bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The efficacy and mechanisms of a guided self‐help intervention based on mindfulness in patients with breast cancer: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Shao Di , Zhang Huihui , Cui Naixue , Sun Jiwei , Li Jie , Cao Fenglin
Published: December 2020

Background

Mindfulness‐based interventions (MBIs) can alleviate psychological distress in patients with cancer. However, face‐to‐face MBIs may be inconvenient for patients. Therefore, guided self‐help interventions may be more accessible. The authors investigated the effects of a guided self‐help MBI for depression, anxiety, and sleep disorder symptoms in patients with breast cancer and explored the potential underlying mechanisms.

Methods

One hundred forty‐four postoperative patients with breast cancer were randomly assigned to an intervention group (6‐week guided self‐help MBI; n = 72) or a wait‐list control group (routine treatment; n = 72). Self‐reported depression, anxiety, sleep disorder symptoms, and rumination and worry as potential mediators were assessed at baseline and postintervention. Outcomes were then assessed at 1‐month and 3‐month follow‐up. The intervention's effects over time and the potential mediating effect were analyzed using generalized estimating equations. The trial was registered at the Chinese Clinical Registry (ChiCTR‐IOR‐16008073).

Results

Significant improvements in depression and sleep disorder symptoms occurred in the intervention group compared with wait‐list controls, and the improvements were maintained at 1‐month and 3‐month follow‐up. Changes in rumination and worry mediated the intervention's effects on changes in depression and sleep disorder symptoms.

Conclusions

A guided self‐help MBI reduced depressive and sleep disorder symptoms by mitigating rumination and worry in patients with breast cancer. These findings support benefits of this accessible psychological intervention in oncology and provide insight into possible mechanisms of action. The current research contributes to discovering effective and widely accessible means for people with physical health conditions and may remove barriers that otherwise would have precluded participation in face‐to‐face psychological interventions.
Validation of the caregiver Pediatric Patient‐Reported Outcomes Version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events measure
Authors: Reeve Bryce B. , McFatrich Molly , Lin Li , Lucas Nicole R. , Mack Jennifer W. , Jacobs Shana S. , Withycombe Janice S. , Baker Justin N. , Freyer David R. , Hinds Pamela S.
Published: December 2020

Background

Despite improvements in survival rates, cancer treatments have significant side effects that affect the quality of life of children and their families. When an ill child cannot self‐report symptoms (eg, he or she is too ill), caregiver (parent) reporting becomes critical. This study evaluates the validity and reliability of the caregiver‐reported Pediatric Patient‐Reported Outcomes version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (Ped‐PRO‐CTCAE [Caregiver]) measure.

Methods

A diverse sample of caregivers with children receiving treatment at 9 oncology centers completed the Ped‐PRO‐CTCAE [Caregiver] measure, the Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System® (PROMIS®) Parent Proxy measures, the Lansky Play‐Performance Scale (PPS), medication use questions, and Global Impressions of Change (GIC). Construct validity (including convergent, discriminant, and known groups validity and responsiveness over time) and reliability (stability) were examined.

Results

A majority of the 473 caregivers were female (85%), non‐Hispanic White (61%), and married (75%). Symptoms assessed with the Ped‐PRO‐CTCAE [Caregiver] and PROMIS Parent Proxy measures were strongly correlated (e.g., r for pain = 0.78; r for fatigue = 0.78; and r for depression = 0.83). Most of the Ped‐PRO‐CTCAE [Caregiver] item mean scores distinguished among PPS function levels and between children who did take medications for symptom control and children who did not. Changes in Ped‐PRO‐CTCAE [Caregiver] item mean scores were responsive to GIC over time. Test‐retest evaluation found moderate to high agreement (57.8%‐93.3%) over time.

Conclusions

This study found strong evidence for the convergent and discriminant validity, known groups validity, responsiveness, and stability of the Ped‐PRO‐CTCAE [Caregiver] measure in a large and diverse sample of caregivers. The caregiver perspective provides a valuable and unique insight into the experiences of children and adolescents undergoing cancer treatment.

Lay Summary

Despite advances in cancer treatments, children and adolescents continue to suffer from treatment side effects, including pain, nausea, fatigue, and emotional distress, that can adversely affect quality of life for children and their families.

Although it is best for children to report how they are feeling, there are times when a child may be too young or too ill to self‐report.

This study provides critical evidence for a new type of questionnaire that allows the caregiver or parent to report accurately what the child is experiencing. This measure can be used to improve adverse event reporting and child cancer care.
Mathematical model of the auditory nerve response to stimulation by a micro‐machined cochlea
Authors: Yamazaki Hiroki , Tsuji Tetsuro , Doi Kentaro , Kawano Satoyuki
Published: December 2020

