bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eosinopenia Associated with Infection is an Independent Risk Factor for 28-day Mortality in Staphylococcus aureus Bloodstream Infection
Authors: Zhou Chunxia , Sun Jing , Xu Fengqin , Jiang Shanping
Published: November 2019

Aims: This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the impact of eosinopenia on 28-day mortality in Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection (SABSI). 

Methods:  A retrospective study was designed to evaluate the impact of eosinopenia on 28-day mortality in SABSI.

Results: Patients who were ≥16 years old with SABSI at Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital between January 1st 2014 and December 31st 2018 were included. The overall 28-day mortality of all patients was 14.3% (44 out of 307). Patients with eosinopenia in the onset of SABSI had a significantly higher 28-day mortality than those without eosinopenia (22.4% vs 6.5%; P<0.01). For patients who developed SABSI after the first 48 hours in the hospital, eosinophils decreased significantly from the baseline (P<0.01). Kaplan–Meier survival curve showed that patients with eosinopenia had a lower survival rate than those without eosinopenia (P<0.01). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that eosinophils in the onset of SABSI were associated independently with 28-day mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 2.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36–5.91; P<0.01).

Conclusion: Eosinopenia associated with infection might be an independent risk factor for 28-day mortality in SABSI.
Retracted: Overexpression of RPN2 promotes osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs through the JAK/STAT3 pathway
Authors: Ni Ling , Yu Jianhua , Gui Xueqiong , Lu Zhonghua , Wang Xiwen , Guo Hongyan , Zhou Ying
Published: November 2019

Osteoporosis is characterized by decreased bone mass and degenerating bone structure, which cause severe bone fragility and increase the risk for fractures. Human bone mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) differentiate into osteoblasts through osteogenesis, and disturbances in the balance between bone generation and degeneration underlie the pathogenesis of senile osteoporosis. The highly conserved glycoprotein Ribophorin II (RPN2) is involved in multiple biological reactions, but the role of RPN2 in the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs and their molecular etiology is incompletely understood. Here, we show that RPN2 expression is up‐regulated in hBMSCs during osteogenic differentiation. In vitro assays revealed that silencing of RPN2 inhibited hBMSC differentiation into osteoblasts. Moreover, RPN2 overexpression enhanced the expression of linked genes and resulted in high alkaline phosphatase activity. Our results suggest that RPN2 targets Janus kinase 1 (JAK1), and RPN2 overexpression was observed to induce JAK1 ubiquitination. Depletion of JAK1 facilitated osteogenic differentiation of RPN2‐silenced hBMSCs. Moreover, western blot analysis revealed that RPN2 silencing suppressed the stimulation and nuclear translocation of the downstream signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 sensor; this could be reversed via RPN2 overexpression. This research sheds light on an innovative molecular mechanism that is associated with hBMSC differentiation into osteoblasts and may facilitate bone anabolism through RPN2.
Dendrite‐Free Lithium Plating Induced by In Situ Transferring Protection Layer from Separator
Authors: Hu Zhiyu , Liu Fengquan , Gao Jian , Zhou Weidong , Huo Hong , Zhou Jianjun , Li Lin
Published: November 2019

Lithium (Li) metal anodes are regarded as a promising pathway to meet the rapidly growing requirements on high energy density cells, owing to their highest gravimetric capacity (3840 mAh g−1) and their lowest redox potential. The application of Li metal anodes, however, is still hindered by undesired dendrites formation and endless consumption of liquid electrolyte due to a continuous reaction on interface of electrolyte/Li‐metal without a stable solid–electrolyte–interface (SEI) layer. A stable protection layer is formed on Li metal anode by in situ transferring the coating layer from polymer separator. The Li anode protection strategy is developed with an in situ formed protection layer transferred through the reduction of a coating layer on polymer separator. A PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3(PZT) coating layer on polypropylene (PP) separator is reduced by Li metal anode to produce a Pb metal containing composite layer, which could form Pb–Li alloy and adhere to the surface of Li metal anode after the reaction and improves the Li plating/stripping efficiency owing to the formation of a more homogenized electric field. Both the Li/Li symmetric cells and LiFePO4/Li cells with this PZT precoated PP separators exhibit significantly improved Coulombic efficiency and cycling life.
Association between ELP4 rs986527 polymorphism and the occurrence and development of intracranial arachnoid cyst
Authors: Li Kai , Kong De‐Sheng , Zhang Jun , Wang Xin‐Sheng , Ye Xun , Zhao Yuan‐Li
Published: November 2019

Objective

The association between ELP4 rs986527 polymorphism and the occurrence and development of intracranial arachnoid cyst was studied in this paper.

Methods

Eighty‐five patients diagnosed with intracranial arachnoid cysts by cerebral computed tomography scan were selected. Sixty‐three healthy volunteers for medical examination in hospitals served as controls. The cognition, depressive symptoms, and the likelihood of headache, dizziness, head trauma history, dementia, depression, and epilepsy were assessed. ELP4 genotypes and its allele frequency were determined by PCR, endonuclease restriction analysis, and gel electrophoresis.

