bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Idea paper: Elucidation of the long‐term properties of food webs based on the intraspecific genetic diversity of hub species populations
Authors: Nakadai Ryosuke
Published: June 2020

Organisms interact across time and space; collectively, these interactions constitute webs that drive energy and material cycles. Classical ecological studies have tested the hypothesis that complex food webs are less stable in closed systems and have thus focused mainly on internal, local drivers of interspecific interactions in food webs. Recently, theories relating to food webs and ecosystems have been expanded to larger spatial scales through the concept of metacommunities (i.e., metawebs and metaecosystems), whose properties are driven by climatic conditions. However, these concepts have been limited to short‐term phenomena observable on ecological time scales, while long‐term historical processes have rarely been considered. In addition, the components of food webs have not been considered as determinants of food web persistence, even though species' persistence is determined by factors other than interspecific interactions within local food webs. Here, I emphasized the potential utility of intraspecific genetic diversity of hub species as a metric for evaluating the long‐term persistence of local food webs. I also proposed a method for calculating this new metric, expressed as the sum of all metaweb level centrality and intraspecific genetic diversity values for each species. Furthermore, I discussed hypothetical patterns in food web properties as determined from both food web structure and intraspecific genetic structure along geographical and climatic gradients; these patterns have yet to be verified empirically. Finally, I summarized recent developments in molecular methods for collecting genetic data, which may support the empirical study of the concepts presented here.
Ambulatory quality, special health care needs, and emergency department or hospital use for US children
Authors: Coller Ryan J. , Kelly Michelle M. , Sklansky Daniel J. , Shadman Kristin A. , Ehlenbach Mary L , Barreda Christina B. , Chung Paul J. , Zhao Qianqian , Edmonson Marshall Bruce
Published: June 2020

Objective

This study examined family‐reported ambulatory care quality and its association with emergency department and hospital utilization, and how these relationships differed across levels of medical complexity.

Data sources

The 2006‐2013 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS).

Study Design

Secondary analysis of MEPS data. Variables fitting the National Quality Measures Clearinghouse clinical quality measures domain framework were selected. Exploratory factor analysis grouped ambulatory quality into 12 access, experience, or process measures. Weighted negative binomial regression stratified by health status identified associations between ambulatory quality and ED visits or hospitalizations.

Data Collection

41,497 children ≤18 years were included. The 5‐item special health care needs (SHCN) screener categorized health status as complex, less complex, or no SHCN.

Principal Findings

Weighted SHCN proportions were 1.6 Percent complex, 18.2 Percent less complex, and 80.0 Percent no SHCN. Mean ED visits were 130 and 335 visits/1000 children/year for no/ complex SHCN, respectively. Mean hospitalizations were 20 and 175 hospitalizations/1000 children/year for no/complex SHCN, respectively. ED visits were associated with 8 of 12 quality measures for no/less complex SHCN. For example, usually/always receiving needed care right away was associated with 22 Percent lower ED visit rate (95% CI 0.64‐0.96). Hospitalizations were associated with 4 of 12 quality measures for less complex SHCN. In complex SHCN, associations between ambulatory quality and ED/hospital use were weak and inconsistent.

Conclusions

Ambulatory quality may best predict ED and hospital use for children with no or less complex SHCN. Whether and how ambulatory care predicts emergency and hospital care in complex SHCN remains an important question.
The Death of Freddie Gray and Its Impact on Homicides in Baltimore and Maryland
Authors: Sweet Sarah , Alexander Gabriel , Alexander Russell
Published: June 2020

