpanty Chelsea A. , Cook Geoffrey M. , Pandolfi John M.
Published: July 2021

The mass die‐off of Caribbean corals has transformed many of this region’s reefs to macroalgal‐dominated habitats since systematic monitoring began in the 1970s. Although attributed to a combination of local and global human stressors, the lack of long‐term data on Caribbean reef coral communities has prevented a clear understanding of the causes and consequences of coral declines. We integrated paleoecological, historical, and modern survey data to track the occurrence of major coral species and life‐history groups throughout the Caribbean from the prehuman period to the present. The regional loss of Acropora corals beginning by the 1960s from local human disturbances resulted in increases in the occurrence of formerly subdominant stress‐tolerant and weedy scleractinian corals and the competitive hydrozoan Millepora beginning in the 1970s and 1980s. These transformations have resulted in the homogenization of coral communities within individual countries. However, increases in stress‐tolerant and weedy corals have slowed or reversed since the 1980s and 1990s in tandem with intensified coral bleaching and disease. These patterns reveal the long history of increasingly stressful environmental conditions on Caribbean reefs that began with widespread local human disturbances and have recently culminated in the combined effects of local and global change.
Increased risk of prediabetes among virally suppressed adults with HIV in Central Kenya detected using glycated haemoglobin and fasting blood glucose
Authors: Njoroge Anne , Augusto Orvalho , Page Stephanie T. , Kigondu Christine , Oluka Margaret , Puttkammer Nancy , Farquhar Carey
Published: July 2021

Aims

As survival among people living with HIV (PLHIV) improves with universal HIV treatment, new strategies are needed to support management of co‐morbidities like type 2 diabetes (T2D). We assessed prediabetes and T2D prevalence and risk factors using haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) among PLHIV on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Central Kenya.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study, conducted at a rural and urban site, enrolled PLHIV aged ≥35 years on ART for at least 5 years. HbA1c was assayed using Cobas b 101®, a point‐of‐care device. HbA1c levels ≥6.5% were considered diagnostic of T2D. For pre‐diabetic HbA1c levels (5.7%–6.4%), participants were requested to return the following day for a fasting blood glucose (FBG) to rule out T2D. Risk factors were assessed using multivariable log‐binomial regression.

Results

Of the 600 completing study procedures, the prevalence of diabetes was 5% (30/600). Ten participants were known to have diabetes; thus, prevalence of newly diagnosed T2D was 3.4% (20/590). Prevalence of prediabetes (HbA1c 5.7%–6.4%) was 14.2% (84/590). Significant predictors of elevated HbA1c were increase in age (Prevalence ratio [PR]: 1.10, CI: 1.02, 1.18, p = .012), hypertension (PR: 1.43, CI: 1.07–2.3, p = .015), central adiposity (PR: 2.11, CI: 1.57–2.84, p < .001) and use of Efavirenz (PR: 2.09, CI: 1.48, 2.96, p < .001).

Conclusion

There is a high prevalence of prediabetes, a significant predictor of T2D, among PLHIV in Central Kenya. Point‐of‐care HbA1c may help identify PLHIV with prediabetes in a single screening visit and provide an opportunity for early intervention.
Novel insights into marine fish biodiversity across a pronounced environmental gradient using replicated environmental DNA analyses
Authors: Czachur Molly Victoria , Seymour Mathew , Creer Simon , von der Heyden Sophie
Published: July 2021

Safeguarding marine ecosystems is essential for maintaining ecosystem function and biodiversity, but effective monitoring of marine habitats can be logistically challenging, costly, and difficult to regularly implement. Environmental DNA‐based biomonitoring is a rapidly growing tool that is non‐destructive, cost‐effective, and reliable. However, discrepancies in eDNA sampling protocols and methodology persist, which can greatly impact the interpretations of biomonitoring results, particularly across highly diverse ecosystems with historically elevated biodiversity. The South African coastal system is a unique and highly diverse ecoregion consisting of two ocean boundary currents creating one of the most diverse biological regions on the planet. Here, we present the first eDNA‐based metabarcoding assessment of South African coastal fishes while also providing key management insights into study and sample design. We observed strong ecological associations with fish species richness across the extent of the South African coast, along with weaker associations with seasonality. We detected 466 operational taxonomic units across 112 of the 270 families described previously from the region, with greater species richness on the eastern subtropical coast compared to the western coast, which follows expected species richness patterns. Additionally, we provide evidence that biological replication is necessary to detect intra‐site fish diversity and that three biological replicates are sufficient for capturing species diversity dynamics. Our work highlights the value of eDNA biomonitoring across space and time enabling biodiversity characterizations for the management of a gradient of coastal marine environments.
Differential sensitivity of inflammatory macrophages and alternatively activated macrophages to ferroptosis
Authors: Piattini Federica , Matsushita Mai , Muri Jonathan , Bretscher Peter , Feng Xiaogang , Freigang Stefan , Dalli Jesmond , Schneider Christoph , Kopf Manfred
Published: July 2021

