bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cs3Pb2(CH3COO)2X5 (X=I, Br): Halides with Strong Second‐Harmonic Generation Response Induced by Acetate Groups
Authors: Shui Qi‐Rui , Tang Hong‐Xin , Fu Rui‐Biao , Fang Yuan‐Bin , Ma Zu‐Ju , Wu Xin‐Tao
Published: October 2020

Nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals are the key component in solid‐state lasers. New second‐harmonic generation (SHG) effective halides, Cs3Pb2(CH3COO)2X5 (X=I, Br), have been rationally synthesized by introducing acetate groups into lead halide perovskites under moderate solvothermal conditions. Cs3Pb2(CH3COO)2X5 (X=I, Br) feature highly oriented anionic chains constructed by distorted [PbX4O2] (X=I, Br) polyhedrons. Both the theoretical studies and the dipole moment calculations uncover that their SHG effects are mainly originated from the distorted [PbX4O2] (X=I, Br) polyhedrons. Remarkably, Cs3Pb2(CH3COO)2I5 exhibits strong phase‐matching SHG response (8×KDP) and large birefringence (0.26@ 1064 nm). Moreover, Cs3Pb2(CH3COO)2X5 (X=I, Br) also possess high laser damage threshold (LDT) which are almost 27 and 41 times that of AgGaS2, respectively.
Luminescent sensors based on coordination polymers with adjustable emissions for detecting biomarker of pollutant ethylbenzene and styrene
Authors: Wu Shuangyan , Zhu Mingchang , Zhang Ying , Kosinova Marina , Fedin Vladimir P. , Gao Enjun
Published: October 2020

Sensitive luminescent probes for phenylglyoxylic acid (PGA), which is a biomarker of ethylbenzene and styrene (EB/S) representing the internal dose of EB/S exposure, have been constructed on the basis of newly designed luminescent coordination polymers (LCPs). Three isostructural LCPs with different lanthanide centers were solvothermally synthesized and fully characterized. All the LCPs 1–3 display strong regulated emissions by the adjustable metal–organic coordination interactions. Among LCPs 1–3, the fabricated LCP 2 can quantitatively detect PGA with the highest sensitivity in physiologically relevant ranges. The mechanism study of luminescent responses toward PGA further explains the excellent sensitivity and selectivity of LCP 2 for sensing PGA. The facile, accurate, fast, and recyclable sensing system relying on LCP materials provides a convenient approach for developing sensing platforms with adjustable emissions for assessment of the intoxication level of EB/S.
Strengthening, toughening, and self‐healing for carbon fiber/epoxy composites based on PPESK electrospun coaxial nanofibers
Authors: Ruan Shilun , Wei Shuya , Gong Wenzheng , Li Zheng , Gu Junfeng , Shen Changyu
Published: October 2020

A carbon fiber/epoxy composite modified by electrospun coaxial dicyclopentadiene/poly(phthalazinone ether sulfone ketone) (DCPD/PPESK) nanofibers was successfully fabricated, and the addition of DCPD/PPESK fibrous membranes made the composite have remarkable self‐healing ability, and meanwhile effectively improve its mechanical properties. Results of polarization microscope observation and thermogravimetric analysis confirmed liquid DCPD as the healing agent was encapsulated into the PPESK coaxial nanofiber. Three‐point bending test was utilized to evaluate the mechanical properties and self‐healing effect of the composite. Experimental results indicated that the embedded nanofibers significantly improved the toughness of the composite, and maintained good mechanical properties even at low resin content. Most importantly, the flexural strength of the composite recovered to close to 90% observed 2 h after the bending failure.
Multimorbidity in Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody–Associated Vasculitis: Results From a Longitudinal, Multicenter Data Linkage Study
Authors: Sarica Shifa H. , Gallacher Peter J. , Dhaun Neeraj , Sznajd Jan , Harvie John , McLaren John , McGeoch Lucy , Kumar Vinod , Amft Nicole , Erwig Lars , Marks Angharad , Bruno Laura , Zöllner York , Black Corri , Basu Neil
Published: October 2020

Objective

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody–associated vasculitis (AAV) is considered a chronic, relapsing condition. To date, no studies have investigated multimorbidity in AAV nationally. This study was undertaken to characterize temporal trends in multimorbidity and report excess health care expenditures associated with multimorbidities in a national AAV cohort from Scotland.

Methods

Eligible patients with AAV were diagnosed between 1997 and 2017. Each patient was matched with up to 5 general population controls. Linked morbidity and health care expenditure data were retrieved from a Scottish national hospitalization repository and from published national cost data. Multimorbidity was defined as the development of ≥2 disorders. Prespecified morbidities, individually and together, were analyzed for risks and associations over time using modified Poisson regression, discrete interval analysis, and chi‐square test for trend. The relationship between multimorbidities and health care expenditure was investigated using multivariate linear regression.

Results

In total, 543 patients with AAV (median age 58.7 years [range 48.9–68.0 years]; 53.6% male) and 2,672 general population controls (median age 58.7 years [range 48.9–68.0 years]; 53.7% male) were matched and followed up for a median of 5.1 years. AAV patients were more likely to develop individual morbidities at all time points, but especially <2 years after diagnosis. The highest proportional risk observed was for osteoporosis (adjusted incidence rate ratio 8.0, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 4.5–14.2). After 1 year, 23.0% of AAV patients and 9.3% of controls had developed multimorbidity (P < 0.0001). After 10 years, 37.0% of AAV patients and 17.3% of controls were reported to have multimorbidity (P < 0.0001). Multimorbidity was associated with disproportionate increases in health care expenditures in AAV patients. Health care expenditure was highest for AAV patients with ≥3 morbidities (3.89‐fold increase in costs, 95% CI 2.83–5.31; P < 0.001 versus no morbidities).

