bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retinal proteomics of experimental glaucoma model reveal intraocular pressure‐induced mediators of neurodegenerative changes
Authors: Mirzaei Mehdi , Gupta Vivek K. , Chitranshi Nitin , Deng Liting , Pushpitha Kanishka , Abbasi Mojdeh , Chick Joel M. , Rajput Rashi , Wu Yunqi , McKay Matthew J. , Salekdeh Ghasem H. , Gupta Veer B. , Haynes Paul A. , Graham Stuart L.
Published: July 2020

Current evidence suggests that exposure to chronically induced intraocular pressure (IOP) leads to neurodegenerative changes in the inner retina. This study aimed to determine retinal proteomic alterations in a rat model of glaucoma and compared findings with human retinal proteomics changes in glaucoma reported previously. We developed an experimental glaucoma rat model by subjecting the rats to increased IOP (9.3 ± 0.1 vs 20.8 ± 1.6 mm Hg) by weekly microbead injections into the eye (8 weeks). The retinal tissues were harvested from control and glaucomatous eyes and protein expression changes analysed using a multiplexed quantitative proteomics approach (TMT‐MS3). Immunofluorescence was performed for selected protein markers for data validation. Our study identified 4304 proteins in the rat retinas. Out of these, 139 proteins were downregulated (≤0.83) while the expression of 109 proteins was upregulated (≥1.2‐fold change) under glaucoma conditions (P ≤ .05). Computational analysis revealed reduced expression of proteins associated with glutathione metabolism, mitochondrial dysfunction/oxidative phosphorylation, cytoskeleton, and actin filament organisation, along with increased expression of proteins in coagulation cascade, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and RNA processing. Further functional network analysis highlighted the differential modulation of nuclear receptor signalling, cellular survival, protein synthesis, transport, and cellular assembly pathways. Alterations in crystallin family, glutathione metabolism, and mitochondrial dysfunction associated proteins shared similarities between the animal model of glaucoma and the human disease condition. In contrast, the activation of the classical complement pathway and upregulation of cholesterol transport proteins were exclusive to human glaucoma. These findings provide insights into the neurodegenerative mechanisms that are specifically affected in the retina in response to chronically elevated IOP.
Structural and posttranslational analysis of human calcium‐binding protein, spermatid‐associated 1
Authors: Marcet‐Palacios Marcelo , Reyes‐Serratos Eduardo , Gonshor Aron , Buck Robert , Lacy Paige , Befus A. D.
Published: July 2020

Recently, we detected a novel biomarker in human saliva called calcium‐binding protein, spermatid‐associated 1 (CABS1). CABS1 protein had previously been described only in testis, and little was known of its characteristics other than it was considered a structurally disordered protein. Levels of human CABS1 (hCABS1) in saliva correlate with stress, whereas smaller sized forms of hCABS1 in saliva are associated with resilience to stress. Interestingly, hCABS1 also has an anti‐inflammatory peptide sequence near its carboxyl terminus, similar to that of a rat prohormone, submandibular rat 1. We performed phylogenetic and sequence analysis of hCABS1. We found that from 72 CABS1 sequences currently annotated in the National Center for Biotechnology Information protein database, only 14 contain the anti‐inflammatory domain “TxIFELL,” all of which are primates. We performed structural unfoldability analysis using PONDER and FoldIndex and discovered three domains that are highly disordered. Predictions of three‐dimensional structure of hCABS1 using RaptorX, IonCom, and I‐TASSER software agreed with these findings. Predicted neutrophil elastase cleavage density also correlated with hCABS1 regions of high structural disorder. Ligand binding prediction identified Ca2+, Mg2+, Zn2+, leucine, and thiamine pyrophosphate, a pattern observed in enzymes associated with energy metabolism and mitochondrial localization. These new observations on hCABS1 raise intriguing questions about the interconnection between the autonomic nervous system, stress, and the immune system. However, the precise molecular mechanisms involved in the complex biology of hCABS1 remain unclear. We provide a detailed in silico analysis of relevant aspects of the structure and function of hCABS1 and postulate extracellular and intracellular roles.
Atomistic simulation reveals structural mechanisms underlying D614G spike glycoprotein‐enhanced fitness in SARS‐COV‐2
Authors: Omotuyi I. Olaposi , Nash Oyekanmi , Ajiboye O. Basiru , Iwegbulam C. Gift , Oyinloye E. Babatunji , Oyedeji O. Abimbola , Kashim Z. Abimbola , Okaiyeto Kunle
Published: July 2020

D614G spike glycoprotein (sgp) mutation in rapidly spreading severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐COV‐2) is associated with enhanced fitness and higher transmissibility in new cases of COVID‐19 but the underlying mechanism is unknown. Here, using atomistic simulation, a plausible mechanism has been delineated. In G614 sgp but not wild type, increased D(G)614‐T859 Cα‐distance within 65 ns is interpreted as S1/S2 protomer dissociation. Overall, ACE2‐binding, post‐fusion core, open‐state and sub‐optimal antibody‐binding conformations were preferentially sampled by the G614 mutant, but not wild type. Furthermore, in the wild type, only one of the three sgp chains has optimal communication route between residue 614 and the receptor‐binding domain (RBD); whereas, two of the three chains communicated directly in G614 mutant. These data provide evidence that D614G sgp mutant is more available for receptor binding, cellular invasion and reduced antibody interaction; thus, providing framework for enhanced fitness and higher transmissibility in D614G SARS‐COV‐2 mutant.
Partitionable sets, almost partitionable sets, and their applications
Authors: Chang Yanxun , Costa Simone , Feng Tao , Wang Xiaomiao
Published: July 2020

