bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal Measurements of Glucocerebrosidase activity in Parkinson’s patients
Authors: Alcalay Roy N. , Wolf Pavlina , Chiang Ming Sum Ruby , Helesicova Karolina , Zhang Xiaokui Kate , Merchant Kalpana , Hutten Samantha J. , Scherzer Clemens , Caspell‐Garcia Chelsea , Blauwendraat Cornelis , Foroud Tatiana , Nudelman Kelly , Gan‐Or Ziv , Simuni Tanya , Chahine Lana M. , Levy Oren , Zheng Dandi , Li Gen , Sardi Sergio Pablo ,   The Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative
Published: September 2020

Objective

Reduction in glucocerebrosidase (GCase; encoded by GBA) enzymatic activity has been linked to Parkinson’s disease (PD). Here, we correlated GCase activity and PD phenotype in the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) cohort.

Methods

We measured GCase activity in dried blood spots from 1559 samples of participants in the inception PPMI cohort, collected in four annual visits (from baseline visit to Year‐3). Participants (PD, n = 392; controls, n = 175) were fully sequenced for GBA variants by means of genome‐wide genotyping arrays, whole‐exome sequencing, whole‐genome sequencing, Sanger sequencing, and RNA‐sequencing.

Results

Fifty‐two PD participants (13.4%) and 13 (7.4%) controls carried a GBA variant. GBA status was strongly associated with GCase activity. Among noncarriers, GCase activity was similar between PD and controls. Among GBA p.E326K carriers (PD, n = 20; controls, n = 5), activity was significantly lower in PD carriers than control carriers (9.53 µmol/L/h vs. 11.68 µmol/L/h, P = 0.035). Glucocerebrosidase activity was moderately (r = 0.45) associated with white blood cell (WBC) count. Next, we divided the noncarriers with PD to tertiles based on WBC count‐corrected enzymatic activity. Members of the lower tertile had higher MDS‐Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale motor score in the “off” medication examination at year‐III exam. Longitudinal analyses demonstrated slight reduction of activity in samples collected earlier on in the study, likely because of longer storage time.

Interpretation

GCase activity is associated with GBA genotype, WBC count, and among p.E326K variant carriers, with PD status. Reduced activity may also be associated with worse phenotype but longer follow up is required to confirm this observation.
Altered multimodal magnetic resonance parameters of basal nucleus of Meynert in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Zheng Weimin , Li Hui , Cui Bin , Liang Peipeng , Wu Ye , Han Xu , Li Chiang‐shan R. , Li Kuncheng , Wang Zhiqun
Published: September 2020

Objectives

We aimed to examine how gray matter volume (GMV), regional blood flow (rCBF), and resting‐state functional connectivity (FC) of the basal nucleus of Meynert (BNM) are altered in 40 patients with AD, relative to 30 healthy controls (HCs).

Methods

We defined the BNM on the basis of a mask histochemically reconstructed from postmortem human brains. We examined GMV with voxel‐based morphometry of high‐resolution structural images, rCBF with arterial spin labeling imaging, and whole‐brain FC with published routines. We performed partial correlations to explore how the imaging metrics related to cognitive and living status in patients with AD. Further, we employed receiver operating characteristic analysis to compute the “diagnostic” accuracy of these imaging markers.

Results

AD relative to HC showed lower GMV and higher rCBF of the BNM as well as lower BNM connectivity with the right insula and cerebellum. In addition, the GMVs of BNM were correlated with cognitive and daily living status in AD. Finally, these imaging markers predicted AD (vs. HC) with an accuracy (area under the curve) of 0.70 to 0.86. Combination of BNM metrics provided the best prediction accuracy.

Conclusions

By combining multimode MR imaging, we demonstrated volumetric atrophy, hyperperfusion, and disconnection of the BNM in AD. These findings support cholinergic dysfunction as an etiological marker of AD and related dementia.
Transition‐Metal Phosphides: Activity Origin, Energy‐Related Electrocatalysis Applications, and Synthetic Strategies
Authors: Pu Zonghua , Liu Tingting , Amiinu Ibrahim Saana , Cheng Ruilin , Wang Pengyan , Zhang Chengtian , Ji Pengxia , Hu Weihua , Liu Jian , Mu Shichun
Published: September 2020

Developing highly efficient and stable electrocatalysts plays an important role in energy‐related electrocatalysis fields. Transition‐metal phosphides (TMPs) possess a series of advantages, such as high conductivity, earth‐abundance reserves, and good physicochemical properties, therefore arousing wide attention. In this review, the electrochemical activity origin of TMPs, allowing the rational design and construction of phosphides toward various energy‐relevant reactions is first discussed. Subsequently, their unique energy‐related electrocatalysis nature toward hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR), carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR), nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR), urea oxidation reaction (UOR), methanol oxidation reaction (MOR), and others is highlighted. Then, the TMPs’ synthetic strategies are analyzed and summarized systematically. Finally, the existing key issues, countermeasures, and the future challenges of TMPs toward efficient energy‐related electrocatalysis are briefly discussed.
Injectable Drug‐Releasing Microporous Annealed Particle Scaffolds for Treating Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Fang Jun , Koh Jaekyung , Fang Qizhi , Qiu Huiliang , Archang Maani M. , Hasani‐Sadrabadi Mohammad Mahdi , Miwa Hiromi , Zhong Xintong , Sievers Richard , Gao Dong‐Wei , Lee Randall , Di Carlo Dino , Li Song
Published: September 2020