Conclusion

These findings emphasize the importance of holistic care in patients with AAV, and may identify a potentially critical opportunity to consider early screening.
Association of Agricultural, Occupational, and Military Inhalants With Autoantibodies and Disease Features in US Veterans With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Ebel Ariadne V. , Lutt Gabrielle , Poole Jill A. , Thiele Geoffrey M. , Baker Joshua F. , Cannon Grant W. , Gaffo Angelo , Kerr Gail S. , Reimold Andreas , Schwab Pascale , Singh Namrata , Richards J. Steuart , Ascherman Dana P. , Mikuls Ted R. , England Bryant R.
Published: October 2020

Objective

To determine the association of inhalant exposures with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)–related autoantibodies and severity in US veterans.

Methods

Participants in the Veterans Affairs Rheumatoid Arthritis (VARA) registry were mailed surveys assessing occupational, agricultural, and military inhalant exposures. Demographic characteristics, disease activity, functional status, and extraarticular features were obtained from the VARA registry, while HLA–DRB1 shared epitope (SE) status, anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti‐CCP) antibodies, and rheumatoid factor (RF) were measured using banked DNA/serum from enrollment. Associations between inhalant exposures and RA‐related factors (autoantibodies, severity, and extraarticular features) were assessed using multivariable linear and logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, race, and tobacco use and stratified by SE status. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated.

Results

Questionnaires were returned by 797 of 1,566 participants (50.9%). Survey respondents were older, more often White or male, and less frequently smokers, and had lower disease activity compared to nonrespondents. Anti‐CCP positivity was more common among veterans exposed to burn pits (OR 1.66 [95% CI 1.02, 2.69]) and military waste disposal (OR 1.74 [95% CI 1.04, 2.93]) independent of other factors. Among participants who were positive for SE alleles, burn pit exposure (OR 5.69 [95% CI 2.73, 11.87]) and military waste disposal exposure (OR 5.05 [95% CI 2.42, 10.54]) were numerically more strongly associated with anti‐CCP positivity. Several inhalant exposures were associated with the presence of chronic lung disease, but not with the presence of RF or the level of disease activity.

Conclusion

Military burn pit exposure and military waste disposal exposure were independently associated with the presence of anti‐CCP antibodies in RA patients. These findings are consistent with emerging evidence that various inhalant exposures influence autoantibody expression and RA risk.
Synthesis of Phenol‐Derived cis‐Vinyl Ethers Using Ethynyl Benziodoxolone
Authors: Ura Tomoki , Shimbo Daisuke , Yudasaka Masaharu , Tada Norihiro , Itoh Akichika
Published: October 2020

The stereoselective synthesis of cis‐β‐phenoxyvinyl benziodoxolones (cis‐β‐phenol‐VBXs) from an ethynyl benziodoxolone‐acetonitrile complex (EBX‐MeCN) and various phenols is reported herein. The reaction tolerates different phenol derivatives, including complex natural products, and can be conducted under mild conditions. The synthesis was performed in an aqueous solvent in the absence and presence of a catalytic amount of a base. Selectively mono‐ and di‐deuterated cis‐β‐phenol‐VBXs were also prepared. cis‐β‐Phenol‐VBXs were stereospecifically derivatized to cis‐alkynylvinyl ethers and cis‐iodovinyl ethers without loss of stereoselectivity or reduction in the deuterium/hydrogen ratio.
Use of metallic and polymeric ureteral stents in malignant ureteral obstruction
Authors: Ohtaka Mari , Kawahara Takashi , Hayashi Yutaro , Kobayashi Ryosuke , Tsutsumi Sohgo , Ousaka Kimito , Takizawa Akitoshi , Kishida Takeshi , Yao Masahiro , Uemura Hiroji
Published: October 2020

Background

Malignant ureteral obstruction (MUO) is often caused by advanced intra‐abdominal cancers. Effective management must be attempted, but the treatment policy is unclear. Metallic ureteral stents are one of the latest options in managing MUO. Metallic ureteral stents are superior to traditional polyurethane stents. The present study retrospectively reviewed our four institutions’ experiences with treating MUO using metallic ureteral stent.

Methods

A total of 45 patients who required metallic ureteral stent placement for MUO at Yokohama City University Medical Center (Yokohama, JAPAN) between January 2014 and May 2016 were analyzed. We defined stent failure as having to change the ureteral stent before the scheduled ureteral stent exchange time or having to perform percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN). Complications were defined as an unscheduled hospital visit or hospitalization caused by incompatibility, infection, and pain of the metallic ureteral stent, etc., unrelated to the primary disease. We compared stent failure and the overall survival (OS) between metallic and polymeric ureteral stents. To evaluate the workload of the medical staff, we used the NASA Task Load Index (NASA‐TLX) in a total of 11 urologists.

