bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-Congruent SARS-CoV-2 Waves in England
Authors: Brookes Anthony J , Pollock Allyson , Dorling Danny
Published: January 2021

Examination of the chronology, location and size of waves of SARS-CoV-2 infection across England could shed light on the inter-play between the 1st and the 2nd Waves. From mid-October onwards such an analysis becomes increasingly difficult due to the emergence of a new strain (VOC-202012/01) and in light of the differential implementation of lockdown measures and tiers. Therefore, we sought to examine trends and correlations in virus prevalence and covid-related deaths spanning the start of the UK pandemic in March 2020 through to early November 2020 – i.e., including the first growth period of the 2nd Wave. We found striking regional relationships between the 1st and the 2nd Wave that are difficult to explain other than by involving some role for changing levels of immunity in the population affecting the progression of the pandemic.
Personalized Perturbation Profiles Reveal Concordance between Autism Blood Transcriptome Datasets
Authors: Laird Jason , Maertens Alexandra
Published: January 2021

The complex heterogeneity of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has made quantifying disease specific molecular changes a challenge. Blood based transcriptomic assays have been performed to isolate these molecular changes and provide biomarkers to aid in ASD diagnoses, etiological understanding, and potential treatment1–6. However, establishing concordance amongst these studies is made difficult in part by the variation in methods used to call putative biomarkers. Here we use personal perturbation profiles to establish concordance amongst these datasets and reveal a pool of 1,189 commonly perturbed genes and new insights into poorly characterized genes that are perturbed in ASD subjects. We find the resultant perturbed gene pools to include the following unnamed genes: C18orf25, C15orf39, C1orf109, C1orf43, C19orf12, C6orf106, C3orf58, C19orf53, C17orf80, C4orf33, C21orf2, C10orf2, C1orf162, C10orf25 and C10orf90. Investigation into these genes using differential correlation analysis and the text mining tool Chilibot reveal interesting connections to DNA damage, ubiquitination, R-loops, autophagy, and mitochondrial damage. Our results support evidence that these cellular events are relevant to ASD molecular mechanisms. The personalized perturbation profile analysis scheme, as described in this work, offers a promising way to establish concordance between seemingly discordant expression datasets and expose the relevance of new genes in disease.
Disrupting D2-NMDA receptor heteromerization blocks the rewarding effects of cocaine but preserves natural reward processing
Authors: Andrianarivelo Andry , Saint-Jour Estefani , Pousinha Paula , Fernandez Sebastian P. , Petitbon Anna , De Smedt-Peyrusse Veronique , Heck Nicolas , Ortiz Vanesa , Allichon Marie-Charlotte , Kappès Vincent , Betuing Sandrine , Walle Roman , Zhu Ying , Joséphine Charlène , Bemelmans Alexis-Pierre , Turecki Gustavo , Mechawar Naguib , Javitch Jonathan A , Caboche Jocelyne , Trifilieff Pierre , Barik Jacques , Vanhoutte Peter
Published: January 2021

Addictive drugs increase dopamine in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), where it persistently shapes excitatory glutamate transmission and hijacks natural reward processing. Herein, we provide evidence, from mice to human, that an underlying mechanism relies on drug-evoked heteromerization of glutamate NMDA receptors (NMDAR) with dopamine receptor 1 (D1R) or 2 (D2R). Using temporally-controlled inhibition of D1R-NMDAR heteromerization, we unraveled their selective implication in early developmental phases of cocaine-mediated synaptic, morphological and behavioral responses. In contrast, preventing D2R-NMDAR heteromerization blocked the persistence of these adaptations. Importantly, interfering with these heteromers spared natural reward processing. Strikingly, we established that D2R-NMDAR complexes exist in human samples and showed that, despite a decreased D2R protein expression in the NAc, psychostimulant-addicts display a higher proportion of D2R forming heteromers with NMDAR. These findings contribute to a better understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying addiction and uncover D2R-NMDAR heteromers as targets with potential therapeutic value.
The CovR regulatory network drives the evolution of Group BStreptococcusvirulence
Authors: Mazzuoli Maria-Vittoria , Daunesse Maëlle , Varet Hugo , Rosinski-Chupin Isabelle , Legendre Rachel , Sismeiro Odile , Gominet Myriam , Kaminski Pierre-Alexandre , Glaser Philippe , Chica Claudia , Trieu-Cuot Patrick , Firon Arnaud
Published: January 2021

