bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sexual function and dysfunction among women with anorexia nervosa: A systematic scoping review
Authors: Price Tom , Zebitz Martin , Giraldi Annamaria , Lokind Thea Stine , Treasure Janet , Sjögren Jan Magnus
Published: May 2020

Objective

Research suggests that a variety of biological and psychosocial factors are associated with the sexual health of women diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (AN). This systematic scoping review, conducted in accordance to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses Guidelines, synthesizes the current literature concerning sexual function and dysfunction in women with AN.

Method

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and PsychInfo for literature published until April 2020. All study designs were eligible for inclusion, providing they focused on sexual function and dysfunction in women with AN. Studies that only included outcomes related to gender identity or sexual orientation were excluded.

Results

N = 28 studies met criteria for inclusion in the review. All studies were conducted in Western countries and the majority employed either a cohort or cross‐sectional design. Although measures of sexual function and dysfunction varied markedly across studies, most studies adopted a biopsychosocial framework. Libido may be linked to body mass index (BMI), while other aspects of sexual functioning and behavior might not be specifically associated with weight status. Limited data are available on evidence‐based interventions.

Discussion

Sexual dysfunction in women with AN is common. Although some of the variance is explained by low BMI, associated physiological sequelae and other psychosocial factors are also involved. Sexual dysfunction is a relevant clinical problem and clinicians should sensitively incorporate questions related to sexual function into their eating disorder assessments. Future research, using more robust designs and validated outcome measures, is needed to better understand causal pathways between the biological and psychosocial correlates of AN and sexual dysfunction. Identifying predictors of sexual function and dysfunction in more diverse groups of people with AN will support the development of evidence‐based therapies.
Conducting eating disorders research in the time of COVID‐19: A survey of researchers in the field
Authors: Weissman Ruth Striegel , Klump Kelly L. , Rose Jennifer
Published: May 2020

The COVID‐19 pandemic has impacted research around the globe and required shuttering of research programs and the implementation of procedural adjustments to ensure safety. This study sought to document COVID‐19's impact on eating disorders (ED) research, which may be particularly susceptible to such disruptions, given its focus on individuals who are physically and emotionally vulnerable. We invited ED researchers from editorial boards and scientific organizations to complete a quantitative/qualitative survey about: COVID‐19's current and future impact on ED research; areas of concern about research disruptions; and effective strategies for conducting and supporting research during and after COVID‐19. Among 187 participants, many had moved studies online and/or shutdown part of their research. Across position types (permanent, 52.7%; temporary, 47.3%), participants reported high concern about data collection, recruitment, and securing future funding. Those holding temporary positions reported significantly greater concern about COVID‐19's impact on their career and greater stress than participants in permanent positions. Strategies for dealing with research disruptions included: employing technology; reprioritizing goals/tasks; and encouraging collaboration. Results underscore the high levels of stress and disruption caused by COVID‐19. We echo calls by our respondents for support for early career scholars and advocacy for additional resources for research and scientists.
Disparities in eating disorder risk and diagnosis among sexual minority college students: Findings from the national Healthy Minds Study
Authors: Hazzard Vivienne M. , Simone Melissa , Borg Skylar L. , Borton Kelley A. , Sonneville Kendrin R. , Calzo Jerel P. , Lipson Sarah K.
Published: May 2020

Objective

To examine differences in eating disorder (ED) risk and diagnosis by sexual orientation in a national sample of college students.

Method

Data from 178 U.S. colleges and universities participating in the Healthy Minds Study between 2016 and 2019 were analyzed (36,691 cisgender men, 81,730 cisgender women; 15.7% self‐identifying as sexual minorities). Outcomes were ED risk (≥2 on the SCOFF) and self‐reported lifetime ED diagnosis. Prevalence estimates adjusted for demographics and weight status were computed via logistic regression.

Results

Higher proportions of questioning (29.1%), bisexual (26.3%), and gay men (30.9%) exhibited elevated risk than heterosexual men (14.3%), and a higher proportion of gay men exhibited elevated risk than bisexual men. Higher proportions of questioning (34.5%) and bisexual women (34.6%) exhibited elevated risk than heterosexual women (27.6%); proportions of lesbian (28.1%) and heterosexual women were similar. Among those with elevated risk, higher proportions of bisexual (5.0%) and gay men (7.1%) and of questioning (14.7%), bisexual (18.1%), and lesbian women (19.6%) had been diagnosed relative to heterosexual men (2.0%) and heterosexual women (10.3%), respectively.

Discussion

Questioning and bisexual individuals appear to be particularly vulnerable; they may experience elevated ED risk relative to their heterosexual peers yet underdiagnosis relative to their gay or lesbian peers.
A comparison of European eel Anguilla anguilla eDNA concentrations to fyke net catches in five Irish lakes
Authors: Weldon Laura , O’Leary Ciara , Steer Mark , Newton Lyn , Macdonald Heather , Sargeant Stephanie L.
Published: May 2020

