bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LabSafety, the Pharmaceutical Laboratory Android Application, for Improving the Knowledge of Pharmacy Students
Authors: Ameri Arefeh , Khajouei Reza , Ameri Alieh , Jahani Yunes
Published: October 2019

Currently, traditional paper methods may not effectively be used in education due to lack of access, outdated content, and poor graphics. Education through mobile‐based applications is one of the alternative solutions. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate LabSafety educational application and its effect on promoting the knowledge of pharmacy students. In this interventional study, the LabSafety application was first developed and evaluated for educating students about the safety measures in laboratories. Then, all pharmacy students from Kerman University of Medical Sciences (n = 316) were selected and randomly enrolled into one of three groups using simple random sampling: control (n = 106), traditional (n = 105), and application (n = 105) groups. To assess students' knowledge before and after the intervention, two valid and reliable (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.94 and 0.93, respectively) questionnaires were used. The results of the study showed no significant differences among the mean scores of the participants' knowledge before intervention (p = 0.82). After the intervention, the mean scores of the application group were 5.52 higher than the scores of the traditional group and 7.3 higher than the scores of the control group (p < 0.0001). Age had no significant effect on the posttest scores of the participants (p = 0.52). As a result, the use of this educational application can effectively increase the knowledge of all age groups of pharmacy students regarding safety measures in pharmaceutical laboratories. The mobile‐based applications with online and offline access, interactive features, and user‐friendly interfaces are more engaging and they can be used complementary to traditional training methods. © 2019 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 48(1):44–53, 2020.
Sinus Floor Augmentation in Presence of Mucocele Eroding Maxillary Sinus Wall: A Case Report With 3 Years Follow‐Up
Authors: Medikeri Raghavendra S. , Sinha Kumar Ankit
Published: October 2019

Introduction

The maxillary mucocele is a slow‐growing aggressive lesion and a mucous‐containing sac lined with epithelium that occurs due to ductal obstruction and self‐limiting injury. Rarely, it may be associated with non‐specific symptoms. It is characterized by bone resorption due to its expanding behavior. Reduced height of bone and sinus pneumatization associated with pathologic lesions located in the floor of maxillary sinus may impede sinus augmentation. Therefore, careful diagnosis and management of pathology before sinus floor elevation is important in determining its recurrence and prognosis.

Case Presentation

We reported a case with small mucocele on right pneumatized antrum with insufficient residual bone height for implant placement. Radiograph in the region of teeth #3 and #4 revealed a homogeneous solitary radiopaque mass. Cone‐beam computed tomography revealed irregular osteolysis of the lateral wall of the sinus. It was excised through Caldwell‐Luc technique and simultaneous sinus augmentation was performed. Later, delayed implant restoration was performed. No complication or recurrence was reported during 36 months of follow‐up.

Conclusions

The excision of mucocele on sinus floor and simultaneous sinus augmentation obviates the need for the extended treatment period. The clinician must be habituated with the anatomy and pathology of the maxillary sinus to evade any non‐essential complications following lateral sinus floor augmentation procedure. A diminutive mucocele should not be regarded as a contraindication for sinus augmentation; sometimes it manifests with bone erosion. The prompt diagnosis and careful evaluation are needed to avoid future complications during implant therapy.
Dissected saccular aneurysms of the ascending aorta
Authors: Aljasem Hazem , Izzat Mohammad Bashar
Published: October 2019

This report highlights the need for distinction between saccular and fusiform aortic aneurysms, considering the high risk of rupture of saccular aneurysms. The management of dissected saccular aneurysms involves elective replacement of the dissected aorta while preserving the aortic valve.
Electrocatalytically Active Silver Organic Framework: Ag(I)‐Complex Incorporated in Activated Carbon
Authors: Gonen Shmuel , Lori Oran , Fleker Ohad , Elbaz Lior
Published: October 2019

Silver is known as a viable alternative for platinum group metals for the catalysis of the oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline electrolyte. Unlike most other platinum‐group metal‐free catalysts, usually organo‐metallic complexes, silver is commonly used in its metallic form (Ag(0)). Herein, we describe the preparation, characterization, and electrochemical activity of a unique silver‐based catalyst, based on Ag(I) ions coordinated to oxygen groups in an organic ligand (benzene tricarboxylic acid ‐ BTC) which forms a metal organic framework, similar to first‐row transition metal‐based catalysts in metal organic frameworks. When the silver‐based catalyst is incorporated in a porous carbon support, it exhibits high electrocatalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction, with a distinct electrochemical behavior, different than metallic silver. In addition, the use of the ionic form of the silver, which is atomically dispersed, allows to lower its loading of the metal by at least one order of magnitude when compared to other reported silver‐based oxygen reduction reaction catalysts.
Coalescence Characteristics of Side‐by‐Side Growing Bubbles in Carboxymethyl Cellulose Solutions
Authors: Fan Wenyuan , Du Mengqi , Sun Yawei , Chen Hui
Published: October 2019