Virulence of the neonatal pathogen Group BStreptococcusdepends on the master regulator CovR. Inactivation of CovR leads to large-scale transcriptome remodeling and impairs almost every step of the interaction between the pathogen and the host. However, comparative analyses suggested a plasticity of the CovR signalling pathway in clinical isolates, probably due to the host selective pressure and leading to phenotypic heterogeneity in the bacterial population. Here, we characterize the CovR regulatory network in a strain representative of the hypervirulent lineage responsible of the majority of late-onset meningitidis. Genome-wide binding and transcriptome analysis demonstrated that CovR acts as a direct and global repressor of virulence genes, either as a primary regulator or with specialized co-regulators. Remarkably, CovR directly regulates genes of the pan-genome, including the two specific hypervirulent adhesins and horizontally acquired genes, as well as core-genes showing mutational biases in the population. Parallel analysis of the CovR network in a second isolate links strain-specificities to micro-evolutions in CovR-regulated promoters and to broad difference due to variability in CovR activation by phosphorylation. Our results highlight the direct, coordinated, and strain-specific regulation of virulence genes by CovR. This intra-species evolution of the signalling network reshapes bacterial-host interactions, increasing the potential for adaptation and the emergence of clone associated with specific diseases.
Development of ADAF screening tool for emotional and coping problems in cancer patients
Authors: Pérez-Segura Pedro , Francés Santos Enrech , Martel Ignacio Juez , Pérez Escutia Maria Angeles , Hernández Agudo Elena , Mateos Leticia Leon , Corradi Guido , Pérez-Frade Helena Olivera , Sánchez Escamilla Francisco , López Marta Baselga , Baquero Jose Luis , Delgado Marta Redondo
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Psychological screening in patient with cancer is recommended by clinical guidelines, however most of scales have large number of items, difficulty detection and refer from routine consultations. The specific objective of the study was to develop and validate the ADAF screening for anxiety, depression and coping.

Methods/Patients

Cross-sectional, multicenter study performed in the medical and radiotherapy oncology services of 5 hospitals in Madrid, coordinated by the Medical Oncology Service of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos (CEIC nº19 / 265-E). To determine the psychometric properties, the ADAF screening questionnaire ADAF was administered, including 5 items (one related to anxiety symptoms, two related to depressive symptoms, one for helplessness coping and one for avoidance coping), and as a gold-standard the HADS and the MiniMAC. Intraclass correlation coefficients and receiver operating characteristic curves were performed. The p value <0.05 was considered significant.

Results

A total of 186 patients completed the evaluation. The correlation coefficients were significant for all dimensions (Anxiety, Depression, Helplessness coping, and Avoidance Coping), with p <0.001. The statistical analysis of ROC curves suggests that the cut-off point for screening is equivalent to a score > 2 points (3 in the case of depression, having two items), with a sensitivity and specificity between 62 and 90%, depending on the item, and an area under the curve above 0.8 for the first 4 items.

Conclusions

ADAF screening has adequate reliability, good sensitivity and specificity. This instrument is useful and easy to use to identify emotional and coping problems in cancer patients.
Prevalence of, and risk factors for, diabetes and prediabetes in Bangladesh: Evidence from the national survey using a multilevel Poisson regression model with a robust variance
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Bellal , Khan Md. Nuruzzaman , Oldroyd John C. , Rana Juwel , Magliago Dianna J. , Chowdhury Enayet K. , Karim Md Nazmul , Islam Rakibul M.
Published: January 2021

Background

To estimate the age-standardized prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes and identify factors associated with these conditions at individual, household, and community levels.

Methods

Data from 11952 Bangladeshi adults aged 18-95 years available from the most recent Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2017-18 were used. Anthropometric measurements and fasting blood glucose samples were taken as part of the survey. Prevalence estimates of diabetes and prediabetes were age-standardized with direct standardization, and risk factors were identified using multilevel mix-effects Poisson regression models with robust variance.

Results

The overall age-standardised prevalence of diabetes was 9.2% (95%CI 8.7-9.7) (men: 8.8%, women: 9.6%), and prediabetes was 13.3% (95%CI 12.7-13.9) (men: 13.0%, women: 13.6%). Among people with diabetes, 61.5% were unaware that they had the condition. 35.2% were taking treatment regularly, and only 30.4% of them had controlled diabetes. Factors associated with an increased prevalence of having diabetes were increasing age, male, overweight/obesity, hypertension, being in the highest wealth quintile, and living in the Dhaka division. People currently employed and living in the Rangpur division were less likely to have diabetes than those currently not employed and living in the Barishal division.

Conclusions

Diabetes and prediabetes affect a substantial proportion (over one-quarter) of the Bangladeshi adult population. Continuing surveillance and effective prevention and control measures, focusing on obesity reduction and hypertension management, are urgently needed.
Synthesis, crystal structure and structure–property relations of strontium orthocarbonate, Sr2CO4
Authors: Laniel Dominique , Binck Jannes , Winkler Björn , Vogel Sebastian , Fedotenko Timofey , Chariton Stella , Prakapenka Vitali , Milman Victor , Schnick Wolfgang , Dubrovinsky Leonid , Dubrovinskaia Natalia
Published: January 2021

Carbonates containing CO4 groups as building blocks have recently been discovered. A new orthocarbonate, Sr2CO4 is synthesized at 92 GPa and at a temperature of 2500 K. Its crystal structure was determined by in situ synchrotron single-crystal X-ray diffraction, selecting a grain from a polycrystalline sample. Strontium orthocarbonate crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system (space group Pnma) with CO4, SrO9 and SrO11 polyhedra as the main building blocks. It is isostructural to Ca2CO4. DFT calculations reproduce the experimental findings very well and have, therefore, been used to predict the equation of state, Raman and IR spectra, and to assist in the discussion of bonding in this compound.
Crystal structure of the RuPhos ligand
Authors: Carsch Kurtis M. , Ho William , Lui Kai Hin , Valtierra Gregory , Dogutan Dilek K. , Nocera Daniel G. , Zheng Shao-Liang
Published: January 2021