The European eel, Anguilla anguilla, is classified as critically endangered by the IUCN. To protect what remains of the European eel population, accurate monitoring methods for this species are important. Environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques are gaining popularity for ecological monitoring of aquatic organisms because they are sensitive and noninvasive. This study directly compared catch data from a standardized fyke‐net fishing survey with a single species A. anguilla eDNA survey in five freshwater lakes in Ireland. The eDNA was recovered by the filtration of water samples and amplified by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). European eel eDNA was reliably determined in 83% (70/84) of surface water samples collected from lakes classified as having high, medium, and low eel populations. In addition, there was a positive association between the eDNA concentrations recovered and the eel population classification with lower eDNA concentrations in lakes classified as low eel population lakes. Similar amounts of A. anguilla eDNA were detected in water samples collected from open water and shore‐side, suggesting shore sampling is an adequate method for eel detection. Together, the results demonstrate that eDNA sampling is more sensitive for detecting eel presence in low eel population environments than standard survey methods and may be a useful noninvasive tool for monitoring A. anguilla species distribution.
Highly Active Bisamino Functionalized Zr(IV)‐UiO‐67 Metal‐Organic Framework for Cascade Catalysis
Authors: Das Aniruddha , Anbu Nagaraj , SK Mostakim , Dhakshinamoorthy Amarajothi , Biswas Shyam
Published: May 2020

This work reports the synthesis and characterization of Zr(IV)‐based UiO‐67‐(NH2)2 (called 1) metal‐organic framework. Activated 1 (named 1') was shown to be an efficient tandem catalyst in the conversion of benzaldehydedimethyl acetal to benzylidenemalononitrile (4) by reacting with malononitrile in high yield under mild reaction conditions. The catalytic performance of 1' is superior to Zr‐UiO‐67‐NH2, Zr‐UiO‐67 and their respective metal salts and linkers. Catalyst 1' showed wide substrates scope with respect to acetal and active methylene compounds.
From Zintl to Wade: Ba3LiGa5 – A Structure Pattern with Pyramidal Cluster Chains –[Ga5]n–
Authors: Kotsch Matthias , Prots Yurii , Ormeci Alim , Bobnar Matej , Wagner Frank R. , Senyshyn Anatoliy , Grin Yuri
Published: May 2020

Investigation of the correlation between the crystal structure, electronegativity difference and valence electron concentration in intermetallic gallides lead to the discovery of the new compound Ba3LiGa5 (space group Immm, a = 6.2720(2) Å, b = 6.5872(2) Å, c = 12.6878(8) Å). A combination of quantum chemical bonding analysis with NMR study revealed the gallium substructure to be formed of chains built of the interconnected pyramidal [Ga5] clusters. Analysis of chemical bonding by means of the electron localizability approach confirmed the presence nido‐[Ga5] Wade clusters. Lithium species are not only required for the purpose of charge compensation, but also – analogous to a transition metal – occupies partially the same crystallographic position as gallium.
Experimental study on heat transfer of tunnel fire under the influence of longitudinal ventilation and water mist system
Authors: Zhang Yuchun , Zhang Kejian , Chen Longfei , Mao Pengfei
Published: May 2020

In this paper, the influence of longitudinal ventilation and water mist on the heat transfer of tunnel fire is carried out in the reduced‐scale model tunnel, and the results show that: Radiation heat flux dominates the heat transfer of the tunnel ceiling in the downstream of fire source, and the proportion of radiation heat flux decreases with the increase of longitudinal ventilation velocity. For the tunnel floor in the downstream of fire source, the proportion of radiation heat flux increases first then maintains in a stable value with the increase of longitudinal ventilation. The water mist will strengthen the combustion of the fire source to a certain extent, but for the tunnel space, the water mist and water vapor have the effect of absorbing and attenuating the radiation heat flux and total heat flux, and the attenuation effect will increase with the higher pressure of the water mist.
Overexpression of SikRbcs2 gene promotes chilling tolerance of tomato by improving photosynthetic enzyme activity, reducing oxidative damage, and stabilizing cell membrane structure
Authors: Zhang Li , Yang Jing , Guo Xinyong , Wang Aiying , Zhu Jianbo
Published: May 2020

Red blood cell is a small subunit encoding 1, 5‐ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/ oxygenase (Rubisco). It could control the catalytic activity of Rubisco and play an important role in plant photosynthesis. SikRbcs2, a small subunit of Rubisco, is cloned from Saussurea involucrate. It has a strong low‐temperature photosynthetic and photorespiration ability, but its mechanism in cold tolerance remains to be unknown. The results of quantitative PCR showed that SikRbcS2 gene could be induced by low‐temperature, osmosis, and salt stress. Its expression was increased with the decrease of temperature, which was consistent with the habitat of Saussurea involucrata. Overexpression of Sikrbcs2 could significantly increase the mRNA expressions of SlrbcL and SlRCA in transgenic tomato seedlings. Furthermore, the activity and content of Rubisco and Rubisco activase (RCA) in transgenic tomato seedlings were also significantly higher than those in wild‐type plants. The contents of chlorophyll and carotenoids, soluble sugar, and starch in the leaves of transgenic plants were significantly higher than those in WT plants, as well as the plant height, leaf area, and dry matter weight. Moreover, compared with WT, MDA content was decreased, and activities of SOD, POD, CAT, and APX were significantly higher in transgenic lines. In conclusion, our results suggested that overexpression of SikRbcs2 can reduce the damage of low temperature on photosynthesis of tomato seedlings. It could help achieve relatively stable photosynthesis, enhance scavenging ROS ability of tomato seedlings, maintain stable membrane structure, and improve cold tolerance of tomato.
Experimental and numerical investigation of CO2–brine–rock interactions in the early Palaeozoic mudstones from the Polish part of the Baltic Basin at simulatedin situ conditions
Authors: Słomski Piotr , Mastalerz Maria , Szczepański Jacek , Derkowski Arkadiusz , Topór Tomasz , Lutyński Marcin
Published: May 2020

