bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vav family proteins constitute disparate branching points for distinct BCR signaling pathways
Authors: Löber Jens , Hitzing Christoffer , Münchhalfen Matthias , Engels Niklas
Published: July 2020

Antigen recognition by B‐cell antigen receptors (BCRs) activates distinct intracellular signaling pathways that control the differentiation fate of activated B lymphocytes. BCR‐proximal signaling enzymes comprise protein tyrosine kinases, phosphatases, and plasma membrane lipid‐modifying enzymes, whose function is furthermore coordinated by catalytically inert adaptor proteins. Here, we show that an additional class of enzymatic activity provided by guanine‐nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) of the Vav family controls BCR‐proximal Ca2+ mobilization, cytoskeletal actin reorganization, and activation of the PI3 kinase/Akt pathway. Whereas Vav1 and Vav3 supported all of those signaling processes to different extents in a human B‐cell model system, Vav2 facilitated Actin remodeling, and activation of Akt but did not promote Ca2+ signaling. On BCR activation, Vav1 was directly recruited to the phosphorylated BCR and to the central adaptor protein SLP65 via its Src homology 2 domain. Pharmacological inhibition or genetic inactivation of the substrates of Vav GEFs, small G proteins of the Rho/Rac family, impaired BCR‐induced Ca2+ mobilization, probably because phospholipase Cγ2 requires activated Rac proteins for optimal activity. Our findings show that Vav family members are key relays of the BCR signalosome that differentially control distinct signaling pathways both in a catalysis‐dependent and ‐independent manner.
P‐Chirogenic Triazole‐Based Phosphine: Synthesis, Coordination Chemistry, and Asymmetric Catalysis
Authors: Bayardon Jérôme , Rousselle Benjamin , Rousselin Yoann , Bonnin Quentin , Malacea‐Kabbara Raluca
Published: July 2020

Herein we report the synthesis of a new P‐chirogenic triazole‐based phosphine according to the ephedrine methodology. Upon reaction with late transition‐metal derivatives, RhI and PdII, phosphine‐triazole forms complexes with bidentate P,N coordination, as demonstrated by spectroscopic and X‐ray crystallographic analyses. First experiments in asymmetric catalysis showed the catalytic potential of this new chiral P,N‐type ligand.
Natural Course of Pediatric Portal Hypertension
Authors: Kassam Al‐Faraaz , Goddard Gillian R. , Johnston Michael E. , Cortez Alexander R. , Trout Andrew T. , Jenkins Todd M. , Miethke Alexander G. , Campbell Kathleen M. , Bezerra Jorge A. , Balistreri William F. , Nathan Jaimie D. , Alonso Maria H. , Tiao Gregory M. , Bondoc Alexander J.
Published: July 2020

The etiology of portal hypertension (pHTN) in children differs from that of adults and may require different management strategies. We set out to review the etiology, management, and natural history of pHTN at a pediatric liver center. From 2008 to 2018, 151 children and adolescents with pHTN were identified at a free‐standing children’s hospital. Patients were stratified by etiology of pHTN (intrahepatic disease [IH], defined as cholestatic disease and fibrotic or hepatocellular disease; extrahepatic disease [EH], defined as hepatic vein obstruction and prehepatic pHTN). Patients with EH were more likely to undergo an esophagoduodenscopy for a suspected gastrointestinal bleed (77% vs. 41%; P < 0.01). Surgical interventions differed based on etiology (P < 0.01), with IH more likely resulting in a transplant only (65%) and EH more likely to result in a shunt only (43%); 30% of patients with IH and 47% of patients with EH did not undergo an intervention for pHTN. Kaplan‐Meier analysis revealed a significant increase in mortality in the group that received no intervention compared to shunt, transplant, or both and lower mortality in patients with prehepatic pHTN compared to other etiologies (P < 0.01 each). Multivariate analysis revealed increased odds of mortality in patients with refractory ascites (odds ratio [OR], 4.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00, 18.88; P = 0.05) and growth failure (OR, 13.49; 95% CI, 3.07, 58.99; P < 0.01). Conclusion: In this single institution study, patients with prehepatic pHTN had better survival and those who received no intervention had higher mortality than those who received an intervention. Early referral to specialized centers with experience managing these complex disease processes may allow for improved risk stratification and early intervention to improve outcomes.
Environmental distribution, transport and ecotoxicity of microplastics: A review
Authors: Du Jia , Zhou Qingwei , Li Huanxuan , Xu Shaodan , Wang Chunhui , Fu Li , Tang Junhong
Published: July 2020

Microplastics (MPs) have become a global environmental pollutant because of their unique properties. The extensive MP toxicity reports have focused on the aquatic environment, while the pervasive MP contamination in the soil and air has largely been overlooked. This review summarizes the abundance, sources and transport of MPs in different environments. It analyzes the toxicity of MPs based on various environmentally relevant bacterial, cellular, plant, aquatic animal and mammalian test groups, using both in vitro and in vivo experiments. The combined toxicity effects of MPs and various other environmental pollutants on ecosystems are also discussed. Currently, data on the adverse effects on combined MP toxicity are very limited. Thus, a systematic assessment of the environmental risk in different environments and in various species from MPs is challenging. Thus, this review proposes the possible risks and identifies the knowledge gaps posed by MPs to food safety and human health.
Development of a new photosafety test method based on singlet oxygen generation detected using electron spin resonance
Authors: Hinoshita Masumi , Abe Takayuki , Sato Asako , Maeda Yosuke , Takeyoshi Masahiro
Published: July 2020

