bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Migrants’ Post‐Return Wellbeing: A View From the Caucasus
Authors: Lietaert Ine
Published: October 2020

Despite the increasing attention in academic literature, it continues to be extremely challenging to capture the complexity of reintegration processes and post‐return situations. This article argues that the concept of well‐being, which captures contextual differences, self‐chosen points of reference and summarizes a multitude of outcomes, has the potential to fill some of the gaps in current studies. This approach is translated into a longitudinal and qualitative research, applied to study the post‐return situations of 65 (rejected) asylum applicants and undocumented migrants who return through an assisted return programme from Belgium to their country of origin Armenia or Georgia. The findings reveal particular accents, priorities and vulnerabilities linked to personal trajectories and pre‐ and post‐return contexts and touches upon different connections, contrasts and interactions between components of post‐return well‐being. Accordingly, the results highlight that the lens of well‐being is a useful strategy to uncover the complexity and dynamics of post‐return situations.
What are the risk factors and protective factors of suicidal behavior in adolescents? A systematic review
Authors: Ati Niken A. L. , Paraswati Mareta D. , Windarwati Heni D.
Published: October 2020

Problem

Suicidal behavior is the third leading cause of death in adolescents in the world. Suicide behavior in adolescents can be prevented by recognizing risk factors and protective factors originating from themselves and the surrounding environment. This study aimed to identify risk factors and protective factors for adolescents who demonstrate suicidal behavior.

Methods

A systematic search in four databases, including ScienceDirect, EBSCO, Direct Open Access Journal, and ProQuest, was performed using the terms “suicide,” “risk,” and “adolescent.” The search was limited to publications between 2015 and 2019. Articles were selected using PRISMA, a total of 66 articles were analyzed in the systematic review, all of which were quantitative studies.

Findings

Based on the synthesis results, it was found that internal risk factors, external risk factors, and protective factors for adolescents who demonstrate suicidal behavior.

Conclusion

The results indicated that there are risk factors, both internal and external factors inhibiting suicide behavior in adolescents, which were rarely considered in the promotion and prevention effort of adolescent suicidal behavior.
European dermatology forum – updated guidelines on the use of extracorporeal photopheresis 2020 – part 1
Authors: Knobler R. , Arenberger P. , Arun A. , Assaf C. , Bagot M. , Berlin G. , Bohbot A. , Calzavara‐Pinton P. , Child F. , Cho A. , French L.E. , Gennery A.R. , Gniadecki R. , Gollnick H.P.M. , Guenova E. , Jaksch P. , Jantschitsch C. , Klemke C. , Ludvigsson J. , Papadavid E. , Scarisbrick J. , Schwarz T. , Stadler R. , Wolf P. , Zic J. , Zouboulis C. , Zuckermann A. , Greinix H.
Published: October 2020

Background

Following the first investigational study on the use of extracorporeal photopheresis for the treatment of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma published in 1983, this technology has received continued use and further recognition for additional earlier as well as refractory forms. After the publication of the first guidelines for this technology in the JEADV in 2014, this technology has maintained additional promise in the treatment of other severe and refractory conditions in a multi‐disciplinary setting. It has confirmed recognition in well‐known documented conditions such as graft‐versus‐host disease after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation, systemic sclerosis, solid organ transplant rejection including lung, heart and liver and to a lesser extent inflammatory bowel disease.

Materials and methods

In order to further provide recognized expert practical guidelines for the use of this technology for all indications, the European Dermatology Forum (EDF) again proceeded to address these questions in the hands of the recognized experts within and outside the field of dermatology. This was done using the recognized and approved guidelines of EDF for this task. All authors had the opportunity to review each contribution as it was added.

Results and conclusion

These updated 2020 guidelines provide at present the most comprehensive available expert recommendations for the use of extracorporeal photopheresis based on the available published literature and expert consensus opinion. The guidelines are divided in two parts: PART I covers cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma, chronic graft‐versus‐host disease and acute graft‐versus‐host disease while PART II will cover scleroderma, solid organ transplantation, Crohn's disease, use of ECP in paediatrics practice, atopic dermatitis, type 1 diabetes, pemphigus, epidermolysis bullosa acquisita and erosive oral lichen planus.
Brain endothelial cells metabolize glutamate via glutamate dehydrogenase to replenish TCA‐intermediates and produce ATP under hypoglycemic conditions
Authors: Hinca Sven B. , Salcedo Claudia , Wagner Antonie , Goldeman Charlotte , Sadat Edris , Aibar Marco M.D. , Maechler Pierre , Brodin Birger , Aldana Blanca I. , Helms Hans C.C.
Published: October 2020

