bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An improved method for simple and accurate colorimetric determination of l‐asparaginase enzyme activity using Nessler's reagent
Authors: Simas Rodrigo G , Krebs Kleingesinds Eduardo , Pessoa Junior Adalberto , Long Paul F
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Colorimetric determination of l‐asparaginase enzyme activity most commonly uses Nessler's reagent, but often yields unreliable results due to precipitation of tetraiodomercurate salts. Interference caused by some commonly used inorganic and organic compounds of biochemical buffers, reagents and microbiology fermentation media was determined. The stabilising effects of tartrate and polyvinyl alcohol upon the impact of these salts was next evaluated using the following two‐step assay in 96‐well microtitre plates: 160 μL of 50 mmol L−1 Tris–HCl pH 8.6, 32 μL of 100 mmol L−1 l‐asparagine, 16 μL analyte and 128 μL water were added to each well. After incubation at 37 °C for 1 h, 16 μL of 1.5 mol L−1 trichloroacetic acid was added to stop the reaction. A 35 μL volume was next transferred to a fresh well containing 35 μL Nessler's reagent, 35 μL stabiliser solution (4 mmol L−1 disodium tartrate and 10 mg L−1 polyvinyl alcohol) and 245 μL water. After incubation at room temperature for 10 min, absorbance was recorded at 436 nm and the enzyme activity calculated by extrapolation of a (NH4)2SO4 calibrated standard curve.

RESULTS

Addition of tartrate and polyvinyl alcohol proved to be effective in reducing interference caused by precipitation of salts, allowing determination of l‐asparaginase activity in a range from 0.050 to 0.796 IU mL−1, ideal for monitoring enzyme production in fermentations.

CONCLUSION

A method is offered for rapid and reliable determination of l‐asparaginase activity, particularly in complex samples such as microbial fermentation broths where existing methodologies do not account for interferences that frequently yield overvalues. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Reactor design for continuous monoclonal antibody precipitation based upon micro‐mixing
Authors: Martinez Michael , Mannall Gareth , Spitali Mari , Norrant Edith L , Bracewell Daniel G
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Precipitation has been applied for the processing of important therapeutics, including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). The scale‐up has proven to be a challenging task due to the complexity of the reactions and transport processes involved. This requires a good understanding of the molecular processes underpinning precipitate formation. The aim of this study was to build a micro‐mixing model for the precipitation of a mAb in continuous tubular reactors using ammonium sulphate. The effect of micro‐mixing on precipitate formation (with respect to size, strength, and nature) was evaluated. An ultra scale‐down (USD) centrifugation methodology was applied to determine the ease of precipitate clarification.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated that the final mean particle size decreased with increased micro‐mixing, and was obtained with short residence times. Antibody yields in the tubular reactors were consistently above 90% and were shown to be independent of the mixing. Similar particle sizes between a lab and pilot‐scale reactor were correlated with the average energy dissipation rate. The smaller particles obtained from improved micro‐mixing had higher fractal dimensions that correlated with minimal breakage upon exposure to turbulent shear. Precipitates were easily clarified at the USD scale (> 95% clarification), but less so at pilot‐scale (< 80% clarification).

CONCLUSION

Precipitation is a rapid process where the final precipitate properties are controlled by the flow conditions. Therefore, the process can be manipulated to acquire a certain particle size range. A high‐throughput precipitation process is also possible. However, further investigation into large‐scale precipitate recovery is required. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Use of mind maps in dental education: An activity performed in a preclinical endodontic course
Authors: Grazziotin‐Soares Renata , Curtis Donald A. , Ardenghi Diego M.
Published: December 2020

Purpose/Objectives

(1) to assess the ability of dental students to use mind maps to express the relationships of endodontic theory and technique; (2) to explore features illustrated from the highest‐ and lowest‐graded mind maps; and (3) to evaluate improvements in successive mind maps from the same student.

Methods

A total of 31 second‐year students were asked to configure a mind map on root canal cleaning‐shaping and then 18 weeks later develop a second mind map on root canal obturation. Faculty visually analyzed the mind maps using a qualitative approach: a multilayered process of thematic analysis. Codes and themes were generated to investigate if students were able to express appropriate and evidence‐based ideas on the topics (accuracy of relationships and depth of information presented). Two of the highest‐ and 2 of the lowest‐graded mind maps for each activity were directly compared. Improvement by the same student from the first to second mind map was also evaluated based on trend/style and creativity.

Results

The majority of the students accurately expressed the scientific basis for root canal cleaning‐shaping and obturation. The highest‐graded mind maps displayed the biomedical and humanistic conceptions of critical thinking. In comparing the second mind map to the first, nearly 50% of the students incorporated more detail and artistic expression in the second map.

Conclusions

using mind maps in dental education can benefit students with different learning styles and help the instructor to identify the level of conceptualization that the student had developed about a topic.
Effectiveness of educational intervention carried out by clinical pharmacists for the quality of life of patients with irritable bowel syndrome: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Thong Vo Duy , Ngoc Phuc Nguyen , Quynh Bui Thi Huong
Published: December 2020

Background and Aim

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is associated with repetitive gastrointestinal symptoms that greatly reduce the patient's quality of life (QoL). Training regarding IBS‐related knowledge, medication adherence, lifestyle, and diet adjustments has been demonstrated to strengthen patient QoL. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention carried out by clinical pharmacists to improve the QoL of patients with IBS.

