bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ameliorative effect of a nano chromium metal–organic framework on experimental diabetic chronic kidney disease
Authors: Fakharzadeh Saideh , Kalanaky Somayeh , Argani Hassan , Dadashzadeh Simin , Torbati Peyman Mohammadi , Nazaran Mohammad Hassan , Basiri Abbas
Published: November 2020

Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are a new class of crystalline porous structures which can be used as a novel structure in diverse fields of medical science. Several studies have shown that chromium supplementation can be effective in amelioration of biochemical parameters of diabetes and its renal complications. Therefore, a chromium‐containing MOF (DIFc) was synthetized by nanochelating technology in the present study and then its effect on biochemical indices in diabetic rats was evaluated. Diabetes was induced by high‐fat diet consumption and streptozotocin (35 mg/kg) injection and then the treatment started 8 weeks after disease induction and continued for 8 weeks. The results showed that DIFc treatment decreased HOMA‐IR index, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid and malondialdehyde in plasma samples. This nano MOF also reduced albumin, malondialdehyde and 8‐isoprostane in urine specimen, while it increased creatinine clearance. In conclusion, DIFc MOF demonstrated promising results in the present study, indicating that it can be developed and evaluated in future investigations with the aim of designing a novel agent for management of diabetes and its renal complications.
Fenofibrate attenuates ischemia reperfusion‐induced acute kidney injury and associated liver dysfunction in rats
Authors: Kaur Jashanpreet , Kaur Tajpreet , Sharma Ashwani Kumar , Kaur Japneet , Yadav Harlokesh Narayan , Pathak Devendra , Singh Amrit Pal
Published: November 2020

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) is one of the common reasons for acute kidney injury (AKI) and we need to develop effective therapies for treating AKI. We investigated the role of fenofibrate against I/R‐induced AKI and associated hepatic dysfunction in rats. In male wistar albino rats, renal pedicle occlusion for 40 min and 24 h reperfusion resulted in AKI. I/R‐induced AKI was demonstrated by measuring serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, urea, uric acid, potassium, fractional excretion of sodium and urinary microproteins. Oxidative stress in rat kidneys was quantified by assaying superoxide anion generation, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and reduced glutathione levels. AKI‐induced hepatic damage was quantified by assaying serum aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin levels. Moreover, serum cholesterol, high density lipoprotein and triglycerides were quantified. Hematoxylin–eosin staining of renal and hepatic tissues was done and the kidney and liver injury scores were determined. Immunohistology of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was done in rat kidneys. Fenofibrate was administered for 1 week before subjecting rats to AKI. In separate group, the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, L‐nitroarginine methyl ester (L‐NAME) was administered prior to fenofibrate treatment. In I/R group, significant alteration in the serum/urine parameters indicated AKI and hepatic dysfunction along with marked increase in kidney and liver injury scores. Treatment with fenofibrate attenuated AKI and associated hepatic dysfunction. Moreover, I/R‐induced decrease in renal eNOS expression was abrogated by fenofibrate. Pre‐treatment with L‐NAME abolished fenofibrate mediated reno‐ and hepato‐protective effects. In conclusion, fenofibrate attenuates I/R‐induced AKI and associated hepatic dysfunction putatively through modulation of eNOS expression.
Cryolipolysis—An update
Authors: Pennycook Keith , Lemchak David , Julian Carmen
Published: November 2020

Background

Cryolipolysis is a noninvasive treatment for the reduction of localized adipose tissue. It is becoming an increasingly popular procedure since it received Food and Drug Administration approval in 2010. Localized collections of excess adipose tissue are cooled which results in selective apoptosis of adipocytes.

Aims

Review of effectiveness and side effects of cryolipolysis treatments.

Materials and Methods

Literature Review.

Results

Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of cryolipolysis for the treatment of several body regions. Cryolipolysis is contraindicated for patients with cold‐induced conditions and other cutaneous disorders. Most side effects are minor including erythema and local discomfort which typically resolve within a few weeks of the procedure. A rare complication of treatment is paradoxical adipose hyperplasia.

Discussion

There are several other effective noninvasive modalities for reducing localized adipose tissue. Combining these treatments with cryolipolysis has been shown to be more effective. As technology improves, newer devices have been developed with improved applicators and beneficial results.

Conclusion

Cosmetic procedures continue to increase in popularity and physicians should be familiar with cryolipolysis for the reduction of localized adipose tissue collections.
Field evidence of riparian vegetation response to groundwater levels in a gravel‐bed river
Authors: Martinetti Stefano , Fatichi Simone , Floriancic Marius , Burlando Paolo , Molnar Peter
Published: November 2020