This study evaluated the impact that Freddie Gray’s death on April, 19, 2015, had on homicides within Baltimore, Prince George’s County, and the rest of Maryland. The numbers of these deaths were compared in the 2 years prior and after his death. The average number of homicide per month in Baltimore and Prince George’s County, but not the rest of Maryland, showed a statistically significant increase in the 2 years after his death, with a sudden spike in homicides in Baltimore immediately following his death. Spatial density (“heat”) maps of homicides showed an increase in clustering of deaths after Freddie Gray’s demise in portions of Baltimore, particularly near his arrest site. Hot spot maps showed a massive expansion of statistically significant clusters of homicides in areas of West and East Baltimore after his death. An emerging hot spot analysis revealed consecutive hot spots in large areas of West Baltimore with new hot spots prominent along the southern edge of this area. A review of the history of Baltimore, as well as discussions with Baltimore homicide detectives, revealed that prior socioeconomic and political trends likely primed Baltimore for the protests and violence that occurred after Freddie Gray’s death. It is probable that a perceived “overcharging” of officers involved in his death by the State’s Attorney resulted in a “pullback” from policing that directly led to increased homicides in Baltimore.
Is the RBA Economic Logic Faulty?*
Authors: Pol Eduardo
Published: June 2020

Over the last quinquennium, low wage growth has been a distinguishing feature of the Australian economy preventing the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to achieve its inflation target. Notwithstanding the current record low cash rate, wage growth remains low. This paper casts doubts about the economic logic of the RBA in relation to the behaviour of wages. We argue that an unlimited supply of labour leads to a vertical Phillips curve in the short‐run, and therefore, significant wage growth cannot be expected to happen irrespective of how low the cash rate is.
circ_0007385 served as competing endogenous RNA for miR‐519d‐3p to suppress malignant behaviors and cisplatin resistance of non‐small cell lung cancer cells
Authors: Ye Yancheng , Zhao Liangcun , Li Qingke , Xi Caixia , Li Yinghong , Li Zhengguo
Published: June 2020

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been closely implicated in competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network among human cancers including non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the role of most circRNAs in NSCLC remains to be determined. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of hsa_circ_0007385 (circ_0007385) in NSCLC cells.

Methods

Expression of hsa_circ_0007385 (circ_0007385), miRNA (miR)‐519d‐5p and high‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) was measured by real‐time quantitative PCR and western blotting. Functional experiments were evaluated by cell counting kit (CCK)‐8, flow cytometry, fluorescein active caspase‐3 staining kit, transwell assays, western blotting, and xenograft experiment. The relationship among circ_0007385,miR‐519d‐5p and HMGB1 was testified by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. Kaplan‐Meiersurvival curve identified overall survival in NSCLC patients.

Results

circ_0007385 expression was higher in NSCLC tissues and cell lines, and was associated with poor overall survival. Silencing circ_0007385 could suppress cell proliferation, migration and invasion in A549 and H1975 cells, as well as cisplatin (DDP) resistance. Moreover, circ_0007385 silence retarded tumor growth of A549 cells in vivo. Molecularly, there was a direct interaction between miR‐519d‐3p and either circ_0007385 or HMGB1; expression of miR‐519d‐3p was downregulated in NSCLC tumors in a circ_0007385‐correlated manner, and circ_0007385 could indirectly regulate HMGB1 via miR‐519d‐3p. Functionally, both inhibiting miR‐519d‐3p and restoring HMGB1 could overturn the suppressive effect of circ_0007385 knockdown on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and DDP resistance.

Conclusions

Collectively, circ_0007385 deletion could function anti‐tumor role in NSCLC by suppressing malignant behaviors and DDP resistance in vitro and in vivo via circ_0007385/miR‐519d‐3p/HMGB1 axis. These outcomes might enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the malignant progression of NSCLC.

Key points

Significant findings of the study

circ_0007385 was upregulated in NSCLC tissues and cells, and was associated with poor overall survival.

Silenced circ_0007385 suppressed NSCLC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and DDP resistance in vitro, and tumor growth in vivo.

circ_0007385 was upregulated in NSCLC tissues and cells, and was associated with poor overall survival.

What this study adds

miR‐519d‐3p could directly interact with circ_0007385 and HMGB1 in NSCLC cells.