Results

During the observation period, 8 (17.8%) patients in the metallic ureteral stent group and 10 (27.8%) in the control group developed stent failure. Complications were noted in 14 (31.1%) patients in the metallic ureteral stent group and 15 (41.7%) patients in the control group. A Kaplan–Meier analysis and log‐rank test showed no significant differences between two groups in the overall survival (P = 0.673). One or more complications developed in 19 (32.2%) patients in the metallic ureteral stent group and 18 (38.3%) patients in the control group (P = 0.409). Renal dysfunction after the replacement of the ureteral stent developed in 9 (15.3%) patients in the metallic ureteral stent group and 14 (29.8%) patients in the control group. No patients developed a urinary tract infection (UTI) that required hospitalization in the metallic ureteral stent group, whereas 3 (6.4%) patients in the control group had a UTI that was treated with hospitalization. The average workload score in the six subscales was analyzed, and the scores for mental demand and performance were higher in the metallic ureteral stent group, although there was no significant difference between the metallic and polymeric ureteral stent groups.

Conclusions

Metallic ureteral stents showed favorable ureteral stent patency and reduced the workload for urologists.
Maternal‐fetal outcomes of exercise applied in rats with mild hyperglycemia after embryonic implantation
Authors: Soares Thaigra S. , Moraes‐Souza Rafaianne Q. , Carneiro Thalita B. , Araujo‐Silva Vanessa C. , Schavinski Aline Z. , Gratão Thamires B. , Damasceno Débora C. , Volpato Gustavo T.
Published: October 2020

Background

Exercise is commonly recommended to control hyperglycemia, including during pregnancy. We conducted this study to understand the potential benefits and risks of exercise during pregnancy of women with diabetes. Specifically, we evaluated the effects of swimming on a diabetic rat during pregnancy and assayed maternal‐fetal parameters.

Methods

Diabetes was induced in the female newborn from Wistar rats by the streptozotocin administration on first postnatal day. At 110 days of life, after confirm mild symptoms of diabetes, the rats were mated and randomly distributed into four experimental groups (minimum of 13 animals/group): Control (C)—nondiabetic animals without swimming; Control and Exercise (CEx)—nondiabetic animals submitted to swimming; Mild Diabetic (MD)—diabetic animals without swimming; Mild Diabetic and Exercise (MDEx)—diabetic animals submitted to swimming. The swimming program was performed from day 7 to 21 of pregnancy. Maternal parameters were evaluated during the pregnancy period. On day 21 of pregnancy, the rats were sacrificed and maternal and fetal parameters analyzed.

Results

There are no alterations in body weight, food consumption, water intake, and reproductive outcomes among the groups. The swimming program did not normalize maternal glycemia and other biochemical biomarkers. The diabetes and exercise combination increased organ weight. The fetuses born to these exercising diabetic rats had reduced fetal weight and increased skeletal anomalies (mainly incomplete ossification of sternebra).

Conclusion

The intense swimming exercise imposed on female rats during pregnancy impaired maternal metabolic repercussions, contributing to intrauterine growth restriction and fetal skeletal anomalies.
Instandsetzung und Ertüchtigung der Autobahnbrücke in Wadgassen – Bauwerk 228
Authors: Retzepis Ioannis , Becker Bernd
Published: October 2020

Im Rahmen der Nachrechnung des Bauwerks 228 wurde festgestellt, dass die Tragsicherheit und die Gebrauchstauglichkeit für das vorgesehene Ziellastniveau LM1 nach DIN‐Fachbericht 101 nicht gegeben waren. Im Weiteren wurden im Rahmen eines Ortstermins bei einigen Bauteilen massive Korrosionsschäden festgestellt. In einer Machbarkeitsstudie wurden, um das Bauwerk noch für längere Zeit nutzen zu können, unterschiedliche Verstärkungsmöglichkeiten untersucht und kostenmäßig gegenübergestellt; die kostengünstige Vorzugsvariante wurde anschließend in Rahmen eines Entwurfs optimiert. Im Anschluss an den Entwurf erfolgten die Genehmigungs‐ und Ausführungsplanung sowie die Ausschreibung.

Anhand der detaillierten Planung konnten alle Bauarbeiten zielorientiert, sachgerecht und erfolgreich durchgeführt werden. Die Bautätigkeiten erfolgten zudem sehr schonend und zugleich ressourceneffizient. Damit wurde eine wirtschaftliche Instandsetzung und Ertüchtigung des Bauwerks realisiert.
Das Dach der Schwarzwaldhalle Karlsruhe
Authors: Assem Konrad , Fäcke Andreas
Published: October 2020

Das Dach der Schwarzwaldhalle ist eine antiklastisch gekrümmte Dachschale aus den 1950er Jahren. Die Dachschale wurde in Spannbetonbauweise im nachträglichen Verbund erstellt und war die erste Halle in Europa mit einem parabolischen Hängedach aus Spannbeton mit einer Stärke von nur rund 6 cm. Das Dach war Sinnbild seiner Zeit. Die Architektur suchte nach neuen Formen, um dem Lebensgefühl im Nachkriegsdeutschland Ausdruck zu verleihen. So wurde vom Architekten Prof. Erich Schelling zusammen mit dem Tragwerksplaner Ulrich Finsterwalder ein für damalige Verhältnisse kühner Hallenbau entworfen. Die Halle wurde aufgrund des Dachs international beachtet. Im Rahmen der Sanierung der Dachdichtung wurde das Dach auch um ein umfangreiches Monitoring‐Konzept zur Zustandsüberwachung ergänzt. Hierzu wurde eine Messanlage mit Dehnmessstreifen und Temperatursensoren am Dach installiert. Ergänzt werden die Messungen durch FE‐Berechnungen, Sichtkontrollen und jährliche Bewertungen aller gesammelten Daten.
Fahrbahnübergänge und Lager entwickelt auf Basis von Bauteilversuchen
Authors: Hoffmann Simon , Schulze Tobias
Published: October 2020