The endothelial cells of the blood–brain barrier participate in the regulation of glutamate concentrations in the brain interstitial fluid by taking up brain glutamate. However, endothelial glutamate metabolism has not been characterized, nor is its role in brain glutamate homeostasis and endothelial energy production known. The aim of this study was to investigate endothelial glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) expression and glutamate metabolism and probe its functional significance. The primary brain endothelial cells were isolated from bovine and mouse brains, and human brain endothelial cells were derived from induced pluripotent stem cells. GDH expression on the protein level and GDH function were investigated in the model systems using western blotting, confocal microscopy, 13C‐glutamate metabolism, and Seahorse assay. In this study, it was shown that GDH was expressed in murine and bovine brain capillaries and in cultured primary mouse and bovine brain endothelial cells as well as in human‐induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived endothelial cells. The endothelial GDH expression was confirmed in brain capillaries from mice carrying a central nervous system‐specific GDH knockout. Endothelial cells from all tested species metabolized 13C‐glutamate to α‐ketoglutarate, which subsequently entered the tricarboxylic acid (TCA)‐cycle. Brain endothelial cells maintained mitochondrial oxygen consumption rates, when supplied with glutamate alone, whereas glutamate supplied in addition to glucose did not lead to additional oxygen consumption. In conclusion, brain endothelial cells directly take up and metabolize glutamate and utilize the resulting α‐ketoglutarate in the tricarboxylic acid cycle to ultimately yield ATP if glucose is unavailable.

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Prevention of scar hyperplasia in the skin by conotoxin: A prospective review
Authors: Sun Pengfei , Ji Zhonglei , Li Zhengyong , Pan Bo
Published: October 2020

Scars are often considered to be skin problems that affect beauty. The tension acting on the edge of the wound is the main factor causing the scar hyperplasia. At present, the clinical use of botulinum toxin A (BTX‐A) around the wound to cause transient muscle paralysis reduce the muscle movement around the wound and wound tension to prevent scar hyperplasia during wound healing. But the use of BTX‐A to prevent scarring requires the use of a syringe. The syringe can cause trauma and pain when it pricks the skin for BTX‐A injection. The conotoxin which is secreted by the poison glands on the inside of the venom tube and capsule of the snail provides a simple and effective way to prevent skin scar hyperplasia. We reviewed the classification of conotoxin, the conotoxin's mechanism of preventing scar hyperplasia, and the research direction of conotoxin in the future and provided reference for promoting the application of conotoxin in preventing skin scar hyperplasia.
The number of overall hysterectomies per population with the perimenopausal status is increasing in Japan: A national representative cohort study
Authors: Isobe Masanori , Kataoka Yuki , Chikazawa Kenro , Nishigori Hiroshi , Takahashi Toshifumi , Enomoto Takayuki
Published: October 2020

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the trends in overall hysterectomy and other alternative therapies for benign uterine diseases per population aged 40–54 years in Japan.

Methods

We conducted a national representative cohort study in Japan. We obtained data from ‘The National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups of Japan’ Open Data. The primary outcome was the number of overall hysterectomies for benign gynecologic diseases per population aged 40–54 years, from 2014 to 2017 in Japan. The secondary outcome was the number of alternative surgical and drug therapies to hysterectomy per population. We also analyzed the correlation between the number of laparoscopy‐qualified gynecologists and the number of overall hysterectomies per population among 47 prefectures in 2017.

Results

The number of overall hysterectomies for benign gynecological diseases per 100 000 females aged 40–54 years gradually increased from 320 in 2014 to 344 in 2017 (7.5% increase overall). Moreover, there was a significant increase in the use of levonorgestrel intrauterine systems. We could not explain the reason for this increase in the rate of overall hysterectomies by summarizing the increase or decrease of alternative therapies to hysterectomy. Multiple regression analysis showed a significant correlation between the number of laparoscopy‐qualified gynecologists and the number of overall hysterectomies among 47 prefectures.

Conclusion

Despite the spread of alternative therapies to hysterectomy, there was an increasing trend for overall hysterectomies in Japan. The reason was not clear but may be related to the spread of laparoscopic hysterectomy.
Personality and moral judgment: Curious consequentialists and polite deontologists
Authors: Smillie Luke D. , Katic Milena , Laham Simon M.
Published: October 2020

Objective

How does our personality relate to the ways in which we judge right from wrong? Drawing on influential theories of moral judgment, we identify candidate traits that may be linked with inclinations toward (a) consequentialist judgments (i.e., those based on the outcomes of an action) and (b) deontological judgments (i.e., those based on the alignment of an action with particular moral rules).

Method

Across two studies (total N = 843) we examined domains and aspects of the Big Five in relation to inclinations toward consequentialist and deontological judgments.

Results

In both studies, we found a unique association between intellect (curiosity, cognitive engagement) and consequentialist inclinations, in line with the view that deliberative cognitive processes drive such inclinations. We also found a consistent unique association between politeness (respectfulness, etiquette) and deontological inclinations, in line with the view that norm‐adherence drives such inclinations. Neither study yielded a significant unique relation between deontological inclinations and compassion (sympathy, empathic concern)—or any other emotion‐infused trait (e.g., Neuroticism)—as would be expected based on emotion‐centered views of deontological moral judgment.

Conclusions

These findings have implications for theories of moral judgment, and reveal how our personality may guide our approach to questions of ethics and morality.
Cognitive impairment in patients with chronic kidney disease—Next of kin's experiences
Authors: Schjerlund Maiken , Agnholt Hanne , Gregersen Lærke Rohr , Heilesen Tina , Pedersen Mona K.
Published: October 2020

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been associated with a progressive decline in cognitive functions. This may lead to significant consequences for the person with CKD physically, psychologically and socially and may affect the everyday lives of the family.