A promising circ_0007385/miR‐519d‐3p/HMGB1 regulatory pathway was determined in NSCLC cells.
Strategies for ‘bloodless’ surgery: the experience of cytoreductive surgery for peritoneal carcinomatosis in Jehovah's Witnesses
Authors: Tse Andrew , Chow Oliver , Matar Amer , Alzahrani Nayef , Morris David
Published: June 2020

Background

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) for the management of peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) can involve significant blood loss which necessitates the transfusion of blood products. This poses a particular challenge in the Jehovah's Witnesses population whose beliefs do not permit the transfusion of blood products or blood‐related derivatives. This report describes the experience of one institution performing CRS with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for PC in Jehovah's Witnesses and perioperative management strategies employed to avoid blood transfusion.

Methods

A review of literature and prospectively collated data of Jehovah's Witnesses patients who underwent extensive CRS for PC and HIPEC for PC.

Results

Four patients had CRS and HIPEC for PC. The median PC index score was 11 and complete cytoreduction was achieved in all cases. Primary tumours were ovarian (n = 1), colorectal (n = 2) and neuroendocrine tumour of gastrointestinal origin (n = 1). The median difference between preoperative and postoperative haemoglobin was 38 g/L (23–43 g/L). Strategies included acute normovolumaeic haemodilution and autotransfusion within a closed circuit, autotransfusion from cell salvage and provisions for possible use of a haemoglobin based oxygen carrier. Ancillary measures identified and implemented to minimize transfusion dependence included, but were not limited to, preoperative iron infusion, perioperative acute haemodilution and cell salvage, administration of tranexamic acid, prothrombinex and use of paediatric tubes for venepuncture.

Conclusion

The review suggests CRS and HIPEC for extensive PC can be done safely in circumstances where transfusion of allogenic blood products is not permitted.
Households, families, and structural inequalities: Reflections on “How the other half lives”
Authors: Hopkins Peter
Published: June 2020

Tivers’ landmark paper about the geographical study of women published inAreain 1978 raised significant issues for the discipline when it was published. I review Tivers’ paper and draw attention to three issues that remain pertinent for geographers. First, I explore the need to be critical about the concept of the household. Second, I reflect on the attention that geographers have given to the family. Finally, I re‐emphasise the importance of continuing to focus on structural inequalities as Tivers initially suggested in 1978.
Round or rectangular tables for collaborative problem solving? A multimodal learning analytics study
Authors: Vujovic Milica , Hernández‐Leo Davinia , Tassani Simone , Spikol Daniel
Published: June 2020

The current knowledge of the effects of the physical environment on learners’ behaviour in collaborative problem‐solving tasks is underexplored. This paper aims to critically examine the potential of multimodal learning analytics, using new data sets, in studying how the shapes of shared tables affect the learners’ behaviour when collaborating in terms of patterns of participation and indicators related to physical social interactions. The research presented in this paper investigates this question considering the potential interplay with contextual aspects (level of education) and learning design decisions (group size). Three dependent variables (distance between students, range of movement and level of participation) are tested using quantitative and qualitative analyses of data collected using a motion capture system and video recordings. Results show that the use of round tables (vs rectangular tables) leads to higher levels of on‐task participation in the case of elementary school students. For university students, different table shapes seem to have a limited impact on their levels of participation in collaborative problem solving. The analysis shows significant differences regarding the relationship between group size and the distance between students, but there is no substantial evidence that group size affects the level of participation. The findings support previous research highlighting the importance of studying the role of the physical environment as an element of learning design and the potential of multimodal learning analytics in approaching these studies.
To punish or to assist? Divergent reactions to ingroup and outgroup members disobeying social distancing
Authors: Van Assche Jasper , Politi Emanuele , Van Dessel Pieter , Phalet Karen
Published: June 2020

