bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations between maternal and environmental exposures on atopic disease in the offspring of mothers with asthma
Authors: Ali Zarqa , Jemec Gregor B.E. , Ulrik Charlotte Suppli
Published: June 2021

Background and Objective

Available data on the impact of perinatal and environmental factors on atopic diseases in the offspring are sparse and conflicting. We, therefore, investigated the impact of these factors on the risk of atopic diseases in the offspring of women with asthma.

Methods

Pregnant women referred to give birth at Copenhagen University Hospital‐Hvidovre, Denmark, have since 2007 been invited to participate in the Management of Asthma during Pregnancy program. Women with diagnosed asthma, currently prescribed asthma medication, first visit to the respiratory out‐patient clinic within the first 18 weeks of pregnancy that completed an online questionnaire about atopic diseases in their child were included in the current study.

Results

Five hundred and seventy‐one pregnancies were included. Among the off‐spring, 113 children (21%) had doctor‐diagnosed asthma, 178 (31%) atopic dermatitis (AD), and 55 (32%) both AD and doctor‐diagnosed asthma. AD in the offspring was associated with having a dog at home (odds ratio [OR], 2.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], [1.40–4.67], p = .002), whereas having a cat at home was associated with a higher risk of asthma in the offspring (OR, 2.16; 95% CI, [1.14–4.11], p = .02). The associations remained significant after adjusting for maternal age, smoking status, allergy, treatment with inhaled corticosteroids, forced expiratory volume in 1 s less than 80% predicted, uncontrolled asthma, and history of pre‐pregnancy asthma exacerbations. No association was found between gestational weight gain (GWG) in first trimester and total GWG and atopic disease in the offspring.

Conclusion

Having pets at home is associated with AD and asthma in the offspring of mothers with asthma.
CircZNF124 regulates cell proliferation, leucine uptake, migration and invasion by miR‐199b‐5p/SLC7A5 pathway in endometrial cancer
Authors: Shu Liuping , Peng Yan , Zhong Liyan , Feng Xi , Qiao Lifu , Yi Yi
Published: June 2021

Background

Recent studies have revealed that circular RNA participates in endometrial carcinoma (EC) progression. Here we investigated the role of circRNA zinc finger protein 124 (circZNF124) in EC genesis and underlying mechanism.

Methods

The expression levels of circZNF124, microRNA‐199b‐5p (miR‐199b‐5p) and solute carrier family 7 member 5 (SLC7A5) were detected by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The expression of SLC7A5 and other indicated marker proteins was determined by western blot analysis. For functional assay, cell proliferation, leucine uptake and metastasis were investigated by total cell number, cell counting kit‐8, cell colony formation, leucine uptake or transwell assay. The interaction between miR‐199b‐5p and circZNF124 or SLC7A5 was predicted by starbase online database, and identified by mechanism assays. The impact of circZNF124 absence on tumor growth in vivo was revealed by xenograft mouse model assay. Immunohistochemistry assay was implemented to detect the positive expression rate of nuclear proliferation marker (Ki67).

Results

CircZNF124 and SLC7A5 expression were significantly increased, while miR‐199b‐5p was decreased in EC tissues and cells compared with normal endometrial tissues or cells. CircZNF124 expression was closely associated with EC severity and lymph node metastasis. Additionally, circZNF124 depletion repressed cell proliferation, leucine uptake, migration and invasion in both HEC1A and Ishikawa cells. CircZNF124 regulated SLC7A5 expression by binding to miR‐199b‐5p. MiR‐199b‐5p inhibitors or SLC7A5 overexpression attenuated circZNF124 silencing‐mediated EC malignant progression. Furthermore, SLC7A5 absence inhibited tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusion

CircZNF124 depletion inhibited EC cell malignancy by miR‐199b‐5p/SLC7A5 pathway, which demonstrated that circZNF124 had the potential as a therapeutic target for EC.
Childhood ovarian nonseminomatous germ cell tumors: A highly curable disease with few long‐term treatment‐related toxicities—Results of the French TGM95 study
Authors: Pavone Rossana , Pacquement Hélène , Pasquet Marlène , Sudour‐Bonnange Hélène , Hameury Fédéric , Sarnacki Sabine , Chastagner Pascal , Faure‐Conter Cécile , Poirée Marilyne , Taque Sophie , Patte Catherine , Fresneau Brice
Published: June 2021

