bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synchronous and collaborative online concept mapping of membrane transport
Authors: Choe Keith P.
Published: August 2020

The rush to remote learning during the COVD‐19 pandemic has caused instructors to rapidly adapt mechanisms of learning. Here, I describe an online concept mapping activity for membrane transport mechanisms that can be accomplished by students working together remotely and either synchronously or asynchronously.
Association of an anaplastic lymphoma kinase pathway signature with cell de‐differentiation, neoadjuvant chemotherapy response, and recurrence risk in breast cancer
Authors: Liu Dingxie , Wu Yong
Published: August 2020

Background

Aberrant activation of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) signaling has been found to be involved in the tumorigenesis of multiple types of cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the role of this pathway in the pathogenesis of breast cancer.

Methods

An ALK pathway signature that we generated previously was used to compute the ALK pathway activity in 6381 breast cancer samples from 42 microarray datasets, and the associations between ALK pathway signature score and clinical variables were examined using logistic regression and survival analyses.

Results

Our results indicated that high ALK pathway activity was a significant risk factor for hormone receptor‐negative, high‐grade breast cancer in the 42 datasets. ALK pathway activity was positively associated with pathological complete response (pCR) in 15 datasets annotated with patient's neoadjuvant chemotherapy response information (overall odds ratio = 1.67, P < 0.01), and this association was more significant in HER2‐negative and grade 1&2 tumors than in HER2‐positive and grade 3 tumors. ALK pathway activity was also positively associated with recurrence risk in breast cancer patients from 30 datasets annotated with survival information (overall hazard ratio = 1.21, P < 0.01), particularly in patients with age > 50 years old, with positive lymph nodes, or with residual disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Conclusions

ALK may be involved in breast cancer tumorigenesis, and ALK pathway signature score may serve as a prognostic biomarker for breast cancer.
Continued smoking in African American cancer survivors: The Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors Cohort
Authors: Malburg Carly M. , Fucinari Juliana , Ruterbusch Julie J. , Ledgerwood David M. , Beebe‐Dimmer Jennifer L. , Schwartz Ann G. , Cote Michele L.
Published: August 2020

Tobacco cessation among those recently diagnosed with cancer is important to improve their prognosis, yet, many cancer survivors continue to smoke. The epidemiology of tobacco use differs by race and ethnicity, and limited cessation research has been conducted in African American (AA) populations. Here, we assess demographic and clinical variables associated with continued smoking in AAs after a cancer diagnosis. The Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors study is a cohort comprised of AA cancer survivors with breast, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers. Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors data were utilized from survivors who completed their baseline survey within 18 months of cancer diagnosis (n = 1145); 18% (n = 356) reported smoking at the time of cancer diagnosis, and 57% of these (n = 203) continued to smoke after their diagnosis. Logistic regression models were used to assess factors associated with continued smoking. Living with a smoker (odds ratio [OR] = 2.78, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.64, 4.70), higher cumulative years of smoking (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.05, for each year), and a prostate cancer diagnosis (OR = 7.35, 95% CI: 3.89, 13.89) were all associated with increased odds of continued smoking. Survivors with higher social well‐being scores (measured by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy, a quality of life assessment) were more likely to quit smoking after diagnosis (OR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.93, 1.00). These findings highlight the continued need for personalized cessation strategies to be incorporated into treatment plans for cancer survivors.
Air, Air Everywhere!
Authors: Kanji Rafiq , Patel Kayur , Stangoe Douglas
Published: August 2020

When using a gum elastic bougie, a common device to aid difficult intubations, one must appreciate the significant consequences, be prepared to manage emergency complications, and use safely by advancing under direct vision and using the markings to guide insertion.
Refeeding syndrome in a 12‐year‐old girl with distal renal tubular acidosis
Authors: Sasaki Yoshiaki , Akaba Yuichi , Kajino Hiroki
Published: August 2020

Distal renal tubular acidosis is a risk factor for refeeding syndrome. Frequent measurement of serum phosphorus levels at the initiation of nutrition and rapid administration of phosphate preparations are required to prevent organ failure.
In Situ Mass Spectrometric and Kinetic Investigations of Soai's Asymmetric Autocatalysis
Authors: Trapp Oliver , Lamour Saskia , Maier Frank , Siegle Alexander F. , Zawatzky Kerstin , Straub Bernd F.
Published: August 2020

Chemical reactions that lead to a spontaneous symmetry breaking or amplification of the enantiomeric excess are of fundamental interest in explaining the formation of a homochiral world. An outstanding example is Soai's asymmetric autocatalysis, in which small enantiomeric excesses of the added product alcohol are amplified in the reaction of diisopropylzinc and pyrimidine‐5‐carbaldehydes. The exact mechanism is still in dispute due to complex reaction equilibria and elusive intermediates. In situ high‐resolution mass spectrometric measurements, detailed kinetic analyses and doping with in situ reacting reaction mixtures show the transient formation of hemiacetal complexes, which can establish an autocatalytic cycle. We propose a mechanism that explains the autocatalytic amplification involving these hemiacetal complexes. Comprehensive kinetic experiments and modelling of the hemiacetal formation and the Soai reaction allow the precise prediction of the reaction progress, the enantiomeric excess as well as the enantiomeric excess dependent time shift in the induction period. Experimental structural data give insights into the privileged properties of the pyrimidyl units and the formation of diastereomeric structures leading to an efficient amplification of even minimal enantiomeric excesses, respectively.
The move to online — Getting it done
Authors: Elfman Lois
Published: August 2020