Fahrbahnübergänge und Lager sind insbesondere für Brücken als Kernelemente unserer Infrastruktur von besonderer Bedeutung. Dem IMB/MPA Karlsruhe fällt seit den späten 1950er Jahren in der Entwicklung und Bewertung dieser komplexen Bauprodukte eine einzigartige Rolle zu. Insbesondere durch harmonisierte Europäische Normen und Europäische Technische Bewertungen hat diese Rolle weiter an Gewicht und Einfluss gewonnen. Anhand verschiedener Beispiele von Bauteilversuchen wird im Beitrag aufgezeigt, wie mit Unterstützung des IMB/MPA Karlsruhe leistungsfähige Lösungen zu Lagern und Fahrbahnübergängen entwickelt wurden und bzgl. der Bewertung der Leistungsfähigkeit neue Methoden erarbeitet sowie angewendet wurden. Dabei gelingt es, bereits einen Ausblick in die Anwendung zukünftiger Europäischer Spezifikationen zu geben und einen Einblick in neueste Entwicklungen zu Lagern und Fahrbahnübergängen zu gewähren.
The nonparametric Behrens–Fisher problem in partially complete clustered data
Authors: Cui Yue , Konietschke Frank , Harrar Solomon W.
Published: October 2020

In randomized trials or observational studies involving clustered units, the assumption of independence within clusters is not practical. Existing parametric or semiparametric methods assume specific dependence structures within a cluster. Furthermore, parametric model assumptions may not even be realistic when data are measured in a nonmetric scale as commonly happens, for example, in quality‐of‐life outcomes. In this paper, nonparametric effect‐size measures for clustered data that allow meaningful and interpretable probabilistic comparisons of treatments or intervention programs will be introduced. The dependence among observations within a cluster can be arbitrary. Point estimators along with their asymptotic properties for computing confidence intervals and performing hypothesis test will be discussed. Small sample approximations that retain some of the optimal asymptotic behaviors will be presented. In our setup, some clusters may involve observations coming from both intervention groups (referred to as complete clusters), while others may contain observations from one group only (referred to as incomplete clusters). In deriving the asymptotic theories, we do not impose any relation in the rate of divergence of the numbers of complete and incomplete clusters. Simulations show favorable performance of the methods for arbitrary combinations of complete and incomplete clusters. The developed nonparametric methods are illustrated using data from a randomized trial of indoor wood smoke reduction to improve asthma symptoms and a cluster‐randomized trial for smoking cessation.
Applying smart devices for gathering real‐time feedback from students
Authors: Grazulevicius Gediminas , Barzdenas Vaidotas , Vasjanov Aleksandr , Liobe John
Published: October 2020

This article presents and describes in detail an interactive method of teaching and gathering feedback from students by applying internet‐based survey systems and utilizing smart devices. Real‐time survey results are monitored and analyzed by university staff and the lecturers, and these results are visible to other students as well. The presented method is probably the fastest and easiest way to receive feedback from students while increasing their interest and participation in lectures and laboratory work. The proposed method combines multiple means of gathering feedback from students, which include surveys, consultations, and group discussions. This interactive method has been applied for 5 years at the Faculty of Electronics, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Vilnius, Lithuania. After analyzing 10 years of available statistical data, which included 5 years when the presented interactive survey method was applied, a 4–6% increase in student performance was observed. Therefore, we conclude that this is perhaps a direct consequence of applying the discussed interactive method. In addition, after analyzing student surveys, it has been observed that 86.37% of students evaluated the use of smart devices positively in conjunction with this teaching method process. The students also positively evaluated the teaching process overall, and highly encouraging responses were received to questions asking to rate class activities and class atmosphere using this interactive survey method—87.79% and 91.68%, respectively. A large number of positive responses reflect a positive student attitude towards the use of such interactive surveys in the study process and supports their benefits aimed at increasing the overall quality of education.
Staging and Grading Discussion of Borderline Cases in Gray Zones
Authors: Steigmann Larissa , Sommer Celia , Kornman Kenneth S. , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Staging and grading for chronic periodontal disease, as described in 2018, is designed to focus on key distinctions with the recognition that there is a subset of individuals who are on a different clinical trajectory of disease. The staging and grading framework aids the clinician in generating a periodontal diagnosis, however, some cases fall into gray zones in which the simple diagnostic parameters make it challenging to categorize the patient. These cases do not present with clear clinical findings and medical and dental histories that fit within the simple guidelines defined in the staging and grading tables and subsequent algorithms.

Case Presentation

Two cases are presented and demonstrate typical clinical scenarios that fall into gray zones when it comes to differentiating whether the patient will respond predictably to standard principles of care. Case 1 presents a scenario in which the patient's early history suggests the potential for disease progression and increases the likelihood that the patient may develop a need for complex rehabilitation due to periodontal breakdown. Clinical judgment was used to evaluate whether the patient remained at elevated risk and the potential implications for disease progression. Case 1 was diagnosed with generalized Stage III, Grade B. The initial presentation of Case 2 had a higher severity and complexity and therefore was diagnosed with generalized Stage IV, Grade C. The need for complex rehabilitation in Case 2, however, was not primarily due to periodontitis.