This study discusses experiment‐induced alterations of shale rocks collected across the ordovician and silurian boundary at a potential site for carbon dioxide sequestration located in the Polish part of the Baltic Basin. Mudstone samples submerged in brine in custom‐built reactors were subjected to CO2 pressures of 30–35 MPa at a temperature of 80°C for 40 days. After the experiments were completed, the mineralogical composition of the studied rocks, their porosity characteristics, and chemistry of brines were analyzed and compared to the original compositions in order to detect experiment‐induced changes. Comparison of mineral composition before and after the experiments demonstrate a set of subtle but systematic mineral changes. The most conspicuous was a presence of Fe in the form of Fe‐oxyhydroxides that was related to the corrosion of the Fe‐bearing steel pipes supplying the experimental setup with CO2. This effect is important from the perspective of industrial carbon dioxide sequestration. However, the second source of Fe ions in experimental brines was related to the decomposition of chlorites, pyrite, and chloritized biotites. The suggested breakdown of pyrite is in line with the modification of the chemical composition of the experimental brines and observed transfer of S ions to the solution. The appearance of Mg and K ions in the experimental brines was related to the decomposition of chlorites and biotites. In turn, observed transfer of Sr cations to the solution could be attributed to the dissolution of biotites and K‐feldspars. The effects of analogue experiments were confronted with the results of geochemical modeling performed using the PHREEQC program. The numerical modeling not only allowed to reproduce all the main mineral and chemical changes postulated on the basis of our analogue experiment, but also enabled to put constraints on the time scale of occurring geochemical processes. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Age and provenance of Cambrian sequences in the Nanping–Ninghua–Ganzhou Tectonic Belt: Implication for tectonic evolution of the Cathaysia Block
Authors: Jiang Jian , Xing Guangfu , Li Longming , Zhao Xilin , Liu Huan , Zhang Jinguo , Li Jiahao , Wang Lei , Lu Kejia , Wang Bo
Published: May 2020

To investigate the tectonic framework of the basement of the Cathaysia Block, we selected the representative Cambrian strata in different parts of the South Wuyi area along the southern Nanping–Ninghua–Ganzhou Tectonic Belt (NNGTB). Integrated petrographic and geochronologic studies, as well as geochemical analysis, were carried out on the low‐grade metasedimentary rocks of the Niujiaohe Formation in south Jiangxi Province and the Lintian Formation in south‐west Fujian Province. The metasedimentary rocks of the Niujiaohe and Lintian formations are dominated by metasandstones and metasiltstones. They have low chemical index of alteration (52.6–77.4) and high index of compositional variability (0.84–1.42) values, suggesting weak chemical weathering and low clastic maturity. Their relatively low Th/U (4.12–6.81) and Rb/Sr (0.68–5.97) ratios reflect a simple recycling history. Detrital zircon geochronological studies indicate prominent source differences for the clastic rocks along the NNGTB. In the Ruijin area, the Niujiaohe Formation displays a Neoproterozoic peak at ca. 741 Ma, which is consistent with the widespread intermediate‐acid igneous rocks in the NNGTB. By contrast, the Lintian Formation from the Changting and Mingxi areas contains more pre‐Nanhuan detritus, which are predominantly in Grenvillian ages. Furthermore, the peak numbers of detrital zircon ages increase gradually from the Ruijin to Changting and Mingxi areas, indicating that their sources become more diverse. The geochemical features, in combination with detrital zircon age distributions, indicate that the Niujiaohe and Lintian formations are probably deposited in a back‐arc basin. These evidences suggest that the Cathaysia Block was assembled by multiple terranes during the Neoproterozoic to the Early Palaeozoic.
Relationship between MLH1, PMS2, MSH2 and MSH6 gene‐specific alterations and tumor mutational burden in 1057 microsatellite instability‐high solid tumors
Authors: Salem Mohamed E. , Bodor J. Nicholas , Puccini Alberto , Xiu Joanne , Goldberg Richard M. , Grothey Axel , Korn W. Michael , Shields Anthony F. , Worrilow William M , Kim Edward S. , Lenz Heinz‐Josef , Marshall John L. , Hall Michael J.
Published: May 2020

Microsatellite instability‐high (MSI‐H) and tumor mutational burden (TMB) are predictive biomarkers for immune‐checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Still, the relationship between the underlying cause(s) of MSI and TMB in tumors remains poorly defined. We investigated associations of TMB to mismatch repair (MMR) protein expression patterns by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and MMR mutations in a diverse sample of tumors. Hypothesized differences were identified by the protein/gene affected/mutated and the tumor histology/primary site. Overall, 1057 MSI‐H tumors were identified from the 32 932 tested. MSI was examined by NGS using 7000+ target microsatellite loci. TMB was calculated using only nonsynonymous missense mutations sequenced with a 592‐gene panel; a subset of MSI‐H tumors also had MMR IHC performed. Analyses examined TMB by MMR protein heterodimer impacted (loss of MLH1/PMS2 vs. MSH2/MSH6 expression) and gene‐specific mutations. The sample was 54.6% female; mean age was 63.5 years. Among IHC tested tumors, loss of co‐expression of MLH1/PMS2 was more common (n = 544/705, 77.2%) than loss of MSH2/MSH6 (n = 81/705, 11.5%; P < .0001), and was associated with lower mean TMB (MLH1/PMS2: 25.03 mut/Mb vs MSH2/MSH6 46.83 mut/Mb; P < .0001). TMB also varied by tumor histology: colorectal cancers demonstrating MLH1/PMS2 loss had higher TMBs (33.14 mut/Mb) than endometrial cancers (20.60 mut/Mb) and other tumors (25.59 mut/Mb; P < .0001). MMR gene mutations were detected in 42.0% of tumors; among these, MSH6 mutations were most common (25.7%). MSH6 mutation patterns showed variability by tumor histology and TMB. TMB varies by underlying cause(s) of MSI and tumor histology; this heterogeneity may contribute to differences in response to ICI.
The role of SIRT2 in cancer: A novel therapeutic target
Authors: Chen Guangyuan , Huang Peng , Hu Cong
Published: May 2020

Sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) belongs to the sirtuins family. It exists in many tissues and organs of the human body and regulates a wide range of biological functions. Studies have found that the abnormal expression of SIRT2 was associated with a variety of malignant tumors. SIRT2 possesses an important role in tumorigenesis, with both tumor‐promoting and tumor‐suppressing function. However, the mechanisms in which SIRT2 plays the roles in cancer are still controversial. This article reviews the role and molecular mechanism of SIRT2 in tumor evolution, and provides ideas for future research in this field, to guide the targeted therapy and drug development of related malignancies.
Development of a simulation–optimization model with a multi‐objective framework for automatic design of a furrow irrigation system
Authors: Saberi Elham , Khashei Siuki Abbas , Pourreza‐Bilondi Mohsen , Shahidi Ali
Published: May 2020

The major problem of furrow irrigation systems is their low efficiency resulting from weakness in design and irrigation management. Flow rate, furrow length and cut‐off time are the most important furrow irrigation design parameters that affect efficiency and irrigation management. Therefore, in this paper, it is attempted to provide optimal values of these parameters by optimizing them in a simulation–optimization framework. This is a combination of FURDEV (a module of SURDEV) and AMALGAM as a multi‐objective optimization algorithm developed in MATLAB. Here, maximizing the application and the water requirement (storage) efficiencies and minimizing the percolation and tail water ratios simultaneously were considered as the objectives. This framework was used for five open‐ended furrow irrigations with corn yield and loam soil texture. The results showed that the increase of 0 to 40.5% in the flow rate, from 23.2 to 66.9% during the furrow and 18.9% up to 11.9% at the cut‐off time, caused the application efficiency to increase by between 13.8 and 44.9%. Also, the water requirement efficiency increased by 14.2–76.8%, and the tail water ratio decreased significantly. It is shown that this framework plays an effective role in improving irrigation efficiency. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
HCVpred: A web server for predicting the bioactivity of hepatitis C virus NS5B inhibitors
Authors: Malik Aijaz Ahmad , Phanus‐umporn Chuleeporn , Schaduangrat Nalini , Shoombuatong Watshara , Isarankura‐Na‐Ayudhya Chartchalerm , Nantasenamat Chanin
Published: May 2020

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the major causes of liver disease affecting an estimated 170 million people culminating in 300,000 deaths from cirrhosis or liver cancer. NS5B is one of three potential therapeutic targets against HCV (i.e., the other two being NS3/4A and NS5A) that is central to viral replication. In this study, we developed a classification structure–activity relationship (CSAR) model for identifying substructures giving rise to anti‐HCV activities among a set of 578 non‐redundant compounds. NS5B inhibitors were described by a set of 12 fingerprint descriptors and predictive models were constructed from 100 independent data splits using the random forest algorithm. The modelability (MODI index) of the data set was determined to be robust with a value of 0.88 exceeding established threshold of 0.65. The predictive performance was deduced by the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and Matthews correlation coefficient, which was found to be statistically robust (i.e., the former three parameters afforded values in excess of 0.8 while the latter statistical parameter provided a value >0.7). An in‐depth analysis of the top 20 important descriptors revealed that aromatic ring and alkyl side chains are important for NS5B inhibition. Finally, the predictive model is deployed as a publicly accessible HCVpred web server (available at http://codes.bio/hcvpred/) that would allow users to predict the biological activity as being active or inactive against HCV NS5B. Thus, the knowledge and web server presented herein can be used in the design of more potent and specific drugs against the HCV NS5B.
Ischemic colitis in an infant with constipation treated with stimulant laxative
Authors: Sakaguchi Hirotaka , Shirakawa Toshihiko , Mizuochi Tatsuki
Published: May 2020

Ischemic colitis (IC), the most common form of intestinal ischemia, ranges from superficial mucosal and submucosal injury to full‐thickness mural necrosis. As risk factors include cerebrovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, prior abdominal surgery, irritable bowel syndrome, and constipation, IC typically occurs in elderly persons with multiple comorbidities rather than young children. A 1‐year‐old Japanese girl receiving a stimulant laxative for constipation since age 7 months was hospitalized for fever, vomiting, and hypovolemic shock. Her abdomen was swollen, and abdominal computed tomography showed colonic distension with abundant stool. Colonic decompression and intensive care brought about rapid improvement until persistent bloody diarrhea that commenced on day 17 of illness required transfer to another hospital, where colonoscopy on day 42 showed mucosal sloughing forming pseudomembranes, as well as focal stenosis. Contrast enema on day 45 confirmed stenosis with a “thumbprint” contour at the splenic flexure. Diagnosed with IC, she received parenteral nutrition and an elemental diet. Bloody diarrhea resolved by day 75. Colonoscopy and contrast enema on day 110 showed normal mucosa and resolution of stenosis. We believe that IC arose from constipation and stimulant laxative treatment and consider this to be the first report of infantile IC complicating constipation.
Serum lncRNA LOXL1‐AS1 is a diagnostic and prognostic marker for epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Liu Chun‐Na , Zhang Hai‐Yan
Published: May 2020

Background

The present study aimed to examine the levels of circulating LOXL1‐AS1 in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients and to analyze its diagnostic and prognostic value.