We report survival and late effects analysis of TGM95 study for childhood (≤18 years) ovarian nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (NS‐GCT). Patients with localized tumors (FIGO‐stage IA) had no adjuvant treatment (low‐risk, LR). Patients with advanced‐stage received 3‐5 VBP (vinblastin‐bleomycin‐cisplatin) in intermediate‐risk group (IR: FIGO‐stage IC‐II‐III and AFP < 15 000 ng/mL) or 4‐6 VIP (etoposide‐ifosfamide‐cisplatin) in high‐risk group (HiR: metastatic or AFP ≥ 15 000 ng/mL). Seventy‐seven patients were included (median age = 12 years): 14 LR (13 FIGO‐stage IA, 1 retrospectively IC), 26 IR (12 IC, 12 II‐III, 2 not‐available) and 37 HiR (2 IA with AFP ≥ 15 000 ng/mL, 27 II‐III, 8 IV). After a median follow‐up of 13.4 years, 12 events (eight relapses) and six deaths (two GCT‐related, two due to acute myeloid leukemia and two noncancer related) occurred. All relapses (6 LR, 1 IR) occurred within 2 years. Four contralateral mature teratomas were observed within 8 years. Five‐year EFS and OS were 88.2% (95%CI = 79‐94%) and 94.6% (95%CI = 87‐98%). Seven patients (9%) had bilateral gonadectomy. Among 51 survivors at 2 years aged >15 years (median = 26 years) with remaining ovarian tissue, all had developed spontaneous puberty and 21 (41%) had at least one pregnancy (including two with infertility treatment). Among 69 patients treated with platinum‐based chemotherapy, chronic‐kidney‐disease was diagnosed in four patients (three after VIP) and significant ototoxicity occurred in three (all grade‐2). Childhood ovarian NS‐GCTs have an excellent prognosis with few late effects. The low‐intensive etoposide‐free VBP regimen could be an alternative in children with IR disease especially in cases of tumor rupture. The risk of contralateral mature teratoma needs regular monitoring of the remaining ovary.
A case of adenocarcinoma of the rete testis with durable response to cisplatin‐based chemotherapy
Authors: Owa Shunsuke , Sasaki Takeshi , Uchida Katsunori , Watanabe Susumu , Kato Momoko , Sugino Yusuke , Kato Manabu , Masui Satoru , Nishikawa Kouhei , Yoshio Yuko , Kanda Hideki , Sugimura Yoshiki , Inoue Takahiro
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Adenocarcinoma of the rete testis is a rare malignancy with a poor prognosis. We report a case of adenocarcinoma of the rete testis with a durable response to cisplatin‐based chemotherapy.

Case presentation

A 48‐year‐old man with Down syndrome (trisomy 21) presented with a 1‐month history of painless swelling of the left scrotum. The physical examination revealed a left testis with a hydrocele associated with a tumor and enlarged pelvic and para‐aortic lymph nodes. He underwent a radical orchiectomy. The specimen was diagnosed as adenocarcinoma of the rete testis. The patient received 7 cycles of chemotherapy (1 cycle of BEP and 6 cycles of EP) postoperatively. The metastatic lymph nodes were reduced in size for at least 12 months. Our patient with adenocarcinoma of the rete testis obtained an acceptable response to cisplatin‐based chemotherapy.

Conclusion

We treated a patient with an adenocarcinoma of the rete testis who had an acceptable response to platinum‐based chemotherapy.
Investigating the effect of multi‐coated hydrogel layer on characteristics of electrospun PCL membrane coated with gelatin/silver nanoparticles for wound dressing application
Authors: Nguyen Tien Ngoc‐Thuy , Do Thien Bui‐Thuan , Ho Minh Hieu , Tran Nam Minh‐Phuong , Dang Nhi Ngoc‐Thao , Do Thai Minh , Nguyen Hoai Thi‐Thu , Phan Thang Bach , Tran Quyen Ngoc , Van Vo Toi , Nguyen Hiep Thi
Published: June 2021

In this study, the effect of coated hydrogel layer on characteristics of the whole gelatin/silver nanoparticles multi‐coated polycaprolactone membrane (PCLGelAg) was investigated through systematic and typical wound dressing characterizations to select the optimal number of layers for practical applications. Scanning electron microscopy, free swell absorptive capacity and tensile test in both wet and dry conditions were conducted to characterize all fabricated membranes of six coating times. In vitro cytotoxicity and agar diffusion evaluation were also carried out to assess the biocompatibility and antibacterial activity of the membranes. The findings illustrated that as the coated layers increase, the absorptive capacity, and degradation rate were higher, the membranes were stiffer in dry state while the tensile strength in wet state, elongation, and cell viability were significantly decreased. PCLGelAg3 was chosen to be the best fit for wound healing since it maintained quite sufficient maximum buffer uptake, elasticity, cell viability along with inducing abnormalities in bacterial morphology and preventing biofilm formation.
Examining contextual influences on the service needs of homeless and unstably housed domestic violence survivors
Authors: Chiaramonte Danielle , Clements Kathryn A.V. , López‐Zerón Gabriela , Ayeni Oyesola Oluwafunmilayo , Farero Adam M. , Ma Wenjuan , Sullivan Cris M.
Published: June 2021

Domestic violence (DV) is a leading cause of homelessness for women, yet many DV agencies are just beginning to focus on helping clients stabilize their housing situations. The purpose of this study was to better understand the contexts and service needs of unstably housed and homeless DV survivors, to promote more efficient and successful service matching from DV agencies. We examined whether DV survivors could be grouped by particular features, histories, and contextual factors, and how these group differences impacted what they needed from DV agencies. The sample included 406 homeless and unstably housed DV survivors who had recently sought DV services. Latent class analysis supported the identification of four distinct classes: (1) highest disadvantages service seeker, (2) moderate disadvantages—criminal legal system service seeker, (3) moderate disadvantages service seeker, and (4) lower disadvantages service seeker. Additionally, we were able to profile each class, and test the types of services survivors in each class needed from agencies.
The impact of public policies on acculturation: A mixed‐method study of Latinx immigrants' experiences in four US states
Authors: Buckingham Sara L. , Angulo Angela
Published: June 2021

Aims

This study sought to understand the impact of public policies on Latinx immigrants' acculturation.

Methods

Four hundred thirty‐eight first generation Latinx immigrants completed survey measures and a subset (n = 73) participated in 12 focus groups across four US states with distinct immigration‐related policies: Arizona, New Mexico, Maryland, and Virginia.