New experimental data are presented on the coalescence dynamics of twin bubbles at two adjacent nozzles in carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) solutions. The coalescence process was recorded by using a fast video technique and the images were then analyzed to evaluate the regime, efficiency, and patterns of bubble coalescence. The results reveal that the coalescence process contains the four periods of spherical expansion, rapid mergence, overall growth, and instant departure. The coalescence efficiency always passes through five stages with the gas flow rate; it grows with the CMC solution concentration, but decreases with the surfactant concentration, except at very low gas flow rates. The bubble coalescence pattern strongly depends on the nozzle spacing, but conditionally on the gas flow rate and the solution properties.
Unconventional Reactivity of Ethynylbenziodoxolone Reagents and Thiols: Scope and Mechanism
Authors: Liu Bin , Alegre‐Requena Juan V. , Paton Robert S. , Miyake Garret M.
Published: October 2019

1,2‐Dithio‐1‐alkenes are biologically active compounds widely implemented throughout organic synthesis, functional materials, coordination chemistry, and pharmaceuticals. Traditional methods for accessing 1,2‐dithio‐1‐alkenes often demand transition metal catalysts, specialized or air‐sensitive ligands, high temperatures, and disulfides (R2S2). Herein, a general and efficient strategy utilizing ethynylbenziodoxolone (EBX) reagents and thiols is presented that results in the formation of 1,2‐dithio‐1‐alkenes with excellent regioselectivity and stereoselectivity through unprecedented reactivity between the EBX and the thiol. This operationally simple procedure utilizes mild conditions, which result in a broad substrate scope and high functional‐group tolerance. The observed unexpected reactivity has been rationalized through both experimental results and DFT calculations.
Leverage side information for top‐N recommendation with latent Gaussian process
Authors: Zhou Wang , Li Jianping , Yang Yujun , Shah Fadia
Published: October 2019

Currently, Recommender Systems (RS) have been ubiquitously applied to various online applications and obtained tremendous success due to their capability to overcome information overload; however, the available Side Information (SI), such as demographics and attributions of items, is always neglected. Actually, SI could reflect user's interests and preference, and even influence user's decision over items; therefore, it would be greatly helpful to leverage side information to improve the performance of RS, which is already partly certificated in previous research studies. Motivated by this, in this article, a novel multi‐task learning‐based recommendation system referred to as LGP‐RS is proposed, which takes utility functions mapping from the non‐linear side information to low‐rank feature space with Gaussian process (GP) priors, for users and items, respectively. In addition, Laplace approximation method is employed to approximate the posterior distribution for the utility functions, and gradient‐based method is employed to learn the hyperparameters for GP. This flexible approach is able to capture the non‐linear high‐order interactions within side information, reduce the prediction uncertainty, and provide personalized top‐N recommendation. Experimental analysis over three real‐world datasets demonstrates that LGP‐RS could deal with both explicit and implicit side information simultaneously, and significantly outperforms state‐of‐the‐art approaches.
Generation of Functional CX26–Gap‐Junction‐Plaque‐Forming Cells with Spontaneous Ca2+ Transients via a Gap Junction Characteristic of Developing Cochlea
Authors: Fukunaga Ichiro , Fujimoto Ayumi , Hatakeyama Kaori , Kurebayashi Nagomi , Ikeda Katsuhisa , Kamiya Kazusaku
Published: October 2019

Mutation of the gene GJB2, encoding connexin 26 (CX26; also known as gap junction beta 2), is the most frequent cause of hereditary deafness worldwide. CX26 is expressed in cochlear nonsensory cells, such as cochlear supporting cells, and forms gap junction plaques (GJPs) at cell‐cell borders. Cochlear CX26‐GJP‐forming cells (Cx26GJCs) are thought to be an important therapeutic target for treatment of hereditary deafness. Nevertheless, the generation of Cx26GJCs—such as cochlear supporting cells—from embryonic stem/induced pluripotent stem (ES/iPS) cells has not been reported to date. Here, we detail a novel strategy for differentiating iPS cells into functional Cx26GJCs such as are found in cochlea. Several assays to characterize the phenotype of iPS‐derived Cx26GJCs are described, including qRT‐PCR, immunohistological analysis, morphological analysis, a scrape‐loading and dye transfer assay, and calcium imaging. This in vitro model has applications in the establishment of inner‐ear cell therapies and in drug screening to target GJB2‐related hearing loss. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Basic Protocol: Induction of mouse stem cells to create CX26‐GJP‐forming cells

Support Protocol 1: Maintenance and passage of mouse induced pluripotent stem cells

Support Protocol 2: Screening for high GJB2 and GJB6 expression in SFEBq culture using quantitative real‐time PCR

Support Protocol 3: Characterization of cells at different stages of differentiation by immunostaining

Support Protocol 4: Ultrastructural analyses of cells at different stages of CX26‐GJP‐forming cell induction

Support Protocol 5: Functional analyses of stem cell–derived CX26‐GJP‐forming cells
Live Cell Monitoring and Enrichment of Stem Cell‐Derived β Cells Using Intracellular Zinc Content as a Population Marker
Authors: Davis Jeffrey C. , Helman Aharon , Rivera‐Feliciano José , Langston Christine M. , Engquist Elise N. , Melton Douglas A.
Published: October 2019

Our laboratory and others have developed protocols to generate glucose‐responsive stem cell–derived β cells in vitro. The cells resulting from these protocols could supplement or replace the use of human cadaveric islets for cell‐based therapy for diabetes. The combination of an unlimited supply of pluripotent stem cell–derived β cells and gene‐editing approaches will facilitate numerous in vitro studies not possible with cadaveric islets. Here, we describe a protocol for fluorescent labeling and isolation of stem cell–derived β cells. This purification of SC‐β cells is based on intracellular zinc content and is a simple method to complement other approaches for generating and assaying these cells. © 2019 The Authors.