Methods

The levels of LOXL1‐AS1 in 185 EOC patients and 43 healthy volunteers were evaluated by a quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction. The potential of LOXL1‐AS1 as a biomarker for EOC diagnosis was determined by receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curve assays. The associations between clinicopathological parameters and LOXL1‐AS1 expression were analyzed using a chi‐squared test. The influence of LOXL1‐AS1 on overall survival was analyzed by the use of Kaplan–Meier. A Cox proportional hazards assays were conducted for the determination of the prognostic value of LOXL1‐AS1.

Results

The expression of LOXL1‐AS1 was dramatically higher in EOC patients compared to healthy controls (p < 0.01). LOXL1‐AS1 yielded an area under the ROC curve of 0.843 with 65.3% sensitivity and 68.2% specificity in discriminating high‐grade EOC from healthy controls. It was also shown that LOXL1‐AS1 expression was associated with advanced FIGO stage (p = 0.004) and positively distant metastasis (p = 0.013). Kaplan–Meier assays revealed that patients with high LOXL1‐AS1 expression had a shorter overall survival than those with low expression (p = 0.0006). By performing multivariate assays, LOXL1‐AS1 was confirmed to be an independent prognostic factor for predicting the prognosis of EOC patients.

Conclusions

We provide evidence indicating that LOXL1‐AS1 expression is correlated with a poor clinical outcome in EOC patients and may act as an independent prognostic indicator, as well as a new diagnostic biomarker.
Evaluation of DNA methylation status of toll‐like receptors 2 and 4 promoters in Behcet's disease
Authors: Kolahi Sousan , Rashtchizadeh Nadereh , Mahdavi Aida Malek , Farhadi Jafar , Khabbazi Alireza , Sakhinia Ebrahim , Bahavarnia Neda , Farajzadeh Polsangi Mohammad Jahed , Babaloo Zohreh , Estiar Mehrdad A.
Published: May 2020

Background

Altered innate immune function plays an important role in the initiation of inflammatory response in Behcet's disease (BD). Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) are the master regulators of the innate immune system. Because the role of TLRs remains unknown in the pathogenesis of BD, the present study aimed to evaluate the expression levels and methylation status of the TLR2 and TLR4 promoters in patients with BD.

Methods

In the present study, Iranian Azeri BD patients (n = 47) with an active (n = 22) and inactive (n = 25) period, and healthy controls (n = 61), were matched according to age, sex and ethnicity. TLR2 and TLR4 genes promoter CpG islands were predicted with the Eukaryotic Promoter Database (https://epd.vital‐it.ch). Methylated DNA immunoprecipitation (MeDIP) was conducted.

Results

The results showed that mRNA of TLR4 was significantly increased in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of BD patients with an active phase compared to the control group. Differences in mRNA of TLR4 between the inactive BD and control groups were not significant. Differences in TLR2 mRNA levels in the PBMCs of the active and inactive phase BD and control groups were not significant. The methylation rate of TLR4 gene promoter was significantly lower in the active and inactive BD groups compared to the control group. The difference between the active and inactive BD groups was not significant. There was no significant difference in the methylation rates of the TLR2 gene between studied groups.

Conclusions

Our preliminary findings suggest that the hypomethylation of TLR4 gene may be involved in the pathogenesis of BD via increasing TLR4 expression.
LINC00294 negatively modulates cell proliferation in glioma through a neurofilament medium‐mediated pathway via interacting with miR‐1278
Authors: Zhou Xiaokun , Lv Liang , Zhang Zhongyi , Wei Shuyang , Zheng Tong
Published: May 2020

Background

Accumulating long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been recognized to participate in glioma development. Nevertheless, knowledge of the role of linc00294 in glioma remains incomplete.

Methods

Bioinformatics analysis predicted the differential expression of LINC00294 and neurofilament medium (NEFM) in tumors and normal tissues, as well as the binding between LINC00294 and miR‐1278, miR‐1278 and NEFM. Luciferase and RNA immunoprecipitation assays were used for the verification of interactions. The potential role of LINC00294 in glioma development was investigated using functional assays, singly and in parallel with its interplay with miR‐1278 and NEFM. Cell counting kit‐8 and EdU assays were applied to measure cellular proliferation, whereas the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) method was employed to detect apoptosis.

Results

A new lncRNA, LINC00294, was highly expressed in normal brain tissues. However, it was markedly down‐regulated in GBM tissues and glioma cell lines. Overexpression of LINC00294 abates glioma cell proliferation but induces apoptosis. Meanwhile, tumor suppressor NEFM was revealed to be distinctly diminished in cancerous conditions and enhanced in glioma cells by LINC00294 up‐regulation. Interactions of miR‐1278 with LINC00294 or NEFM occur, and the expression of NEFM is up‐regulated by LINC00294 through their competition with respect to binding to miR‐1278. Finally, the rescue assays further confirmed that LINC00294 inhibits glioma cell proliferation by absorbing miR‐1278 to enhance NEFM.