Methods

Our research included data collected at the University Medical Center, Ho Chi Minh City, from April 2018 to December 2018, and was designed as a randomized controlled clinical trial. Patients with IBS were randomized into an intervention group (IG) and nonintervention group (NIG). The intervention program included training about IBS‐related knowledge, the importance of medication adherence, symptom recognition, lifestyle, and diet adjustments. Participants were followed up by monthly telephone calls. The outcome was the change in patient QoL scores (IBS‐QoL) 8 weeks after they took part in the research.

Results

Of 273 patients in the trial, there were 132 patients in the IG cohort and 141 in the NIG cohort. At 8 weeks, IG QoL score changes were statistically higher than those of NIG: 20.1 ± 12.1 (IG) versus 13.2 ± 13.4 (NIG). Furthermore, pharmacist intervention played an important role in increasing QoL after 8 weeks, as confirmed by multivariate regression analysis (B = 5.9; 95% confidence interval 2.4–9.4, P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Patient education, lifestyle, and dietary intervention, administered by clinical pharmacists, improves IBS‐QoL compared to standard medical therapy over 8 weeks.
Hepatitis C direct‐acting antiviral outcomes in patients 75 years and older
Authors: Parmar Parmvir , Shafran Stephen D , Borgia Sergio M , Doucette Karen , Cooper Curtis L
Published: December 2020

Background and Aim

Elderly patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have worse interferon‐based treatment outcomes than young patients. Direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) regimens have enabled the treatment of previously difficult‐to‐cure populations. There are few studies that specifically assess DAA treatment outcomes in patients over 75 years of age.

Methods

Design: This was a cohort study. Setting: The setting was three Canadian HCV specialty sites. Participants: Patients aged 75 years and older and treated with DAA without interferon were enrolled. Measurements: Patient demographics, liver fibrosis by transient elastography, treatment regimen, and treatment outcome data were collected.

Results

The mean age of 78 patients in our analysis was 78.6 years (SD 3.5; range: 75–88 years). The most common genotype was 1b (35%). The most frequently utilized regimens included sofosbuvir‐velpatasvir (33%) and ledipasvir‐sofosbuvir (32%). Ribavirin was included for 17% of recipients. Sustained virological response (SVR) was achieved in 94% of patients (69% of those receiving ribavirin and 98% of patients on ribavirin‐free regimens). Ribavirin toxicity contributed to the lower SVR rates in ribavirin‐exposed patients. Ribavirin dosage was decreased in three patients and ultimately discontinued in two of these patients. All treatment was discontinued in another two patients.

Conclusion

Ribavirin‐free DAA therapy is safe and achieves SVR rates in older adults comparable to those described in the general population. RBV inclusion frequently results in complications, often leads to treatment modification or interruption, and does not improve SVR rates in those with advanced age.
Recyclable catalysts for the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds using carbon materials
Authors: Rai Akanksha , Ranganath Kalluri V. S.
Published: December 2020

Heterogeneous catalytic reactions play a major role in the industry to produce a number of compounds that are essential in our daily life. Synthesis of heterocyclic compounds using heterogeneous catalysis is one of the rapidly growing research areas. Inherent ability to produce high selectivity and potentiality to recycle, the catalyst makes the heterogeneous systems more attractive, especially on the industrial scale. Various recyclable catalytic systems have been extensively developed for the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds via dehydration, partial oxidations, three‐component couplings, dehydrogenations, and others. Different supports like polymers, metal oxides, and quite recently carbon supports like carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene oxide (GO), graphitic nitride (GCN), and nitrogenous carbon materials (NGr) have been widely used to synthesize diverse heterocycles. The use of GO in the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds has been reviewed recently, hence we did not focus on GO in this review. The aim of this review article is to explore the emerging areas of carbon‐based heterogeneous materials such as CNTs, GCN, and NGr in the synthesis of heterocycles. This review also focused on the most recent examples, their preparation, and recycling studies of highly excited catalytic systems used for the heterocycles.
Sexual segment of the kidney of the lizard, Eutropis carinata: A light microscopic and ultrastructural seasonal study
Authors: Samson Shanthakumar , Bhagya Mahadevaiah , Bhadravathi Chandrasekhar Sagar , Aranha Ivan
Published: December 2020

We studied seasonal variation of the secretory granules in the epithelial cells of the sexual segment of the kidney (SSK) during the annual sexual cycle in the lizard, Eutropis carinata using light and electron microscopy in correlation with measurements of androgen levels. During the breeding phase, the epithelium of the SSK consists of simple columnar cells with basal nuclei. The cytoplasm contains numerous eosinophilic secretory protein and carbohydrate granules, but lacks glycosaminoglycans. These secretory granules develop during the regenerative phase when the circulating testosterone level increase. During the breeding phase, when the circulating testosterone levels are high, three types of secretory granules can be differentiated in the cytoplasm based on size and opacity; electron translucent type I, electron dense type II, and biphasic type III granules. Type II granules are found at various stages of maturity and degeneration/utilization. All types of secretory granules are released through an apocrine process. Microvilli and tight junctions are prominent at the apical portion of the cell. The cytoplasm contains, Golgi complexes, an abundant network of rough endoplasmic reticulum, numerous tubular mitochondria, condensing, mucus filled and empty vacuoles. Intercellular canaliculi are narrow and indistinct during the regenerative and breeding phases, respectively. During the regressed phase, when the circulating testosterone levels are lowest, the cells are found regressed with wide intercellular canaliculi and devoid of secretory granules. Then the cytoplasm contains a few round mitochondria, Golgi and scanty endoplasmic reticulum.
Triangular fractal loaded reconfigurable antenna with notch band characteristics
Authors: Orugu Rangarao , Moses Nesasudha
Published: December 2020