Conclusion

Decision guidelines and algorithms help in establishing a standardized diagnosis, however cases that fall into gray zones require clinical judgment to establish the most appropriate diagnosis to guide a treatment plan that is personalized based on current knowledge.
Autogenous Dentin Block of a Non‐Restorable Wisdom Tooth for Localized Horizontal Ridge Augmentation: Radiographic and Histological Analysis – A Preliminary Case Report
Authors: Elraee Leila , Moussa Mahmoud , Adel‐Khattab Doaa
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Tooth roots proved in different studies clinically and radiographically to be an alternative to autogenous bone. However, the histological evaluation of the tooth block following ridge augmentation is still missing. The aim of this case report was to evaluate histologically and radiographically the effect of autogenous dentin block (DB) to restore a horizontal ridge deficiency at a single tooth gap.

Case Presentation

A healthy 36‐year‐old female patient presented with a missing lower first molar (30), after clinical and radiographic examination, the site showed a class III defect horizontal atrophy. The procedure performed was the surgical removal of the wisdom tooth (32), shaping and fixation of a separated DB at the defect site using an osteosynthesis screw. A cone beam computed tomography was performed immediately and 6 month following the surgery. During implant placement, a core biopsy specimen was retrieved, stored and prepared for histological evaluation. The radiographic analysis showed a horizontal width gain of about 4 mm. The histologic assessment revealed cortical bone formation at the buccal and lingual aspects between the tooth and the bone. During implant placement, the core biopsy exhibited a slight separation upon removal from the grafted side, at 6 month following implant placement, the implant was successfully osteointegrated.

Conclusion

DB was successfully used for horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation, thus allowing a prosthetically driven implant placement. More cases assessing implant survival and success are needed to confirm the results of this case report.
Bioactive Phenolic Compounds of Two Medicinal Mushroom Species Trametes versicolor and Stereum subtomentosum as Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Agents
Authors: Rašeta Milena , Popović Mira , Knežević Petar , Šibul Filip , Kaišarević Sonja , Karaman Maja
Published: October 2020

Medicinal mushrooms have tremendous potential in production of bioactive compounds with diverse bioactivities while the biochemical potential of some specific mushroom strains (autochthonous for the region) in production of specific bioactive agents may be of the main importance in a continuous search for novel strains with supreme activities all over the world.

In this study, the ethanolic (EtOH) and water (H2O) extracts of wild‐growing polypore mushroom species were investigated: Trametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd and Stereum subtomentosum Pouzar. This study was designed to determine total phenol (TP), flavonoid (TF) and protein content (TPR) as well as LC/MS/MS phenolic profile related to in vitro antioxidant, antiproliferative (MTT assay) (AP) and DNA fragmentation properties.

The H2O extracts expressed better antioxidant scavenging potential than EtOH showing the highest activity for the T. versicolor (IC50=5.6 μg/mL, IC50=0.6 μg/mL for DPPH. and OH., respectively) while O2.− activity achieved the best activity for S. subtomentosum (IC50=4.1 μg/mL). In contrary, the highest AP activity was obtained for the EtOH extracts of S. subtomentosum (IC50=141.1 μg/mL). The EtOH extracts of both species showed the highest TP, TF and TPR content. Obtained results of DNA degradation indicate genotoxicity potential of the extracts at high concentration. The LC/MS/MS detection showed that the majority of analyzed extracts contained phenolic acids, p‐hydroxybenzoic and protocatechuic acid.

The obtained results suggest that analyzed medicinal mushroom species, T. versicolor and S. subtomentosum, could be of potential interest as new sources of strong natural antioxidants as well as antiproliferative agents in the future.
Gender‐based outcomes of impeller pumps percutaneous ventricular assist devices
Authors: Osman Mohammed , Syed Moinuddin , Abdul Ghaffar Yasir , Patel Brijesh , Abugroun Ashraf , Kheiri Babikir , Kawsara Akram , Kadiyala Madhavi , Balla Sudarshan , Daggubati Ramesh
Published: October 2020

Background

There is paucity of data focusing on females' outcomes after the use of impeller pumps percutaneous ventricular assist devices (IPVADs).

Methods

Patients who received IPVADs during the period of October 1st, 2015‐December 31, 2017, were identified from the United States National Readmission Database. A 1:1 propensity score matching was used to compare the outcomes between females and males.

Results

A total of 19,278 (Female = 5,456; Male = 13,822) patients were included in the current analysis. After propensity score matching and among all‐comers who were treated with IPVADs, females had higher in‐hospital major adverse events (MAEs) (38 vs. 32.6%, p < .01), mortality (31 vs. 28%, p < .01), vascular complications (3.3 vs. 2.1%, p < .01), major bleeding (7.8 vs. 4.8%, p < .01), nonhome discharges (21.6 vs. 16.3%; p < .01), and longer length of stay (7 days [IQR 2–12] vs. 6 days [IQR 2–12], p = .02) with higher 30‐day readmission rate compared to males (20.5 vs.16.4%, p < .01). Furthermore, among patients who received the IPVADs for high‐risk percutaneous coronary intervention (HRPCI), females continued to have worse MAEs, which was driven by high rates of major bleeding. However, among patients who received IPVADs for cardiogenic shock (CS) the outcomes of females and males were comparable.