In response to the COVID‐19 pandemic, societies face the formidable challenge of developing sustainable forms of sociability‐cumsocial‐distancing – enduring social life while containing the virus and preventing new outbreaks. Accordant public policies often balance between retributive (punishment‐based) and assistance (solidarity‐based) measures to foster responsible behaviour. Yet, the uncontrolled spreading of the disease has divided public opinion about which measures are best suited, and it has made salient group disparities in behaviour, potentially straining intergroup relations, elevating heated emotions, and undercutting coordinated international responses. In a 2 × 2 between‐subjects experiment, British citizens (N = 377) read about national in‐group or outgroup members (categorical differentiation), who were either conforming to or deviating from the corona regulations (normative differentiation). Participants then reported moral emotions towards the target national group and indicated support for public policies. In general, support for assistance policies outweighed support for retributive measures. Second, however, norm deviation was associated with less positive and more negative moral emotions, the latter category further relating to more punitiveness and less assistance support. Finally, respondents who read about norm‐violating outgroup members especially reported support for retributive measures, indicating that people might use norm deviation to justify outgroup derogation. We discuss implications for policymakers and formulate future research avenues.
Translocation with targeted vaccination is the most effective strategy to protect an island endemic bird threatened by West Nile virus
Authors: Bakker Victoria J. , Sillett T. Scott , Boyce Walter M. , Doak Daniel F. , Vickers T. Winston , Reisen William K. , Cohen Brian S. , Hallworth Michael T. , Morrison Scott A.
Published: June 2020

Aim

Invasive pathogens are a growing conservation challenge and often occur in tandem with rapid environmental transformation, such as climate change, drought and habitat loss. Climate change appears to have facilitated the spread of West Nile virus (WNV), a cause of widespread avian mortality. WNV is considered the primary threat to island scrub‐jays (Aphelocoma insularis), endemic to Santa Cruz Island, California. Two approaches have been proposed to safeguard island scrub‐jays: (a) vaccination and (b) conservation translocation to re‐establish a second population on neighbouring Santa Rosa Island, hypothesized to have a lower risk of WNV. These alternatives operate at regional scales but exemplify global concerns with strategic implications for conservation biogeography and climate adaptation.

Location

California Channel Islands, USA.

Methods

We compared the efficacy of vaccination and translocation strategies at minimizing 25‐year quasi‐extinction risk for island scrub‐jays using a stochastic population model.

Results

Under current WNV‐free conditions, the predicted quasi‐extinction risk for island scrub‐jays was low (~0%) but increased to ≥22% with simulated WNV outbreaks. Vaccinating ≥60 individuals reduced risk to <5%, but risk doubled if population size declined and further increased with more frequent droughts. Translocation performed best if Santa Rosa Island had a large starting population size and habitat extent, and, more importantly, a low risk of WNV establishment; if Santa Rosa Island was inhospitable to WNV, quasi‐extinction risk dropped to near zero.

Main conclusions

Translocation with targeted vaccination during high‐risk conditions was the most effective strategy to protect island scrub‐jays from West Nile virus. Although vaccination often outperformed translocation, only scenarios that included a Santa Rosa population and vaccinations achieved acceptably low species‐wide extinction risk across all potential future conditions. Our analysis informs strategies to improve the long‐term viability of the most range‐restricted bird species in the continental United States and provides a model for assessing conservation‐translocation proposals for other species and threats.
Beyond antitrust populism: Towards robust antitrust
Authors: Portuese Aurelien
Published: June 2020

The populist use of competition policies is on the rise again, associated with the growth of big‐tech companies in the era of digital platforms. This article sees antitrust populism as a re‐emerging force in the United States and Europe via greater politicisation of competition law enforcement. It addresses the basic tenets of antitrust populism in order to expose the fundamental problems that populist use of competition law entails. I argue for a rethink of antitrust policy on the intellectual foundations laid down by what Mark Pennington describes as ‘robust political economy’. We need greater regulatory humility and antitrust enforcement which takes both innovation and welfare seriously.
Karl Mittermaier and the hands of classical liberalism
Authors: Klein Daniel B
Published: June 2020

Karl Mittermaier (1938–2016) completed a work in 1987 titledThe Hand Behind the Invisible Hand: Dogmatic and Pragmatic Views on Free Markets and the State of Economic Theory, published for the first time in 2020. Here I treat Mittermaier's rich meditation, which I interpret as a pursuit of greater coherence in classical liberal thought. Mittermaier emphasises the moral, cultural, and institutional preconditions of a liberal market order, and argues that some of the preconditions depend on people feeling that they have reason to embrace such classical liberal principles. The preconditions, then, depend in part on the perception of coherence and appeal of the liberal order.
Upward classism: Prejudice and stereotyping against the wealthy
Authors: Zitelmann Rainer
Published: June 2020