Results

ELP4 rs986527 had three genotypes: TT, TC, and CC. The intracranial arachnoid cyst group showed no statistically significant difference in genotype frequencies compared with healthy controls. There was no significant correlation between ELP4 rs986527 polymorphism and location of intracranial arachnoid cyst. TC and C genotype frequencies were associated with a higher incidence of clinical symptoms than TT genotype frequencies, and C allele frequencies were associated with a significantly higher incidence of clinical symptoms compared with T allele frequencies. There was no significant difference in TNF‐α and IL‐1β levels between TT/TC/CC genotypes before treatment. After treatment, the levels of TNF‐α and IL‐1β were significantly decreased in different genotypes, and the decrease in CC was the greatest. The frequency of TT and TC genotypes was higher than that of CC genotypes.

Conclusion

ELP4 rs986527 polymorphism affected the incidence of clinical symptoms and the levels of TNF‐α and IL‐1β in patients with intracranial arachnoid cysts.
Patient‐reported outcomes in the Translational Breast Cancer Research Consortium
Authors: Bowen Deborah J. , Shinn Eileen H. , Gregrowski Sophie , Kimmick Gretchen , Dominici Laura S. , Frank Elizabeth S. , Smith Karen Lisa , Rocque Gabrielle , Ruddy Kathryn J. , Pollastro Teri , Melisko Michelle , Ballinger Tarah J. , Fayanju Oluwadamilola M. , Wolff Antonio C.
Published: November 2019

Members of the Translational Breast Cancer Research Consortium conducted an expert‐driven literature review to identify a list of domains and to evaluate potential measures of these domains for inclusion in a list of preferred measures. Measures were included if they were easily available, free of charge, and had acceptable psychometrics based on published peer‐reviewed analyses. A total of 22 domains and 52 measures were identified during the selection process. Taken together, these measures form a reliable and validated list of measurement tools that are easily available and used in multiple cancer trials to assess patient‐reported outcomes in relevant patients.
Reprioritizing Risk and Benefit: The Future of Study Design in Early‐Phase Cancer Research
Authors: Sisk Bryan Anthony , Dubois James , Hobbs Brian P. , Kodish Eric
Published: November 2019

The scientific purpose of phase I trials is to determine the maximum tolerated dose and/or optimal biological dose of experimental agents. Yet most participants in phase I oncology trials enroll hoping for direct medical benefit. The most common phase I trial designs use low starting doses and escalate cautiously in a “risk‐escalation” model focused on minimizing risk for each participant. This approach ensures that a proportion of subjects will likely not receive any benefit, even if the intervention proves to be successful at appropriate doses. In this article, we propose that trial designs should employ dosing strategies that increase chances of providing benefit if the investigational agent should prove to be successful while limiting risk to reasonable levels. We then describe how adaptive trial designs can facilitate refined dose optimization based on both therapeutic benefit and toxicity, which can simultaneously decrease the risk of harm while increasing the chances of benefit.
Role of wetlands in mitigating the trade‐off between crop production and water quality in agricultural landscapes
Authors: Matsuzaki Shin‐ichiro S. , Kohzu Ayato , Kadoya Taku , Watanabe Mirai , Osawa Takeshi , Fukaya Keiichi , Komatsu Kazuhiro , Kondo Natsuko , Yamaguchi Haruyo , Ando Haruko , Shimotori Koichi , Nakagawa Megumi , Kizuka Toshikazu , Yoshioka Akira , Sasai Takahiro , Saigusa Nobuko , Matsushita Bunkei , Takamura Noriko
Published: November 2019

Agriculture faces the great challenge of developing strategies to maintain production while simultaneously reducing environmental impacts. The trade‐off between crop production and water quality services is one of the most serious issues facing agriculture, and interest in achieving win–win outcomes through management of ecosystem services is growing. Although wetlands can reduce nitrogen loads, it is unclear whether maintaining and restoring wetlands can ameliorate the trade‐off between crop production and water quality and thereby increase the likelihood of win–win outcomes. We defined the orthogonal residuals from the regression line relating the trade‐offs between two conflicting services as the degree to which the trade‐off was mitigated (mitigation effectiveness score). The more positive the residual, the higher mitigation effectiveness score, and the greater the potential to mitigate the trade‐off. We measured nitrate concentrations, as an indicator of water quality, five times during summer and winter across 49 sub‐watersheds of the watershed of Lake Kasumigaura, which is highly nitrogen‐loaded by agriculture. We quantified the mitigation effectiveness score from the trade‐off relationships between cropland area and nitrate concentrations, and we also identified landscape and environmental factors that affected these scores. Some sub‐watersheds in our study had high cropland cover but low nitrate concentrations. Overall, we found that mitigation effectiveness scores were positively associated with wetland cover at all sampling times. Other factors, including covers of paddy rice fields, abandoned rice fields, and impervious surfaces, and dissolved organic carbon concentrations, had no significant effects on mitigation effectiveness scores, although these factors were considered to increase nitrogen removal. Our findings suggest that maintaining and restoring wetlands might mitigate the trade‐off between crop production and water quality and thereby enhance the likelihood of win–win outcomes in agricultural landscapes. Because wetland area has decreased, flooding or ponding abandoned rice fields may be an important alternative management option. The nitrate concentrations we observed met the water quality standard for drinking water, but the fact that they sometimes exceeded the nitrogen environmental target adopted within Lake Kasumigaura in terms of eutrophication suggests that simultaneous reduction of croplands and fertilizer inputs should still be encouraged.
Landbird trends in protected areas using time‐to‐event occupancy models
Authors: Whittington Jesse , Shepherd Brenda , Forshner Anne , St‐Amand Julien , Greenwood Jennifer L. , Gillies Cameron S. , Johnston Barb , Owchar Rhonda , Petersen Derek , Rogala James Kimo
Published: November 2019