Basic Protocol: Fluorescent labeling and isolation of stem cell‐derived β cells
Enhancing tristetraprolin activity reduces the severity of cigarette smoke‐induced experimental chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Nair Prema M , Starkey Malcolm R , Haw Tatt Jhong , Liu Gang , Collison Adam M , Mattes Joerg , Wark Peter A. , Morris Jonathan C , Verrills Nikki M , Clark Andrew R , Ammit Alaina J , Hansbro Philip M
Published: October 2019

Objective

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive disease that causes significant mortality and morbidity worldwide and is primarily caused by the inhalation of cigarette smoke (CS). Lack of effective treatments for COPD means there is an urgent need to identify new therapeutic strategies for the underlying mechanisms of pathogenesis. Tristetraprolin (TTP) encoded by the Zfp36 gene is an anti‐inflammatory protein that induces mRNA decay, especially of transcripts encoding inflammatory cytokines, including those implicated in COPD.

Methods

Here, we identify a novel protective role for TTP in CS‐induced experimental COPD using Zfp36aa/aa mice, a genetically modified mouse strain in which endogenous TTP cannot be phosphorylated, rendering it constitutively active as an mRNA‐destabilising factor. TTP wild‐type (Zfp36+/+) and Zfp36aa/aa active C57BL/6J mice were exposed to CS for four days or eight weeks, and the impact on acute inflammatory responses or chronic features of COPD, respectively, was assessed.

Results

After four days of CS exposure, Zfp36aa/aa mice had reduced numbers of airway neutrophils and lymphocytes and mRNA expression levels of cytokines compared to wild‐type controls. After eight weeks, Zfp36aa/aa mice had reduced pulmonary inflammation, airway remodelling and emphysema‐like alveolar enlargement, and lung function was improved. We then used pharmacological treatments in vivo (protein phosphatase 2A activator, AAL(S), and the proteasome inhibitor, bortezomib) to promote the activation and stabilisation of TTP and show that hallmark features of CS‐induced experimental COPD were ameliorated.

Conclusion

Collectively, our study provides the first evidence for the therapeutic potential of inducing TTP as a treatment for COPD.
Experimental harvest regulations reveal that water availability during spring, not harvest, affects change in a waterfowl population
Authors: Sedinger Benjamin S. , Riecke Thomas V. , Nicolai Christopher A. , Woolstenhulme Russell , Henry William G. , Stewart Kelley M.
Published: October 2019

Population change is regulated by vital rates that are influenced by environmental conditions, demographic stochasticity, and, increasingly, anthropogenic effects. Habitat destruction and climate change threaten the future of many wildlife populations, and there are additional concerns regarding the effects of harvest rates on demographic components of harvested organisms. Further, many population managers strictly manage harvest of wild organisms to mediate population trends of these populations. The goal of our study was to decouple harvest and environmental variability in a closely monitored population of wild ducks in North America, where we experimentally regulated harvest independently of environmental variation over a period of 4 years. We used 9 years of capture–mark–recapture data to estimate breeding population size during the spring for a population of wood ducks in Nevada. We then assessed the effect of one environmental variable and harvest pressure on annual changes in the breeding population size. Climatic conditions influencing water availability were strongly positively related to population growth rates of wood ducks in our study system. In contrast, harvest regulations and harvest rates did not affect population growth rates. We suggest efforts to conserve waterfowl should focus on the effects of habitat loss in breeding areas and climate change, which will likely affect precipitation regimes in the future. We demonstrate the utility of capture–mark–recapture methods to estimate abundance of species which are difficult to survey and test the impacts of anthropogenic harvest and climate on populations. Finally, our results continue to add to the importance of experimentation in applied conservation biology, where we believe that continued experiments on nonthreatened species will be critically important as researchers attempt to understand how to quantify and mitigate direct anthropogenic impacts in a changing world.
Open access efforts begin to bloom: ESC Heart Failure gets full attention and first impact factor
Authors: Anker Stefan D. , von Haehling Stephan , Papp Zoltan
Published: October 2019

In 2014, the Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) founded the first open access journal focusing on heart failure, called ESC Heart Failure (ESC‐HF). In the first 5 years, in ESC‐HF we published more than 450 articles. Through ESC‐HF, the HFA gives room for heart failure research output from around the world. A transfer process from the European Journal of Heart Failure to ESC‐HF has also been installed. As a consequence, in 2018 ESC‐HF received 289 submissions, and published 148 items (acceptance rate 51%). The journal is listed in Scopus since 2014 and on the PubMed website since 2015. In 2019, we received our first impact factor from ISI Web of Knowledge / Thomson‐Reuters, which is 3.407 for 2018. This report reviews which papers get best cited. Not surprisingly, many of the best cited papers are reviews and facts & numbers mini reviews, but original research is also well cited.
Oxidative decarboxylation of 2‐oxoacids by hydroperoxides can be used to lower peroxide values in citrus oils
Authors: Calandra Michael J. , Wang Ying
Published: October 2019

