bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel system for separation and purification of egg pigments from the nondiapause red‐egg mutant Re‐nd in the silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Shen Guanwang , Zhang Haiyan , Lin Ying , Long Wei , Zhao Ping
Published: July 2020

Re‐nd, which was induced from the wild‐type C108 by the chemical mutagen N‐methane‐N‐methylnitrourea, is a nondiapause red‐egg mutant of silkworm Bombyx mori. The special significance of the Re‐nd mutant is that it is an independent dominant mutant. The aim of this study was to establish the type of pigment responsible for the red coloration in the Re‐nd mutant eggs in silkworm. We compared the eggs of Re‐nd mutants with those of the other B. mori egg color strains and confirmed that the Re‐nd mutant is the only strain with red color and red pigment granules in nondiapause, showing this mutant belongs to the pigmentation in the serosa. We speculated that the red substance, which contributed to the bright red pigmentation for nondiapause eggs of the Re‐nd mutant, could potentially be a novel pigment according to its solubility, optimum absorption peak, and oxidation–reduction reaction. Moreover, we have successfully constituted the system for enrichment, extraction, and purification of the red substance responsible for the Re‐nd mutant, providing a new method for the separation and purification of other known and unknown pigments or substances.
Depopulation and devastation: using GIS for tracing changes in the archaeological landscape of Kharaib al‐Dasht, a Late Islamic fishing village (Kuwait)
Authors: Lech Paweł , Zakrzewski Piotr
Published: July 2020

This article presents a case study of the remains of Kharaib al‐Dasht (Kuwait), a Late Islamic fishing village. Collaboration between archaeologists from Kuwait and Poland of the Kuwaiti–Polish Archaeological Mission led to a long‐term research project of this archaeological site. In this contribution we are presenting the results of a geographic information system (GIS)‐structured survey. Different archaeological and geographical methods used in this work, including orthorectification and georeferencing of historical aerial photographs, enabled us to conduct a more in‐depth analysis. The multi‐layer GIS study resulted in a comprehensive recognition of the archaeological landscape of the site, and also helped us to determine the sources of changes and possible threats to the heritage of Failaka Island.
Vaccine Hesitancy and Attributions for Autism among Racially and Ethnically Diverse Groups of Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study
Authors: Chang Jennifer , Kochel Robin
Published: July 2020

Little is known about how racial/ethnic differences may influence attributions for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and subsequent vaccine hesitancy, the latter of which refers to a continuum of concerns about vaccine safety that may lead to vaccine delays and/or refusals. Two hundred and twenty‐five parents of children with ASD who were enrolled in the SPARK cohort (Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research for Knowledge) completed the Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines survey and the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire. 28.9% of respondents (n = 65) were vaccine hesitant (PACV score ≥ 50). Significant differences were observed between proportions of vaccine‐hesitant parents (VHP) in the White sample and combined samples of color (Asian, Black, Latinx, Multiracial, and Other): 22.8% of the White sample (n = 39) versus 48.1% of the samples of color (n = 26). White, non‐hesitant parents more often agreed with the child's brain structure as a cause of their child's ASD, while White, VHP more often agreed with the deterioration of the child's immunity as a cause. All VHP (regardless of race) agreed more often with diet, their own decisions, and vaccines as causes. VHP of color more often agreed with accident or injury, environmental pollution, their own general stress, and their own emotional state as causes. Future work should examine this phenomenon in larger, diverse samples to further understand differences across specific racial/ethnic groups.

Lay Summary

Some parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are vaccine hesitant, meaning they have concerns about vaccine safety and may delay/refuse vaccines. We examined possible racial/ethnic differences related to how common vaccine hesitancy is and which causes of ASD were typically endorsed among a sample of caregivers in the SPARK cohort (Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research for Knowledge). Higher proportions of parents of color were vaccine hesitant, and all vaccine‐hesitant parents agreed that “toxins in vaccines” were a cause of their child's ASD. Autism Res 2020, 13: 1790–1796. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals LLC
Metal‐Coordination Mediated Polyacrylate for High Performance Silicon Microparticle Anode
Authors: Woo Hyungsub , Gil Bumjin , Kim Jaewon , Park Kimin , Yun Alan Jiwan , Kim Jinhyun , Nam Seunghoon , Park Byungwoo
Published: July 2020

As opposed to nano‐Si anodes, Si‐microparticle (Si‐MP)‐based negative electrode is still in an immature stage due to the fragility of particles of which dimension is farther from the critical size of Si. In terms of binder chemistry, the established strategies for nano‐Si anode can be moderately transferred to designing functional binders for commercially available Si‐MP. However, only a few studies have reported acceptable electrochemical properties of Si‐MP in the level of designing novel‐binder systems. Herein, the ionically crosslinked polyacrylate (PANa0.8Fey) inspired by metallo‐supramolecular polymers is introduced as a binder for Si‐MP anode. Although cracking of Si‐MP is inevitable during cycles, the electrode components can effectively be confined within the supramolecular network, which reversibly adjusts its architecture via iron (Fe3+)‐carboxylate coordination. With appropriate compositions, the incorporation of ferric ion to sodium polyacrylate allows the Si‐MP to exhibit an excellent round‐trip capacity of ∼1400 mAh g−1 after 400 cycles. The resulting electrochemical performance is demonstrated by several correlated factors: (i) type of supramolecular interactions, (ii) effect of cations (Na+/Fe3+) on the conformation of polymer, and (iii) mechanical properties of the electrode.
Production of entomopathogenic nematodes in submerged monoxenic culture: A review
Authors: Cortés‐Martínez Carlos Inocencio , Chavarría‐Hernández Norberto
Published: July 2020