We report a novel mathematical model of an artificial auditory system consisting of a micro‐machined cochlea and the auditory nerve response it evokes. The modeled micro‐machined cochlea is one previously realized experimentally by mimicking functions of the cochlea [Shintaku et al, Sens. Actuat. 158 (2010) 183–192; Inaoka et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 108 (2011) 18390–18395]. First, from the viewpoint of mechanical engineering, the frequency characteristics of a model device were experimentally investigated to develop an artificial basilar membrane based on a spring–mass–damper system. In addition, a nonlinear feedback controller mimicking the function of the outer hair cells was incorporated in this experimental system. That is, the developed device reproduces the proportional relationship between the oscillation amplitude of the basilar membrane and the cube root of the sound pressure observed in the mammalian auditory system, which is what enables it to have a wide dynamic range, and the characteristics of the control performance were evaluated numerically and experimentally. Furthermore, the stimulation of the auditory nerve by the micro‐machined cochlea was investigated using the present mathematical model, and the simulation results were compared with our previous experimental results from animal testing [Shintaku et al, J. Biomech. Sci. Eng. 8 (2013) 198–208]. The simulation results were found to be in reasonably good agreement with those from the previous animal test; namely, there exists a threshold at which the excitation of the nerve starts and a saturation value for the firing rate under a large input. The proposed numerical model was able to qualitatively reproduce the results of the animal test with the micro‐machined cochlea and is thus expected to guide the evaluation of micro‐machined cochleae for future animal experiments.
Detection and Sorting of Extracellular Vesicles and Viruses Using nanoFACS
Authors: Morales‐Kastresana Aizea , Welsh Joshua A. , Jones Jennifer C.
Published: December 2020

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are sub‐micron‐sized membranous spheres secreted by cells. EVs play a functional role as intercellular communicators and are associated with a number of diseases. Research into EVs is an area of growing interest due their many potential uses as therapeutic agents, as diagnostic and theranostic biomarkers, and as regulators of cellular biology. Flow cytometry is a popular method for enumerating and phenotyping EVs, even though the majority of EVs are below the detection sensitivity of most commercially available flow cytometers. Here, we present optimized protocols for EV labeling that increase the signal‐to‐noise ratio of EVs by removing residual antibody. Protocols for alignment of high‐resolution jet‐in‐air flow cytometers are also provided. Published 2020. U.S. Government.

Basic Protocol 1: Bulk EV staining with CFSE protein binding dye

Basic Protocol 2: Antigen‐specific staining of EV markers with fluorochrome‐conjugated antibodies

Basic Protocol 3: Astrios EQ instrument setup and sample acquisition

Basic Protocol 4: Counting particles and EVs on Astrios EQ with spike‐in reference beads
Metamizole is a Moderate Cytochrome P450 Inducer Via the Constitutive Androstane Receptor and a Weak Inhibitor of CYP1A2
Authors: Bachmann Fabio , Duthaler Urs , Meyer zu Schwabedissen Henriette E. , Puchkov Maxim , Huwyler Jörg , Haschke Manuel , Krähenbühl Stephan
Published: December 2020

Metamizole is an analgesic and antipyretic drug used intensively in certain countries. Previous studies have shown that metamizole induces cytochrome (CYP) 2B6 and possibly CYP3A4. So far, it is unknown whether metamizole induces additional CYPs and by which mechanism. Therefore, we assessed the activity of 6 different CYPs in 12 healthy male subjects before and after treatment with 3 g of metamizole per day for 1 week using a phenotyping cocktail approach. In addition, we investigated whether metamizole induces CYPs by an interaction with the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) or the pregnane X receptor (PXR) in HepaRG cells. In the clinical study, we confirmed a moderate induction of CYP2B6 (decrease in the efavirenz area under the plasma concentration time curve (AUC) by 79%) and 3A4 (decrease in the midazolam AUC by 68%) by metamizole. In addition, metamizole weakly induced CYP2C9 (decrease in the flurbiprofen AUC by 22%) and moderately CYP2C19 (decrease in the omeprazole AUC by 66%) but did not alter CYP2D6 activity. In addition, metamizole weakly inhibited CYP1A2 activity (1.79‐fold increase in the caffeine AUC). We confirmed these results in HepaRG cells, where 4‐MAA, the principal metabolite of metamizole, induced the mRNA expression of CYP2B6, 2C9, 2C19, and 3A4. In HepaRG cells with a stable knockout of PXR or CAR, we could demonstrate that CYP induction by 4‐MAA depends on CAR and not on PXR. In conclusion, metamizole is a broad CYP inducer by an interaction with CAR and an inhibitor of CYP1A2. Regarding the widespread use of metamizole, these findings are of substantial clinical relevance.
Remote Control of Near Infrared Emission with Lanthanide Complexes
Authors: Norel Lucie , Galangau Olivier , Al Sabea Hassan , Rigaut Stéphane
Published: December 2020

Molecular luminescent switches form a unique and fascinating class of compounds whose luminescence response can be toggled with chemical or physical stimuli. Switchable near‐infrared (NIR) emitters are of major interest since they are compatible with in vivo imaging and have potential for advanced materials such as security tags. Of particular interest are the NIR emitting lanthanides, which feature narrow, sharp and intense emission lines originating from the f–f Laporte forbidden transitions. Although, these “fingerprints” are in general rather insensitive to surrounding media, they can be manipulated thanks to a proper engineering of the complex first or second coordination spheres. The resulting switching systems may thus find usefulness in various application fields. In this review, we selected representative examples of switchable lanthanide NIR emitters based on the most relevant stimuli, such as chemical, environmental, thermal, electrochemical and photochemical inputs.
Modified H2V3O8 to Enhance the Electrochemical Performance for Li‐ion Insertion: The Influence of Prelithiation and Mo‐Substitution
Authors: Söllinger Daniela , Karl Michael , Redhammer Günther J. , Schoiber Jürgen , Werner Valérie , Zickler Gregor A. , Pokrant Simone
Published: December 2020

