bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review on the role of 3D printing in the fight against COVID-19: safety and challenges
Authors: Singh Sapam Ningthemba , Venkatesh Vavilada Satya Swamy , Deoghare Ashish Bhalchandra
Published: February 2021

Purpose

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the three-dimensional (3D) printing community is actively participating to address the supply chain gap of essential medical supplies such as face masks, face shields, door adapters, test swabs and ventilator valves. This paper aims to present a comprehensive study on the role of 3D printing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, its safety and its challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

This review paper focuses on the applications of 3D printing in the fight against COVID-19 along with the safety and challenges associated with 3D printing to fight COVID-19. The literature presented in this paper is collected from the journal indexing engines including Scopus, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, PubMed, Web of Science, etc. The main keywords used for searches were 3D printing COVID-19, Safety of 3D printed parts, Sustainability of 3D printing, etc. Further possible iterations of the keywords were used to collect the literature.

Findings

The applications of 3D printing in the fight against COVID-19 are 3D printed face masks, shields, ventilator valves, test swabs, drug deliveries and hands-free door adapters. As most of these measures are implemented hastily, the safety and reliability of these parts often lacked approval. The safety concerns include the safety of the printed parts, operators and secondary personnel such as the workers in material preparation and transportation. The future challenges include sustainability of the process, long term supply chain, intellectual property and royalty-free models, etc.

Originality/value

This paper presents a comprehensive study on the applications of 3D printing in the fight against COVID-19 with emphasis on the safety and challenges in it.
Impact of e-court systems implementation: a case study
Authors: Ahmed Rozha Kamal , Muhammed Khder Hassan , Pappel Ingrid , Draheim Dirk
Published: February 2021

Purpose

E-court systems automate court processes and provide better case administration with more effective and efficient justice delivery. This paper aims to present the e-court system in the Sulaimaniyah Appellate Court in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq as a case study. It identifies significant improvements after adopting the system.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a qualitative approach with an exploratory case study design. Data collected from a triangulation of three sources through structured expert interviews with 30 stakeholders, personal observations by two of the authors, supported by analyzing current relevant literature. R package for Qualitative Data Analysis was the analysis tool.

Findings

Findings showed 10 improvements that enhanced court efficiency and effectiveness concerning better case administration, a more transparent process and increased court case security.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited to improvements after adopting an e-court system.

Practical implications

This research provides a foundation for practitioners who are on the way to implement the e-court system and serves the decision-makers in the Kurdistan Regional Government to plan future expansion in the region.

Originality/value

This research focuses on the e-court system in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. It is implemented as a first e-service to be a pilot for a broader plan to integrate all appellate courts in other cities in the Kurdistan of Iraq, hence, stepping toward the implementation of e-government.
Commentary on “Building capable environments using practice leadership”
Authors: Jones Edwin
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to present a conceptual viewpoint highlighting the utility of active support in implementing capable environments and to extend this by presenting a three-tiered preventative model of positive behavioural support (PBS) in UK health and social care.

Design/methodology/approach

Provision of a commentary on “Building capable environments using practice leadership” by Linda Hume, Nadia Khan and Martin Reilly.

Findings

Capable environments and active support should be key, universal and essential PBS tier one supports in UK health and social care. Training staff in Active Support and developing practice leadership help implement capable environments.

Originality/value

The three-tiered PBS model was recently proposed by Leitch et al. (2020) and is worthy of further debate and refinement with the involvement of stakeholders. It has several practical implications including refocussing efforts on early intervention to get tier one supports implemented effectively in recognition that PBS is much wider than intense tier three supports. It could reinforce and motivate existing providers of quality support and indicate where and how other providers can commence the process of implementing PBS. Future research could consider the effectiveness of applying implementation science to the field of learning disabilities and PBS in particular.
Electrocatalytic activity of CoFe1.9Mo0.1O4-Ce0.8Gd0.18Ca0.02O2-δcomposite cathode for ammonia synthesis from water and nitrogen
Authors: Amar Ibrahim A. , Ahwidi Mohammed M.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the electrocatalytic activity of CoFe1.9Mo0.1O4-Ce0.8Gd0.18Ca0.02O2-δcomposite (CFMo-CGDC) for the direct synthesis of ammonia from H2O and N2under atmospheric pressure.

Designs

CoFe1.9Mo0.1O4nanoparticles (CFMo NPs) were synthesized via a sol-gel method. CFMo NPs were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmet–Teller (BET) specific surface area measurement and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Double-chamber reactor was used to synthesize ammonia using H2O and N2as precursors. The factors affecting the ammonia formation rate (applied voltage and temperature) were studied.

Findings

CoFe1.9Mo0.1O4nanoparticles (CFMo NPs) were synthesized via a sol-gel method. CFMo NPs were characterized using XRD, Brunauer–Emmet–Teller (BET) specific surface area measurement and SEM. Double-chamber reactor was used to synthesize ammonia using H2O and N2as precursors. The factors affecting the ammonia formation rate (applied voltage and temperature) were studied.