Intramyocardial injection of hydrogels offers great potential for treating myocardial infarction (MI) in a minimally invasive manner. However, traditional bulk hydrogels generally lack microporous structures to support rapid tissue ingrowth and biochemical signals to prevent fibrotic remodeling toward heart failure. To address such challenges, a novel drug‐releasing microporous annealed particle (drugMAP) system is developed by encapsulating hydrophobic drug‐loaded nanoparticles into microgel building blocks via microfluidic manufacturing. By modulating nanoparticle hydrophilicity and pregel solution viscosity, drugMAP building blocks are generated with consistent and homogeneous encapsulation of nanoparticles. In addition, the complementary effects of forskolin (F) and Repsox (R) on the functional modulations of cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells in vitro are demonstrated. After that, both hydrophobic drugs (F and R) are loaded into drugMAP to generate FR/drugMAP for MI therapy in a rat model. The intramyocardial injection of MAP gel improves left ventricular functions, which are further enhanced by FR/drugMAP treatment with increased angiogenesis and reduced fibrosis and inflammatory response. This drugMAP platform represents a new generation of microgel particles for MI therapy and will have broad applications in regenerative medicine and disease therapy.
Canopy greenness as a midseason nitrogen management tool in corn production
Authors: dos Santos Caio L. , Roberts Trenton L. , Purcell Larry C.
Published: September 2020

An in‐season nitrogen (N) assessment tool would be valuable in improving N management in corn (Zea mays L.). This study evaluated the intensity of canopy greenness, as determined by the Dark Green Color Index (DGCI) measured from aerial digital images, to serve as a guideline for in‐season N management. Measurements of DGCI from high N (258 kg N ha−1) experimental units were used as a reference DGCI (RDGCI) to correct for variable lighting conditions. Ability of DGCI to assess in‐season N status was investigated by predicting leaf N (LN) concentration and relative grain yield (RGY) as functions of DGCI and RDGCI. Eight field studies were conducted on silt loam soils in Arkansas. Digital images and leaf samples were collected at the 10th collared leaf stage (V10), the 12th collared leaf stage (V12), and tasseling (VT). Across a wide range of environmental lighting conditions, LN was described by a regression (P < .0001) as a function of DGCI and RDGCI with a root mean square error of 3.49 g N kg−1 and a bias of −0.03 g N kg−1. Likewise, RGY was regressed against DGCI and RDGCI (P < .0001) and predicted RGY with a RMSE of 10.3% and a bias of −0.3%. Measurements of DGCI and RDGCI predicted LN and RGY accurately, demonstrating the potential to assess N status and improve N management in corn. These relationships provide reliable metrics for N status during late vegetative and early reproductive growth using aerial images.
Alazami syndrome: Phenotypic expansion and clinical resemblance to Smith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome
Authors: Gana Simone , Plumari Massimo , Rossi Elena , Saracino Annalisa , Iorio Melanie , Zanaboni Martina Paola , Orcesi Simona , Valente Enza Maria
Published: September 2020

Biallelic mutations in the LARP7 gene have been recently shown to cause Alazami syndrome, a rare condition characterized by short stature, intellectual disability, and peculiar facial dysmorphisms. To date, only 24 cases have been reported. Here, we describe two brothers initially suspected to have Smith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome, in whom clinical exome sequencing detected a novel homozygous truncating variant in LARP7. These cases expand the phenotypic spectrum of Alazami syndrome to include toes syndactyly and adaptive behavior, and confirm the power of “genotype first” approach in patients with syndromic presentations overlapping distinct rare conditions.
Characterization of the Robinow syndrome skeletal phenotype, bone micro‐architecture, and genotype–phenotype correlations with the osteosclerotic form
Authors: Shayota Brian J. , Zhang Chaofan , Shypailo Roman J. , Mazzeu Juliana F. , Carvalho Claudia M. B. , Sutton V. Reid
Published: September 2020

Robinow syndrome (RS) is a genetically heterogeneous skeletal dysplasia with recent reports suggesting an osteosclerotic form of the disease. We endeavored to investigate the full spectrum of skeletal anomalies in a genetically diverse cohort of RS patients with a focus on the bone micro‐architecture. Seven individuals with molecularly confirmed RS, including four with DVL1 variants and single individuals with variants in WNT5A, ROR2, and GPC4 underwent a musculoskeletal focused physical examination, dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan, and high‐resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR‐pQCT). Skeletal examination revealed variability in limb shortening anomalies consistent with recent reports. DEXA scan measures revealed increased total body bone mineral density (BMD) (3/7), cranial BMD (5/7), and non‐cranial BMD (1/7). Cranial osteosclerosis was only observed in DVL1‐RS (4/4) and GPC4‐RS (1/1) subjects and in one case was complicated by choanal atresia, bilateral conductive hearing loss, and cranial nerve III, VI, and VII palsy. HR‐pQCT revealed a unique pattern of low cortical BMD, increased trabecular BMD, decreased number of trabeculations, and increased thickness of the trabeculations for the DVL1‐RS subjects. The spectrum of skeletal anomalies including the micro‐architecture of the bones observed in RS has considerable variability with some osteosclerosis genotype–phenotype correlations more frequent with DVL1 variants.
Regioselective C−H Functionalization of HeteroareneN‐Oxides Enabled by a Traceless Nucleophile
Authors: Mathi Gangadhar Rao , Kweon Byeongseok , Moon Yonghoon , Jeong Yujin , Hong Sungwoo
Published: September 2020