Nanostructured H2V3O8 is a promising high‐capacity cathode material, suitable not only for Li+ but also for Na+, Mg2+, and Zn2+ insertion. However, the full theoretical capacity for Li+ insertion has not been demonstrated experimentally so far. In addition, improvement of cycling stability is desirable. Modifications like substitution or prelithiation are possibilities to enhance the electrochemical performance of electrode materials. Here, for the first time, the substitution of vanadium sites in H2V3O8 with molybdenum was achieved while preserving the nanostructure by combining a soft chemical synthesis approach with a hydrothermal process. The obtained Mo‐substituted vanadate nanofibers were further modified by prelithiation. While pristine H2V3O8 showed an initial capacity of 223 mAh g−1 and a retention of 79 % over 30 cycles, combining Mo substitution and prelithiation led to a superior initial capacity of 312 mAh g−1 and a capacity retention of 94 % after 30 cycles.
Catalytic Enhancement of Inductively Heated Fe3O4 Nanoparticles by Removal of Surface Ligands
Authors: Moura Natalia S. , Bajgiran Khashayar R. , Roman Cameron L. , Daemen Luke , Cheng Yongqiang , Lawrence Jimmy , Melvin Adam T. , Dooley Kerry M. , Dorman James A.
Published: December 2020

Heat management in catalysis is limited by each material's heat transfer efficiencies, resulting in energy losses despite current thermal engineering strategies. In contrast, induction heating of magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) generates heat at the surface of the catalyst where the reaction occurs, reducing waste heat via dissipation. However, the synthesis of magnetic NPs with optimal heat generation requires interfacial ligands, such as oleic acid, which act as heat sinks. Surface treatments using tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAOH) or pyridine are used to remove these ligands before applications in hydrophilic media. In this study, Fe3O4 NPs are surface treated to study the effect of induction heating on the catalytic oxidation of 1‐octanol. Whereas TMAOH was unsuccessful in removing oleic acid, pyridine treatment resulted in a roughly 2.5‐fold increase in heat generation and product yield. Therefore, efficient surfactant removal has profound implications in induction heating catalysis by increasing the heat transfer and available surface sites.
Toward whole tissue imaging of axolotl regeneration
Authors: Masselink Wouter , Tanaka Elly M.
Published: December 2020

The axolotl is a highly regenerative organism and has been studied in laboratories for over 150 years. Despite a long‐standing fascination with regeneration in general and axolotl specifically, we are still scratching the surface trying to visualize and understand the complex cellular behavior that underlies axolotl regeneration. In this review, we will discuss the progress that has been made in visualizing these processes focusing on four major aspects: cell labeling approaches, the removal of pigmentation, reductionist approaches to perform live cell imaging, and finally recent developments applying tissue clearing strategies to visualize the processes that underly regeneration. We also provide several suggestions that the community could consider exploring, notably the generation of novel alleles that further reduce pigmentation as well as improvements in tissue clearing strategies.
Implementing team‐based learning in the life sciences: A case study in an online introductory level evolution and biodiversity course
Authors: Arcila Hernández Lina M. , Zamudio Kelly R. , Drake Abby G. , Smith Michelle K.
Published: December 2020

Team‐Based Learning (TBL) is a pedagogical tool that has great potential to develop student engagement, accountability, and equity in the online classroom. TBL is rooted in evidence‐based educational theories and practices that underlie many active learning approaches such as self‐testing, team discussion, and application of knowledge. The use of these approaches is associated with better student performance, retention, and sense of belonging in the classroom, aspects that are often reported to be especially lacking in online courses. Here, we describe how we implemented TBL in a face‐to‐face and an online introductory level evolution and biodiversity course. We implemented TBL in the face‐to‐face course (~200 students) starting in 2018 and in the online course (~30 students) starting in the summer of 2019. We used several online applications to facilitate the transition to an online platform such as Simbio, Slack, VoiceThread, Articulate 360, and Teammates. Our experiences using TBL approaches in the online course have been rewarding, and students are engaged and accountable for their learning and performed well in the course. Our goal is to provide an example of how we designed a life science course using TBL approaches and transitioned the course to an online environment. With the current switch to remote instruction and online learning, we recommend the use of TBL as a course design approach that can improve the students’ online learning experience.
Spatial structure of reproductive success infers mechanisms of ungulate invasion in Nearctic boreal landscapes
Authors: Fisher Jason T. , Burton A. Cole
Published: December 2020

Landscape change is a key driver of biodiversity declines due to habitat loss and fragmentation, but spatially shifting resources can also facilitate range expansion and invasion. Invasive populations are reproductively successful, and landscape change may buoy this success.

We show how modeling the spatial structure of reproductive success can elucidate the mechanisms of range shifts and sustained invasions for mammalian species with attendant young. We use an example of white‐tailed deer (deer; Odocoileus virginianus) expansion in the Nearctic boreal forest, a North American phenomenon implicated in severe declines of threatened woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus).