Results

Latinx immigrants living in states with more restrictive immigration‐related public policies were less likely to make cultural changes in the ways they desired. Policies impacted acculturation directly by requiring and restricting certain cultural expressions, and indirectly through cultivating the community's climate. Multiple factors appeared to shape policies' influences on acculturation, including confusion from swift policy changes, inconsistent policy implementation, competing policies at divergent ecological levels, and individuals' relative privilege from intersecting personal characteristics.

Conclusions

More inclusive and supportive immigration‐related policies may improve Latinx immigrants' abilities to acculturate in their preferred ways.
Extracellular vesicles carry SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein and serve as decoys for neutralizing antibodies
Authors: Troyer Zach , Alhusaini Najwa , Tabler Caroline O. , Sweet Thomas , de Carvalho Karina Inacio Ladislau , Schlatzer Daniela M. , Carias Lenore , King Christopher L. , Matreyek Kenneth , Tilton John C.
Published: June 2021

In late 2019, a novel coronavirus named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) emerged in Wuhan, China. SARS‐CoV‐2 and the disease it causes, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), spread rapidly and became a global pandemic in early 2020. SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein is responsible for viral entry and binds to angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) on host cells, making it a major target of the immune system – particularly neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) that are induced by infection or vaccines. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small membraned particles constitutively released by cells, including virally‐infected cells. EVs and viruses enclosed within lipid membranes share some characteristics: they are small, sub‐micron particles and they overlap in cellular biogenesis and egress routes. Given their shared characteristics, we hypothesized that EVs released from spike‐expressing cells could carry spike and serve as decoys for anti‐spike nAbs, promoting viral infection. Here, using mass spectrometry and nanoscale flow cytometry (NFC) approaches, we demonstrate that SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein can be incorporated into EVs. Furthermore, we show that spike‐carrying EVs act as decoy targets for convalescent patient serum‐derived nAbs, reducing their effectiveness in blocking viral entry. These findings have important implications for the pathogenesis of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in vivo and highlight the complex interplay between viruses, extracellular vesicles, and the immune system that occurs during viral infections.
B‐cell haematological malignancies and SARS‐CoV‐2 infection: Could immunological interventions influence the outcome?
Authors: Ochoa‐Grullón Juliana , Peña Cortijo Ascensión , Guevara‐Hoyer Kissy , Jiménez García Carlos , de la Fuente Eduardo , de la Peña Antonia Rodríguez , Fernández‐Arquero Miguel , González Fernández Ata , Sánchez‐Ramón Silvia
Published: June 2021

B cell haematological malignancies (HMs) have been described as the worst cancer type for concomitant COVID‐19 in terms of mortality, with rates up to 65%. This risk factor for COVID‐19 cannot only be explained by comorbidities and advanced age of patients, but aggravated by secondary immunodeficiency (SID). We aimed at evaluating the impact of COVID‐19 on 86 HM patients with concomitant SID from a single centre. Only 14 HM patients of 86 (16.28%) patients suffered COVID‐19, with mortality rate of 7%. When we considered patients according to B‐cell defect only or multiple immune defect overlap (B‐T‐cell/NK cells/complement), patients with immune defect overlap presented 5.30‐fold higher risk of COVID‐19 than only B cell defect (95% CI, 1.67–17.0) (p = 0.004). Seven (50%) patients were on active IgRT; while five (36%) had received prior mucosal vaccines for respiratory infections. Our results show that modelling SID in HM may contribute to better prediction of infectious risk and to prompt more targeted and timely preventive therapies.
Synthesis, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity of 3‐(1H‐indole‐3‐carbonyl)‐2H‐chromen‐2‐ones
Authors: Umar Basha Khadhar Navaz , Gnanamani Shanthi , Shanmugam Prakash , Venugopal Sujatha , Murthy Sangeetha , Ramasamy Balagurunathan
Published: June 2021

A simple and convenient method for the one‐pot synthesis of 3‐(1H‐indole‐3‐carbonyl)‐2H‐chromen‐2‐one derivatives from the reaction of 3‐cyanoacetyl indole and salicylaldehyde in the presence of Na2CO3 in water: methanol (1:1) is described. Wider substrate scope, high yields, operational simplicity, and simple purification process make the protocol highly applicable in the synthesis of 3‐(1H‐indole‐3‐carbonyl)‐2H‐chromen‐2‐ones. For the first time, in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activity was studied. Compounds 5e, 7a, and 7b exhibits good radical scavenging ability against DPPH free radical. Compounds 7b, 5f, and 5g possess lower EC50 values than the Standards AA and BHA and thus proving their high reducing power. Compounds 5d and 5f show good antibacterial activity against gram‐positive bacteria (MRSA) while compounds 5c, 7a, and 7b exhibits good antibacterial activity against Bacillus sp. Compounds 5b and 5e show good antibacterial activity against gram negative bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae) and compounds 5g and 5h exhibits good antifungal activity against Candida albicans.
Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs based new 1,2,3‐triazole derivatives: Their design, one‐pot synthesis and in vitro evaluation
Authors: Kuntala Naveen , Mareddy Jyoti , Telu Jhonsee Rani , Banothu Venkanna , Pal Sarbani , Anireddy Jaya Shree
Published: June 2021