In the wake of COVID‐19, colleges and universities moved their classes to online platforms. Some academics had previous experience teaching online courses, while others lacked home computers capable of handling Zoom or other necessary programs.
Aberrantly activated Wnt/β‐catenin pathway co‐receptors LRP5 and LRP6 regulate osteoblast differentiation in the developing coronal sutures of an Apert syndrome (Fgfr2S252W/+) mouse model
Authors: Min Swe Nay Myo , Kobayashi Yukiho , Kamimoto Hiroyuki , Moriyama Keiji
Published: August 2020

Background

Apert syndrome is an autosomal, dominant inherited disorder characterized by craniosynostosis and syndactyly caused by gain‐of‐function mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) gene. Wnt/β‐catenin signaling plays critical roles in regulating the skeletal development. Here, we analyzed the role of this pathway in the developing coronal sutures (CS) of a murine Apert syndrome model (Fgfr2S252W/+).

Results

We observed aberrantly increased mRNA expression of Lrp5 and Lrp6 in CS of Fgfr2S252W/+ mice, whereas both wild type (WT) and Fgfr2S252W/+ mice showed similar expression of other Wnt/β‐catenin‐related genes, such as Wnt3, Wnt3a, Fzd4, Fzd6, Axin2, and Dkk1 as evidenced by in situ hybridization. Significantly increased Lrp5 and Lrp6 mRNA expression was observed by quantitative PCR analysis of cultured cells isolated from CS of Fgfr2S252W/+ mice. Phospho‐LRP5, phospho‐LRP6, and non‐phospho‐β‐catenin were upregulated in Fgfr2S252W/+ CS compared with that in WT CS. Short‐interfering RNA targeting Lrp5 and Lrp6 significantly reduced runt‐related transcription factor 2, collagen type 1 alpha 1, and osteocalcin mRNA expression, and alkaline phosphatase activity in cultured cells.

Conclusions

The Wnt/β‐catenin pathway was activated in the CS of Fgfr2S252W/+ mice during craniofacial development, suggesting the involvement of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway in the pathogenesis of CS synostosis in Fgfr2S252W/+ mice.
Does the use of biological traits predict a smooth landscape of ecosystem functioning?
Authors: Gammal Johanna , Hewitt Judi , Norkko Joanna , Norkko Alf , Thrush Simon
Published: August 2020

The biodiversity crisis has increased interest in understanding the role of biodiversity for ecosystem functioning. Functional traits are often used to infer ecosystem functions to increase our understanding of these relationships over larger spatial scales. The links between specific traits and ecosystem functioning are, however, not always well established. We investigated how the choice of analyzing either individual species, selected modalities, or trait combinations affected the spatial patterns observed on a sandflat and how this was related to the natural variability in ecosystem functioning. A large dataset of 400 benthic macrofauna samples was used to explore distribution patterns. We hypothesized that (1) if multiple species (redundancy) represent a trait combination or a modality their spatial patterns would be smoothed out, and (2) the lost spatial variability within a trait combination or modality, due to the smoothing effect, would potentially affect their utility for predicting ecosystem functioning (tested on a dataset of 24 samples). We predicted that species would show heterogeneous small spatial patterns, while modalities and trait combinations would show larger and more homogeneous patterns because they would represent a collection of many distributions. If modalities and trait combinations are better predictors of ecosystem functioning than species, then the smoother spatial patterns of modalities and trait combinations would result in a more homogeneous landscape of ecosystem function and the number of species exhibiting specific traits would provide functional redundancy. Our results showed some smoothing of spatial patterns progressing from species through modalities to trait combinations, but generally spatial patterns reflected a few dominant key species. Moreover, some individual modalities and species explained more or equal proportions of the variance in the ecosystem functioning than the combined traits. The findings thus suggest that only some spatial variability is lost when species are combined into modalities and trait combinations and that a homogeneous landscape of ecosystem function is not likely.
Cognitive performance is associated with worse prognosis in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Fino Patrícia , Sousa Rita Matos , Carvalho Renata , Sousa Nuno , Almeida Filipa , Pereira Vítor Hugo
Published: August 2020

Aims

Heart failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome with multiple comorbidities. Cognitive impairment, stress, anxiety, depression, and lower quality of life are prevalent in HF. Herein, we explore the interplay between these parameters and study their value to predict major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and health‐related quality of life (HrQoL) in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction using guideline recommended assessment tools.

Methods and results

We conducted a longitudinal study using a sample of 65 patients from two hospitals. A battery of tests was applied to assess cognition [Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)], stress (Perceived Stress Scale‐10), anxiety, and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) at baseline. MACEs were registered using clinical records. HrQoL was estimated using the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ). A descriptive statistical analysis was conducted, and multiple linear and Cox regression models conducted to determine the predictive value of neurocognitive parameters and HrQoL in MACE. Both MoCA [hazard ratio = 0.906 (0.829–0.990); P = 0.029] and KCCQ scores were predictors of MACE, but not of overall mortality. Anxiety, depression, and stress scores did not predict MACE. However, anxiety (β = −0.326; P = 0.012) and depression levels (β = −0.309; P = 0.014) were independent predictors of the KCCQ score.