We hypothesized that deer reproductive success is linked to forage subsidies provided by extensive landscape change via resource extraction. We measured deer occurrence using data from 62 camera traps in northern Alberta, Canada, over three years. We weighed support for multiple competing hypotheses about deer reproductive success using multistate occupancy models and generalized linear models in an AIC‐based model selection framework.

Spatial patterns of reproductive success were best explained by features associated with petroleum exploration and extraction, which offer early‐seral vegetation resource subsidies. Effect sizes of anthropogenic features eclipsed natural heterogeneity by two orders of magnitude. We conclude that anthropogenic early‐seral forage subsidies support high springtime reproductive success, mitigating or exceeding winter losses, maintaining populations.

Synthesis and Applications. Modeling spatial structuring in reproductive success can become a key goal of remote camera‐based global networks, yielding ecological insights into mechanisms of invasion and range shifts to inform effective decision‐making for global biodiversity conservation.
Chimpanzee identification and social network construction through an online citizen science platform
Authors: McCarthy Maureen S. , Stephens Colleen , Dieguez Paula , Samuni Liran , Després‐Einspenner Marie‐Lyne , Harder Briana , Landsmann Anja , Lynn Laura K. , Maldonado Nuria , Ročkaiová Zuzana , Widness Jane , Wittig Roman M. , Boesch Christophe , Kühl Hjalmar S. , Arandjelovic Mimi
Published: December 2020

Citizen science has grown rapidly in popularity in recent years due to its potential to educate and engage the public while providing a means to address a myriad of scientific questions. However, the rise in popularity of citizen science has also been accompanied by concerns about the quality of data emerging from citizen science research projects. We assessed data quality in the online citizen scientist platform Chimp&See, which hosts camera trap videos of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and other species across Equatorial Africa. In particular, we compared detection and identification of individual chimpanzees by citizen scientists with that of experts with years of experience studying those chimpanzees. We found that citizen scientists typically detected the same number of individual chimpanzees as experts, but assigned far fewer identifications (IDs) to those individuals. Those IDs assigned, however, were nearly always in agreement with the IDs provided by experts. We applied the data sets of citizen scientists and experts by constructing social networks from each. We found that both social networks were relatively robust and shared a similar structure, as well as having positively correlated individual network positions. Our findings demonstrate that, although citizen scientists produced a smaller data set based on fewer confirmed IDs, the data strongly reflect expert classifications and can be used for meaningful assessments of group structure and dynamics. This approach expands opportunities for social research and conservation monitoring in great apes and many other individually identifiable species.
Frequency and clinical impact of hyperkalaemia within a large, modern, real‐world heart failure population
Authors: Muhlestein Joseph B. , Kammerer Jennifer , Bair Tami L. , Knowlton Kirk U. , Le Viet T. , Anderson Jeffrey L. , Lappé Donald L. , May Heidi T.
Published: December 2020

Aims

This analysis qualitatively describes the impact of hyperkalaemia (HK) and renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system inhibitor (RAASi) use on clinical outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF).

Methods and results

Patients were included if they were ≥18 years old; had a serum potassium result between 1 January 2003 and 3 December 2018; had ≥2 separate, non‐urgent care or emergency department encounters; and had an HF diagnosis. Criteria were met by 52 253 patients; 48 333 had sufficient follow‐up for analysis. Patients were stratified by the presence/absence of HK (serum potassium >5.0 mmol/L) (n = 31 619 and n = 20 634, respectively) and by baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤40% or >40%. Compared with patients without HK (no‐HK), those with HK had significantly higher rates of baseline cardiovascular risk factors, prior diagnoses, and greater RAASi use in both baseline and follow‐up periods. Assessed outcomes included RAASi use, rate of 3 year major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and individual component rates. Between baseline and follow‐up analyses, the proportion of patients on RAASi decreased by 5% in patients with HK but increased by 20% in no‐HK patients. Overall, MACE and death were consistently highest in the presence of HK without RAASi treatment (63% and 62%, respectively) and lowest in no‐HK but on RAASi (25% and 21%, respectively). After complete multivariable adjustment, these trends were consistent regardless of baseline LVEF.

Conclusions

In this large, real‐world HF population, HK was common and linked to baseline clinical risk factors, declining use of RAASi treatment, and an increase in future MACE, regardless of baseline LVEF. Both HK and reduced RAASi use were independent predictors of future MACE.
Preparation and Capacitance Properties of Graphene Quantum Dot/NiFe−Layered Double‐Hydroxide Nanocomposite
Authors: Samuei Sara , Rezvani Zolfaghar , Shomali Ashkan , Ülker Emine , Karadaş Ferdi
Published: December 2020

A new composite from graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and NiFe layered double hydroxide was successfully prepared by the coprecipitation method under optimal conditions. The nanoparticles of the composite were analyzed by X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) to obtain the structure, composition and morphology information. Also, the electrochemical properties were investigated by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge measurements, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The nanocomposite displays a specific capacitance of 712.7 F g−1 and excellent cycle life after 2500 cycles by applying 10 A g−1 of the current density in 1 M KOH electrolyte, which confirms that the nanocomposite has superb capacitance retention (∼94.8 %) and can be used as a capable supercapacitor. Furthermore, this study provides a desirable procedure for the preparation of novel nanocomposites based on graphene quantum dots, which can be used in energy storage/conversion devices.
Lanthanide Podands with a Short Tripodal Ligand: The Missing Piece of Puzzle
Authors: Sa Jing‐Peng , Guénée Laure , Pal Prodipta , Hamacek Josef
Published: December 2020

