bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CO‐Assisted Direct Methane Conversion into C1and C2Oxygenates over ZSM‐5 Supported Transition and Platinum Group Metal Catalysts Using Oxygen as an Oxidant
Authors: Moteki Takahiko , Tominaga Naoto , Ogura Masaru
Published: April 2020

Conversion of methane towards chemical feedstocks such as oxygenates and hydrocarbons has been studied along with the development of natural gas technology. In this study, CO‐assisted direct conversion of methane into C1and C2oxygenates was demonstrated over ZSM‐5 supported transition and platinum group metal catalysts. Besides previously investigated Rh, other platinum group metals (e. g., Ru and Ir) were found to be a potential element as the catalyst. Presence of CO was critical for the reaction, which would work as a ligand, a reductant, and a reactant. On the other hand, the competing undesired CO oxidation toward CO2was found to be the major issue. Partial oxidation toward methanol or formic acid (C1oxygenates formation) was parallel to oxidative carbonylation to acetic acid (C2oxygenate formation).
Photocatalytic Synthesis of Polycyclic Indolones
Authors: Saget Tanguy , König Burkhard
Published: April 2020

In this work, a photocatalytic strategy for a rapid and modular access to polycyclic indolones starting from readily available indoles is reported. This strategy relies on the use of redox‐active esters in combination with an iridium‐based photocatalyst under visible‐light irradiation. The generation of alkyl radicals through decarboxylative single electron reductions enables intramolecular homolytic aromatic substitutions with a pending indole moiety to afford pyrrolo‐ and pyridoindolone derivatives under mild conditions. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that these radicals could also be engaged into cascades consisting of an intermolecular Giese‐type addition followed by an intramolecular homolytic aromatic substitution to rapidly assemble valuable azepinoindolones.
Effects of short‐term mindfulness‐based training on executive function: Divergent but promising
Authors: Zhou Honggui , Liu Hong , Deng Yunlong
Published: April 2020

Mindfulness‐based training (MBT) has repeatedly been proven effective in improving mental health, as well as in eliciting advantages in executive functions (EFs), as demonstrated by objective measures. However, few studies have discussed the role MBT plays in increasing EFs over short periods of time. This current review, to our knowledge, is the first study to investigate the effect of short‐term MBT on EFs. In this case, 14 studies were eventually included after literature screening using PubMed, MEDLINE, Elsevier, Embase, EBSCO and references from retrieved articles. We found that the relationship between short‐term MBT and three main components of EFs were found controversial. Some reported that individuals' inhibition, working memory and attention shifting were significantly improved by short‐term MBT, whereas others reported no such strong connections between MBT and EFs. These controversial findings result from the use of varied assessment instruments, cognitive tasks and experimental materials. Nonetheless, the findings from this review suggest short‐term MBT could be of great value in improving mental health, which might especially enable the enhancement of individuals' inhibition and updating subfunctions of EFs. These practical evidences could have a strong impact on clinical psychology. However, the lack of consistency across the studies in this review indicated that more standardized and profound studies exploring the effects of short‐term MBT on EFs are needed in the future.
Making connections: Social identification with new treatment groups for lifestyle management of severe obesity
Authors: Khan Sammyh S. , Tarrant Mark , Kos Katarina , Daly Mark , Gimbuta Chloe , Farrow Claire V.
Published: April 2020

Groups are regularly used to deliver healthcare services, including the management of obesity, and there is growing evidence that patients' experiences of such groups fundamentally shape treatment effects. This study investigated factors related to patients' shared social identity formed within the context of a treatment group for the management of severe obesity. A cross‐sectional survey was administered to patients registered with a UK medical obesity service and enrolled on a group‐based education and support programme. Patients (N = 78; MBMI = 48 on entry to the service) completed measures of group demographics (e.g., group membership continuity) and psychosocial variables (e.g., past experiences of weight discrimination) and reported their social identification with the treatment group. The results showed that patients identified with the treatment group to the extent that there was continuity in membership across the programme and they perceived themselves more centrally in terms of their weight status. Weight centrality was negatively associated with external social support and positively associated with experiences of weight discrimination. Group continuity was positively correlated with session attendance frequency. Patients presenting to clinical treatment services with severe obesity often do so after sustained weight loss failure and exposure to negative societal experiences. This study highlights that providing a treatment environment wherein these experiences can be shared with other patients may provide common ground for development of a new, positive social identity that can structure programme engagement and progression.
Insulin resistance is associated with preclinical carotid atherosclerosis in patients with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Pané Adriana , Conget Ignacio , Boswell Laura , Ruiz Sabina , Viñals Clara , Perea Verónica , Giménez Marga , Cofán Montserrat , Blanco Jesús , Vinagre Irene , Esmatjes Enric , Ortega Emilio , Amor Antonio J.
Published: April 2020

Aim

Although insulin resistance (IR) is a growing trait among type 1 diabetes (T1D) population, its relationship with atherosclerosis has been scarcely studied. We assessed the association between IR indexes and carotid atherosclerosis in T1D, a population at high cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.