Although N‐alkenoxyheteroarenium salts have been widely used as umpoled synthons with nucleophilic (hetero)arenes, the use of electron‐poor heteroarenes has remained unexplored. To overcome the inherent electron deficiency of quinolinium salts, a traceless nucleophile‐triggered strategy was designed, wherein the quinolinium segment is converted into a dearomatized intermediate, thereby allowing simultaneous C8‐functionalization of quinolines at room temperature. Experimental and computational studies support the traceless operation of a nucleophile, which enables the previously inaccessible transformation of N‐alkenoxyheteroarenium salts. Remarkably, the generality of this strategy has been further demonstrated by broad applications in the regioselective C−H functionalization of other electron‐deficient heteroarenes such as phenanthridine, isoquinoline, and pyridine N‐oxides, offering a practical tool for the late‐stage functionalization of complex biorelevant molecules.
Stable Cocatalyst‐Free BiVO4 Photoanodes with Passivated Surface States for Photocorrosion Inhibition
Authors: Gao Rui‐Ting , Wang Lei
Published: September 2020

Improving charge transport and reducing bulk/surface recombination can increase the activity and stability of BiVO4 for water oxidation. Herein we demonstrate that the photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance of BiVO4 can be significantly improved by potentiostatic photopolarization. The resulting cocatalyst‐free BiVO4 photoanode exhibited a record‐high photocurrent of 4.60 mA cm−2 at 1.23 VRHE with an outstanding onset potential of 0.23 VRHE in borate buffer without a sacrificial agent under AM 1.5G illumination. The most striking characteristic was a strong “self‐healing” property of the photoanode, with photostability observed over 100 h under intermittent testing. The synergistic effects of the generated oxygen vacancies and the passivated surface states at the semiconductor–electrolyte interface as a result of potentiostatic photopolarization reduced the substantial carrier recombination and enhanced the water oxidation kinetics, further inhibiting photocorrosion.
Electrospun nanofibrous alginate sulfate scaffolds promote mesenchymal stem cells differentiation to chondrocytes
Authors: Irani Shiva , Tavakkoli Sajjad , Pezeshki‐Modaress Mohamad , Taghavifar Elham , Mohammadali Marjan , Daemi Hamed
Published: September 2020

Cartilage tissue engineering is one of the interesting approaches used for repairing cartilage injuries. This study reports the fabrication of polyvinyl alcohol/alginate sulfate (PVA/ALG‐S) nanofibrous mats as a functional support for chondrogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBM‐MSCs). The PVA/ALG‐S nanofibers were obtained through electrospinning of PVA solutions containing 10, 20, and 30 wt% of ALG‐S. The appearance of a band at 833 cm−1 assigned to the symmetrical COS vibration associated to a COSO3 group confirmed the presence of ALG‐S in nanofibrous mat. The SEM images illustrated the bead‐free and smooth morphology of PVA/ALG‐S nanofibers with a mean diameter of 185 ± 0.06 nm. The MTT assay of the hBM‐MSCs seeded on scaffolds indicated the appropriate cytocompatibility of nanofibrous PVA/ALG‐S scaffolds. Furthermore, the appropriate attachment and spreading of the hBM‐MSCs based on SEM images, and their differentiation to the chondrocyte‐like cells accompanied by a decrease in cell growth on MTT analysis and more color absorption in alician blue staining indicated the effective role of alginate sulfate on cell differentiation. Finally, the expression of Type II collagen by RT‐PCR and immunocytochemistry analyses revealed the chondrogenic differentiation of hBM‐MSCs on alginate sulfate nanofibers.
Family History of Eating Disorder and the Broad Autism Phenotype in Autism
Authors: Barrionuevo Bianca A. , Chowdhury Aneesa R. , Lee Joycelyn M. , Dueker Nicole D. , Martin Eden R. , Pericak‐Vance Margaret A. , Cuccaro Michael
Published: September 2020

Autism features occur frequently among individuals with eating disorders (ED). This co‐occurrence is not well understood but there is speculation that select traits (e.g., rigidity) are common to both autism and ED. To explore the co‐occurrence of autistic traits and ED features, we used the Simons Simplex Collection (SSC; N = 2,623 families) to test whether first‐degree relatives of individuals with autism with a history of ED features had more autism traits, as measured by the Broad Autism Phenotype Questionnaire (BAP‐Q), compared to relatives with no history of ED. The frequency of individuals with ED features was 2.2% (N = 57) among mothers, <1% in siblings, and not present in fathers. We restricted our analyses to mothers. Compared to mothers with no history of ED, those with a history of ED had significantly higher scores on the BAP‐Q Total Score and each of the three BAP‐Q domains. More importantly, when the BAP‐Q was used as a classification tool, we found that when compared to mothers with no history of ED, those with a history of ED were most likely to fall into the clinically significant range on the BAP‐Q Rigid domain. Our results suggest that a history of ED features among mothers of individuals with autism is associated with the presence of autistic traits. This extends previous work showing a relationship between autism and ED and expands the range of neuropsychiatric traits that have relevance to the BAP among family members of individuals with autism.