Global populations of wildlife are affected by human activity, land cover change, and climate change. Long‐term monitoring programs across large spatial scales are required to understand how these and other factors affect wildlife populations. Occupancy models are frequently used to monitor changes in species distribution while accounting for imperfect detection. Occupancy surveys can be expensive because they typically require multiple surveys to estimate the probability of detection. Time‐to‐detection models provide a promising approach for estimating occupancy because they require just one visit; however, few studies have tested or applied these models to wildlife data. We ran a simulation study to assess biases of time‐to‐event occupancy models for standardized avian point‐count surveys and then applied the models to 10 yr of data. Time to first detection occupancy models had minimal bias and almost nominal coverage for species with a mean time to first detection <8 min on surveys with 10 min of sampling. Biases and root mean squared error increased with increasing time to first detection. We applied a single species, multi‐year occupancy model to 34,665 detections of 77 landbird species collected across 500 km of latitude in five protected areas along the Rocky Mountains. Models from 64 species converged and had mean times to first detection <8 min. Average time to first detections was 3.2 min, which reflected a cumulative probability of detection of 0.96. Occupancy rates increased, decreased, and remained unchanged for 53%, 9%, and 38% of species, respectively. Overall, occupancy rates increased in 2015 and 2016 for short‐ and long‐distance migrants and decreased slightly for winter residents. Average decadal temperature and precipitation were important predictors for almost half of the species, while annual changes in spring temperature and precipitation affected 23% of species. Our studies demonstrate that time to first event occupancy models provide an efficient method for monitoring changes in distribution so long as encounter rates are much shorter than the survey duration. Our stable to increasing trends and strong responses to spring temperature and precipitation highlight the value of long‐term monitoring for understanding how changing climatic conditions affect wildlife.
Glycogen synthetase kinase 3 inhibition drives MIC‐A/B to promote cytokine production by human natural killer cells in Dengue virus type 2 infection
Authors: Petitdemange Caroline , Maucourant Christopher , Tarantino Nadine , Rey Juliana , Vieillard Vincent
Published: November 2019

Dengue virus (DENV) is the most widespread arbovirus worldwide and is responsible for major outbreaks. The host's immune response plays a crucial role in controlling this infection but might also contribute to the promotion of viral spread and immunopathology. In response to DENV infection, NK cells preferentially produce cytokines and are cytotoxic in the presence of specific antibodies. Here, we identified that DENV‐2 inhibits glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK‐3) activity to subsequently induce MHC class‐1‐related chain (MIC) A and MIC‐B expression and IL‐12 production in monocyte‐derived DCs, independently of the STAT‐3 pathway. The inhibition of GSK‐3 by DENV‐2 or small molecules induced MIC‐A/B expression on monocyte‐derived DCs, resulting in autologous NK cells of a specific increase in IFN‐γ and TNF‐α production, in the absence of direct cytotoxicity. Together, these findings identified GSK‐3 as a regulator of MIC‐A/B expression and suggested its role in DENV‐2 infection to specifically induce cytokine production by NK cells.
Solvent‐Free Powder Synthesis and Thin Film Chemical Vapor Deposition of a Zinc Bipyridyl‐Triazolate Framework
Authors: Stassin Timothée , Stassen Ivo , Wauteraerts Nathalie , Cruz Alexander John , Kräuter Marianne , Coclite Anna Maria , De Vos Dirk , Ameloot Rob
Published: November 2019

MAF‐252, a non‐porous crystalline coordination polymer, is obtained from the solvent‐free reaction of ZnO with 3‐(2‐pyridyl)‐5‐(4‐pyridyl)‐1,2,4‐triazole. MAF‐252 can be synthesized in powder form and deposited as thin films, starting from ZnO powder and layers, respectively. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of MAF‐252 enables conformal and patterned thin films, even on high aspect ratio features.
One‐Pot Conversion of Cyclohexane to Adipic Acid Using a µ4‐Oxido‐Copper Cluster as Catalyst Together with Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Gawlig Christopher , Schindler Siegfried , Becker Sabine
Published: November 2019

The production of nylon‐6.6 is one of the largest scale syntheses in industrial chemistry. The standard procedure is based on an energy consuming low‐level conversion of cyclohexane to yield adipic acid in two steps that is converted to nylon‐6.6 in a separate step. Therefore, there is a strong intent to optimize the synthetic route in an economic and ecologic matter. In this work, we present a one‐pot oxygenation of cyclohexane with hydrogen peroxide and a µ4‐oxido‐copper cluster catalyst to yield dicarboxylic acids with adipic acid as the main product.
An Unprecedented Fully H–‐Substituted Phosphate Hydride Sr5(PO4)3H Expanding the Apatite Family
Authors: Mutschke Alexander , Wylezich Thomas , Ritter Clemens , Karttunen Antti J. , Kunkel Nathalie
Published: November 2019