Vegetation establishment, growth and succession in riparian ecosystems are linked to river flow dynamics and groundwater table fluctuations. This is especially true in Alpine gravel‐bed rivers with wide floodplains, geomorphically active floods and a strong river‐aquifer exchange. The role of short‐term groundwater fluctuations is not always clear in these ecosystems, as it is assumed that phreatophytic vegetation close to rivers is adapted to such conditions. Here, we provide data evidence of riparian plant response to short‐term groundwater table fluctuations in a braided gravel‐bed river (Maggia). We used indirect physiological variables for photosynthesis and transpiration—stomatal conductance gs and daily variation in stem diameter ΔDd—which we measured at six mature riparian trees of the Salicaceae family at two sites with different mean depths to groundwater during two growing seasons. The data demonstrate that (a) short‐term variation of the groundwater table affects riparian vegetation—at the site with deeper groundwater, the water table depth was the best predictor of gs variability, while at the site with shallower groundwater, temperature and vapour pressure deficit (VPD) were the best predictors of ΔDd variability; (b) instantaneous stomatal conductance is related to VPD, but conditioned by groundwater levels, with higher stomatal conductance for the same radiative input and VPD when the water table was higher for all trees; and (c) local microclimate measured at tree locations had a stronger predictive power for gs than valley scale climate, suggesting local climate controls on vegetated stands on gravel bars. Our results provide evidence of riparian trees undertaking physiological adjustments to transpiration in response to groundwater stage, depending on their riparian floodplain setting.
Mycorrhizal type influences plant density dependence and species richness across 15 temperate forests
Authors: Jiang Feng , Lutz James A. , Guo Qingxi , Hao Zhanqing , Wang Xugao , Gilbert Gregory S. , Mao Zikun , Orwig David A. , Parker Geoffrey G. , Sang Weiguo , Liu Yankun , Tian Songyan , Cadotte Marc W. , Jin Guangze
Published: November 2020

Recent studies suggest that the mycorrhizal type associated with tree species is an important trait influencing ecological processes such as response to environmental conditions and conspecific negative density dependence (CNDD). However, we lack a general understanding of how tree mycorrhizal type influences CNDD strength and the resulting patterns of species abundance and richness at larger spatial scales. We assessed 305 species across 15 large, stem‐mapped, temperate forest dynamics plots in Northeastern China and North America to explore the relationships between tree mycorrhizal type and CNDD, species abundance, and species richness at a regional scale. Tree species associated with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi showed a stronger CNDD and a more positive relationship with species abundance than did tree species associated with ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi. For each plot, both basal area and stem abundance of AM tree species was lower than that of ECM tree species, suggesting that AM tree species were rarer than ECM tree species. Finally, ECM tree dominance showed a negative effect on plant richness across plots. These results provide evidence that tree mycorrhizal type plays an important role in influencing CNDD and species richness, highlighting this trait as an important factor in structuring plant communities in temperate forests.
Variation in hyphal production rather than turnover regulates standing fungal biomass in temperate hardwood forests
Authors: Cheeke Tanya E. , Phillips Richard P. , Kuhn Alexander , Rosling Anna , Fransson Petra
Published: November 2020

Soil fungi link above‐ and belowground carbon (C) fluxes through their interactions with plants and contribute to C and nutrient dynamics through the production, turnover, and activity of fungal hyphae. Despite their importance to ecosystem processes, estimates of hyphal production and turnover rates are relatively uncommon, especially in temperate hardwood forests. We sequentially harvested hyphal ingrowth bags to quantify the rates of Dikarya (Ascomycota and Basidiomycota) hyphal production and turnover in three hardwood forests in the Midwestern United States, where plots differed in their abundance of arbuscular (AM)‐ vs. ectomycorrhizal (ECM)‐associated trees. Hyphal production rates increased linearly with the percentage of ECM trees and annual production rates were 66% higher in ECM‐ than AM‐dominated plots. Hyphal turnover rates did not differ across the mycorrhizal gradient (plots varying in their abundance of AM vs. ECM trees), suggesting that the greater fungal biomass in ECM‐dominated plots relates to greater fungal production rather than slower fungal turnover. Differences in hyphal production across the gradient aligned with distinctly different fungal communities and activities. As ECM trees increased in dominance, fungi inside ingrowth bags produced more extracellular enzymes involved in degrading nitrogen (N)‐bearing relative to C‐bearing compounds, suggesting greater fungal (and possibly plant) N demand in ECM‐dominated soils. Collectively, our results demonstrate that shifts in temperate tree species composition that result in changes in the dominant type of mycorrhizal association may have strong impacts on Dikarya hyphal production, fungal community composition and extracellular enzyme activity, with important consequences for soil C and N cycling.
Anuran Traits of the United States (ATraiU): a database for anuran traits‐based conservation, management, and research
Authors: Moore Chloe E. , Helmann Jacob S. , Chen Ye , St. Amour Sabine M. , Hallmark Mackenzi A. , Hughes London E. , Wax Noah , Mims Meryl C.
Published: November 2020