Lay Summary

Using information from the Simons Simplex Collection we tested whether mothers of individuals with autism with a history of eating disorder had more autism traits (i.e., similar to those in autism but milder) compared to mothers with no history of eating disorder. The most striking difference between the groups was the presence of rigidity in mothers with a history of eating disorder. This extends previous work showing a relationship between autism and eating disorders and suggests the utility of studying eating disorders in future family studies of autism. Autism Res 2020, 13: 1573–1581. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the production cost of lignocellulose‐degrading enzymes
Authors: Ferreira Rafael G , Azzoni Adriano R , Freitas Sindelia
Published: September 2020

Lignocellulose is the most abundant renewable material on Earth and the primary component of agricultural wastes such as sugarcane bagasse and wheat straw. It consists of a composite material made of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Cellulose and hemicellulose can be broken down into monomers by a set of appropriate enzymes, and the resulting monomers may be used to produce a variety of fuels or chemicals through either biological or chemical routes. However, the high production cost of these lignocellulose‐degrading enzymes remains a major challenge for the use of lignocellulosic biomass as raw material. In this context, this article reviews techno‐economic analyses concerning the production of cellulases and other lignocellulose‐degrading enzymes published over the last two decades. The major characteristics of each enzyme production process are described, underscoring the similarities and differences across the various process designs. Moreover, the enzyme production costs derived from these process designs and their composition in terms of raw materials, capital‐related factors, utilities, labor costs, etc., are compared. First, this analysis reveals that most techno‐economic evaluations in the literature address either cellulase production by submerged culture with Trichoderma reesei or enzyme production by solid‐state culture with filamentous fungi. Second, this analysis shows wide cost variations across process designs but it indicates that raw materials and capital‐related costs are generally the main drivers of the enzyme production cost. Furthermore, this assessment corroborates the importance of process parameters, such as product yield, production titer, and volumetric productivity, in the process economics of enzyme production. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Back Cover Image, Volume 14, Issue 5
Authors: Tumuluru Jaya Shankar , Fillerup Eric
Published: September 2020

The back cover image is based on the Case Report Briquetting characteristics of woody and herbaceous biomass blends: Impact on physical properties, chemical composition, and calorific value by Jaya Shankar Tumuluru et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/bbb.2121.

image
Prognostic value of automated bone scan index for predicting overall survival among bone metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer patients treated with radium‐223
Authors: Miyoshi Yasuhide , Tsutsumi Sohgo , Kawahara Takashi , Yasui Masato , Uemura Koichi , Yoneyama Shuko , Yokomizo Yumiko , Hayashi Narihiko , Yao Masahiro , Uemura Hiroji
Published: September 2020

Introduction

The objective of this study was to evaluate automated bone scan index (aBSI) as a prognostic biomarker for overall survival (OS) in bone‐metastatic, castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients treated with radium‐223 (Ra‐223).

Materials and methods

We identified 42 men treated with Ra‐223 for mCRPC. We investigated aBSI as an independent prognostic factor by multivariate analysis. Moreover, we evaluated the prognostic value of the aBSI after 12 weeks after the first cycle of Ra‐223 administration and aBSI change from baseline to after 12 weeks (ΔBSI).

Results

Median baseline PSA and aBSI were 42.8 ng/mL and 1.5%, respectively. Median OS was 20.7 months. Multivariate analysis showed that baseline aBSI was a significant prognostic factor for OS. The aBSI at 12 weeks after first Ra‐223 administration also exhibited significant prognostic value for OS, while we found no evidence of prognostic value for ΔBSI.

Conclusions

Baseline aBSI may be a significant prognostic factor for OS in bone‐metastatic CRPC patients treated with Ra‐223.
Tracking medical student emotionality in relation to whole body dissection and donation
Authors: Greene Sarah J. , Rosen Lee
Published: September 2020

Introduction

For students studying anatomy, dissection of the human body can elicit a wide range of intellectual and emotional responses that are subject to change over the duration of a course. The purpose of this study was to determine how overall emotional responses change over time, if there are differences in responses by gender and previous laboratory exposure, and if these responses impact course performance.

Methods

First‐year medical students enrolled in the Human Structure and Function course at the University of Vermont, and in the Organ Systems 1, 2, and 3 courses at Morehouse School of Medicine were given a series of four surveys across the first‐year curriculum. Data were gathered regarding age, gender, and previous laboratory exposure. Students were asked to rate their level of 15 positive and negative emotions, and their desire to avoid or approach the laboratory and donors. These responses were translated to three measures: (a) a positive response index (PRI), (b) a negative response index (NRI), and (c) an avoid‐approach index (AAI). Responses were followed longitudinally and matched with anatomy practical examination grades.

Results

Gender and previous laboratory exposure status were both significantly related to emotional responses at different points throughout the year, and unique patterns of responses across the year emerged within each group. Higher PRI and AAI were positively correlated with some practical examination scores.