Photosafety evaluations of chemicals used in consumer products, such as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, are very important. Currently, two non‐animal tests for photosafety evaluations, the in vitro 3T3 neutral red uptake phototoxicity test (NRU PT) and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay, are used to detect photoreactive chemicals. However, these two tests are difficult to apply to hydrophobic chemicals. In the present study, we attempted to develop a new photosafety test method, named the electron spin resonance‐based photosafety test (ESR‐PT), that would be applicable even to hydrophobic chemicals based on the detection of singlet oxygen generation after irradiation using ESR spectroscopy with 4‐hydroxy‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐piperidine as a spin trap reagent. To achieve a quantitative evaluation, the singlet oxygen formation (SOF) value, which can be calculated as the increment in relative intensity after irradiation of the test mixture normalized by the increment in relative intensity after irradiation of the vehicle control solution, was calculated. The performance of the ESR‐PT was evaluated by testing all the proficiency chemicals of the ROS assay plus additional chemicals, including hydrophobic chemicals and chemicals that tested false negative in the 3T3‐NRU PT and ROS assay. SOF values were successfully calculated for all the chemicals tested including the hydrophobic chemicals, and the accuracy of the ESR‐PT using a tentative cutoff value of 2.8 against the photosafety information was 100%. Therefore, the SOF value could be an effective parameter for photosafety evaluations, suggesting that the newly developed ESR‐PT is a promising non‐animal test applicable even to hydrophobic chemicals.
Human equilibrative nucleoside transporter‐1 and deoxycytidine kinase can predict gemcitabine effectiveness in Egyptian patients with Hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Attia Fadia , Fathy Sara , Anani Maha , Hassan Adel , Attia Fawzy , Ibrahim Gehan , Elazab Mona
Published: July 2020

Background

Several biomarkers of gemcitabine effectiveness have been studied in cancers, but less so in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is identified as the fifth most common cancer worldwide. Investigation of human equilibrative nucleoside transporter‐1 (HENT‐1) and deoxycytidine kinase (DCK), genes involved in gemcitabine uptake and metabolism, can be beneficial in the selection of potential cancer patients who could be responding to the treatment.

Aim

To study HENT‐1 and DCK gene expression in HCC patients with different protocols of treatment.

Methods

Using real‐time PCR, we analyzed expression levels of HENT‐1 and DCK genes from peripheral blood samples of 109 patients (20 controls & 89 HCC patients) between March 2015 and March 2017. All the 89 HCC patients received the antioxidants selenium (Se) and vitamin E (Vit.E) either alone (45 patients) or in combination with gemcitabine (24 patients) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) (20 patients).

Results

There was a significant increase in HENT‐1 expression levels in HCC patients treated with Se and Vit.E alone as compared to controls (P ˂ .0001), while there was no significant difference between HCC patients treated with gemcitabine or RFA as compared to controls. In contrast, expression of DCK was significantly increased in all groups of HCC patients as compared to controls (P ˂ .0001).

Conclusions

HENT‐1 and DCK mRNA expressions are important markers of HCC and for GEM effect and GEM sensitivity in patients with HCC. This could be beneficial in the selection of HCC patients sensitive to gemcitabine to avoid subjecting resistant patients to unnecessary chemotherapy.
Global Research Alliance N2O chamber methodology guidelines: Recommendations for deployment and accounting for sources of variability
Authors: Charteris Alice F. , Chadwick David R. , Thorman Rachel E. , Vallejo Antonio , de Klein Cecile A.M. , Rochette Philippe , Cárdenas Laura M.
Published: July 2020

Adequately estimating soil nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions using static chambers is challenging due to the high spatial variability and episodic nature of these fluxes. We discuss how to design experiments using static chambers to better account for this variability and reduce the uncertainty of N2O emission estimates. This paper is part of a series, each discussing different facets of N2O chamber methodology. Aspects of experimental design and sampling affected by spatial variability include site selection and chamber layout, size, and areal coverage. Where used, treatment application adds a further level of spatial variability. Time of day, frequency, and duration of sampling (both individual chamber closure and overall experiment duration) affect the temporal variability captured. We also present best practice recommendations for chamber installation and sampling protocols to reduce further uncertainty. To obtain the best N2O emission estimates, resources should be allocated to minimize the overall uncertainty in line with experiment objectives. Sometimes this will mean prioritizing individual flux measurements and increasing their accuracy and precision by, for example, collecting four or more headspace samples during each chamber closure. However, where N2O fluxes are exceptionally spatially variable (e.g., in heterogeneous agricultural landscapes, such as uneven and woody grazed pastures), using available resources to deploy more chambers with fewer headspace samples per chamber may be beneficial. Similarly, for particularly episodic N2O fluxes, generated for example by irrigation or freeze–thaw cycles, increasing chamber sampling frequency will improve the accuracy and reduce the uncertainty of temporally interpolated N2O fluxes.
Trifluoroborane catalyzed chemoselective synthesis of highly functionalized 1,3‐thiazin‐2‐ylidenes
Authors: Luo Zhibin , Bhavanarushi Sangepu , Sreenivas Avula , Reddy Narra Srikanth , Valeru Anil , Khan Imran , Xu Yin , Liu Bin , Xie Jimin
Published: July 2020