Monoxenic liquid culture is the most suitable technology for scaling up to industrial production of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs); however, the variability of the yield production remains a current problem in the process. The aim of this study was to analyze the parameters and criteria for EPN production in liquid culture based on scientific and technological knowledge from the last two decades. While experimental research has permitted the yield production of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (362 × 103 infective juveniles [IJs]/ml) and Steinernema carpocapsae (252 × 103 IJs/ml), simultaneously, theoretical approaches have contributed to the understanding of the culture process, based on biological parameters of the bacterium–nematode complex and hydrodynamic and rheological parameters of the complex gas–liquid–solid system. Under this interdisciplinary research approach, bioprocess and biosystem engineering can contribute to design the various control strategies of the process variables, increase the productivity, and reduce the variability that until now distinguishes the in vitro production of EPNs by the liquid culture.
Fluoroquinolone prophylaxis does not increase risk of neuropathy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Karol Seth E. , Sun Yilun , Tang Li , Pui Ching‐Hon , Ferrolino Jose , Allison Kim J. , Cross Shane J. , Evans William E. , Crews Kristine R. , Jeha Sima , Wolf Joshua
Published: July 2020

Background

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics are frequently utilized in pediatric oncology patients as prophylaxis or step‐down therapy following broad spectrum beta‐lactam therapy for febrile neutropenia. Concerns regarding neurotoxicity limit the use of these agents. No studies have evaluated the association between fluoroquinolone use and neurotoxicity in pediatric oncology patients receiving other neurotoxic agents such as vincristine.

Methods

An observational cohort study comprising patients aged 0‐18 at diagnosis enrolled on a prospective study for treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at a pediatric comprehensive cancer center between October 2007 and November 2018. Data for neuropathic pain and sensory or motor neuropathy were collected prospectively, and a Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to evaluate associations between administration of fluoroquinolone antibiotics during induction therapy and subsequent development of vincristine‐induced peripheral neurotoxicity (VIPN).

Results

A total of 598 participants were enrolled, including 338 (57%) who received fluoroquinolones during induction therapy; of these 470 (79%) were diagnosed with VIPN and 139 (23%) were diagnosed with high‐grade (Grade 3+) VIPN. On unadjusted analyses, and analyses adjusted for age and race, there was no evidence of an association between fluoroquinolone exposure and subsequent VIPN (hazard ratio [HR] 0.8, 95% CI 0.5‐1.04, P = .08) or high‐grade VIPN (HR 1.1, 95% CI 0.4‐2.2, P = .87).

Conclusions

The results of this observational study do not show an association between exposure to fluoroquinolone antibiotics during induction therapy for ALL and subsequent development of vincristine‐induced peripheral neuropathies, and suggest that a large increase in VIPN is unlikely.
Spiritual counselling mitigates loneliness and promotes affect balance for older empty nester couples: A study in some international cities
Authors: Pandya Samta P.
Published: July 2020

This article reports a study examining the impact of a spiritual counselling programme (SCP) on older empty nester couples' loneliness experiences and affect balance. Since empty nesters are usually couples with a greater likelihood of interdependence in the psychosocial domains, there is a need to examine interdependent effects or actor–partner interdependent effects of interventions. Twenty‐four online SCP sessions were conducted throughout the year with the intervention group couples who were assessed on loneliness and affect balance outcomes pre‐ and post‐test compared with couples in the waitlist control group. The impact of SCP was significant, with lower loneliness post‐test scores and higher affect balance for couples from Russian and European cities, Christians, those who were well educated, in good health, those who attended at least 75% of the SCP sessions and regularly practised at home. Number of SCP sessions attended and home practice mediated the relationship between demographic predictors and outcomes. Results of the actor–partner interdependence model analyses indicated that intervention group couples' post‐test outcome measure scores were mutually interdependent and associated. Wives whose husbands attended more SCP lessons and regularly practised at home were more likely to do so themselves. This investigation fills the gap in empty nest literature of examining the efficacy of a specifically designed intervention for empty nesters.
What do laypersons believe characterises a competent psychotherapist?
Authors: Kühne Franziska , Heinze Peter Eric , Weck Florian
Published: July 2020

Aim

Although research and clinical definitions of psychotherapeutic competence have been proposed, less is known about the layperson perspective. The aim was to explore the views of individuals with different levels of psychotherapy experience regarding what—in their views—constitutes a competent therapist.

Method

In an online survey, 375 persons (64% female, mean age 33.24 years) with no experience, with professional experience, or with personal pre‐experience with psychotherapy participated. To provide low‐threshold questions, we first presented two qualitative items (i.e. “In your opinion, what makes a good/competent psychotherapist?”; “How do you recognize that a psychotherapist is not competent?”) and analysed them using inductive content analysis techniques (Mayring, 2014). Then, we gave participants a 16‐item questionnaire including items from previous surveys and from the literature and analysed them descriptively.