A series of novel and small molecules containing structural features of some well‐known nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as mefenamic acid or ibuprofen or naproxen and a heterocyclic moiety, for example, benzoxepine or quinoline were designed where a substituted 1,2,3‐triazole was used as a linker. These molecules were initially designed as potential antibacterial agents. Synthesis of these compounds was carried out using a Cu‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) as the key step to construct the central 1,2,3‐triazole ring. The methodology involved regioselective and in situ azide formation from a dichloro derivative of heterocycle followed by click reaction with the appropriate alkyne containing the NSAID framework in the same pot. This one‐pot sequential reaction afforded 24 target compounds in good yields. To assess their antibacterial properties, all the synthesized compounds were tested against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative species bacterial strains. One compound was found to be effective against the Gram‐negative species P. aeruginosa. This compound also showed selective cytotoxicity against two cancer cell lines (COLO‐205 and HOP‐62) but no significant effect against noncancerous cell line (HEK293).
Phenotypic diversity, disease progression, and pathogenicity of MVK missense variants in mevalonic aciduria
Authors: Brennenstuhl Heiko , Nashawi Mohammed , Schröter Julian , Baronio Federico , Beedgen Lars , Gleich Florian , Jeltsch Kathrin , von Landenberg Christina , Martini Silvia , Simon Anna , Thiel Christian , Tsiakas Konstantinos , Opladen Thomas , Kölker Stefan , Hoffmann Georg F. , Haas Dorothea ,   Unified Registry for Inherited Metabolic Disorders (U‐IMD) Consortium and the European Registry for Hereditary Metabolic Disorders (MetabERN)
Published: June 2021

Mevalonic aciduria (MVA) and hyperimmunoglobulinemia D syndrome (MKD/HIDS) are disorders of cholesterol biosynthesis caused by variants in the MVK gene and characterized by increased urinary excretion of mevalonic acid. So far, 30 MVA patients have been reported, suffering from recurrent febrile crises and neurologic impairment. Here, we present an in‐depth analysis of the phenotypic spectrum of MVA and provide an in‐silico pathogenicity model analysis of MVK missense variants. The phenotypic spectrum of 11 MVA patients (age range 0‐51 years) registered in the Unified European Registry for Inherited Metabolic Disorders database was systematically analyzed using terms of the Human Phenotype Ontology. Biochemical, radiological as well as genetic characteristics were investigated. Six of eleven patients have reached adulthood and four have reached adolescence. One of the adolescent patients died at the age of 16 years and one patient died shortly after birth. Symptoms started within the first year of life, including episodic fever, developmental delay, ataxia, and ocular involvement. We also describe a case with absence of symptoms despite massive excretion of mevalonic acid. Pathogenic variants causing MVA cluster within highly conserved regions, which are involved in mevalonate and ATP binding. The phenotype of adult and adolescent MVA patients is more heterogeneous than previously assumed. Outcome varies from an asymptomatic course to early death. MVK variants cluster in functionally important and highly conserved protein domains and show high concordance regarding their expected pathogenicity.
Long‐term cognitive and psychosocial outcomes in adults with phenylketonuria
Authors: Aitkenhead Lynne , Krishna Gauri , Ellerton Charlotte , Moinuddin Md , Matcham Jessica , Shiel Lisha , Hossain Shasoty , Kiffin Marianne , Foley Jennifer , Skeath Rachel , Cleary Maureen , Lachmann Robin , Murphy Elaine
Published: June 2021

Previous studies have suggested that cognitive and psychosocial underfunctioning in early‐treated adults with phenylketonuria (PKU) may be explained by suboptimal adherence to dietary treatments, however, these studies often employ small samples, with different outcome measures, definitions and cut‐offs. Samples have also tended to comprise participants with a limited range of blood phenylalanine concentrations, and often individuals who may not have been treated early enough to avoid neurological damage. In this study, we explore the impact of lifetime dietary control, as indicated by blood phenylalanine concentrations in childhood, adolescence and adulthood, on long‐term cognitive and psychosocial outcomes in a large sample of adults with PKU who were diagnosed by neonatal screening and commenced on dietary treatment within the first month of life. One hundred and fifty‐four participants underwent cognitive testing, assessing attention, learning, working memory, language, executive functioning and processing speed. One hundred and forty‐nine completed measures of psychosocial functioning, documenting educational, occupational, quality of life, emotional and social outcomes which were compared with a group of healthy controls. Many adults with PKU demonstrated cognitive impairments, most frequently affecting processing speed (23%), executive function (20%) and learning (12%). Cognitive outcomes were related to measures of historic metabolic control, but only processing speed was significantly related to phenylalanine concentration at the time of testing after controlling for historic levels. Adults with PKU did not, however, differ from controls in educational, occupational, quality of life or emotional outcomes, or on a measure of family functioning, and showed only minor differences in relationship style. These findings have implications for patient counselling and decisions regarding the management of PKU in adulthood.
Fragmentation behavior of EDTA complexes under different activation conditions
Authors: Beck Sebastian
Published: June 2021

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is an aminopolycarboxylic acid and complexation agent that is able to bind a large variety of metals. The formation of highly stable metal‐EDTA complexes is generally very quick. This has led to the use of EDTA in a variety of applications, including food, medical, and household applications. In the current study, we have investigated the fragmentation behavior of EDTA and various metal complexes under collision‐induced dissociation (CID), infrared‐multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD), and higher‐energy collisional dissociation (HCD) activation conditions. Both, positive and negative mode electrospray ionization (ESI) were applied. The metals used to complex with EDTA ranged from alkaline earth metals, such as sodium and cesium, via calcium, nickel, zinc, aluminum, copper, iron, and indium to yttrium and several lanthanides. Furthermore, the protonated and deprotonated species of EDTA, as well as disodium and trisodium species, have been subjected to fragmentation. The results show that characteristic fragmentations were obtained for EDTA and the metal complexes under the investigated conditions. The use of an ion cyclotron resonance (ICR) and an Orbitrap mass spectrometer, as high resolution‐accurate mass instruments, allowed the assignment of elemental compositions undoubtedly for the vast majority of fragments. Certain trends were observed that trend correlated with the size of the metal and the location within the periodic table.
Impacts of the seesaw mode between the Indian and East Asian summer monsoons on interannual variations in surface solar radiation across the low‐latitude highlands of China
Authors: Ding Yuchao , Yang Ruowen , Cao Jie
Published: June 2021