An efficient chemoselective synthesis of 1,3‐thiazine‐2‐ylidenes was achieved via annulations of β‐aroyl‐thioacetamide with propargyl alcohols using BF3 OEt2 as Lewis acid catalyst. A broad spectrum of substrates was well tolerated under the mild reaction conditions producing desired thiazine heterocyclics in good yields.
Characteristics of mesoscale convection over northwestern Mexico, the Gulf of California, and Baja California Peninsula
Authors: Farfán Luis M. , Barrett Bradford S. , Raga G. B. , Delgado Julián J.
Published: July 2020

Mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) are frequent, but understudied, components of the warm season climatology in northwestern Mexico. This study provides an update of previous research on convective development and examines MCS life cycle, structure, and motion from July through September. It focuses on a region south of the North American monsoon core and, from 2009 to 2018 satellite observations, on patterns of cloud tops higher than 10 km above sea level. The diurnal cycle of convection shows cells initiating in the early afternoon over the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains and becoming better organized over the next few hours. These features typically move westward, grow upscale to reach maximum vertical extent near local sunset, and weaken during the night. However, there is a distinct region of deep convection over and off the coast of Nayarit (20–23°N), in the Pacific Ocean, that remains active through the night and into the early morning, producing heavy rainfall and frequent lightning. Occasionally, the inner structure of these MCSs can move across the Gulf of California and reach the southern Baja California Peninsula. One particular long‐lived, fast‐moving MCS from July 23 and 24, 2014 was selected for in‐depth analysis, because it was associated with weather conditions that included unusual precipitation and extreme winds. The MCS caused damage from sustained winds of tropical‐storm strength and an intense gust front in the Los Cabos area, in the southern tip of the peninsula. This extraordinary MCS developed in the most unstable and humid environment recorded during the 1976–2018 period, and was supported by a collocated upper‐level, inverted trough and a lower‐troposphere tropical wave. We also found that the 10 most unstable conditions have all occurred after 2011, possibly indicative of a trend toward more frequent and favourable environments to spawn MCSs over the Gulf of California entrance.
Nutritional quality and health risk of pepper fruit as affected by magnesium fertilization
Authors: Lu Ming , Liu Dunyi , Shi Zumin , Gao Xiaopeng , Liang Yi , Yao Zhi , Zhang Wei , Wang Xiaozhong , Chen Xinping
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Magnesium (Mg) fertilization is a promising practice to improve vegetable yield. However, its impacts on vegetable quality and human health have not been examined. Thus, a field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of varying Mg fertilization rates on yield and quality of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) fruit. Furthermore, result of the field experiment was linked to pepper consumption data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) in the disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) framework to evaluate the potential health impact of Mg fertilization for the first time.

RESULTS

Compared to control, Mg fertilization increased the 2‐year average pepper yield by 25.6%, whereas there was no significant yield improvement when Mg rates exceeded 112.5 kg MgO ha−1. Magnesium application increased concentrations of Mg and capsaicinoids, decreased those of calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn) and vitamin C (Vc), and had no effect on potassium (K) and iron (Fe) in pepper fruit. As a result, Mg fertilization decreased the comprehensive nutrition level of pepper by 16.6%. Furthermore, the current health burden of the Chinese adult population associated with pepper consumption is estimated at 21.3 million DALYs per year, with the risk being increased by 5.40 DALYs for per megagram of Mg fertilizer application. Increasing health risk was mainly attributed to decreasing concentrations of Ca and Vc in pepper fruit, though the increased Mg intakes offset the impact of 1.74% to 14.4%.

CONCLUSION

Magnesium fertilization significantly improved the yield but reduced nutritional quality of pepper fruit, and increased human health risks associated with consumption of pepper fruit. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Is Office Laryngoscopy an Aerosol‐Generating Procedure?
Authors: Rameau Anaïs , Lee Mark , Enver Necati , Sulica Lucian
Published: July 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

The aims of this work were 1) to investigate whether office laryngoscopy is an aerosol‐generating procedure with an optical particle sizer (OPS) during clinical simulation on healthy volunteers, and 2) to critically discuss methods for assessment of aerosolizing potentials in invasive interventions.

Study Design

Prospective quantification of aerosol and droplet generation during clinical simulation of rigid and flexible laryngoscopy.

Methods

Two healthy volunteers were recruited to undergo both flexible and rigid laryngoscopy. An OPS was used to quantify aerosols and droplets generated for four positive controls relative to ambient particles (speech, breathing, /e/ phonation, and /æ/ phonation) and for five test interventions relative to breathing and phonation (flexible laryngoscopy, flexible laryngoscopy with humming, flexible laryngoscopy with /e/ phonation, rigid laryngoscopy, and rigid laryngoscopy with /æ/ phonation). Particle counts in mean diameter size range from 0.3 to >10 μm were measured with OPS placed at 12 cm from the subject's nose/mouth.