Results

Work‐related principles, professionalism, personality characteristics, caring communication, empathy and understanding were important categories of competence. Concerning the quantitative questions, most participants agreed with items indicating that a therapist should be open, listen well, show empathy and behave responsibly.

Conclusion

Investigating layperson perspectives suggested that effective and professional interpersonal behaviour of therapists plays a central role in the public's perception of psychotherapy.
Iatrogenic atrial septal defect following the MitraClip procedure: A state‐of‐the‐art review
Authors: Kadado Anis John , Islam Ashequl
Published: July 2020

With an increase in number of patients undergoing percutaneous treatment of severe mitral regurgitation with MitraClip placement, the consequences of transseptal puncture resulting in iatrogenic atrial septal defects (iASDs) are being increasingly realized. Closure of iASDs following MitraClip therapy is not routinely performed, and no guidelines currently exist in managing this condition. While immediate hemodynamic and clinical compromise secondary to acute hypoxemia related to iASDs should be acutely managed with defect closure, the prevalence and consequences of long‐term iASDs are still unclear. Some studies have cited a potential improvement in hemodynamic outcomes as a result of iASDs; while others report potential inferior and even fatal outcomes. In this state‐of‐the‐art clinical review, we present the readers with the current data on the prevalence, outcomes, and potential management options of iASDs after MitraClip placement.
Acute‐onset chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy with cranial nerves and respiratory tract involvement: A case report
Authors: Mansour Malek , Ouerdiene Asma , Bedoui Ines , Kacem Amel , Zaouali Jamel , Mrissa Ridha
Published: July 2020

Sixteen percent of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) patients may present acutely like acute idiopathic demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) the demyelinating form of GBS, developing in <8 weeks 2. This entity is classified as acute‐onset CIDP (A‐CIDP) which presents overlapping clinical and electrophysiological findings with GBS during early stages of disease, but followed with a chronic course beyond 2 months. Also, those who have three or more treatment‐related fluctuations (TRF) are included under this term.

Distinguishing between acute‐onset chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (A‐CIDP) and acute idiopathic demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) may be difficult during early stages but is crucial in order to guide treatment strategies without delay. These two forms share some overlapping clinical and electrophysiological findings, including some severe clinical features such as cranial nerve and respiratory tract involvement making the diagnosis of A‐CIDP more difficult.
A Ring Closing Metathesis Approach to the Formal Synthesis of (+)‐Callyspongiolide
Authors: Ko Kwang‐Yoon , Wilson Zoe E. , Furkert Daniel P. , Brimble Margaret A.
Published: July 2020

An enantioselective synthesis of macrocyclic core of (+)‐callyspongiolide is described, constituting a formal synthesis of this natural product. The synthetic strategy constructs the 14‐membered macrocyclic domain via Yamaguchi esterification followed by a challenging ring‐closing metathesis (RCM) to effect the final formation of the macrolactone.
Mitigating the Shielding Effect of Ether Oxygen in Poly(ethylene glycol) on Boron Atoms in Boron‐Doped Poly(ethylene glycol) Hybrid Polymer Electrolyte by Introducing Siloxane Spacers
Authors: Zhang Ran , Wei Zhaoyang , Lei Weiwei , Jiang Tao , Zhang Qunchao , Shi Dean
Published: July 2020

Doping boron (B) atoms into poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)‐based solid polymer electrolytes (B‐PEG) is believed to be an attractive method to increase the lithium‐ion transference number (
) because of the interaction between the electropositive B atoms and the anions of lithium salts. However, this effect can be largely impeded by the interaction between B and the electronegative ether oxygen atoms in the attached PEG molecular chains, which is referred to as a shielding effect. Enlarging the distance between the center B atoms and the electronegative ether oxygens is believed to be an effective way to reduce such shielding effect. In this work, different number of siloxane spacing groups (Six) are introduced in between the B atom and ether oxygen in the B‐PEG macromolecules (B‐Six‐PEGs x=0,1,3,5). As the siloxane oxygen has less electronegativity to ether oxygen, the shielding effects should be weakened and the ability of B atoms to trap the anions of lithium salt will increase. As the introduction of siloxane groups into the B‐Six‐PEGs polymer electrolytes will also reduce the neat contents of both B and PEG, which has the opposite effect on the whole ionic conductivities and
values, both the ionic conductivities and
values of B‐Six‐PEGs electrolytes first increase then decrease along with x increases from 0 to 5 when the [Li+]:[EO] mole ratio is fixed at 1 : 10. The peak value exists at x=1. Meanwhile, both the mobilities of Li+ ions (confirmed via 7Li nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) results) and bis(trifluoromethane) sulfonimide (TFSI−) anions (confirmed from Raman spectra analysis) get their maximum values when x=1. However, if both the concentrations of TFSI− and B atoms in B‐Six‐PEGs electrolytes are taken into consideration, the normalized diffusion coefficient of TFSI− anions obtained by molecular dynamic (MD) simulation decrease monotonically when x increases from 0 to 5. As the diffusion coefficient of TFSI− anions is determined by the interaction probability and strength of TFSI− and B atoms; these results confirm that the interaction between the B atoms and TFSI− anions increase with x. Namely, the deshielding effects of siloxane spacing groups on B atoms increase along with the increase of x in the B‐Six‐PEGs polymer electrolytes, while it levels off when x exceeds 3.
Estrogens determination through disposable pipette extraction coupled to ultraviolet spectroscopy and nonlinear pseudo‐univariate calibration: Solving rank deficiency problems
Authors: Valderrama Leonardo , Valderrama Patrícia , Março Paulo Henrique , Merib Josias , Carasek Eduardo
Published: July 2020