The relationship between the seesaw mode that connects the Indian summer monsoon (ISM) and East Asian summer monsoon (EASM), and variations in summer surface solar radiation (SSR) across the low‐latitude highlands of China (CLLH), was investigated using atmospheric reanalysis and NOAA global gridded precipitation and outgoing longwave radiation datasets. Singular value decomposition, correlation analysis, and composite analysis were employed. The results indicate that the interannual variations in summer SSR in the CLLH are significantly modulated by the seesaw mode that connects the ISM with the EASM. During the boreal summer, the CLLH SSR variability is positively correlated with ISM intensity, but negatively correlated with EASM intensity. When a strong ISM and a weak EASM occur together, significant anomalous northeasterly winds appear over the CLLH, which reduces the moisture supply to the region from the Bay of Bengal. In addition, significant anomalous descending motion dominates the CLLH, leading to significant negative relative humidity anomalies over the CLLH. Consequently, water vapour, total liquid water form column clouds and high cloud cover decreased significantly over the CLLH, resulting in a higher CLLH SSR than average. Conversely, a lower‐than‐normal CLLH SSR seems to result from the approximately opposite physical process during the years where the ISM is weak and EASM is strong over the CLLH. Given the fact that the correlation between the aerosol optical depth (AOD) and the CLLH SSR is relatively weak, the AOD variability may not be the main control on interannual variations of summer CLLH SSR.
The Arab Spring and Revolutionary Theory: An Intervention in a Debate
Authors: Bayat Asef
Published: June 2021

The so‐called Arab Spring of the 2010s that toppled six dictators has spurred productive debates about the character of these political happenings and their implications for revolutionary theory broadly. One such debate that appeared recently on the pages of Historical Sociology questions whether or not we are moving into a fifth‐generation revolutionary theory. This essay is an attempt to partake in this conversation, not only because my work is under discussion but because I wish to engage with some of the key arguments in the debate to clarify some misunderstandings and suggest ways that the Arab Spring allows for a new thinking about revolution and revolutionary theory. Whether or not new perspectives have emerged may be contested, but there is surely a need for them.
Selenium exerts protective effects against heat stress‐induced barrier disruption and inflammation response in jejunum of growing pigs
Authors: He Ying , Liu Yan , Tang Jiayong , Jia Gang , Liu Guangmang , Tian Gang , Chen Xiaoling , Cai Jingyi , Kang Bo , Zhao Hua
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Heat stress (HS) has a negative impact on the intestinal barrier and immune function of pigs. Selenium (Se) may improve intestinal health through affecting selenoproteins. Thus we investigate the protective effect of new organic Se (2‐hydroxy‐4‐methylselenobutanoic acid, HMSeBA) on jejunal damage in growing pigs upon HS and integrate potential roles of corresponding selenoproteins.

RESULTS

HS decreased the villus height and increased (P < 0.05) the protein abundance of HSP70, and downregulated (P < 0.05) protein levels of tight junction‐related proteins (CLDN‐1 and OCLD). HS‐induced jejunal damage was associated with the upregulation of four inflammation‐related genes and ten selenoprotein‐encoding genes, downregulation (P < 0.05) of four selenoprotein‐encoding genes and decreased (P < 0.05) the protein abundance of GPX4 and SELENOS. Compared with the HS group, HMSeBA supplementation not only elevated the villus height and the ratio of V/C (P < 0:05), but also reduced (P < 0.05) the protein abundance of HSP70 and MDA content, and increased (P < 0.05) the protein abundance of OCLD. HMSeBA supplementation downregulated the expression of seven inflammation‐related genes, changed the expression of 12 selenoprotein‐encoding genes in jejunum mucosa affected by HS, and increased the protein abundance of GPX4, TXNRD1 and SELENOS.

CONCLUSION

Organic Se supplementation beyond nutritional requirement alleviates the negative effect of HS on the jejunum of growing pigs, and its protective effect is related to the response of corresponding selenoproteins. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effect of ultrasound pretreatment on the functional and antioxidant properties of fermented and germinated Lupin protein isolates grafted with glucose
Authors: Işçimen Elif Meltem , Hayta Mehmet
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

This study examined the functional and antioxidant properties of Maillard reaction (MR) products of lupin protein isolate (LPI), fermented (FLPI), and germinated (GLPI) with glucose (G), treated with ultrasound (US) at different power levels (20–40–60–80%) for 15 min. The MR was conducted in a water bath for 180 min at 90 °C.

RESULTS

The Trolox‐equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) values were found to be 46.79%, 56.43%, and 35.56% for the control (C), 58.99%, 80.17%, and 69.73% for conjugates of LPI‐G, FLPI‐G, and GLPI‐G treated at 80% US, respectively. The maximum 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity of LPI‐G, FLPI‐G, and GLPI‐G was found to be 39.68%, 59.54%, and 48.41%, respectively after 80% US. The FLPI‐G sample showed the highest antioxidant activity compared with the samples treated at the same power level for DPPH and TEAC. The Fe‐chelating activity of GLPI‐G showed significant differences when compared with FLPI‐G. The solubility of LPI‐G, FLPI‐G, and GLPI‐G increased with increasing US power. The highest solubility was 74.29% for 80% US‐treated GLPI‐G. The emulsifying activity index (EAI) increased at 20% US and decreased with further increase in the US power. The EAI and emulsifying stability index (ESI) were negatively affected by the MR and US processes.