Results

None of the laryngoscopy interventions (n = 10 each) generated aerosols above that produced by breathing or phonation. Breathing (n = 40, 1–3 μm, P = .016) and /æ/ phonation (n = 10, 1–3 μm, P = .022; 3–5 μm. P = .083; >5 μm, P = .012) were statistically significant producers of aerosols and droplets. Neither speech nor /e/ phonation (n = 10 each) were associated with statistically significant aerosols and droplet generation.

Conclusions

Using OPS to detect droplets and aerosols, we found that office laryngoscopy is likely not an aerosol‐generating procedure. Despite its prior use in otolaryngological literature, an OPS has intrinsic limitations. Our study should be complemented with more sophisticated methods of droplet distribution measurement.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 130:2637–2642, 2020
Mitochondria as a target in cancer treatment
Authors: Liu Yu'e , Shi Yufeng
Published: July 2020

Mitochondria are biosynthetic, bioenergetic, and signaling organelles existing in almost all eukaryotic cells, and their dysregulated function has been proved to be essential for tumorigenesis, tumor development, and tumor metastasis. In this short review, first, we briefly summarize the historic misunderstanding of mitochondria in tumors, and then come up with a current view that mitochondria play a pivotal role in tumor cells; second, we review how tumor cells rewind mitochondrial function for their oncogenic purpose via known or unknown mechanisms by key oncogenes or tumor suppressors; third, we go through reagents and strategies currently available targeting mitochondria when treating tumors. Recently, merging data suggest that slow cycling cancer cells/cancer stem cells have distinctive mitochondrial metabolism comparing to bulk tumor cells and mitochondria inhibitors seem to be promising to target them, which are resistant to traditional radio and chemotherapies. We thus discuss role of mitochondria in these cancer stem cells and summarize mitochondria as a target from different aspects.
An explicit one‐dimensional consolidation solution with semi‐permeable drainage boundary for unsaturated soil
Authors: Zhao Xudong , Ng Charles W. W. , Zhang Shuai , Ni Junjun , Zhou Chao
Published: July 2020

Existing solutions for analyzing one‐dimensional (1‐D) consolidation of unsaturated soil are only derived to cater to two extreme drainage conditions (fully drained and undrained). This study presents a new explicit solution for 1‐D consolidation of unsaturated soil with semi‐permeable drainage boundary. Based on the assumptions of two independent stress variables and the governing equations proposed by Fredlund, the eigenfunction expansion method is adopted to develop an explicit analytical solution to calculate excess pore‐water and pore‐air pressures in an unsaturated soil when it is subjected to external loads. The developed general solutions are expressed in terms of depth, z, and time, t. For the semi‐permeable drainage boundary, eigenvalues and eigenfunctions in the space domain are developed. The technique of Laplace transform is used to solve the coupled ordinary differential equations in the time domain. The newly derived explicit solution is verified with the existing semi‐analytical method in the literature, and an excellent agreement is obtained. Compared with the semi‐analytical solution, the newly derived analytical solution is more straightforward and explicit so that this solution is relatively easier to be implemented into a computer program to carry out a preliminary assessment of 1‐D consolidation of unsaturated soil.
Recent trends in antipsychotic polypharmacy in the treatment of schizophrenia
Authors: Yasui‐Furukori Norio , Shimoda Kazutaka
Published: July 2020

Ichihashi et al reported that 43% of patients had antipsychotic polypharmacy. Number of antipsychotics used in patients with schizophrenia in Japan was the greatest among Asian countries. However, the antipsychotic polypharmacy rate in Japan decreased gradually. Recent systematic review, meta‐analysis and meta‐regression analysis demonstrated that antipsychotic augmentation was superior to monotherapy. However, several cohort studies have suggested a significant association between antipsychotic daily dose and mortality. In addition, most pharmacokinetic interactions with antipsychotics occur at the metabolic level and usually involve changes in the activity of the major drug‐metabolizing enzymes involved in their biotransformation. Thus, avoidance of unnecessary polypharmacy, knowledge of the interaction profiles of individual agents, and careful individualization of dosage based on close evaluation of clinical response and possibly plasma drug concentrations are essential to prevent and minimize potentially adverse drug interactions in patients receiving antipsychotics.
Continuous infusion chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and FDG‐PET are feasible during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Rotz Seth J. , Almeida Francisco A. , Koyfman Shlomo , Krishnan Sudhir , Thind Guramrinder Singh , Phillips William , Yun James , Zembillas Anthony , Zahniser Mark , Bribriesco Alejandro
Published: July 2020

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) may be used in extreme circumstances for patients with a mediastinal mass and respiratory failure. We report on a young man with primary mediastinal B‐cell lymphoma invading into the trachea, requiring a 40‐day ECMO run who underwent fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) imaging and treatment with concurrent mediastinal irradiation and continuous infusion chemotherapy while on this life‐saving technology. This case illustrates that oncology patients may be managed by multidisciplinary teams for extended periods in extraordinary circumstances using multimodality therapies. Additionally, to our knowledge this is the first case to demonstrate the feasibility of FDG‐PET imaging while on ECMO.
Mechanical properties, flame retardancy, and thermal stability of basalt fiber reinforced polypropylene composites
Authors: Wang Shaoluo , Zhong Jiabao , Gu Yongqiang , Li Guangyao , Cui Junjia
Published: July 2020