Many terpenes may autoxidize under certain conditions to form terpene hydroperoxides, which have been reported to be skin sensitizers that may cause allergic contact dermatitis. The fragrance industry is currently required to monitor terpene hydroperoxide levels in many raw materials by iodometric titration (aka; the peroxide value, or POV test), and to reject lots that exceed a specification limit. We have found that compounds containing the 2‐oxoacid moiety (the “pyruvic acid” moiety) react readily with organic hydroperoxides via an oxidative decarboxylation mechanism. The reaction products include an alcohol corresponding to the reduced hydroperoxide, carbon dioxide, and a carboxylic acid that is one carbon shorter than the starting 2‐oxoacid. Because the hydroperoxide is irreversibly consumed by this reaction, the POV of a 2‐oxoacid‐treated sample is effectively lowered. It follows that the skin sensitizing potential of the treated sample should also be lowered as a result of the hydroperoxide removal.
Evaluation of nutritional profile and total antioxidant capacity of the Mediterranean diet of southern Spain
Authors: González Carmen Maria , Martínez Lorena , Ros Gaspar , Nieto Gema
Published: October 2019

The objective of this study was to determine the antioxidant capacity of a Mediterranean diet consisting typical dishes from southern Spain. For that, a 5‐day diet was developed with typical dishes of Murcia. The antioxidant capacity of the diet was measured using ORACHF, FRAP, and DPPH methods, and the total phenolic compound content of this diet was estimated by Folin–Ciocalteu. About 50% of the antioxidant capacity and 29% of the phenolic compounds per day came from sample 14 (artichokes with ham), whereas only 1% and a 4%, respectively, proceed from sample 16 (gypsy pot). The total antioxidant capacity of the diet was estimated as 9,506.33 ET/100 g/person/day by the ORACHF method, and the total phenolic consume was estimated as 1,839.05 mg GAE/person/day. The proposed diet can be considered an excellent strategy for improving the nutritional status of the population because of its high antioxidant activity and phenolic compound content.
Source rock composition of Kaimur Group siliciclastics from Vindhyan Supergroup, Central India: A response to thermal events associated with Bundelkhand Craton and Chhotanagpur Gneissic Complex at ~1.1 Ga
Authors: Sen Shinjana , Mishra Meenal
Published: October 2019

The Kaimur Group of the Vindhyan Supergroup has been divided into six Formations in Son valley sector, in Central part of India, i.e., Sasaram Sandstone, Ghurma Shale, Markundi Sandstone, Bijaigarh Shale, Mangesar Formation, and Dhandraul Sandstone. The comprehensive geochemical datasets for all the individual Formations of the Kaimur Group were generated in order to evaluate the source rock composition, weathering history, and provenance. The field observations, petrography, and geochemistry depict the deposition of the Kaimur sedimentary rocks in two cycles—the fining‐upward sequence from Sasaram to Markundi Sandstone, that was followed by the coarsening‐upward sequence from Bijaigarh shale to Dhandraul Sandstone. The petrography, geochemical classification, and A‐CN‐K plot depicts K‐metasomatism in siliciclastics of Kaimur Group. A‐CN‐K systematics and the CIA values (62–85) reveal that the source rocks of the Kaimur Group siliciclastics have suffered high degrees of chemical weathering under warm and humid climate. Zr/Sc vs. Th/Sc and Rb/Sr values depict zircon addition and sediment recycling. Ternary plots based on modal analysis and tectonic discrimination diagrams based on incompatible elements exhibit the deposition of Kaimur siliciclastics in the craton interior /passive margin (Bundelkhand Craton; BC) to recycled orogen (Chhotanagpur Gneissic Complex;CGC). The incompatible elemental ratios and Qm‐F‐Lt plots shows a fluctuation in provenance of the Kaimur Formations in the lower and upper part. The percentage contribution from the two sources was calculated using a simple arithmetic formulae [ Percentage contibution from a single source= Number of comparable ratios/ Total ratios*100]: Sasaram Sandstone = 82% BC + 18% CGC, Ghurma Shale = 76% BC + 24% CGC, Markundi Sandstone = 65% BC + 35% CGC, Bijaigarh Shale = 62% BC + 38% CGC, Mangesar Formation = 61% BC + 39% CGC, and Dhandraul Sandstone = 42% BC + 58% CGC. Tectonics of the hinterland supplying detritus played an important role in deciphering the provenance of Kaimur siliciclastics. The episodic crustal growth and thermal events taking place in Bundelkhand Craton at 1.1 Ga were witnessed by the emplacement of dykes, which led to the increased detrital input from the source (BC). Later on the upliftment of CGC towards the south during Satpura Orogeny‐II led to increase in input to the Formations of Kaimur Group. Petrological, geochemical signatures, and the evidences of change in paleocurrent direction from SSE–SSW to NW–NNW during Kaimur sedimentation strongly support the gradual shift of provenance from BC to CGC.
The formation of physician patient sharing networks in medicare: Exploring the effect of hospital affiliation
Authors: Linde Sebastian
Published: October 2019

This study explores the forces that drive the formation of physician patient sharing networks. In particular, I examine the degree to which hospital affiliation drives physicians' sharing of Medicare patients. Using a revealed preference framework where observed network links are taken to be pairwise stable, I estimate the physicians' pair‐specific values using a tetrad maximum score estimator that is robust to the presence of unobserved physician specific characteristics. I also control for a number of potentially confounding patient sharing channels, such as (a) common physician group or hospital system affiliation, (b) physician homophily, (c) knowledge complementarity, (d) patient side considerations related to both geographic proximity and insurance network participation, and (e) spillover from other collaborations. Focusing on the Chicago hospital referral region, I find that shared hospital affiliation accounts for 36.5% of the average pair‐specific utility from a link. Implications for reducing care fragmentation are discussed.
Maternal diabetes and risk of childhood cancer in the offspring
Authors: Seppälä Laura K. , Vettenranta Kim , Pitkäniemi Janne , Hirvonen Elli , Leinonen Maarit K. , Madanat‐Harjuoja Laura‐Maria
Published: October 2019