CONCLUSION

The findings of current study proved that conjugation of LPI with G with the MR and with US pretreatment is an effective method for improving the bio‐ and techno‐functional properties of LPI. It is therefore likely that the properties of plant proteins modified by biochemical and physical treatments may widen their applications in the food industry. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effect of solid‐state fermentation by three different Bacillus species on composition and protein structure of soybean meal
Authors: Dai Chunhua , Hou Yizhi , Xu Haining , Huang Liurong , Dabbour Mokhtar , Mintah Benjamin K , He Ronghai , Ma Haile
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Fermentation efficiency of thermophiles of Bacillus licheniformis YYC4 and Geobacillus stearothermophilus A75, and mesophilic Bacillus subtilis 10 160 on soybean meal (SBM), was evaluated by examining the nutritional and protein structural changes.

RESULTS

SBM fermentation by B. licheniformis YYC4, B. subtilis 10 160 and G. stearothemophilus A75 increased significantly the crude and soluble protein from 442.4 to 524.8, 516.1 and 499.9 g kg−1, and from 53.9 to 203.3, 291.3 and 74.6 g kg−1, and decreased trypsin inhibitor from 8.19 to 3.19, 2.14 and 5.10 mg g−1, respectively. Bacillus licheniformis YYC4 and B. subtilis 10 160 significantly increased phenol and pyrazine content. Furthermore, B. licheniformis YYC4 fermentation could produce abundant alcohols, ketones, esters and acids. Surface hydrophobicity, sulfhydryl groups and disulfide bond contents of SBM protein were increased significantly from 98.27 to 166.13, 173.27 and 150.71, from 3.26 to 4.88, 5.03 and 4.21 μmol g−1, and from 20.77 to 27.95, 29.53 and 25.5 μmol g−1 after their fermentation. Fermentation induced red shifts of the maximum absorption wavelength (λmax) of fluorescence spectra from 353 to 362, 376 and 361 nm, while significantly reducing the fluorescence intensity of protein, especially when B. subtilis 10 160 was used. Moreover, fermentation markedly changed the secondary structure composition of SBM protein. Analyses by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and atomic force microscopy showed that macromolecule protein was degraded into small‐sized protein or peptide during fermentation of SBM.

CONCLUSION

Bacillus licheniformis YYC4 fermentation (without sterilization) improved nutrition and protein structure of SBM as B. subtilis 10 160, suggesting its potential application in the SBM fermentation industry. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Genome‐wide identification of heat shock transcription factors and potential role in regulation of antioxidant response under hot water and glycine betaine treatments in cold‐stored peaches
Authors: Wang Li , Hou Yuanyuan , Wang Yi , Hu Shunqing , Zheng Yonghua , Jin Peng
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Heat shock transcription factors (Hsfs) play pivotal roles in plant responses to stress. Although glycine betaine (GB) and hot water (HW) treatments are effective in reducing chilling injury (CI), little is known about the characterization of the Hsfs gene family and its potential roles in alleviating CI by regulating antioxidant systems in peach fruit.

RESULTS

In this study, 17 PpHsfs were identified in the peach genome and were investigated using bioinformatics, including chromosomal locations, phylogenetic relationships, gene structure, motifs, and promoter analyses. The expression patterns of PpHsfs under GB and HW treatments were also investigated. The PpHsfs showed different expression patterns in GB‐ and HW‐treated fruit, and most of them were significantly up‐regulated by both treatments, especially PpHsfA1a/b, PpHsfA2a, PpHsfA9a, and PpHsfB2a/b. Meanwhile, GB and HW treatments induced higher levels of gene expression and antioxidant enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) compared to the control, contributing to the inhibition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) accumulation and superoxide anion (O2.−) production. Moreover, the correlation analysis between PpHsfs and antioxidant‐related genes showed that three PpAPXs were significantly correlated with ten PpHsfs, whereas PpCAT and PpSOD had no significant correlations with PpHsfs, which indicated that PpAPX might be regulated by PpHsfs.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicated that GB and HW treatments induced different PpHsfs transcript levels to regulate the antioxidant gene expressions, which might be beneficial in inhibiting the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and protecting the integrity of cell structure, thus alleviating the development of CI in peach fruit during cold storage. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Prevalence of Potentially Morally Injurious Events in Operationally Deployed Canadian Armed Forces Members
Authors: Hansen Kevin T. , Nelson Charles G. , Kirkwood Kenneth
Published: June 2021

As moral injury is a still‐emerging concept within the area of military mental health, prevalence estimates for moral injury and its precursor, potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs), remain unknown for many of the world's militaries. The present study sought to estimate the prevalence of PMIEs in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), using data collected from CAF personnel deployed to Afghanistan, via logistic regressions controlling for relevant sociodemographic, military, and deployment characteristics. Analyses revealed that over 65% of CAF members reported exposure to at least one event that would be considered a PMIE. The most commonly PMIEs individuals reported included seeing ill or injured women and children they were unable to help (48.4%), being unable to distinguish between combatants and noncombatants (43.6%), and finding themselves in a threatening situation where they were unable to respond due to the rules of engagement under which they were required to operate (35.4%). These findings provide support for both the presence of exposure to PMIEs in CAF members and the need for formal longitudinal data collection regarding PMIE exposure and moral injury development.
Outcome of Immunoglobulin Replacement Therapy in Adults With Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Makary Chadi A. , Behnke John , Peppers Brian , Ramadan Hassan H.
Published: June 2021

Objective

To evaluate the outcome of immunoglobulin (IG) replacement therapy in adults with rhinosinusitis and primary humoral immunodeficiency disorders (PID).