A new small tripodal ligand L2 has been synthetized and used for lanthanide complexation in acetonitrile. This podand has a short distance between the carbon anchor and the binding sites, but this structural motif still leads to the formation of stable tripodal mononuclear complexes. Indeed, the crystal structure of a C3‐symmetrical mononuclear complex with EuIII shows a helical wrapping of binding strands around the cation. Similar tripodal complexes are formed with L2 along the LnIII series. The selected ones were characterized with different techniques including NMR, mass spectrometry and spectroscopy. As shown with spectrophotometric and NMR titrations, the LnL2 complexes are moderately stable (log β∼7) but remain unchanged in large metal excess. In addition, luminescence lifetimes confirm the complexation of trivalent lanthanide in a single well‐protected coordination environment.
Complexes Formed between Artificial Receptors and β‐Glucopyranoside in the Crystalline State
Authors: Köhler Linda , Seichter Wilhelm , Mazik Monika
Published: December 2020

In contrast to numerous known crystal structures of protein‐carbohydrate complexes, which act as a source of structural information about carbohydrate‐mediated recognition processes, there are only individual literature reports on crystal structures of complexes formed between artificial receptors and sugars. In this context, the new crystalline complexes of acyclic receptors and β‐d‐glucopyranoside described in this article provide particularly valuable model systems to study the basic molecular features of carbohydrate recognition. The detailed analyses of the binding modes observed in these complexes have shown their remarkable similarity to those used by carbohydrate‐binding proteins. It is noteworthy that many of the basic molecular features of protein‐carbohydrate interactions, that have been summarized years ago in some literature reports, apply to interactions observed in complexes formed by the artificial receptors.
Synthesis of Fluorine‐Containing 3‐Aminocyclopent‐2‐enones via Intramolecular Cyclization
Authors: Shaitanova Elena N. , Gerus Igor I. , Balabon Olga A. , Ivasyshyn Viktor E. , Tarasenko Karen V. , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Haufe Günter
Published: December 2020

An optimized protocol for the preparation of fluorine‐containing acyclic enones, which are promising building blocks for the preparation of a large variety of fluorinated compounds was developed. These enones easily react with secondary amines to form fluorine‐containing 3‐aminocyclopent‐2‐enones via 4‐amino‐2,3‐dihydrofuran‐2‐ols. The peculiar mechanism involving an intramolecular electrocyclization as a key step is proposed.
Boc‐Protection on L‐DOPA: an Easy Way to Promote Underwater Adhesion
Authors: Giuri Demetra , Jacob Kiran A. , Ravarino Paolo , Tomasini Claudia
Published: December 2020

The ability of mussels to adhere to underwater surfaces has attracted a lot of attention from the scientific community. As proteins containing L‐DOPA (3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl‐l‐alanine) are involved in their adhesion, a common strategy to synthesize adhesives is the incorporation of this amino acid into other compounds. Herein, we report a study on four compounds of the family of Bocx‐(L‐DOPA)n‐OMe (x = 1–3; n = 1,2), that we prepared through simple synthetic steps. Three of them showed the capability of underwater adhesion: while they are not adhesive in the dry phase, the adhesiveness is triggered when the dried sample is immersed in water or any aqueous solutions. The introduction of protecting groups stabilizes L‐DOPA, preventing the oxidation of the catechol moiety, and enhances the hydrophobicity, helping the removal of water from the surface to bind. These molecules show good adhesiveness, with different properties, so they may be all used as adhesives for different purposes. These outcomes pave the way for new applications for these materials as green and biocompatible adhesives.
In Situ Generation of Allenes and their Application to One‐Pot Assembly of Functionalized Fluoreno[3,2‐b]furans by Calcium‐Catalyzed, Regioselective, 3‐Component Reactions
Authors: Yaragorla Srinivasarao , Rajesh Pallava
Published: December 2020

We have developed a novel synthetic methodology for the preparation of tetra‐annulated fluorenofurans and fluorenopyrans using calcium(II)‐catalyzed one‐pot, three‐component reaction. In this reaction, tert‐propargyl alcohols react with 1,3‐dicarbonyls to form tetra‐substituted allenes, which are subsequently undergoing regiodivergent annulation with sec‐propargyl alcohols to produce the fluorene‐fused furan compounds. Broad substrate scope, regioselectivity, gram‐scale synthesis, and benzylic functionalization of products are some of the highlights of this protocol.
Developmental and epileptic encephalopathy: Personal utility of a genetic diagnosis for families
Authors: Jeffrey Jennifer S. , Leathem Janet , King Chontelle , Mefford Heather C. , Ross Kirsty , Sadleir Lynette G.
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Identifying genetic pathogenic variants improves clinical outcomes for children with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) by directing therapy and enabling accurate reproductive and prognostic information for families. We aimed to explore the additional personal utility of receiving a genetic diagnosis for families.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with fifteen families of children with a DEE who had received a genetic diagnosis. The interviews stimulated discussion focusing on the impact of receiving a genetic diagnosis for the family. Interview transcripts were analyzed using the six‐step systematic process of interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA).