Objectives

To explore the everyday life experiences of next of kin of persons with CKD and cognitive impairment (CI).

Design

A qualitative design with semi‐structured individual interviews with next of kin of persons with CKD and CI to gather in‐depth information about the everyday life experiences of the next of kin. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed inductively based on qualitative thematic analysis.

Findings

Based on the analysis, four themes were constructed: CI evolves gradually and is multifaceted; balancing everyday life challenges; finding ways to deal with their situation and knowledge enables understanding.

Conclusion

Next of kin took responsibility and developed strategies for making everyday life function for the person with CKD and CI, which required considerable structure and a number of actions. They needed information about the CI and developed strategies for how to protect the person with CKD from being exposed. To provide themselves a personal space, next of kin turned to family, friends and people in comparable situations. To identify and address unmet care needs, healthcare professionals must proactively demonstrate an increased focus on CI and focus on the potential care needs of the person with CKD and their next of kin.
Effects of administration of ascorbic acid and low‐dose hydrocortisone after infusion of sublethal doses of lipopolysaccharide to horses
Authors: Anderson Melinda J. , Ibrahim Alina S. , Cooper Bruce R. , Woolcock Andrew D. , Moore George E. , Taylor Sandra D.
Published: October 2020

Background

Sepsis is associated with ascorbic acid (AA) depletion and critical illness‐related corticosteroid insufficiency (CIRCI) in humans.

Hypotheses

Intravenous infusion of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) would (a) decrease endogneous AA concentrations, (b) induce CIRCI and (c) administration of a combination of AA and hydrocortisone (HC) would have decreased indices of inflammation compared to either drug alone.

Animals

Thirty‐two healthy horses.

Methods

Randomized placebo‐controlled experimental trial. Horses were assigned to 1 of 4 groups (saline, AA and HC, AA only, or HC only). Treatments were administered 1 hour after completion of LPS infusion. Clinical signs, clinicopathological variables, pro‐inflammatory cytokine gene expression and production, and plasma AA concentrations were assessed at various time points. Serum cortisol concentrations and ACTH stimulation tests were used to detect CIRCI.

Results

There was no effect of drug on clinical signs or pro‐inflammatory cytokine gene expression or production compared to controls at any time point. Administration of AA was associated with higher blood neutrophil counts 6 hours after LPS infusion (11.01 ± 1.02 K/μl) compared to other groups (8.99 ± 0.94 K/μL;P < .009). Adminstration of HC was associated with higher blood neutrophil counts 12 hours after LPS infusion (10.40 ± 0.75 K/μl) compared to other groups (6.88 ± 0.68 K/μl;P< .001). Serum cortisol increased from 5.11 ± 1.48 μg/dL before LPS administration to 9.59 ± 1.83 μg/dL 1 h after completion of LPS infusion (T1) without an effect of treatment (P= 0.59).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Ascorbic acid and HC appeared to protect against LPS‐induced neutrophil depletion and could be considered as adjunctive therapy in horses with endotoxemia.
Association between vitamin D metabolites, vitamin D binding protein, and proteinuria in dogs
Authors: Miller Matthew S. , Rudinsky Adam J. , Klamer Brett G. , Chew Dennis J. , Parker Valerie J.
Published: October 2020

Background

Proteinuria has been associated with progression of renal disease and increased morbidity and mortality in dogs and people. In people, proteinuria also has been associated with hypovitaminosis D. Little is known about the relationship between vitamin D metabolism and proteinuria in dogs.

Objectives

To further elucidate vitamin D status in dogs with protein‐losing nephropathy (PLN) and minimal to no azotemia. We hypothesized that vitamin D metabolites would be lower in dogs with PLN compared to healthy dogs.

Animals

Twenty‐three client‐owned adult dogs with PLN and 10 healthy control dogs.

Methods

Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D), 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25[OH]2D), 24,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D (24,25[OH]2D), serum vitamin D binding protein (VDBP), and urine 25(OH)D concentrations were measured.

Results

Compared to healthy dogs, dogs with PLN had lower concentrations of all vitamin D metabolites (P < .01). Correlations (rho; 95% confidence interval [CI]) in dogs with PLN are reported. Serum 25(OH)D and 24,25(OH)2D concentrations were positively correlated with albumin (r= 0.47; 0.07‐0.74), and 24,25(OH)2D was negatively correlated with urine protein‐to‐creatinine ratio (UPC;r= −0.54; −0.78 to −0.16). Urine 25(OH)D‐to‐creatinine ratio was negatively correlated with serum albumin concentration (r= −0.77; −0.91 to −0.50) and positively correlated with UPC (r= 0.79; 0.53‐0.91). Serum VDBP concentration was positively correlated with serum albumin concentration (r= 0.53; 0.05‐0.81).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Dogs with PLN have decreased serum concentrations of vitamin D metabolites. Urine 25(OH)D‐to‐creatinine ratio and UPC are correlated in PLN dogs. Future studies are needed to assess additional management strategies for dogs with PLN.
A multi‐layered approach to the diversification of squirrels
Authors: Menéndez Iris , Gómez Cano Ana Rosa , Cantalapiedra Juan L. , Peláez‐Campomanes Pablo , Álvarez‐Sierra María Ángeles , Hernández Fernández Manuel
Published: October 2020

The shape of the tree of life is the result of shifting diversification rates, and identifying the factors driving these shifts is one of the main aims in evolutionary biology. Various biotic and abiotic factors have been proposed to have an impact on mammal diversification, such as climatic and tectonic changes, the acquisition of new traits, and expansion into new ecosystems or landmasses.