Palladium 2-dicyclohexylphosphanyl-2′,6′-diisopropoxybiphenyl (Pd–RuPhos) catalysts demonstrate high catalytic activity for Negishi cross-couplings of sterically hindered aryl halides, for Suzuki–Miyaura cross-couplings of tosylated olefins, and for Buchwald–Hartwig amination of sterically hindered amines. The solid-state structure of the free RuPhos ligand, C30H43O2P, is reported herein for the first time. RuPhos crystallizes in a triclinic cell containing two independent molecules of the phosphine without any lattice solvent. Pertinent bond metrics and comparisons to other phosphine ligands are presented. The structure of RuPhos will be of assistance in the use of this ligand in the design of cross-coupling catalysts.
Homogeneous batch micro-crystallization of proteins from ammonium sulfate
Authors: Stohrer Claudia , Horrell Sam , Meier Susanne , Sans Marta , von Stetten David , Hough Michael , Goldman Adrian , Monteiro Diana C. F. , Pearson Arwen R.
Published: January 2021

The emergence of X-ray free-electron lasers has led to the development of serial macromolecular crystallography techniques, making it possible to study smaller and more challenging crystal systems and to perform time-resolved studies on fast time scales. For most of these studies the desired crystal size is limited to a few micrometres, and the generation of large amounts of nanocrystals or microcrystals of defined size has become a bottleneck for the wider implementation of these techniques. Despite this, methods to reliably generate microcrystals and fine-tune their size have been poorly explored. Working with three different enzymes, L-aspartate α-decarboxylase, copper nitrite reductase and copper amine oxidase, the precipitating properties of ammonium sulfate were exploited to quickly transition from known vapour-diffusion conditions to reproducible, large-scale batch crystallization, circumventing the tedious determination of phase diagrams. Furthermore, the specific ammonium sulfate concentration was used to fine-tune the crystal size and size distribution. Ammonium sulfate is a common precipitant in protein crystallography, making these findings applicable to many crystallization systems to facilitate the production of large amounts of microcrystals for serial macromolecular crystallography experiments.
Glycoside hydrolase family 5: structural snapshots highlighting the involvement of two conserved residues in catalysis
Authors: Collet Laetitia , Vander Wauven Corinne , Oudjama Yamina , Galleni Moreno , Dutoit Raphael
Published: January 2021

The ability of retaining glycoside hydrolases (GHs) to transglycosylate is inherent to the double-displacement mechanism. Studying reaction intermediates, such as the glycosyl-enzyme intermediate (GEI) and the Michaelis complex, could provide valuable information to better understand the molecular factors governing the catalytic mechanism. Here, the GEI structure of RBcel1, an endo-1,4-β-glucanase of the GH5 family endowed with transglycosylase activity, is reported. It is the first structure of a GH5 enzyme covalently bound to a natural oligosaccharide with the two catalytic glutamate residues present. The structure of the variant RBcel1_E135A in complex with cellotriose is also reported, allowing a description of the entire binding cleft of RBcel1. Taken together, the structures deliver different snapshots of the double-displacement mechanism. The structural analysis revealed a significant movement of the nucleophilic glutamate residue during the reaction. Enzymatic assays indicated that, as expected, the acid/base glutamate residue is crucial for the glycosylation step and partly contributes to deglycosylation. Moreover, a conserved tyrosine residue in the −1 subsite, Tyr201, plays a determinant role in both the glycosylation and deglycosylation steps, since the GEI was trapped in the RBcel1_Y201F variant. The approach used to obtain the GEI presented here could easily be transposed to other retaining GHs in clan GH-A.
Spatial heterogeneity in nitrification and soil exploration by trees favour source–sink dynamics in a humid savanna: A modelling approach
Authors: Konaré Sarah , Boudsocq Simon , Gignoux Jacques , Lata Jean‐Christophe , Raynaud Xavier , Barot Sébastien
Published: January 2021

Savannas are structured ecosystems characterized by a grass layer interspersed with trees. Trees strongly modify their local environment and favour nutrient accumulation under their canopies. Tree roots can also forage horizontally far beyond the canopy projection to increase nutrient uptake. In the Lamto savanna (Côte d’Ivoire), grasses are able to inhibit nitrification while trees stimulate it.

Here, we used a two‐patch model simulating nitrogen (N) dynamics in a humid savanna between an open patch (without tree) associated with a low nitrification rate and a patch of tree clump associated with a high nitrification rate. The model also includes horizontal N fluxes between these two patches corresponding to horizontal soil exploration by tree roots. We analysed the impact of spatial heterogeneity in nitrification and soil horizontal exploration on N budget and plant biomass.

Despite high N losses under trees due to nitrification stimulation by trees, our results show that the ability of trees to explore horizontally the open allows them to uptake more nutrients in total. This leads to an asymmetric N flux from the open to tree clumps, which contributes to nutrient enrichment under tree clumps and thereby to tree growth.

Although trees have the ability to horizontally explore the soil to accumulate nutrients under their canopy, increasing the surface occupied by tree clumps increases N losses per hectare of savanna due to the increased nitrification under trees and the subsequent increase in leaching.