Acumulation of oxidized membrane lipids ultimately results in ferroptotic cell death, which can be prevented by the selenoenzyme glutathione peroxidase 4 (Gpx4). In vivo conditions promoting ferroptosis and susceptible cell types are still poorly defined. In this study, we analyzed the conditional deletion of Gpx4 in mice specifically in the myeloid cell lineages. Surprisingly, development and maintenance of LysM+ macrophages and neutrophils, as well as CD11c+ monocyte‐derived macrophages and dendritic cells were unaffected in the absence of Gpx4. Gpx4‐deficient macrophages mounted an unaltered proinflammatory cytokine response including IL‐1β production following stimulation with TLR ligands and activation of several inflammasomes. Accordingly, Gpx4fl/flLysM‐cre mice were protected from bacterial and protozoan infections. Despite having the capacity to differentiate to alternatively activated macrophages (AAM), these cells lacking Gpx4 triggered ferroptosis both in vitro and in vivo following IL‐4 overexpression and nematode infection. Exposure to nitric oxide restored viability of Gpx4‐deficient AAM, while inhibition of iNOS in proinflammatory macrophages had no effect. These data together suggest that activation cues of tissue macrophages determine sensitivity to lipid peroxidation and ferroptotic cell death.
An Overview of Wearable and Implantable Electrochemical Glucose Sensors
Authors: Zhu Boyu , Li Xinru , Zhou Lin , Su Bin
Published: July 2021

Electrochemical glucose sensors have garnered considerable attention because of their attractive prospect in point‐of‐care testing (POCT). In this review, we firstly introduce the principles and challenges of electrochemical glucose sensors. Subsequently, we present an overview of the application of electrochemical glucose sensors and discuss their advantages and drawbacks. Wearable and implantable devices based on diverse target biofluid and platforms provide a considerable prospect of accurate and continuous monitoring. Thus, we believe that the future development direction of electrochemical glucose sensors is non‐invasive, wearable devices and implantable devices with minimally invasive for continuous glucose monitoring in real time.
Floor spectra for bare and infilled reinforced concrete frames designed according to Eurocodes
Authors: Di Domenico Mariano , Ricci Paolo , Verderame Gerardo M.
Published: July 2021

In this study, nonlinear time‐history analyses are performed to assess the floor response spectra of bare and infilled reinforced concrete framed buildings with different number of stories and designed according to Eurocode provisions for different intensity levels of the seismic action. Infill walls are modeled by neglecting and by accounting for the effects of their out‐of‐plane response and of the in‐plane/out‐of‐plane interaction. To this aim, a recent out‐of‐plane response model is updated and improved.

The results of the numerical analyses are compared in order to assess, first, the different floor spectra obtained for bare and infilled buildings and, second, the effect of the in‐plane/out‐of‐plane interaction on the results obtained for infilled buildings. The main parameters influencing the shape and the amplitude of floor response spectra are investigated, namely higher vibration modes, structural nonlinearity, and damping of the secondary element. This is also performed with the support of the discussion and application of current code and literature formulations.

Based on the results of the numerical analyses, a simplified code‐oriented formulation for the assessment of floor response spectra in bare and infilled reinforced concrete framed structures is proposed. The proposed formulation may be a useful tool for the seismic assessment and safety check of acceleration‐sensitive nonstructural components.
Pu‐erh tea extraction alleviates intestinal inflammation in mice with flora disorder by regulating gut microbiota
Authors: Zhang Zhifang , He Fei , Yang Weixing , Yang Li , Huang Siqi , Mao Hongling , Hou Yan , Xiao Rong
Published: July 2021

Pu‐erh tea is very popular in Southwestern China and South Asian countries and is now becoming increasingly popular in Europe due to its well‐documented beneficial effects on human health. Pu‐erh tea aqueous extracts can maintain intestinal homeostasis. However, the mechanism of its beneficial effects on intestinal flora disorder is not clear. In this study, we focused on the effects of ripe Pu‐erh tea aqueous extracts on the intestinal microbiota in an intestinal flora disorder mouse model. Physiological indexes and the tissue section staining results showed that feeding Pu‐erh tea extract could help mice regain weight and alleviate intestinal inflammation. Further assessment of the intestinal microflora found that Pu‐erh tea extract could promote the growth of intestinal probiotics and inhibit pathogenic bacteria, thereby achieving a treatment effect for enteritis. This study provides new evidence for the therapeutic effect of Pu‐erh tea.
Extraction of phenol compound from Mentha piperita by ultrasonic waves based on a response surface methodology
Authors: Roshanpour Sareh , Tavakoli Javad , Beigmohammadi Faranak , Alaei Shima , Mousavi Khaneghah Amin
Published: July 2021