Conclusions

The MoCA score and HrQoL were predictors of MACE‐free survival. Anxiety and depression were good predictors of HrQoL, but not of MACE‐free survival.
Geoarchaeology and the search for the first North Americans
Authors: Holliday Vance T.
Published: August 2020

The Earth sciences have played a key role in understanding the origins and subsequent development of the first American cultures (“Paleoindians”), a broad and often contentious topic in archaeology. Geoarchaeological approaches used to understand the peopling of North America are equally broad at a range of spatial scales. At subcontinental scales, geoarchaeological research revolves around lowered seas levels and fluctuating glacier margins. Modeling sea‐level changes and the high‐precision dating of ice retreat over Canada is helping to understand the environmental conditions, route(s), and timing of the earliest human entry into and colonization of North America. Stratigraphy, a fundamental principle in both archaeology and geology, first established the antiquity and chronology of the earliest artifact assemblages by demonstrating clear association of artifacts and Pleistocene fauna. Many Paleoindian sites also yielded stratigraphic records with evidence of markedly different depositional environments in the past. The ancient fauna and the striking contrasts between past and present depositional environments has long attracted the attention of archaeologists and Earth scientists alike because of the paleoenvironmental implications. Reconstructing the evolution of paleo‐lakes and paleo‐wetlands is aiding in the understanding of ancient landscapes and their evolution. These landscape‐scale studies and micromorphology also provide insights into Paleoindian subsistence.
Long‐term survival of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma after bone marrow transplant
Authors: Douglas Catriona M. , Jethwa Ashock R. , Hasan Wael , Liu Amy , Gilbert Ralph , Goldstein David , De Almedia John , Lipton Jeff , Irish Jonathan C.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The risk of developing head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in patients with graft versus host disease (GVHD) after bone marrow transplant (BMT) is well established but large series reporting outcomes are sparse.

Methods

Retrospective, single institution, study of patients with GVHD and HNSCC after BMT, between January 1, 1968, and June 30, 2016.

Results

In total, 25 patients were studied, of which 21 (84%) were male and 4 (16%) were female. Mean age for BMT was 41 (18‐65) years. All patients developed GVHD, most common site was oral cavity (19 patients, 76%). Mean age for diagnosis of HNSCC was 52 (28‐76) years. Mean time between BMT and diagnosis of HNSCC was 12 (2‐13) years. The 2‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) was 61.4%, 5‐year PFS was 56.7%. The 2‐year overall survival (OS) was 82.8%, 5‐year OS was 68.7%.

Conclusion

HNSCC can develop many years after BMT in patients without the classic risk factors for head and neck cancer. The majority were seen with oral cancer and with early‐stage disease likely due to active surveillance and early detection in this patient population.
Combining T‐cell‐based immunotherapy with venetoclax elicits synergistic cytotoxicity to B‐cell lines in vitro
Authors: Murakami Satsuki , Suzuki Susumu , Hanamura Ichiro , Yoshikawa Kazuhiro , Ueda Ryuzo , Seto Masao , Takami Akiyoshi
Published: August 2020

Alterations of B‐cell lymphoma 2 (BCL‐2) family proteins contribute to the survival of B‐cell malignancies. Recently, venetoclax, a BCL‐2 inhibitor, was approved for B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia therapy and is being investigated in clinical trials for a variety of hematologic cell malignancies. Furthermore, combination therapy with other molecularly targeted drugs was reported to be more effective than monotherapy. However, combining venetoclax with immunotherapy based on T‐cells has not been tested. Because both venetoclax and granzyme B activate the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway by targeting different BCL‐2 family molecules, it is possible that combinations of venetoclax with immunotherapy will be effective treatments. We examined the effect of combining venetoclax with immunotherapy using an in vitro model system involving cytomegalovirus (CMV) pp65 antigen‐specific cytotoxic T‐cells (CMV‐CTLs) as the effector cells and CMVpp65 antigen‐expressing B‐cell lines as the target cells. Cytotoxicity of CMV‐CTLs to the target B‐cell lines was enhanced by venetoclax with combination index values of 0.47–0.83. This suggests that venetoclax synergizes with T‐cell‐based immunotherapy to affect B‐cell malignancies. Interestingly, venetoclax synergized not only with antigen‐specific cytotoxicity but also with nonspecific cytotoxicity. Importantly, CMV‐CTLs could be expanded in the presence of venetoclax at the maximum concentration (5 μM) that induced apoptosis in resting CMV‐CTLs. B‐cell lymphoma‐extra large (BCL‐xL) expression in CMV‐CTLs increased transiently after activation by CMVpp65‐transfected B‐cell lines, indicating that the expression of BCL‐xL was important for the effectiveness of combination treatment with venetoclax. These findings suggest that T‐cell‐based immunotherapy combined with venetoclax is effective against B‐cell malignancies.
The relation between pretence and emergent executive functioning in toddlers
Authors: Van Reet Jennifer
Published: August 2020

There has long been a hypothesized link between pretend play and self‐regulation in childhood, and several recent studies have confirmed a positive relation between the two in children as young as preschool‐age. However, no research to date has investigated whether this relation is present in toddlerhood. The purpose of the present study is to explore whether toddlers' pretence is correlated with emerging executive function skills. Age‐appropriate measures of comprehension of pretence, working memory, and inhibitory control were administered to 86 toddlers. The results show that, after controlling for age, comprehension of pretence was positively correlated to delay of gratification, but not working memory or conflict inhibitory control. These data are the first to demonstrate a positive correlation between pretence and delay inhibitory control in children younger than 3 years old. Implications of these findings for the possible role of inhibitory control in the development of the ability to represent pretend actions are discussed.