We used phylogenetic comparative methods to quantify the influence of potential drivers on diversification patterns in extant squirrels (Sciuridae, Rodentia). We conducted a multilayer approach, comparing diversification rates among squirrel lineages depending on their degree of biome specialisation, biogeographic realm occupancy, locomotion adaptations, and presence in mountainous regions.

We generated the most complete phylogeny of squirrels to date, encompassing almost 80% of the extant species, and applied multiple and binary state‐dependent diversification models. All the traits examined showed an influence on diversification rates.

The biome specialist lineages showed the highest speciation rates, suggesting a major role of bioclimatic specialisation on macroevolutionary patterns. A single major event, the Miocene–Pleistocene radiation of terrestrial‐adapted lineages in North America, left a signal that was recovered in two of our analyses. Both the Nearctic lineages and the terrestrial‐adapted lineages showed high speciation rates, highlighting the fact that that major evolutionary episodes may produce confounding effects in state‐dependent diversification models.

Ancestral reconstructions showed that cold and warm intervals in Earth’s history had different effects on squirrels’ diversification, depending on their climatic affinities. Tropical and arboreal squirrels evolved predominantly in the warm intervals, while terrestrial and cold‐adapted squirrels radiated in the cold intervals.

Our findings suggest that, while global climatic shifts are key for the speciation processes in mammalian lineages, lineage‐specific ecological adaptations are critical modulators of the responses of lineages to such environmental shifts, in an interplay that ultimately affects their diversification patterns.
Selection, drift, and constraint in cypridinid luciferases and the diversification of bioluminescent signals in sea fireflies
Authors: Hensley Nicholai M. , Ellis Emily A. , Leung Nicole Y. , Coupart John , Mikhailovsky Alexander , Taketa Daryl A. , Tessler Michael , Gruber David F. , De Tomaso Anthony W. , Mitani Yasuo , Rivers Trevor J. , Gerrish Gretchen A. , Torres Elizabeth , Oakley Todd H.
Published: October 2020

Understanding the genetic causes of evolutionary diversification is challenging because differences across species are complex, often involving many genes. However, cases where single or few genetic loci affect a trait that varies dramatically across a radiation of species provide tractable opportunities to understand the genetics of diversification. Here, we begin to explore how diversification of bioluminescent signals across species of cypridinid ostracods (“sea fireflies”) was influenced by evolution of a single gene, cypridinid‐luciferase. In addition to emission spectra (“colour”) of bioluminescence from 21 cypridinid species, we report 13 new c‐luciferase genes from de novo transcriptomes, including in vitro assays to confirm function of four of those genes. Our comparative analyses suggest some amino acid sites in c‐luciferase evolved under episodic diversifying selection and may be associated with changes in both enzyme kinetics and colour, two enzymatic functions that directly impact the phenotype of bioluminescent signals. The analyses also suggest multiple other amino acid positions in c‐luciferase evolved neutrally or under purifying selection, and may have impacted the variation of colour of bioluminescent signals across genera. Previous mutagenesis studies at candidate sites show epistatic interactions, which could constrain the evolution of c‐luciferase function. This work provides important steps toward understanding the genetic basis of diversification of behavioural signals across multiple species, suggesting different evolutionary processes act at different times during a radiation of species. These results set the stage for additional mutagenesis studies that could explicitly link selection, drift, and constraint to the evolution of phenotypic diversification.
Blue‐light perception by epiphytic Pseudomonas syringae drives chemoreceptor expression, enabling efficient plant infection
Authors: Santamaría‐Hernando Saray , Cerna‐Vargas Jean Paul , Martínez‐García Pedro Manuel , de Francisco‐de Polanco Sofía , Nebreda Sandra , Rodríguez‐Palenzuela Pablo , Rodríguez‐Herva José Juan , López‐Solanilla Emilia
Published: October 2020

Adaptation and efficient colonization of the phyllosphere are essential processes for the switch to an epiphytic stage in foliar bacterial pathogens. Here, we explore the interplay among light perception and global transcriptomic alterations in epiphytic populations of the hemibiotrophic pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 (PsPto) following contact with tomato leaves. We found that blue‐light perception by PsPto on leaf surfaces is required for optimal colonization. Blue light triggers the activation of metabolic activity and increases the transcript levels of five chemoreceptors through the function of light oxygen voltage and BphP1 photoreceptors. The inactivation of PSPTO_1008 and PSPTO_2526 chemoreceptors causes a reduction in virulence. Our results indicate that during PsPto interaction with tomato plants, light perception, chemotaxis, and virulence are highly interwoven processes.
‘A Church that Listens’: Synodality in the Life and Mission of the Church
Authors: Marmion Declan
Published: October 2020