Originality/value

The usage of CFMo-CGDC composite as an electrocatalyst for the synthesis of ammonia directly from H2O and N2.
More diverse tree communities promote foliar fungal pathogen diversity, but decrease infestation rates per tree species, in a subtropical biodiversity experiment
Authors: Rutten Gemma , Hönig Lydia , Schwaß Rowena , Braun Uwe , Saadani Mariem , Schuldt Andreas , Michalski Stefan G. , Bruelheide Helge
Published: February 2021

Fungal pathogens have the potential to affect plant biogeography and ecosystem processes through their influence on the fitness and functioning of their plant hosts. Simultaneously, changes in plant communities can influence fungal pathogen communities. Exactly which host plant attributes determine the composition of fungal pathogen communities on the leaves remains poorly understood.

Here, we characterized foliar fungal pathogen communities in subtropical tree communities along an experimental diversity gradient in Jiangxi, South‐East China. On 32 tree species, we identified all visible fungal structures and symptoms microscopically and studied fungi‐specific traits such as conidia or spores in detail. We asked how different facets of biodiversity, including taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional tree diversity, shape fungal diversity and fungal infestation at different scales.

We found a positive relationship between tree richness and fungal richness at the plot level. At the level of individual trees of the same species, the relationship between tree species richness and fungal species richness was marginally significantly negative. Importantly, the fungal infestation rates decreased as tree species richness increased, suggesting that colonization of hosts by specialist fungi was impeded by dilution of the pool of available hosts. Moreover, we found evidence for similar topologies between phylogenetic topologies of trees and fungal genera which is a precondition for coevolution and we identified leaf traits, including leaf habit (deciduous/evergreen), leaf magnesium content and stomata size that predicted fungal richness and infestation.

Synthesis. Our study indicates that host tree species harbour different foliar fungal pathogens, which sums up to the highest fungal pathogen richness in more diverse forest stands. At the same time, the foliar fungal pathogen infestation rate for each tree species decreased with increasing tree richness in forests. We identified leaf traits that can help to better predict fungal pathogen richness and infestation, and we show that phylogenetically closely related tree species harbour phylogenetically closely related foliar fungal pathogens. These new insights might be helpful to improve the pest resilience of future forests and plantations.
Persistence of tropical herbivores in temperate reefs constrains kelp resilience to cryptic habitats
Authors: Zarco‐Perello Salvador , Bosch Nestor E. , Bennett Scott , Vanderklift Mat A. , Wernberg Thomas
Published: February 2021

Global warming is facilitating the range expansion of tropical herbivores, causing a tropicalization of temperate marine ecosystems, where tropical herbivores can suppress habitat‐forming macrophytes, supporting the resilience of canopy‐free ecosystem states. However, currently we lack a thorough understanding of the mechanisms that, on one hand, support the persistence of tropical herbivores and on the other support the recovery of temperate foundation species in tropicalized ecosystems, a required knowledge to predict potential regime shifts and reversals to the baseline state of the ecosystem.

This study tested processes behind the persistence of the tropicalization of temperate reefs which experienced a complete loss of their kelp forests and an influx of tropical herbivores following a marine heatwave in 2011. For this, we assessed the feedback mechanisms that maintain turf‐dominated states (recruitment of tropical herbivores, browsing and grazing rates and turf cover) and those that resist it (kelp recruitment, survival and reproductiveness).

We found that the reefs remained tropicalized with high abundances of turf and tropical herbivores after 9 years from the regime shift. The rabbitfish Siganus fuscescens and the chub Kyphosus bigibbus were the most important herbivores whose persistence was supported by the adjacent reef lagoon, where seagrass meadows and the backreef habitats hosted juveniles of both species, particularly rabbitfish. Tropical herbivores exerted a strong top–down control on turf seaweed and kelp during herbivory assays, rapidly consuming kelp individuals in open areas. However, in topographical refuges in the reefs, herbivory was low and kelp individuals survived, with some having reproductive tissue.

Synthesis. Our findings incorporate the importance of nursery grounds for tropical herbivores and herbivory refugia for kelp individuals into the tropicalization model, where the former increases the resilience of canopy‐free states and the latter might facilitate recovering kelp populations. The restoration of abundant warm‐resistant kelp populations in shelters could provide local sources of propagules to recolonize open spaces; however, our results suggest that the reduction of herbivory and the provision of turf‐free substratum would be necessary to boost the recovery of kelp forests.
Carnitine in Alcohol Use Disorders: A Scoping Review
Authors: Bota A. Brianne , Simmons John Graydon , DiBattista Alicia , Wilson Kumanan
Published: February 2021