In this study, optimization of the extraction of phenol compounds from Mentha piperita using ultrasonic waves with response surface methodology (RSM) was assessed. In this regard, a central composite design with three independent variables of time (5, 27.5, and 50 min), temperature (25, 45, and 65°C), and concentrations of ethanol in the water–ethanol solution (0%, 50%, and 100%) was used. Besides, the antioxidant activity tests (DPPH radical scavenging assay, ferric reducing antioxidant power [FRAP], and oxidative stability indexes [OSI]) were examined. Significant effects of independent variables on the extraction of phenol compound, DPPH radical scavenging power, and OSI of M. piperita extract, with the regression coefficients of 0.89, 0.92, and 0.94, respectively, were noted. However, no significant difference in terms of the FRAP among different treatments was noted. Also, the best antioxidant activity of M. piperita was obtained by using the ultrasonic wave for 50 min at 65°C and 59.6% v/v ethanol/water solution. While the findings of RSM confirmed the experimental results, due to the favored properties of M. piperita extract by the proposed method, further research to investigate possible applications in the food industry is recommended.
Distribution and sources of secondary deposit archaeological obsidian in Rio Grande alluvium New Mexico, USA
Authors: Shackley Michael Steven
Published: July 2021

In 2000, Tim Church published an excellent examination of the secondarily deposited obsidian in Rio Grande Quaternary alluvium for a relatively small section of the Rio Grande in southern New Mexico. Here, the goal is to complement Church's study to include six secondary deposits of a portion of the Rio Grande hydrological basin nearly 400 km in length, coupled with a comparison to 11 archaeological sites on or near the river basin. Additionally, the compositional and metric data on obsidian sources from the Jemez Lineament sources have also improved since 2000, providing useful data on nodule dimension as well as compositional data at the primary sources. By recording both nodule sizes against source provenance at these points along the Rio Grande, scholars can compare the results of nearby archaeological contexts and the source obsidian available at various points along the Rio Grande. It is often difficult to determine whether the raw material used to produce a chipped stone tool was originally procured at the source or in secondary contexts. That, however, can never be achieved anywhere in the world without firm secondary depositional data. This issue is the focus of this study.
Lessons learned? Intended and unintended effects of India's second‐generation maternal cash transfer scheme
Authors: von Haaren Paula , Klonner Stefan
Published: July 2021

The maternity benefit scheme piloted as Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahyog Yojana (IGMSY) since 2011 and recently rolled out as Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) incentivizes mothers to participate in infant health‐promoting activities. It has become India's largest conditional cash transfer program ever, outrivaling the country's first‐generation maternity benefit scheme Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), which incentivizes institutional delivery and has been criticized for its unintended side effects on fertility. We approach IGMSY's geographically targeted pilot phase as a natural experiment and use data from a large national health survey to estimate its effects by a matched‐pair difference‐in‐differences approach. Consistent with the program's conditions, we find increases in infant immunization. As side effect, long‐term utilization of public health facilities becomes more frequent and intervals between eligible births increase by 17%. Our findings suggest that India'ns second‐generation maternity benefit scheme has been more carefully designed than its predecessor, with side effects that support the program's broader objectives. But both direct and indirect effects are small and can make only a small contribution to redressing India's dismal maternal and child health record.
Rare case of anaplastic plasmacytoma in the sinonasal tract
Authors: Xing Monica H. , Shaari Ariana L. , Beute John E. , Mundi Neil , Matloob Ammar , Khorsandi Azita S. , Wisdom Gregory , Urken Mark L.
Published: July 2021

Background

Extramedullary plasmacytomas are tumors that develop from plasma cells and rarely express anaplastic features. To our knowledge, there have only been three reported cases of anaplastic plasmacytomas of the sinonasal tract in the English literature. We detail the fourth case.

Methods

A 70‐year‐old male was seen with a 4‐month history of nasal congestion, bloody mucous, and left sided nasal obstruction. On positron emission tomography/computed tomography, the lesion was FDG‐avid with an SUVmax of 25.1. A biopsy of the lesion and subsequent immunohistochemical staining confirmed the diagnosis of an anaplastic plasmacytoma.

Results

The patient is undergoing a 5‐week course of curative‐intent radiation therapy.