The long-term ecclesiological trajectory of Pope Francis is towards a synodal Church. He has chosen this topic for the next World Synod of Bishops in 2022. Though a key theme of his pontificate, synodality is a contested notion. In 2018 the International Theological Commission (ITC) published its reflections on synodality in the life and mission of the Church. This article traces the understanding of synodality in the ITC document, offers an appraisal, and looks at some of the challenges facing Francis’ synodal project.
Aquinas, Sense Pleasure, and the State of Grace
Authors: Rispoli Maria Suso
Published: October 2020

This essay uses Aquinas’ Summa Theologiae to argue that a person living in what the Catholic tradition calls the “state of grace” has a greater capacity to appreciate sense pleasure than one who is not. Aquinas believes sense pleasures conduce to good if reason elevates them and integrates them into a Christian's life. However, heightened appreciation of sense pleasure requires three conditions. First, the Christian must seek licit, reasonable pleasures that both satisfy external criteria and leave the person internally well-ordered. Second, he must attempt continual purification through asceticism, since the sense appetite tends to rebel against the guidance of reason. However, asceticism is not an end in itself, but it rather assists the Christian in integration that ultimately allows for a full, rightly ordered appreciation of sense pleasures. Third, the Christian must not seek sense pleasure as an end in itself but receive it as a gift and pledge of higher joys. Ultimately, the Thomistic approach toward sense pleasure is one of appreciation and integration rather than distrust. While a Christian might experience quantitatively less sense pleasure, his more integrated, qualitative experience is better.
Epidural Steroid Injections for the Management of Spinal Malignancy‐Related Pain: A Pragmatic Review and Retrospective Study
Authors: Oh Daniel Chun‐suk , Rispoli Leia , Ghosh Priyanka , Gulati Amitabh
Published: October 2020

Background

Spinal malignancy‐related pain results from tumor, fracture, instability, inflammation, and/or nerve root/spinal cord compression. Systemic corticosteroids are commonly used but have many undesirable adverse effects that impact quality of life and continuation of cancer treatments. Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) may be a viable alternative pain treatment.

Objectives

This study starts with a pragmatic review on the efficacy of ESIs to treat spinal malignancy‐related pain. Given the limited evidence, we supplement the study with a single‐center, retrospective review.

Methods

A pragmatic review using PRISMA guidelines was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and Cochrane Review. Then, a retrospective chart review was performed.

Results

A pragmatic review yielded 10 patients who underwent ESI for spinal malignancy‐related pain. Three patients had “excellent” relief (≥ 50% relief), who all received thoracic injections. This amounted to level IV evidence and an inconclusive recommendation (Grade C) as per Wright’s criteria. In our retrospective review, all thoracic cases achieved at least “moderate” pain improvement (30% to 49% relief). 55.6% had “excellent” relief. Lumbosacral injections resulted in 86.0% with at least “moderate” relief and 69.8% with “excellent” relief. Caudal injections were less likely to benefit than lumbosacral injections (P = 0.02). The transforaminal approach resulted in the best relief. There were no adverse events.

Conclusions

There is inconclusive evidence to use ESIs to treat spinal malignancy‐related pain in the current literature. Our retrospective review provides level III evidence for our conclusion that ESIs are safe and efficacious to treat spinal malignancy‐related pain. Thoracic/lumbosacral injections led to significantly better pain relief compared with caudal injections.
Fiscal Decentralization and Natural Disaster Mitigation: Evidence from the United States
Authors: Miao Qing , Shi Yu , Davlasheridze Meri
Published: October 2020

How decentralized government structure influences public service delivery has been a major focus of debate in the public finance literature. In this paper, we empirically examine the effect of fiscal decentralization on natural disaster damages across the U.S. states. We construct a unique measure of decentralization using state and local government expenditures on natural resources, which include investment in flood control and mitigation measures, among others. Using state‐level panel data from 1982 to 2011, we find that states that are more decentralized in natural resource expenditures have experienced more economic losses from floods and storms. This effect is only pronounced in states that are at higher risks of flooding. Our findings suggest that fiscal decentralization may lead to inefficient protection against natural disasters and provide implications for the assignment of disaster management responsibilities across different levels of government in the U.S. federal system.
Proteomic analysis demonstrates that parthenogenetically activated swamp buffalo embryos have dysregulated energy metabolism
Authors: Pu Liping , Shahzad Qaisar , Chen Fumen , Yao Shun , Tang Yuyan , Chen Dongrong , Yu Kai , Xie Long , Xu Huiyan , Zhang Ming , Lu Yangqing
Published: October 2020