This paper introduces almost partitionable sets (APSs) to generalize the known concept of partitionable sets. These notions provide a unified frame to construct ‐cyclic patterned starter whist tournaments and cyclic balanced sampling plans excluding contiguous units. The existences of partitionable sets and APSs are investigated. As an application, a large number of optical orthogonal codes achieving the Johnson bound or the Johnson bound minus one are constructed.
Factorial invariance of the Marianismo Beliefs Scale among Latinos in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos Sociocultural Ancillary Study
Authors: Castillo Linda G. , González Patricia , Merz Erin L. , Nuñez Alicia , Castañeda Sheila F. , Buelna Christina , Ojeda Lizette , Giachello Aida L. , Womack Veronica Y. , Garcia Karin A. , Penedo Frank J. , Talavera Gregory A. , Gallo Linda C.
Published: July 2020

Objective

The Marianismo Beliefs Scale (MBS) assesses five components of marianismo, a cultural script of Latina gender role expectations. This study evaluated the MBS's psychometric properties across language, sex, and Latino subgroups (Mexican American, Central American, Cuban American, Dominican American, Puerto Rican, and South American).

Method

Study sample was derived from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) Sociocultural Ancillary Study which consisted of a community sample of 4879 Latino adults aged 18–64 from four field centers (Miami, FL, USA; San Diego, CA, USA; Bronx, NY, USA; Chicago, IL, USA).

Results

Confirmatory factor analyses supported five factors. English and Spanish versions demonstrated equivalence of factor loadings and error variances across Latino subgroups and sex.

Conclusion

Although the MBS English and Spanish versions are psychometrically sound measures for male and female Latino adults, future research is needed to determine whether direct scale scores are comparable.
Involvement of miR‐27a‐3p in diabetic nephropathy via affecting renal fibrosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, and endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Wu Lina , Wang Qingzhu , Guo Feng , Ma Xiaojun , Wang Jiao , Zhao Yanyan , Yan Yushan , Qin Guijun
Published: July 2020

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is acknowledged as a serious chronic complication of diabetes mellitus. Nevertheless, its pathogenesis is complicated and unclear. Thus, in this study, the role of miR‐27a‐3p‐prohibitin/TMBIM6 signaling axis in the progression of DN was elucidated. Type 2 diabetic db/db mice and high glucose (HG)‐challenged HK‐2 cells were used as in vivo and in vitro models. Our results showed that miR‐27a‐3p was upregulated and prohibitin or transmembrane BAX inhibitor motif containing 6 (TMBIM6) was downregulated in the kidney tissues of db/db mice and HG‐treated HK‐2 cells. Silencing miR‐27a‐3p enhanced the expression of prohibitin and TMBIM6 in the kidney tissues and HK‐2 cells. Inhibition of miR‐27a‐3p improved functional injury, as evidenced by decreased blood glucose, urinary albumin, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen levels. MiR‐27a‐3p silencing ameliorated renal fibrosis, reflected by reduced profibrogenic genes (e.g., transforming growth factor β1, fibronectin, collagen I and III, and α‐smooth muscle actin). Furthermore, inhibition of miR‐27a‐3p relieved mitochondrial dysfunction in the kidney of db/db mice, including upregulation of mitochondrial membrane potential, complex I and III activities, adenosine triphosphate, and mitochondrial cytochrome C, as well as suppressing reactive oxygen species production. In addition, miR‐27a‐3p silencing attenuated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, reflected by reduced expression of p‐IRE1α, p‐eIF2α, XBP1s, and CHOP. Mechanically, we identified prohibitin and TMBIM6 as direct targets of miR‐27a‐3p. Inhibition of miR‐27a‐3p protected HG‐treated HK‐2 cells from apoptosis, extracellular matrix accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and ER stress by regulating prohibitin or TMBIM6. Taken together, we reveal that miR‐27a‐3p‐prohibitin/TMBIM6 signaling axis regulates the progression of DN, which can be a potential therapeutic target.
PAX7 promotes CD49f‐positive dairy goat spermatogonial stem cells' self‐renewal
Authors: Du Xiaomin , Wu Siyu , Wei Yudong , Yu Xiuwei , Ma Fanglin , Zhai Yuanxin , Yang Donghui , Zhang Mengfei , Liu Wenqing , Zhu Haijing , Wu Jiang , Liao Mingzhi , Li Na , Bai Chunling , Li Guangpeng , Hua Jinlian
Published: July 2020

Spermatogenesis is a complex process that originates from and depends on the spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). The number of SSCs is rare, which makes the separation and enrichment of SSCs difficult and inefficient. The transcription factor PAX7 maintains fertility in normal spermatogenesis in mice. However, for large animals, much less is known about the SSCs' self‐renewal regulation, especially in dairy goats. We isolated and enriched the CD49f‐positive and negative dairy goat testicular cells by magnetic‐activated cell sorting strategies. The RNA‐ sequencing and experimental data revealed that cells with a high CD49f and PAX7 expression are undifferentiated spermatogonia in goat testis. Our findings indicated that ZBTB16 (PLZF), PAX7, LIN28A, BMPR1B, FGFR1, and FOXO1 were expressed higher in CD49f‐positive cells as compared to negative cells and goat fibroblasts cells. The expression and distribution of PAX7 in dairy goat also have been detected, which gradually decreased in testis tissue along with the increasing age. When the PAX7 gene was overexpressed in dairy goat immortal mGSCs‐I‐SB germ cell lines, the expression of PLZF, GFRα1, ID4, and OCT4 was upregulated. Together, our data demonstrated that there is a subset of spermatogonial stem cells with a high expression of PAX7 among the CD49f+ spermatogonia, and PAX7 can maintain the self‐renewal of CD49f‐positive SSCs.
The effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on the brain with middle cerebral artery occlusion
Authors: Thiankhaw Kitti , Chattipakorn Nipon , Chattipakorn Siripron C.
Published: July 2020

Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) causes focal cerebral hypoperfusion, resulting in cerebral ischemia or ischemic stroke. The main therapeutic approach is to restore an adequate blood flow to the brain via the process of reperfusion. However, rapid reperfusion can itself aggravate brain damage; this adverse effect is known as ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) injury. The pathological conditions that occur after cerebral ischemia and cerebral I/R are microvascular injury, blood–brain barrier dysfunction, post‐ischemic inflammation, increased oxidative stress/reactive oxygen species, and a reduction in neuronal survival, leading to brain infarction. Animal and clinical studies on hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) have recently been carried out, and there is evidence of positive effects on neurological outcomes after cerebral ischemia. However, some evidence has shown that HBOT may not affect the functional recovery after ischemic injury. This review describes the current evidence, both in vivo and clinical data, regarding the potential benefits of HBOT after MCAO and cerebral I/R injury. The contrary data are also discussed to verify the effectiveness of HBOT in stroke outcomes.
Harnessing the targeting potential of differential radiobiological effects of photon versus particle radiation for cancer treatment
Authors: Zhang Jinhua , Si Jing , Gan Lu , Zhou Rong , Guo Menghuan , Zhang Hong
Published: July 2020

Radiotherapy is one of the major modalities for malignancy treatment. High linear energy transfer (LET) charged‐particle beams, like proton and carbon ions, exhibit favourable depth‐dose distributions and radiobiological enhancement over conventional low‐LET photon irradiation, thereby marking a new era in high precision medicine. Tumour cells have developed multicomponent signal transduction networks known as DNA damage responses (DDRs), which initiate cell‐cycle checkpoints and induce double‐strand break (DSB) repairs in the nucleus by nonhomologous end joining or homologous recombination pathways, to manage ionising radiation (IR)‐induced DNA lesions. DNA damage induction and DSB repair pathways are reportedly dependent on the quality of radiation delivered. In this review, we summarise various types of DNA lesion and DSB repair mechanisms, upon irradiation with low and high‐LET radiation, respectively. We also analyse factors influencing DNA repair efficiency. Inhibition of DNA damage repair pathways and dysfunctional cell‐cycle checkpoint sensitises tumour cells to IR. Radio‐sensitising agents, including DNA–PK inhibitors, Rad51 inhibitors, PARP inhibitors, ATM/ATR inhibitors, chk1 inhibitors, wee1 kinase inhibitors, Hsp90 inhibitors, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors have been found to enhance cell killing by IR through interference with DDRs, cell‐cycle arrest, or other cellular processes. The cotreatment of these inhibitors with IR may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer.
ACE2, TMPRSS2, and Furin variants and SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in Madrid, Spain
Authors: Torre‐Fuentes Laura , Matías‐Guiu Jorge , Hernández‐Lorenzo Laura , Montero‐Escribano Paloma , Pytel Vanesa , Porta‐Etessam Jesús , Gómez‐Pinedo Ulises , Matías‐Guiu Jordi A.
Published: July 2020

It has been suggested that some individuals may present genetic susceptibility to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, with particular research interest in variants of the ACE2 and TMPRSS2 genes, involved in viral penetration into cells, in different populations and geographic regions, although insufficient information is currently available. This study addresses the apparently reasonable hypothesis that variants of these genes may modulate viral infectivity, making some individuals more vulnerable than others. Through whole‐exome sequencing, the frequency of exonic variants of the ACE2, TMPRSS2, and Furin genes was analyzed in relation to presence or absence of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in a familial multiple sclerosis cohort including 120 individuals from Madrid. The ACE2 gene showed a low level of polymorphism, and none variant was significantly associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. These variants have previously been detected in Italy. While TMPRSS2 is highly polymorphic, the variants found do not coincide with those described in other studies, with the exception of rs75603675, which may be associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. The synonymous variants rs61735792 and rs61735794 showed a significant association with infection. Despite the limited number of patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, some variants, especially in TMPRSS2, may be associated with COVID‐19.
SARS‐CoV‐2 S1 is superior to the RBD as a COVID‐19 subunit vaccine antigen
Authors: Wang Yunfei , Wang Lichun , Cao Han , Liu Cunbao
Published: July 2020

Since its emergence in December 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has developed into a global pandemic within a matter of months. While subunit vaccines are one of the prominent options for combating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), the immunogenicity of spike protein‐based antigens remains unknown. When immunized in mice, the S1 domain induced much higher IgG and IgA antibody levels than the receptor‐binding domain (RBD) and more efficiently neutralized SARS‐CoV‐2 when adjuvanted with alum. It is inferred that a large proportion of these neutralization epitopes are located in the S1 domain but outside the RBD and that some of these are spatial epitopes. This finding indicates that expression systems with posttranslational modification abilities are important to maintain the natural configurations of recombinant spike protein antigens and are critical for effective COVID‐19 vaccines. Further, adjuvants prone to a Th1 response should be considered for S1‐based subunit COVID‐19 vaccines to reduce the potential risk of antibody‐dependent enhancement of infection.
Supply base innovation and firm financial performance
Authors: Dong Yan , Skowronski Keith , Song Sining , Venkataraman Sriram , Zou Fan
Published: July 2020