Conclusions

Among all‐comers who received IPVADs, females suffered higher morbidity and mortality compared to males. Higher morbidity driven mainly by higher rates of major bleeding was seen among females who received IPVADs for the hemodynamic support during HRPCI and comparable outcomes were observed when the IPVADs were used for CS.
Mid‐term follow‐up of balloon pulmonary angioplasty for inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: An experience in Latin America
Authors: Sepúlveda Pablo , Hameau René , Backhouse Christian , Charme Gustavo , Pacheco Francisco , Ramírez Pablo A. , Fuensalida Alberto J. , Quitral Jorge , Martínez Gonzalo , Martínez José A.
Published: October 2020

Objectives

To describe the characteristics of patients who undergo balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) for inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) and report the mid‐term outcomes.

Background

BPA has been recently introduced in Latin America. Mid‐term results have not been published.

Methods

Prospective Chilean Registry of inoperable CTEPH patients who underwent BPA. Clinical variables were analyzed at baseline, after each procedure and at follow‐up. Hemodynamic variables were recorded before and after the last BPA.

Results

Between August 2016 and September 2019, 22 patients (17 women), 59 ± 12.7 years, underwent 81 BPA and were followed for as long as 33.1 months (mean 17.3 ± 7.5). Mean pulmonary artery pressure decreased by 17.4% (51.1 ± 12 vs. 42.2 ± 13 mmHg, p = .001), pulmonary vascular resistance by 23.9% (766.7 ± 351 vs. 583 ± 346 dynes/s/cm−5, p = .001), cardiac index increased by 8% (2.3 ± 0.54 vs. 2.5 ± 0.54 L/min/m2, p = .012), N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide decreased by 73.8% (1,685 ± 1,045 vs. 441.8 ± 276 pg/dl, p = .006), and 6‐min walk distance improved by 135 m (316.7 ± 94 vs. 451.1 ± 113 m, p = .001). One patient (4.5%) developed lung reperfusion injury and four patients (18.2%) had minor bleeding (hemoptysis), after the procedure. There was no mortality associated with BPA.

Conclusions

Our results confirm that BPA for inoperable CTEPH is a relatively safe procedure that improves clinical and hemodynamic parameters in the mid‐term. This therapy should be considered as an alternative, mainly in places where access to PAH therapy or surgery is restricted.
The impact of enzymatic hydrolysis using three enzymes on the nutritional properties of a chickpea protein isolate
Authors: Goertzen Alexandre D. , House James D. , Nickerson Michael T. , Tanaka Takuji
Published: October 2020

Background and objectives

Enzymatic hydrolysis has shown potential for improving the functional properties of pulse protein products; however, this process may also result in modified nutritional properties. Several studies concerning this topic have already been performed; however, in many cases these studies focus either on a single enzyme, or a single level of hydrolytic treatment. The goal of this study was instead to analyze a chickpea protein isolate (CPI) hydrolyzed under a variety of conditions, in an attempt to better understand any emergent relationships present. To achieve this, three different proteases (trypsin, pepsin, and papain), and three levels of hydrolysis (DH 5%, 10%, and 15%), that is, nine enzymatically treated CPI preparations, were used to generate protein hydrolysates. They are then tested for levels of four selected bioactive compounds (trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitory activity, total phenolics, and tannins), as well as limiting amino acid score (LAS), in vitro protein digestibility (IV‐PD), and in vitro protein digestibility‐corrected amino acid scores (IV‐PDCAAS).

Findings

Increasing degree of pepsin and papain hydrolysis led to progressive decreases in trypsin inhibitory activity. Hydrolysis with all enzymes led to decreases in chymotrypsin inhibitory activity. Total phenolic contents exhibited little change following hydrolysis. Tannins could not be detected in any of the protein isolates. IV‐PD did not change following hydrolysis. Tryptophan was the most limiting amino acid in the untreated isolate, following hydrolysis cysteine + methionine also became increasingly limited. IV‐PDCAAS scores generally declined following enzymatic treatments.

Conclusions

Hydrolysis of <5% DH resulted in minimal negative effects to the protein quality of a CPI. CPI products hydrolyzed to more than 5% DH should be fortified with sulfur containing amino acids for optimal protein nutrition.

Significance and novelty

A total of nine distinct enzyme treatments were compared with respect to the nutritional properties of a chickpea protein material, showing low hydrolysis can improve the nutritional properties of CPI.
Structural Snapshots of π‐Arene Bonding in a Gold Germylene Cation
Authors: Bajo Sonia , Alcaide María M. , López‐Serrano Joaquín , Campos Jesús
Published: October 2020

Heavier group 14 element cations exhibit a remarkable reactivity that has typically hampered their isolation. For the few available examples, the role of π‐arene interactions is crucial to provide kinetic stabilization, but dynamic and structural information on those contacts is yet limited. In this study we have accessed the metalogermylenium cation [(PMe2ArDipp2)AuGe(ArDipp2)Cl]+ (4+) (ArDipp2=C6H3‐2,6‐(C6H3‐2,6‐iPr2)2) that has been structurally characterized with three different non‐coordinating counter anions. These studies provide for the first time dynamic information about the conformational rearrangement that characterizes π‐arene bonding thorough a series of X‐ray diffraction structural snapshots. Computational studies reveal the weak character of the π‐arene bonding (ca. 2 kcal mol−1) that can be described as the donation from a πC=C bond toward the empty p valence orbital of germanium.
Laboratory Maintenance and Propagation of Freshwater Planarians
Authors: Dean Makayla R. P. , Duncan Elizabeth M.
Published: October 2020