The apatite family is a mineral class that also contains the biologically very important hydroxyapatite. Here, we are reporting on the synthesis and characterization of a fully hydride‐substituted strontium apatite, which could be obtained via mechanochemical synthesis and subsequent annealing treatment. The full substitution by hydride anions is proven by various methods, such as neutron powder diffraction of a deuterated sample Sr5(PO4)3D, as well 1H MAS solid state NMR combined with quantum chemical calculations, vibrational spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The present work expands the apatite family from the known halide and hydroxide apatites to the fully hydride‐anion‐substituted variant and is expected to open up a new field of materials containing coexistent phosphate and hydride anions.
The potential application of human PIG‐A assay on azathioprine‐treated inflammatory bowel disease patients
Authors: Cao Yiyi , Wang Xiaolei , Liu Weiying , Feng Nannan , Xi Jing , You Xinyue , Chen Ruixue , Zhang XinYu , Liu Zhanju , Luan Yang
Published: November 2019

The rodent Pig‐a assay has been used extensively as a potential regulatory assay for evaluating the in vivo mutagenicity of test substances. Although the assay can be conducted in different mammalian species, there have been only a few reports describing its use in humans, and rarely in genotoxicant‐exposed human populations. In this study, PIG‐A mutation frequencies (MFs) were evaluated in 36 azathioprine (AZA; human carcinogen)‐treated inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients and 36 healthy volunteers. IBD patients exhibited a slight but statistically higher MF (6.10 ± 4.44 × 10−6) than healthy volunteers (4.97 ± 2.74 × 10−6) (P = 0.0489). The estimated relative risk for the exposed patients was 1.22 which indicated that AZA is a risk factor for inducing PIG‐A mutation. However, the PIG‐A MF showed no associations with AZA treatment duration or total AZA exposure. In addition, we performed the cytokinesis‐block micronucleus test on the same samples. The frequencies of micronuclei (MN) and nuclear buds (NBUD) in IBD patients (MN: 4.70 ± 2.86‰; NBUD: 1.89 ± 0.95‰) were significantly higher than in healthy volunteers (MN: 1.47 ± 0.77‰, P < 0.001; NBUD: 0.90 ± 0.58‰, P = 0.004). MN frequency also had significant correlations with AZA treatment duration (P = 0.011) and total AZA exposure (P = 0.018). Our findings indicate that AZA‐treated IBD patients have only a marginally significant increase in PIG‐A MF; in contrast, a much stronger AZA‐associated increase in genotoxicity was detected with the lymphocyte MN assay. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A 1900‐year record of mercury (Hg) from the east continental shelf of Hainan Island, South China Sea
Authors: Ji Chao , Xu Liqiang , Zhang Yihui , Guo Min , Kong Deming
Published: November 2019

Natural archives are ideal tools for studying sedimentation history of mercury (Hg). However, record of Hg in marine sediments on millennial scales is less documented. This study analyzes a sedimentary core collected from the East Continental Shelf of Hainan Island, South China Sea. From 210Pb and radiocarbon (14C) chronological and geochemical analyses, a sequential record of Hg over the past 1900 years was reconstructed. Integrated analyses of Loss on Ignition (LOI), mean grain size, terrestrial elements aluminium (Al), rare earth element (∑REE) and Hg, allowed us to infer that Hg in the sediments received impacts from atmospheric deposition. Both concentrations and anthropogenic fluxes of Hg exhibit evident changes over the past 1900 years. Specifically, anthropogenic Hg flux in the last ~150 years is substantially high (mean 23.7 μg/m2/yr), which is approximately 11 times greater (in terms of enrichment factor) relative to background. Generally, Hg concentrations in the bulk sediments before 1850 AD can be explained by natural processes, whereas, by contrast, the rapid increase in flux of Hg since the mid‐19th century is related to deposition associated with anthropogenic release. The anthropogenic Hg flux shows a decrease by ~30 μg/m2/yr since 1980s, consistent with the decline in global Hg production. Nevertheless, the anthropogenic Hg flux in the present day remains 6.5 times higher than the baseline (pre‐1850 era).
Density effects on solute release from streambeds
Authors: Jin Guangqiu , Yang Wenhai , Xu Huiyu , Zhang Zhongtian , Yuan Saiyu , Tang Hongwu , Li Ling , Barry David Andrew
Published: November 2019

Contaminants that entered the streambed during previous surface water pollution events can be released to the stream, causing secondary pollution of the stream and impacting its eco‐environmental condition. By means of laboratory experiments and numerical simulations, we investigated density effects on the release of solute from periodic bedforms. The results show that solute release from the upper streambed is driven by bedform‐induced convection, and that density effects generally inhibit the solute release from the lower streambed. Density gradients modify the pore water flow patterns and form circulating flows in the area of lower streambed. The formation of circulating flows is affected by density gradients associated with the solute concentration and horizontal pressure gradients induced by stream slope. The circulating flows near the bottom of the streambed enhance mixing of the hyporheic zone and the ambient flow zone.
(CaO‐Y2O3)@LiFe5O8 magnetic catalyst by doping yttrium for improving stability: Optimized by response surface methodology for biodiesel production
Authors: Chen Xuan , Yue Chengguang , Zhang Pingbo , Fan Mingming , Jiang Pingping
Published: November 2019