Firms are increasingly sourcing innovation from their supply chain partners. Meanwhile, supply chains have evolved into complex networks, which complicates the role that supply chain partners play in innovation and financial performance of firms. Previous research has mainly focused on the direct effect of innovation on a firm's financial performance, overlooking the innovativeness and complexity of supply networks. In this research, we focus on a firm's supply base, defined as the first tier of a supply network, and investigate the relationship between the intensity of R&D within the supply base and the financial performance of the focal firm. We also examine the moderating role of three aspects of supply base complexity—Number of suppliers, differentiation, and inter‐relationships among suppliers. Utilizing secondary data from Bloomberg and Compustat, we find that the R&D intensity of a firm's supply base is positively associated with the firm's financial performance. Further, all three aspects of supply base complexity negatively moderate this relationship. These findings make important contributions to the literature by establishing a direct, positive relationship between supply base R&D and firm financial performance, which is attenuated by complexities within the supply base.
Mechanical loading influences the lumbar intervertebral disc. A cross‐sectional study in 308 athletes and 71 controls
Authors: Owen Patrick J. , Hangai Mika , Kaneoka Koji , Rantalainen Timo , Belavy Daniel L.
Published: July 2020

There is evidence in animal populations that loading and exercise can positively impact the intervertebral disc (IVD). However, there is a paucity of information in humans. We examined the lumbar IVDs in 308 young athletes across six sporting groups (baseball, swimming, basketball, kendo, soccer, and running; mean age 19 years) and 71 nonathletic controls. IVD status was quantified via the ratio of IVD to vertebral body height (IVD hypertrophy) and ratio of signal intensity in the nucleus to that in the annulus signal (IVD nucleus hydration) on sagittal T2‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging.Pvalues were adjusted via the false discovery rate method to mitigate false positives. In examining the whole collective, compared to referents, there was evidence of IVD hypertrophy in basketball (P ≤ .029), swimming (P ≤ .010), soccer (P = .036), and baseball (P = .011) with greater IVD nucleus hydration in soccer (P = .007). After matching participants based on back‐pain status and body height, basketball players showed evidence of IVD hypertrophy (P ≤ .043) and soccer players greater IVD nucleus hydration (P = .001) than referents. Greater career duration and training volume correlated with less (ie, worse) IVD nucleus hydration, but explained less than 1% of the variance in this parameter. In this young collective, increasing age was associated with increased IVD height. The findings suggest that basketball and soccer may be associated with beneficial adaptations in the IVDs in young athletes. In line with evidence on other tissues, such as muscle and bone, the current study adds to evidence that specific loading types may beneficially modulate lumbar IVD properties.
Ultrasound‐assisted extraction of collagen from clown featherback (Chitala ornata) skin: yield and molecular characteristics
Authors: Petcharat Tanyamon , Benjakul Soottawat , Karnjanapratum Supatra , Nalinanon Sitthipong
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Clown featherback (Chitala ornata) skin, a by‐product from the filleting process line, could serve as a good aquatic collagenous source. Nevertheless, the typical collagen extraction method is a time‐consuming process providing a relatively low yield. Ultrasound had been reported to be an alternative technique for enhancing the extraction efficiency of several compounds, although the harsh conditions of ultrasound could affect their physicochemical and molecular characteristics. Thus, the application of ultrasonication under appropriate conditions could comprise a promising means for improving the extraction efficiency of collagen from clown featherback skin.

RESULTS

Ultrasonication using different amplitudes (20–80%) and times (10–30 min) was implemented during extraction. An ultrasound‐assisted process (UAP) was able to increase the yield of collagen (P ˂ 0.05) and could also result in a collagen purity decrease as evaluated by hydroxyproline content. There was no dramatic change in the solubility of resulting collagens. UAP induced protein degradation, particularly with an increasing amplitude and time, where slight changes in the isoelectric point value of collagen were observed. UAP had no adverse effect on molecular structure, where a triple‐helical structure was still retained when an 80% amplitude was employed for 10 min (UAP‐80/10‐C). The amino acid composition of UAP‐80/10‐C reconfirmed the unique characteristic of collagen containing imino acid.

CONCLUSION

An UAP under appropriate conditions could be used to improve the extraction yield with minimal effects on the molecular integrity of the resulting collagen. In addition, fish skin waste from the cutting process line, particularly clown featherback skin, could be exploited as a value‐added product, comprising fish skin collagen. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Sarcomatoid Carcinoma in the Head and Neck: A Population‐Based Analysis of Outcome and Survival
Authors: Ding Lin , Bi Zhuo‐Fei , Yuan Hang , Zhao Xiao‐Hui , Guan Xue‐Dan , Yao He‐Rui , Liu Yi‐Min
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To characterize sarcomatoid cell carcinoma (SaC) in head and neck, explore the value of radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy, and build a nomogram to predict the prognosis.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

In total, 559 patients diagnosed with head and neck SaC from 2004 to 2015 were included from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program. All the cases were divided into training (N = 313) and validation (N = 246) cohorts according to the year of diagnosis. The cases were analyzed on the age, site, sex, race, T stage, N stage, M stage, surgery, RT, and chemotherapy. Cancer‐specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) were compared among disease‐related categories. The parameters significantly correlated with CSS were used to construct a nomogram.