The comprehensive understanding of early embryo development is essential to optimize in vitro culture conditions. Protein expression landscape of parthenogenetically produced embryo remains unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the protein expression dynamics with a particular focus on energy metabolism throughout the early developmental stages of parthenogenetic buffalo embryos. For this purpose, we performed iTRAQ‐based quantitative mass spectrometry and identified 280 proteins common in all stages. A total of 933 proteins were identified during the proteomics analysis. The data depicted that morula and blastocyst had distinct protein expression dynamics as compared to 2‐ to 16‐cell‐stage embryo. KEGG pathway analysis showed 23 proteins belonging to energy metabolism appeared in the data. Study of energy metabolism‐related protein's expression pattern demonstrated that there was asynchrony in proteins related to glycolysis throughout the examined developmental stages. The expression pattern of pyruvate kinase mutase (PKM), an essential protein of glycolysis, indicated a slightly decreasing trend from 2‐cell‐stage embryo to blastocyst, and it was supported by expression of proteins involved in lactate production (LDHA and LDHB) suggesting the decreasing rate of aerobic glycolysis (Warburg Effect) at morula and blastocyst stage. The increased Warburg Effect is considered as the hallmark of proliferating cells or embryo at the blastocyst stage. Furthermore, the proteins involved in the citric acid cycle also showed down‐regulation at the blastocyst stage, indicating a lesser role of oxidative phosphorylation at this stage. Therefore, it could be divulged from the study that there may be an irregular pattern of energy metabolism in early parthenogenetic embryos. Further studies are recommended to understand this phenomenon.
The calcium concentration of peritoneal dialysis solution modifies levels of key mediators of peritoneal fibrosis
Authors: Miao Chusheng , Xue Xiangliang , Dai Li , Zhao Ruiyu , Zhao Zhangjian , Song Hanlei , Jin Huanlin , Li Shanshan , Xue Zengqi
Published: October 2020

Background

To explore the effects of different calcium concentrations of peritoneal dialysis solution (PDS) on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and expression of vimentin (VIM), fibroblast‐specific protein (FSP1), and E‐cadherin.

Materials and Methods

This was a pilot study (#ChiCTR1900021387) conducted from January 2017 to December 2019 at the Hospital. The patients were randomized to undergo CAPD using PDS with a calcium concentration of 1.25 mmol/L (low concentration group) or 1.75 mmol/L (high concentration group). Changes in biochemistry before dialysis and at 6 and 12 months were analyzed.

Results

There were 50 and 52 participants in the low and high calcium groups. The blood biochemical indexes were all different between the two groups (all Ptime < .05, Pgroup < .05, Pinteraction < .05), but they remained within their normal ranges. VIM and FSP1 increased over 12 months (Ptime < .05); VIM and FSP1 levels in the high concentration group were higher than in the low concentration group (Pgroup < .05, Pinteraction < .05), while E‐cadherin showed the inverse association (Ptime < .001, Pgroup < .001, Pinteraction < .001). There was no difference in complications (P = .973).

Conclusion

The calcium concentration in PDS might be an important factor affecting the progression of peritoneal fibrosis.
Achieving dialysis adequacy: A global perspective
Authors: Bharati Joyita , Jha Vivekanand
Published: October 2020

Dialysis adequacy is conventionally quantified as net urea clearance. Single pool (sp) Kt/Vurea remains the best studied measure of dialysis adequacy globally. Other measures such as fluid status control, anemia correction, and mineral metabolism are monitored variably. Increasing use of hemodiafiltration across Europe and many parts of Japan and Australia is predicated on studies showing better patient survival with middle molecule clearance. Apart from local clinical practice guidelines, the income level and public health policy of a country determine quality of dialysis services. Among developed nations, small solute clearance adequacy targets are achieved with high frequency. In the United States, dialysis adequacy target is met by focussing on high blood flow rates and large dialyzer size, sometimes at the cost of session time. In Japan, Australia, and Germany, session length is given importance. Dialysis adequacy reporting is restricted and inconsistent in developing nations. The Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Russia and Malaysia, respectively, are close to achieving dialysis adequacy target (spKt/Vurea ≥1.2) universally in their dialysis populations. Patient‐reported outcomes are typically measured only in developed countries. Patient survival on dialysis, partly linked to dialysis adequacy, varies greatly around the world, with Japan having the best survival rates. Until the development of better markers of dialysis adequacy, universal consistency in reporting of conventional parameters with a focus on patient‐reported measures should be endeavored.
Cenozoic coastal carbonate deposits of Qatar: Evidence for dolomite preservation bias in highly‐arid systems
Authors: Rivers John M. , Yousif Ruqaiya , Kaczmarek Stephen E. , Al‐Shaikh Ismail
Published: October 2020