The article presents circular ring antenna loaded with triangular shaped fractals covers wide band communication systems. The proposed antenna consists of circular ring‐shaped antenna with three concentric ring‐shaped fractals are loaded inside the ring. It is designed and provides the fractional bandwidth of about 116%. The designed modal is equipped with a ground plane antenna is loaded with parasitic elements through which the reconfigurability is achieved. The reconfigurability and notching frequency bands of antenna is achieved by placing HPND‐4005 pin diodes in the Ground plane. The maximum shift in frequency is achieved for when Diode 1 is ON condition and Diode 2 is OFF condition. Similarly, antenna provides triple notching frequencies like WLAN, WiMAX and some of the x‐band applications. The antenna provides gain of 4.5 dB at different switching conditions and covers frequency applications like LTE 2300 (2.3‐2.4 GHz), WiBro (2.3‐2.39), RFID (2.44‐2.45 GHz), ISM (2.45‐2.48 GHz), WLAN (5.15‐5.35 GHz), Mobile and satellite applications (7.25‐7.37 GHz) and also mobile communication applications (8.02‐8.2 GHz) and some of the x‐band applications.
Comparison of the seed nutritional composition between conventional varieties and transgenic soybean overexpressing Physaria FAD3‐1
Authors: Kim Eun‐Ha , Oh Seon‐Woo , Lee So‐Young , Park Hwi‐Young , Kang Yun‐Young , Lee Gyeong‐Min , Baek Da‐Young , Kang Hyeon‐Jung , Park Soo‐Yun , Ryu Tae‐Hun , Chung Young‐Soo , Lee Sang‐Gu
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

PfFAD3 transgenic soybean expressing omega‐3 fatty acid desaturase 3 of Physaria produces increased level of α‐linolenic acid in seed. Composition data of non‐transgenic conventional varieties is important in the safety assessment of the genetically‐modified (GM) crops in the context of the natural variation.

RESULTS

The natural variation was characterized in seed composition of 13 Korean soybean varieties grown in three locations in South Korea for 2 years. Univariate analysis of combined data showed significant differences by variety and cultivation environment for proximates, minerals, anti‐nutrients, and fatty acids. Percent variability analysis demonstrated that genotype, environment and the interaction of environment with genotype contributed to soybean seed compositions. Principal component analysis and orthogonal projections to latent structure discriminant analysis indicated that significant variance in compositions was attributable to location and cultivation year. The composition of three PfFAD3 soybean lines for proximates, minerals, anti‐nutrients, and fatty acids was compared to a non‐transgenic commercial comparator (Kwangankong, KA), and three non‐transgenic commercial varieties grown at two sites in South Korea. Only linoleic and linolenic acids significantly differed in PfFAD3‐1 lines compared to KA, which were expected changes by the introduction of the PfFAD3‐1 trait in KA.

CONCLUSION

Genotype, environment, and the interaction of environment with genotype contributed to compositional variability in soybean. PfFAD3‐1 soybean is equivalent to the conventional varieties with respect to these components. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Strategic Habitat Conservation for Beach Mice: Estimating Management Scenario Efficiencies
Authors: Cronin James Patrick , Tirpak Blair E. , Dale Leah L. , Robenski Virginia L. , Tirpak John M. , Marcot Bruce G.
Published: December 2020

The Perdido Key beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus trissyllepsis), Choctawhatchee beach mouse (P. p. allophrys), and St. Andrew beach mouse (P. p. peninsularis) are 3 federally endangered subspecies that inhabit coastal dunes of Alabama and Florida, USA. Conservation opportunities for these subspecies are limited and costly. Consequently, well‐targeted efforts are required to achieve their downlisting criteria. To aid the development of targeted management scenarios that are designed to achieve downlisting criteria, we developed a Bayesian network model that uses habitat characteristics to predict the probability of beach mouse presence at a 30‐m resolution across a portion of the Florida Panhandle. We then designed alternative management scenarios for a variety of habitat conditions for coastal dunes. Finally, we estimated how much area is needed to achieve the established downlisting criterion (i.e., habitat objective) and the amount of effort needed to achieve the habitat objective (i.e., management efficiency). The results suggest that after 7 years of post‐storm recolonization, habitat objectives were met for Perdido Key (within its Florida critical habitat) and Choctawhatchee beach mice. The St. Andrew beach mouse required 5.14 km2 of additional critical habitat to be protected and occupied. The St. Andrew beach mouse habitat objective might be achieved by first restoring protected critical habitat to good dune conditions and then protecting or restoring the unprotected critical habitat with the highest predicted probability of beach mouse presence. This scenario provided a 28% increase in management efficiency compared to a scenario that randomly protected or restored undeveloped unprotected critical habitat. In total, when coupled with established downlisting criteria, these quantitative and spatial decision support tools could provide insight into how much habitat is available, how much more is needed, and targeted conservation or restoration efforts that might efficiently achieve habitat objectives. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Mechanistic scrutiny of the oxidations of thiol‐containing drugs cysteamine and d‐penicillamine by cis‐diamminetetrachloroplatinum(IV)
Authors: Zhou Li , Li Tiejian , Sun Ying , Tian Hongwu , Gao Cunxiu , Liu Chunli , Kong Lingli , Zhang Guimin , Shi Tiesheng
Published: December 2020