Results

The multivariate analysis showed that age, T stage, N stage, and M stage were significantly correlated with CSS and OS. Overall, RT was correlated with improved CSS for Stage T3–4 and Stage N1–3. The subgroup analysis showed that RT was correlated with CSS in the Stage N1–3 patients after surgery while chemotherapy indicated an improved survival for Stage T3–4 and N1–3 patients without surgery. The prognostic nomogram was constructed and had a powerful discriminatory ability with the C‐index of CSS: 0.711.

Conclusion

Late‐stage head and neck SaC patients unfit for surgery need comprehensive treatment based on chemotherapy, and patients with node metastasis require adjuvant RT after surgery. Generally, RT might improve the survival of late‐stage patients. A reliable and powerful nomogram was established that can provide an individual prediction of CSS for head and neck SaC.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 131:E489–E499, 2021
Why we should have listened to Jeffrey Beall from the start
Authors: Downes Mike
Published: July 2020

Key points

Beall's list remains a key resource in the fight against rogue publishers.

Misguided criticism of Beall himself was counterproductive in the fight against fraudulent publishers.

It is time to replace dispute and debate about fraudulent publishers with meaningful action.

Some of the worst fraudulent publishers should be prosecuted, not simply criticized.

Universities must be the agents of reform for scholarly publishing.
Development of a Piezoelectric PVDF‐TrFE Fibrous Scaffold to Guide Cell Adhesion, Proliferation, and Alignment
Authors: Orkwis Jacob A. , Wolf Ann K. , Shahid Syed M. , Smith Corinne , Esfandiari Leyla , Harris Greg M.
Published: July 2020

Severe peripheral nervous system injuries currently hold limited therapeutic solutions. Existing clinical techniques such as autografts, allografts, and newer nerve guidance conduits have shown variable outcomes in functional recovery, adverse immune responses, and in some cases low or minimal availability. This can be attributed in part to the lack of chemical, physical, and electrical cues directing both nerve guidance and regeneration. To address this pressing clinical issue, electrospun nanofibers and microfibers composed of piezoelectric polyvinylidene flouride‐triflouroethylene (PVDF‐TrFE) have been introduced as an alternative template for tissue engineered biomaterials, specifically as it pertains to their relevance in soft tissue and nerve repair. Here, biocompatible scaffolds of PVDF‐TrFE are fabricated and their ability to generate an electrical response to mechanical deformations and produce a suitable regenerative microenvironment is examined. It is determined that 20% (w/v) PVDF‐TrFE in (6:4) dimethyl formamide (DMF):acetone solvent maintains a desirable piezoelectric coefficient and the proper physical and electrical characteristics for tissue regeneration. Further, it is concluded that scaffolds of varying thickness promoted the adhesion and alignment of Schwann cells and fibroblasts. This work offers a prelude to further advancements in nanofibrous technology and a promising outlook for alternative, autologous remedies to peripheral nerve damage.
Extremely Stretchable Vitrimers
Authors: Lyu Zhenyu , Wu Tongfei
Published: July 2020

Vitrimers are covalent adaptable networks, having many interesting versatile abilities with unprecedented potentials. Here, the combination of a low‐Tg polymer system with dioxaborolane metathesis is used to develop catalyst‐free vitrimers that can be stretched to more than 8900× their original length at a moderate stretching rate (≈50 mm min−1). Superstretchable vitrimers are prepared from biodegradable xylitol‐based polyol oligomers and cross‐linked by dioxaborolane linkages. They are also found to be remarkable in terms of mechanical strength and other properties, such as malleability, self‐healing ability, puncture resistance, and processing stability. Furthermore, the repeated rearrangements of dioxaborolane linkages and hydrogen bonds give rise to efficient energy dissipation with a maximum efficiency of 88%, allowing the superstretchable vitrimers to be promising for energy absorbing applications.
Low‐dose triptolide enhances antitumor effect of JQ1 on acute myeloid leukemia through inhibiting RNA polymerase II in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Shi Yuanfei , Zhao Haijun , Ye Jing , Li Zhifeng , Deng Manman , Zha Jie , Zhou Yong , Zeng Hanyan , Lin Yun , Pu Xuan , Guo Chengcen , Song Haihan , Qiu Yi , Xu Bing
Published: July 2020

The bromodomain and extra‐terminal (BET) domain inhibitor JQ1 exerts potent anticancer activity in various cancer cells. However, the resistance to BET inhibitors in leukemia stem cells limits its implication in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). High concentration of triptolide (TPL) presents anticancer activities but with adverse effects. Here, we investigated whether the combination of low‐dose TPL with JQ1 could help to circumvent the dilemma of drug resistance and side effect in treating AML. AML cell lines, primary cells from 10 AML patients with different status, as well as AML mice model were subjected to different treatments and apoptotic related protein expression were evaluated. Data showed that low‐dose TPL combined with JQ1 effectively killed AML cell lines and primary cells from AML patients without exerting significantly greater lethal activity against normal cells. Mechanism study revealed that low‐dose TPL combined with JQ1 triggered reactive oxygen species production and induced mitochondrial‐mediated apoptosis in AML cells, in which the inhibition of RNA polymerase II to downregulate c‐Myc was mainly responsible for the enhanced activity of TPL in combination with JQ1. In vivo study presented that cotreatment with low‐dose TPL and JQ1 significantly reduced tumor burden of the NOD/SCID mice engrafted with MOLM‐13 cells. In conclusion, low‐dose TPL enhanced the antitumor effect of JQ1 on AML without increasing the side effects, supporting a potential option for AML treatment.
Progress in the development of human carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and their pharmacological applications: Where are we today?
Authors: Mishra Chandra B. , Tiwari Manisha , Supuran Claudiu T.
Published: July 2020