In this work, CaO@LiFe5O8 and (CaO‐Y2O3)@LiFe5O8 solid base catalysts were synthesized using LiFe5O8 as the magnetic core to support the active centers. The as‐prepared catalysts and commercial CaO were characterized using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electronic microscope, and CO2‐temperature‐programmed desorption techniques. The results indicated that CaO@LiFe5O8 and (CaO‐Y2O3)@LiFe5O8 solid base catalysts, which could be recycled under the external magnetic field because of their strong magnetism, exhibited better dispersibility and higher total number of basic sites compared with commercial CaO. Additional water and oleic acid were added to the reaction system of palm oil with methanol, and the catalyst was exposed to air to detect its stability in the reaction process. The experiments showed that the (CaO‐Y2O3)@LiFe5O8 solid base catalyst performed better and possessed not only good water resistance ability but also preferable tolerance to air exposure. In addition, response surface methodology based on the Box–Behnken design was used to optimize the process parameters for the synthesis of biodiesel from palm oil and methanol in the presence of (CaO‐Y2O3)@LiFe5O8. The optimum process conditions were determined as follows: reaction temperature was 64.96°C, reaction time 4.36 hr, methanol: oil 13, catalyst amount 3.73%, and the highest biodiesel yield reached 96.21%.
Implementation and feasibility considerations of an avatar‐based intervention for military family caregivers
Authors: Wilcox Sherrie L.
Published: November 2019

Objective

Military family caregivers (MFCGs) are a growing population with well‐being and quality of life (QOL) challenges. New technologies can help meet their needs while minimizing disruption to caregiving responsibilities. Preliminary research needs to address intervention implementation challenges before larger‐scale efficacy studies are conducted. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of implementing an avatar‐based intervention and preliminarily investigate outcomes.

Methods

One‐hundred twenty‐four MFCGs were recruited to participate in this feasibility study. Sixty‐four MFCGs completed the intervention. Data were analyzed using repeated‐measures analysis of variance to assess 3‐ and 6‐month differences.

Results

Meeting the a priori goal of 50 MFCGs completing the program supported feasibility. Preliminary results indicated significant reductions in depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms, and significant improvements in physical health and overall QOL.

Conclusions

Findings support for the feasibility of implementing an avatar‐based intervention for MFCGs and present promising findings related to improving caregiver well‐being and overall QOL.
Physiological and behavioral effects of interpersonal validation: A multilevel approach to examining a core intervention strategy among self‐injuring adolescents and their mothers
Authors: Kaufman Erin A. , Puzia Megan E. , Godfrey Donald A. , Crowell Sheila E.
Published: November 2019

Objective

The current study examined how teaching an interpersonal validation‐oriented skill from dialectical behavior therapy affects behavioral and biological indices of self‐inflicted injury (SII) risk among self‐injuring adolescents and their mothers (n = 30 dyads), and typical control mother–daughter dyads (n = 30).

Method

Behavioral indicators of family functioning (e.g., cohesion, coercion, and invalidation) and a physiological index of emotion dysregulation (respiratory sinus arrhythmia [RSA]) were examined across two conflict tasks (pre‐ and postskills training).

Results

Dyads’ subjective affect and observed behavior generally improved when practicing validation. Findings indicate mother‐, daughter‐, and dyad‐level behavior accounted for significant variance in RSA reactivity.

Conclusions

Results demonstrate that teaching a single skill on one occasion can have detectable effects on biosocial functioning, with important implications for the etiology and treatment of SII.
How to Prescribe Drugs With an Identified Proarrhythmic Liability
Authors: Thind Munveer , Rodriguez Ignacio , Kosari Sam , Turner J. Rick
Published: November 2019

This is an article in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology's Core Entrustable Professional Activities in Clinical Pharmacology series that discusses drug‐induced proarrhythmia and is offered as a teaching aid for medical students and residents. Drugs from diverse pharmacological classes can lead to multiple types of arrhythmias including the polymorphic ventricular tachycardia torsades de pointes (TdP). Although typically occurring in self‐limiting bursts with or without associated symptoms, which can range from mild lightheadedness and palpitations to syncope and seizures, TdP can also occasionally progress to ventricular fibrillation and sudden cardiac death. To provide patients with the optimal therapeutic benefits of potentially proarrhythmic drugs, prescribers are responsible for obtaining a good understanding of the compound's benefit‐risk properties and perform a judicious assessment of the patient's clinical characteristics and individual risk factors. Dose adjustments and/or additional monitoring of electrocardiograms and electrolyte balances may be appropriate in some cases. This article explains the pharmacological mechanism of action of drug‐induced proarrhythmia associated with compounds that prolong the repolarization period, illustrates how this liability is conveyed in a drug's prescribing information (label), details the clinical characteristics of patients most susceptible to this type of proarrhythmia, and describes interventions that can be made if TdP occurs. Three clinical vignettes are provided at the end of the article to highlight the relevance of the preceding discussions.
Preparation of magnetic mesoporous composites from glycerol and iron(III) salt
Authors: Medeiros Miguel A , Ardisson José D , Lago Rochel M
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

A process was developed to produce mesoporous composites with magnetic cores involving the following sequential reactions: glycerol polymerization/iron(III) reduction/polyglycerol pyrolysis/activated carbon production.