Conclusions

Collectively, our observations demonstrate the tumor‐suppressive function of LINC00294 in glioma development by sponging miR‐1278 and promoting NEFM, suggesting a potential use in therapy for glioma.
Effect of extracellular vesicles from S. aureus-challenged human neutrophils on macrophages
Authors: Allen Edwina R , Lempke Samantha L , Miller Michaela M , Bush Delaney M , Braswell Brandyn G , Estes Casey L , Benedict Everett L , Mahon Andrew R , Sabo Shasta L , Greenlee-Wacker Mallary C
Published: May 2020

Staphylococcus aureus enhances neutrophil extracellular vesicle (EV) production. To investigate whether S. aureus viability influences EV biogenesis, EVs were isolated from human neutrophils incubated with viable bacteria (bEVs) or heat-killed bacteria (heat-killed EVs). Protein analysis, nanoparticle tracking and transmission electron microscopy showed comparable EV production between subsets, and both viable and nonviable bacteria were also detected in respective EV subsets. As anticipated, S. aureus, as well as bEVs with viable bacteria, were proinflammatory, and killing bacteria with gentamicin reduced cytokine production to baseline levels. Although heat-killed bacteria induced macrophage IL-6 production, heat-killed EVs did not. Additionally, we found that human and bacterial DNA associated with bEVs, but not heat-killed EVs, and that the DNA association could be partially decreased by disrupting electrostatic interactions. We investigated the potential for DNA isolated from EVs (EV-DNA) or EVs to cause inflammation. Although liposomal encapsulation of EV-DNA increased IL-6 production from baseline by 7.5-fold, treatment of bEVs with DNase I had no effect on IL-6 and IL-1β production, suggesting that the DNA did not contribute to the inflammatory response. Filtered EVs, which lacked DNA and associated bacteria, exhibited less proinflammatory activity relative to bEVs, and enhanced macrophage expression of CD86 and HLA-DR. Ultimately, we show that bEVs isolated by differential centrifugation co-purify with bacteria and DNA, and studying their concerted activity and relative contribution to immune response is important to the study of host-pathogen interactions.
Extracellular vesicle-mediated crosstalk between melanoma and the immune system: Impact on tumor progression and therapy response
Authors: Pretti Marco Antônio Marques , Bernardes Sara Santos , da Cruz Jéssica Gonçalves Vieira , Boroni Mariana , Possik Patrícia A
Published: May 2020

Melanoma is a very lethal tumor type that easily spreads and colonizes regional and distant tissues. Crucial phenotypic changes that favor melanoma metastasis are interposed by the tumor microenvironment (TME), representing a complex network in which malignant cells communicate not only with each other but also with stromal and immune cells. This cell-cell communication can be mediated by extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are lipid bilayer-delimited particles capable of carrying a wide variety of bioactive compounds. Both melanoma-derived or TME-derived EVs deliver important pro- and antitumor signals implicated in various stages of tumor progression, such as proliferation, metastasis, and treatment response. In this review, we highlight the recent advances in EV-mediated crosstalk between melanoma and immune cells and other important cells of the TME, and address different aspects of this bidirectional interaction as well as how this may hinder or trigger the development and progression of melanoma. We also discuss the potential of using EVs as biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for melanoma.
Presenting characteristics, comorbidities, and outcomes of patients coinfected with COVID‐19 and Mycoplasma pneumoniae in the USA
Authors: Gayam Vijay , Konala Venu M. , Naramala Srikanth , Garlapati Pavani Reddy , Merghani Mohamed A. , Regmi Nirajan , Balla Mamtha , Adapa Sreedhar
Published: May 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is spreading at a rapid pace, and the World Health Organization declared it as pandemic on 11 March 2020. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is an "atypical" bacterial pathogen commonly known to cause respiratory illness in humans. The coinfection from SARS‐CoV‐2 and mycoplasma pneumonia is rarely reported in the literature to the best of our knowledge. We present a study in which 6 of 350 patients confirmed with COVID‐19 were also diagnosed with M. pneumoniae infection. In this study, we described the clinical characteristics of patients with coinfection. Common symptoms at the onset of illness included fever (six [100%] patients); five (83.3%) patients had a cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue. The other symptoms were myalgia (66.6%), gastrointestinal symptoms (33.3%‐50%), and altered mental status (16.7%). The laboratory parameters include lymphopenia, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C‐reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, interleukin‐6, serum ferritin, and D‐dimer in all six (100%) patients. The chest X‐ray at presentation showed bilateral infiltrates in all the patients (100%). We also described electrocardiogram findings, complications, and treatment during hospitalization in detail. One patient died during the hospital course.
Facile preparation of magnetic graphene oxide/nanoscale zerovalent iron adsorbent for magnetic solid‐phase extraction of ultra‐trace quinolones in milk samples
Authors: Wei Dan , Guo Ming
Published: May 2020