Conclusions

Data suggest that gender and previous laboratory exposure status influence emotional responses to dissection, and that these responses may have an effect on course performance.
Local ablation vs partial nephrectomy in T1N0M0 renal cell carcinoma: An inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis
Authors: Shi Lei , He Yan , Liu Chang , Qian Xiaoyuan , Wang Zhixian
Published: September 2020

Objective

To compare the survival outcomes of local ablation (LA) and partial nephrectomy (PN) for T1N0M0 renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Method

We identified 38,155 T1N0M0 RCC patients treated with PN or LA in 2004‐2016 from the retrospective Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results databases. Among them, there were 4656 LA and 33,499 PN. A Cox proportional hazards regression model, cause‐specific Cox regression and Fine and Gray sub‐distribution hazard ratio (sHR) with inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) adjusting was utilized to compare the effects of LA vs PN on all‐, RCC‐, and non‐RCC–caused mortality.

Results

Within the IPTW analysis, patients who underwent PN experienced a better overall survival (OS) (HR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.40‐1.74; P < .001) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) (HR, 2.21; 95% CI, 1.62‐2.98; P < .001) than LA patients. In the subgroup of patients >85 years (HR, 1.14; 95% CI, 0.73‐1.79, P = .577), chromophobe RCC (HR, 1.68; 95% CI, 0.94‐3.00, P = .078), and tumor size <2 cm (HR, 1.21; 95% CI, 0.95‐1.53, P = .126), the OS showed no significant difference between LA and PN. No significant difference in CSS between LA and PN was observed in the subgroup of chromophobe RCC (HR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.03‐3.97, P = .389), and tumor size <2 cm (HR, 1.83; 95% CI, 0.92‐3.64, P = .084). For patients >85 years (sHR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.52‐1.27, P = .520) and tumor size <2 cm (sHR, 1.14; 95% CI, 0.94‐1.38, P = .200), the non‐RCC–specific mortality was not significantly different in PN and LA cohorts, however, for the chromophobe RCC, the LA showed a worse non‐RCC mortality than PN (HR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.06‐2.79, P = .028).

Conclusion

PN showed a better prognosis than LA in T1N0M0 RCC treatment, but LA and PN showed a comparable OS in elderly patients (>85), small RCC (<2 cm) and chromophobe RCC.
The effect of the “segment” of spinal cord injury on the activity of the nucleotide‐binding domain‐like receptor protein 3 inflammasome and response to hormonal therapy
Authors: Majidpoor Jamal , Mortezaee Keywan , Khezri Zahra , Fathi Fardin , Zali Alireza , Derakhshan Homayoon Bana , Bariki Mehdi Ghasemzadeh , Joghataie Mohammad Taghi , Shirazi Reza , Moradi Fatemeh
Published: September 2020

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a common devastating condition that causes neuronal loss and dysfunction. Neuroinflammation takes cardinal roles in the pathogenesis of SCI, and nucleotide‐binding domain‐like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a mediator of inflammatory reactions occurring in SCI patients. The present study was designed to survey possible relation between thoracic segments whereby injury occurs with the activity of NLRP3 inflammasome complex, and to find the influence of hormonal therapy on the outcomes. Adult male Wistar rats underwent contusion SCI model at three different thoracic segments T1, T6 and T12, then receiving subcutaneous injection of either 10 mg/kg melatonin or 25 μg/kg 17‐β estradiol (E2) every 12 hours until 72 hours post‐SCI. Inflammasome activity was assessed before and at the end of hormonal therapy. SCI rats showed decreased locomotor activity and myelination, and increased activity of the NLRP3, apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein (ASC) and caspase‐1 at gene and protein levels. Release of interleukins (ILs) 18 and 1β was also augmented after SCI (P < 0.0.5). Hormonal therapy was most effective for targeting mRNA activity at T6 segment. Treatment with either melatonin or E2 caused a decrease in the protein activity of NLRP3 inflammasome at all segments (P < 0.0.5), except for T6 that NLRP3 protein had no response to melatonin. IL‐1β showed decreased activity in response to hormonal therapy at all segments, whilst IL‐18 protein had no change at T1 segment. It is understood that although no alteration in the activity of NLRP3 was found for SCI at different segments, the response to hormonal therapy was influenced by segment.

Significance of the study

From our results, the NLRP3 inflammasome activity is not influenced by segment, but there are differences in the effect of hormonal therapy on inflammasome activity at different segments in response to melatonin or E2. These findings also provide the beneficial effects of melatonin or E2 on inflammation caused by spinal cord injury in different thoracic segments. Finally, these data can have therapeutic importance for hormone therapy of spinal cord injury.
Teaching Interpreted Counseling Practice: A Step Toward Multicultural Competence
Authors: Giegerich Victoria , Hall Alicia K. , Cureton Jenny L. , McCartney Jamie , Geething Kathy
Published: September 2020

We conducted an interpretative phenomenological analysis of five counseling students' experiences collaborating with American Sign Language–interpreting students during counseling practice sessions. Themes were identified in developmental domains of counselor self‐awareness, counseling relationship, and advocacy interventions. Interdisciplinary collaboration led students to address cultural deficiency models and increase multicultural competency and efforts in social justice.
Counselor Trainee Self‐Perceived Disability Competence: Implications for Training
Authors: Deroche Melissa D. , Herlihy Barbara , Lyons Matthew L.
Published: September 2020

We explored the relationship between master's‐level counseling students' (N = 285) disability competence, disability‐related life experience, and multicultural course completion. Results indicated disability‐related life experience and multicultural course completion may differentially affect self‐perceived disability competence. Implications and recommendations for counselor training are discussed.
Electro‐capillary filling in a microchannel under the influence of magnetic and electric fields
Authors: Gorthi Srinivas R. , Mondal Pranab K. , Biswas Gautam , Sahu Kirti C.
Published: September 2020