Freshwater planarians are a powerful model organism for the study of animal regeneration, stem cell maintenance and differentiation, and the development and functions of several highly conserved complex tissues. At the same time, planarians are easy to maintain, inexpensive to propagate, and reasonably macroscopic (1 mm to 1 cm in length), making them excellent organisms to use in both complex academic research and hands‐on teaching laboratories. Here, we provide a detailed description of how to maintain and propagate these incredibly versatile animals in any basic laboratory setting. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Salt solution preparation

Basic Protocol 2: Cleaning planarian housing

Basic Protocol 3: Food preparation

Basic Protocol 4: Feeding planarians

Basic Protocol 5: Expansion and amplification of colony
Endothelial, pericyte and tumor cell expression in glioblastoma identifies fibroblast activation protein (FAP) as an excellent target for immunotherapy
Authors: Ebert Lisa M , Yu Wenbo , Gargett Tessa , Toubia John , Kollis Paris M , Tea Melinda N , Ebert Brenton W , Bardy Cedric , van den Hurk Mark , Bonder Claudine S , Manavis Jim , Ensbey Kathleen S , Oksdath Mansilla Mariana , Scheer Kaitlin G , Perrin Sally L , Ormsby Rebecca J , Poonnoose Santosh , Koszyca Barbara , Pitson Stuart M , Day Bryan W , Gomez Guillermo A , Brown Michael P
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Targeted immunotherapies such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)‐T cells are emerging as attractive treatment options for glioblastoma, but rely on identification of a suitable tumor antigen. We validated a new target antigen for glioblastoma, fibroblast activation protein (FAP), by undertaking a detailed expression study of human samples.

Methods

Glioblastoma and normal tissues were assessed using immunostaining, supported by analyses of published transcriptomic datasets. Short‐term cultures of glioma neural stem (GNS) cells were compared to cultures of healthy astrocytes and neurons using flow cytometry. Glioblastoma tissues were dissociated and analysed by high‐parameter flow cytometry and single‐cell transcriptomics (scRNAseq).

Results

Compared to normal brain, FAP was overexpressed at the gene and protein level in a large percentage of glioblastoma tissues, with highest levels of expression associated with poorer prognosis. FAP was also overexpressed in several paediatric brain cancers. FAP was commonly expressed by cultured GNS cells but absent from normal neurons and astrocytes. Within glioblastoma tissues, the strongest expression of FAP was around blood vessels. In fact, almost every tumor vessel was highlighted by FAP expression, whereas normal tissue vessels and cultured endothelial cells (ECs) lacked expression. Single‐cell analyses of dissociated tumors facilitated a detailed characterisation of the main cellular components of the glioblastoma microenvironment and revealed that vessel‐localised FAP is because of expression on both ECs and pericytes.

Conclusion

Fibroblast activation protein is expressed by multiple cell types within glioblastoma, highlighting it as an ideal immunotherapy antigen to target destruction of both tumor cells and their supporting vascular network.
‘Continuity and change’, large‐scale assessment and equity: a study of gender‐related differences regarding conceptual knowledge
Authors: Rosenlund David
Published: October 2020

The study examines how students in Grade 9 handle conceptual knowledge through the concept of continuity and change in the context of large‐scale assessment. The research questions address (a) what strategies the students use when they use the two parts of the concept concomitantly and (b) any gender‐related differences regarding these strategies. A total of 100 student responses on a specific item in the national test in history are examined. The method of concept analysis is applied to identify the strategies of the students from the two groups. The analytical framework is based on previous research regarding the concept. The results show that just over half of the students use the concept as expected. Boys are overrepresented among the students that struggle with the concept. Any correlation between the identified strategies is discussed in addition to the implications the results may have on equity and education.
Elements of fish metacommunity structure in Neotropical freshwater streams
Authors: Vieira Thiago Bernardi , Brasil Leandro Schlemmer , da Silva Liriann Chrisley N. , Tejerina‐Garro Francisco Leonardo , de Aquino Pedro de Podestà Uchôa , Pompeu Paulo S. , de Marco Paulo
Published: October 2020

The identification of the mechanisms underlying patterns of species co‐occurrence is a way to identify which process(es) (niche, neutral, or both) structure metacommunities. The current paper had the goal of identifying patterns of co‐occurrence in Neotropical stream fish and determining which processes structure the fish metacommunity, and identifying any gradients underlying this structure. Results indicated that the metacommunity formed by the species pool was structured by a pattern of nested co‐occurrence (hyperdispersed species loss) and a mass‐effect mechanism. However, a set of core species, displaying a Clementsian pattern, was structured by a species‐sorting mechanism. Both, hyperdispersed species loss and the Clementsian patterns point to a discrete set of communities within the metacommunity. These communities could be isolated by the water physicochemical conditions or morphological characteristics of the stream channel.
Aquatic beetles influence colonization of disparate taxa in small lentic systems
Authors: Pintar Matthew R. , Resetarits William J.
Published: October 2020