Results

Three key themes were identified: “Importance of the label,” “Relief to end the diagnostic journey,” and “Factors that influence personal utility.” Families reported that receiving a genetic label improved their knowledge about the likely trajectory of the DEE, increased their hope for the future, and helped them communicate with others. The relief of finally having an answer for the cause of their child's DEE alleviated parental guilt and self‐blame as well as helped families to process their grief and move forward. Delay in receipt of a genetic diagnosis diluted its psychological impact.

Significance

To date, the factors associated with the personal utility of a genetic diagnosis for DEEs have been under appreciated. This study demonstrates that identifying a genetic diagnosis for a child's DEE can be a psychological turning point for families. A genetic result has the potential to set these families on an adaptive path toward better quality of life through increased understanding, social connection, and support. Early access to genetic testing is important as it not only increases clinical utility, but also increases personal utility with early mitigation of family stress, trauma, and negative experiences.
Rapid measurement method for lithium‐ion battery state of health estimation based on least squares support vector regression
Authors: Xiao Bin , Xiao Bing , Liu Luoshi
Published: December 2020

The state of health (SoH) is a key indicator of a battery management system (BMS). Accurate SoH estimation can be adopted to guide the timely recovery and ladder utilization for lithium‐ion batteries (LiBs), which is particularly beneficial to environmental protection. Although many battery SoH estimation algorithms have been developed, there are few simple and easy‐to‐use methods for on‐site rapidly measurement. Therefore, in this paper, a model for battery SoH estimate is realized by least‐square support vector regression (LS‐SVR) configured with radial basis function (RBF) kernel. Based on the hysteresis behavior of LiB, data samples can be quickly obtained by the hybrid pulse power characteristic (HPPC) test. The grey correlation analysis (GRA) was conducted to select features of data samples, and the K‐fold cross‐validation and grid search (GS) were performed to optimize the hyperparameters of the estimation model LS‐SVR. Finally, to verify the proposed method, data samples collected from 18 650 LiB with different aging degrees were used for LS‐SVR model training and testing, and the method was compared to existing SoH estimation methods. Experimental results demonstrate that the SoH estimation model only requires some short‐term data of a battery to achieve high‐precision SoH estimation, which shows that this method has broad application prospects.
Mutation of the Cytochrome P450 CYP360A8 Gene Increases Sensitivity to Paraquat in Daphnia magna
Authors: Religia Pijar , Nguyen Nhan Duc , Nong Quang Dang , Matsuura Tomoaki , Kato Yasuhiko , Watanabe Hajime
Published: December 2020

The freshwater crustacean Daphnia magna has traditionally been a model for ecotoxicological studies owing to its sensitivity to many xenobiotics. Because it is used in many toxicity assessments, its detoxification mechanism for xenobiotics is important and requires further study. However, studies related to detoxification genes are limited to transcriptomic profiling, and there are no D. magna mutants for use in the understanding of xenobiotic metabolism in vivo. We report the generation of a D. magna CYP360A8 mutant—the gene is a cytochrome P450 (CYP) clan 3 gene. Based on RNA sequencing of adult D. magna, we found that CYP360A8 has the highest expression level among all CYP genes. At ovarian maturation, its expression level is up-regulated 6-fold compared to the juvenile stages and is maintained thereafter. Using the CRISPR/CRISPR-associated 9 (Cas9) system, we disrupted CYP360A8 by coinjecting CYP360A8-targeting guide RNA and Cas9 proteins into D. magna eggs and established one monoallelic CYP360A8 mutant line. This CYP360A8 mutant had a higher sensitivity to the herbicide paraquat compared to the wild type. We confirmed the up-regulation of CYP360A8 by paraquat. The results demonstrate the role of CYP360A8 in paraquat detoxification. The present study establishes a CYP mutant of D. magna, and this strategy can be a basic platform to document a range of CYP gene–xenobiotic relationships in this species. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1279–1288. © 2020 SETAC
Seedling Morphology and Molecular Characterisation of someOcimumL. species (Lamiaceae) in Southwest states of Nigeria.
Authors: Akinyemi Oluwaseun Faith , Ayodele Muyiwa Segun
Published: December 2020

The genusOcimumL. (Lamiaceae) is composed of aromatic plants known for their peculiar strong smell added to their close similarities in morphological attributes, increase attention and applications as ethnobotanicals of culinary and medicinal use. There are reports of difficulty inOcimumtaxonomy. Seedling morphology and molecular characterization of someOcimumaccessions collected from Southwest states of Nigeria were carried out to delimit members of the genus. Morphological measurements were carried out on the seedlings characters and recorded. Molecular characterization was carried out on their fresh leaf‐samples. Statistical analyses of quantitative seedling data were performed using SAS/PC1 version 9.01. Seedling morphology reveals phanerocotylar epigeal with foliaceous cotyledon type; reniform and flabellate cotyledon shape, obcordate and obtuse cotyledon apex, cordate and truncate cotyledon base. There is a significant mean difference in all the quantitative seedling characters at p<0.05. Blast query reveals the accessions as five species exhibiting 99 % homologous identities with previous submissions in the GenBank database.
Antifungal interactions of Persian shallot (Allium hirtifolium) extracts and potassium sorbate against Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium citrinum
Authors: Mohammadiani Esmaeil , Aliakbarlu Javad , Ownagh Abdolghaffar , Kaboudari Ata
Published: December 2020