Highlights

A relation between pretence and executive function is established in preschoolers, but it is unknown whether it exists in toddlers.

Toddlers completed working memory, inhibitory control, and pretence tasks.

After controlling for age, pretence was positively related to delaying gratification, but not conflict inhibitory control or working memory.
Government debt expansion and stock returns
Authors: Wisniewski Tomasz Piotr , Jackson Peter M.
Published: August 2020

Using an international data set, this article documents a negative association between increases in the central government debt‐to‐GDP ratio and dollar‐denominated stock index returns. Depending on the estimation method, raising the debt ratio by 1 percentage point diminishes the stock returns by between 39 and 95 basis points. We show that this result cannot be explained by changes in the investment risk. Instead, government debt issuance exerts upward pressure on private interest rates and appears to signal a greater tax burden in the future. These two factors coincide to produce a fall in stock market prices.
Dominant bank oligopoly and economic stability
Authors: Soldatos Gerasimos T.
Published: August 2020

This article demonstrates that the market share of a dominant bank and hence, of the associated competitive fringe, namely of the smaller price‐taking banks in the same market, will be stable if fringe size is the same as under perfect competition. One interesting implication of this conclusion is that the empirical evidence about the stability of market shares implies the optimality of the number of small banks in the loan market; it points to what perfect competition entails in practice insofar as the banking system is concerned. It follows that if the fringe is to serve as a transmission channel of monetary policy, a prudential policy targeting the large bank(s) will also be necessary in order to preserve market structure. Analytically, market shares are determined endogenously within a theoretical framework that combines the textbook modelling of dominant firm oligopoly with an inter‐temporal utility for the bank depositor.
Does trade openness andFDIreduce inequality? Evidence from South Asia
Authors: Khan Imran , Nawaz Zuhaba , Saeed Bilal Bin
Published: August 2020

This study seeks to examine whether trade openness and inward FDI may affect income distribution in an unbalanced panel of five South Asian countries over the period of 1990–2016. The analysis of the model involves the examination of likely non‐linear effect of both trade and FDI on income distribution. Therefore, dynamic panel system‐generalized method of moments (SYS‐GMM) estimator has been applied to mitigate the problem of non‐linearity and possible endogeneity. In the second stage, the model is extended to test the impact of education on income inequality. The hypothesis was that secondary school enrolment speeds up the process of adoption of contemporary technology and decreases inequality. The results reveal that trade and FDI have significant effects on income inequality, however, inverted U‐shaped curve holds for trade as purposed by the trade theory. The component wise effect of trade was also held, except imports from advanced countries. The joint effect of trade and FDI through education has produced mixed results. South Asia needs to invest in social infrastructure and swifter the process of openness to achieve the desired goal of equitable prosperity.
The single supervisory mechanism: Competitive implications for the banking sectors in the euro area
Authors: Okolelova Iryna , Bikker Jacob A.
Published: August 2020

This paper explores possible impact of the SSM's launch on the market power of banks in the large euro area economies. We employ the Lerner index and the Boone estimator, non‐structural measures that capture different aspects of competition. Using the results of the Lerner index, we find evidence of the significant decrease in market power for the ECB supervised entities in Austria, France, Germany and Spain. In a similar vein, the Boone indicator points towards an increase in competition among significant supervised entities of Austria, France, Germany, Italy and Spain. The evidence on changes for the total banking sector are mixed, whereas no significant effect is found for the banks remaining under national supervision. We do not find any support for significant increases in the market power of banks in Italy or Spain, suggesting that large increases in concentration do not necessarily result in anticompetitive conduct.
MAPK/HOG signaling pathway induced stress‐responsive damage repair is a mechanism for Pichia pastoris to survive from hyperosmotic stress
Authors: Wang Rongbin , Zhao Tianyu , Zhuo Junlin , Zhan Chunjun , Zhang Fuming , Linhardt Robert J , Bai Zhonghu , Yang Yankun
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

MAPK/HOG signaling pathway plays a key role in the response of yeast to external hyperosmotic stress. Over the past few decades, the regulation mechanism for this pathway in the robust yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, has been elucidated. However, the weak ability of the biotechnical workhorse, Pichia pastoris, in surviving hyperosmotic stress suggests a unique regulatory mechanism needing further investigation.