In the ancient rock record, early replacement of metastable marine calcium carbonate deposits by dolomite has long been associated with evidence of arid depositional environments. Such associations led to the development of the seepage reflux dolomitization model, whereby magnesium‐rich marine waters concentrated by evaporation descend into underlying sediments, replacing primary aragonite and calcite deposits with dolomite through rock–water interaction. In the modern arid coastal systems of Qatar, where marine waters concentrate to halite saturation, both aqueous geochemical measurements and mineralogical investigations show that replacement of calcium carbonate deposits by dolomite is not occurring to any consequential degree. At best dolomite formation is minor and localized. Instead, modern and mid‐Holocene coastal deposits retain their original mineralogy, showing little evidence of carbonate precipitation reactions with the notable exception of beachrock formation. Pleistocene coastal deposits are mostly absent in comparison with both Qatar Holocene coastal deposits, and Pleistocene coastal deposits from more humid settings. The lack of onshore Pleistocene‐aged carbonate outcrops in Qatar, as well as regionally, is interpreted to reflect coastal sediment denudation during emergence due to: (i) the absence of coastal marine lithification; and (ii) the absence of meteoric cementation and root stabilization in the highly‐arid realm. In contrast, marine Palaeogene and Miocene carbonate deposits are preserved in outcrop in Qatar, having suffered marine lithification by dolomite, thus promoting retention of carbonate strata through subsequent lowstands. These older deposits formed during times of ocean acidification, which, based on natural system and laboratory investigations, is interpreted to promote metastable carbonate dissolution and dolomite formation. The highly‐arid Holocene and Pleistocene coastal systems of Qatar represent limestone factories, but these deposits are not being retained to the rock record. Based on these observations, the association between the occurrence of dolomite and arid depositional settings may be to some degree a preservation bias.
Interprofessional Education on Complementary and Integrative Medicine
Authors: Homberg Angelika , Stock‐Schröer Beate
Published: October 2020

Background

Interprofessional education and complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) strive for patient‐centred medical care. Combining both concepts in education seems promising to prepare students for future health care. This article explores the question of what should be considered in undergraduate interprofessional training on complementary and integrative medicine for students of medicine and other health care professions and what benefits can be expected.

Methods

A three‐round Delphi study was conducted with experts from varied professional backgrounds who have experience in teaching and patient care to address CIM training in the above‐mentioned setting. Presented here are the results of the third round, in which 40 experts were asked open questions about what benefits/opportunities and what barriers/challenges they expect when such training programmes are offered. The statements were inductively evaluated by content analysis, to develop categories and subcategories.

Results

The response rate was 90% (n = 36). The categories (and most frequently mentioned subcategories) were as follows: Regarding benefits: patient care (strengthening holistic and patient‐centred care); teaching and learning (learning together); faculty development (opening up new perspectives); and regarding barriers: teaching and learning (uncritical teaching); faculty development (lack of acceptance); implementation (difficult scheduling).

Conclusion

Experts expect interprofessional teaching on CIM to have positive effects not only on holistic and team‐oriented patient care but also on faculty development. It might be challenging to teach the topics in a critical manner and on a scientific basis to ensure high‐quality teaching. The results of this study can be used to promote an appropriate implementation of such training programmes.
A promiscuous coenzyme A ligase provides benzoyl‐coenzyme A for xanthone biosynthesis in Hypericum
Authors: Singh Poonam , Preu Lutz , Beuerle Till , Kaufholdt David , Hänsch Robert , Beerhues Ludger , Gaid Mariam
Published: October 2020

Benzoic acid‐derived compounds, such as polyprenylated benzophenones and xanthones, attract the interest of scientists due to challenging chemical structures and diverse biological activities. The genus Hypericum is of high medicinal value, as exemplified by H. perforatum. It is rich in benzophenone and xanthone derivatives, the biosynthesis of which requires the catalytic activity of benzoate‐coenzyme A (benzoate‐CoA) ligase (BZL), which activates benzoic acid to benzoyl‐CoA. Despite remarkable research so far done on benzoic acid biosynthesis in planta, all previous structural studies of BZL genes and proteins are exclusively related to benzoate‐degrading microorganisms. Here, a transcript for a plant acyl‐activating enzyme (AAE) was cloned from xanthone‐producing Hypericum calycinum cell cultures using transcriptomic resources. An increase in the HcAAE1 transcript level preceded xanthone accumulation after elicitor treatment, as previously observed with other pathway‐related genes. Subcellular localization of reporter fusions revealed the dual localization of HcAAE1 to cytosol and peroxisomes owing to a type 2 peroxisomal targeting signal. This result suggests the generation of benzoyl‐CoA in Hypericum by the CoA‐dependent non‐β‐oxidative route. A luciferase‐based substrate specificity assay and the kinetic characterization indicated that HcAAE1 exhibits promiscuous substrate preference, with benzoic acid being the sole aromatic substrate accepted. Unlike 4‐coumarate‐CoA ligase and cinnamate‐CoA ligase enzymes, HcAAE1 did not accept 4‐coumaric and cinnamic acids, respectively. The substrate preference was corroborated by in silico modeling, which indicated valid docking of both benzoic acid and its adenosine monophosphate intermediate in the HcAAE1/BZL active site cavity.
Effect of the Honeycomb Tip With Injection on the Aerodynamic Performance in a 1.5-Stage Turbine
Authors: Yu Jianyang , Wang Yabo , Song Yanping , Chen Fu
Published: October 2020