Cysteamine (CA) and d‐penicillamine (Pen) are the thiol‐containing drugs and good antioxidants. Their reactions with a cisplatin Pt(IV) prodrug cis‐diamminetetrachloroplatinum(IV) (cis‐[Pt(NH3)2Cl4]) were investigated by use of rapid scan, stopped‐flow, and mass spectral techniques. The kinetic traces are biphasic in nature, encompassing a faster reduction of cis‐[Pt(NH3)2Cl4] to cisplatin followed by slow substitutions on cisplatin. The reduction reactions were demonstrated to follow overall second‐order kinetics over a wide pH range. The observed second‐order rate constants versus pH profiles were established at 25.0°C and 1.0 M ionic strength, indicating a huge increase of reaction rate with the increase of pH. However, the oxidations of CA and Pen by cis‐[Pt(NH3)2Cl4] displayed different reaction stoichiometric ratios as revealed by the spectrophotometric titration experiments. Accordingly, CA was oxidized to CA‐disulfide while Pen‐sulfinic acid and Pen‐disulfide were identified as the major products in the case of Pen via mass spectral analysis. The above similarities and differences are rationalized in terms of the proposed reaction mechanisms, which encompass similar rate‐determining reactions for both CA and Pen, but involve disparate and faster followed‐up reactions. Rate constants of the rate determining were derived at 25.0°C and 1.0 M ionic strength. A consequent species reactivity analysis revealed that the species ‐SCH2CH2NH3+ of CA and the species +H3NCH(COO‒)CMe2S‒ of Pen played a predominant role toward the reduction of cis‐[Pt(NH3)2Cl4] from pH 5 to 8, which also is a critical pH region for most of drugs.
Sensor‐measured physical activity is associated with decreased cardiovascular disease risk in African Americans
Authors: Bernhart John A. , Turner‐McGrievy Gabrielle M. , Eustis Sarah , Wilson Mary J. , Hutto Brent , Wilcox Sara , Frongillo Edward A. , Murphy E. Angela
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Few studies have examined relationships between sensor‐measured physical activity (PA) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among African Americans. This study described relationships between PA and CVD risk in NEW Soul study participants.

Methods

Participants completed a dual X‐ray absorptiometry scan and measures of blood pressure, waist and hip circumference, height, and weight. Actigraph GTM accelerometers measured moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). We assessed relationships between minutes/day of MVPA and total body fat percent, total lean body mass, total fat mass, total bone mass, total fat distribution, body mass index (BMI), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and waist‐to‐hip ratio, adjusting for age, sex, and education.

Results

Participants (N = 159) were mostly women (79%), overweight/obese (99%), and had stage 1 or 2 hypertension (60%). Participants’ means ± SD for MVPA were 14.3 ± 12.5 min/day, total body fat percent 44.6% ± 7.5%, total lean body mass 54.7 ± 10.5 kg, systolic blood pressure 133.5 ± 16.7 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure 83.1 ± 9.6 mmHg, waist‐to‐hip ratio 0.9 ± 0.1, and BMI 36.9 ± 6.9 kg/m2. Every 10‐min increase in MVPA minutes per day was associated with a 1.2 kg kg/m2 decrease in BMI (t = –P = .02) and 2.0% decrease in total body fat percent (P ≤ .0001). MVPA also was negatively associated with total fat mass (P = .002) and total fat distribution (P = .003).

Conclusions

Findings confirmed protective relationships between PA and CVD risk, suggesting the importance of increasing PA among African Americans.
Heterogeneous effects of hotel ownership structure changes on localized market competition using multilevel mixed‐effect analyses
Authors: Lin Shih‐Chuan , Kim Yoo Ri
Published: December 2020

Ownership structure, a source of firm heterogeneity, can change competitive environments and market structures; the impact on the hospitality industry is unknown. This study investigates the impact of hotel ownership structure changes on the magnitude of localized competition of different quality segment hotels. Two‐level mixed‐effect analyses reveal that hotel ownership structure change from chain‐affiliated to independent increases the number of neighboring economy hotels, whereas the change from independent to chain‐affiliated increases the number of neighboring upper‐upscale hotels. Ownership structure changes in the same market can be a key driver of market dynamics, suggesting that hotels should colocate with caution.
Protections to promote children's MH are being violated, analysis finds
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: December 2020

Current state Medicaid and commercial health insurer payment policies do not fairly reimburse for services to promote children's mental health — a failure that violates federal law, states a new report released this month that takes note of the increased rates of mental health problems experienced by children during the pandemic.
Report outlines funding mechanism to influence social factors in health
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: December 2020

A health care professional's encounter with a child only goes so far in determining the child's health outcome, as numerous factors outside the professional's setting carry a major influence. While most professionals and the organizations where they work realize the substantial impact of “social determinants of health,” financing any efforts to improve conditions in children's environment can prove daunting.
Mental health leaders unite, urge transformed system of care
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: December 2020