In this study, the disposable pipette extraction (DPX) approach was employed to prepare water samples containing the hormones 17‐β‐estradiol (beta‐EST), estrone (ETR), estriol (EST), and 17‐α‐ethinylestradiol (17‐EE). Both multivariate and univariate experimental designs were used to optimize the DPX procedure through ultraviolet (UV) and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The determination of estrogens in water through UV spectroscopy exhibited rank deficiency, and after trying several strategies, it was possible to suggest that the rank deficiency in the spectra was solved by column augmented matrix strategy afterward complexing the hormones with β‐cyclodextrin, in which the relative concentration recovered by the multivariate curve resolution with alternating least squares (MCR‐ALS) to each hormone was employed in the development of nonlinear pseudo‐univariate calibration models based on support vector machine (SVM) approach. The models were validated through parameters of merit determination and by comparing the models results with those obtained by HPLC. The alternative methodology for the determination of estrogens in water through UV spectroscopy is an environmentally friendly analytical methodology employing less solvent and with high throughput. Moreover, it is not possible to determinate these hormones without using the chemometric approaches, mainly due to the rank deficiency, which needs to be broken to allow for the differentiation between the substances and later modeling.
Designed Synthesis of a Two‐Dimensional Covalent Organic Framework with Three‐Level Hierarchical Porosity†
Authors: Han Xiang‐Hao , Qi Qiao‐Yan , Zhou Zhi‐Bei , Zhao Xin
Published: July 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusion

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with hierarchical porosity have drawn considerable attention very recently due to their advantages over the COFs with uniform porosity in some aspects. However, the design strategies for the construction of this type of COFs, namely heteropore COFs, are quite limited. We herein report a facile approach to constructing a two‐dimensional COF which possesses three different kinds of pores. Its structure is confirmed by powder X‐ray diffraction and nitrogen sorption studies. The successful construction of the triple‐pore COF represents a new method to access COFs with high hierarchical porosity.
A nomogram for predicting axillary pathologic complete response in hormone receptor–positive breast cancer with cytologically proven axillary lymph node metastases
Authors: Guo Rong , Su Yonghui , Si Jing , Xue Jingyan , Yang Benlong , Zhang Qi , Chi Weiru , Chen Jiajian , Chi Yayun , Shao Zhimin , Wu Jiong
Published: July 2020

Background

The objective of this study was to determine an axillary pathologic complete response (pCR) and its influencing factors in patients with hormone receptor (HR)–positive breast cancer and cytologically proven axillary lymph node metastases. A prediction nomogram was established to provide information for the de‐escalation of axillary management in these patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods

The authors retrospectively enrolled all patients with HR‐positive breast cancer in the neoadjuvant chemotherapy data set of Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center. All data were prospectively collected. From 2007 to 2016, 533 consecutive patients were included. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed, after which a nomogram was constructed and validated.

Results

An axillary pCR was achieved in 168 patients (31.5%), the which was much higher than the proportion of those who achieved a breast pCR (103 patients; 19.3%). Patients who had human epidermal growth factor receptor 2‐positive disease (P = .004), a better primary tumor response (P = .001), earlier clinical stage (P = .045), and lower estrogen receptor expression (P < .001) were more likely to achieve a lymph node pCR. The nomogram indicated an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.84 (95% CI, 0.78‐0.89) in the training set. The validation set showed good discrimination with an AUC of 0.75 (95% CI, 0.69‐0.81). The C‐index was 0.834 and 0.756 in the training and validation cohort, respectively. The nomogram was well calibrated.

Conclusions

The authors developed and validated a nomogram for predicting axillary pCR in patients with HR‐positive disease accurately by using clinicopathologic factors available before surgery. The model will facilitate logical clinical decision making and clinical trial design.
Current clinical trials on breast cancer in China: A systematic literature review
Authors: Fan Ying , Xu Binghe
Published: July 2020

With rapid advancement in clinical research, clinical trials on breast cancer in China have made great progress and are increasingly receiving worldwide recognition. Oncologists have been provided with an unprecedented opportunity to conduct clinical trials that offer both advantages and challenges. Investigator‐initiated trials (IITs) and trials on domestic innovative drugs are still in the initial stages, with plenty of room to grow.

The goal of this study was to systematically review time trends of the changing landscape of clinical drug development in China over the course of the last decade (from 2009 to 2018).

The number of clinical trials specific to breast cancer has increased in a span of 10 years, from 36 trials in 2009 to 113 in 2018, and this trend is accompanied by an increase in publications, from 13 in 2009 to 52 in 2015. A total of 593 trials were conducted in breast cancer between 2009 and 2018. The distribution pattern of trial phases shows that phase 2 trials accounted for 34% of the total, followed by phase 3 trials at 21% and phase 1 trials at 20%. Academic trials or IITs were found to be the major sponsors, with 52% of trials being sponsored by them followed by pharmaceutical companies as a secondary sponsor (38%). Additionally, trials on chemotherapeutic agents constituted 50% of the trials followed by trials on targeted therapy (31%).