Recent studies in alcohol use disorders (AUDs) have demonstrated some connections between carnitine metabolism and the pathophysiology of the disease. In this scoping review, we aimed to collate and examine existing research available on carnitine metabolism and AUDs and develop hypotheses surrounding the role carnitine may play in AUD. A scoping review method was used to search electronic databases in September 2019. The database search terms used included “alcohol, alcoholism, alcohol abuse, alcohol consumption, alcohol drinking patterns, alcohol‐induced disorders, alcoholic intoxication, alcohol‐related disorders, binge drinking, Wernicke encephalopathy, acylcarnitine, acetyl‐l‐carnitine, acetylcarnitine, carnitine and palmitoylcarnitine.” The inclusion criteria included English language, human‐based, AUD diagnosis and measured blood or tissue carnitine or used carnitine as a treatment. Of 586 studies that were identified and screened, 65 underwent abstract review, and 41 were fully reviewed. Eighteen studies were ultimately included for analysis. Data were summarized in an electronic data extraction form. We found that there is limited literature available. Alcohol use appears to impact carnitine metabolism, most clearly in the setting of alcoholic cirrhosis. Six studies found carnitine to be increased in AUD, of which 5 were conducted in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis. Only 3 placebo‐controlled trials were identified and provide some support for the use of carnitine in AUD to decrease cravings, anhedonia, and withdrawal and improve cognition. The increase in plasma carnitine in alcoholic cirrhosis may be related to disordered fatty acid metabolism and oxidative stress that occurs in AUD. The multiple possible therapeutic effects carnitine could have on ethanol metabolism and the early evidence available for carnitine supplementation as a treatment for AUD provide a foundation for future randomized control trials of carnitine for treating AUD.
Paediatric pharmacotherapy and drug regulation: Moving past the therapeutic orphan
Authors: Moore‐Hepburn Charlotte , Rieder Michael
Published: February 2021

The development of specific drug therapy for children was a paradigm‐changing event that transformed paediatric medical practice. However, a series of tragedies involving drug treatment for children resulted in a gap developing between drug regulation and practice, with the majority of drugs used in child healthcare being used off‐label, rendering children therapeutic orphans. Over the past two decades changes in drug regulation led by the US Food and Drug Administration and followed by the European Union's European Medicines Agency have led to substantial changes in how new drugs with potential use in children are studied and labelled. While these changes have substantially improved labelling for new drugs, there has been much less progress with older drugs. Although the unique challenges of conducting clinical research in children have been addressed by novel clinical trial designs, many of these innovations have not been translated into approaches accepted for the drug approval process. The regulations applying to the need for paediatric studies currently are only applicable in the United States and the European Union, and there is less impetus for paediatric labelling in other jurisdictions. This impacts on a number of issues beyond labelling, including the availability of child‐friendly formulations. Finally, the impact of Brexit on paediatric drug studies in the UK remains unclear and is subject to ongoing negotiations between the UK government and the European Union.
Comprehensive genomic analysis identifying heterogeneity in peripheral T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Yoshida Noriaki , Yamada Kyohei , Ohshima Koichi
Published: February 2021

Peripheral T‐cell lymphoma (PTCL) is a heterogeneous entity generally with a poor prognosis. Recent genomic analyses have characterized genomic alterations and described gene expression profiling and epigenetic mechanisms in PTCL, leading to reveal molecular pathophysiology in detail. One of several important findings is that heterogeneities exist in both the disease and in individuals. Among PTCL subtypes, adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) and peripheral T‐cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL‐NOS) are common in Japan. ATLL is an incurable T‐cell malignancy induced by human T‐cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV‐1). The global genomics of ATLL can be summarized as alterations involving T‐cell receptor (TCR) signaling and immune escape mechanisms. This highlights the fact that ATLL is a viral‐mediated T‐cell malignancy. Interestingly, several previous studies have found that the genomics of ATLL differ according to geographical region and age at diagnosis, suggesting disease heterogeneity, though they share HTLV‐1 infection as initial disease hit. Clonal expansion of the cells acquired by somatic mutations in ATLL‐related genes is identified in a part of HTLV‐1 carriers who developed ATLL later. The risk for ATLL may be updated based on findings in detail. PTCL‐NOS is a heterogeneous disease type of T‐cell lymphoma that does not correspond to any other type of PTCL. Several studies have stratified PTCL‐NOS according to transcriptional, genomic, microenvironmental, and clinical aspects. These kinds of analysis from multiple aspects are useful to understand the heterogeneous group. These efforts will help guide suitable translational research to target PTCL.
Cutaneous eruption with reactive endothelial atypia due to emerging targeted cancer therapies: Report of two cases with clinico‐pathologic correlation
Authors: Moya‐Martínez Cristina , Torre‐Castro Juan , Fariña‐Sabarís Mª Carmen , Santiago Sánchez‐Mateos Diana , Eraña‐Tomás Itziar , Jo‐Velasco Margarita , Requena Luis
Published: February 2021

Targeted anticancer therapy is being used with greater frequency and dermatologic toxicities are among the most frequent adverse events of these drugs. However, histopathological features of these adverse events are not yet well characterized. We present two cases of clinically different cutaneous toxicities on two patients with hematologic neoplasia. They were treated with different drugs and in both cases medications shared inhibition of PI3K as mechanism of action. The skin biopsy specimen showed endothelial cell atypia with large nuclei and mitotic figures. To the best of our knowledge, no other cases with these striking histopathologic findings have been reported with PI3K inhibitors or other anticancer targeted therapy.
Influence of semiochemicals present in the scales of Spodoptera frugiperda on chemotactic behavior of Trichogramma pretiosum
Authors: Vargas Camila Corrêa , Redaelli Luiza Rodrigues , Sant’Ana Josué , Blassioli‐Moraes Maria Carolina , Laumann Raúl A. , Borges Miguel
Published: February 2021