We numerically investigate the dynamics of two immiscible conductive fluids in a narrow fluidic channel under the combined influence of electric and magnetic fields using a diffuse interface based phase‐field model. The numerical solver is validated from two different perspectives, viz., with the reported results of microscale multiphase transport as well as the available experimental results in the paradigm of electrically actuated transport. The magnetic field induces the Lorentz force due to its interaction with the electrical forcing, which in turn leads to complex interfacial dynamics and development of a finger‐like interface front of the advancing fluid into the receding fluid. Under certain conditions studied in the present work, the trend reverses, and a finger of receding fluid is formed into the advancing fluid. The effect of contrast in fluid properties is studied and the interface breaking phenomenon is observed beyond a threshold viscosity contrast. It is found that for a given viscosity contrast between the fluids, an increase in the strength of the applied magnetic field prevents wetting failure.
DLIFT: A deep‐learning‐based intelligent fund transaction system for financial Internet of Things
Authors: Hu Gang , Xiang Zhuoyuan , Zhang Yin , Shamim Hossain M.
Published: September 2020

Analyzing the correlation between two funds can help investors control investment risks and optimize investment portfolios, which has a strong guiding significance for fund investment in reality. Constructing an intelligent investment system with fund correlation analysis capabilities can help investors automatically make profits from financial markets. In previous research, many researchers have built intelligent investment systems using Bayesian networks, support vector machines (SVM), and LSTM models. However, the strong historical dependence between fund data and the high‐dimensional and high‐noise characteristics of fund data prevent traditional methods from obtaining excellent performance in fund analysis. This paper designs a deep learning‐based fund intelligent trading system‐DLIFT which has functions such as investment push, income prediction, and risk control. The systems data analysis module is implemented using the Improved RNN model. This model employed encoder‐decoder architecture. The encoder is responsible for analyzing the fund's feature, and the decoder is responsible for analyzing the dependency relationship between the historical correlation and the current correlation. LSTM and an attention mechanism are simultaneously applied to the encoder and decoder, which enabled the discovery of the implicit dependence of time series data. This article places the designed system on a historical dataset containing multiple public funds for verification. In specific experiments, the experimental results of the comparative experiments show the superiority of our model. At the same time, the results of the ablation experiment results show that LSTM and attention mechanism play critical role in the proposed system.
A decision system for computational authors profiling: From machine learning to deep learning
Authors: Mechti Seifeddine , Krichen Moez , Ben Noureddine Dhouha , Belguith Lamia H.
Published: September 2020

In this study, we tackle the problem of author profiling. The aim of the proposed approach is to determine the author's age and gender. Once the user connects to the company website, this company collects the available data about him (which is usually very limited). Then, the user receives a service recommendation according to his gender and age. Thus, a context‐specific decision‐making system based on these limited data is required to produce an efficient classification. Such a decision system allows companies to promote their marketing. To obtain the best categorization, machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) techniques have been applied in the literature. In this article, we apply both classical ML techniques and recently developed DL techniques. More precisely, we adopt the gated recurrent unit model. Our experiments show that our findings are positively comparable with the best state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Electrochemical Deposition of PdBiSn Catalyst for Glycerol Oxidation in Alkaline Medium
Authors: Xaba Nqobile , Modibedi Remegia M. , Mathe Mkhulu K. , Khotseng Lindiwe E.
Published: September 2020

PdBiSn thin film on Au substrate was prepared by means of the electrochemical atomic layer deposition (E‐ALD) technique. The morphology and elemental distribution of the catalysts was determined using scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) detector. The catalysts contained all the deposited elements distributed evenly on the surface. Electro‐oxidation of glycerol was tested in alkaline media using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry (CA). The activity of the catalysts towards the oxidation of glycerol improved with the addition of Sn and Bi with the binary PdBi catalyst being the most improved.
How female × male and male × male interactions influence competitive fertilization inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Lüpold Stefan , Reil Jonathan Bradley , Manier Mollie K. , Zeender Valérian , Belote John M. , Pitnick Scott
Published: September 2020

How males and females contribute to joint reproductive success has been a long-standing question in sexual selection. Under postcopulatory sexual selection, paternity success is predicted to derive from complex interactions among females engaging in cryptic female choice and males engaging in sperm competition. Such interactions have been identified as potential sources of genetic variation in sexually selected traits but are also expected to inhibit trait diversification. To date, studies of interactions between females and competing males have focused almost exclusively on genotypes and not phenotypic variation in sexually selected traits. Here, we characterize within- and between-sex interactions in Drosophila melanogaster using isogenic lines with heritable variation in both male and female traits known to influence competitive fertilization. We confirmed, and expanded on, previously reported genotypic interactions within and between the sexes, and showed that several reproductive events, including sperm transfer, female sperm ejection, and sperm storage, were explained by two- and three-way interactions among sex-specific phenotypes. We also documented complex interactions between the lengths of competing males’ sperm and the female seminal receptacle, which are known to have experienced rapid female-male co-diversification. Our results highlight the nonindependence of sperm competition and cryptic female choice and demonstrate that complex interactions between the sexes do not limit the ability of multivariate systems to respond to directional sexual selection.
Experience of the 360‐degree evaluation and feedback system among obstetrics and gynecology residents: A pilot study
Authors: Fabricio Teresa Neumann , de Almeida Gleisse Aguiar , Fabrício Ana Carolina , de Freitas Marise Reis , Vital Ana Luísa , Gonçalves Ana Katherine
Published: September 2020