Conclusion

Extramedullary plasmacytomas with anaplastic features are very rare. We highlight the value of thorough histopathological review and detailed immunostains to arrive at a diagnosis of anaplastic extramedullary plasmacytoma.
Halogen Bonding of N‐Halosuccinimides with Amines and Effects of Brønsted Acids in Quinuclidine‐Catalyzed Halocyclizations
Authors: Li Jing , Kwon Eunsang , Lear Martin J. , Hayashi Yujiro
Published: July 2021

An arguable expectation in halogen chemistry is that an amine will react oxidatively with an N‐halosuccinimide (NXS) to form an N‐halogenated species bearing a covalent N−X bond. While likely for NCS under most conditions, we find this expectation simply not true for NIS and largely inaccurate for NBS. Herein, we disclose evidence through systematic NMR and X‐ray studies that non‐covalent halogen bonded amine complexes of NIS predominate over covalent N‐halogenated species, even with primary and secondary amines. For example, during the catalytic electrophilic halocyclization of gem‐disubstituted alkenes by cinchona‐like amines, the quinuclidine complexes of NIS and NBS display lower reactivity than their parent N‐halosuccinamides and require the presence of an appropriate Brønsted acid. Specifically, a Brønsted acid and quinuclidine jointly catalyze the halo‐cycloetherification of γ‐alkenyl alcohols with NIS or NBS, while only quinuclidine acts as a catalyst in the halolactonization of γ‐alkenoic acids. Although our evidence confirms a transient N‐halogenated quaternary ammonium salt as the halonium species, it is important to note that NIS predominantly forms ‘off‐cycle’ halogen bonded amine complexes in solution.
Are spatial patterns of soil moisture at plot scales generalisable across catchments, climates, and other characteristics? A synthesis of synoptic soil moisture across theMid‐Atlantic
Authors: Scaife Charles I. , Duncan Jonathan M. , Lin Laurence , Tague Christina , Bell Colin D. , Band Lawrence
Published: July 2021

The spatial variation of soil moisture over very small areas (<100 m2) can have nonlinear impacts on cycling and flux rates resulting in bias if it is not considered, but measuring this variation is difficult over extensive temporal and spatial scales. Most studies examining spatial variation of soil moisture were conducted at hillslope (0.01 km2) to multi‐catchment spatial scales (1000 km2). They found the greatest variation at mid wetness levels and the smallest variation at wet and dry wetness levels forming a concave down relationship. There is growing evidence that concave down relationships formed between spatial variation of soil moisture and average soil moisture are consistent across spatial scales spanning several orders of magnitude, but more research is needed at very small, plot scales (<100 m2). The goal of this study was to characterise spatial variation in shallow soil moisture at the plot scale by relating the mean of measurements collected in a plot to the standard deviation (SD). We combined data from a previous study with thousands of new soil moisture measurements from 212 plots in eight catchments distributed across the US Mid‐Atlantic Region to (1) test for a generalisable mean–SD relationship at plot scales, (2) characterise how landcover, land use, season, and hillslope position contribute to differences in mean–SD relationships, and (3) use these generalised mean–SD relationships to quantify their impacts on catchment scale nitrification and denitrification potential. Our study found that 98% of all measurements formed a generalised mean–SD relationship like those observed at hillslope and catchment spatial scales. The remaining 2% of data comprised a mean–SD relationship with greater spatial variation that originated from two riparian plots reported in a previous study. Incorporating the generalised mean–SD relationship into estimates of nitrification and denitrification potential revealed strong bias that was even greater when incorporating mean–SD observations from the two riparian plots with significantly greater spatial variation.
A deterministic river temperature model to prioritize management of riparian woodlands to reduce summer maximum river temperatures
Authors: Jackson Faye L. , Hannah David M. , Ouellet Valerie , Malcolm Iain A.
Published: July 2021

Increasing river temperatures are a threat to cold water species including ecologically and economically important freshwater fish, such as Atlantic salmon. In 2018, ca. 70% of Scottish rivers experienced temperatures which cause thermal stress in juvenile salmon, a situation expected to become increasingly common under climate change. Management of riparian woodlands is proven to protect cold water habitats. However, creation of new riparian woodlands can be costly and logistically challenging. It is therefore important that planting can be prioritized to areas where it is most needed and can be most effective in reducing river temperatures. The effects of riparian woodland on channel shading depend on complex interactions between channel width, orientation, aspect, gradient, tree height and solar geometry. Subsequent effects on river temperature are influenced by water volume and residence time. This study developed a deterministic river temperature model, driven by energy gains from solar radiation that are modified by water volume and residence time. The resulting output is a planting prioritization metric that compares potential warming between scenarios with and without riparian woodland. The prioritization metric has a reach scale spatial resolution, but can be mapped at large spatial scales using information obtained from a digital river network. The results indicate that water volume and residence time, as represented by river order, are a dominant control on the effectiveness of riparian woodland in reducing river temperature. Ignoring these effects could result in a sub‐optimal prioritization process and inappropriate resource allocation. Within river order, effectiveness of riparian shading depends on interactions between channel and landscape characteristics. Given the complexity and interacting nature of controls, the use of simple universal planting criteria is not appropriate. Instead, managers should be provided with maps that translate complex models into readily useable tools to prioritize riparian tree planting to mitigate the impacts of high river temperatures.