Materials and Methods

We evaluated 191 participants with T1D and no prior CVD with at least one of the following criteria: ≥40 years old; diabetic nephropathy; or T1D duration ≥10 years harbouring ≥1 additional CVD risk factor. IR was assessed with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) harmonized definition proposed in 2009 and the estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR), a T1D‐specific IR surrogate marker (lower values indicating higher IR). Standardized carotid ultrasonography was performed, recording intima‐media thickness (IMT), plaque presence and maximum height of plaque. Comparisons between patients according to their MetS status as well as concerning eGDR values were performed.

Results

The participants' median age was 47.4 (41.1‐53.3) years and diabetes duration 25.7 (21.6‐32.5) years. Plaque prevalence was higher in patients with greater IR (49.1%, 29.1% and 20%, P = .001, for any plaque according to decreasing eGDR tertiles). Conversely, no statistically significant higher plaque prevalence was found in participants with MetS. In multivariate analyses (adjusted for general‐ and T1D‐specific risk factors, and statin treatment), MetS was associated with neither IMT nor plaque. On the contrary, eGDR was independently related to ≥2 plaques (P = .018) and maximum plaque height (P < .01).

Conclusions

In T1D, IR assessed through eGDR but not by MetS definition was independently associated with plaque burden, a predictor of CVD.
A high‐throughput and broad‐spectrum screening method for analysing over 120 drugs in horse urine using liquid chromatography–high‐resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Wong Jenny K.Y. , Chan George H.M. , Choi Timmy L.S. , Kwok Karen Y. , Lau Ming Y. , Leung Gary N.W. , Wan Terence S.M. , Ho Emmie N.M.
Published: April 2020

A high‐throughput method has been developed for the doping control analysis of 124 drug targets, processing up to 154 horse urine samples in as short as 4.5 h, from the time the samples arrive at the laboratory to the reporting deadline of 30 min before the first race, including sample receipt and registration, preparation and instrument analysis and data vetting time. Sample preparation involves a brief enzyme hydrolysis step (30 min) to detect both free and glucuronide‐conjugated drug targets. This is followed by extraction using solid‐supported liquid extraction (SLE) and analysis using liquid chromatography–high‐resolution mass spectrometry (LC–HRMS). The entire set‐up comprised of four sets of Biotage Extrahera automation systems for conducting SLE and five to six sets of Orbitrap for instrumental screening using LC–HRMS. Suspicious samples flagged were subject to confirmatory analyses using liquid chromatography–triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. The method comprises 124 drug targets from a spectrum of 41 drug classes covering acidic, basic and neutral drugs. More than 85% of the targets had limits of detection at or below 5 ng/mL in horse urine, with the lowest at 0.02 ng/mL. The method was validated for qualitative identification, including specificity, sensitivity, extraction recovery and precision. Method applicability was demonstrated by the successful detection of different drugs, namely (a) butorphanol, (b) dexamethasone, (c) diclofenac, (d) flunixin and (e) phenylbutazone, in post‐race or out‐of‐competition urine samples collected from racehorses. This method was developed for pre‐race urine testing in Hong Kong; however, it is also suitable for testing post‐race or out‐of‐competition urine samples, especially when a quick total analysis time is desired.
Divergent density feedback control of migratory predator recovery following sex‐biased perturbations
Authors: Goto Daisuke , Hamel Martin J. , Pegg Mark A. , Hammen Jeremy J. , Rugg Matthew L. , Forbes Valery E.
Published: April 2020

Uncertainty in risks posed by emerging stressors such as synthetic hormones impedes conservation efforts for threatened vertebrate populations. Synthetic hormones often induce sex‐biased perturbations in exposed animals by disrupting gonad development and early life‐history stage transitions, potentially diminishing per capita reproductive output of depleted populations and, in turn, being manifest as Allee effects. We use a spatially explicit biophysical model to evaluate how sex‐biased perturbation in life‐history traits of individuals (maternal investment in egg production and male‐skewed sex allocation in offspring) modulates density feedback control of year‐class strength and recovery trajectories of a long‐lived, migratory fish—shovelnose sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus platorynchus)—under spatially and temporally dynamic synthetic androgen exposure and habitat conditions. Simulations show that reduced efficiency of maternal investment in gonad development prolonged maturation time, increased the probability of skipped spawning, and, in turn, shrunk spawner abundance, weakening year‐class strength. However, positive density feedback disappeared (no Allee effect) once the exposure ceased. By contrast, responses to the demographic perturbation manifested as strong positive density feedback; an abrupt shift in year‐class strength and spawner abundance followed after more than two decades owing to persistent negative population growth (a strong Allee effect), reaching an alternative state without any sign of recovery. When combined with the energetic perturbation, positive density feedback of the demographic perturbation was dampened as extended maturation time reduced the frequency of producing male‐biased offspring, allowing the population to maintain positive growth rate (a weak Allee effect) and gradually recover. The emergent patterns in long‐term population projections illustrate that sex‐biased perturbation in life‐history traits can interactively regulate the strength of density feedback in depleted populations such as Scaphirhynchus sturgeon to further diminish reproductive capacity and abundance, posing increasingly greater conservation challenges in chemically altered riverscapes.
Intraspecific variation in thermal acclimation and tolerance between populations of the winter ant, Prenolepis imparis
Authors: Tonione Maria Adelena , Cho So Mi , Richmond Gary , Irian Christian , Tsutsui Neil Durie
Published: April 2020