The objective of the present study was to investigate the antifungal activities of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Persian shallot (Allium hirtifolium Boiss) combined with potassium sorbate against Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium citrinum. Chemical analysis of the extracts was conducted using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Antifungal activity was assessed using agar well diffusion, mycelial growth inhibition, minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), and fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) methods. The main component of the extracts were methyl methylthiomethyl disulfide and 1‐Butene, 1‐(methylthio)‐(Z). Both extracts completely inhibited the mycelial growth of A flavus. MIC value of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Persian shallot against A flavus was 10 and 5 mg/mL, respectively. MIC value of both extracts against P citrinum was 2.5 mg/mL. Synergistic antifungal activity (FICi = 0.5) was found between aqueous extract of Persian shallot and potassium sorbate against A flavus. In conclusion, aqueous extract of Persian shallot has the potential to be used as an adjunct natural antifungal to reduce the concentration of potassium sorbate in foods.
Self‐Cleaning Integrative Aerogel for Stable Solar‐Assisted Desalination
Authors: Gu Yufei , Mu Xiaojiang , Wang Pengfei , Wang Xiaoyang , Tian Yongzhi , Wei Anyun , Zhang Jiahong , Chen Yulian , Sun Zhiqiang , Zhou Jianhua , Miao Lei
Published: December 2020

The solar‐assisted desalination generator (SADG) shows great potential for solving water scarcity problems. However, salt precipitation and accumulation is still a challenge for SADG, which slows down solar steam generation performance of evaporator during operation. Here, a facile integrative evaporator featuring stable and high evaporation performance breaks this bottleneck. By using a rational design in which amorphous carbon particles are evenly composited within the porous chitosan aerogel, the evaporator not only integrates excellent light absorption, heat management, and water transportation abilities but also endows a large vapor escape space. Upon desalination, salt concentration ingredients between carbon particles and chitosan membranes can be quickly balanced by water transport in interconnected chitosan chains, and thus salt precipiation on the evaporator surface would be avoided. Compared to other salt‐rejection evaporators, the integrative evaporator can operate in 3.5 wt% brine for 60 days without salt precipiation and exhibits a stable evaporation rate (1.70 kg m−2 h−1), indicating its potential for practical applications in seawater desalination and the harvest of clean drinking water.
Transcranial brain atlas‐based optimization for functional near‐infrared spectroscopy optode arrangement: Theory, algorithm, and application
Authors: Zhao Yang , Xiao Xiang , Jiang Yi‐Han , Sun Pei‐Pei , Zhang Zong , Gong Yi‐Long , Li Zheng , Zhu Chao‐Zhe
Published: December 2020

The quality of optode arrangement is crucial for group imaging studies when using functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Previous studies have demonstrated the promising effectiveness of using transcranial brain atlases (TBAs), in a manual and intuition‐based way, to guide optode arrangement when individual structural MRI data are unavailable. However, the theoretical basis of using TBA to optimize optode arrangement remains unclear, which leads to manual and subjective application. In this study, we first describe the theoretical basis of TBA‐based optimization of optode arrangement using a mathematical framework. Second, based on the theoretical basis, an algorithm is proposed for automatically arranging optodes on a virtual scalp. The resultant montage is placed onto the head of each participant guided by a low‐cost and portable navigation system. We compared our method with the widely used 10/20‐system‐assisted optode arrangement procedure, using finger‐tapping and working memory tasks as examples of both low‐ and high‐level cognitive systems. Performance, including optode montage designs, locations on each participant's scalp, brain activation, as well as ground truth indices derived from individual MRI data were evaluated. The results give convergent support for our method's ability to provide more accurate, consistent and efficient optode arrangements for fNIRS group imaging than the 10/20 method.
Targeting the De Novo Purine Synthesis Pathway Through Adenylosuccinate Lyase Depletion Impairs Liver Cancer Growth by Perturbing Mitochondrial Function
Authors: Jiang Tingting , Sánchez‐Rivera Francisco J. , Soto‐Feliciano Yadira M. , Yang Qiyuan , Song Chun‐Qing , Bhuatkar Arjun , Haynes Cole M , Hemann Michael T. , Xue Wen
Published: December 2020

Background and Aims

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the most common cancer types worldwide, yet patients with HCC have limited treatment options. There is an urgent need to identify drug targets that specifically inhibit the growth of HCC cells.

Approach and Results

We used a CRISPR library targeting ~2,000 druggable genes to perform a high‐throughput screen and identified adenylosuccinate lyase (ADSL), a key enzyme involved in the de novo purine synthesis pathway, as a potential drug target for HCC. ADSL has been implicated as a potential oncogenic driver in some cancers, but its role in liver cancer progression remains unknown. CRISPR‐mediated knockout of ADSL impaired colony formation of liver cancer cells by affecting AMP production. In the absence of ADSL, the growth of liver tumors is retarded in vivo. Mechanistically, we found that ADSL knockout caused S‐phase cell cycle arrest not by inducing DNA damage but by impairing mitochondrial function. Using data from patients with HCC, we also revealed that high ADSL expression occurs during tumorigenesis and is linked to poor survival rate.