RESULTS

Glycerol containing 1, 3, 5, or 8 mol% iron(III) was heat treated to 380, 600, or 800 °C. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction, Mössbauer spectroscopy, thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis, Raman spectroscopy, and nitrogen adsorption/desorption results showed that the iron(III) salt promoted polymerization of glycerol up to 380 °C. At higher temperatures, up to 800 °C, three different processes simultaneously occurred: pyrolysis of polyglycerol, reduction of iron(III) ion (Fe3+) to Fe0and Fe3C, and activation of the carbonaceous matrix, yielding a composite with a BET surface area of 136 m2g−1. Moreover, to verify a possible environmental application of the prepared composites and their ability to remain suspended in aqueous solution, they were tested as adsorbents of organic contaminants such as methylene blue and indigo carmine. The test results were satisfactory: 10 mg of the prepared composite (GFe3‐800) adsorbed up to 80% of the dye [10 mL of solution (50 ppm)] within 30 min of contact, and the composite could be removed from the system by simple magnetic attraction.

CONCLUSIONS

Magnetic composites exhibited good dye adsorption, in addition, good resistance to acid leaching. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
The impact of grapevine red blotch disease on Vitis vinifera L. Chardonnay grape and wine composition and sensory attributes over three seasons
Authors: Cauduro Girardello Raul , Rich Vanessa , Smith Rhonda J , Brenneman Charles , Heymann Hildegarde , Oberholster Anita
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

Grapevine red blotch virus (GRBV) is a recently discovered DNA virus, which was demonstrated to be responsible for grapevine red blotch disease (GRBD). Its presence has been confirmed in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and South Korea in white and red Vitis vinifera cultivars, including Chardonnay. It has been shown that the three‐cornered alfalfa treehopper (Spissistilus festinus) was able to both acquire the GRBV from a grapevine infected and transmit it to healthy grapevines in glasshouse conditions. Studies found that GRBD impacts fruit price, grapevine physiology, and grape berry composition and metabolism in red cultivars. This study evaluated the impact of GRBD on V. vinifera L. Chardonnay grape and wine composition and sensory properties from one vineyard during the 2014, 2015 and 2016 seasons.

RESULTS

Grapes from symptomatic red blotch diseased grapevines were lower in total soluble solids, flavan‐3‐ol, and total phenolic content, and higher in flavonol content when compared to grapes from healthy grapevines. Wines made with grapes from symptomatic grapevines resulted mostly in lower ethanol content and higher pH when compared to wines made from healthy grapevines. Analysis of volatile compounds and descriptive analysis demonstrated that GRBD can impact wine style by altering aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel attributes.

CONCLUSIONS

The impacts of GRBD on grape composition directly influenced wine chemistry. The decreased ethanol content impacted not only the levels of volatile compounds but the sensory perception during descriptive analysis. The extent of GRBD impact on the grape composition and wine composition and sensory attributes varied between seasons. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Glomalin‐related soil protein distributions in the wetlands of the Liaohe Delta, Northeast China: Implications for carbon sequestration and mineral weathering of coastal wetlands
Authors: Pei Lixin , Ye Siyuan , Yuan Hongming , Pei Shaofeng , Xie Shucheng , Wang Jin
Published: November 2019

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) is presumably to be associated with carbon sequestration and nutrient acquisition through mineral weathering in wetland ecosystems. However, information on AMF‐carbon‐weathering interactions is limited. Grain size, concentrations of nutrients, and the major components of 304 surface sediment samples and glomalin‐related soil protein (GRSP) in 133 surface sediment samples were analyzed in various environments, including the upper delta plain wetlands (UDPW) and its adjacent shallow sea wetlands (SSW), to evaluate the relationship among the GRSP, carbon content, nutrients, and chemical index of alteration (CIA) in the wetlands of the Liaohe Delta (LHD). The concentrations of GRSP in surface sediments ranged between ~ 0.11 and 11.31 mg g−1, with an average of 2.30 ± 0.17 mg g−1, and were significantly affected by the vegetation types. The ratios of organic carbon in GRSP (GRSP‐C) to soil organic carbon (SOC) varied from 0.71% to 25.34%, with an average of 10.34% ± 0.52%, indicating that the GRSP was an important carbon pool in sediments, and the carbon dynamics in these wetlands were closely related to human activities. Moreover, the CIA values ranged from ~ 18.97 to 68.75, and were significantly higher in the UDPW than in the SSW (p < 0.05), and were significantly correlated with the concentrations of GRSP (r2 = 0.22 [r = 0.43], p < 0.01). Meanwhile, both the CIA and GRSP were significantly correlated with SOC, Total Nitrogen, and Fe (r2 > 0.17 [r > 0.41], p < 0.01). The results indicate that AMF excursions in wetland ecosystems enhance carbon sequestration and mineral weathering, and in turn they alter retention of at least some nutrients.
Where does the river end? Drivers of spatiotemporal variability in CO2 concentration and flux in the inflow area of a large boreal lake
Authors: Chmiel Hannah E. , Hofmann Hilmar , Sobek Sebastian , Efremova Tatyana , Pasche Natacha
Published: November 2019