RESULT

Here, we identified crucial genes in the MAPK/HOG pathway of P. pastoris and investigated their effects on cell growing in osmotically stressed environments by knocking out these genes using a novel CRISPR/Cas9 system. Using real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and yeast two‐hybrid assay, transcription factors Hot1, Msn4 and Sko1 were demonstrated to be regulated by Pbs2 and Hog1 either at mRNA or protein level. We also examined the subcellular localization of these transcription factors, reflecting their translocation between cytoplasm and nucleus. The transcriptions of putative osmo‐responsive genes were then studied by RT‐PCR. We found the induction of glycerol‐related genes, such as GT1 and GPD1, was marginal when cells experienced high osmolarity. The ability of P. pastoris to increase intracellular glycerol level was determined and found to be much weaker than that in S. cerevisiae. By contrast, stress‐induced damage repair genes, including CTT1 and HSP12, were dramatically increased.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that P. pastoris could barely balance hyperosmotic stress by increasing intracellular glycerol concentrations, and stress‐induced damage repair is still an important mechanism for P. pastoris survival under hyperosmotic stress. This study demonstrates a description of the MAPK/HOG pathway in P. pastoris and provides a trigger for improving its robustness. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
Toxicity of imidacloprid to collembolans in two tropical soils under different soil moisture
Authors: Braúlio Hennig Thuanne , Ogliari Bandeira Felipe , Dalpasquale Adriano Junior , Cardoso Elke Jurandy Bran Nogueira , Baretta Dilmar , Lopes Alves Paulo Roger
Published: August 2020

Shifts in precipitation regimes due to the predicted climate changes can alter the water content in tropical soils and, consequently, may influence the toxicity of pesticides to soil fauna. This study assessed the influence of soil moisture content on the toxicity of the insecticide imidacloprid to the collembolansFolsomia candidain two tropical soils and evaluated the risk of this active ingredient for this species in the soils tested through the toxicity exposure ratio approach. Acute and chronic toxicity tests withF. candidawere performed using an Entisol and an Oxisol. The soils were spiked with increasing imidacloprid concentrations while simulating normal water availability (60% of the water holding capacity [WHC]) and water restriction (30 or 45% WHC) for the tests. In the Oxisol, the reduction of soil moisture content significantly increased the toxic effects of imidacloprid onF. candida'ssurvival (LC50at 45% WHC = 23.8 vs. LC50at 60% WHC >64 mg kg−1) and reproduction (effective concentration causing reductions in species reproduction of 50% [EC50] at 45% WHC = 0.32 vs. EC50at 60% WHC = 2.83 mg kg−1), but in the Entisol no clear influence of the soil moisture on the toxicity of imidacloprid for collembolans was found. A significant risk forF. candidawas observed in the Oxisol only when in water restriction, whereas in the Entisol it occurred regardless of soil moisture, suggesting that the imidacloprid hazard and risk forF. candidamay be increased if soil moisture decreases due to climate changes, depending on the soil type.
Smoking reduces cathelicidin LL‐37 and human neutrophil peptide 1–3 levels in the gingival crevicular fluid of patients with periodontitis
Authors: Soldati Kahena R. , Toledo Felipe A. , Aquino Sabrina G. , Rossa Carlos , Deng Dongmei , Zandim‐Barcelos Daniela L.
Published: August 2020

Background

Antimicrobial peptides are components of innate immune response that have a key role on susceptibility and resistance of the oral cavity to diseases. This study aimed to investigate the influence of smoking on cathelicidin LL‐37 and human neutrophil peptides 1 through 3 (HNP 1‒3) levels in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of patients with periodontitis. The relationship between levels of these peptides with the periodontal status and selected inflammatory mediators levels in smokers and non‐smokers was also evaluated.

Methods

Forty patients with periodontitis, 20 smokers and 20 non‐smokers were recruited. After a full periodontal clinical assessment, GCF samples were collected from healthy (n = 5) and diseased (n = 5) sites of each patient. Peptides and inflammatory mediators in the GCF were quantitated by sandwich ELISAs and Multiplex assay, respectively.

Results

Diseased sites had significantly (P <0.05) higher levels of LL‐37 and lower levels of HNP 1‒3 than healthy sites in both smokers and non‐smokers. Diseased sites of smokers presented significantly lower levels of LL‐37 and HNP 1‒3 when compared with diseased sites of non‐smokers. Concentration of LL‐37 was directly correlated with the presence of proinflammatory mediators matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐8 and interleukin (IL)‐1β and inversely correlated with concentration of IL‐10. HNP 1‒3 concentration was positively correlated with IL‐10 and negatively correlated with concentrations of MMP‐8 and IL‐1β.

Conclusions

Smoking was associated with reduced levels of LL‐37 and HNP 1‒3 in GCF of patients with periodontitis. LL‐37 had a distinct expression pattern from HNP 1‒3: LL‐37 was upregulated in diseased sites, and HNP 1‒3 was increased in periodontally healthy sites.1
A new combined sensory‐instrumental tool for pomegranate seed hardness determination
Authors: Calín‐Sánchez Ángel , Cano‐Lamadrid Marina , Alcaraz‐Mármol Francisco , García‐Sánchez Francisco , Hernández Francisca , Martínez‐Nicolás Juan José
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Scanning electron microscopy was assayed and linked with previous data with respect to obtaining a new combined sensory‐instrumental tool for pomegranate seed hardness determination. The present study aimed to develop an effective tool for the prediction of sensory properties via instrumental determinations.