Thermal phenotypic plasticity, otherwise known as acclimation, plays an essential role in how organisms respond to short‐term temperature changes. Plasticity buffers the impact of harmful temperature changes; therefore, understanding variation in plasticity in natural populations is crucial for understanding how species will respond to the changing climate. However, very few studies have examined patterns of phenotypic plasticity among populations, especially among ant populations. Considering that this intraspecies variation can provide insight into adaptive variation in populations, the goal of this study was to quantify the short‐term acclimation ability and thermal tolerance of several populations of the winter ant, Prenolepis imparis. We tested for correlations between thermal plasticity and thermal tolerance, elevation, and body size. We characterized the thermal environment both above and below ground for several populations distributed across different elevations within California, USA. In addition, we measured the short‐term acclimation ability and thermal tolerance of those populations. To measure thermal tolerance, we used chill‐coma recovery time (CCRT) and knockdown time as indicators of cold and heat tolerance, respectively. Short‐term phenotypic plasticity was assessed by calculating acclimation capacity using CCRT and knockdown time after exposure to both high and low temperatures. We found that several populations displayed different chill‐coma recovery times and a few displayed different heat knockdown times, and that the acclimation capacities of cold and heat tolerance differed among most populations. The high‐elevation populations displayed increased tolerance to the cold (faster CCRT) and greater plasticity. For high‐temperature tolerance, we found heat tolerance was not associated with altitude; instead, greater tolerance to the heat was correlated with increased plasticity at higher temperatures. These current findings provide insight into thermal adaptation and factors that contribute to phenotypic diversity by revealing physiological variance among populations.
Assessment of optimal allocation of renewable distributed generator sources in distribution network
Authors: Nasef Asmaa F. , Osheba Dina S. , Khattab Heba A. , Osheba Shaban
Published: April 2020

The integration of distributed generators (DGs) into distribution networks in optimal allocation is one of the main issues facing power system engineers to ensure improved stability and economic operation. This article presents a detailed analysis of the impacts of the optimal allocation and the number of DGs on both system steady‐state and transient performances of distribution networks. An oscillatory particle swarm optimization (OPSO) algorithm was used to find the optimal allocations of DGs via minimizing various objective functions that deal with Total Transmission Losses, Voltage Regulation, and Power Performance Index. The OPSO is used to optimize these functions as a single and as a multiobjective optimization problem. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated with the IEEE‐14 bus as an example of distribution networks with a 50% increase in system loading. Two penetration scenarios have been considered, the optimal sizes and locations of DGs are obtained, and the results are presented. In addition, the impact of the penetration level of Photovoltaic and Wind Energy sources on transient performance is obtained using detailed nonlinear models of both synchronous machines and DGs sources. The system response is then obtained when the system is subjected to a three‐phase short circuit fault for six cycles and the results are presented in a comparative form for different penetration levels. The techniques and results presented in the article form a useful base for power system engineers in planning and operating distribution systems with high penetration levels of RDG sources.
Quantitative prediction of the 3D permeability tensor for a fractured reservoir in the Dingbian oilfield, Ordos basin, Central China
Authors: Liu Jingshou , Dong Li , Ding Wenlong , Wu Xiaofei , Gu Yang
Published: April 2020

Understanding existing fractures is critical to achieving high and stable yields in low‐permeability reservoirs, tight sandstones, and shale reservoirs. When multiple fracture sets are present in a reservoir, accurately determining the seepage direction of fluids is critical for the deployment of the well network, fracture reformation, and the design of horizontal wells. In this paper, based on conventional logging data calculations and rock triaxial mechanical experiments, a heterogeneous finite element model was established using the finite element software. The densities and the occurrence of the natural fractures were calculated by numerical simulation of the paleostress field; the fracture apertures were calculated numerically by a current in situ stress simulation. Using a combined static coordinate system and dynamic coordinate system approach, a model suitable for determining the 3D permeability tensor of multiple fractures is established, and the formula of the permeability tensor is given. In addition, by adjusting the rotation angle and flip angle in the dynamic coordinate system, the permeability of elements is predicted for different directions. The results show that fractures mainly trend in the NE (45°) and ESE (120°) directions. Additionally, the results of differential strain, microseismic monitoring, stress relief, and regional borehole collapse observations indicate that the dominant direction of the in situ stress field is ENE (70°). The principal values of maximum permeability in the reservoirs in the Chang 71 layer mainly range from 0.05 to 2 × 10−3 μm2, and in the horizontal plane, the direction of maximum principal permeability ranges from 56 to 124°.
Enhancement of the apoptotic effects of Arctii Fructus extracts on cancer cells by the enzymatic bioconversion of lignans
Authors: Kim Jung‐Eun , Lee Nam Hyouck , Kim Young Ho , Kim Young Eon , Lim Tae‐Gyu , Song Kyung‐Mo
Published: April 2020