Trichogramma species (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) are known to use the host’s sex pheromone as a kairomone in foraging strategies. Spodoptera frugiperda Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) deposit scales on eggs during oviposition, which may be a mechanical barrier or facilitate the action of parasitoids due to the presence of semiochemicals. This study identified the compounds in S. frugiperda scales and evaluated the chemotactic responses of Trichogramma pretiosum Riley to volatiles in host eggs and scales, as well as to synthetic equivalents of substances identified therein. Bioassays were performed with scales extracted from the wings and abdomen of females under three conditions: virgin, mated, or mated and oviposited. The parasitoids were tested in a two‐choice olfactometer comparing scales, eggs, and synthetic compounds. The extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) and 20 compounds were identified, among them two acetate components of the sex pheromone of S. frugiperda (Z9‐14:OAC and Z11‐16:OAC). Trichogramma pretiosum females did not differentiate between scales from wings and abdomen. They were more attracted to scales from virgin and mated S. frugiperda females, and these treatments did not trigger different chemotactic responses compared with eggs. The parasitoid was significantly attracted to Z9‐14:OAC and Z11‐16:OAC. We conclude that T. pretiosum use chemical clues in the scales to search for S. frugiperda eggs.
Artificial rearing of the ladybird Propylea japonica on a diet containing oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata
Authors: Li Dongchao , Chen Peng , Liu Jin , Chi Baojie , Zhang Xiaopeng , Liu Yongjie
Published: February 2021

Three artificial diets were developed and tested for their suitability for immature development and survival of the ladybird Propylea japonica (Thunberg) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). The artificial diet based on the oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), resulted in 66.5% survival and was a potential food for mass rearing of P. japonica. The effect of this alternative diet was assessed independently for larval development and adult reproduction by adding various numbers of frozen aphids, and finally an artificial rearing scheme was established that could save about 80% of natural food (aphids). The results showed that the survival rate and fecundity of P. japonica reared on the best artificial diet or aphids alone were similar. A rearing scheme using mainly M. separata‐based artificial diet and a small number of frozen aphids for the mass production of P. japonica became possible.
Color, odor, and species preferences of Copidosoma bakeri to prospective cover crops to enhance control of cutworms
Authors: Wanigasekara R.W.M. Udari M. , Costamagna Alejandro C. , Lawley Yvonne E. , Sharanowski Barbara J.
Published: February 2021

Cutworms (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) are economically important pests of multiple field crops, but are difficult to control with insecticides. Biological control with native parasitoids may offer a sustainable alternative for pest management. Cover crops improve the availability of resources required by parasitoids to increase their effectiveness as biocontrol agents. Copidosoma spp. (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) have the potential to control several species of cutworms in the Canadian Prairies. However, their foraging preferences for non‐host food items are unknown. In this study, we tested flower color and odor preferences of Copidosoma bakeri (Howard) across nine potential cover crop species and investigated how these resources affect survival and longevity of the female wasps. Results indicated that the wasps were most attracted to plants with yellow flowers in the family Brassicaceae (i.e., camelina, mustard, and canola). In multiple‐choice tests, the wasps preferred camelina over all other flower species, and showed an intermediate preference for mustard and canola. In dual‐choice tests with color paper, the wasps preferred yellow over white, and the light yellow of camelina over the bright yellow of canola and mustard, whereas they showed a preference for the odors of mustard and canola. Life expectancy was increased when the wasps were provided floral resources compared to the absence of a food source. Later planting dates and mixed‐species plantings of cover crops resulted in flowering times that better coincided with native wasp emergence. Camelina is known to suppress weeds and may be used as a habitat management tool for enhancing parasitism of cutworms by C. bakeri in the Canadian Prairies. However, further testing is needed to achieve late flowering well into August and early September and to ensure planting additional Brassica spp. does not attract more late‐season pests to cash crops such as canola.
Pathogenicity of Fusarium spp. isolates against the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) and their responses to ultraviolet‐B radiation and water stress
Authors: Hallouti Ayoub , Ait Hamza Mohamed , Tazi Hafsa , Ait Hammou Rachid , Zahidi Abdelaziz , Ait Ben Aoumar Abdellah , Boubaker Hassan
Published: February 2021

Successful application of entomopathogenic fungi as biocontrol agents requires a selection of highly virulent isolates with the ability to tolerate abiotic stress factors. Herein, we evaluated the entomopathogenic activity as well as the effect of ultraviolet‐B radiation (UV‐B) and water stress on conidia germination, viability, and fungal growth of three Fusarium isolates, namely Fusarium oxysporum NS1, F. solani OS11, and Fusarium sp. Pi21. Pathogenicity was tested against pupae and adults of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann (Diptera: Tephritidae), by spraying and by body‐contact bioassays, respectively. Average mortality of treated individuals ranged from 62 to 93% for pupae and from 26 to 86% for adults, depending on the fungal isolate and concentration. The highest mortality rates were caused by F. oxysporum NS1 and F. solani OS11. These isolates were effective within a short time period (LT50, pupae: <87 h, adults: <68 h) using low concentrations (LC90, pupae: <7 × 105 conidia ml−1, adults: <5 × 106 conidia ml−1). Sensitivity to UV‐B and water activity (aw) varies significantly among the studied isolates. Fusarium oxysporum NS1 was the most tolerant to UV exposure and water stress, with >63% relative conidia germination and growth rates after 6 h UV exposure and >50% conidia germination and viability at aw = 0.928. These results showed the high pathogenicity of Fusarium isolates, especially F. oxysporum NS1, against C. capitata and their tolerance to abiotic stress conditions. However, the application of these isolates in the field as biopesticides requires further studies elucidating their specificity toward C. capitata and their safety for non‐target organisms.
Hillslope geodiversity effects on properties and composition of biological soil crusts in drylands
Authors: Zaady Eli , Stavi Ilan , Yizhaq Hezi
Published: February 2021

Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) play important roles in ecosystem functioning and are considered ecosystem engineers: stabilizing the soil surface, preventing soil erosion, changing soil surface hydrology, and enriching the soil with carbon and nitrogen. The link between geodiversity and biodiversity incorporates physical aspects from geology, geomorphology and pedology. We aimed to assess the effects of hillslope geodiversity on the cover, composition and biophysiological properties of biological soil crusts (biocrusts) in a dryland ecosystem. The geodiversity of the hillslope is determined by the stone cover on the ground surface, the content, stones in the soil profile, and the soil depth. It is known from the scientific literature that geodiversity affects biodiversity; thus, we hypothesized that the hillslope type may affect biocrust properties that develop on these hillslopes. The results indicate that the mean covers of biocrust types in the homogeneous (low geodiversity) hillslopes were 60.6% cyanobacterial crusts and 39.4% biocrusts composed of cyanobacteria, moss and lichens, whereas those of the heterogeneous (high geodiversity) hillslopes were 81.6% cyanobacterial crusts and 18.4% biocrusts composed of cyanobacteria, moss and lichens. It was concluded that geodiversity enhances the growth of biocrust species that require higher soil moisture. The results imply that wherever restoration activities are planned, and especially in drylands, the geodiversity of the area should be taken into account.

Highlights

Geodiversity expressed by the degree of stoniness impacts ecosystem functioning and soil properties

Geodiversity impacts the biocrust's cover and composition

Geodiversity enhances the growth of biocrusts that require high soil moisture

Chlorophyll a, b and a + b in biocrusts are increased in heterogeneous hillslopes
False‐negative tests in Huntington's disease: A new variant within primer hybridization site
Authors: Dulski Jaroslaw , Sulek Anna , Krygier Magdalena , Radziwonik Wiktoria , Slawek Jaroslaw
Published: February 2021

Background

Establishing the diagnosis of Huntington’s disease (HD) involves molecular genetic testing and estimation of the number of CAG repeats.

Material and Methods

We report a 42‐year‐old patient with clinical phenotype suggestive of HD, who was repeatedly negative on genetic testing for HD at a reference laboratory. He had positive history of similar symptoms in his father, but not in other family members. During a 2‐year follow‐up his symptoms slowly deteriorated (videos attached). The family history was misleading, as we discovered that patient’s father was adopted as infant. Having excluded HD‐like disorders and other causes of the symptoms we hypothesized that the primer could not bind to the mutated allele.

Results

The PCR reaction with primers HD1 and Hu3 revealed homozygosity of the other adjacent microsatellite tract consisting of the CCG repeats. The newly designed set of primers, located outside of the CAG tract (HD6extF, HD7extR) was used and enabled amplification of the mutant allele and detection of the abnormal range of CAG repeats.

Conclusions

As application of the novel primers led to the diagnosis of HD in other 5 patients previously tested negative, we propose their incorporation into routine genetic testing in patients suspected of HD displaying homoallelism in the standard protocol.
Induction of microtubule hyper stabilization and robust G2/M arrest by N‐4‐CN in human breast carcinoma MDA‐MB‐231 cells
Authors: Verma Prachi , Manchukonda Naresh Kumar , Kantevari Srinivas , Lopus Manu
Published: February 2021

Aim

Elucidation of the antiproliferative efficacy and mechanism of action of a design‐optimized noscapine analog, N‐4‐CN.

Methods

Cell viability was studied using an MTT assay. The drug‐tubulin interactions were investigated using spectrofluorometry. The architectural defects, hyper stabilization, and recovery competence of cellular microtubules were studied using immunofluorescence microscopy. DCF‐DH and rhodamine 123 were used as probes to to examine the levels of reactive oxygen species and the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, respectively. Flow cytometry revealed the cell cycle progression pattern of the drug‐treated cells.