The review provides insight on the effectiveness of the pharmaceutical industry and identify unmet clinical needs of stakeholders. With accumulated experience of Chinese oncologists and increasing support from the Chinese government, greater success could be anticipated in the near future.
Adjuvant chemotherapy for small, lymph node–negative, triple‐negative breast cancer: A single‐center study and a meta‐analysis of the published literature
Authors: An Xin , Lei Xuefen , Huang Riqing , Luo Rongzhen , Li Haifeng , Xu Fei , Yuan Zhongyu , Wang Shusen , de Nonneville Alexandre , Gonçalves Anthony , Houvenaeghel Gilles , Li JiBin , Xue Cong , Shi Yanxia
Published: July 2020

Background

Current guidelines recommend adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with small, lymph node–negative, triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) measuring >5 mm (T1b disease), but clinical evidence to support this recommendation is lacking. Thus, the current study aimed to evaluate the survival benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with T1N0M0 (measuring ≤2 cm) TNBC with different tumor sizes.

Methods

The authors retrospectively evaluated consecutive patients with pT1N0M0 TNBC who were diagnosed between 2000 and 2016 at Sun Yat‐Sen University Cancer Center. For the meta‐analysis, electronic medical databases were searched for all relevant studies regarding the effect of adjuvant chemotherapy on the target population.

Results

Of the 351 enrolled patients, 309 (88%) received adjuvant chemotherapy and 42 patients (12%) did not. The distribution by T classification was T1a in 19 patients (5.4%), T1b in 67 patients (19.1%), and T1c in 265 patients (75.5%). Adjuvant chemotherapy significantly improved recurrence‐free survival (RFS) in the patients with T1c disease, but not those with T1b and T1a disease. Meanwhile, there was no difference in RFS noted according to the chemotherapy regimen among patients with T1c disease. Seven eligible studies comprising 1525 patients with T1N0M0 (941 with T1a/bN0M0) were included in the meta‐analysis. The meta‐analysis demonstrated that adjuvant chemotherapy significantly reduced the rate of disease recurrence for patients with T1a/b disease as a group, but the population driving that was only patients with T1b disease, not those with T1a disease.

Conclusions

Although the retrospective analysis demonstrated a survival benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy only for patients with T1cN0 TNBC, the meta‐analysis showed it also is beneficial for individuals with T1bN0 TNBC. For patients with T1cN0M0 TNBC, less intensive chemotherapy regimens achieve an excellent survival outcome similar to that of intensive anthracycline and taxane combination chemotherapy.
How Self‐Assembled Nanodomains Can Impact the Organization of a Phospholipid Monolayer‐Flower‐Like Arrays
Authors: Nakahara Hiromichi , Krafft Marie Pierre , Shibata Osamu
Published: July 2020

We found that monolayers of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and semi‐fluorinated tetrablock di(F10H16) self‐assemble to form a new type of large, complex flower‐like patterns on the surface of water and on solid substrates. The hierarchical organization of these unusual self‐assemblies was investigated using compression and surface potential isotherms, in situ fluorescence and Brewster angle microscopies, and atomic force microscopy after transfer.
Characterization of Anaphylatoxin Receptor Expression and C3a/C5a Functions in Anaphylatoxin Receptor Reporter Mice
Authors: Laumonnier Yves , Karsten Christian M. , Köhl Gabriele , Köhl Jörg
Published: July 2020

The anaphylatoxins (AT) C3a and C5a are effector molecules of C3 and C5 exerting multiple biologic functions through binding and activation of their cognate G protein−coupled receptors. C3a interacts with the C3a receptor (C3aR), whereas C5a and its primary degradation product C5a‐desArg engage C5aR1 and C5aR2. In the past, analysis of AT expression has been hampered by cross reaction of antibodies designed to recognize the different AT receptors. Furthermore, assessment of effects mediated by cell‐specific activation has been difficult. Here, floxed AT receptor reporter mice are described as tools to monitor AT receptor expression in cells and tissues and to study the functions of C3a and C5a by cell‐specific deletion of their cognate AT receptors. © 2020 The Authors.

Basic Protocol 1: Genotyping of floxed GFP‐C5aR1 knockin mice

Support Protocol 1: Genotyping of LysMcre‐C5ar1‐/‐ mice

Basic Protocol 2: Genotyping of floxed tdTomato‐C3aR and ‐tdTomato‐C5aR2 knockin mice

Support Protocol 2: Preparation of genomic DNA

Basic Protocol 3: Determination of C5aR1, C5aR2, and C3aR expression using floxed AT receptor reporter mice

Support Protocol 3: Determination of C3aR expression using a C3aR‐specific antibody

Support Protocol 4: Determination of C5aR1, C5aR2, and C3aR mRNA expression in floxed GFP‐C5aR1, floxed tdTomato‐C5aR2 or ‐tdTomato C3aR positive cells

Basic Protocol 4: Analysis of C5aR1‐driven ERK1/2 phosphorylation in GFP‐C5aR1+ cells

Basic Protocol 5: Assessment of C3aR functions in cells obtained from floxed tdTomato‐C3aR knockin mice‐ Determination of C3aR internalization