The fruit of Arctium lappa L. (Arctii Fructus) is one of the most popularly used medicinal plant components in Asia. To enhance the functionality of Arctii Fructus extract, a bioconversion method was developed to produce arctigenin from arctiin. Treatment with β‐glucosidase increased the arctigenin content by >5 fold in Arctii Fructus extracts. The bioconversion products enhanced the apoptosis of cancer cells. The cell viabilities of gefitinib‐resistant lung cancer HCC827 (HCC827GR) cells and colon cancer cells (DLD1) were decreased by 40% and 35%, respectively. The bioconversion products also decreased anchorage‐independent growth of cancer cells. In addition, the increase of apoptosis in cancer cells by bioconversion was confirmed by the flow cytometry analysis. These results indicated that arctigenin exerts anticancer effects on lung and colon cancer cells and that Arctii Fructus can potentially function as a chemopreventive agent. In addition, bioconverted Arctii Fructus extract displayed higher anticancer activity than the same levels of purified arctigenin, indicating the advantage of consuming Arctii Fructus itself as a food or medicinal material.
Coastal landscape evolution in the Wilpattu National Park (NW Sri Lanka) linked to changes in sediment supply and rainfall across the Pleistocene–Holocene transition
Authors: Reuter Markus , Harzhauser Mathias , Piller Werner E.
Published: April 2020

Coastal sand dunes are sediment archives which can be used to reconstruct periods of aridity and humidity, past wind strength and variations in the sediment supply related to sea‐level changes. In this manner, the sedimentary record of fossil coastal dunes in Sri Lanka provides evidence for environmental and climatic changes during the late Pleistocene and Holocene. As yet, these environmental shifts are poorly resolved because the sedimentary facies and their depositional architecture have not been studied and only very few age constraints are available. Facies analysis of a lithological section at the Point Kurdimalai sea cliff in the Wilpattu National Park (NW Sri Lanka) reveals a striking resemblance to the stratigraphic succession associated with the Teri Sands in southeastern India, which is better dated. The reason is that deposition occurred under the same geological, climatic and geomorphological conditions in the two regions. This special situation allows for litho‐ and climate stratigraphic correlations across the Gulf of Mannar and links the landscape evolution at Point Kudrimalai to late Quaternary climatic events and sea‐level changes. Our results show that the formation of red coastal dunes (Red Beds) in Sri Lanka was a multi‐phase process across the Pleistocene–Holocene boundary and hence the differentiation between an Older Group of Plio‐Pleistocene age (including the Red Beds) and a Younger Group of Holocene age in the Quaternary stratigraphic chart for Sri Lanka is not justified.
Neoarchean magmatism and Palaeoproterozoic metamorphism along the margin of the Qianhuai microblock in the North China Craton
Authors: Liu Hai‐Dong , Santosh M. , Samuel Vinod O.
Published: April 2020

The tectonic framework of the North China Craton (NCC) involved the building of microblocks and their incorporation into larger crustal blocks during the Late Archean followed by final cratonization through collisional assembly of the crustal blocks during the Late Palaeoproterozoic. Here we investigate a newly identified gabbro‐diorite‐anorthosite suite, metamorphosed under granulite facies, along the margin of the Qianhuai microblock based on field, petrological, geochemical and zircon U–Pb and Lu–Hf studies, with a view to understand the petrogenetic and metamorphic history. Mineral phase equilibria modelling of metagabbros from the suite reveals relatively high temperatures and pressures of 800–820°C and 13–14 kbar, with a typical isobaric cooling pressure–temperature path characterized by initial heating followed by moderate to high‐pressure metamorphism and cooling, consistent with a thickened arc setting. The gabbro–diorite–anorthosite association is considered to represent the fractionated sequence from a common mafic magma. Magmatic zircon grains from the metagabbro yield upper intercept ages of 2522 and 2540 Ma, corresponding to the timing of formation of the mafic protolith. The lower intercept ages of 1785 and 1833 Ma mark the timing of metamorphism associated with the collisional event between the Western and Eastern blocks of the NCC. Zircon εHf(t) values are mostly positive for the magmatic domains suggesting that the melts were derived from depleted mantle sources. The Hf model ages indicate that the magma source involved Neoarchean–Mesoarchean juvenile components and the continental crust was reworked during metamorphism in the Late Palaeoproterozoic. The lithological association and geochemical as well as isotopic features are consistent with a convergent margin setting along a continental arc, where basaltic melts were underplated beneath the overriding arc, accompanied by lower crustal melting. Our study confirms subduction‐related crust building events during the late Neoarchean followed by Late Palaeoproterozoic high‐grade metamorphism associated with the final cratonization of the NCC.
Developing buoyant convection in vertical porous annuli with unheated entry and exit
Authors: N Girish , Sankar M. , Makinde O. D.
Published: April 2020

The open‐ended vertical double‐passage annular space between three vertical concentric coaxial cylinders is an important physical configuration portraying many practical applications. Hence, in the present analysis, the developing buoyant convection in vertical double‐passage annuli filled with fluid‐saturated porous media is studied numerically by imposing unheated entry and unheated exit thermal boundary conditions. The numerical solutions of the mathematical model equations are found through finite difference technique. The velocity profiles in radial as well as axial directions and temperature profiles have been depicted for vast range of nondimensional numbers, baffle position, and heating and un‐heating ratio. The velocity and thermal gradients decreases as heating section length decreases. Maximum velocity and heat transport occurs in a narrow annular passage rather than equal or wider passages. The presence of porosity causes a reduction in flow velocities and thermal gradients.
miR‐487b and TRAK2 that form an axis to regulate the aggressiveness of osteosarcoma, are potential therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers
Authors: Wang Fei , Ye Bao‐Guo , Liu Jun‐Zhi , Kong Da‐Liang
Published: April 2020