Structure of natural communities is shaped by both abiotic characteristics and the ongoing processes of community assembly. Important to this process are the habitat selection behaviors and subsequent survival of colonists, both in the context of temporal changes in the abiotic characteristics and priority effects driven by earlier colonists. Aquatic beetles are prevalent in temporary freshwater systems, form speciose assemblages, and are often early colonists of temporary ponds. While beetles have the potential to influence community structure through post‐colonization interactions (predation and competition), our goal was to determine whether the presence of beetle assemblages (versus patches without beetles) influences the colonization and oviposition of a diverse group of animals in a naturally colonized experimental landscape. We established mesocosms that either contained existing beetle assemblages or contained no beetles and assessed abundances of subsequent colonists. Treefrogs, Hyla chrysoscelis, and mosquitoes, Culex restuans, both deposited fewer eggs in patches containing beetle assemblages, while two beetles, Copelatus glyphicus and Paracymus, colonized those patches at lower rates. One beetle, Helophorus linearis, colonized patches containing beetle assemblages at higher rates, while two beetles, Berosus infuscatus and Tropisternus lateralis, exhibited no colonization differences between treatments. Overall, there were no differences in the assemblage structure or richness of beetles that colonized patches. Our results illustrate the importance of species‐specific habitat selection behavior in determining the species composition of habitat patches, while emphasizing the role of priority effects in influencing patterns of community assembly. Habitat selection in response to abiotic and biotic characteristics of habitat patches can potentially create greater spatiotemporal niche separation among the numerous, often closely related species (phylogenetically and trophically), that can be simultaneously found in similar patches across landscapes.
Effects and prediction of nonpoint source pollution on the structure of aquatic food webs
Authors: Zhao Chang S. , Pan Xu , Yang Sheng T. , Xiang Hua , Zhao Jin , Gan Xin J. , Ding Su Y. , Yu Qiang
Published: October 2020

Nonpoint source pollution entering rivers will pollute water quality, degrading the health of aquatic ecosystems. However, owing to the lack of quantitative research on the effects of nonpoint source pollution on the structure of aquatic food webs, there is a lack of quantitative basis for river management. Nonpoint source pollution is not only difficult to control effectively, but also the success rate of water ecological restoration projects is low. With the increasing proportion of nonpoint source pollution in water environmental problems, it is urgent to quantitatively assess and predict the impact of nonpoint source pollution on the structure of food webs. Therefore, this thesis presents a method for quantitatively assessing and predicting the impact of nonpoint source pollution on the structure of food webs through using fuzzy clustering to screen the typical points of the impact of nonpoint source pollution, then using canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) and partial least squares regression analysis to comprehensively filtrate the driving factors affect food web that results in nonpoint source pollution, and then determining the impact of each driving factor on the structure of food webs. Finally, the change trend of food web structure is predicted. The results show that (1) the driving factors that the nonpoint source pollution that affects the food web structure is NH3‐N and chemical oxygen demand (COD). The increase in NH3‐N and COD promotes the growth of phytoplankton, causing the change of the primary productivity of the ecosystem, and ultimately changes the entire food web structure; (2) NH3‐N and COD affect the stability, maturity, connectivity and complexity of the aquatic food web structure. The increase of NH3‐N increases the connectivity and maturity of the food web structure but reduces complexity and stability; the increase of COD increases the connection of the food web structure, while reducing the other three indicators; (3) in some areas with good water quality, aquatic species diversity is high, the relationship of interspecies dietary is complex, food web structure level index is high and the structure of food web is stable. The food web structure in the rainy season will be better than that in the dry season. In some areas with severe water pollution and poor food web structure, the ability of the food web to resist external interference is weak. The food web structure in the rainy season will be worse than that in the dry season owing to rainfall into the river. The methods and conclusions in this treatise can provide a reliable and quantitative scientific basis for river ecosystem management and ecosystem restoration and can improve the success rate of ecological restoration projects.
Interaction between watershed features and climate forcing affects habitat profitability for juvenile salmon
Authors: Walsworth Timothy E. , Baldock Jeffrey R. , Zimmerman Christian E. , Schindler Daniel E.
Published: October 2020

Opportunities for growth and survival of aquatic organisms are spatially and temporally variable as habitat conditions across watersheds respond to interacting climatic, geomorphic, and hydrologic conditions. As conservation efforts often focus on identifying and protecting critical habitats, it is important to understand how this spatial and temporal variation in habitat quality affects the production dynamics of populations. Here, we use microchemical records preserved in otoliths to reconstruct juvenile habitat‐use by sockeye salmon that survived to spawn in a single population on the Alaska Peninsula. Successful individuals demonstrated a diverse array of juvenile behavioral strategies both within and among years. Importantly, the dominant juvenile behavioral strategy used by successful individuals changed among years, suggesting shifts in the relative benefits of different rearing habitats. The growth benefits of remaining in a more productive rearing lake were greatest in warm years indicating environmental influence on relative habitat quality. However, we found no strong relationship between the amount of growth accumulated in the productive rearing lake and overall population productivity across years. These results highlight the dynamic nature of habitat conditions and the beneficial effect of maintaining connectivity between diverse habitats for population productivity. When short‐term studies are used to demonstrate the relative values of different habitats to species of conservation concern, there is a distinct risk of under‐valuing habitats that may be critically important under alternative environmental conditions. In particular, land‐use decisions that reduce the range of habitat options available to species may erode a population’s ability to withstand environmental change over the long term.