While perennial savanna grasses show a restricted horizontal soil exploration to control nutrient availability, our results predict that the extension of tree roots outside their canopy increases their nutrient acquisition in the Lamto savanna. This study is the first one emphasizing the influence of horizontal exploration of trees and tree cover on savanna N budget and functioning. Overall, the proportion of tree cover and horizontal soil exploration are important factors to consider in savannas characterized by spatial heterogeneity in N cycling created by trees and grasses. These factors appear critical to the functioning of West African humid savannas and should be investigated in other savanna types.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Long‐distance migrants vary migratory behaviour as much as short‐distance migrants: An individual‐level comparison from a seabird species with diverse migration strategies
Authors: Brown J. Morgan , van Loon E. Emiel , Bouten Willem , Camphuysen Kees C. J. , Lens Luc , Müller Wendt , Thaxter Chris B. , Shamoun‐Baranes Judy
Published: January 2021

As environmental conditions fluctuate across years, seasonal migrants must determine where and when to move without comprehensive knowledge of conditions beyond their current location. Animals can address this challenge by following cues in their local environment to vary behaviour in response to current conditions, or by moving based on learned or inherited experience of past conditions resulting in fixed behaviour across years.

It is often claimed that long‐distance migrants are more fixed in their migratory behaviour because as distance between breeding and wintering areas increases, reliability of cues to predict distant and future conditions decreases. While supported by some population‐level studies, the influence of migration distance on behavioural variation is seldom examined on an individual level.

Lesser black‐backed gulls Larus fuscus are generalist seabirds that use a diversity of migration strategies. Using high‐resolution multi‐year GPS tracking data from 82 individuals from eight colonies in Western Europe, we quantified inter‐ and intra‐individual variation in non‐breeding distributions, winter site fidelity, migration routes and timing of migration, with the objectives of determining how much variation lesser black‐backed gulls have in their migratory behaviour and examining whether variation changes with migration distance.

We found that intra‐individual variation was significantly lower than variation between individuals for non‐breeding distributions, winter site fidelity, migration routes and timing of migration, resulting in consistent individual strategies for all behaviours examined. Yet, intra‐individual variation ranged widely among individuals (e.g. winter site overlap: 0–0.91 out of 1; migration timing: 0–192 days), and importantly, individual differences in variation were not related to migration distance.

The apparent preference for maintaining a consistent strategy, present in even the shortest distance migrants, suggests that familiarity may be more advantageous than exactly tracking current environmental conditions. Yet, variation in behaviour across years was observed in many individuals and could be substantial. This suggests that individuals, irrespective of migration distance, have the capacity to adjust to current conditions within the broad confines of their individual strategies, and occasionally, even change their strategy.
Current distribution and potential expansion of the harmful benthic dinoflagellateOstreopsiscf.siamensistowards the warming waters of the Bay of Biscay,North‐EastAtlantic
Authors: Drouet Kévin , Jauzein Cécile , Herviot‐Heath Dominique , Hariri Saeed , Laza‐Martinez Aitor , Lecadet Cyrielle , Plus Martin , Seoane Sergio , Sourisseau Marc , Lemée Rodolphe , Siano Raffaele
Published: January 2021

In a future scenario of increasing temperatures in North‐Atlantic waters, the risk associated with the expansion of the harmful, benthic dinoflagellateOstreopsiscf.siamensishas to be evaluated and monitored. Microscopy observations and spatio‐temporal surveys of environmental DNA (eDNA) were associated with Lagrangian particle dispersal simulations to: (i) establish the current colonization of the species in the Bay of Biscay, (ii) assess the spatial connectivity among sampling zones that explain this distribution, and (iii) identify the sentinel zones to monitor future expansion. Throughout a sampling campaign carried out in August to September 2018, microscope analysis showed that the species develops in the south‐east of the bay where optimal temperatures foster blooms. Quantitative PCR analyses revealed its presence across almost the whole bay to the western English Channel. An eDNA time‐series collected on plastic samplers showed that the species occurs in the bay from April to September. Due to the water circulation, colonization of the whole bay from the southern blooming zones is explained by inter‐site connectivity. Key areas in the middle of the bay permit continuous dispersal connectivity towards the north. These key areas are proposed as sentinel zones to monitorO. cf.siamensisinvasions towards the presumably warming water of the North‐East Atlantic.
How multiple farming conditions correlate with the composition of the raw cow's milk lactic microbiome
Authors: Nikoloudaki Olga , Lemos Junior Wilson J. F. , Borruso Luigimaria , Campanaro Stefano , De Angelis Maria , Vogel Rudi F. , Di Cagno Raffaella , Gobbetti Marco
Published: January 2021

Questionnaires on farming conditions were retrieved from 2129 dairy farms and clustered, resulting in 106 representative raw cow's milk samples analysed in winter and summer. Substantiating the efficiency of our survey, some farming conditions affected the milk physicochemical composition. Culturing identified several species of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) per milk, whose number increased through 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing and shotgun metagenome analyses. Season, indoor versus outdoor housing, cow numbers, milk substitutes, ratio cattle/rest area, house care system during lactation, and urea and medium‐chain fatty acids correlated with the overall microbiome composition and the LAB diversity within it. Shotgun metagenome detected variations in gene numbers and uniqueness per milk. LAB functional pathways differed among milk samples. Focusing on amino acid metabolisms and matching the retrieved annotated genes versus non‐starter lactic acid bacteria (NSLAB) references from KEGG and corresponding to those identified, all samples had the same gene spectrum for each pathway. Conversely, gene redundancy varied among samples and agreed with NSLAB diversity. Milk samples with higher numbers of NSLAB species harboured higher number of copies per pathway, which would enable steady‐state towards perturbations. Some farming conditions, which affected the microbiome richness, also correlated with the NSLAB composition and functionality.
Absorptive capacity and quality upgrading effect of OFDI: Evidence from China
Authors: Peng Hongfeng , Yu Jingwen
Published: January 2021