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of adult (18 years and older) patients who were diagnosed with PID and had the diagnosis of recurrent acute rhinosinusitis (RARS) and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and who are on IG replacement therapy. Demographic data, associated conditions, and duration of treatment were reviewed. Number of yearly sinus infections, sinus CT Lund‐Mackay (LM) score, and need for functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) were reviewed before and after starting IG therapy.

Results

Fifty‐eight patients were included. Average age was 52 years (18–79 years). About 74% were female. Thirty patients (51.7%) had common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), 18 (31.1%) had hypogammaglobulinemia, and 10 (17.2%) had specific antibody deficiency (SAD). About 79% of patients had allergic rhinitis and 74% had asthma. Pretreatment LM score was 7.6 (±2.2, range of 0–24) compared to posttreatment score of 3.5 (±1.3, range of 0–16) (P = .01). Eleven patients (19%) had FESS pretreatment compared to only two patients (3.4%) requiring ESS after starting treatment on IG therapy (P = .004). Prior to starting IG therapy, five patients (8.6%) had more than 10 sinus infections per year, 33 patients (56.9%) had 5 to 10 infections, and 20 patients (34.5%) had 1 to 5 infections per year. After starting on IG, 34 patients (58.6%) had no infections reported anymore (P < .001), and 24 patients (41.4%) had only 1 to 5 infections reported per year

Conclusion

IG therapy is a promising treatment option for recurrent rhinosinusitis in patients with PID.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 132:732–736, 2022
Outcomes of Kidney Allograft and Recipient Survival After Liver Transplantation by Induction Type in the United States
Authors: Riad Samy M. , Lim Nicholas , Jackson Scott , Matas Arthur J. , Lake John
Published: June 2021

There are several choices for induction immunosuppression in kidney‐after‐liver transplantation. We used the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients database. We assessed all kidney‐after‐liver transplant recipients in the United States between 1/1/2000 and 7/31/2017 to study kidney graft and patient outcomes by induction type. We only included patients discharged on tacrolimus and mycophenolate with or without steroids and had a negative crossmatch before kidney engraftment. We grouped recipients by kidney induction type into the following 3 groups: depletional (n = 550), nondepletional (n = 434), and no antibody induction (n = 144). We studied patient and kidney allograft survival using Cox proportional hazard regression, with transplant center included as a random effect. Models were adjusted for liver induction regimen, recipient and donor age, sex, human leukocyte antigen mismatches, payor type, living donor kidney transplantation, dialysis status, time from liver engraftment, hepatitis C virus status, and the presence of diabetes mellitus at time of kidney transplantation and transplantation year. The 6‐month and 1‐year rejection rates did not differ between groups. Compared with no induction, neither depletional nor nondepletional induction was associated with an improved recipient or graft survival in the multivariable models. Depletional induction at the time of liver transplantation was associated with worse patient survival after kidney transplantation (hazard ratio [HR], 1.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09‐2.67; P = 0.02). Living donor kidney transplantation was associated with a 48.1% improved graft survival (HR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.33‐0.82; P = 0.00). In conclusion, in the settings of a negative cross‐match and maintenance with tacrolimus and mycophenolate, induction use was not associated with a patient or graft survival benefit in kidney‐after‐liver transplantations.
Enhancing Tissue Adhesion and Osteoblastic Differentiation of MC3T3‐E1 Cells on Poly(aryl ether ketone) by Chemically Anchored Hydroxyapatite Nanocomposite Hydrogel Coating
Authors: Liu Chengde , Pan Liang , Liu Cheng , Liu Wentao , Li Yizheng , Cheng Xitong , Jian Xigao
Published: June 2021

Tissue adhesion to bone implant and osteoblastic differentiation are the key factors to achieve poly(aryl ether ketone) (PAEK) implant osseointegration. However, physical interaction of implant with tissue and hydroxyapatite coating suffers from slow implant tissue integration and lack of long‐term stability. In this study, a novel poly(phthalazinone ether sulfone ketone) containing allyl groups (APPBAESK) is coated onto PPBESK sheet for reacting with the allyl groups of the hydrogel coating to enhance its stability. N‐Succinimidyl (NHS)‐ester activated group and nano‐hydroxyapatite (nano‐HA) are introduced into the hydrogel synthesized from gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) and acrylic acid to construct a nanocomposite hydrogel coating on PPBESK which is a promising PAEK implant material. The hydrophilicity of the PPBESK sheet is improved by the hydrogel coating. The chemical components of the nanocomposite hydrogel coating are confirmed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscope, Attenuated total reflection infrared, and X‐ray powder diffraction. The tissue shear adhesion strength of the hydrogel coating toward pig skin is enhanced due to the synergism of NHS‐ester activated group and nano‐HA. The osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3‐E1 preosteoblasts is promoted by nano‐HA in nanocomposite hydrogel coating. Therefore, the bifunctional nanocomposite hydrogel coating provides a great application prospect in the surface modification of PAEK implants in bone tissue engineering.
Synthesis of Temperature‐Responsive Polymers Containing Piperidine Carboxamide and N,N‐diethylcarbamoly Piperidine Moiety via RAFT Polymerization
Authors: Akiyama Yoshikatsu
Published: June 2021