Carbonic anhydrases (CAs, EC 4.2.1.1) are widely distributed metalloenzymes in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. They efficiently catalyze the reversible hydration of carbon dioxide to bicarbonate and H+ ions and play a crucial role in regulating many physiological processes. CAs are well‐studied drug target for various disorders such as glaucoma, epilepsy, sleep apnea, and high altitude sickness. In the past decades, a large category of diverse families of CA inhibitors (CAIs) have been developed and many of them showed effective inhibition toward specific isoforms, and effectiveness in pathological conditions in preclinical and clinical settings. The discovery of isoform‐selective CAIs in the last decade led to diminished side effects associated with off‐target isoforms inhibition. The many new classes of such compounds will be discussed in the review, together with strategies for their development. Pharmacological advances of the newly emerged CAIs in diseases not usually associated with CA inhibition (neuropathic pain, arthritis, cerebral ischemia, and cancer) will also be discussed.
Refeeding Hypophosphatemia in Patients Receiving Parenteral Nutrition: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Predicting Its Occurrence
Authors: Wong Gabriel J. Y. , Pang Janelle G. T. , Li Yuan Y. , Lew Charles Chin Han
Published: July 2020

Background

Patients receiving parenteral nutrition (PN) support may develop refeeding hypophosphatemia (RH), and its prevalence is highly variable in the literature. Identifying at‐risk patients is crucial to minimize clinical complications. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines are used widely to assess the risk of RH, but they lack validation. We aim to (1) identify the prevalence of RH by multiple diagnostic criteria; (2) assess the predictive ability of the NICE guidelines for RH; and (3) identify important risk factors for RH and evaluate their predictive abilities for RH in a new model.

Methods

This is a single‐center retrospective study on adult patients with PN ≥48 hours. Prevalence of RH was determined by 4 established diagnostic criteria. Prognostic accuracy of the NICE guidelines were assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to develop a new risk‐assessment model.

Results

Of 149 enrolled patients, 23%–48% (35 to 72 of 149 patients) developed RH (depending on the diagnostic criteria used). The NICE guidelines demonstrated poor discrimination across all diagnostic criteria (ROC, 0.43–0.53). Critical illness, the use of diuretics, and hypomagnesemia prior to PN were independently associated with RH. These risk factors formed the new model for predicting RH and had good discrimination (ROC 0.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.66–0.82).

Conclusion

Prevalence of RH varied according to established diagnostic criteria. The current NICE guidelines poorly predict the occurrence of RH, and modification is likely beneficial. A new risk‐assessment model was developed; nevertheless, further validation is required.
Investigation of Coriolis effect on oceanic flows and its bifurcation via geophysical Korteweg–de Vries equation
Authors: Ak Turgut , Saha Asit , Dhawan Sharanjeet , Kara Abdul Hamid
Published: July 2020

In this work, we have investigated Coriolis effect on oceanic flows in the equatorial region with the help of geophysical Korteweg–de Vries equation (GKdVE). First, Lie symmetries and conservation laws for the GKdVE have been studied. Later, we implement finite element method for numerical simulations. Propagation of nonlinear solitary structures, their interaction and advancement of solitons can be seen in the results so produced. Additionally, Gaussian initial condition and undular bore initial condition are also investigated. Results so obtained have been found in perfect agreement with the available results. Bifurcation analysis of the oceanic traveling wave of the GKdVE is presented depending on traveling wave velocity and Coriolis parameter. It is discerned that velocity of the traveling wave and Coriolis parameter affect significantly on the propagation of the nonlinear waves.
Optimal error analysis of Crank–Nicolson lowest‐order Galerkin‐mixed finite element method for incompressible miscible flow in porous media
Authors: Gao Huadong , Sun Weiwei
Published: July 2020

Numerical methods for incompressible miscible flow in porous media have been studied extensively in the last several decades. In practical applications, the lowest‐order Galerkin‐mixed method is the most popular one, where the linear Lagrange element is used for the concentration and the lowest order Raviart–Thomas mixed element pair is used for the Darcy velocity and pressure. The existing error estimate of the method in L2‐norm is in the order in spatial direction, which however is not optimal and valid only under certain extra restrictions on both time step and spatial meshes, excluding the most commonly used mesh h = hp = hc. This paper focuses on new and optimal error estimates of a linearized Crank–Nicolson lowest‐order Galerkin‐mixed finite element method (FEM), where the second‐order accuracy for the concentration in both time and spatial directions is established unconditionally. The key to our optimal error analysis is an elliptic quasi‐projection. Moreover, we propose a simple one‐step recovery technique to obtain a new numerical Darcy velocity and pressure of second‐order accuracy. Numerical results for both two and three‐dimensional models are provided to confirm our theoretical analysis.
Analysing effects of birth order on intelligence, educational attainment, big five and risk aversion in an Indonesian sample
Authors: Botzet Laura J. , Rohrer Julia M. , Arslan Ruben C.
Published: July 2020