Does outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) from developing countries affect firms' competitiveness in international markets through quality upgrading of export? Using highly disaggregated Chinese product level data and the firm level information on overseas investment from 2000 to 2006, we attempt to provide an answer to this question. We employ the propensity score matching approach and difference‐in‐differences specification to deal with the sample selection bias and the potentially endogenous problem in inferring the causal effect of OFDI on quality upgrading. The results reveal that investment abroad could significantly push China export up on quality ladders. The firms with OFDI have higher quality products when compared with the firms remaining invest in their home country at product‐export destination level. This quality upgrading effect is more pronounced where firms export to high‐income countries. Furthermore, we show that the learning mechanism works and the absorptive ability of firms could reinforce the quality upgrading effect of OFDI. The learning mechanism also works for the firms with difference OFDI strategies.
Improved cognitive function after kidney transplantation compared to hemodialysis
Authors: Posselt Jana , Harbeck Birgit , Rahvar Amir‐Hossein , Kropp Peter , Haas Christian Stefan
Published: January 2021

End‐stage renal disease is associated with chronic stress that in turn may result in endocrine changes, affect cognitive, and physical capacities and increase the risk for cardiovascular events. The objective of this study was to evaluate and characterize possible stress parameters and compare cognitive function in those patients. Physiological and biochemical stress parameters as well as cognitive function were assessed in 17 hemodialysis and 18 renal transplant patients and both groups were compared. Serum cortisol and interleukin‐6 levels were elevated in both groups but showed no significant difference. Cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein levels were significantly higher in patients following renal transplantation. While heart rate variability was comparable in both groups, most cognitive tests showed better results in renal transplant patients. We showed that: (1) cognitive function may improve following renal transplantation; (2) standard biochemical stress parameters are not useful to discriminate stress in patients with chronic kidney disease; and (3) heart rate variability is unaltered in this setting.
Dynamic assessment of interleukin‐6 during hemodialysis and mortality in coronavirus disease‐19
Authors: Quiroga Borja , Muñoz Ramos Patricia , Giorgi Martin , de Santos Antonio , Núñez Almudena , Ortiz Alberto , Redondo Polo Concepción , Almería Gómez Olga , Marcos‐Jiménez Ana , Esparcia Pinedo Laura , Barril Guillermina
Published: January 2021

The impact of the newly discovered severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 causing coronavirus disease‐19 (COVID‐19) in hemodialysis patients remains poorly characterized. Some hemodialysis techniques reduce systemic inflammation but their impact on COVID‐19 has not been addressed. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate factors associated with mortality in COVID‐19 hemodialysis patients, including the impact of reducing interleukin‐6 using a cytokine adsorbent filter. This is a prospective single‐center study including 16 hemodialysis patients with COVID‐19. All were dialyzed using a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) filter. Interleukin‐6 levels were obtained before and after the first admission hemodialysis session and at 1 week. Baseline comorbidities, laboratory values, chest X‐ray, and treatments were recorded and compared between survivors and non‐survivors. Out of 16 patients (13 males, mean age 72 ± 15 years), 4 (25%) died. Factors associated with mortality were dialysis vintage (P = 0.01), chest X‐ray infiltrates (P = 0.032), serum C‐reactive protein (P = 0.05), and lactate dehydrogenase (P = 0.02) at 1 week, oxygen therapy requirement (P = 0.02) and anticoagulation (P < 0.01). At admission, non‐survivors had higher predialysis and postdialysis interleukin‐6 levels (P = 0.02 for both) and did not present the reduction of interleukin‐6 levels during the dialysis session with PMMA filter that was observed in survivors (survivors vs. non‐survivors: 25.0 [17.5–53.2]% vs. −2.8 [−109.4–12.8]% reduction, P = 0.04). A positive balance of interleukin‐6 during the admission dialysis was associated with mortality (P = 0.008). In conclusion, in hemodialysis COVID‐19 patients, a positive interleukin‐6 balance during the admission hemodialysis session was associated with higher mortality.
The effects of commercially available sweeteners (sucrose and sucrose replacers) on wheat starch gelatinization and pasting, and cookie baking
Authors: Woodbury Travest J. , Lust Andres L. , Mauer Lisa J.
Published: January 2021