Key findings

Among the cell lines tested, N‐4‐CN showed the strongest inhibition of the viability of the triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line MDA‐MB‐231(IC50, 2.7 ± 0.1 µmol/L) and weakest inhibition of the noncancerous epithelial cell line, VERO (IC50, 60.2 ± 3 µmol/L). It perturbed tertiary structure of tubulin and stabilized colchicine binding to the protein. In cells, N‐4‐CN hyperstabilized the microtubules, and prevented the recovery of cold‐depolymerized microtubules. Its multitude of effects on tubulin and microtubules facilitated cell cycle arrest and subsequent cell death that were complemented by elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Significance

Owing to its ability to perturb a well‐defined cancer drug target, tubulin, and to promote ROS‐facilitated apoptosis, N‐4‐CN could be investigated further as a potential therapeutic against many neoplasms, including TNBC.
Antibacterial behavior of oxynitride glasses as a glassy grain boundary phase for silicon nitride‐based ceramics
Authors: Kushan Akin Seniz R. , Dolekcekic Emrah , Webster Thomas J.
Published: February 2021

Silicon nitride‐based ceramics have provided significant advantages due to their high chemical resistance, high elastic modulus, and combination of hardness and fracture toughness (depending on self‐reinforcement). Over the past two decades, a significant amount of interest has been generated for the bio‐applications of these materials. However, the effect of the grain boundary phase on such applications is still not very well understood. In this study, the effect of different cations on biological (such as antibacterial and cytocompatibilty) and material properties (like wetting angles and isoelectric points [IEP]) of oxynitride glasses, mimicking the grain boundary phase in Si3N4 and SiAlON ceramics, were investigated. Results revealed that the antibacterial behavior and mammalian cell viability were inversely correlated in glasses with rare‐earth cation additions. Ca was the best cation when the two properties (bacterial response and cell proliferation) were considered together, and, thus should be further studied for a wide range of applications.
Hydraulic reactivity and cement formation of baghdadite
Authors: Holzmeister Ib , Weichhold Jan , Groll Jürgen , Zreiqat Hala , Gbureck Uwe
Published: February 2021

In this study, the hydraulic reactivity and cement formation of baghdadite (Ca3ZrSi2O9) was investigated. The material was synthesized by sintering a mixture of CaCO3, SiO2, and ZrO2 and then mechanically activated using a planetary mill. This leads to a decrease in particle and crystallite size and a partial amorphization of baghdadite as shown by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD) and laser diffraction measurements. Baghdadite cements were formed by the addition of water at a powder to liquid ratio of 2.0 g/ml. Maximum compressive strengths were found to be ~2 MPa after 3‐day setting for a 24‐h ground material. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) measurements showed an incongruent dissolution profile of set cements with a preferred dissolution of calcium and only marginal release of zirconium ions. Cement formation occurs under alkaline conditions, whereas the unground raw powder leads to a pH of 11.9 during setting, while prolonged grinding increased pH values to approximately 12.3.
Internal curing of blended cement pastes with ultra‐low water‐to‐cement ratio: Absorption/desorption kinetics of superabsorbent polymer
Authors: Liu Jianhui , Ma Xianwei , Shi Caijun , Drissi Sarra
Published: February 2021

Internal curing by superabsorbent polymer (SAP) is an effective method to mitigate the autogenous shrinkage of cement‐based materials with low water‐to‐cement ratio (w/c). In this study, the water absorption/desorption kinetics of SAP were studied quantitatively in blended cement pastes with ultra‐low w/c. An absorption process at a rate of 0 to 6 g/(g h) was calculated at early ages. After that, SAPs showed mainly two distinct water desorption behaviors with a rate of 0 to 1.1 g/(g h), which was mainly governed by the osmotic pressure and capillary pressure triggered by the drop of internal relative humidity (IRH). The size and amount of SAP played a predominant role in controlling its absorption and desorption kinetics in the cement paste. Compared with ordinary Portland cement, a different desorption process with a higher release rate was noticed in binary and ternary cement pastes, primarily due to the changes in osmotic pressure resulting from the acceleration of cement hydration by silica fume at early ages. Overall, the mitigation of autogenous shrinkage is found to be highly dependent on SAP's absorption and desorption kinetics.
Assessment of reference areas for superimposition of serial 3D models of patients with advanced periodontitis for volumetric soft tissue evaluation
Authors: Kuralt Marko , Fidler Aleš
Published: February 2021

Aim

This study aimed to determine the optimal reference area for superimposition of serial 3D dental models of patients with advanced periodontitis.

Materials and Methods

Ten pre‐ and post‐periodontal treatment 3D models (median time lapse: 13.1 months) of patients with advanced periodontitis were acquired by intraoral scanning. Superimposition was performed with the iterative closest point algorithm using four reference areas: (A) all stable teeth, (B) all teeth, (C) third palatal rugae and (D) the whole model. The superimposition accuracy was evaluated at two stable evaluation regions using the mean absolute distance and evaluated with two‐way ANOVA and post‐hoc multivariate model. The intra‐ and inter‐operator reproducibility was calculated by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

Superimposition accuracy evaluated at stable tooth evaluation region were 71 ± 29 μm, 73 ± 21 μm, 127 ± 52 μm and 113 ± 53 μm for areas A, B, C and D, respectively. All reference areas showed similarly high ICC values >0.990, except for reference area C showing ICC of 0.821 (intra‐operator) and 0.767 (inter‐operator) for tooth evaluation area.

Conclusions

Area A and B provide the highest accuracy for superimposition of serial 3D dental models acquired by intraoral scanning of patients with advanced periodontitis.
Evaluation of epicardial fat thickness and the ankle‐brachial index in patients with rosacea: A case‐control study
Authors: Aksu Çerman Aslı , Er Kara Arzu , Aktaş Karabay Ezgi , Kaya Hazel Ezgi , Kıvanç Altunay İlknur
Published: February 2021

Background

Recent data suggest that rosacea is related to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) due to its inflammatory nature and immune dysregulation.