Few studies have examined birth order effects on personality in countries that are not Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic (WEIRD). However, theories have generally suggested that interculturally universal family dynamics are the mechanism behind birth order effects, and prominent theories such as resource dilution would predict even stronger linear effects in poorer countries. Here, we examine a subset of up to 11188 participants in the Indonesian Family Life Survey to investigate whether later-borns differ from earlier-borns in intelligence, educational attainment, Big Five, and risk aversion. Analyses were performed using within-family designs in mixed-effects models. In model comparisons, we tested for linear and non-linear birth order effects as well as for possible interactions of birth order and sibship size. Our estimated effect sizes are consistent with the emerging account of birth order as having relatively little impact on intelligence, Big Five, and risk aversion. We found a non-linear pattern for educational attainment that was not robust to imputation of missing data and not aligned with trends in WEIRD countries. Overall, the small birth order effects reported in other studies appear to be culturally specific.
Do Sojourn Effects on Personality Trait Changes Last? A Five–Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Richter Julia , Zimmermann Julia , Neyer Franz J. , Kandler Christian
Published: July 2020

This study examined sojourners’ long–term personality trait changes over five years, extending previous research on immediate sojourn effects. A sample of German students ( N = 1095) was surveyed thrice (T1–T3) over the course of an academic year. Sojourners ( n = 498) lived abroad shortly after T1 for one or two semesters; stayers ( n = 597) remained in their home country. Five years after T1, we surveyed the same participants ( n = 441, 40.3%) again (T4). Beyond substantial selection effects, latent neighbour–change models revealed that small differences between sojourners’ and stayers’ openness, agreeableness, and neuroticism changes occurred early after sojourn–induced contextual change. Model estimates suggested sustained sojourn effects on openness and neuroticism changes thereafter and a reversed effect on agreeableness change after return. Because of reduced power and low accuracy at T4, these estimates were not statistically significant. Based on model comparison analyses, however, we could rule out reversed effects for openness and accentuated effects for agreeableness and neuroticism as least likely. Moreover, separating short–term and long–term sojourners revealed no substantial differences, but recurring sojourn experiences tended to play a role in sustaining differences. We discuss implications for future studies on patterns of sojourn effects on personality trait changes. © 2020 The Authors. European Journal of Personality published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of European Association of Personality Psychology
Finding the silver linings: Psychosocial correlates of posttraumatic growth among husbands of Chinese breast cancer survivors
Authors: Yeung Nelson C. Y. , Zhang Yiwei , Ji Lili , Lu Guohua , Lu Qian
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Caregiving does not have to be a totally negative experience for the husband caregivers of breast cancer survivors (BCS). There are growing interests in exploring the positive psychological changes (aka posttraumatic growth; PTG) among husbands of BCS. Western studies have shown that coping resources, cognitive appraisal, and coping strategies are associated with PTG among caregivers of BCS. Studies in the Chinese context are limited. This study examined the psychosocial correlates of PTG among husbands of Chinese BCS.

Methods

Husbands of Chinese BCS (N = 176) were recruited from two hospitals in Weifang, China to complete a cross‐sectional survey. Their levels of caregiving burden, marital satisfaction, cognitive appraisals, coping strategies, and PTG were measured.

Results

After controlling for covariates, hierarchical regression results indicated that higher caregiving burden (β = .29), marital satisfaction (β = .27), challenge appraisal (β = 016), and social support seeking (β = .23) were associated with higher PTG (Ps < .05). Additionally, a significant interaction between caregiving burden and positive reframing emerged in explaining PTG (β = .17, P < .05). Positive reframing was only associated with higher PTG among those with higher caregiving burden (β = .25, P = .03), but not those with lower caregiving burden (β = −.09, P > .05).

Conclusions

Stress and coping variables significantly contributed to PTG among husbands of Chinese BCS. Our findings implied that addressing those husband caregivers' marital satisfaction, challenge appraisal toward the impact of breast cancer, and social support seeking could be intervention strategies to facilitate their PTG. Among husbands having higher caregiving burden, positive reframing may also facilitate their PTG.
Cocreated internet‐based stepped care for individuals with cancer and concurrent symptoms of anxiety and depression: Results from the U‐CARE AdultCan randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hauffman Anna , Alfonsson Sven , Bill‐Axelson Anna , Bergkvist Leif , Forslund Marina , Mattsson Susanne , von Essen Louise , Nygren Peter , Igelström Helena , Johansson Birgitta
Published: July 2020

Objective

The aim was to evaluate the effects of cocreated internet‐based stepped care (iCAN‐DO) on anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress, and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in individuals with cancer and self‐reported anxiety and/or depression symptoms, compared with standard care.

Methods

Clinically recruited individuals with breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer underwent online screening with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Those with anxiety and/or depression symptoms (>7 on any of the HADS subscales) were randomized to iCAN‐DO or standard care. iCAN‐DO comprised psychoeducation and self‐care strategies (step 1) and internet‐based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT, step 2). Data were collected before randomization and at 1, 4, 7, and 10 months and analyzed with intention‐to‐treat regression analysis and randomization tests.

Results

Online screening identified 245 (27%) of 909 individuals who reported anxiety and/or depression symptoms. They were randomized to iCAN‐DO (n  = 124) or standard care (n = 121). Of them 49% completed the 10‐month assessment, and in the iCAN‐DO group 85% accessed step 1 and 13% underwent iCBT. iCAN‐DO decreased the levels of symptoms of depression (−0.54, 95% confidence interval: −1.08 to −0.01, P < .05) and the proportion of individuals with symptoms of depression (P < .01) at 10 months, compared with standard care, according to HADS. There were no significant effects on anxiety, posttraumatic stress, or HRQoL.