A variety of sucrose replacers (SRs) are increasing in popularity for reducing sucrose usage in low moisture baked goods (cookies, biscuits, etc.). The goal of this study was to link SR physicochemical properties to their observed effects on starch thermal properties, including results from differential scanning calorimetry, rapid viscoanalysis, particle size analysis, and model wire‐cut cookie baking performance. The 12 SRs examined in this study were: Truvia, Splenda, Swerve, coconut palm sugar, Monk Fruit, erythritol, Benefiber, Miralax, blue agave syrup, yacon syrup, Sukrín Fiber Gold Syrup, and date syrup. The onset gelatinization temperature (Tgel) of wheat starch increased significantly (P < 0.05) as sucrose and SR concentration increased (0 to 60% w/w), with significant variations in Tgel found between different sweetener types at the same concentration. Generally, as solution concentration increased, the larger SRs (degree of polymerization [DP]> 10) decreased paste viscosity (peak and final), decreased granule swelling, and increased Tgel compared to the control (water). The smaller SRs (DP < 10) increased both paste viscosity (peak and final) and granule swelling, unlike the larger SRs, and did not increase Tgel as much as larger SRs. The SRs which performed similar to sucrose in model cookie baking (fracturability, spread, color, etc.) and effects on starch properties (Tgel, paste viscosity, and granule swelling) were yacon, Sukrín, date syrups, and coconut palm sugar. The results linking sweetener physicochemical properties to their effects on starch gelatinization, pasting, and swelling can be used to guide reformulation strategies for potentially reducing sugar and/or increasing fiber content in foods.

Practical Application

Several commercially available natural sweeteners and polymers (coconut palm sugar, date syrup, yacon syrup, Sukrín Fiber Gold syrup, and Benefiber) show promise for reducing or replacing sucrose in cookies, and other low‐moisture baked goods, based on their similar effects on wheat starch gelatinization, pasting, and swelling, as well as performance in cookie baking trials. Compared to sucrose, some of these ingredients have a lower glycemic response and higher dietary fiber content, and act as prebiotics, thereby providing potential health benefit.
Symptom trajectories during chemotherapy in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the function of prolonging low dose dexamethasone in promoting enhanced recovery after chemotherapy
Authors: Liu Jinghao , Liu Xingyu , Dong Ming , Zhao Honglin , Li Mei , Zhang Hongbing , Ji Huihui , Shi Yi , Cui Yajie , Wu Di , Chen Gang , Chen Jun
Published: January 2021

Background

Lung cancer, mainly non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Currently, chemotherapy is still the most significant treatment strategy for NSCLC. However, scant attention has been paid in previous studies to those patients who often experience various symptoms and discomfort during chemotherapy treatment cycles.

Methods

This study included 127 NSCLC patients who completed an EORTC QLQ‐C30 questionnaire and specifically designed symptom diary. Chi‐square test, factor analysis, Pearson correlation coefficient and hierarchical cluster analysis were used to perform multivariate analysis.

Results

We identified the top five most‐frequent symptoms within the chemotherapy cycle which included fatigue, insomnia, cough and sputum, appetite loss and hypodipsia. These symptoms were at a moderate level on chemotherapy treatment days 3–7, and were then reduced to a stable and lower level in the following two weeks. A statistically significant difference in adverse events (AEs) was found between 54 patients who received dexamethasone (treatment group) and the control group: fatigue (risk ratio [RR]: 1.48; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.120–1.961; p = 0.006), insomnia (RR: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.016–1.778; p = 0.038), cough and sputum (RR: 2.00; 95% CI: 1.484–2.695; p < 0.001), appetite loss (RR: 1.28; 95% CI: 0.959–1.696; p = 0.095). In total, 62 patients completed the EORTC QLQ‐C30 scale. The functioning scales of the treatment group were higher than the control population within positive effect sizes (ES: 0.1–0.8). Apart from diarrhea scales, most symptom scales were lower than the control group within negative effect sizes (ES: 0.1–0.9).

Conclusions

In this study we identified the top five most frequent post‐chemotherapy AEs in a chemotherapy treatment cycle and found that dexamethasone was well tolerated by NSCLC patients who received platinum‐based chemotherapy and substantially alleviated the symptom burden and improved the health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients.
Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in combination with resistance training reduced blood pressure in the elderly hypertensive men: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hooshmand‐Moghadam Babak , Eskandari Mozhgan , Shabkhiz Fatemeh , Mojtahedi Shima , Mahmoudi Nahid
Published: January 2021

Aims

We aimed to determine the independent and combined effects of saffron and resistance training on blood pressure (BP) and some chemical biomarkers in the elderly with hypertension.

Methods

The present study was a randomized clinical trial on hypertensive men aged 60–70 years who were assigned to a control group (CO) and 3 experimental groups; resistance training (RT); saffron (S); and resistance training + saffron (RTS) for 12 weeks. Dynamic resistance training was applied with moderate intensity. Patients in S and RTS received 1 tablet containing 200 mg of saffron daily. BP variables, chemical biomarkers and anthropometric indicators were measured at weeks 0, 6, 12 and 18. Data were analysed by repeated measurements ANOVA with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

In comparison to the CO (153.3 ± 1.18, CI = 10.9–20.2, P < .001) and S (143.3 ± 1.18, CI = 0.97–10.2, P = .01), RTS (137.7 ± 1.18) reduced systolic BP with the effect size partial η2 of 0.68. Nitric oxide increased in the RTS compared to the CO group (CI = 0.13–0.62, P = .001). There was a significant increase and decrease in adiponectin and endothelin‐1 in the S (CI = 0.03–1.20, P = .012; CI = 4.30–17.3, P < .001) and RT (CI = 0.36–1.60, P < .001; CI = 2.26–15.3, P = .003) compared to the CO, respectively. The partial η2 for nitric oxide, adiponectin and ET‐1 were 0.35, 0.35 and 0.38, respectively. There was no significant difference between the groups for atrial natriuretic peptide.