The United States is home to many anuran species, each with traits that set them apart from one another. Understanding trait variation within and between anurans is key to many successful conservation, management, and research efforts. However, compiling trait data is intensive and time consuming. Trait databases can meet this need, but currently there is no detailed database that collates trait data for anurans of the contiguous United States. into a single location with transparency regarding original data sources. Furthermore, many currently available trait databases rarely report multiple data points for a given species’ trait, frequently reporting a single averaged value. We present an anuran traits database for the contiguous United States that includes trait data from 411 unique references. We collated trait values for 106 native and nonnative species using a tiered search protocol. First, we digitized trait data from 33 state guide books for 12 ecological, morphological, and life history traits commonly reported in the literature. We then performed a targeted search of the primary literature to address data gaps, ultimately identifying an additional 356 peer‐reviewed publications, theses, and agency reports with data fitting our criteria. Finally, we digitized trait data from 22 national and regional guidebooks. Following data compilation, we conducted an intensive data quality check procedure that included both manual and statistical analyses. For full transparency, all trait values are traceable to their original reference with additional metrics (e.g., reference count, data tier) to allow users to easily filter the full data set to fit the user’s needs. Overall, we report 89% of included species with trait values for at least half of the 12 traits included, providing high coverage for interspecific analyses. With a high degree of transparency, inclusion of all original data sources, and a tiered system for cataloguing data source type, ATraiU can uniquely contribute to anuran ecology and conservation in the United States. Please cite this data paper when using the data. If using a specific trait value or values, please cite the original reference(s).
Oxygen‐deficient TiO2 Yolk‐shell Spheres for Enhanced Lithium Storage Properties
Authors: Li Zhaoqian , Peng Yuqi , Liu Chaofeng , Zhang Xianxi , Li Xiuling , Huang Yang , Ren Yingke , Ji Denghui , Cao Guozhong
Published: November 2020

Anatase TiO2 is a promising anode material for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) owing to its low cost and stability. However, the intrinsically kinetic limits seriously hindered its lithium‐ion storage capability. Here we present that anatase TiO2 with rich oxygen vacancies can enhance its lithium‐ion storage performance. We synthesize anatase TiO2 with well‐retained hierarchical structure by annealing the H2Ti5O11·3H2O yolk‐shell spheres precursor in nitrogen atmosphere. EPR and XPS data evidence that the oxygen‐deficient environment could generate abundant oxygen vacancies in the as‐derived anatase TiO2, which leads to improved electron conductivity and reduced charge‐transfer resistance. The rich oxygen vacancies and high structural integrity of the hierarchical yolk‐shell spheres enable the as‐derived anatase TiO2 yolk‐shell spheres with a high specific capacity of 280 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 and 71% of capacity retention after 5000 cycles at 2 A g−1.
Enhanced Reversible Capacity and Cyclic Performance of Lithium‐Ion Batteries Using SnO2 Interpenetrated MXene V2C Architecture as Anode Materials
Authors: Liu Darong , Wang Libo , He Yan , Liu Lu , Yang Zhengpeng , Wang Bo , Xia Qixun , Hu Qianku , Zhou Aiguo
Published: November 2020

As an anode material, SnO2 nanoparticles have the problem of volume expansion and agglomeration, limiting their applications in energy storage. Herein, a nanocomposite material with hybridization structure using SnO2 interpenetrated MXene V2C as an anode for Li‐ion battery is fabricated by a simple method. The laminated structure of V2C can restrain the volume expansion of SnO2 nanoparticles anchored on the surface of V2C layers, whereas the intercalation of SnO2 nanoparticles into the V2CTx layer can effectively prevent the restacking of the V2CTx nanosheets in charging and discharging processes. This heterogeneous structure enables high Li‐ion storage on the surface and in the near‐surface region, which results in rapid transport of Li ions and optimizes the rate performance and cycling property. Consequently, the V2CTx@SnO2 nanocomposite has a large reversible capacity of ≈768 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at a current density of 1000 mA g−1. Competitively, its reversible capacity can reach 260 mAh g−1 at high current density of 8000 mA g−1 after 1000 cycles, showing excellent cycling stability and superior rate capability. In addition to the high Li‐ion capacity offered by the composite structure, the anode also maintains the structural and mechanical integrity provided by MXene in charging and discharging processes.
The age of granitic intrusion from Dongliushuquanzi in Urad Zhongqi, Inner Mongolia and its tectonic implications
Authors: Yang Xingchen , Ji Fengbao , Ye Peisheng , Yang Jinbao , Cai Maotang , Guan Yuchun
Published: November 2020

The Dongliushuquanzi magmatism contains two units: granitic intrusion and multiple intrusive dioritic veins. LA‐ICP‐MS zircon dating results have revealed that the magmatism developed in two distinct episodes: the first episode, which occurred in the Late Carboniferous–Early Permian, is characterized by the main granitic intrusion and the Phase I dioritic veins, Phase II dioritic veins developed during the second magmatic episode in the late Early Permian. The analysing results of major and trace elements indicate that the granitic intrusion are enriched in light rare earth elements and large‐ion lithophile elements such as Rb, Ba, K, but depleted in high‐field‐strength elements, such as Nb, Ta, P, and Ti. These geochemical signatures, in addition to their weak negative Eu anomalies, are similar to those of continental arc magmatic rocks. The main body of the granitic intrusion and the Phase I dioritic veins are characterized by negative and inhomogeneous ε Hf (t) values (include ε Hf (t) < −10 and −10 < ε Hf (t) < −5 two subgroups), they were derived from mixture of decompression melting basaltic juvenile lower crustal materials and partial melting ancient materials in middle‐upper crust. Phase II dioritic veins are characterized by positive and homogeneous zircon εHf(t) values (~ + 10), record predominantly juvenile crustal sources, formed by partial melting of basaltic juvenile lower crustal materials. The two magmatic episodes are in response to slab rollback, slab break‐off and final amalgamation of the Palaeo‐Asian Ocean. The ages of inherited zircons record ~499 and ~365 Ma magmatic activity, imply that there also exist Cambrian and Devonian magmatism in the west section of the northern margin of the North China Craton.
Handheld reflectance confocal microscopy: Personalized and accurate presurgical delineation of lentigo maligna (melanoma)
Authors: Elshot Yannick S. , Zupan‐Kajcovski Biljana , Klop William M. C. , Bekkenk Marcel W. , Crijns Marianne B. , de Rie Menno A. , Balm Alfons J. M.
Published: November 2020

Background

The surgical treatment of lentigo maligna melanoma is associated with high rates of local recurrence. Handheld reflectance confocal microscopy (HH‐RCM) allows for in vivo presurgical detection of subclinical lentigo maligna (melanoma) (LM/LMM).