Observing a need to prioritize response to this country's escalating mental health crisis, CEOs from the Treatment Advocacy Center, Mental Health America (MHA), the Massachusetts Association for Mental Health and 11 other mental health organizations on Dec. 16 announced the formation of a solutions‐focused collaboration with a common vision.
Translation‐invariant generalized P‐adic Gibbs measures for the Ising model on Cayley trees
Authors: Mukhamedov Farrukh , Khakimov Otabek
Published: December 2020

In the present paper, we analyze the occurrence of a phase transition by the use of a p‐adic probability theory. To carry out this research, generalized p‐adic Gibbs measures are investigated, for the Ising model on the Cayley tree owing to the fact that this specific model has broad theoretical and practical applications. To explore translation‐invariant generalized p‐adic Gibbs measures, we describe the set of fixed points of the Ising‐Potts mapping which appears by means of renormalization group. This description allows us to establish the phase transition. In the real setting, the phase transition yields the singularity of the limiting Gibbs measures. However, we show that the generalized p‐adic Gibbs measures do not exhibit the mentioned type of singularity; this phenomena is called a strong phase transition.
Do behaviour change techniques increase adherence to home exercises in those with upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders? A systematic review
Authors: Thacker Jonathan , Bosello Francesca , Ridehalgh Colette
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To investigate whether behaviour change techniques (BCTs) can influence adherence to home exercise in people with upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (UEMD).

Design

A systematic review of randomised control trials, non‐randomised control trials, case–control studies and cohort studies. Results were presented narratively. Participants were those with UEMD. The intervention was any home exercise programme, alongside a BCT designed to increase exercise adherence. Any duration of intervention was accepted. The main outcome sought was adherence to home exercise. A systematic search was performed on four online databases. Grey literature was searched.

Results

The search resulted in 28,755 titles. 77 full‐text articles were assessed for eligibility. Six studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Four studies had Some Concern of Bias, whilst two studies had High Risk of Bias. Three studies found statistically significant differences in exercise adherence (p < 0.05) between the Intervention group and Control group. The BCT ‘Social Support (unspecified)’ was used within all studies that found significant differences in adherence levels at outcome. However, multiple BCTs were received by the Intervention groups within all studies, making it impossible to identify the effects of any single BCT upon adherence levels.

Conclusion

Social support may be relevant in patients' adherence levels to HEPs. However, confidence in the results is uncertain given the small number of studies found, and their High RoB. Future studies should validate their measurement and definition of adherence, as well as the number of BCTs they use, to provide reproducible evidence.
Post‐COVID‐19 fatigue and anhedonia: A cross‐sectional study and their correlation to post‐recovery period
Authors: El Sayed Samir , Shokry Doaa , Gomaa Sarah Mohamed
Published: December 2020

Background

Individuals infected by the novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) have experienced different psychiatric manifestations during the period of infectivity and post‐COVID‐19 infection. Fatigue and anhedonia are among the frequently reported manifestations after recovery from this novel viral pandemic, leading to early evaluation of those patients and proper management of their complaints which have a drastic burden on different domains of life. Also, the period after recovery might have an effect on the severity of these two psychiatric presentations.

Aim of the work

This cross‐sectional observational study aimed to investigate the occurrence of post‐COVID‐19 fatigue and anhedonia and whether the duration after 2 consecutive PCR‐negative tests has an implication on the severity of the above‐mentioned psychiatric manifestations.

Methods

Socio‐demographic characteristics of 200 post‐COVID‐19 patients were collected, and also, the self‐assessment anhedonia scale was used to evaluate the degree of anhedonia. Fatigue assessment scale used to investigate this domain. The study targeted to find a possible correlation between the period after recovery and the other variables including anhedonia and fatigue.

Results

The study revealed high scores of different subtypes of self‐assessment anhedonia scale (including total intensity, total frequency, and total changes scores) in the studied group, also high score of fatigue assessment scale in those patients. Positive statistically significant correlation between anhedonia and fatigue in post‐COVID‐19 group, also negative statistically significant correlation between duration after recovery and the other 2 variables(anhedonia and fatigue) in the examined patients.

Conclusion

Post‐COVID‐19 fatigue and anhedonia were prevalent and commonly reported in the post‐COVID‐19 period, also the duration after 2 consecutive negative PCR tests has an implication on the severity rating scale of both anhedonia and fatigue. These findings directed our attention to those reported manifestations which affected the socio‐occupational functioning of the individuals during this whole world pandemic.
Analytical and numerical techniques for initial‐boundary value problems of Kolmogorov–Petrovsky–Piskunov equation
Authors: Wongsaijai Ben , Aydemir Tuğba , Ak Turgut , Dhawan Sharanjeet
Published: December 2020

In this work, we are interested in finding exact and numerical solutions of well‐known Kolmogorov–Petrovsky–Piskunov (KPP) equation. Here, we introduce modified extended tanh method for finding the exact solutions of KPP equation and an average linear finite difference scheme for numerical investigations. It has been observed that the numerical scheme so employed is stable and accurate enough to produce stable results.
Robust mixed performance control of uncertain T‐S fuzzy time‐delay systems with aperiodic sampled‐data input
Authors: Lien Chang‐Hua , Hou Yi‐You , Yu Ker‐Wei , Chang Hao‐Chin
Published: December 2020