Conclusion

Internet‐based stepped care improves symptoms of depression in individuals with cancer. Further studies are needed to gain knowledge on how to optimize and implement internet‐based support in oncology care.
Adaptive CUSUM and EWMA charts with auxiliary information and variable sampling intervals for monitoring the process mean
Authors: Haq Abdul , Akhtar Shareen , Boon Chong Khoo Michael
Published: July 2020

The variable sampling interval (VSI) feature enhances the sensitivity of a control chart that is based on fixed sampling interval (FSI). In this paper, we enhance the sensitivities of the auxiliary information‐based (AIB) adaptive Crosier cumulative sum (CUSUM) (AIB‐ACC) and adaptive exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) (AIB‐AE) charts using the VSI feature when monitoring a mean shift which is expected to lie within a given interval. The Monte Carlo simulations are used to compute zero‐state and steady‐state run length properties of these control charts. It is found that the AIB‐ACC and AIB‐AE charts with VSI feature are uniformly more sensitive than those based on FSI feature. Real datasets are also considered to demonstrate the implementation of these control charts.
Distributed adaptive consensus protocol with decaying gains
Authors: Knotek Štefan , Hengster‐Movric Kristian , Šebek Michael
Published: July 2020

This article brings a distributed adaptive protocol for consensus and synchronization in multiagent systems on directed communication networks. Agents are modeled as general linear time‐invariant systems. The proposed protocol introduces a novel adaptation scheme allowing control coupling gains to decay to their reference values. This approach improves upon existing adaptive consensus protocols which may result in overly large or even unbounded coupling gains. The protocol design in this article does not rely on any centralized information; hence it is distributed. Nevertheless, the price to pay for this is the need to estimate those reference values. Convergence of the overall network dynamics is guaranteed for correctly estimated references; otherwise, the trajectory of the system is only uniformly ultimately bounded. Two estimation algorithms are proposed: one based on the interval‐halving method and the other based on a distributed estimation of Laplacian eigenvalues. Numerical simulations validate the proposed approach.
3D Foam Anode and Hydrogel Electrolyte for High‐Performance and Stable Flexible Zinc–Air Battery
Authors: Qu Shengxiang , Liu Bin , Fan Xiayue , Liu Xiaorui , Liu Jie , Ding Jia , Han Xiaopeng , Deng Yida , Hu Wenbin , Zhong Cheng
Published: July 2020

The development of flexible zinc–air battery (ZAB) is highly desirable in achieving superior and stable electrochemical/mechanical properties. Herein, we developed a Zn‐coated foam anode with three‐dimensional (3D) architecture, obtained by electroplating Zn on Cu foam substrate. The compact outer surface and sufficient amount of metallic Zn could be controlled accurately by selecting appropriate porous substrate and electroplating time on Cu foam. Moreover, adding tetraethylammonium hydroxide (TEAOH) to conventional polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)–KOH hydrogel electrolyte effectively improved the water retention of the semi‐solid electrolyte with stable ionic conductivity. The electrolyte precursor fluid was poured on the uneven outer surface of Zn‐coated foam anode and then frozen crosslinked to increase contact between the 3D anode and the electrolyte. A flexible semi‐solid‐state ZAB based on the 3D Zn‐coated foam anode and the hydrogel electrolyte was assembled and exhibited good discharge performance, high energy density (586.5 Wh kgZn−1) and long cycling life. Benefiting from the flexibility of all components, the resultant ZAB performed stable charge and discharge under bending conditions, indicating its promising potential application for flexible and portable energy storage devices.
Cyclocondensation of 2‐Hydroxyimino‐1‐(naphthalen‐1‐yl)butane‐1,3‐dione with Alkyl Hydrazines Leading to Substituted 4‐Nitrosopyrazoles
Authors: Bobrov Pavel S. , Kirik Sergei D. , Krasnov Pavel O. , Lyubyashkin Aleksey V. , Suboch Georgiy A. , Tovbis Mikhail S.
Published: July 2020

Cyclocondensation of 2‐(hydroxyimino)‐1‐(naphthalen‐1‐yl)butane‐1,3‐dione with alkyl hydrazines leading to new 1‐alkyl‐3(5)‐methyl‐5(3)‐(naphthalene‐1‐yl)‐4‐nitrosopyrazoles is described. 8 previously unknown N‐alkyl‐4‐nitrosopyrazoles with a 1‐naphthalene substituent at the 3 or 5 position of the pyrazole ring were obtained as a result. It was found that yields of naphthyl‐substituted pyrazoles with N‐alkyl groups near the naphthalene substituent were significantly lower than for 3‐(naphthalen‐1‐yl)‐substituted pyrazoles. Particular yields of pairwise formed isomeric nitrosopyrazoles were associated with the different electrophilicity of the two carbonyl groups of the initial diketone. Using quantum chemical calculations by the DFT method B3LYP−D3/6‐311G(d,p), the potential energies of the various conformers were estimated to draw a conclusion about the preferred attack of alkyl hydrazine on the carbonyl group, associated with the naphthalene ring. 1H NMR and 2D 1H‐13C HSQC spectra of the compounds confirmed this direction of the reaction. The crystal structures of the synthesized compounds were established by X‐ray powder diffraction technique. Crystal structure data were in agreement with quantum chemical calculations.