The introduction of 360‐degree evaluation during residencies improves the humanistic skills of future obstetricians and gynecologists, which will result in better healthcare for the population.
Detection and classification of breast cancer from digital mammograms using hybrid extreme learning machine classifier
Authors: Melekoodappattu Jayesh George , Subbian Perumal Sankar , Queen M. P. Flower
Published: September 2020

Breast imaging technique called mammography has gained bigger attention among the researchers for the diagnosis of breast malignancy in the woman. Mammogram screening is the most effective procedure to visualize various potential problems in the breast. The two most common features connected with breast tumors are mass lesions and microcalcification. The collection of suitable image preprocessing, segmentation, feature extraction, selection and prediction algorithms play an essential role in the accurate detection and classification of cancer on mammograms. Classification techniques estimate unlabeled datasets class labeling depending on its similarity to the pattern learned. The Glowworm Swarm Optimization(GSO) algorithm is ideal for finding several solutions, and dissimilar or equivalent objective function values at the same time. This feature of GSO is useful for optimizing the feature set obtained from multiscale feature extraction procedures. Poor performance in generalization is the issue that arises due to the unconditioned output matrix of the hidden stage of the ELM classifier. The optimization algorithms will address this matter because of their global search capabilities. This article suggests ELM with the Fruitfly Optimization Algorithm (ELM‐FOA) along with GSO to regulate the input weight to achieve maximal performance at the hidden node of the ELM. The testing precision and sensitivity of GSO‐ELM‐FOA are 100% and 97.91%, respectively. The system developed will detect the calcifications and tumors with an accuracy of 99.15%.
Multimodal vibrational studies of drug uptake in vitro: Is the whole greater than the sum of their parts?
Authors: Perez‐Guaita David , Chrabaszcz Karolina , Malek Kamilla , Byrne Hugh J.
Published: September 2020

Herein, we investigated the use of multimodal Raman and infrared (IR) spectroscopic microscopy for the elucidation of drug uptake and subsequent cellular responses. Firstly, we compared different methods for the analysis of the combined data. Secondly, we evaluated whether the combined analysis provided enough benefits to justify the fusion of the data. A459 cells inoculated with doxorubicin (DOX) at different times were fixed and analysed using each technique. Raman spectroscopy provided high sensitivity to DOX and enabled an accurate estimation of the drug uptake at each time point, whereas IR provided a better insight into the resultant changes in the biochemical composition of the cell. In terms of benefits of data fusion, 2D correlation analysis allowed the study of the relationship between IR and Raman variables, whereas the joint analysis of IR and Raman enabled the correlation of the different variables to be monitored over time. In summary, the complementary nature of IR and Raman makes the combination of these vibrational techniques an appealing tool to follow drug kinetics and cellular response.
Concurrent environmental enrichment and chronic restraint stress: Effects on innate anxiety and depressive‐like behavior in male adolescent mice
Authors: Mao Yu , Chen Yanmei , Yang Xiaomi , Wang Jianhong , Ge Longjiao , Fu Juan , Sun Huaying , Ma Yuanye
Published: September 2020

Adolescence is a period that exhibits both vulnerability and adaptation to environmental stimulus. This study explored the co‐existence effect of environmental enrichment (EE) and restraint stress (RS) on innate anxiety and depressive‐like behavior in adolescent mice. Male ICR mice were treated with daily EE and RS (4 h/d or 8 h/d) for 2 or 4 weeks from early adolescence (postnatal day 30) and emotional behaviors were evaluated 24 h after the end of treatment. 4 weeks of 8 h RS treatment decreased immobility time in forced swimming test, demonstrating an antidepressant‐like effect. For 2 weeks of treatment, 8 h RS significantly reduced the time spent in the lighted compartment of the light‐dark box, indicating an increased anxiety level. These results show that under the present experimental design, RS treatment with different duration could have different effect on mice emotion‐related behavior, but there was no interaction between EE and RS.
Gross morphology and ultrastructure of the salivary glands of the stink bug predator Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff)
Authors: Gao Ping , Liao Xianbin , Wu Guoxing , Li Lifang , Lan Mingxian , Hussain Mehboob , Chen Bin , Tang Guowen , Xie Yonghui , Gao Xi
Published: September 2020

Eocanthecona furcellata Wolff (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is a native generalist predator which attacks and kills its prey by first inserting its stylet into the prey's body and then injecting saliva into it. Here, we describe the histology and ultrastructure of its salivary glands. The study showed that the salivary glands were made up of pairs of principal and tubular accessory salivary glands. The principal salivary glands were bilobed and consisted of a smaller anterior lobe and a larger elongated posterior lobe. The ducts of the principal and accessory salivary glands were located in a narrow region between the anterior and posterior lobe known as the hilum. The principal salivary gland was lined with a single‐layered epithelium. The cells cytoplasm was enriched with rough endoplasmic reticulum and secretory, and the nucleus showed a higher level of uncondensed chromatin. The basal region of the cell had plasma membrane infoldings. The cytoplasm of the accessory gland was rich in rough endoplasmic reticulum and many large cavities. The ducts of the principal salivary gland were made up of a single layer of flattened cells which had a thin cuticle lining the apical portion. Variation in the lumen content of the different lobes, which made up the principal gland suggested that their chemical products also varied. These results indicate that these two salivary glands produce the proteins found in the saliva.
Circ_0000144 facilitates the progression of thyroid cancer via the miR‐217/AKT3 pathway
Authors: Fan Yi‐Xiang , Shi Huan‐Yang , Hu Yu‐Lin , Jin Xiao‐Li
Published: September 2020