In this article, the mechanical properties, flame retardancy, and thermal stability of basalt fiber reinforced polypropylene composites (BFRPPs) and polypropylene (PP) were investigated and compared. The combustion performance and thermal stability of BFRPPs and PP were evaluated by limiting oxygen index (LOI) test, cone calorimeter test (CCT), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results showed that basalt fibers could enhance mechanical properties, flame retardancy, and thermal stability of PP. With the increase of basalt fiber content, the strength and stiffness of BFRPPs increased significantly, and the elongation decreased obviously. Adding basalt fibers into PP could improve the LOI value. BFRPPs burned appreciably more slowly than PP under the same oxygen concentration. Simultaneously, BFRPPs indicated a better anti‐melt dripping effect than PP matrix. The heat release rate (HRR), total heat release (THR), rate of smoke release (RSR), and total smoke release (TSR) of BFRPPs decreased compared to PP matrix. Moreover, the addition of basalt fibers to PP could contribute to the formation of a more compact and continuous char layer, which effectively reduced the transfer of heat and oxygen, resulting in a better flame retardancy of BFRPPs.
Detection of the freezing state and frozen section thickness of fine sand by ultrasonic testing
Authors: Zhang Ji‐wei , Murton Julian , Liu Shu‐jie , Sui Li‐li , Zhang Song
Published: July 2020

Determining the freezing state and frozen section thickness is fundamental to assessing the development of artificial frozen walls but is commonly difficult or inaccurate because of a limited number and fixed position of thermometer holes under complex field conditions. We report a novel experimental design that measures soil temperature, water content, and ultrasonic properties to monitor movement of the cryofront (0°C isotherm), water migration, and acoustic parameters during progressive upward freezing of fine sand under laboratory conditions. Ultrasonic testing during different stages of freezing revealed changes in three acoustic parameters (wave velocity, wave amplitude, and frequency spectrum). As the cryofront ascended through the sand at different water contents, wave velocity continually increased, whereas wave amplitude initially decreased and then increased. Wave velocity measurements revealed the cryofront position during freezing, but measurements of wave amplitude did not. The frequency components indicated the frequency of different evolving freezing regions during upward freezing and the freezing state of fine sand during later stages of freezing. The freezing state can be evaluated on the basis of single vs multiple peaks and the kurtosis of frequency spectrum change. An equation developed to predict the thickness of the frozen section and tested against measured values in the laboratory and field showed accuracies of 86.84–99.33%. The equation is used successfully to estimate frozen wall thickness in artificially frozen fine sand in Guangzhou, China.
Porous Lanthanum‐Doped Manganese Oxide Nanoparticles for Enhanced Sonodynamic Cancer Therapy
Authors: Zhou Jinhao , Shi Liyin , Liu Qiyu , Zhang Haozhe , Liu Xiaoqing , Han Feng , Guo Zhixing , Lu Xihong , Wang Jianwei
Published: July 2020

Metal oxides hold great promise as robust sonosensitizers for sonodynamic therapy (SDT). However, they usually suffer from limited production yield of reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to the fast recombination of ultrasound‐triggered electrons and holes. Herein, porous lanthanum (La)‐doped MnO2 (LMO) nanoparticles are firstly developed as promising sonosensitizers in SDT. The strategic introduction of La dopants greatly promotes the separation efficiency of ultrasound‐triggered electrons and holes of MnO2, endowing them with significantly improved ROS yield. Consequently, the LMO with polyethylene glycol decoration exhibits good SDT activity toward breast cancer cells. This work highlights the doping strategy for the development of enhanced ROS production of metal oxide sonosensitizers for SDT.
Electron trajectories in molecular orbitals
Authors: Sumner Isaiah , Anthony Hannah
Published: July 2020

The time‐dependent Schrödinger equation can be rewritten so that its interpretation is no longer probabilistic. Two well‐known and related reformulations are Bohmian mechanics and quantum hydrodynamics. In these formulations, quantum particles follow real, deterministic trajectories influenced by a quantum force. Generally, trajectory methods are not applied to electronic structure calculations as they predict that the electrons in a ground‐state, real, molecular wavefunction are motionless. However, a spin‐dependent momentum can be recovered from the nonrelativistic limit of the Dirac equation. Therefore, we developed new, spin‐dependent equations of motion for the quantum hydrodynamics of electrons in molecular orbitals. The equations are based on a Lagrange multiplier, which constrains each electron to an isosurface of its molecular orbital, as required by the spin‐dependent momentum. Both the momentum and the Lagrange multiplier provide a unique perspective on the properties of electrons in molecules.
Advanced G‐CSF‐producing non‐small cell lung cancer‐not otherwise specified, with favourable response to pembrolizumab monotherapy
Authors: Matsui Yohei , Yamada Tadaaki , Masuzawa Naoko , Hamada Shinshichi , Takayama Koichi , Hiranuma Osamu
Published: July 2020