Conclusions

Resistance training and consumption of saffron can improve BP in the elderly with hypertension by affecting the factors involved in altering vascular endothelial resistance.

The present study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Iran's sports science research institution (IR.SSRC.REC.1398.020) and registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20190731044398N1).
Designing shared spaces for firm‐community collaborations for innovation: Formal policies and coordination in open source projects
Authors: Aksoy‐Yurdagul Dilan , Rullani Francesco , Rossi‐Lamastra Cristina
Published: January 2021

This paper adds to the growing debate on the design of theshared spacebetween firms and communities in co‐innovation processes. We investigate specific organizational design initiatives that firms can take when collaborating with online communities to nurture their joint knowledge creation process and to realize a useful output. We contend that drafting a formal policy, leaving the coordination of the joint project to others and, in case of taking on the coordination duty, dedicating an employee's full time to realize the project administrator task can help increase the amount of useful output of such collaborations. Results based on a sample of 1,099 open source software projects hosted on the platformSourceForge.netsupport our hypotheses.
Intranasal insulin improves mitochondrial function and attenuates motor deficits in a rat 6‐OHDA model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Iravanpour Farideh , Dargahi Leila , Rezaei Mohsen , Haghani Masoud , Heidari Reza , Valian Neda , Ahmadiani Abolhassan
Published: January 2021

Aims

Experimental and clinical evidences demonstrate that common dysregulated pathways are involved in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and type 2 diabetes. Recently, insulin treatment through intranasal (IN) approach has gained attention in PD, although the underlying mechanism of its potential therapeutic effects is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of insulin treatment in a rat model of PD with emphasis on mitochondrial function indices in striatum.

Methods

Rats were treated with a daily low dose (4IU/day) of IN insulin, starting 72 h after 6‐OHDA‐induced lesion and continued for 14 days. Motor performance, dopaminergic cell survival, mitochondrial dehydrogenases activity, mitochondrial swelling, mitochondria permeability transition pore (mPTP), mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, and glutathione (GSH) content in mitochondria, mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and the gene expression of PGC‐1α, TFAM, Drp‐1, GFAP, and Iba‐1 were assessed.

Results

Intranasal insulin significantly reduces 6‐OHDA‐induced motor dysfunction and dopaminergic cell death. In parallel, it improves mitochondrial function indices and modulates mitochondria biogenesis and fission as well as activation of astrocytes and microglia.

Conclusion

Considering the prominent role of mitochondrial dysfunction in PD pathology, IN insulin as a disease‐modifying therapy for PD should be considered for extensive research.
Early estradiol exposure masculinizes disease‐relevant behaviors in female mice
Authors: Seiffe Araceli , Ramirez Mauro Federico , Barrios Claudio Darío , Albarrán María Milagros , Depino Amaicha Mara
Published: January 2021

Most psychiatric disorders show a sex bias in incidence, symptomatology, and/or response to treatment. Males are more susceptible to neurodevelopmental disorders including autism spectrum disorder and attention‐deficit activity disorder, while women are more prone to major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders after puberty. A striking difference between males and females in humans and other mammals is that males undergo a process of brain masculinization due to the early exposure to gonadal hormones. In rodents, this developmental organization of the brain is essential for adult males to express the appropriate sexual behaviors in the presence of a receptive female. Our goal was to determine whether this process of brain masculinization influences behaviors relevant to psychiatric disorders. To this aim, we studied sex differences and the effect of neonatal 17β‐estradiol benzoate treatment of female mice on different disease‐relevant behaviors. Our analysis includes postnatal behavior, juvenile play, and adult tests for sociability, repetitive behaviors, anxiety, and depression. Our results show that the sex differences observed in exploration, repetitive behaviors, and depression‐related behaviors are largely reduced when females are neonatally treated with 17β‐estradiol benzoate. These results suggest a role of neonatal sex steroids in the development of disease‐relevant behaviors and provide evidence supporting a role for perinatal exposure to estrogens and androgens on the development and manifestation of psychiatric disorders.
Application of thermoelectricity in fatigue of metals
Authors: Hajshirmohammadi Behnam , Khonsari Michael M.
Published: January 2021

An online approach is proposed to predict the fatigue life of metallic specimens under cyclic loading using the concept of thermoelectricity. The working principle of the methodology is described, and experimental results are performed with a fully reversed bending fatigue testing apparatus to evaluate the efficacy of the approach. Results are presented that correlate the measured thermoelastic potential for low‐carbon steel 1018 specimens measured via an infrared camera. It is shown that the application of thermoelectricity provides a practical methodology for early prediction of fatigue.
Ten golden rules for reforestation to optimize carbon sequestration, biodiversity recovery and livelihood benefits
Authors: Di Sacco Alice , Hardwick Kate A. , Blakesley David , Brancalion Pedro H. S. , Breman Elinor , Cecilio Rebola Loic , Chomba Susan , Dixon Kingsley , Elliott Stephen , Ruyonga Godfrey , Shaw Kirsty , Smith Paul , Smith Rhian J. , Antonelli Alexandre
Published: January 2021