River inflow affects the spatiotemporal variability of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the water column of lakes and may locally influence CO2 gas exchange with the atmosphere. However, spatiotemporal CO2 variability at river inflow sites is often unknown leaving estimates of lake‐wide CO2 emission uncertain. Here, we investigated the CO2 concentration and flux variability along a river‐impacted bay and remote sampling locations of Lake Onego. During 3 years, we resolved spatial CO2 gradients between river inflow and central lake and recorded the temporal course of CO2 in the bay from the ice‐covered period to early summer. We found that the river had a major influence on the spatial CO2 variability during ice‐covered periods and contributed ~ 35% to the total amount of CO2 in the bay. The bay was a source of CO2 to the atmosphere at ice‐melt each year emitting 2–15 times the amount as an equally sized area in the central lake. However, there was large interannual variability in the spring CO2 emission from the bay related to differences in discharge and climate that affected the hydrodynamic development of the lake during spring. In early summer, the spatial CO2 variability was unrelated to the river signal but correlated negatively with dissolved oxygen concentrations instead indicating a stronger biological control on CO2. Our study reveals a large variability of CO2 and its drivers at river inflow sites at the seasonal and at the interannual time scale. Understanding these dynamics is essential for predicting lake‐wide CO2 fluxes more accurately under a warming climate.
Some new inequalities involving the Hardy operator
Authors: Nikolova Ludmila , Persson Lars‐Erik , Samko Natasha
Published: November 2019

In this paper we derive some new inequalities involving the Hardy operator, using some estimates of the Jensen functional, continuous form generalization of the Bellman inequality and a Banach space variant of it. Some results are generalized to the case of Banach lattices on .
Monoamino oxidase alleles correlate with the presence of essential hypertension among hypogonadic patients
Authors: Royo José Luis , Castellano‐Castillo Daniel , Ruiz‐Galdon Maximiliano , Molina‐Vega María , Cardona Fernando , Tinahones Francisco J. , Fernández‐García José C. , Reyes‐Engel Armando
Published: November 2019

Background

Monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity has been traditionally implicated in blood pressure through its effects on biogenic amine levels such as catecholamines, serotonin, and dopamine. Nowadays, this role is considered relegated to side‐effects such as orthostatic hypotension and/or hypertensive crisis derived from MAO‐inhibitory treatments in patients with psychiatric disease.

Methods

In the present work we have found an association between a polymorphic variant of MAOB gene and arterial hypertension in obese hypogonadic patients. The study cases comprised a series of 219 nondiabetic males with a body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 and aged <45 years. Hypogonadism was defined as subnormal testosterone concentrations, when free testosterone values ranged <65 pg/ml.

Results

MAOB rs3027452‐A allele carriers were significantly over‐represented among hypertensive (HT) patients (25.49%) in comparison to either the non‐HT patients (10%, OR = 3.079 CI95 [1.364–6.952], p = .005, Chi‐square test) and the control population series of nonobese nor hypogonadic males (also 10%, p = .003 Chi‐square test). Upon adjusted, an independent association was shown with the hypogonadic group with hypertension when compared with nonhypertensive hypogonadics (Beta = 3.653, p = .005). When quantitative analysis was performed, hypertensive patients harboring rs3027452‐A allele showed higher systolic blood pressure values (p = .038, Mann–Whitney U‐test) as well as an increased Systolic‐Diastolic range despite following HT treatment (∆mmHg 54 vs. 48 for rs3027452‐A and rs3027452‐G respectively, p‐value .019, Mann–Whitney U‐test). Previous studies on MAOB revealed that rs3027452‐A allele has been correlated to a lower activity of the enzyme, what gives a functional evidence over our observation.

Conclusion

If this result could be extrapolated to other hypertensive patient groups, it would implicate a review of the markers and therapeutic targets on human hypertension.
Least squares X=±Xη* solutions to split quaternion matrix equation AXAη*=B
Authors: Liu Xin , Zhang Yang
Published: November 2019

In the paper, the split quaternion matrix equation AXAη*=B is considered, where the operator Aη* is the η‐conjugate transpose of A, where η∈{i,j,k}. We propose some new real representations, which well exploited the special structures of the original matrices. By using this method, we obtain the necessary and sufficient conditions for AXAη*=B to have X=±Xη* solutions and derive the general expressions of solutions when it is consistent. In addition, we also derive the general expressions of the least squares X=±Xη* solutions to it in case that this matrix equation is not consistent.
Dental caries and intentional dental modification in a skeletal sample of enslaved Africans from Lagos, Portugal (15th–17th centuries)
Authors: Wasterlain Sofia N. , Rufino Ana Isabel , Ferreira Maria Teresa
Published: November 2019