Background

Thyroid carcinoma (TC) is the most common malignancy of the endocrine system. Circular RNA (circRNA) is vital in the regulation of tumor progression. Circ_0000144 serves as a novel oncogenic circRNA, and miR‐217 is reported to inhibit the malignant phenotypes of cancer cells by targeting AKT3 in TC. The present study aimed to explore the regulatory mechanism of circ_0000144 and miR‐217 in the progression of TC.

Methods

Circ_0000144 expression in 32 pairs of TC tissues and different TC cell lines (including BCPAP, K1, H7H83, and TPC‐1) was detected by employing a quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Circ_0000144 small interfering RNA was used to establish loss‐of‐function models. Cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8), BrdU (5‐bromo‐2'‐deoxyuridine) and transwell assays were utilized to verify the effects of circ_0000144 on TC cell proliferation, migration and invasion, respectively. Bioinformatics, western blotting, a luciferase reporter experiment and qRT‐PCR were employed to confirm the relationships among circ_0000144, miR‐217 and AKT3.

Results

Circ_0000144 expression was remarkably elevated in TC tissues (p < 0.001) and TC cell lines. The elevation of circ_0000144 expression was markedly linked to tumor size (p = 0.015), TNM stage (p = 0.025) and lymph node metastasis (p = 0.017) of the patients. Functional studies showed that knocking down circ_0000144 repressed the malignancy of TC cells. Furthermore, miR‐217 was identified as a downstream target of circ_0000144; inhibition of miR‐217 could reverse the effects induced by circ_0000144 knockdown. Moreover, circ_0000144 could regulate AKT3 expression by suppressing miR‐217 expression.

Conclusions

Circ_0000144 exerts a cancer‐promoting effect on TC cells via the miR‐217/AKT3 pathway.
Metagenomic analysis of microbial community succession during the pickling process of Zhacai (preserved mustard tuber) and its correlation with Zhacai biochemical indices
Authors: Yang Jixia , Li Fengzhu , Zhang Yuli , He Zhifei
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

Industrial Fuling Zhacai is pickled by a method summarized as ‘three times pickled and pressed’, in which raw mustard tubers are subjected to three stages of pickling in different salt concentrations, with a pressing operation at the end of each stage to remove brine. This study used Illumina MiSeq technology and multivariate statistical analyses to investigate microbial community succession during the pickling process and its correlation with Zhacai biochemical indices.

RESULTS

A total of 19 phyla, 208 genera, and 295 species of bacteria were identified. Lactobacillus was the dominant genus of bacteria in all three stages and Lactobacillus sakei was the dominant species in the first and second stages. A total of six phyla, 200 genera and 301 species of fungi were also identified. According to a PICRUSt2 prediction, the main functions of the bacterial and fungal communities were carbohydrate and protein metabolism, while alcohol metabolism was also a function of fungi. Nine bacterial genera closely correlated with Zhacai biochemical indices: Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, Pedobacter, Erwinia, Lactobacillus, Chryseobacterium, Flavobacterium, Duganella, and Paenarthrobacter. Six genera of fungi correlated closely: Penicillium, Cystobasidium, Cladosporium, Plenodomus, Aspergillus, and Simplicillium. All these genera probably originated from the surface microorganisms of raw mustard tuber.

CONCLUSION

This study reveals the succession patterns of microbial community structures during the pickling process of industrial Zhacai and infers the core functional flora, providing reference data for Zhacai pickling process control. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Tracing the Origins of “Cauliflower Ear” and Its Earlier Names over Two Millenia
Authors: Mudry Albert , Jackler Robert K.
Published: September 2020

Objectives

The post‐traumatic ear deformity, known today as cauliflower ear, has been described since antiquity. It has long been associated with pugilistic sports (wrestling, boxing) as well as among the mentally ill. The aim of this study is to present the various terms used since antiquity to describe these traumatic deformations of the auricle and to trace the origin of the modern moniker “cauliflower ear.”

Methods

Historical study, only based on original documentation accessed through personal libraries and universities repositories, completed with online sources and etymological dictionaries.

Results

We were able to identify no fewer than 39 names for the deformity. The term cauliflower ear is of relatively recent origin. It was coined in the first decade of the 20th century, initially in the popular press and subsequently adopted by the medical profession.

Conclusion

Ironically, the deformity has only superficial resemblance to a cauliflower. The vegetable, which is part of the cabbage family, has a symmetrical and highly ordered fractal geometry with well‐circumscribed excrescences. Cauliflower ear, by contrast, notably lacks symmetry and its rounded protuberances flow into one another. Although somewhat a misnomer, the term is deeply rooted in both popular and medical culture.

Level of Evidence

N/A Laryngoscope, 131:E1315–E1321, 2021