Methods

A single‐center retrospective study from December 2015 to July 2017. Frequency and extent of negative surgical margins, and the diagnostic accuracy of presurgical mapping by HH‐RCM was determined.

Results

Twenty‐six consecutive patients with LM/LMM were included. In 45.8%, HH‐RCM detected subclinical LM with a sensitivity of 0.90 and specificity of 0.86. The management was changed in two (7.7%) patients. Of the 24 remaining lesions, 95.8% were excised with negative margins with a mean histological margin of 3.1 and 5.3 mm for LM and LMM, respectively. At a mean follow‐up of 36.7 months, there was one (4.8%) confirmed recurrence.

Conclusions

Our method of presurgical delineation by HH‐RCM appears to provide a reliable method for the surgical treatment of LM/LMM with a limited rate of overtreatment.
Simplified method for estimating the optimal cut‐off time of closed‐end border irrigation*
Authors: Nie Wei‐Bo , Li Yi‐Bo , Ma Xiao‐Yi
Published: November 2020

Closed‐end border irrigation has been widely used in China; however, such irrigation is usually associated with poor performance. Therefore, the performance of closed‐end border irrigation must be improved. The objectives of this study were to develop and verify a simplified method for estimating the optimal cut‐off time (Tcop) for closed‐end border irrigation. The simulated results revealed that the relationship between Tcop and the time when water advanced to 75% of the length of the border (T0.75L) can be characterized by using a power function. The comprehensive irrigation performance indicator Y (which is the geometric mean of the application efficiency and Christiansen's uniformity) obtained using the proposed method was consistent with that obtained using existing methods. The mean absolute value of the relative error and the standard error of Y between the proposed method and existing methods was 3.35 and 0.69%, respectively. This result indicates that the proposed method has high reliability. Moreover, in the proposed method, only T0.75L is required to determine Tcop for closed‐end border irrigation. Therefore, the proposed method has high practicality and can be used to improve the performance of closed‐end border irrigation.
The role of toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) in cancer progression: A possible therapeutic target?
Authors: Kashani Bahareh , Zandi Zahra , Pourbagheri‐Sigaroodi Atieh , Bashash Davood , Ghaffari Seyed H.
Published: November 2020

The toll‐like receptor (TLR) family consists of vital receptors responsible for pattern recognition in innate immunity, making them the core proteins involved in pathogen detection and eliciting immune responses. The most studied member of this family, TLR4, has been the center of attention regarding its contributory role in many inflammatory diseases including sepsis shock and asthma. Notably, mounting pieces of evidence have proved that this receptor is aberrantly expressed on the tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment in a wide range of cancer types and it is highly associated with the initiation of tumorigenesis as well as tumor progression and drug resistance. Cancer therapy using TLR4 inhibitors has recently drawn scientists’ attention, and the promising results of such studies may pave the way for more investigation in the foreseeable future. This review will introduce the key proteins of the TLR4 pathway and how they interact with major growth factors in the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, we will discuss the many aspects of tumor progression affected by the activation of this receptor and provide an overview of the recent therapeutic approaches using various TLR4 antagonists.
Lactate and TGF‐β antagonistically regulate inflammasome activation in the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Tu Cheng‐e , Hu Ying , Zhou Peirong , Guo Xuxue , Gu Chuncai , Zhang Yali , Li Aimin , Liu Side
Published: November 2020

The tumor microenvironment significantly affects tumor progression, and tumor cells can also remodel the tumor microenvironment through complex interaction. Inflammasomes are innate immune system receptors/sensors that regulate an inflammatory response mainly mediated by the nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain‐like receptors in macrophages, which can also influence the formation, progression and therapeutic response of cancer. However, the effects of tumor‐derived factors in the microenvironment on inflammasomes have rarely been reported. In this study, we found that lactate, as the main metabolite of tumor cells could specifically activate the nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain, leucine rich repeat and pyrin domain‐containing protein 3 inflammasome through increasing the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in THP‐1‐derived macrophages. Furthermore, we showed that transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), a cytokine accumulated in the tumor microenvironment, could be induced by lactate treatment in tumor cells, and in turn inhibit inflammasome activation induced by lactate and other canonical ligands in macrophages. In addition, TGF‐β might induce autophagy of macrophages in a SMAD‐dependent manner, leading to ROS clearance and eventually inhibiting the activation of inflammasomes. Collectively, these results indicated that in the tumor microenvironment, tumor‐derived lactate could act as a danger signal alerting innate immunity, but nevertheless tumor cells produced more TGF‐β to avoid immune surveillance.
SOD3 deficiency induces liver fibrosis by promoting hepatic stellate cell activation and epithelial–mesenchymal transition
Authors: Sun Yu‐Ling , Bai Tao , Zhou Lin , Zhu Rong‐Tao , Wang Wei‐Jie , Liang Ruo‐Peng , Li Jian , Zhang Chi‐Xian , Gou Jian‐Jun
Published: November 2020

Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is suggested to potentially promote HSC activation. Superoxide dismutase 3 (SOD3) is an extracellular antioxidant defense against oxidative damage. Here, we found downregulation of SOD3 in a mouse model of liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). SOD3 deficiency induced spontaneous liver injury and fibrosis with increased collagen deposition, and further aggravated CCl4‐induced liver injury in mice. Depletion of SOD3 enhanced HSC activation marked by increased α‐smooth muscle actin and subsequent collagen synthesis primarily collagen type I in vivo, and promoted transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1)‐induced HSC activation in vitro. SOD3 deficiency accelerated EMT process in the liver and TGF‐β1‐induced EMT of AML12 hepatocytes, as evidenced by loss of E‐cadherin and gain of N‐cadherin and vimentin. Notably, SOD3 expression and its pro‐fibrogenic effect were positively associated with sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) expression. SOD3 deficiency inhibited adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling to downregulate SIRT1 expression and thus involving in liver fibrosis. Enforced expression of SIRT1 inhibited SOD3 deficiency‐induced HSC activation and EMT, whereas depletion of SIRT1 counteracted the inhibitory effect of SOD3 in vitro. These findings demonstrate that SOD3 deficiency contributes to liver fibrogenesis by promoting HSC activation and EMT process, and suggest a possibility that SOD3 may function through modulating SIRT1 via the AMPK pathway in liver fibrosis.
Optimizing vertical flow aerated steel slag filter system with nitrifiers bacteria for nutrients' removal from domestic wastewater: a pilot study
Authors: Hamdan Rafidah , Ibrahim Izzati Izwani , Wan Mohamed Wan Afnizan , Al‐Gheethi Adel , Othman Norzila , Mohamed Radin
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to optimize the removal efficiency of ammonia nitrogen (NH3‐N) and total kjeldhal nitrogen (TKN) from domestic wastewater as a function of hydraulic loading rates (HLRs) (0.16–5.44 m3 m–3 day–1) and the aeration rate (3, 5 and 10 L min–1) in a vertical flow aerated steel slag filter (VFASSF) system with nitrifier bacteria. The nitrifier bacterial cell morphology was determined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis.

RESULTS

The HLRs affected the performance of the VFASSF in removing TKN and NH3‐N from domestic wastewater. The optimal air flow rate for removing NH3‐N and TKN was recorded with 10 L min–1 and HLR 2.72 m3 m–3 day–1, at which the removal efficiency was >91% compared to 90% and 88% with 3 L min–1 and 5 L min–1 air flow rate, respectively. The high removal was a consequence of the high aeration which enhances the nitrification process performed by the nitrifying bacteria in the VFASSF.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings reflected the applicability of VFASSF in the treatment and removal of nutrients from domestic wastewater. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
No SARS‐CoV‐2 carriage observed in children attending daycare centers during the intial weeks of the epidemic in Belgium
Authors: Desmet Stefanie , Ekinci Esra , Wouters Ine , Decru Bram , Beuselinck Kurt , Malhotra‐Kumar Surbhi , Theeten Heidi
Published: November 2020

To gain knowledge about the role of young children attending daycare in the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) epidemic, a random sample of children (n = 84) aged between 6 and 30 months attending daycare in Belgium was studied shortly after the start of the epidemic (February 29th) and before the lockdown (March 18th) by performing in‐house SARS‐CoV‐2 real‐time polymerase chain reaction. No asymptomatic carriage of SARS‐CoV‐2 was detected, whereas common cold symptoms were common (51.2%). Our study shows that in Belgium, there was no sign of early introduction into daycare centers at the moment children being not yet isolated at home, although the virus was clearly circulating. It is clear that more evidence is needed to understand the actual role of young children in the transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 and their infection risk when attending daycare.
Genetic variation of E6 and E7 genes of human papillomavirus 52 from Central China
Authors: Li Shuo , Ye Mengxia , Chen Yonglin , Gong Quan , Mei Bing
Published: November 2020

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common malignant tumor in women worldwide and is closely related to human papillomavirus (HPV). Women have the highest susceptibility to HPV‐52 type in Jingzhou, China. In this study, E6‐E7 sequences of 183 HPV‐52 positive samples were amplified by a polymerase chain reaction and sequenced. HPV‐52 E6‐E7 gene variations were analyzed. The phylogenetic tree was constructed using the Kimura 2‐parameter method. The secondary structure of the protein was analyzed. The selective pressure to E6‐E7 genes was estimated using PAML. In addition, the B cell epitopes of the E6‐E7 sequences in HPV‐52 were predicted by the ABCpred server. In E6 sequences, 15 single nucleotide variants were observed, including 6 nonsynonymous variants and 9 synonymous variants. In E7 sequences, 19 single nucleotide variants occurred, including 10 nonsynonymous variants and 9 synonymous variants. Six amino acid variants, including 3 nonconservative substitutions, were found in sequences encoding the alpha helix. Eight amino acid variants, including three nonconservative substitutions, occurred in sequences encoding the strand. Through phylogenetic analysis, the E6‐E7 sequences were mainly distributed in B lineage. In HPV‐52 E6‐E7 sequences, no positively selected site was found. The nonconservative substitutions, such as K93R, K93E in E6, T37I, and D38N in E7, affected multiple hypothetical epitopes in the B cell. This study provides information for the investigation of HPV epidemic characters. The discovery of new variants of HPV‐52 may lay the basis for the development of the virus diagnosis, further study of cervical cancer, and vaccine design in Central China.
Development, performance evaluation, and clinical application of a Rapid SARS‐CoV‐2 IgM and IgG Test Kit based on automated fluorescence immunoassay
Authors: Kang Keren , Huang Lingfang , Ouyang Chaolin , Du Jiaming , Yang Bin , Chi Yaqin , He Shuyu , Ying Le , Chen Guoling , Wang Jihua
Published: November 2020