In 2009, a salvage archaeological excavation in Valle da Gafaria (Lagos, Portugal) brought to light the skeletal remains of 158 African enslaved individuals (15th–17th centuries), from which several presented intentional dental modifications on their anterior dentition. Although this cultural practice may be related to rites of passage, differential status, group identification, mourning, or embellishment, it is not exempt from risk. Among the possible consequences are pulp necrosis, dental caries in the modified surface, loss of masticatory function, and dental enamel hypoplasia in the permanent teeth. A previous study in the Lagos collection already confirmed that anterior modified teeth were significantly more affected by periapical lesions (9.3%) than unmodified teeth (0.4%). Therefore, the aim of this investigation is to analyse the relationship between dental caries and intentional dental modification in the Lagos sample. Eighty‐one individuals were analysed, making a total of 2,285 alveoli and 2,063 teeth (757 anterior and 1,306 posterior). Dental caries was recorded if there was a discernible, even if small, white or brown lesion in the otherwise translucent enamel, or if there was a cavity. Intentional dental modifications were recorded according to their presence and incisal angles removed. Dental caries affected 78 individuals (96.3%) and 1,072 teeth (52.0%). In all, intentional dental modifications were observed in 50 (61.7%) individuals and 203 (27.1%) anterior teeth. Modified teeth were significantly more affected by caries (84.2%) than nonmodified teeth (31.7%). Given that all modifications involved the removal of the mesial and/or distal angles of the teeth, the relationship between these alterations and the presence of caries was investigated. In fact, when modified, mesial and distal contact areas were significantly more affected by caries, although mostly noncavitated, supporting the hypothesis that this cultural practice turns teeth more prone to dental caries.
The differences and the relationship between demoralization and depression in Chinese cancer patients
Authors: Tang Lili , Li Zimeng , Pang Ying
Published: November 2019

Background

Both demoralization and depression are common forms of psychological distress in cancer patients. This study aimed to investigate the severity of demoralization in Chinese cancer patients and to explore the factors influencing depression and demoralization and their effects on quality of life to better understand the differences and the relationship between demoralization and depression.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study design, in‐patients sequentially recruited from a tertiary‐level cancer hospital in Beijing between January 2016 and April 2016 completed Mandarin version of Demoralization Scale (DS‐MV), Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9), Revised Life Orientation Test (CLOT‐R), Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), and the 12‐items Short Form Health Survey, version 2 (SF‐12 V2) and provided socio‐demographic and clinical information.

Results

296/424 (70.0%) of patients completed questionnaires. The mean score of DS is 30.4 (SD = 13.0). There are 28% (83/296) patients who experienced a low level of depression but a high level of demoralization. Resignation medical coping method (b = 0.279, P < .001), hopelessness (b = 0.492, P < .001), positive life orientation (b = −0.170, P < .001), and education level (b = −0.132, P < .001) were found to be predictors of demoralization, while only resignation medical coping method (b = 0.373, P < .001) and hopelessness (b = 0.350, P < .001) were found to be predictors of depression. Depression is a mediator between demoralization and physical aspects of quality of life (γ = −0.1604, LLCI = −0.244, ULCI = −0.080).

Conclusion

Demoralization is a prevalent psychiatric problem in Chinese cancer patients, and a large proportion of patients had low depression but high demoralization. Therefore, screening for demoralization in Chinese oncology practice is essential. A positive life orientation was found to be protective against demoralization.
Increased Arctic influence on the midlatitude flow during Scandinavian Blocking episodes
Authors: Day Jonathan J. , Sandu Irina , Magnusson Linus , Rodwell Mark J. , Lawrence Heather , Bormann Niels , Jung Thomas
Published: November 2019

Recent studies have suggested that Arctic teleconnections affect the weather of the midlatitudes on time‐scales relevant for medium‐range weather forecasting. In this study, we use several numerical experimentation approaches with a state‐of‐the‐art global operational numerical weather prediction system to investigate this idea further. Focusing on boreal winter, we investigate whether the influence of the Arctic on midlatitude weather, and the impact of the current Arctic observing system on the skill of medium‐range weather forecasts in the midlatitudes is more pronounced in certain flow regimes. Using so‐called Observing System Experiments, we demonstrate that removing in situ or satellite observations from the data assimilation system, used to create the initial conditions for the forecasts, deteriorates midlatitude synoptic forecast skill in the medium‐range, particularly over northern Asia. This deterioration is largest during Scandinavian Blocking episodes, during which: (a) error growth is enhanced in the European‐Arctic, as a result of increased baroclinicity in the region, and (b) high‐amplitude planetary waves allow errors to propagate from the Arctic into midlatitudes. The important role played by Scandinavian Blocking, in modulating the influence of the Arctic on midlatitudes, is also corroborated in relaxation experiments, and through a diagnostic analysis of the ERA5 reanalysis and reforecasts.
Strategies for Developing CRISPR‐Based Gene Editing Methods in Bacteria
Authors: Wu Zhaowei , Wang Yujue , Zhang Yifei , Chen Weizhong , Wang Yu , Ji Quanjiang
Published: November 2019

Gene editing is a fundamental technique for the identification of the linkages from genetic determinants to significant biological phenotypes, and the engineering of industrial strains to produce fine chemicals. Recently, the primitive bacterial immunity systems, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)‐Cas systems, have been engineered as programmable nucleases to deliver double‐strand breaks (DSBs) at user‐defined loci. The DSB is repaired via either homology‐direct repair or the non‐homologous end joining pathway, generating a mutant in various organisms, and leading a revolution in the field of gene editing. This paper reviews the structural and molecular details of CRISPR‐Cas systems, describing their applications and challenges of genome targeting in bacterial cells. Moreover, the DSB repair pathways in bacteria are summarized and a guideline for selecting repair machines and maximizing the recombination efficiency is presented. In addition, the plasmid curing approaches in bacteria are outlined for iterative gene editing or downstream biological applications. Furthermore, CRISPR‐based transcriptional regulation, base editing, and transposition are also introduced. Finally, this paper prospects the future directions for improving CRISPR‐based gene editing methods in bacteria.