To investigate the effect of microRNA‐487b (miR‐487b) as well as the underlying mechanism in osteosarcoma (OS). Data downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were used to analyze the expression and prognostic value of miR‐487b/TRAK2. Cell counting kit‐8, colony formation, and transwell assays were performed to investigate the biological functions of miR‐487b and TRAK2. Luciferase reporter assay was applied to confirm the interactions between miR‐487b and TRAK2. miR‐487b was overexpressed in OS tissues and was inversely associated with the prognosis of OS patients. We discovered that miR‐487b could contribute to the proliferative, clonogenic, invasive, and migratory capabilities of OS cells. Through target prediction using miRWalk and differential expression analysis based on the GEO data set, trafficking kinesin protein 2 (TRAK2) was recognized as a potential target of miR‐487b, which was further verified by luciferase reporter assay. The expression of TRAK2 was decreased in OS tissues compared with normal tissues and was positively correlated with the prognosis of OS patients. A negative relevance was presented between the expression of miR‐487b and TRAK2 in OS cells. Of note, further mechanistic analyses indicated that TRAK2 was implicated in the regulatory effect of miR‐487b on the cell malignant behaviors in OS. To sum up, these results demonstrated that miR‐487b played an oncogenic role in OS progression via directly targeting TRAK2, which could advance the development of cancer treatment.
A retrospective study on Escherichia coli bacteremia in immunocompromised patients: Microbiological features, clinical characteristics, and risk factors for shock and death
Authors: Tao Xiaoyan , Wang Haichen , Min Changhang , Yu Ting , Luo Yi , Li Jun , Hu Yongmei , Yan Qun , Liu Wen' en , Zou Mingxiang
Published: April 2020

Background

To evaluate clinical features, bacterial characteristics, and risk factors for shock and mortality of immunocompromised patients with Escherichia coli bacteremia.

Methods

A nearly 6‐year retrospective study of E coli bacteremia in 188 immunocompromised patients at Xiangya Hospital was conducted. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were documented. Phylogenetic background and virulence factors of E coli isolates were detected by polymerase chain reaction. Risk factors for shock and mortality were also investigated.

Results

Of all 188 E coli isolates, most prevalent virulence factors were fimH (91.0%), followed by traT (68.6%) and iutA (67.0%), while papG allele I, gafD, and cdtB were not detected. Phylogenetic group D was dominant (42.0%) among all isolates, and group B2 accounted for 17.6%, while group A and B1 accounted for 28.2% and 12.2%, respectively. In univariate analysis, ibeA and cnf1 were associated with mortality, which were not found in multivariate regression analysis. 22.3% of patients suffered shock, and 30‐day mortality rate was 21.3%. MDR (HR 2.956; 95% CI, 1.091‐8.012) was the only risk factor for shock, while adult (HR 0.239; 95% CI, 0.108‐0.527) was a protective factor. Multivariate analysis revealed that shock (HR 4.268; 95% CI, 2.208‐8.248; P < .001) and Charlson index > 2 (HR 2.073; 95% CI, 1.087‐3.952; P = .027) were associated with fatal outcome.

Conclusions

Escherichia coli bacteremia was highly lethal in immunocompromised patients, and host‐related factors played major roles in poor prognosis, while bacterial determinants had little effect on outcome. This study also provided additional information about the virulence and phylogenetic group characteristics of E coli bacteremia.
Cnidium lactone prevents bone loss in an ovariectomized rat model through the estrogen‐α/BMP‐2/Smad signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Zhao , Bao Hong‐Wei , Xu You‐Jia
Published: April 2020

Background

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of cnidium lactone on ovariectomy (OVX)‐induced bone loss and determine whether it exerts its effects by mediating the estrogen receptor‐α (ERα)/bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2)/Smad signaling pathways.

Methods

Fifty‐five female rats were randomly assigned to the following treatment groups: the OVX group, the sham‐operated (sham) group, and groups treated with cnidium lactone at different doses (10 mg/kg/day, 20 mg/kg/day, 30 mg/kg/day). Treatments were administered for 60 days. Search Tool for Interacting Chemicals (STITCH; http://stitch.embl.de) was used to identify the interaction between cnidium lactone and target proteins. Bone mineral density (BMD), mechanical strength, serum osteoblastic and osteoclastic markers, and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining of the distal femur were evaluated. Moreover, western blot analyses were also performed to evaluate the effect of cnidium lactone on the ERα/BMP‐2/Smad signaling pathway.