The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) epidemic has made a huge impact on health, economies, and societies all over the world. Although reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR)‐based nucleic acid detection has been primarily used in the diagnosis of COVID‐19, it is time‐consuming with limited application scenarios and must be operated by qualified personnel. Antibody test, particularly point‐of‐care antibody testing, is a suitable complement to nucleic acid test as it provides rapid, portable, and cost‐effective detection of infections. In this study, a Rapid Antibody Test Kit was developed based on fluorescence immunochromatography for the sensitive, accurate, and automated detection of immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) in human serum, plasma, and whole blood samples within 10 min. The sensitivity, specificity, precision, and stability of the test kit were of good performance. No cross‐activity and no interference was observed. In the multiple‐center parallel study, 223 samples from hospitalized patients were used to evaluate the clinical specificity of the test. Both SARS‐CoV‐2 IgM and IgG achieved a clinical specificity of 98.21%. The clinical sensitivities of SARS‐CoV‐2 IgM and IgG were 79.54% and 87.45%, respectively, among 733 reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 samples. For the combined IgM and IgG assays, the sensitivity and specificity were 89.22% and 96.86%, respectively. Our results demonstrate that the combined use of IgM and IgG could serve as a more suitable alternative detection method for patients with COVID‐19, and the developed kit is of great public health significance for the prevention and control of the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Characterizing the long‐term dynamics of aerosol optical depth in the Yangtze River Middle‐Reach urban agglomeration, China
Authors: Zhang Ming , Zhang Lei , He Qingqing , Yuan Yanbin
Published: November 2020

Along with the rapid urbanization and economic development, the Yangtze River Middle‐Reach urban agglomeration (YRMR) has suffered from increasingly serious environmental problems. Characterizing the long‐term dynamics of aerosol optical depth (AOD) in YRMR is of important significance for scientific control of aerosol pollutants over this region. Previously, numerous researches have analysed the temporal and spatial characteristics of AOD in different regions through statistical values of AOD time series or using trend analysis methods based on linear regression models. It is challenging to approximate nonlinear trends and identify change points of AOD time series. This paper proposed a new methodology for investigating the dynamics of AOD over the YRMR region on a monthly basis by using the Terra MODIS Collection 6.1 Level 2 aerosol products (MOD04_L2) during 2001–2017. A three‐dimensional spatio‐temporal interpolation method was used to generate gap‐filled monthly AOD maps, and then a generic Bayesian time series decomposition algorithm was applied to analyse the trends and change points of monthly AOD time series. The results showed that the areas with high AOD values were mainly located in the core cities and the connecting belts. Strong positive AOD anomalies had been observed during 2006–2011, whereas the positive anomalies were typically intermingled with negative anomalies and it indicated that the evolution patterns of AOD for different regions were different and influenced by fluctuations. Trend analysis of the monthly mean AOD values indicated that AOD in YRMR increased first, then fluctuated, and finally decreased. Although it was difficult to separate the increasing and fluctuating periods from each other due to the fluctuation, the decreasing trend after 2011 was significant, and a significant drop of AOD had been observed since 2014. Long‐term AOD variations were closely related to national policies, and the results could provide useful references for regional environmental assessment and decision‐making.
Botanical origin discrimination of Greek honeys: physicochemical parameters versus Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Xagoraris Marinos , Lazarou Elisavet , Kaparakou Eleftheria H , Alissandrakis Eleftherios , Tarantilis Petros A , Pappas Christos S
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

The authenticity of honey is of high importance since it affects its commercial value. The discrimination of the origin of honey is of prime importance to reinforce consumer trust. In this study, four chemometric models were developed based on the physicochemical parameters according to European and Greek legislation and one using Raman spectroscopy to discriminate Greek honey samples from three commercial monofloral botanical sources.

RESULTS

The results of physicochemical (glucose, fructose, electrical activity) parameters chemometric models showed that the percentage of correct recognition fluctuated from 92.2% to 93.8% with cross‐validation 90.6–92.2%, and the placement of test set was 79.0–84.3% successful. The addition of maltose content in the previous discrimination models did not significantly improve the discrimination. The corresponding percentages of the Raman chemometric model were 95.3%, 90.6%, and 84.3%.