In this study, poly(N‐acryloyl‐nipecotamide) (PNANAm), poly(N‐acryloyl‐isonipecotamide) (PNAiNAm), and poly(N‐acryloyl‐N,N‐diethylnipecotamide) (PNADNAm) are synthesized as novel temperature‐responsive polymers using reversible addition‐fragmentation chain‐transfer polymerization. Aqueous solutions of these three polymers are examined via temperature‐dependent optical transmittance measurements. The PNANAm sample with a hydrophilic terminal group shows an upper critical solution temperature (UCST) in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) when its molecular weight (Mn) is 7600 or higher, whereas PNANAm (Mn < 7600) is soluble. The UCST is influenced by molecular weight and the polymer concentration. In contrast, PNANAm sample with nonionic terminal group shows UCST, when Mn is below 7600, suggesting that the terminal nonionic group possibly increases UCST of PNANAm. The urea addition experiment suggests that the driving force for expression of UCST of PNANAm is the formation of inter‐and intramolecular hydrogen bonds among the polymer chains. PNAiNAm is soluble in PBS but exhibits an UCST in an appropriate concentration of ammonium sulfate. In contrast, PNADNAm exhibits a lower critical solution temperature. Comparing the chemical structure of these polymers and their phase transition behaviors suggests that the carboxamide group position in the piperidine ring could determine the UCST expression. These results could help design temperature‐responsive polymers with a desired the cloud point temperature.
Statistical and Block Copolymers of Ethylene and Vinyl Acetate via Reversible Addition‐Fragmentation Chain Transfer Polymerization
Authors: Wolpers Arne , Baffie Florian , Monteil Vincent , D'Agosto Franck
Published: June 2021

A dithiocarbamate chain transfer agent (CTA) based on Z‐group substituted with a diphenyl amine (–NPh2) moiety is selected for the synthesis of statistical and diblock copolymers of ethylene and vinyl acetate via reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. Benefiting from the good chain growth control of polyethylene (PE), poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc), and poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) (EVA) achieved with this CTA, linear diblock copolymers of the type EVA‐b‐PE, EVA‐b‐EVA, and PVAc‐b‐EVA are successfully synthesized. A three‐arm EVA star is additionally obtained starting from a trifunctional dithiocarbamate CTA.
Eight key rules for successful data‐dependent acquisition in mass spectrometry‐based metabolomics
Authors: Defossez Emmanuel , Bourquin Julien , von Reuss Stephan , Rasmann Sergio , Glauser Gaétan
Published: June 2021

In recent years, metabolomics has emerged as a pivotal approach for the holistic analysis of metabolites in biological systems. The rapid progress in analytical equipment, coupled to the rise of powerful data processing tools, now provides unprecedented opportunities to deepen our understanding of the relationships between biochemical processes and physiological or phenotypic conditions in living organisms. However, to obtain unbiased data coverage of hundreds or thousands of metabolites remains a challenging task. Among the panel of available analytical methods, targeted and untargeted mass spectrometry approaches are among the most commonly used. While targeted metabolomics usually relies on multiple‐reaction monitoring acquisition, untargeted metabolomics use either data‐independent acquisition (DIA) or data‐dependent acquisition (DDA) methods. Unlike DIA, DDA offers the possibility to get real, selective MS/MS spectra and thus to improve metabolite assignment when performing untargeted metabolomics. Yet, DDA settings are more complex to establish than DIA settings, and as a result, DDA is more prone to errors in method development and application. Here, we present a tutorial which provides guidelines on how to optimize the technical parameters essential for proper DDA experiments in metabolomics applications. This tutorial is organized as a series of rules describing the impact of the different parameters on data acquisition and data quality. It is primarily intended to metabolomics users and mass spectrometrists that wish to acquire both theoretical background and practical tips for developing effective DDA methods.
CDC data finds sharp rise in suicide attempts among teen girls amid COVID‐19
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: June 2021

Emergency department (ED) visits for suspected suicide attempts among females ages 12–17 increased 51% during February–March 2021 compared with 2019. Visits among males during that time increased 4%, according to new data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) June 11.
Nonprofit receives additional support for broad‐based children's initiatives
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: June 2021

At the same time that an Orange County, California, nonprofit agency has secured a major infusion of public funds for initiatives to break the cycle of childhood trauma, the leader of the organization also is looking ahead to a time when it will achieve a greater balance of private and public support.
Representation of solutions for linear fractional systems with pure delay and multiple delays
Authors: Elshenhab Ahmed M. , Wang Xing Tao
Published: June 2021

Nonhomogeneous systems of linear fractional equations with pure delay and multiple delays with linear parts given by permutable or nonpermutable matrices are considered. Representations of their solutions are obtained by using delayed Mittag–Leffler type matrix functions and Laplace transform. Our results are new and extend previous results.
Analysis on critical waves for a diffusive epidemic model with saturating incidence rate and infinitely distributed delay
Authors: Tian Baochuan , Wu Xin
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this paper is to obtain an existence theorem of critical waves for a diffusive Susceptible‐Infected‐Removed (SIR) epidemic model with saturating incidence rate and infinitely distributed delay. Our results completely answer an aforementioned unsolved questions by using the Schauder's fixed point theorem and constructing a perfect pair of upper‐lower solutions.