Alternate Protocol: C3a‐induced increase in intracellular Ca2+

Basic Protocol 6: C5aR2‐driven IFN‐γ production from NK cells

Support Protocol 5: Isolation of splenic NK cells by FACS
Enrichment of Neutrophils and Monocytes From the Liver Following Either Oral or Intravenous Listeria monocytogenes Infection
Authors: Pitts Michelle G. , D'Orazio Sarah E. F.
Published: July 2020

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that causes serious, often deadly, systemic disease in susceptible individuals such as neonates and the elderly. These facultative intracellular bacteria have been an invaluable tool in immunology research for more than three decades. Intravenous (i.v.) injection is the most commonly used transmission route in mice, but oral models of infection have also been developed in recent years, and these may be more appropriate for many studies. This article includes detailed instructions for use of either foodborne or i.v. inoculation of mice and discusses the rationale for choosing either model. Additionally, a protocol is provided for enrichment of neutrophils and monocytes from the infected liver in a manner that allows for determination of bacterial burden while still providing sufficient cells for use in flow cytometric analysis or in vitro assays. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Foodborne L. monocytogenes infection

Support Protocol 1: Preparing L. monocytogenes for foodborne infection

Basic Protocol 2: Intravenous L. monocytogenes infection

Support Protocol 2: Preparing L. monocytogenes for intravenous infection

Basic Protocol 3: Enrichment of non‐parenchymal cells from the infected liver
Integrate psychodynamics and psychopharmacology in treating children
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: July 2020

Psychopharmacology has been the mainstay of child and adolescent psychiatry — of all psychiatry — for decades now, but Horacio Hojman, M.D., M.B.A., believes it's important for the prescriber to have a therapeutic alliance with the patient. Hojman, clinical associate professor of psychiatry and human behavior with the Alpert Medical School at Brown University, and on the faculty at the Boston Psychoanalytic Society and Institute, trained in what he calls the “old system,” in Argentina, where the residency training included being taught by professors of psychiatry and psychoanalysis toward a balanced treatment approach. We talked to Hojman last month about his approach around the interface between psychopharmacology and psychodynamic psychotherapy.
Variation in fine fescue taxa response to simulated foliar shade
Authors: Petrella Dominic P. , Watkins Eric
Published: July 2020

Fine fescues, taxa within the Festuca genus, are considered some of the most shade‐tolerant cool‐season turfgrasses, but past research from field studies has been inconsistent. The objective of this research was to evaluate variation in Chewings fescue (Festuca rubra L. ssp. commutata Gaudin, CH), hard fescue (F. brevipila Tracey, HD), and strong creeping red fescue (F. rubra ssp. rubra Gaudin, ST) morphology and physiology under simulated foliar shade and full sun. Experiments were carried out using 12 CH, 13 HD, and 15 ST entries within a greenhouse with or without a photoselective filter to simulate foliar shade. The filter reduced the red to far‐red (R/FR) ratio to ∼0.66, and light intensity was reduced to 30% of full sun under shade treatment. Several parameters were assessed including height, the number of tillers, biomass, total chlorophyll, and the chlorophyll a/b ratio. In both sun and shade experiments, ST were significantly taller than the other taxa. Chewings fescue and HD had significantly more tillers than ST in sun, but both CH and ST had significantly more tillers than HD in shade. Hard fescue had the greatest biomass in sun, and the least in shade. Significantly more CH genotypes lacked shade avoidance responses (SAR) than both other taxa under shade, and a greater proportion of HD were shade intolerant. Based on this study, CH > ST > HD in terms of improved response to shade. However, variation for response to shade observed within entries indicates potential for future improvement.
Carbon Dioxide Conversion Upgraded by Host‐guest Cooperation between Nitrogen‐Rich Covalent Organic Framework and Imidazolium‐Based Ionic Polymer
Authors: Zhong Hong , Gao Jinwei , Sa Rongjian , Yang Shuailong , Wu Zhicheng , Wang Ruihu
Published: July 2020

The chemical conversion of CO2 into value‐added chemicals is one promising approach for CO2 utilization. It is crucial to explore highly efficient catalysts containing task‐specific components for CO2 fixation. Here, a host‐guest catalytic system was developed by integrating nitrogen‐rich covalent organic framework (TT‐COF) and imidazolium‐based ionic polymer (ImIP), which serve as hydrogen‐bonding donor and nucleophilic agent, respectively, for cooperatively facilitating the activation of the epoxides and subsequent CO2 cycloaddition. The catalytic activity of the host‐guest system was remarkably superior to those of ImIP, TT‐COF, and their physical mixture. Furthermore, selective adsorption for CO2 over N2 rendered this catalytic system effective for the cycloaddition reaction of the simulated flue gas. The protocols for the unification of two catalytically active components provide new opportunities for the development of composite systems in multiple applications.
A software‐defined radio testbed for deep learning‐based automatic modulation classification
Authors: Ponnaluru Sowjanya , Penke Satyanarayana
Published: July 2020