CONCLUSION

The five chemometric models developed presented similar and very satisfactory results. Given that the recording of Raman spectra is simple, fast, a minimal amount of sample is needed for the analysis, no solvent (environmentally friendly) is used, and no specialized personnel are required, we conclude that the chemometric model based on Raman spectroscopy is an efficient tool to discriminate the botanical origin of fir, pine, and thyme honey varieties. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Trajectories of Posttraumatic Growth and Their Associations With Quality of Life After the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami
Authors: Kyutoku Yasushi , Dan Ippeita , Yamashina Mitsuru , Komiyama Ren , Liegey‐Dougall Angela J.
Published: November 2020

The 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan was an extraordinarily stressful incident that caused harmful psychological reactions, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), among affected individuals. However, a proportion of exposed individuals experienced posttraumatic growth (PTG), characterized by a noticeable degree of personal strength, spirituality, life appreciation, perception of new possibilities in life, and enhanced relationships with others. Some researchers have argued that these positive reactions may be an illusory change related to coping with traumatic events. We examined trajectory patterns related to PTG Inventory (PTGI) subscales to elucidate the existence of both real and illusory growth regarding quality of life (QoL), utilizing group‐based trajectory models. Three online questionnaires were distributed at 6 months (N = 2,554; M age = 47.04 years, SD = 12.62), 12 months (N = 887; M age = 48.11 years, SD = 12.43), and 42 months (N = 560; M age = 48.86 years, SD = 12.25) postdisaster. Participants responded to items related to demographic characteristics, disaster experiences, posttraumatic stress symptoms, PTG, and QoL. Three main PTG trajectories emerged, characterized by growth, no growth, and illusory growth, with QoL as a time invariant covariate. Compared with the growth trajectory, the odds ratios (ORs) for no growth ranged from 2.27 to 5.04; for illusory growth, the ORs ranged from 2.09 to 4.67. To our knowledge, this was the first study to report growth trajectories related to PTGI subscales and their underlying differences in psychological mechanisms and processes following the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.
Examining the Spin State and Redox Chemistry of Ni(Diimine) Catalysts during the Synthesis of π‐Conjugated Polymers
Authors: Pollit Adam A. , Lough Alan J. , Seferos Dwight S.
Published: November 2020

Kumada catalyst transfer polymerization (KCTP) is currently an unparalleled catalytic method for preparing π‐conjugated materials with well‐defined end‐groups, targeted molecular weights, and narrow dispersity. Polymerization control is both catalyst and monomer dependent. Polymerizations using bidentate Ni(phosphine) catalysts and 3‐alkylthiophene (or related) monomers lead to the highest degrees of polymerization control; however the scope of monomers that Ni(phosphines) can polymerize is quite limited. Here, two possible mechanistic limitations of Ni(diimine) catalysts are evaluated: 1) the role of spin states, and 2) the redox non‐innocence of diimine ligands. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are utilized to evaluate singlet and triplet spin states of Ni(diimine) species throughout the KCTP catalytic cycle. It is found that in the energetically favored triplet state, Ni(diimine) catalyst dissociation from polymer chains is competitive with intramolecular oxidative addition, which reduces polymerization control. The redox activity of Ni(diimine) catalysts during polymerization is investigated and it is determined that a Ni(diimine)X2 precatalyst is converted into Ni(diimine)2 under reductive conditions analogous to KCTP, but surprisingly this species is also active during polymerization which leads to an interesting off‐cycle pathway that has not been previously considered. These insights differentiate the mechanisms of Ni(diimine) and Ni(phosphine) polymerizations, highlighting catalyst spin and redox activity as additional factors in KCTP.
Synthesis of Dendrimer‐Like Helical Poly(Phenyl Isocyanide)s Using Air‐Stable Palladium Complexes with Double Arms
Authors: Lin Min , Wu Qi‐Liang , Li Qian‐Wei , Hou Xiao‐Hua , Zou Hui
Published: November 2020

A new stepwise iterative method is developed for the synthesis of well‐defined dendrimer‐like helical poly(phenyl isocyanide)s (PPIs). The method mainly involves the following three reaction steps in an iterative process: 1) the polymerization of decyl 4‐isocyanobenzoate (monomer 1) or 4‐isocyanobenzoyl‐2‐aminoisobutyric acid decyl ester (monomer 2) to afford the polymer, 2) reacting one pentafluorophenyl (PFP) ester‐functionalized phenyl isocyanide (monomer 3) at the end of the polymer, followed by the treating of PPh3 to remove the ‐Pd(PEt3)2Cl groups, and 3) the transesterification reaction of the PFP group with hydroxyl functionalized palladium catalyst (catalyst 1) to introduce two ‐Pd(PEt3)2Cl groups at the end of the polymer, which can be used as the next initiating site. Repeating the above three reaction steps, (1), (2) and (3), enables the synthesis of high‐generation and high‐molecular‐weight dendrimer‐like helical PPIs. In practice, a series of dendrimer‐like helical poly‐1ns and poly‐2ms up to the fourth generation (4G) are successfully synthesized. The molecular weight (Mn) of the final 4G dendrimer‐like poly‐1ns and poly‐2ms is 49.4 and 66.5 kDa, respectively and they are both with narrow molecular weight distribution.
Color me moral: White and black product colors influence prosocial behaviors
Authors: Chan Eugene Y. , Meng Yan
Published: November 2020