Results

Cnidium lactone treatment was associated with an increase in the BMD of the distal femur compared to that of the OVX group. Moreover, cnidium lactone significantly increased biomechanical properties in a dose‐dependent manner compared to those of the OVX group (p < 0.05). Treatment with cnidium lactone significantly enhanced the BMP‐2/Smad signaling pathway by up‐regulating the expression of ERα, BMP‐2, p‐Smad1 and p‐Smad4. Cnidium lactone treatment improved the microstructure of trabecular bone in the distal femurs of OVX rats, as shown by HE staining.

Conclusions

Cnidium lactone exerts potent antiosteoporotic activity in ovariectomized mice, and the underlying molecular mechanism may be related to the ERα/BMP‐2/Smad signaling pathways.
SHRINKING THE STATE: THE RISE OF PRIVATE SECTOR HEALTHCARE IN BANGLADESH
Authors: Rahman Redwanur
Published: April 2020

Since the 1980s, most developing countries have been following market‐oriented liberalising policy reforms and have prioritized private sector‐led growth. Bangladesh's inability to provide quality healthcare services, along with issues pertaining to limited resources, absenteeism, poor governance, and lack of accountability in its public healthcare system have created wide gaps that are increasingly being filled by the private sector. This has been fuelled by the state's investment in medical education and training of public sector physicians while simultaneously permitting them to practice privately, as well as the provision of grants and subsidies. The growth of this sector has limited benefits for the improvement of people's health. The government should take a comprehensive approach and engage its political will to make changes in management and governance and bring in stewardship to revitalise the public sector. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simplified Diet for nutrition management of phenylketonuria: A survey of U.S. metabolic dietitians
Authors: Hansen Joyanna , Hollander Suzanne , Drilias Nicoletta , Van Calcar Sandra , Rohr Fran , Bernstein Laurie
Published: April 2020

Background

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inherited metabolic disorder affecting the conversion of phenylalanine (Phe) to tyrosine. Medical nutrition therapy, consisting of a Phe‐restricted diet with medical formula, is the primary treatment for PKU. The Simplified Diet is an approach to PKU nutrition management that allows certain fruits, vegetables, and low‐protein foods to be eaten without measuring or tracking, referred to as free/uncounted foods. There is no consensus on how to implement this approach in metabolic centers in the United States (U.S.), and clinical practice varies.

Aim

This study describes the clinical experience of metabolic dietitians in U.S.‐based metabolic centers related to the use and implementation of the Simplified Diet.

Methods

A survey was developed and sent out to metabolic dietitians to query current clinical practices related to the Simplified Diet. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze responses.

Results

Sixty‐three dietitians managing ≥5 patients with PKU in U.S.‐based metabolic centers responded to the survey. Ninety‐eight percent of survey respondents reported using some version of the Simplified Diet in clinical practice. The survey identified areas of strong agreement, including introduction of the Simplified Diet at 6 to 12 months of age. The survey also identified areas of widespread variability, including specific Phe or protein thresholds for free/uncounted foods, and whether or not to set daily quantity limits on these foods.

Conclusions

Significant variability related to implementation of the Simplified Diet exists across U.S.‐based metabolic centers. This practice variability may contribute to differences in the patient experience across centers and may indicate a need for development of clinical guidelines.
Austral summer precipitation biases over tropical South America in five CMIP5 earth system models
Authors: Vasconcellos Fernanda Cerqueira , Deng Yi , Zhang Henian , Martins Guilherme
Published: April 2020

This study examined the historical (1980–2005) austral summer precipitation in Tropical South America (SA) simulated by five Earth System Models (ESM) from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5). All simulations show a band of maximum precipitation eastward of the observed one and without typical NW‐SE orientation. This displacement suggests models have trouble in reproducing the South Atlantic Convergence Zone (SACZ). Due to this and additional model problems in simulating the Atlantic Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), all models exhibit negative precipitation biases at the extreme northern SA, including Guianas, Suriname, and north of Brazil and positive precipitation biases at part of northeastern Brazil. For extreme northern SA, models, in general, underestimate intense precipitation and overestimate weak rainfall. Analysis of the moisture flux divergence over the northern coast of SA in models suggested that the precipitation bias could primarily stem from model misrepresentations of moisture availability for convection. Further analyses indicate that the moisture flux biases are, in turn, tied to a negative sea surface temperature (SST) bias in the tropical North Atlantic, inducing stronger northeasterly trade winds. Thus, more intense moisture flux goes to the inner continent. Consequently, an anomalous divergence of moisture flux and less precipitation occur near the coast. Despite some differences in energy budget and cloudiness, models results for wind, precipitation, SST, and latent heat flux suggest problems at WES feedback. In the GFDL‐ESM and MIROC‐ESM models, the negative SST bias was also partly associated with a lower incident shortwave (SW) radiation over the tropical North Atlantic. This SW bias was tied to a positive bias of cloud cover over tropical North Atlantic, at least in the GFDL‐ESM.
Cross‐Sectional Nutrition Profile of Palliative Home Care Clients in Ontario and Performance of the interRAI Palliative Care Nutrition Clinical Assessment Protocol
Authors: Stevens Tara , Keller Heather , Williams Nicole , Downar James , Guthrie Dawn M.
Published: April 2020

Background

The nutrition profile of palliative home care clients is unknown. This study describes this group and their nutrition issues and evaluates the performance of the interRAI nutrition Clinical Assessment Protocol (CAP).