Advanced granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF)‐producing lung tumours are generally refractory to platinum‐based chemotherapy and are associated with poor prognosis. However, therapeutic strategies for these tumours remain unknown. A 74‐year‐old man was diagnosed with non‐small cell lung cancer‐not otherwise specified (NSCLC‐NOS); the clinical stage was T4N0M1c stage IVb. Blood testing showed leucocytosis and aberrant G‐CSF expression. We chose single‐agent pembrolizumab as the initial treatment because PD‐L1 was highly expressed in the tumours. A clinically favourable response was achieved from seven courses of pembrolizumab with a total disease‐free survival of 10 months. During this period, the blood leucocyte count was concordant with the disease condition. These observations showed that pembrolizumab monotherapy may be an effective treatment for patients with advanced G‐CSF‐producing NSCLC‐NOS and that the monitoring of leucocyte count may be a useful biomarker for predicting the efficacy of pembrolizumab monotherapy.
Evaluation of modulus of elasticity for normal and high strength concrete with granite and calc‐granulite aggregate
Authors: Arora Vir Vikram , Singh Brijesh , Patel Vikas , Trivedi Amit
Published: July 2020

High strength concrete is being widely used in construction nowadays and therefore, it is important to develop the design parameters for effective use and considerations. The Indian Standard has the equation for prediction of modulus of elasticity (MOE) but it is valid for normal strength concrete only. The modulus of elasticity is considered as a function of compressive strength of concrete and therefore, all the parameters that have influence on the properties of concrete should necessarily have its effects on the value of the modulus of elasticity. MOE depends on the properties of the aggregates, cement paste and their interactions at the interfacial transition zone. There are numbers of equations to evaluate the modulus of elasticity by various International codes and literatures. This paper aims in developing an empirical equation to evaluate the modulus of elasticity for both normal and high strength concrete considering the indigenous aggregates and materials. The analysis considers test results of modulus of elasticity with a wide range of compressive strength of concrete with a total of about 100 test results. Based on the experimental results for granite and calc‐granulite aggregate an empirical equation is proposed for the prediction of MOE and is compared with the empirical equations available in the different International standards. Also the effect of basalt aggregate on modulus of elasticity as compared to granite aggregate is studied.
European knowledge and entrepreneurial ecosystems: Networks within climate change and adaptation research
Authors: Carrozza Chiara , Cruz Ana Rita , Nogueira Carla , Pinto Hugo , Uyarra Elvira
Published: July 2020

Research on a topic as intricate as climate change and adaptation can be seen as a complex ecosystem combining thousands of projects by a large set of actors. This article studies the EU Seventh Framework Program funded projects to understand how research has been funded and managed in Europe to develop a specific knowledge ecosystem around climate change and adaptation. The theoretical background offers an overview of the topics of climate change and knowledge ecosystems. The research projects database was used to construct and make sense of a complex ecosystem. A synthetic description of the technical work conducted and the results obtained are presented. The data is analyzed using social network analysis to provide evidence of structural characteristics of the networks, the relevance of different sub‐domains in climate change and adaptation research, and the emergence of entrepreneurial ecosystems through knowledge.
The toll of household water insecurity on health and human biology: Current understandings and future directions
Authors: Rosinger Asher Y. , Young Sera L.
Published: July 2020

Water is imperative for nutrition and health, economic productivity, and political stability; it also holds cultural and symbolic meanings and functions. Household water insecurity is an emerging construct that captures lived experiences with water access, use, and acceptability. Although the plausibility of household water insecurity to “get under the skin” and shape human biology is high, these relationships have not been systematically investigated. Therefore, in this article, we set out to examine how household water insecurity and allied concepts affect health and human biology throughout the life course. We first lay out the various ways that water insecurity can act as a deleterious exposure, that is, through problematic quality, excess, and shortage. Next, we posit how water insecurity directly shapes human biology, as well as indirectly, via psychosocial stress precipitating cortisol exposure, with potential intergenerational effects. We highlight a range of established and plausible biological consequences using evidence from human and animal model studies. These include diarrheal prevalence, dehydration, stunting, food insecurity, gut microbiome alteration, malnutrition, psychosocial stress, adverse birth outcomes, lower cognitive function and performance, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. We also discuss the mechanisms by which household water insecurity may shape human biology across the life course; however, these pathways are just beginning to be understood. Longitudinal studies that simultaneously quantify household water insecurity and biological outcomes using comparable metrics in diverse environments and across generations will provide necessary evidence to establish causal relationships. Given the current global water crisis and its potential health consequences, such studies are urgently needed.