RESULTS

Simple regression analysis determined a high correlation within descriptive seed hardness and thickness of the wall, as well as descriptive wood perception and thickness of the wall, with values of 0.71 in both cases. Multiple regression analysis improved correlations when (i) descriptive seed hardness correlated with instrumental seed hardness and wood index (0.94); (ii) descriptive wood perception correlated with instrumental seed hardness and wood index (0.79); (iii) descriptive seed hardness correlated with instrumental seed hardness and thickness of the seed wall (0.96); and (iv) descriptive wood perception correlated with instrumental seed hardness and thickness of the seed wall (0.82). The same trend was found when (i) seed hardness satisfaction degree correlated with instrumental seed hardness and wood index (0.92); (ii) wood perception satisfaction degree correlated with instrumental seed hardness and wood index (0.82); (iii) seed hardness satisfaction degree correlated with instrumental seed hardness and thickness of the wall (0.99); and (iv) wood perception satisfaction degree correlated with instrumental seed hardness and thickness of the wall (0.99).

CONCLUSION

Regarding mechanical properties, the results of the present study confirm that texture analysis and scanning electron microscopy are an effective tool for obtaining reliable information. This research led to establish an objective tool allowing prediction of the consumer acceptance of pomegranate cultivars worldwide. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Optimal number of harvested lymph nodes for curatively resected gallbladder adenocarcinoma based on a Bayesian network model
Authors: Zhang Rui , Wu Yu‐Han , Cai Zhi‐Qiang , Xue Feng , Zhang Dong , Chen Chen , Li Qi , Fu Jia‐Lu , Tang Zhao‐Hui , Si Shu‐Bin , Geng Zhi‐Min
Published: August 2020

Background and Objectives

To identify the optimal range and the minimum number of lymph nodes (LNs) to be examined to maximize survival time of patients with curatively resected gallbladder adenocarcinoma (GBAC).

Methods

Data were collected from the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results database on patients with GBAC who underwent curative resection between 2004 and 2015. A Bayesian network (BN) model was constructed to identify the optimal range of harvested LNs. Model accuracy was evaluated using the confusion matrix and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

A total of 1268 patients were enrolled in this study. Accuracy of the BN model was 72.82%, and the area under the curve of the ROC for the testing dataset was 78.49%. We found that at least seven LNs should be harvested to maximize survival time, and that the optimal count of harvested LNs was in the range of 7 to 10 overall, with an optimal range of 10 to 11 for N+ patients, 7 to 10 for stage T1‐T2 patients, and 7 to 11 for stage T3‐T4 patients.

Conclusions

According to a BN model, at least seven LNs should be retrieved for GBAC with curative resection, with an overall optimal range of 7 to 10 harvested LNs.
The role of carbon monoxide, heme oxygenase 1, and the Nrf2 transcription factor in the modulation of chronic pain and their interactions with opioids and cannabinoids
Authors: Pol Olga
Published: August 2020

Chronic pain and its associated comorbidities are difficult to treat, even when the most potent analgesic compounds are used. Thus, research on new strategies to effectively relieve nociceptive and/or emotional disorders accompanying chronic pain is essential. Several studies have demonstrated the anti‐inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of different carbon monoxide‐releasing molecules (CO‐RMs), inducible heme oxygenase 1 (HO‐1), and nuclear factor‐2 erythroid factor‐2 (Nrf2) transcription factor activators in several models of acute and chronic pain caused by inflammation, nerve injury or diabetes. More recently, the antidepressant and/or anxiolytic effects of several Nrf2 transcription factor inducers were demonstrated in a model of chronic neuropathic pain. These effects are mainly produced by inhibition of oxidative stress, inflammation, glial activation, mitogen‐activated protein kinases and/or phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/phospho‐protein kinase B phosphorylation in the peripheral and/or central nervous system. Other studies also demonstrated that the analgesic effects of opioids and cannabinoids are improved when these drugs are coadministered with CO‐RMs, HO‐1 or Nrf2 activators in different preclinical pain models and that these improvements are generally mediated by upregulation or prevention of the downregulation of µ‐opioid receptors, δ‐opioid receptors and/or cannabinoid 2 receptors in the setting of chronic pain. We reviewed all these studies as well as studies on the mechanisms of action underlying the effects of CO‐RMs, HO‐1, and Nrf2 activators in chronic pain. In summary, activation of the Nrf2/HO‐1/carbon monoxide signaling pathway alone and/or in combination with the administration of specific analgesics is a valid strategy for the treatment of chronic pain and some associated emotional disorders.
CDC: Pandemic taking heavy toll on mental health of 1 in 4 young people
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: August 2020

Anxiety and depression are impacting one‐quarter of young adults who say they have considered suicide in the past month due to COVID‐19, according to researchers of a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report released Aug. 14. Similar mental health conditions are also disproportionately affecting specific populations, including Hispanic persons, Black persons, essential workers and unpaid caregivers for adults.
Usefulness of a template‐based anterolateral thigh flap for reconstruction of head and neck defects
Authors: Driessen Caroline , van Hout Naomi , van Kuppenveld Phoebe , Cristobal Lara , Liu Tianyi , Mani Maria , Rodriguez Lorenzo Andres
Published: August 2020