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional secondary analysis using Ontario interRAI Palliative Care (interRAI PC) Assessment data. The sample represents 74,963 unique Ontario home care clients assessed between 2011 and 2018. Frequencies and standardized differences (stdiffs) of nutrition characteristics were presented for cancer (n = 62,394) and noncancer (n = 12,569) diagnostic subgroups. Rates of triggering the nutrition CAP were presented by nutrition issue to evaluate its performance.

Results

Of this sample, 16.7% were ≥85 years of age, 52.6% had a prognosis between 6 weeks and 6 months, and 41.4% required assistance with eating. The prevalence was higher among those with nervous/mental/behavioral disorders (72.6%) compared with those with cancer (37.6%; stdiff = 0.75). However, most nutrition issues experienced were similar (stdiff < 0.20) across diagnostic groups. Of the entire sample, 21% triggered the nutrition CAP, indicating a need for further evaluation or intervention. Yet, 73.4% of those who experienced dry mouth, 71.8% of those who required assistance with eating, and 68.4% of those who received a nutrition consult within the last 3 days did not trigger the nutrition CAP.

Conclusions

Nutrition issues are prevalent in palliative home care clients, regardless of diagnosis; yet the nutrition CAP identified a small fraction of this group. There is a need to focus research and care guidelines toward life‐limiting illnesses beyond cancer and address nutrition‐related issues in this population.
Self‐efficacy in patients with chronic musculoskeletal conditions discharged from physical therapy service: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Souza Carolina Matiello , Martins Jaqueline , Libardoni Thiele de Cássia , de Oliveira Anamaria Siriani
Published: April 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate self‐efficacy levels of patients after finishing rehabilitation for chronic musculoskeletal conditions and identify factors related to self‐efficacy.

Method

Two hundred and eight patients aged >40 years with musculoskeletal disorders were included. Self‐efficacy was assessed by the Chronic Pain Self‐Efficacy Scale (CPSS), and regression analyses were used to test six predictors of self‐efficacy: age, symptom duration, number of physical therapy sessions, postdischarge pain intensity, perceived clinical improvement, and cognitive reassurance. Self‐efficacy was compared between patients who reported improvement and worsening of their clinical condition, and a cutoff value for self‐efficacy was established using receiver operating characteristic curve analyses to distinguish patients with severe pain from those with mild to moderate pain.

Results

Better perceived clinical improvement (Beta = −0.37, p = 0.000), lower pain intensity (Beta = −0.33, p = 0.000), and a lower number of physical therapy sessions (Beta = −0.12, p = 0.027) were related to greater self‐efficacy. No significant associations were observed between self‐efficacy and age, symptom duration, and cognitive reassurance. The patients who reported improvement had greater self‐efficacy (204.76 ± 52.80) than those who reported worsening of their clinical condition (145.45 ± 44.18; p = 0.000). A CPSS score of 172 points (sensitivity of 0.77; specificity of 0.72) may indicate low self‐efficacy.

Conclusion

A higher perception of self‐efficacy after discharge from physiotherapy is associated with better perceived clinical improvement, lower pain intensity, and a lower number of physical therapy sessions. Therefore, interventions to support patients' exercise‐based rehabilitation should include self‐efficacy, which may affect the prognosis of patients with chronic conditions.
No association between use of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors and colorectal cancer in men with erectile dysfunction
Authors: Cea Soriano Lucía , García Rodríguez Luis A.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

There is an increase interest on the potential chemoprotective effect of selective phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Several authors have shown in vivo the immune‐mediated anti‐tumor effect of these inhibitors on tumors arising from the digestive tract.

Objectives

To test the potential effect of selective PDE5 inhibitors against colorectal cancer (CRC) onset previously observed.

Methods

We used data from The Health Improvement Network database and identified an established cohort of 200 000 new users of low‐dose aspirin and a matched comparison cohort aged 40‐84 years between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2011. A follow‐up to identify CRC cases was performed within an extensive validation exercise. Nested case‐control analyses compared PDE5 inhibitors vs non‐use on CRC risk were performed.

Results

Restricting to males (59.3% controls and 59.5% cases), no association was observed among current users of PDE5 inhibitors (1.05 [95% CI: 0.69‐1.60]) and neither among recent (1.36 [95% CI: 0.81‐2.28]) or past users (1.06 [95% CI: 0.72‐1.58]). No duration response effect was found.