In this paper, the robust sampled‐data input mixed H2/H∞ performance control of uncertain T‐S fuzzy systems with time delay and aperiodic sampled‐data state feedback input is considered. Some delay‐dependent linear matrix inequality‐based criteria are proposed to guarantee the H2 performance by the design of robust H∞ control. The novel aperiodic sampled‐data parallel distributed compensator is developed to achieve the mixed performance. Finally, we demonstrate two examples to show the main proposed results. A numerical example illustrates that the developed results are less conservative than published ones. We also provide a practical system about ship motion to show the simulation and verification of our contribution.
High‐grade tumours promote growth of other less‐malignant tumours in the same prostate
Authors: Halin Bergström Sofia , Rudolfsson Stina , Lundholm Marie , Josefsson Andreas , Wikström Pernilla , Bergh Anders
Published: December 2020

Prostate cancer is a multifocal disease, but if and how individual prostate tumours influence each other is largely unknown. We therefore explored signs of direct or indirect tumour–tumour interactions in experimental models and patient samples. Low‐metastatic AT1 and high‐metastatic MatLyLu (MLL) Dunning rat prostate cancer cells were injected into separate lobes of the ventral prostate of immunocompetent rats. AT1 tumours growing in the same prostate as MLL tumours had increased tumour size and proliferation compared to AT1 tumours growing alone. In addition, the vasculature and macrophage density surrounding the AT1 tumours were increased by MLL tumour closeness. In patient prostatectomy samples, selected to contain an index tumour [tumour with the highest grade, International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade 1, 2, 3 or 4] and a low‐grade satellite tumour (ISUP grade 1), cell proliferation in low‐grade satellite tumours gradually increased with increasing histological grade of the index tumour. The density of blood vessels and CD68+ macrophages also increased around the low‐grade satellite tumour if a high‐grade index tumour was present. This suggests that high‐grade tumours, by changing the prostate microenvironment, may increase the aggressiveness of low‐grade lesions in the organ. Future studies are needed to explore the mechanisms behind tumour–tumour interactions and their clinical importance. © 2020 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Visual outcomes following everolimus targeted therapy for neurofibromatosis type 1‐associated optic pathway gliomas in children
Authors: Ullrich Nicole J. , Prabhu Sanjay P. , Packer Roger J. , Goldman Stewart , Robison Nathan J. , Allen Jeffrey C. , Viskochil David H. , Gutmann David H. , Perentesis John P. , Korf Bruce R. , Fisher Michael J. , Kieran Mark W. ,   NF Clinical Trials Consortium
Published: December 2020

Data for visual acuity (VA) after treatment of neurofibromatosis type 1‐associated optic pathway gliomas (NF1‐OPGs) are limited. We retrospectively collected VA, converted to logMAR, before and after targeted therapy with everolimus for NF1‐OPG, and compared to radiologic outcomes (14/18 with NF1‐OPG, 25 eyes [three without quantifiable vision]). Upon completion of treatment, VA was stable in 19 eyes, improved in four eyes, and worsened in two eyes; visual and radiologic outcomes were discordant. In summary, the majority of children with NF1‐OPG exhibited stabilization of their VA after everolimus treatment. A larger, prospective study will help delineate visual outcomes after targeted therapy.
Etiologies and outcomes of prenatally diagnosed hyperechogenic kidneys
Authors: Digby Elizabeth L. , Liauw Jessica , Dionne Janis , Langlois Sylvie , Nikkel Sarah M.
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To determine etiologies and outcomes of fetal hyperechogenic kidneys (HEK).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of HEK in British Columbia (January 2013–December 2019) and literature review.

Results

We identified 20 cases of HEK without other anomalies (isolated) in our provincial cohort, one was lost to follow‐up. Eight had testable genetic etiologies (autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease [ADPKD], autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease [ARPKD], Bardet–Biedl syndrome [BBS], and HNF1B‐related disorder). The remaining seven did not have an identifiable genetic etiology. Of cases without a genetic etiology with postnatal follow‐up (n = 6) there were no abnormalities of blood pressure, creatinine/estimated glomerular filtration rate or urinalysis identified with follow‐up from 2–71 months. We report 11 cases with extrarenal anomalies (nonisolated), with outcomes and etiologies.

We identified 224 reported cases of isolated HEK in the literature. A potentially testable genetic etiology was found in 128/224 (57.1%). The neonatal death rate in those with testable etiologies was 17/128 (13.3%) compared to 2/96 (2.1%) when testable etiologies were excluded.

Conclusions

Genetic etiologies (ARPKD, ADPKD, BBS, HNF1B‐related disorder, Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome, tubular dysgenesis, familial nephroblastoma, and cytogenetic abnormalities) account for approximately half of prenatally isolated HEK; once excluded there are few neonatal deaths and short‐term renal outcomes may be normal. There remains a paucity of knowledge about long‐term renal outcomes.
The effect of age and gender on acute postoperative pain and function following lumbar spine surgeries
Authors: Kanaan Saddam F. , Melton Brittany L. , Waitman Lemuel R. , Simpson Melanie H. , Sharma Neena K.
Published: December 2020

Background and Purpose

Understanding the factors contributing to the variability in postoperative pain and function following lumbar spine surgeries (LSS) is necessary to plan inpatient rehabilitation and optimize surgical outcomes. In particular, variability due to age and gender has not been studied. This study's aim was to evaluate the variability in postoperative pain and function, during hospital stay, due to age and gender following LSS.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 585 patients who underwent LSS during their hospital stay. Univariate ANCOVA was performed to study the differences in postoperative pain, and multivariate ANCOVA was performed to study the differences in postoperative function (gait distance, independency combined score, and balance combined score) between age groups (older adults [≥65 years of age] vs. younger adults) and gender.