Background

One of the challenges in head and neck reconstruction is to have an adequate understanding of the three‐dimensionalities of the defects created after resections due to the high variability of clinical scenarios. Consequently, it is essential to design the flap to match the requirements of the defect in order to facilitate the insetting and to achieve a successful outcome. The anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) is a robust and versatile flap commonly used in head and neck reconstruction. In this study the authors use a hand‐made template as a tool to customize ALT flaps and its variations to fit more accurately the different shapes, volume, and components of the resulting defects. The aim of this study is to describe in detail this surgical approach and present the clinical experience in 100 consecutive cases using a template‐based ALT flaps in head and neck reconstruction.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed on all microvascular head and neck reconstruction cases between January 2013 and December 2017 in our institution where a template‐based ALT flap design was performed. We describe in detail the surgical technique used and present the clinical outcomes. In addition, we analyzed the use of different designs of the ALT flaps including different flap components in relation to the location of the defect.

Results

One hundred reconstructions for head and neck defects were performed in 97 patients. Seven types of ALT free flaps were performed: fasciocutaneous (46%), suprafascial (8%), adipofascial (9%), vastus lateralis muscle (3%), composite fasciocutaneous/adipofascial (9%), chimeric flaps (21%), and vascularized nerve grafts (4%). Oropharyngeal and periauricular defects were mostly reconstructed with fasciocutanoues design. In more complex three‐dimensional defects such as skull base or midface defects, a chimeric flap was selected. In all cases the used of template facilitated the insetting of the free flap. The total flap loss was 2%.

Conclusions

Customization of ALT flaps using intraoperative templates is a useful method for flap design which facilitates fitting of the flap to a variety of defects in head and neck reconstruction.
Microsurgical reconstruction of extensive lower extremity defects with the conjoined parascapular and latissimus dorsi free flap
Authors: Bigdeli Amir K. , Thomas Benjamin , Falkner Florian , Radu Christian A. , Gazyakan Emre , Kneser Ulrich
Published: August 2020

Background

Extensive lower extremity soft‐tissue defects pose a reconstructive challenge. We present our experience with the conjoined parascapular and latissimus dorsi (CPLD) free flap.

Methods

From October 2008 to October 2017, 69 patients (14 female, 55 male) with a mean age of 50 years (range: 16–79 years) underwent reconstruction of lower extremity defects with the CPLD free flap. Mean defect size was 24 × 36 cm (range: 14 × 20 to 45 × 80 cm).

Results

Mean latissimus dorsi (LD) flap size was 19 × 28 cm (range: 14 × 20 to 28 × 42 cm) and mean parascapular (PSC) flap size was 8 × 25 cm (range: 5 × 12 to 11 × 33 cm). Six patients (9%) experienced a total of eight microvascular complications: arterial thrombosis (n = 1), venous thrombosis (n = 6), combined arterial and venous thrombosis (n = 1). The re‐exploration rate was 13%. Major complications of the donor‐site were seen in 9 patients (13%), of the flap in 13 patients (19%), and of both in 6 patients (9%). Fifteen patients experienced partial flap necrosis (22%). Three CPLD and one PSC flap were lost (5%). PSC flap length was a significant predictor of distal flap necrosis (χ2(1) = 13.2, p = .004, OR = 1.343, 95% CI [1.098–1.642]). PSC flap width was a significant predictor of donor‐site revisions (χ2(1) = 15.9, p = .010, OR = 4.745, 95% CI [1.584–14.213]). Arterio‐venous loops (AVLs) tended to increase the risk of microvascular thrombosis (χ2(1) = 3.7, p = .08, OR = 4.1, 95% CI [0.9–18.7]).

Conclusions

The CPLD free flap is an extremely large and highly reliable flap, allowing one‐stage reconstruction of extensive lower extremity defects. It may overcome the need for multiple flaps in selected cases.
Investigating the implications of shifting baseline syndrome on conservation
Authors: Jones Lizzie P. , Turvey Samuel T. , Massimino Dario , Papworth Sarah K.
Published: August 2020

Shifting baseline syndrome (SBS) describes a persistent downgrading of perceived ‘normal’ environmental conditions with every sequential generation, leading to under‐estimation of the true magnitude of long‐term environmental change on a global scale. The presence of SBS should be considered when local ecological knowledge and participatory techniques are involved in conservation target‐setting. However, despite increasing recognition of the phenomenon, there is little empirical evidence for SBS. Here we provide evidence of SBS, and the first empirical investigation of the impacts of SBS on public perceptions of conservation need.

Large‐scale online questionnaires were used to collect public perceptions of long‐term biological change regarding 10 UK bird species, as well as demographic information and measures of knowledge and experience of the local environment (n = 330). A paired data approach compared social perceptions to a large‐scale longitudinal biological dataset. Using information theoretic and model selection techniques, we estimate the relative importance of multiple demographic, social and psychological predictors of SBS. We provide a framework for investigating evidence of SBS and its impacts on perceptions of conservation need for species in decline.