An association between maternal diabetes, its medication and childhood cancer has not been previously explored in a registry‐based setting. With a case–control design, we aimed to explore whether maternal diabetes is associated with an increased risk of childhood cancer in the offspring. Combining data from population‐based registries, we analyzed a total of 2,029 cases, that is, persons with childhood cancer diagnosed under the age of 20 years between years 1996–2014 and a total of 10,103 matched population controls. The mothers of the cases/controls and their diagnoses of diabetes (DM) before/during pregnancy as well as their insulin/metformin prescriptions during pregnancy were identified. Conditional logistic regression modeling was used to analyze the risk of childhood cancer. The OR for childhood cancer among those exposed to any maternal diabetes was 1.32 (95% CI 1.14–1.54) compared to the offspring of the nondiabetic mothers. The effect of maternal diabetes on the risk of childhood cancer remained elevated even after adjusting for maternal age, parity and smoking. Our data suggest that maternal diabetes medication may reduce the risk for childhood cancer (adjusted OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.36–1.94), especially in gestational diabetes (adjusted OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.05–1.25), compared to the diabetic mothers without medication. The risk of childhood leukemia was significantly higher among children exposed to any maternal diabetes (OR 1.36, CI 1.04–1.77) compared to the unexposed. Maternal diabetes appears to be associated with an increased risk of childhood cancer in the offspring. The possible risk‐reducing effect of an exposure to diabetes medication on offspring cancer risk warrants further investigation.
Kinetics and Mechanism of the Platinum(II)‐Catalyzed Hydroarylation of Vinyl Arenes with 1,2‐Dimethylindole
Authors: Zhang Zhibin , Liu Scott , Widenhoefer Ross A.
Published: October 2019

The mechanism of the intermolecular hydroarylation of vinyl arenes (1) with 1,2‐dimethylindole (2) catalyzed by PtCl2 has been evaluated through a combination of kinetic analysis, deuterium labeling studies, and stereochemical analysis. The results of these and additional experiments are consistent with a mechanism for hydroarylation involving rapid and reversible complexation of vinyl arene to the catalytically inactive platinum mono(vinyl arene)complex trans‐PtCl2(H2C=CHAr)(solvent) to form the reactive platinum bis(vinyl arene) complex trans‐PtCl2(H2C=CHAr)2, which undergoes turnover‐limiting, outer‐sphere attack of indole. Rapid protodemetallation of the resulting platinum alkyl complex releases product and regenerates the equilibrating mixture of platinum π‐vinyl arene complexes.
Strategies in cell‐free tissue‐engineered vascular grafts
Authors: Yuan Haoyong , Chen Chunyang , Liu Yuhong , Lu Ting , Wu Zhongshi
Published: October 2019

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the world, among which coronary artery diseases (CAD) are the most common type of CVD. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) using autologous vein and artery grafts is the typical surgical intervention for CAD patients. However, for patients whose autologous grafts are not available, there are no appropriate substitutes for vascular grafts. Investigation of tissue‐engineered vascular graft (TEVG) has persisted over decades with significant advancement, utilizing different types of biomaterials. In the past two decades, a great number of studies based on cell‐seeding strategies were reported. However, limitations of cell‐based strategies made clinical application difficult. With the understanding of stem cells and tissue remodeling process, strategies without cell‐seeding emerged as potential methods to achieve in situ regeneration. A cell‐free graft may recruit host cells and guide their participation in vascular remodeling. The grafts modified by bio‐active molecules showed good results in promoting in situ regeneration and exhibited potential to make the vascular grafts off‐the‐shelf. In this review, the strategies for cell‐free TEVG manufacturing were discussed, including the materials for fabricating TEVGs, the methods of functionalization to promote in situ regeneration, the challenges researchers faced in TEVG investigation, and finally the prospects in TEVG design.
Dietary Fish Oil Alters DNA Methylation of Genes Involved in Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Biosynthesis in Muscle and Liver of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Irvine Nicola A. , Ruyter Bente , Østbye Tone‐Kari , Sonesson Anna K. , Lillycrop Karen A. , Berge Gerd , Burdge Graham C.
Published: October 2019