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Water, Health, and Sanitation

Science of Water > Water Quality
Effects of pollution on marine organisms
Authors: Mearns Alan J. , Morrison Ann Michelle , Arthur Courtney , Rutherford Nicolle , Bissell Matt , Rempel‐Hester Mary Ann
Published: July 2020

This review covers selected 2019 articles on the biological effects of pollutants, including human physical disturbances, on marine and estuarine plants, animals, ecosystems, and habitats. The review, based largely on journal articles, covers field, and laboratory measurement activities (bioaccumulation of contaminants, field assessment surveys, toxicity testing, and biomarkers) as well as pollution issues of current interest including endocrine disrupters, emerging contaminants, wastewater discharges, marine debris, dredging, and disposal. Special emphasis is placed on effects of oil spills and marine debris due largely to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil blowout in the Gulf of Mexico and proliferation of data on the assimilation and effects of marine debris microparticulates. Several topical areas reviewed in the past (e.g., mass mortalities ocean acidification) were dropped this year. The focus of this review is on effects, not on pollutant sources, chemistry, fate, or transport. There is considerable overlap across subject areas (e.g., some bioaccumulation data may be appeared in other topical categories such as effects of wastewater discharges, or biomarker studies appearing in oil toxicity literature). Therefore, we strongly urge readers to use keyword searching of the text and references to locate related but distributed information. Although nearly 400 papers are cited, these now represent a fraction of the literature on these subjects. Use this review mainly as a starting point. And please consult the original papers before citing them.
The pure BRST Einstein-Hilbert Lagrangian from the double-copy to cubic order
Authors: Borsten L. , Nagy S.
Published: July 2020

Abstract

We construct the pure gravity Becchi-Rouet-Stora-Tyutin (BRST) Einstein-Hilbert Lagrangian, to cubic order, using the BRST convolution product of two Yang-Mills theories, in conjunction with the Bern-Carrasco-Johansson (BCJ) double-copy.
Endoscopic submucosal dissection with an additional working channel (ESD+): a novel technique to improve procedure time and safety of ESD
Authors: Knoop Richard F. , Wedi Edris , Petzold Golo , Bremer Sebastian C. B. , Amanzada Ahmad , Ellenrieder Volker , Neesse Albrecht , Kunsch Steffen
Published: July 2020

Background and aims

A new external additional working channel (AWC) was recently introduced by which endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) can be converted to a technique termed “ESD+ ”. We aim to systematically evaluate this novel technique in flat gastric lesions and compare it to classical ESD.

Methods

The study was prospectively conducted in a pre-clinical ex vivo animal model (EASIE-R simulator) with porcine stomachs. Prior to intervention, we set standardized lesions measuring 3 cm or 4 cm in antegrade as well as in retrograde positions.

Results

Overall, 64 procedures were performed by an experienced endoscopist. Both techniques were reliable and showed en bloc resection rates of 100%. Overall, ESD+ reduced time of procedure compared to ESD (24.5 vs. 32.5 min, p = 0.025*). Particularly, ESD+ was significantly faster in retrograde lesions with a median of 22.5 vs. 34.0 min in 3 cm retrograde lesions (p = 0.002*) and 34.5 vs. 41.0 min (p = 0.011*) in 4 cm retrograde lesions. There were 0 perforations with both techniques. In ESD+ , 1 muscularis damage occurred (3.13%) compared to 6 muscularis damages with ESD (18.75%, p = 0.045*).

Conclusions

By its grasp-and-mobilize technique, ESD+ allows potentially faster and safer resections of flat gastric lesions compared to conventional ESD in an ex vivo porcine model. The potential advantages of ESD+ in terms of procedure time may be particularly relevant for difficult lesions in retrograde positions.
Identification of an oral microbiota signature associated with an impaired orosensory perception of lipids in insulin-resistant patients
Authors: Besnard Philippe , Christensen Jeffrey E. , Bernard Arnaud , Simoneau-Robin Isabelle , Collet Xavier , Verges Bruno , Burcelin Rémy
Published: July 2020

Aims

Type 2 diabetes leads to multiple sensory dysfunctions affecting notably the gustatory sensitivity. Although this sensory defect, by impacting food choices, might lead to unhealthy eating behavior, underlying mechanisms remains poorly studied. We have recently reported that the composition of microbiota in contact with circumvallate gustatory papillae might affect the orosensory perception of lipids in lean and normoglycemic obese subjects. This finding has prompted us to explore whether such a phenomenon also occurs in diabetic obese patients.

Methods

The composition of microbiota surrounding the circumvallate papillae was analyzed in combination with the linoleic acid perception thresholds in male insulin-resistant patients and weight-matched healthy controls. Two complementary comparisons were performed: (1) controls vs diabetic and (2) diabetic low-lipid tasters versus diabetic high-lipid tasters.

Results

Despite subtle modifications in the oral microbiota composition, comparison of orosensory lipid perception in controls and diabetic subjects did not lead to discriminating data due to the large inter-individual variability of linoleic acid perception thresholds. In contrast, specific bacterial signatures were found by comparing diabetic low- and high-lipid tasters leading to differential molecular pathways. Surprisingly, a lower fatty taste perception was mainly found in patients treated with metformin and/or statins, suggesting a possible side effect of these antidiabetic and/or hypolipidemic drugs on taste acuity.

Conclusions

Collectively, these data show that the diabetic patients with defective fatty taste detection are characterized by a specific microbiota metabolism at the circumvallate papillae levels, this occurrence seeming amplified by drugs commonly used to counteract the damaging metabolic effects of T2D.