Evidence of generational amnesia was found as an age‐related difference in perceptions of past ecological conditions. The perceptions of older participants had significantly higher agreement with biological data than the perceptions of younger participants. Our results therefore support the expectation that younger, less experienced people are less aware of historical ecological conditions and show greater evidence of SBS. We also present evidence of a negative impact of SBS on future conservation, as older people were more likely than younger people to perceive a greater need for conservation action for three declining species.

Our research supports the need to encourage greater intergenerational communication and increase experience of local nature. Discovering evidence of SBS in public perceptions of species experienced within everyday life demonstrates SBS as a pervasive social issue with the potential to impact public perceptions of local nature.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Viscoelastic properties and self‐healing behavior in a family of supramolecular ionic blends from silicone functional oligomers
Authors: Suriano Raffaella , Boumezgane Oussama , Tonelli Claudio , Turri Stefano
Published: August 2020

Supramolecular solid‐like polymer gels were obtained, through acid‐base interactions, starting from highly viscous amino‐terminated and carboxylic‐terminated telechelic PDMS oligomers, with different molecular weights, ranging approximately from 900 to 27 000 g/mol. The obtained blends were studied and characterized in terms of viscoelastic behavior, tensile properties, and self‐healing abilities, with the aim of gaining a better understanding of structure‐property relationships in these supramolecular ionic blends. IR spectroscopy confirmed the formation of supramolecular ionic interactions thanks to the presence of ammonium carboxylate group absorbance. Thermal analysis showed the formation of a crystalline phase at room temperature in some of the supramolecular blends when the molecular weight was lower than 27 000 g/mol. An increase in crystallinity by decreasing the chain length and therefore their molecular weights was also observed. These supramolecular PDMS materials showed self‐healing abilities with a value of healing efficiency ranging from 25% up to 52%. Samples tested with creep recovery analyses showed a viscoelastic behavior. Interpolation of the creep curves according to the four‐parameter Voigt model provides a relationship between the viscoelastic behavior of these PDMS materials and their self‐healing abilities. Our results show how the control of the thermal, viscoelastic, and mechanical properties of these materials allows the design of supramolecular blends based on acid‐base interactions with improved self‐healing properties.
Microstructure and mechanical performance examination of 3D printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene thermoplastic parts
Authors: Gupta Chhavi , MB Pallavi , Shet Nitesh Kumar , Ghosh Anup K , Bandyopadhyay Sumanda , Mukhopadhyay Prasanta
Published: August 2020

Fused filament fabrication (FFF) is a process where thermoplastic materials are heated to its melting point and then extruded, layer by layer, to create a three dimensional printed part. Printing occurs in a layered manner, which leads to creation of voids (air gaps) in the 3D printed parts. These voids act as centers for crack initiation, propagation and therefore resulting bulk mechanical properties are lower. This paper focuses on microstructural characterization and analysis of fused filament fabricated tensile test coupons made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene polymer, at various design conditions. Comparable tensile modulus with injection molded specimens was obtained for FFF design condition that is, slice height (0.1778 mm), raster width (0.4064 mm), raster to raster air gap (−0.0015 mm), contour to raster air gap (−0.0508 mm) and raster angle (0°). Scanning electron microscope studies provided an understanding as to why FFF processed specimens yielded lower failure strain and an insight into the presence of intralayer voids in specimens having lower tensile modulus. The study confirmed that though bulk mechanicals were affected by the combined effect of inter, intra and interfacial voids, intravoids had a predominant influence.
Congenital lung abnormality quantification by computed tomography: The CLAQ method
Authors: Hermelijn Sergei M. , Dragt Olivier V. , Bosch Jochem J. , Hijkoop Annelieke , Riera Luis , Ciet Pierluigi , Wijnen René M.H. , Schnater Johannes Marco , Tiddens Harm A.W.M.
Published: August 2020

Introduction

To date, no consensus has been reached on the optimal management of congenital lung abnormalities, and factors predicting postnatal outcome have not been identified. We developed an objective quantitative computed tomography (CT) scoring method, and assessed its value for clinical decision‐making.

Methods

Volumetric CT‐scans of all patients born with a congenital lung abnormality between January 1999 and 2018 were assessed. Lung disease was quantified using the newly‐developed congenital lung abnormality quantification (CLAQ) scoring method. In 20 equidistant axial slices, cells of a square grid were scored according to the abnormality within. The scored CT parameters were used to predict development of symptoms, and SD scores for spirometry and exercise tolerance (Bruce treadmill test) at 8 years of age.

Results

CT‐scans of 124 patients with a median age of 5 months were scored. Clinical diagnoses included congenital pulmonary airway malformation (49%), bronchopulmonary sequestration (27%), congenital lobar overinflation (22%), and bronchogenic cyst (1%). Forty‐four patients (35%) developed symptoms requiring surgery of whom 28 (22%) patients became symptomatic before a CT‐scan was scheduled. Lesional hyperdensity was found as an important predictor of symptom development and decreased exercise tolerance. Using receiver operating characteristic analysis, an optimal cut‐off value for developing symptoms was found at 18% total disease.

Conclusion

CT‐quantification of congenital lung abnormalities using the CLAQ method is an objective and reproducible system to describe congenital lung abnormalities on chest CT. The risk for developing symptoms may increase when more than a single lung lobe is affected.