Adequate dietary supply of eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n‐3) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n‐3) is required to maintain health and growth of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). However, salmon can also convert α‐linolenic acid (18:3n‐3) into eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n‐3) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n‐3) by sequential desaturation and elongation reactions, which can be modified by 20:5n‐3 and 22:6n‐3 intake. In mammals, dietary 20:5n‐3 + 22:6n‐3 intake can modify Fads2 expression (Δ6 desaturase) via altered DNA methylation of its promoter. Decreasing dietary fish oil (FO) has been shown to increase Δ5fad expression in salmon liver. However, it is not known whether this is associated with changes in the DNA methylation of genes involved in polyunsaturated fatty acid synthesis. To address this, we investigated whether changing the proportions of dietary FO and vegetable oil altered the DNA methylation of Δ6fad_b, Δ5fad, Elovl2, and Elovl5_b promoters in liver and muscle from Atlantic salmon and whether any changes were associated with mRNA expression. Higher dietary FO content increased the proportions of 20:5n‐3 and 22:6n‐3 and decreased Δ6fad_b mRNA expression in liver, but there was no effect on Δ5fad, Elovl2, and Elovl5_b expression. There were significant differences between liver and skeletal muscle in the methylation of individual CpG loci in all four genes studied. Methylation of individual Δ6fad_b CpG loci was negatively related to its expression and to proportions of 20:5n‐3 and 22:6n‐3 in the liver. These findings suggest variations in dietary FO can induce gene‐, CpG locus‐, and tissue‐related changes in DNA methylation in salmon.
Role of trait combinations, habitat matrix, and network topology in metapopulation recovery from regional extinction
Authors: Giménez Luis , Robins Peter , Jenkins Stuart R.
Published: October 2019

We studied the role of oceanographic conditions and life history strategies on recovery after extinction in a metapopulation of marine organisms dispersing as pelagic larvae. We combined an age‐structured model with scenarios defined by realistic oceanographic conditions and species distribution along the Irish Sea coast (North Europe). Species life history strategies were modeled combining the dispersal behaviors with two levels of fecundity. Recovery times were quantified after simulating extinction in four regions. Two alternative strategies (high fecundity or larval tidal transport) led to short recovery times, irrespective of the effects of other drivers. Other strategies and low larval survival exacerbated the effects of oceanographic conditions on recovery times: longer times were associated with for example the presence of frontal zones isolating regions of extinction. Recovery times were well explained by the connectivity of each focal population with those located outside the area of extinction (which was higher in the so‐called small world topologies), but not by subsidies (direct connections with populations located nearby). Our work highlights the complexities involved in population recovery: specific trait combinations may blur the effects of the habitat matrix on recovery times; K‐strategists (i.e., with low fecundities) may achieve quick recovery if they possess the appropriate dispersal traits. High larval mortality can exacerbate the effect of oceanographic conditions and lead to heterogeneity in recovery times. Overall, processes driving whole network topologies rather than conditions surrounding local populations are the key to understand patterns of recovery.
On null geodesically complete spacetimes under NEC and NGC: Is the Gao‐Wald “time dilation” a topological effect?
Authors: Papadopoulos Kyriakos
Published: October 2019

We review a theorem of Gao‐Wald on a kind of a gravitational “time delay” effect in null geodesically complete spacetimes under NEC and NGC, and we observe that it is not valid anymore throughout its statement, as well as a conclusion that there is a class of cosmological models where particle horizons are absent, if one substituted the manifold topology with a finer (spacetime) topology. Since topologies of the Zeeman‐Göbel class incorporate the causal, differential, and conformal structure of a spacetime and there are serious mathematical arguments in favour of such topologies and against the manifold topology, there is a strong evidence that “time dilation” theorems of this kind are topological in nature rather than having a particular physical meaning.
Twice‐refocused stimulated echo diffusion imaging: Measuring diffusion time dependence at constant T1 weighting
Authors: Martin Jan , Endt Sebastian , Wetscherek Andreas , Kuder Tristan Anselm , Doerfler Arnd , Uder Michael , Hensel Bernhard , Laun Frederik Bernd
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Diffusion times longer than 50 ms are typically probed with stimulated‐echo sequences. Varying the diffusion time in stimulated‐echo sequences affects the T1 weighting of subcompartments, complicating the analysis of diffusion time dependence. Although inversion recovery preparation could be used to change the T1 weighting, it cannot ensure equal T1 weighting at arbitrary mixing times. In this article, a sequence that ensures constant T1 weighting over a wide range of diffusion times is presented.

Methods

The proposed sequence features 2 independent longitudinal storage periods: TM1 and TM2. Diffusion encoding is performed during TM1, effectively coupling the diffusion time and TM1. Equal T1 weighting at arbitrary diffusion times is realized by keeping the total mixing time TM1 + TM2 constant. The sequence was compared with conventional stimulated‐echo measurements of diffusion in a 2‐compartment phantom consisting of distilled water and paraffinum perliquidum. Additionally, in vivo DTI of the brain was carried out for 8 healthy volunteers with diffusion times ranging from 50 to 500 ms.

Results

Diffusion time dependence of the axial and radial diffusivity was detected in the brain. Both sequences resulted in almost identical diffusivities in white matter. In regions containing partial volumes of gray and white matter, a dependency on T1 weighting was observed.

Conclusion

In accordance with previous studies, little variance of T1 values appeared to be present in healthy white matter. However, this is likely different in diseased tissue. Here, the proposed sequence can be effective in differentiating between diffusion time dependence and T1 weighting effects.
Changes in Physiology and Stress Responses of Pellet-Reared Largemouth Bass Fed Live-Forage Diets
Authors: Dinken Colin P , Keretz Kevin R , Schramm Harold L , Petrie-Hanson Lora , Wes Schilling M , Allen Peter J
Published: October 2019