Urgent solutions to global climate change are needed. Ambitious tree‐planting initiatives, many already underway, aim to sequester enormous quantities of carbon to partly compensate for anthropogenic CO2 emissions, which are a major cause of rising global temperatures. However, tree planting that is poorly planned and executed could actually increase CO2 emissions and have long‐term, deleterious impacts on biodiversity, landscapes and livelihoods. Here, we highlight the main environmental risks of large‐scale tree planting and propose 10 golden rules, based on some of the most recent ecological research, to implement forest ecosystem restoration that maximizes rates of both carbon sequestration and biodiversity recovery while improving livelihoods. These are as follows: (1) Protect existing forest first; (2) Work together (involving all stakeholders); (3) Aim to maximize biodiversity recovery to meet multiple goals; (4) Select appropriate areas for restoration; (5) Use natural regeneration wherever possible; (6) Select species to maximize biodiversity; (7) Use resilient plant material (with appropriate genetic variability and provenance); (8) Plan ahead for infrastructure, capacity and seed supply; (9) Learn by doing (using an adaptive management approach); and (10) Make it pay (ensuring the economic sustainability of the project). We focus on the design of long‐term strategies to tackle the climate and biodiversity crises and support livelihood needs. We emphasize the role of local communities as sources of indigenous knowledge, and the benefits they could derive from successful reforestation that restores ecosystem functioning and delivers a diverse range of forest products and services. While there is no simple and universal recipe for forest restoration, it is crucial to build upon the currently growing public and private interest in this topic, to ensure interventions provide effective, long‐term carbon sinks and maximize benefits for biodiversity and people.
Resource potential of one of Earth's final remaining frontiers: the Siberian Platform
Authors: Steiner Benedikt M. , Barnet James S.K.
Published: January 2021

The Siberian Platform, covering a vast area of East Siberia (Russian Federation), represents one of the largest underexplored regions in Asia. Previous expeditions and regional surveys in the twentieth century, however, suggest that the Siberian Platform and adjacent orogenic belts hold significant potential for large undiscovered gold, copper, diamond and industrial mineral deposits, along with extensive oil and gas fields. The remoteness of the region, its inhospitable winter climate, and a major lack of modern infrastructure and mining methods have long hampered exploration in this area. These factors, along with the additional investment required and political uncertainties involved with operating in Russia, have deterred many international mining companies from considering the Siberian Platform as a viable region for exploration and mining. However, as mining industry paradigms change into a green, battery metals‐driven commodity sector, and modern mining methods are developed, increasing efficiency at a lower cost, the significant undiscovered mineral potential of the Siberian Platform could elevate the region to the forefront of mineral exploration and mining in the future.
Geology of Marseilles to Italy high‐speedTGVrailway line compared toHS2in Britain
Authors: Nowell David A.G.
Published: January 2021

In a radical departure, SNCF, the French state railway company, launched a public consultation in 2016 about the route for the first of a series of piecemeal extensions to the proposed French high‐speed railway (ligne à grande vitesse) LGV network in Provence‐Alpes‐Côte d'Azur. A cheaper proposal to build an inland line, bypassing Marseilles and Toulon, met strong opposition as it would have traversed landscapes made famous by Cézanne's nineteenth century paintings. This alternative offered options for tunnelling under Marseilles, including an underground TGV station due for completion in 2033. Eventually heading eastwards, a line about 35 km long with a lengthy tunnel into the port city of Toulon will be built by around 2040 from Aubagne. Unlike Britain and problems building HS2 bypassing the West Coast railway mainline into London, France has well‐established relatively generous compensation procedures for anybody losing property due to new infrastructure schemes. Also, this SNCF budget is split into many portions, while HS2 has been hampered by poor geological knowledge of likely ground conditions along parts of the route resulting in massive cost overruns. Even after the Oakervee review into how to bring these cost overruns under control gave the green light for construction of HS2 to continue in February 2020, these underlying factors were hardly considered in this technical and economic report.
On Inflow to a Tunnel in a Fractured Double‐Porosity Aquifer
Authors: Sedghi Mohammad M. , Zhan Hongbin
Published: January 2021

Inflow to a tunnel is a great public concern and is closely related to groundwater hydrology, geotechnical engineering, and mining engineering, among other disciplines. Rapid computation of inflow to a tunnel provides a timely means for quickly assessing the inflow discharge, thus is critical for safe operation of tunnels. Dewatering of tunnels is another engineering practice that should be planned. In this study, an analytical solution of the inflow to a tunnel in a fractured unconfined aquifer is obtained. The solution takes into account either the spherical or slab‐shaped matrix block and the unsteady state interporosity flow. The instantaneous drainage water table and anisotropic hydraulic conductivities of the fractures network are also considered. Both uniform flux and uniform head boundary condition are considered to simulate the constant head boundary condition in the tunnel. The effects of the hydraulic parameters of the fractured aquifer on the inflow variation of the tunnel are explored. The application of the presented solution to obtain the optimum location and discharge of the well to minimize the inflow to a tunnel is illustrated.