Conclusions

Our findings uncover the role of ADSL‐mediated de novo purine synthesis in fueling mitochondrial ATP production to promote liver cancer cell growth. Targeting ADSL may be a therapeutic approach for patients with HCC.
High‐Fat Diet Modulates Hepatic Amyloid β and Cerebrosterol Metabolism in the Triple Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Bosoi Cristina R. , Vandal Milène , Tournissac Marine , Leclerc Manon , Fanet Hortense , Mitchell Patricia L. , Verreault Mélanie , Trottier Jocelyn , Virgili Jessica , Tremblay Cynthia , Lippman H. Robert , Bajaj Jasmohan S. , Barbier Olivier , Marette André , Calon Frédéric
Published: December 2020

Obesity and diabetes are strongly associated not only with fatty liver but also cognitive dysfunction. Moreover, their presence, particularly in midlife, is recognized as a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). AD, the most common cause of dementia, is increasingly considered as a metabolic disease, although underlying pathogenic mechanisms remain unclear. The liver plays a major role in maintaining glucose and lipid homeostasis, as well as in clearing the AD neuropathogenic factor amyloid‐β (Aβ) and in metabolizing cerebrosterol, a cerebral‐derived oxysterol proposed as an AD biomarker. We hypothesized that liver impairment induced by obesity contributes to AD pathogenesis. We show that the AD triple transgenic mouse model (3xTg‐AD) fed a chow diet presents a hepatic phenotype similar to nontransgenic controls (NTg) at 15 months of age. A high‐fat diet (HFD), started at the age of 6 months and continued for 9 months, until sacrifice, induced hepatic steatosis in NTg, but not in 3xTg‐AD mice, whereas HFD did not induce changes in hepatic fatty acid oxidation, de novo lipogenesis, and gluconeogenesis. HFD‐induced obesity was associated with a reduction of insulin‐degrading enzyme, one of the main hepatic enzymes responsible for Aβ clearance. The hepatic rate of cerebrosterol glucuronidation was lower in obese 3xTg‐AD than in nonobese controls (P < 0.05) and higher compared with obese NTg (P < 0.05), although circulating levels remained unchanged. Conclusion: Modulation of hepatic lipids, Aβ, and cerebrosterol metabolism in obese 3xTg‐AD mice differs from control mice. This study sheds light on the liver–brain axis, showing that the chronic presence of NAFLD and changes in liver function affect peripheral AD features and should be considered during development of biomarkers or AD therapeutic targets.
Unsteady bioconvection Darcy‐Forchheimer nanofluid flow through a horizontal channel with impact of magnetic field and thermal radiation
Authors: Jawad Muhammad , Saeed Anwar , Khan Arshad , Gul Taza , Zubair Muhammad , Shah Syed A. A.
Published: December 2020

Unsteady bioconvection Darcy‐Forchhiemer nanofluid flow is considered in the current investigation in the presence of micro‐organisms. The flow is exposed to thermal radiation and a uniform magnetic field in a horizontal channel. The impacts of Brownian motion and thermophoresis are also considered for the flow problem. The unsteady governing equations are modeled and transformed into a nondimensional form by employing a suitable group of similar variables. The solution of the modeled equations is determined by the semianalytical method homotopy analysis method. The features of flow characteristics such as temperature, concentration, velocity, and the motile micro‐organism distributions in response to the variations of the emerging parameters are simulated and examined in detail. Among the many results of the study, it is found that velocity upsurges with rising values of the unsteadiness parameter while declining with growth in the magnetic, inertial, and porosity parameters. Temperature augments with growing estimations of Brownian, unsteadiness, and radiation parameters and declines with enhancing values of Prandtl number. Amassed estimations of the Brownian factor reduce the concentration of nanoparticles while growing values of thermophoresis, unsteadiness parameters, and Schmidt number increase it. Moreover, the motile micro‐organism profile is a reducing function of the bioconvection Lewis numbers, Peclet, and bioconvection concentration difference parameter.
Inflammation initiates a vicious cycle between obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Luo Yunfei , Lin Hui
Published: December 2020

Low‐level of chronic inflammation activation is characteristic of obesity. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely linked to obesity and is an emerging health problem, it originates from abnormal accumulation of triglycerides in the liver, and sometimes causes inflammatory reactions that could contribute to cirrhosis and liver cancer, thus its pathogenesis needs to be clarified for more treatment options. Once NAFLD is established, it contributes to systemic inflammation, the low‐grade inflammation is continuously maintained during NAFLD causing impaired resolution of inflammation in obesity, which subsequently exacerbates its severity. This study focuses on the effects of obesity‐induced inflammations, which are the underlying causes of the disease progression and development of more severe inflammatory and fibrotic stages. Understanding the relationship between obesity and NAFLD could help in establishing attractive therapeutic targets or diagnostic markers in obesity‐induced inflammation response and provides new approaches for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD in obesity.