Advanced-sized Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides to be used for stocking and experimentation can be efficiently reared on prepared feed in intensive culture conditions, but formulated diets containing high levels (≥20%) of dietary carbohydrates may lead to high liver and muscle lipid and high liver glycogen levels, which may affect survival and stress responses. Largemouth Bass were raised to a size of 240–344 mm TL on formulated diets and then were fed live forage (i.e., naturalization); the effects of naturalization on liver, blood, and muscle health indices and physiological stress measures were evaluated, and indices were compared with those of wild Largemouth Bass from three different reservoirs. Hepatosomatic index (HSI) decreased by week 1 of naturalization; liver glycogen decreased by week 2; liver lightness, yellowness, and steatosis decreased by week 4; and liver moisture and lipid concentration stabilized after 4 weeks. Plasma cortisol was higher by week 1 of naturalization than by week 6 and onward, and plasma pH decreased after 1 week. Muscle color showed changes by week 1 of naturalization, muscle collagen stabilized by week 4, and muscle lipids decreased more gradually compared to the liver. The magnitude of stress response in fish subjected to a 60-s chasing stressor was unaffected by naturalization. Among populations of wild fish, many liver, blood, and muscle metrics were similar, with the exception of liver yellowness, glycogen, and HSI; muscle redness, lipids, and moisture; and the viscerosomatic index. Therefore, after rearing on a high-carbohydrate, high-lipid diet (i.e., 20% carbohydrates; 16% lipids), 4–6 weeks of naturalization can improve liver health, with most liver parameters being similar to those found in populations of wild fish.
Impact of a Real‐World Lifestyle Intervention in an Entire Latin American City with More Than 50,000 People
Authors: Atalla Marcio , Pinto Ana Jessica , Mielke Gregore Iven , Benatti Fabiana Braga , Gualano Bruno
Published: October 2019

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a real‐world citywide intervention on physical activity and eating habits in a Latin American city with more than 50,000 inhabitants.

Methods

This was a plausibility assessment of a real‐life intervention. A probabilistic sample (n = 1,424) from Jaguariuna (Sao Paulo, Brazil) was assessed before and after a 7‐month intervention aimed at increasing physical activity levels and improving eating habits at a city level. Primary outcomes were physical activity, sedentary behavior, and eating habits assessed by a valid telephone inquiry. The secondary outcome was body weight.

Results

The proportion of individuals achieving the recommended intake of fruits and vegetables increased (18%; 95% CI: 2% to 36%; P = 0.031), whereas the number of individuals consuming soft drinks and exchanging main meals for snacks or junk food decreased (−35%; 95% CI: −45% to −22%; P < 0.001 and −16%; 95% CI: −29% to −1%; P = 0.037). The number of active individuals increased during leisure time (37%; 95% CI: 19% to 58%; P < 0.001), at work (17%; 95% CI: 4% to 32%; P = 0.009), and in the household (14%; 95% CI: 0% to 31%; P = 0.047). Body weight decreased among individuals with overweight or obesity.

Conclusions

This intervention promoted pronounced lifestyle changes (i.e., increased physical activity and healthier food choices) in the entire city, providing scientific‐based evidence on which to build effective public health policies in Latin America.
Interest group representation and framing in the media: A policy area perspective
Authors: Binderkrantz Anne Skorkjær
Published: October 2019

This article analyzes interest group representation and framing in the news media. In contrast to previous work, it focuses on the role of the policy area in shaping the types of groups appearing in the media and the frames used by groups. Empirically, the analysis maps group representation and framing across six different policy areas in the Danish news media. It distinguishes between whether groups frame their viewpoints as furthering (a) the interests of group members, (b) the interests of other specific societal groups, (c) broad economic concerns, or (d) public interests in general. Interest group representation and framing is found to vary between these policy areas. Some areas mainly contrast economic groups and the interests of their members, whereas debates in other areas are more likely to be shaped by references to beneficiaries of welfare state services or broad, public interests.
New cardo silylated poly(azomethine)s containing 9,9′‐diphenylfluorene units as materials with Brønsted acid‐dependent fluorescence
Authors: Hauyon René A , Garrido‐Gatica Gabriela , Sobarzo Patricio A , González‐Henríquez Carmen M , Tagle Luis H , Rodríguez‐González Fidel E , Jessop Ignacio A , Recabarren‐Gajardo Gonzalo , Tundidor‐Camba Alain , Terraza Claudio A
Published: October 2019

Aromatic poly(azomethine)s have been studied due to their attractive properties such as high thermal stability, semiconducting behavior and the ability to coordinate species with their imine units (CN). In this paper, the synthesis and characterization of two novel silylated poly(azomethine)s containing cardo units are reported. These materials were highly soluble in organic solvents such as chloroform and m‐cresol and were thermally stable, and PAzMC1 exhibited a high glass transition temperature value (287 °C), while that for PAzMC2 was not observed. UV–visible spectrophotometry revealed absorption bands related to the aromatic backbone of both PAzMCs, 300–285 nm in tetrahydrofuran and 310–301 nm in dimethylsulfoxide, and bands attributed to the conjugated imine unit at around 350 nm. In order to investigate the phenomenon of the emission of fluorescence promoted by dopant agents with regard to potential optoelectronic applications, the materials were doped with H2SO4 and their optical and electrochemical properties investigated. Thus, the absorption band of the imine group was suppressed due to the nitrogen atoms being protonated. Fluorescence spectroscopy analysis developed in dilute solutions of polymers showed no emission from the undoped polymers, whereas the acid‐doped species emitted fluorescence in the UV and violet regions (322 nm). Cyclic voltammetry measurements were carried out and HOMO–LUMO energies were estimated. This study provides a starting point for the development of new poly(azomethine)s with doping‐dependent emission. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Structural diversity in the Mycobacteria DUF3349 superfamily
Authors: Buchko Garry W. , Abendroth Jan , Robinson John I. , Phan Isabelle Q. , Myler Peter J. , Edwards Thomas E.
Published: October 2019