A simple pH‐responsive magnetic solid‐phase extraction method was developed using graphene oxide–coated nanoscale zerovalent iron nanoparticles as an efficient adsorbent prior to high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry for determination of ultra‐trace quinolones in milk samples. Various parameters affecting maghemite synthesis and separation such as pH of sample solution, amount of magnetic adsorbent, eluent type, and volume were optimized. The limits of detection are from 3.1 to 13.3 ng/L. The intra‐ and interprecision values are in the range of 2.9–6.9% and 7.6–15.1%, respectively. Recoveries are from 82.4 to 103.9%. Therefore, this simple and sensitive method is suitable for detecting ultra‐trace quinolone residues in milk.
Desertification risk assessment in Northeast Brazil: Current trends and future scenarios
Authors: Vieira Rita Marcia D. S. P. , Tomasella Javier , Barbosa Alexandre A. , Martins Minella A. , Rodriguez Daniel A. , Rezende Fernanda S. D. , Carriello Felix , Santana Marcos D. O.
Published: May 2020

Desertification is one of the major environmental problems that humanity faces today, since it reduces the availability of ecosystem services, increases food insecurity and poverty, and affects the wellbeing of societies. The analysis of the process is extremely complex, since the phenomenon takes place at different temporal and spatial scales, influenced by different factors. It is widely recognized that land use/land cover change (LULC) is one of the main drivers of desertification since environmental degradation is always triggers by the removal of natural vegetation cover. In this study, a LULC change model was calibrated and validated using climate model simulations, demographic data and land susceptibility maps for the historical period 2000–2010. Then, desertification susceptibility of the Northeast of Brazil were estimated by integrating LULC trajectories with three different downscaled climate change scenarios and projection of population growth for the period 2015–2025, 2025–2035, and 2035–2045 for the emission scenarios RCP4.5 and RCP8.5. Results indicated that, between 2010 and 2035–2045, areas of moderate susceptibility decreased 10.34%, while areas of high susceptibility increased 12.28% in the case of the RCP4.5. For the RCP8.5 scenario, those numbers are −16.85% for moderate susceptibility, and +19.62% for high susceptibility. Among all indicators included in the analysis, land management was the main driver of desertification susceptibility, which indicates that mitigation and adaptation strategies for the region should pursue sustainable land use policies.
Zein‐Based Electrospun Fibers Containing Bioactive Glass with Antibacterial Capabilities
Authors: Mariotti Camilla E. , Ramos‐Rivera Laura , Conti Bice , Boccaccini Aldo R.
Published: May 2020

Zein, a natural protein from corn, has important applications in food and pharmaceutical industries due the fact that it is biodegradable and biocompatible. However, due its relatively low mechanical properties and water solubility, many inorganic compounds (e.g., bioactive glasses [BGs]) have been used in combination with zein to obtain composite materials with improved mechanical properties. Such inorganic additions provide further biological functionality to zein. In this work, fiber mats of zein with incorporation of BG and copper doped BG particles are successfully obtained by electrospinning. At first the electrospinnability of the blends is assessed, then the morphological and chemical characterization of the mats is done. Degradation study in cell culture medium (Dubelcco’s modified Eagle’s medium) reveals a sufficient strength of the fibers, which in turn is necessary for in vitro cellular studies. Cell culture studies using MG‐63 and C2C12 cells show promising results, demonstrating increased cell proliferation and growth for fiber mats containing both types of BGs. Also, evaluation with Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria confirms the antibacterial activity of the scaffolds containing copper. The presence of Cu thus imparts antibacterial properties without influencing cell behavior. The developed electrospun fibers represent a novel scaffold system for tissue engineering applications.
Gaussian density estimates for solutions of fully coupled forward‐backward SDEs
Authors: Olivera Christian , Shamarova Evelina
Published: May 2020

We obtain upper and lower Gaussian density estimates for the laws of each component of the solution to a one‐dimensional fully coupled forward‐backward SDE. Our approach relies on the link between FBSDEs and quasilinear parabolic PDEs, and is fully based on the use of classical results on PDEs rather than on manipulation of FBSDEs, compared to other papers on this topic. This essentially simplifies the analysis.
Average distribution of k‐free numbers in arithmetic progressions
Authors: Liu Kui , Shparlinski Igor E. , Zhang Tianping
Published: May 2020

We obtain a new bound on the average value of the error term in the asymptotic formula for the number of k‐free numbers in arithmetic progressions. In particular, we improve the results of J. Gibson (2014) and C. Hooley (1975).
Efficient and Tunable White‐Light Emission Using a Dispersible Porous Polymer
Authors: James Alex M. , Dawson Robert
Published: May 2020

A dispersible porous polymer (PEG113‐b‐DVB800‐co‐AA200) based on the controlled radical polymerization of divinylbenzene and acrylic acid with a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) macrochain transfer agent (macro‐CTA) is synthesized and postsynthetically modified with anthracene. This blue‐emitting porous polymer is used to encapsulate the yellow‐emitting fluorophore rhodamine B into its core, resulting in a white‐light emitting dispersion with a quantum yield of 38% and commission internationale de l’éclairage coordinates of (X = 0.33, Y = 0.32).
Should We Consider Deep Brain Stimulation Discontinuation in Late‐Stage Parkinson's Disease?
Authors: Fabbri Margherita , Zibetti Maurizio , Rizzone Mario Giorgio , Giannini Giulia , Borellini Linda , Stefani Alessandro , Bove Francesco , Bruno Andrea , Calandra‐Buonaura Giovanna , Modugno Nicola , Piano Carla , Peppe Antonella , Ardolino Gianluca , Romagnolo Alberto , Artusi Carlo Alberto , Berchialla Paola , Montanaro Elisa , Cortelli Pietro , Luigi Romito , Eleopra Roberto , Minafra Brigida , Pacchetti Claudio , Tufo Tommaso , Cogiamanian Filippo , Lopiano Leonardo
Published: May 2020

Background

Subthalamic deep brain stimulation (STN‐DBS) effects may decrease with Parkinson's disease (PD) progression. There is no indication if, when, and how to consider the interruption of DBS treatment in late‐stage PD. The objective of the current study was to investigate the percentage of “poor stimulation responders” among late‐stage PD patients for elaborating an algorithm to decide whether and when DBS discontinuation may be considered.