Automatic modulation classification (AMC) is the demodulation process on the receiver side, which is a crucial protocol for current and next‐generation intelligent communication systems. This method becomes complicated, in the presence of channel noise, to identify the modulation of the transmitted signal, that is, the transmitter and receiver with its ambiguous parameters like timing information, signal strength, phase offset, and carrier frequency. Two fundamental approaches are used for the AMC, namely, the signal statistical feature‐based approach and the maximum likelihood approach. Current Feature‐Based AMC approaches typically built for a limited set of modulation; a comprehensive AMC approach utilizing convolutional neural networks (CNN) is suggested in this article to overcome this obstacle. Altogether, 11 different types of modulations considered. In this method, without an extraction function, the transmitted signal can be identified directly. Also, the features of the received signal are known directly by using this method. The classification accuracy using CNN seems to be remarkable, especially for low SNRs. In this article, a realistic AMC framework that can be quickly applied to provide reliable efficiency in numerous commercial real‐time scenarios has developed and tested. Therefore, to prove the functional viability of our proposed model, it was applied to the software‐defined radio test‐bed.
Nonaggressive behavior: A strategy employed by an obligate nest invader to avoid conflict with its host species
Authors: Hugo Helder , Cristaldo Paulo F. , DeSouza Og
Published: July 2020

In addition to its builders, termite nests are known to house a variety of secondary opportunistic termite species so‐called inquilines, but little is known about the mechanisms governing the maintenance of these symbioses. In a single nest, host and inquiline colonies are likely to engage in conflict due to nestmate discrimination, and an intriguing question is how both species cope with each other in the long term. Evasive behaviour has been suggested as one of the mechanisms reducing the frequency of host‐inquiline encounters, yet, the confinement imposed by the nests' physical boundaries suggests that cohabiting species would eventually come across each other. Under these circumstances, it is plausible that inquilines would be required to behave accordingly to secure their housing. Here, we show that once inevitably exposed to hosts individuals, inquilines exhibit nonthreatening behaviours, displaying hence a less threatening profile and preventing conflict escalation with their hosts. By exploring the behavioural dynamics of the encounter between both cohabitants, we find empirical evidence for a lack of aggressiveness by inquilines towards their hosts. Such a nonaggressive behaviour, somewhat uncommon among termites, is characterised by evasive manoeuvres that include reversing direction, bypassing and a defensive mechanism using defecation to repel the host. The behavioural adaptations we describe may play an important role in the stability of cohabitations between host and inquiline termite species: by preventing conflict escalation, inquilines may improve considerably their chances of establishing a stable cohabitation with their hosts.
Global longitudinal strain for prediction of ventricular arrhythmia in patients with heart failure
Authors: Nikoo Mohammad Hossein , Naeemi Razieh , Moaref Alireza , Attar Armin
Published: July 2020

Aims

Currently, the ejection fraction [left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)] is the main criterion used for implanting implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) for primary prevention. However, many of ICD receivers would not have an event and do not have any gains from the device. Consequently, improving the discrimination strategies is needed. Here, we aimed at assessing the role of global longitudinal strain (GLS) for such purpose.

Methods and results

Seventy ischaemic or dilated cardiomyopathy cases characterized by LVEF ≤ 40% with a previously implanted ICD were enrolled. LVEF and GLS amounts were evaluated using 3D echocardiography. The occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias was checked by analysing the ICD history. Mean follow‐up period of patients was 1.8 ± 0.6 years. There was a significant difference in the amount of GLS in arrhythmic cases compared with non‐arrhythmic ones (−6.97 ± 3.06 vs −11.82 ± 4.25; P < 0.001). This difference was found in both ischaemic and dilated cardiomyopathy groups. A GLS below −10 cm/s could predict the occurrence of a ventricular event by 90% specificity and 72.2% sensitivity (area under the curve = 0.84, P < 0.001). While 27.39 (69.2%) patients with GLS below −10 cm/s had a ventricular event, only 3.31 (9.6%) of the patients with GLS above −10 had an event) P < 0.001). Those patients with a GLS ≥ 17 cm/s never experienced a ventricular arrhythmia.

Conclusions

Global longitudinal strain is a more accurate predictor of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with reduced LVEF. Whether it may help in selecting more appropriate patients for ICD implantation or not should be evaluated within a randomized trial in the future.
Sacubitrilat reduces pro‐arrhythmogenic sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ leak in human ventricular cardiomyocytes of patients with end‐stage heart failure
Authors: Eiringhaus Jörg , Wünsche Christoph M. , Tirilomis Petros , Herting Jonas , Bork Nadja , Nikolaev Viacheslav O. , Hasenfuss Gerd , Sossalla Samuel , Fischer Thomas H.
Published: July 2020

Aims

Inhibition of neprilysin and angiotensin II receptor by sacubitril/valsartan (Val) (LCZ696) reduces mortality in heart failure (HF) patients compared with sole inhibition of renin–angiotensin system. Beneficial effects of increased natriuretic peptide levels upon neprilysin inhibition have been proposed, whereas direct effects of sacubitrilat (Sac) (LBQ657) on myocardial Ca2+ cycling remain elusive.