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the values of epicardial fat thickness (EFT) and the ankle‐brachial index (ABI) in patients with rosacea, as indicators of subclinical atherosclerosis and CVD risk.

Methods

This prospective case‐control study was carried out on 62 participants, including 31 rosacea patients and 31 controls. The values of EFT and ABI were measured in all subjects.

Results

The mean thickness of EFT was statistically higher in rosacea patients (0.54 ± 0.12 mm) than in the controls (0.39 ± 0.05 mm) (P < 0.01). ABI was not significantly different between the subjects with rosacea and the comparison group (1.02 ± 0.1 vs 0.98 ± 0.07; P = 0.131). A total of 29% of the rosacea patients had mitral valve insufficiency (MVI), while 3.2% of the control group had MVI (P = 0.006). A mild degree of tricuspid valve insufficiency (TVI) was present in 45.2% of the rosacea patients, while 19.4% of the controls had TVI (P = 0.03).

Conclusion

Rosacea may be associated with subclinical cardiac dysfunction. EFT measurements in rosacea patients can provide early detection of possible subclinical cardiovascular diseases, which can be life‐extending in rosacea. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are required to confirm the present findings.
Leveraged Funds and the Shadow Cost of Leverage Constraints
Authors: LU ZHONGJIN , QIN ZHONGLING
Published: February 2021

Using the most comprehensive data set of leveraged funds known to the literature, we measure the market‐wide shadow cost of leverage constraints and examine its pricing implications. The shadow cost averages 0.53% per annum from 2006 to 2016, spikes upon quarter‐ends when banks face tighter capital requirements, positively predicts future betting‐against‐beta (BAB) returns, and negatively correlates with contemporaneous BAB returns. Stocks that experience lower returns when the shadow cost increases earn 0.85% more per month. Overall, our shadow cost measure fits the predictions of leverage‐constraint‐based theories better than the widely used TED spread.
On Gendered Justification: A Framework for Understanding Men's and Women's Entrepreneurial Resource‐Acquisition
Authors: Pfefferman Talia , Frenkel Michal , Gilad Sharon
Published: February 2021

Studies of gender in entrepreneurship acknowledge that gender norms are at the root of women’s disadvantage in resource‐acquisition but provide limited guidance on how societal (macro‐level) norms and their gendering influence entrepreneurs’ micro‐level behaviours and stakeholders’ decisions within local contexts. To address this lacuna, we draw on gender theory and French Pragmatist Sociology (FPS) to offer G‐FPS: an analytical and methodological framework of resource‐claiming as a process of justifying, engaging and testing, embedded in normative context that constructs gender roles and social worth. Through analysis of a historical case of business resource‐acquisition in pre‐state Israel, we theorize and demonstrate how local gendered norms steered men and women to diverge in their justifications and self‐presentation when making their claims, and how stakeholders evaluated those claims according to their fit with situated gender expectations. We thus illustrate how macro‐level gender norms infiltrate and operate within micro‐level processing, persistently favouring men over women.
Proven Aspergillus flavus pulmonary aspergillosis in a COVID‐19 patient: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Salehi Mohammadreza , Khajavirad Nasim , Seifi Arash , Salahshour Faeze , Jahanbin Behnaz , Kazemizadeh Hossein , Hashemi Sayed Jamal , Dehghan Manshadi Seyed Ali , Kord Mohammad , Verweij Paul E. , Khodavaisy Sadegh
Published: February 2021

Severe COVID‐19 patients complicated with aspergillosis are increasingly reported. We present a histopathological proven case of fatal COVID‐19–associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA), due to Aspergillus flavus. This report and existing published literature indicate diagnostic challenges and poor outcomes of CAPA in ICU patients.
Combined signatures of serum proteome and transcriptome in patients with recurrent aphthous ulcer
Authors: Bao Jie , Chen Juan , Zhang XiZhao , Xu Li , Fan YongSheng , Dou XiaoBing
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Recurrent aphthous ulcer (RAU) is a common oral disease with unclear mechanism. This study aimed to explore the serum signatures of RAU patients via proteomic and transcriptomic analysis.

Methods

This study was based on clinical observation. Part of serum was used for clinical tests, while the rest was processed for isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (ITRAQ) labeling coupled with two‐dimensional liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (2D LC‐MS/MS) combined with microRNA (miRNA) microarrays. Bioinformatic analysis was then used to obtain significant signatures, which was verified by ELISA, qRT‐PCR, and dual‐luciferase reporter gene assays.

Results

Clinical data showed that triglyceride level, white blood cell count, and neutrophils percentage were increased in RAU group, while lymphocytes percentage was decreased. ITRAQ‐2D LC‐MS/MS identified 22 upregulated and 33 downregulated proteins in RAU group. Simultaneously, miRNA microarrays identified 64 upregulated and 31 downregulated miRNAs. After integrative bioinformatic analysis and verification, three miRNA‐protein pairs, mainly involved in oxidative stress and inflammation responses, were obtained. Additionally, the interaction network indicated the crucial role of complement and coagulation cascade pathway in RAU.