Trial registration for original previous studies: ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT02028975
Validation of the revised Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale in Poland and its reliability in conditions of the medical experiment
Authors: Maksymowicz Stanisław , Kukołowicz Paula , Siwek Tomasz , Rakowska Agnieszka
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) is a basic tool for monitoring disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This study analyses the reliability of the Polish version of the ALSFRS-R as a tool to assess the health condition of patients with ALS and presents experience related to the use of this tool in monitoring the effects of experimental medical therapy.

Materials and methods

The scale questionnaire was translated using the cross-translation method. The final tool was used by researcher, who was conducting the interview directly by telephone with patients and their caregivers and additionally compared with neurologopedic measurement. The health status of 60 patients was assessed between 4 and 7 times, which gives a total of 327 observations. Mean patient’s age was 57.5 ± 8.6. The division by sex was 23/35 (female/male). Patients’ health status and severity of symptoms varied. Statistical analysis was performed using explanatory factor analysis and Cronbach’s alpha.

Result

Validation of the Polish version of the ALSFRS-R supports the reliability and internal consistency of scale. The scale proved also to be a proper tool for monitoring the course of the experimental medical therapy for patients with ALS. However, a qualitative evaluation revealed certain weaknesses of the scale, resulting from a different understanding of the functional assessment by the patient and by the medical specialist and cultural differences.

Discussion

Although ALSFRS-R is a reliable enough for monitoring patient health, it seems reasonable to pay attention to some difficult points of the questionnaire and its improvement.
General surgeons’ attitudes towards COVID-19
Authors: Rymarowicz Justyna , Stefura Tomasz , Major Piotr , Szeliga Jacek , Wallner Grzegorz , Nowakowski Michał , Pędziwiatr Michał
Published: July 2020

Background

The COVID-19 global pandemic left the unprepared health care systems struggling to mount a measured response. This gave rise to important questions about surgeons’ attitude towards surgical practice and the level of preparation at work.

Methods

Cross-sectional web-based national survey distributed to general surgeons by e‑mail over a period of 7 days.

Results

Among 304 responders, 42.6% were working in the hospital with COVID-19 patients. Three quarters of all surgeons (74.5%) were afraid of contracting the disease. While 42% expressed a fear for their own life while caring for COVID-19 patients, 90.1% were afraid of transmitting the disease to family members. The average reported level of PPE provided at the workplace was significantly higher among the group which was not afraid of contracting COVID-19 than among the group afraid of contracting COVID-19 (4.0 vs. 3.12, p = 0.02). Nearly all surgeons (93.8%) agreed that cancer surgeries should be continued during the pandemic and 49% perceived laparoscopy as a safe approach when operating on COVID-19 positive patients.

Conclusion

A high proportion of surgeons admitted being afraid of working during the COVID-19 pandemic, which had various implications for their attitude towards surgical practice. Protecting health care workers is an important component of public health measures for addressing the epidemic
To appease or to repress: how dictators use economic dynamics to increase their regime longevity
Authors: Harrijvan Merel , Weerdesteijn Maartje
Published: July 2020

International crimes, such as genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes, are more likely to occur in non-democratic regimes. Consequently, the decision-making process of dictators has increasingly garnered criminological interest [78]. The decisions dictators make and the strategies they use impact the longevity of their regime. Scholars predominantly focus on the extent to which a dictator is able to generate support from both the elite and the masses in explaining regime survival [3, 22, 54]. A dictator can use economic dynamics to increase his support among the elite through corrupt practices [3], he can determine the extent to which he is supported by the masses by offering public goods and services to them [22] and he can withhold benefits to repress threats stemming from these groups [17]. However, the intentional use of these strategies to increase regime survival remains under-researched [77]. The present research aims to fill this gap through an analysis of Paul Biya’s 37-year reign in Cameroon. It is argued that the economic structure of a country influences the strategy—repression or appeasement—that is chosen to deal with the threat stemming from the masses or the elite and that ultimately, these considerations are likely to influence the economic development of a country.
Selenium biofortification in the 21st century: status and challenges for healthy human nutrition
Authors: Schiavon Michela , Nardi Serenella , dalla Vecchia Francesca , Ertani Andrea
Published: July 2020

Background

Selenium (Se) is an essential element for mammals and its deficiency in the diet is a global problem. Plants accumulate Se and thus represent a major source of Se to consumers. Agronomic biofortification intends to enrich crops with Se in order to secure its adequate supply by people.

Scope

The goal of this review is to report the present knowledge of the distribution and processes of Se in soil and at the plant-soil interface, and of Se behaviour inside the plant in terms of biofortification. It aims to unravel the Se metabolic pathways that affect the nutritional value of edible plant products, various Se biofortification strategies in challenging environments, as well as the impact of Se-enriched food on human health.

Conclusions

Agronomic biofortification and breeding are prevalent strategies for battling Se deficiency. Future research addresses nanosized Se biofortification, crop enrichment with multiple micronutrients, microbial-integrated agronomic biofortification, and optimization of Se biofortification in adverse conditions. Biofortified food of superior nutritional quality may be created, enriched with healthy Se-compounds, as well as several other valuable phytochemicals. Whether such a food source might be used as nutritional intervention for recently emerged coronavirus infections is a relevant question that deserves investigation.