Results

Younger patients reported statistically, but not clinically, significant higher postoperative pain than older patients (β = 0.652 [95% CI (0.382–0.986)], p < 0.001), and males reported statistically, but not clinically, significant lower postoperative pain than female patients (β = −0.583 [95% CI (−0.825 to −0.252)], p < 0.001) with adjustment of covariates. Male patients walked significantly longer distance than female patients (β = 0.272 [95% CI (0.112–0.432)], p = 0.001) with adjustment of covariates. However, these were clinically insignificant. With adjustment of preoperative diagnosis, type of surgery, severity of illness, and prior level of function, there was no statistically significant difference between age groups in walking distance, and between age and gender groups in independency combined score and balance combined scores.

Discussion

Following LSS, the difference in postoperative pain between age groups and gender are statistically but not clinically significant, suggesting patients require similar effective postoperative pain management regardless of age and gender. The apparent difference in age and gender in postoperative functional outcomes could be due to other factors.
Enhanced hydrolysis of β‐cypermethrin caused by deletions in the glycin‐rich region of carboxylesterase 001G from Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Bai Li‐Sha , Xu Jing‐Jing , Zhao Cai‐Xia , Chang Ya‐Li , Dong Yan‐Ling , Zhang Kai‐Ge , Li Yong‐Qiang , Li Yi‐Ping , Ma Zhi‐Qing , Liu Xi‐Li
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Carboxylesterase (CarE) is a major class of enzyme involved in the detoxification of toxic xenobiotics in various insect species. Previous work has shown that the carboxylesterase gene CarE001G found in Helicoverpa armigera is more active and can metabolize synthesized pyrethroids, such as β‐cypermethrin, one of the commonly used commercial insecticides for lepidopteran pest control. In addition, CarE001G is very special as it has a very specific glycine‐rich region located adjacent to its C‐terminal. But whether mutations in this unique sequence can change the biochemistry and function of CarE001G are unknown.

RESULTS

In this study, four variants of CarE001G with different deletions in the glycine‐rich region were obtained and functionally expressed in Escherichia coli. The recombinant proteins were purified and confirmed by Western blot and mass spectrometry analyses. These mutant enzymes showed high catalytic efficiency toward the model substrate α‐naphthyl acetate. Inhibition study showed that β‐cypermethrin had relatively strong inhibition on CarE activities. In vitro metabolism assay showed that the mutant enzymes significantly enhanced their metabolic activities toward β‐cypermethrin with specific activities between 4.0 and 5.6 nmol L‐1 min−1 mg−1 protein. Molecular docking analyses consistently demonstrated that deletion mutations in the glycine‐rich region may facilitate the anchoring of the β‐cypermethrin molecule in the active binding pocket of the mutant enzymes.

CONCLUSION

The data show that deletion mutations can cause qualitative change in the capacity of CarEs in the detoxification of β‐cypermethrin. This indicates that deletion mutations in the glycine‐rich region may have the potential to cause synthesized pyrethroid (SP) resistance in H. armigera in the future. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Perspective on aircraft in the stratosphere: 50 years from COMESA through the ozone hole to climate
Authors: Tuck Adrian F.
Published: December 2020

A perspective is given on the emissions of aircraft in the stratosphere, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the article that initiated concerns about the ability of nitrogen oxides from supersonic airliners to carry chain reactions that would destroy stratospheric ozone, and so subject the biosphere to damaging ultraviolet reaction. The response of the American, British and French governments engaged meteorology, photochemistry and radiative transfer as never before. The UK programme, COMESA (Committee on the Effects of Stratospheric Aircraft), is reviewed, and its influence on subsequent developments through concerns about chlorofluoromethanes, the ozone hole and on to climate change is traced briefly. Perspective is given on the current situation, particularly as regards the effects of aerosol particulate matter, which can include emissions from aircraft, forest fires, volcanoes, sea spray, dust, the biosphere and gas‐to‐particle conversion.
The density functional theory study of 2D nonmetallic catalyst defective graphene for acetylene hydration
Authors: Li Junqing , Kang Lihua
Published: December 2020