Conclusions

Our study revealed that complement and coagulation cascade pathway, oxidative stress, and inflammation responses may act as vital factors in pathogenesis of RAU.
Effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation on implicit motor learning and language‐related brain function: An fMRI study
Authors: Nakashima Soichiro , Koeda Michihiko , Ikeda Yumiko , Hama Tomoko , Funayama Takuya , Akiyama Tomomi , Arakawa Ryosuke , Tateno Amane , Suzuki Hidenori , Okubo Yoshiro
Published: February 2021

Aim

Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is known as a useful application for improving depressive symptoms or cognitive performance. Antidepressive effects by anodal tDCS over the left DLPFC are expected, but the neural mechanisms of these effects are still unclear. Further, in depression, reduced performance and left prefrontal hypofunction during the verbal fluency task (VFT) are generally known. However, few studies have examined the effect of tDCS on the language‐related cerebral network. We aimed to investigate whether anodal tDCS at the left DLPFC affects cognitive performance and the neural basis of verbal fluency.

Methods

Nineteen healthy volunteers participated in this study. The effects of tDCS on cognitive behavior and cerebral function were evaluated by (i) performance and accuracy of implicit/explicit motor learning task (serial reaction time task/sequential finger‐tapping task), and (ii) cerebral activation while the subjects were performing the VFT by using a functional MRI protocol of a randomized sham‐controlled, within‐subjects crossover design.

Results

Reaction times of the implicit motor learning task were significantly faster with tDCS in comparison with the sham. Further, language‐related left prefrontal‐parahippocampal‐parietal activation was significantly less with tDCS compared with the sham. Significant correlation was observed between shortened response time in serial reaction time task and decreased cerebral activation during VFT with tDCS.

Conclusion

Anodal tDCS over the left DLPFC could improve cognitive behavior of implicit motor learning by improving brain function of the frontoparietal‐parahippocampal region related to motor learning, as well as language‐related regions.
Sex differences in the relation between body mass index trajectories and adolescent social adjustment
Authors: Boyer Brittany P. , Nelson Jackie A. , Holub Shayla C.
Published: February 2021

Most research on weight‐related social difficulties in adolescence emphasizes categorical measures of weight status (e.g., overweight/obese vs. non‐overweight/non‐obese). However, teens who are not overweight can also experience weight‐related social adjustment problems, and girls may be at higher risk for maladjustment due to weight‐related stigmatization than their male counterparts. The current study modeled trajectories of BMI z‐score (zBMI), a continuous measure of BMI relative to U.S. reference standards for child age and sex, for boys and girls from ages 9 to 15. The sample of 938 adolescents, drawn from the Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development, contained proportions of normal weight and overweight/obese teens that approximate the U.S. population. Latent growth curve modeling was used to establish quadratic models describing zBMI change in boys and girls separately using measurements collected at ages 9, 10.5, 11.5, 12.5, 13.5, and 15.5. zBMI growth parameters were used to predict a latent social adjustment variable indicated by mother and adolescent reports of adaptive social functioning at age 15. Controlling for pubertal timing, socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, the proportion of measurements at which children were classified as overweight, and age 9 social adjustment, girls’ more rapid BMI gains across the pubertal transition, and greater acceleration of these growth rates relative to national norms were associated with lower age 15 social adjustment. Findings suggest that a better understanding of weight‐related social adjustment may require broadening the scope of research and intervention efforts to normal‐weight teens, particularly normal‐weight girls.
Identification of the novel HLA‐DRB1*03:01:32 in an Italian patient
Authors: Galluccio Tiziana , Artesani Maria C. , Troiano Maria , Testa Giuseppe , Andreani Marco
Published: February 2021

The novel HLA‐DRB1*03:01:32 allele differs from HLA‐DRB1*03:01:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution in exon 4.
Economical provision of blood components for critical patient transport across a large geographic area
Authors: Latimer Andrew , Utarnachitt Richard B. , Tuott Erin E. , Hess John R.
Published: February 2021

Background

Rapid air transport of critically injured patients to sites of appropriate care can save lives. The provision of blood products on critical care transport flights may save additional lives by starting resuscitation earlier.

Methods

Our regional trauma center transfusion service provided 2 units of O‐negative red blood cells and 2 units of A low‐titer anti‐B liquid plasma in an internally monitored and sealed eutectic box weighing 10.4 pounds to eight air bases once weekly. Flight crews were instructed to transfuse plasma units first. Unused blood was returned to the transfusion service. Total blood use and wastage were recorded.

Results

Over a 6‐year period, ≈ 7400 blood components were provided, and >1000 were used by the air transport service in patient care. Plasma units were 57% of all units given. Unused units were returned to the providing transfusion service and used in hospital patient care with <3% loss. Estimated cost of providing blood per mission was $63 and per patient transfused was $1940.

Conclusions

With appropriate attention to detail, it is possible to provide life‐saving blood components to aeromedical transport services across a large geographic area with efficient blood component usage, minimal blood wastage, and low cost.