Methods

Late‐stage PD patients (Hoehn Yahr stage ≥4 and Schwab and England Scale <50 in medication on/stimulation on condition) treated with STN‐DBS for at least 5 years underwent a crossover, double‐blind, randomized evaluation of acute effects of stimulation. Physicians, caregivers, and patients were blinded to stimulation conditions. Poor stimulation responders (MDS‐UPDRS part III change <10% between stimulation on/medication off and stimulation off/medication off) maintained the stimulation off/medication on condition for 1 month for open‐label assessment.

Results

Thirty‐six patients were included. The acute effect of stimulation was significant (17% MDS‐UPDRS part III), with 80% of patients classified as “good responders.” Seven patients were classified as “poor stimulation responders,” and the stimulation was switched off, but in 4 cases the stimulation was switched back “on” because of worsening of parkinsonism and dysphagia with a variable time delay (up to 10 days). No serious adverse effects occurred.

Conclusions

The vast majority of late‐stage PD patients (92%) show a meaningful response to STN‐DBS. Effects of stimulation may take days to disappear after its discontinuation. We present a safe and effective decisional algorithm that could guide physicians and caregivers in making challenging therapeutic decisions in late‐stage PD. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
A new paranormed sequence space defined by Catalan conservative matrix
Authors: Zengin Alp Pınar
Published: May 2020

In this study, by using the Catalan conservative matrix, we define a new paranormed sequence space
and show that the space
is linearly isomorphic to ℓ(p). Also, we determine dual spaces and the Schauder basis of the resulting space.
Diel Influences on Silver Carp Catch Rates Using an Electrified Paupier in Lentic Habitats
Authors: Ridgway Josey L. , Goeckler Jason M. , Morris Jessica , Hammen Jeremy J.
Published: May 2020

The CPUE (fish/6,000 m3) of Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix obtained by using an electrified butterfly trawl (paupier) was evaluated among various temporal (time of day and season) and spatial (location, habitat [shoreline and open water], and water depth) factors that are likely to be influential in large lentic habitats. The paupier sampled the upper water column (1.5 m) in three locations (Kentucky Lake, Kentucky [two embayments]; Lake Barkley, Kentucky [forebay]; and upper Illinois River, Illinois [two backwaters]). Sampling commenced 2 h prior to sunset and continued into the night, not exceeding 5 h beyond sunset. Model selection showed that all temporal and spatial factors were important. Post hoc analysis revealed that Silver Carp CPUE was higher at night (beyond 1 h after sunset), in shoreline habitat, and in water generally no deeper than 5 m. Seasonal variation in CPUE occurred, but in general the CPUE was high in the fall for all locations. Considering these results for management application, we estimated the sampling effort required to reach precise CPUE and adequately assess size structure (125 stock-length fish) in shoreline habitat at night. These sampling objectives were attainable in the spring and fall seasons for all locations (4–31 deployments) but were more variable in summer. We recommend consideration of the paupier as a standard method to sample Silver Carp in large lentic habitats by using the guidelines provided herein (i.e., sampling of the shoreline beyond 1 h after sunset during the fall season). An important next step to strengthen this method is to validate CPUE as an index of density.
Assessing Accuracy and Bias of Protocols to Estimate Age of Pacific Salmon Using Scales
Authors: Harris Julianne E.
Published: May 2020

Accurate estimates of age composition are essential for fisheries management, but evaluation of protocols to estimate age data are rarely conducted. Herein, known-age Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus spp. from six hatchery stocks were used to examine accuracy of multiple scale-aging protocols and to assess how errors in age assignment may affect age composition estimated from scale data. Accuracy reached 1.0 for one stock of Coho Salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch, over 0.9 for three stocks of spring Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, and was no higher than 0.8 for two stocks of fall Chinook Salmon. For all hatchery stocks, accuracy increased and bias decreased when readers had auxiliary information about a fish's fork length and sex. Results suggest that a protocol that collects scales from above the lateral line, provides auxiliary information on fork length and sex, allows readers to exclude individuals for which age appears unclear, and uses an arbitrator to assign age when two initial readers disagree may produce the most accurate and unbiased age data from scales. This study highlights the importance of assessing patterns in age errors both qualitatively and quantitatively. A general pattern of overestimating age for younger age-classes and underestimating age for older age-classes was evident. This pattern in age errors could affect age composition estimates for adult Pacific salmon and other species with few (e.g., two to six) age-classes. In addition, individual variation in demographic rates may affect individual patterns identified on scales; thus, for stocks with more extensive individual demographic variability, like fall Chinook Salmon stocks, accuracy may be lower and bias higher, resulting in less accurate estimates of age composition.