In the present work, we investigate the activity of defective graphene catalyze acetylene hydration reaction via density functional theory calculations at M062X/cc‐pVDZ level. We calculated Fukui function in order to predict the adsorption sites and reaction sites. The adsorption ability of C2H2 and H2O on three kinds of defective graphene (single vacancy defective graphene [SVG], double vacancy defective graphene [DVG] and Stone–Wales defective graphene [SWDG]) were all enhanced compared with pure perfective graphene (PG), indicating the key role of defects. In addition, the adsorption strength of the two adsorbates decreased followed by the order of SVG > DVG > SWDG, and the strength of C2H2 is tougher than H2O adsorbed on SVG and DVG, while opposite in SWDG. We calculated Mayer bond order of the reaction process, which help us to confirm the bonding between the atoms in the reaction process and better understood the reaction mechanism. The rate‐limiting step of all the three pathways possess was H2O dissociation. SVG possessed the lowest activation barrier of 40.44 kcal/mol, lower than DVG and SWDG. Thus, the significant catalytic contribution of graphene defects for acetylene hydration reaction should not be ignored. As a novel non‐metallic catalyst, SVG may have research value in hydration of acetylene.
Heritability curves: A local measure of heritability in family models
Authors: Berentsen Geir D. , Azzolini Francesca , Skaug Hans J. , Lie Rolv T. , Gjessing Håkon K.
Published: December 2020

Classical heritability models for family data split the phenotype variance into genetic and environmental components. For instance, the ACE model in twin studies assumes the phenotype variance decomposes as a2 + c2 + e2, representing (additive) genetic effects, common (shared) environment, and residual environment, respectively. However, for some phenotypes it is biologically plausible that the genetic and environmental components may vary over the range of the phenotype. For instance, very large or small values of the phenotype may be caused by “sporadic” environmental factors, whereas the mid‐range phenotype variation may be more under the control of common genetic factors. This article introduces a “local” measure of heritability, where the genetic and environmental components are allowed to depend on the value of the phenotype itself. Our starting point is a general formula for local correlation between two random variables. For estimation purposes, we use a multivariate Gaussian mixture, which is able to capture nonlinear dependence and respects certain distributional constraints. We derive an analytical expression for the associated correlation curve, and show how to decompose the correlation curve into genetic and environmental parts, for instance, a2(y) + c2(y) + e2(y) for the ACE model, where we estimate the components as functions of the phenotype y. Furthermore, our model allows switching, for instance, from the ACE model to the ADE model within the range of the same phenotype. When applied to birth weight (BW) data on Norwegian mother‐father‐child trios, we conclude from the model that low and high BW are less heritable traits than medium BW. We also demonstrate switching between the ACE and ADE model when studying body mass index in adult monozygotic and dizygotic twins.
Size‐Dependent Electroporation of Dye‐Loaded Polymer Nanoparticles for Efficient and Safe Intracellular Delivery
Authors: Egloff Sylvie , Runser Anne , Klymchenko Andrey , Reisch Andreas
Published: December 2020

Efficient and safe delivery of nanoparticles (NPs) into the cytosol of living cells constitutes a major methodological challenge in bio‐nanotechnology. Electroporation allows direct transfer of NPs into the cytosol by forming transient pores in the cell membrane, but it is criticized for invasiveness, and the applicable particle sizes are not well defined. Here, in order to establish principles for efficient delivery of NPs into the cytosol with minimal cytotoxicity, the influence of the size of NPs on their electroporation and intracellular behavior is investigated. For this study, fluorescent dye‐loaded polymer NPs with core sizes between 10 and 40 nm are prepared. Optimizing the electroporation protocol allows minimizing contributions of endocytosis and to study directly the effect of NP size on electroporation. NPs of <20 nm hydrodynamic size are efficiently delivered into the cytosol, whereas this is not the case for NPs of >30 nm. Moreover, only particles of core size <15 nm diffuse freely throughout the cytosol. While electroporation at excessive electric fields induces cytotoxicity, the use of small NPs <20 nm allows efficient delivery at mild electroporation conditions. These results give clear methodological and design guidelines for the safe delivery of NPs for intracellular applications.
Virus‐Free and Live‐Cell Visualizing SARS‐CoV‐2 Cell Entry for Studies of Neutralizing Antibodies and Compound Inhibitors
Authors: Zhang Yali , Wang Shaojuan , Wu Yangtao , Hou Wangheng , Yuan Lunzhi , Shen Chenguang , Wang Juan , Ye Jianghui , Zheng Qingbing , Ma Jian , Xu Jingjing , Wei Min , Li Zonglin , Nian Sheng , Xiong Hualong , Zhang Liang , Shi Yang , Fu Baorong , Cao Jiali , Yang Chuanlai , Li Zhiyong , Yang Ting , Liu Lei , Yu Hai , Hu Jianda , Ge Shengxiang , Chen Yixin , Zhang Tianying , Zhang Jun , Cheng Tong , Yuan Quan , Xia Ningshao
Published: December 2020

The ongoing corona virus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, caused by SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths. Cellular entry of SARS‐CoV‐2, which is mediated by the viral spike protein and ACE2 receptor, is an essential target for the development of vaccines, therapeutic antibodies, and drugs. Using a mammalian cell expression system, a genetically engineered sensor of fluorescent protein (Gamillus)‐fused SARS‐CoV‐2 spike trimer (STG) to probe the viral entry process is developed. In ACE2‐expressing cells, it is found that the STG probe has excellent performance in the live‐cell visualization of receptor binding, cellular uptake, and intracellular trafficking of SARS‐CoV‐2 under virus‐free conditions. The new system allows quantitative analyses of the inhibition potentials and detailed influence of COVID‐19‐convalescent human plasmas, neutralizing antibodies and compounds, providing a versatile tool for high‐throughput screening and phenotypic characterization of SARS‐CoV‐2 entry inhibitors. This approach may also be adapted to develop a viral entry visualization system for other viruses.