A protein superfamily with a “Domain of Unknown Function,”, DUF3349 (PF11829), is present predominately in Mycobacterium and Rhodococcus bacterial species suggesting that these proteins may have a biological function unique to these bacteria. We previously reported the inaugural structure of a DUF3349 superfamily member, Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv0543c. Here, we report the structures determined for three additional DUF3349 proteins: Mycobacterium smegmatis MSMEG_1063 and MSMEG_1066 and Mycobacterium abscessus MAB_3403c. Like Rv0543c, the NMR solution structure of MSMEG_1063 revealed a monomeric five α‐helix bundle with a similar overall topology. Conversely, the crystal structure of MSMEG_1066 revealed a five α‐helix protein with a strikingly different topology and a tetrameric quaternary structure that was confirmed by size exclusion chromatography. The NMR solution structure of a fourth member of the DUF3349 superfamily, MAB_3403c, with 18 residues missing at the N‐terminus, revealed a monomeric α‐helical protein with a folding topology similar to the three C‐terminal helices in the protomer of the MSMEG_1066 tetramer. These structures, together with a GREMLIN‐based bioinformatics analysis of the DUF3349 primary amino acid sequences, suggest two subfamilies within the DUF3349 family. The division of the DUF3349 into two distinct subfamilies would have been lost if structure solution had stopped with the first structure in the DUF3349 family, highlighting the insights generated by solving multiple structures within a protein superfamily. Future studies will determine if the structural diversity at the tertiary and quaternary levels in the DUF3349 protein superfamily have functional roles in Mycobacteria and Rhodococcus species with potential implications for structure‐based drug discovery.
Ferulic acid reinstates mitochondrial dynamics through PGC1α expression modulation in 6‐hydroxydopamine lesioned rats
Authors: Anis Ehraz , Zafeer Mohd Faraz , Firdaus Fakiha , Islam Shireen Naaz , Anees Khan Azka , Ali Asif , Hossain M. Mobarak
Published: October 2019

Disruption of the tightly regulated mitochondrial dynamics and energy homeostasis leads to oxidative stress and apoptotic cell death, as observed in neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD). Polyphenolic plant derivatives have been shown to alleviate such pathological features and have been used in models of neurodegenerative disorders in previous reports. In the current study, we utilized a 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA) lesioned rat model of PD to explore the protective efficacy of polyphenolic phytochemical ferulic acid (FA) against mitochondrial dysfunction and explored its effect on gene and protein expression of mitochondrial dynamics regulators dynamin‐related protein 1 (Drp1)/mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) in lesioned animals. We also evaluated its effect on expression of mitochondrial biogenesis regulator PGC1α and apoptotic regulators BAX, cyt c, p53, and cleaved PARP. We found that oral FA supplementation alleviated 6‐OHDA induced oxidative stress, DNA fragmentation, morphological changes, and blocked apoptotic cascade. FA also reduced mitochondrial Drp1 expression and increased gene and protein expression of PGC1α, thereby regulating expression of its downstream target Mfn2 and restoring mitochondrial dynamics in lesioned animals. Our data suggest that targeting mitochondrial dynamics through modulation of PGC1α can prove to be a potent preventive strategy against PD pathology.
Diet–tissue discrimination factors (δ15N and δ13C values) for blood components in Magellanic (Spheniscus magellanicus) and southern rockhopper (Eudyptes chrysocome) penguins
Authors: Jenkins Edward , Gulka Julia , Yurkowski David J. , Davoren Gail K. , Gonzalez Lana
Published: October 2019

Rationale

Analysis of the stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen (δ13C and δ15N values) is increasingly being used to gain insight into predator trophic ecology, which requires accurate diet–tissue discrimination factors (DTDFs), or the isotopic difference between prey and predator. Accurate DTDFs must be calculated from predators consuming an isotopically constant diet over time in controlled feeding experiments, but these studies have received little attention to date, especially among seabird species.

Methods

In this study, aquarium‐housed Magellanic (Spheniscus magellanicus) and southern rockhopper (Eudyptes chrysocome) penguins were fed a single‐prey source diet (capelin Mallotus villosus) for eight weeks. Stable isotope ratios (δ13C and δ15N values) of penguin blood (cellular component and plasma) and capelin were measured using mass spectrometry and then used to calculate DTDFs for both components of penguin blood by comparison with prey values.

Results

The DTDFs for plasma were −0.63 ± 0.49 (mean ± SD) and −0.27 ± 0.22 for δ13C values, and 2.60 ± 0.50 and 2.78 ± 0.22 for δ15N values for Magellanic and southern rockhopper penguins, respectively, while the DTDFs for the cellular component were 1.22 ± 0.03 and 1.26 ± 0.03 for δ13C values, and 2.54 ± 0.07 and 2.43 ± 0.17 for δ15N values.

Conclusions

We compare our DTDFs with published values from blood components of penguins and discuss the effects that lipid extraction, sample storage, and diet have on the DTDFs of penguin blood components. This study provides accurate DTDFs of blood components for two seabird species of conservation concern, and is one of the first to provide plasma DTDFs for penguins, which are underrepresented in the seabird literature.