Three kinds of rotor tip configurations have been investigated numerically in the LISA 1.5-stage turbine, including the flat tip, the honeycomb tip, and the honeycomb tip with injection. The effect of the cavity depth and the injection mass flowrate on the turbine performance is studied in detail, evaluated by the isentropic total-to-total efficiency and the tip leakage mass flowrate. The Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) method and the k–ω turbulence model are adopted in all the present computations. The numerical results show that the first-stage efficiency is increased by up to 0.66% and the tip leakage mass flowrate is reduced by about 1.87% of the main flow. The pressure field and the flow feature inside the gap are explored. The flow structures and the total pressure loss contours in the rotor passage are presented. Finally, the total pressure loss is newly defined by considering the injection effect. It is indicated that the injection mass flowrate should be carefully determined for excellent overall performance.
The chemistry and energetics of the interface between metal halide perovskite and atomic layer deposited metal oxides
Authors: Bracesco Andrea E. A. , Burgess Claire H. , Todinova Anna , Zardetto Valerio , Koushik Dibyashree , Kessels Wilhelmus M. M (Erwin) , Dogan Ilker , Weijtens Christ H. L. , Veenstra Sjoerd , Andriessen Ronn , Creatore Mariadriana
Published: October 2020

The chemistry of the interface between the metal halide perovskite absorber and the charge transport layer affects the performance and stability of metal halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The literature provides several examples of poor PSC conversion efficiency values, when electron transport layers (ETLs), such as SnO2 and TiO2, are processed by atomic layer deposition (ALD) directly on the perovskite absorber. In the present work, we shed light on the chemical modifications occurring at the perovskite surface, during ALD processing of SnO2 and TiO2, in parallel with the evaluation of the PSC cell performance. The ALD processes are carried out on a (Cs,FA)Pb(I,Br)3 perovskite by adopting tetrakis(dimethylamino)tin(IV) and tetrakis(dimethylamino)titanium(IV) as metal precursors and H2O as the coreactant for SnO2 and TiO2, respectively. Perovskite surface modification occurs in the form of an ultrathin PbBr2 layer. Furthermore, in the case of SnO2, halogen molecules are detected at the interface, in parallel with the initial growth of an oxygen-deficient SnO2. Subgap defect states just above the valence band maximum of SnO2 are also detected. These states act as hole traps at the perovskite/SnO2 interface, subsequently promoting charge recombination and deteriorating the performance of the cell. We hypothesize that a redox reaction between the perovskite, or its decomposition products, and the Sn metal center of the ALD precursor takes place: I− and Br− are oxidized to I2 and Br2, respectively, and Sn(IV) is reduced to Sn(II). In contrast, the Ti(IV) metal center does not undergo any redox process, and, as a result, a promising 11% power conversion efficiency is measured with TiO2 as the ETL. This result strongly suggests that TiO2 may be a more suitable ETL, when processed directly on the perovskite absorber.
Synthesis of edge-enriched WS2 on high surface area WS2 framework by atomic layer deposition for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Balasubramanyam Shashank , Bloodgood Matthew A. , Zhang Yue , Verheijen Marcel A. , Kessels Wilhelmus M. M. , Hofmann Jan P. , Bol Ageeth A.
Published: October 2020

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are promising electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Several approaches have been adopted to increase the density of the catalytically active edge-sites of TMDs including the use of high surface area 3D templates. In this work, we report the implementation of a high surface area WS2 framework grown using plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) as templates to support edge-enriched PEALD grown WS2 electrocatalyst films. We show that these combined WS2 template-electrocatalyst configurations show better HER performance than the individual constituents. Material properties of the combined configurations including morphology and composition are investigated. A correlation between material properties and the HER performance is observed. This facile pathway could lead to a new route for creating high surface area electrocatalyst systems via PEALD.
Cardiometabolic and Perceptual Responses to Body-Weight Resistance High-Intensity Interval Exercise in Boys
Authors: Ricci Jeanette M. , Astorino Todd A. , Currie Katharine D. , Pfeiffer Karin A.
Published: October 2020

The majority of studies examining children’s responses to high-intensity interval exercise primarily utilized running; however, this modality does not require/include other important aspects of physical activity including muscular fitness. Purpose: To compare acute responses between a body weight resistance exercise circuit (CIRC) and treadmill-based (TM) high-intensity interval exercise. Method: A total of 17 boys (age = 9.7 [1.3] y) completed a graded exercise test to determine peak heart rate, peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), and maximal aerobic speed. Sessions were randomized and counterbalanced. CIRC required 2 sets of 30-second maximal repetitions of 4 exercises. TM included eight 30-second bouts of running at 100% maximal aerobic speed. Both included 30-second active recovery between bouts. Blood lactate concentration was measured preexercise and postexercise. Rating of perceived exertion, affective valence, and enjoyment were recorded preexercise, after intervals 3 and 6, and postexercise. Results: Participants attained 88% (5%) peak heart rate and 74% (9%) VO2peak for CIRC and 89% (4%) peak heart rate and 81% (6%) VO2peak for TM, with a significant difference in percentage of VO2peak (P = .003) between protocols. Postexercise blood lactate concentration was higher following CIRC (5.0 [0.7] mM) versus TM (2.0 [0.3] mM) (P < .001). Rating of perceived exertion, affective valence, and enjoyment responses did not differ between protocols (P > .05). Conclusion: HR responses were near maximal during CIRC, supporting that this body-weight circuit is representative of high-intensity interval exercise.