There are “moral meanings” that people ascribe to objects in white and black colors. Namely, it seems that people have been conditioned to see objects in white color as potentially “morally good” and those in black color as potentially “bad.” In the current inquiry, we would therefore hypothesize that consumers see buying a product in white color as an act that is morally good and buying a product in black color as an act that is morally bad. If so, then, in accordance with the moral regulation theory, those who buy white‐colored products should feel licensed to behave less prosocially afterward, while those who buy black‐colored products should be more prosocial as they feel a need to compensate for their initial misconduct. We investigate such a hypothesis in six studies, examining prosociality after buying white‐ or black‐colored products. The results are consistent with our hypothesizing and highlight a moral credentials framework in particular in explaining why the effect occurs. Consequently, product colors do not only satisfy the diversity of consumer tastes but they also impact consumers’ prosocial behavior well‐beyond product choice and outside of retail domains.
Ugi Reaction of Amino Acids: From Facile Synthesis of Polypeptoids to Sequence‐Defined Macromolecules
Authors: Tao Yue , Tao Youhua
Published: November 2020

Polypeptoids have been prepared and researched for more than 20 years. However, the efficient generation of polypeptoids and sequence‐defined polypeptoids faces many challenges and difficulties. The Ugi reaction of amino acids has recently been introduced into polypeptoid chemistry as a new and powerful method to furnish polypeptoids. In the following mini review, the recent progress on the application of the Ugi reaction of amino acids in polypeptoid science, including polypeptoid from sustainable furfural, sequence‐defined polypeptoids, and more is summarized. Moreover, the future development of the Ugi reaction of amino acids in polypeptoid science is discussed.
Hand Dexterity and Pyramidal Dysfunction in Friedreich Ataxia, A Finger Tapping Study
Authors: Naeije Gilles , Rovai Antonin , Pandolfo Massimo , De Tiège Xavier
Published: November 2020

Background

Loss of hand dexterity has a profound impact on disability in patients with cerebellar, pyramidal, or extrapyramidal diseases. Analysis of multiple finger tapping (FT) parameters can contribute to identify the underlying physiopathology, while providing a quantitative clinical assessment tool, particularly in patients not reliably evaluated using clinical rating scales. Here, we used an automated method of FT analysis in Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) to disentangle cerebellar (prominent FT rate variability), extrapyramidal (FT progressive amplitude reduction without slowing of tapping rate), and pyramidal (progressive decrease of FT rate and amplitude) contribution to upper limb loss of dexterity. FT parameters were then related to FRDA clinical parameters and upper limbs motor evoked potential (MEPs).

Methods

Twenty‐four FRDA patients and matched healthy subjects performed FT with the dominant hand for 90 seconds. FT rate, FT rate variability, FT amplitude, and linear regressions of FT movement parameters were automatically computed. Eleven patients underwent MEPs, measured at the first dorsal interosseous of the dominant hand to determine central motor conduction time (CMCT).

Results

FRDA patients had slower and more regular FT rate than controls. Eleven FRDA patients showed FT rate slowing. Those patients had longer disease duration and higher Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) scores. Seven patients with FT rate slowing had MEP and all displayed prolonged CMCT, whereas the 4 other patients with constant FT rate had normal CMCT.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence for a prominent involvement of pyramidal dysfunction in upper limb dexterity loss as well as a potential outcome measure for clinical studies in FRDA.
Delineation of Apathy Subgroups in Parkinson's Disease: Differences in Clinical Presentation, Functional Ability, Health‐related Quality of Life, and Caregiver Burden
Authors: Eglit Graham M.L. , Lopez Francesca , Schiehser Dawn M. , Pirogovsky‐Turk Eva , Litvan Irene , Lessig Stephanie , Filoteo J. Vincent
Published: November 2020

Background

Apathy is a prevalent, multidimensional neuropsychiatric condition in Parkinson's disease (PD). Several authors have proposed apathy subtypes in PD, but no study has examined the classification of PD patients into distinct apathy subtypes, nor has any study examined the clinical utility of doing so.

Objectives

The current study used a data‐driven approach to explore the existence and associated clinical characteristics of apathy subtypes in PD.

Method

The Apathy Scale (AS) was administered to 157 non‐demented individuals with PD. Participants were classified into apathy subgroups through cluster analysis. Differences among apathy subtypes on external clinical indicators were explored across apathy subgroups.

Results

Individuals with PD were classified into three subgroups: a Non‐Apathetic group with low levels of apathy symptoms, a Low Interest/Energy group, characterized by elevated symptoms of low interest/energy and minimal low initiation/emotional indifference symptoms, and a Low Initiation group, characterized by an absence of low interest/energy symptoms and elevated levels of low initiation/emotional indifference symptoms. Both Low Interest/Energy and Low Initiation groups exhibited worse depression, fatigue, anxiety, health‐related quality of life, and caregiver burden than the Non‐Apathetic subgroup. The Low Initiation group exhibited worse overall cognition, emotional well‐being, state anxiety, communicative ability, and functional ability than the Low Interest/Energy group. Importantly, disease‐related characteristics did not differ across apathy symptom subgroups.

Conclusions

Non‐demented PD patients can be separated into distinct apathy symptom subgroups, which are differentially associated with important clinical variables. Apathy subgroup membership may reflect disruption to different neural systems independent of disease progression.