Methods and results

Confocal microscopy (Fluo‐4 AM) was used to investigate pro‐arrhythmogenic sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ leak in freshly isolated murine and human ventricular cardiomyocytes (CMs) upon Sac (40 μmol/L)/Val (13 μmol/L) treatment. The concentrations of Sac and Val equalled plasma concentrations of LCZ696 treatment used in PARADIGM‐HF trial. Epifluorescence microscopy measurements (Fura‐2 AM) were performed to investigate effects on systolic Ca2+ release, SR Ca2+ load, and Ca2+‐transient kinetics in freshly isolated murine ventricular CMs. The impact of Sac on myocardial contractility was evaluated using in toto‐isolated, isometrically twitching ventricular trabeculae from human hearts with end‐stage HF. Under basal conditions, the combination of Sac/Val did not influence diastolic Ca2+‐spark frequency (CaSpF) nor pro‐arrhythmogenic SR Ca2 leak in isolated murine ventricular CMs (n CMs/hearts = 80/7 vs. 100/7, P = 0.91/0.99). In contrast, Sac/Val treatment reduced CaSpF by 35 ± 9% and SR Ca2+ leak by 45 ± 9% in CMs put under catecholaminergic stress (isoproterenol 30 nmol/L, n = 81/7 vs. 62/7, P < 0.001 each). This could be attributed to Sac, as sole Sac treatment also reduced both parameters by similar degrees (reduction of CaSpF by 57 ± 7% and SR Ca2+ leak by 76 ± 5%; n = 101/4 vs. 108/4, P < 0.01 each), whereas sole Val treatment did not. Systolic Ca2+ release, SR Ca2+ load, and Ca2+‐transient kinetics including SERCA activity (kSERCA) were not compromised by Sac in isolated murine CMs (n = 41/6 vs. 39/6). Importantly, the combination of Sac/Val and Sac alone also reduced diastolic CaSpF and SR Ca2+ leak (reduction by 74 ± 7%) in human left ventricular CMs from patients with end‐stage HF (n = 71/8 vs. 78/8, P < 0.05 each). Myocardial contractility of human ventricular trabeculae was not acutely affected by Sac treatment as the developed force remained unchanged over a time course of 30 min (n trabeculae/hearts = 3/3 vs. 4/3).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that neprilysin inhibitor Sac directly improves Ca2+ homeostasis in human end‐stage HF by reducing pro‐arrhythmogenic SR Ca2+ leak without acutely affecting systolic Ca2+ release and inotropy. These effects might contribute to the mortality benefits observed in the PARADIGM‐HF trial.
Open‐tubular nanoelectrochromatography (OT‐NEC): gel‐free separation of single stranded DNAs (ssDNAs) in thermoplastic nanochannels
Authors: Amarasekara Charuni A. , Athapattu Uditha S. , Rathnayaka Chathurika , Choi Junseo , Park Sunggook , Soper Steven A.
Published: July 2020

Electrophoresis or electrochromatography carried out in nanometer columns (width and depth) offers some attractive benefits compared to microscale columns. These advantages include unique separation mechanisms that are scale dependent, fast separation times, and simpler workflow due to the lack of a need for column packing and/or wall coatings to create a stationary phase. We report the use of thermoplastics, in this case PMMA, as the substrate for separating single‐stranded DNAs (ssDNAs). Electrophoresis nanochannels were created in PMMA using nanoimprint lithography (NIL), which can produce devices at lower cost and in a higher production mode compared to the fabrication techniques required for glass devices. The nanochannel column in PMMA was successful in separating ssDNAs in free solution that was not possible using microchip electrophoresis in PMMA. The separation could be performed in <1 s with resolution >1.5 when carried out using at an electric field strength of 280 V/cm and an effective column length of 60 μm (100 nm × 100 nm, depth and width). The ssDNAs transport through the PMMA column was driven electrokinetically under the influence of an EOF. The results indicated that the separation was dominated by chromatographic effects using an open tubular nano‐electrochromatography (OT‐NEC) mode of separation. Interesting to these separations was that no column packing was required nor a wall coating to create the stationary phase; the separation was affected using the native polymer that was UV/O3 activated and an aqueous buffer mobile phase.
Comparative assessment of volatiles in juices and essential oils from minor Citrus fruits (Rutaceae)
Authors: Giovanelli Silvia , Ciccarelli Daniela , Giusti Giulia , Mancianti Francesca , Nardoni Simona , Pistelli Luisa
Published: July 2020

Citrus Essential Oils (CEOs) from the peel of six minor Citrus fruits (C. bergamia ‘Castagnaro,’ ‘Fantastico,’ and ‘Femminello,’ C. × myrtifolia, C. mitis, and C. japonica) were obtained by hydrodistillation and cold hand pressing of the flavedo to investigate their volatile constituents and antimycotic activities. The volatile compounds present in the juices of the same fruits, obtained by manual squeezing of the endocarps, were evaluated by direct immersion and Solid Phase Micro Extraction. Monoterpenes were identified as the main class of components in all the six CEOs. Limonene was the most abundant compound, while BEOs (Bergamot Essential Oils) changed its composition according to the different extraction method and the fruit varieties. Non‐metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) of the matrix taxa x chemical compounds showed that five chemical compounds had a significant discriminative function among the samples: high amounts of limonene characterized the cluster of C japonica, C. × myrtifolia, and C mitis, while the group of three cultivars of C bergamia differed in its predominance of linalool and linalyl acetate. Furfural and 4‐terpineol were identified in the highest amounts in the Citrus juices analyzed by direct immersion. BEO obtained by hydrodistillation of C bergamia ‘Fantastico’ was the most active in the antifungal tests. The antimycotic activity of C japonica EOs against dermatophytic species was also demonstrated. Based on our results, the use of these products would appear an interesting alternative in producing topical herbal products for the treatment of affected animals or for the purpose of environmental fungal control.