Conclusions

Our results do not support an increased risk of CRC associated with the use of PDE5 inhibitors among men with erectile dysfunction.
New Approaches for Absolute Quantification of Stable‐Isotope‐Labeled Peptide Standards for Targeted Proteomics Based on a UV Active Tag
Authors: Schnatbaum Karsten , Solis‐Mezarino Victor , Pokrovsky Daniil , Schäfer Frederike , Nagl Dennis , Hornberger Lars , Zerweck Johannes , Knaute Tobias , Avramova‐Nehmer Julia , Schutkowski Mike , Hornung Veit , Wenschuh Holger , Völker‐Albert Moritz Carl , Imhof Axel , Reimer Ulf
Published: April 2020

Targeted proteomics depends on the availability of stable isotope labeled (SIL) peptide standards, which for absolute protein quantification need to be absolutely quantified. In the present study, three new approaches for absolute quantification of SIL peptides are developed. All approaches rely on a quantification tag (Qtag) with a specific UV absorption. The Qtag is attached to the peptide during synthesis and is removed by tryptic digestion under standard proteomics workflow conditions. While one quantification method (method A) is designed to allow the fast and economic production of absolutely quantified SIL peptides, two other methods (methods B and C) are developed to enable the straightforward re‐quantification of SIL peptides after reconstitution to control and monitor known problems related to peptide solubility, precipitation, and adhesion to vials. All methods yield consistent results when compared to each other and when compared to quantification by amino acid analysis. The precise quantitation methods are used to characterize the in vivo specificity of the H3 specific histone methyltransferase EZH2.
Magnetic property and structural study of nickel supported on reduced graphene oxide prepared by chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Mehravar Samira , Fatemi Shohreh , Komiyama Masaharu
Published: April 2020

Nickel supported on reduced graphene oxide was synthesized by chemical vapor deposition technique. The crystal structure and magnetic properties of the prepared sample were studied by means of Raman spectrometry, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP‐OES), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The result of Raman spectroscopy revealed the structure of few‐layer graphene as the support for Ni nanoparticles. XP spectrum confirmed the presence of metallic Ni on the a few‐layer graphene surface. TE micrograph showed that the nickel nanoparticles were sphere shaped and the mean particle size is about 20 nm deposited on the reduced graphene oxide. The magnetic study showed the ferromagnetic behavior of 3.2 wt% nickel over reduced graphene oxide at room temperature.
α‐Aminophosphonates as Potential PARP1 Inhibitors
Authors: Schweiker Stephanie S. , Tauber Amanda L. , Kam Caleb M. , Eyckens Daniel J. , Henderson Luke C. , Levonis Stephan M.
Published: April 2020

ADP‐ribosyl transferase member 1 (PARP1) is primarily known for its involvement in signaling DNA damage repair mechanisms within a cell. PARP1 inhibitors are used currently for the management of breast cancer (BRCA) gene mutated breast and ovarian cancers. These current generation PARP1 inhibitors are non‐selective for PARP1, over the PARP superfamily enzymes. Here we report on a novel class of PARP1 inhibitors, the α‐aminophosphonates. α‐Αminophosphonates 1–23 were screened in silico for their binding interactions and tested for inhibitory activity against PARP1. α‐Aminophosphonates 17 and 20 were identified as the most effective PARP1 inhibitors. They inhibited PARP1’s activity, at 10 μM, by 63±3% and 56±3%, respectively.
Stronger Electron Sharing Cα−N Bond in Normal Amino Acids Versus Weaker Donor‐Acceptor Cα−N Bond in Zwitterionic Amino Acids
Authors: George Anjana , Parameswaran Pattiyil
Published: April 2020

The geometrical parameters of amino acids viz. glycine (Gly), alanine (Ala), Aspartic acid (Asp), and lysine (Lys), as well as corresponding zwitterionic forms Gly′, Ala′, Asp′, and Lys′ in aqueous solution at the M06/PCM/Def2‐TZVPP//B3LYP/PCM/Def2‐SVP level of theory, indicate that the Cα−N bond and the Cα−C (carbonyl carbon) bonds in zwitterionic form are elongated in comparison with the corresponding bonds in normal amino acid. The N−Cα−C bond angle is larger in normal amino acids in comparison with corresponding zwitterionic form. The nature of the Cα−N bond and Cα−C bond were analyzed using Energy Decomposition Analysis Combined with Natural Orbital for Chemical Valence (EDA‐NOCV) method. The EDA‐NOCV results indicate that in the normal form of amino acids, both N and C form an electron sharing bond with the alpha‐carbon atom. On the other hand, the Cα−N bond is a donor‐acceptor bond in zwitterionic form, but the Cα−C bond is a classical electron sharing bond. The Cα−N and Cα−C σ bonds are weaker in the zwitterionic form of amino acid. The variation in the chemical bonding pattern is responsible for the variation in the geometrical patterns as well as easy cleavage of zwitterionic form in degradation reactions. The side chain of amino acid has a negligible effect on the nature of the bonds that have been analyzed.
Strategies and tools for the monitoring of concrete bridges
Authors: Bień Jan , Kużawa Mieszko , Kamiński Tomasz
Published: April 2020

The paper presents a review of testing methods, a proposal for classifying the strategies, and tools applied in the monitoring of concrete bridges, the required consistent taxonomy of defects, and also the degradation mechanisms that are typical for such structures. Two main strategies of bridge monitoring are distinguished and described: inspection‐based monitoring and device‐based monitoring. The basic functional components of both types of monitoring systems are also presented. Monitoring methods, including nondestructive and semi‐destructive techniques, as well as various types of sensors based on physical, chemical, and biological technologies, are discussed and classified. The general rules of the implementation and operation of bridge monitoring systems are presented while taking into account the results of international research projects and contemporary practical experience. The considered issues are related to the fib Model Code 2020 (MC2020), which focuses on the evaluation of structural performance and which is assisted by monitoring and testing.