While there are many studies of prejudice towards disadvantaged minorities, there has been little research into stereotypes of rich people. The author commissioned the first international comparative study to investigate popular attitudes towards rich people. He analyses findings from the United States, Great Britain, Germany, and France, and calculates a ‘Social Envy Coefficient’ for these four countries. Envy appears most pronounced in France, followed by Germany. By contrast, envy is significantly lower in the United States and Great Britain, although there are interesting variations by age. In addition, the study subjects a sample of popular international feature films and articles in German newspapers to detailed media content analysis. This analysis finds that rich individuals are predominantly portrayed as cold‐hearted, profit‐hungry and morally suspect.
Implications of NAD+ boosters in translational medicine
Authors: Kang Baeki E. , Choi Jun‐Yong , Stein Sokrates , Ryu Dongryeol
Published: June 2020

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is an essential metabolite in energy metabolism as well as a co‐substrate in biochemical reactions such as protein deacylation, protein ADP‐ribosylation and cyclic ADP‐ribose synthesis mediated by sirtuins, poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerases (PARPs) and CD38. In eukaryotic cells, NAD+ is synthesized through three distinct pathways, which offer different strategies to modulate the bioavailability of NAD+. The therapeutic potential of dietarily available NAD+ boosters preserving the NAD+ pool has been attracting attention after the discovery of declining NAD+ levels in ageing model organisms as well as in several age‐related diseases, including cardiometabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we review the recent advances in the biology of NAD+, including the salubrious effects of NAD+ boosters and discuss their future translational strategies.
The impact of foetal restrictions on mode of delivery in women with inherited bleeding disorders
Authors: Lavin Michelle , Horan Maebh , Durand O'Connor Anna , Doherty Dearbhla , Manning Catherine , Lynch Caoimhe , Regan Carmen , Ryan Kevin , Byrne Bridgette
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Management of pregnancy in women with congenital bleeding disorders (CBD) is challenging and requires understanding of risks conferred to both the mother and the foetus. Some elements of labour management are considered to increase the risk of neonatal bleeding and are not recommended for neonates at risk of a significant bleeding disorder. The impact of these restrictions on obstetric outcomes in women with CBD is unknown.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed obstetric outcomes in a large cohort of women with CBD attending a specialised obstetric/haematology antenatal clinic over a 6‐year period.

Results

Ninety‐four pregnancies in 76 women with a wide variety of CBDs were assessed. Foetal precautions were recommended in the majority of cases (88%). Twenty (21.2%) were delivered by elective Caesarean section (CS), predominantly for obstetric indications. Of the 63 women who laboured with foetal precautions in place, 6 (10%) had a CS that was performed because of these precautions. There was no neonatal bleeding but primary postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) occurred in 12.2% of women.

Conclusions

These data show that foetal precautions in labour recommended for women with CBDs will influence mode of delivery in approximately 10% of cases. This is important information for counselling these women about labour and delivery.
Combining local and global evolutionary trajectories of brain–behaviour relationships through game theory
Authors: Di Plinio Simone , Ebisch Sjoerd J. H.
Published: June 2020

The study of the evolution of brain–behaviour relationships concerns understanding the causes and repercussions of cross‐ and within‐species variability. Understanding such variability is a main objective of evolutionary and cognitive neuroscience, and it may help explaining the appearance of psychopathological phenotypes. Although brain evolution is related to the progressive action of selection and adaptation through multiple paths (e.g. mosaic vs. concerted evolution, metabolic vs. structural and functional constraints), a coherent, integrative framework is needed to combine evolutionary paths and neuroscientific evidence. Here, we review the literature on evolutionary pressures focusing on structural–functional changes and developmental constraints. Taking advantage of recent progress in neuroimaging and cognitive neuroscience, we propose a twofold hypothetical model of brain evolution. Within this model, global and local trajectories imply rearrangements of neural subunits and subsystems and of behavioural repertoires of a species, respectively. We incorporate these two processes in a game in which the global trajectory shapes the structural–functional neural substrates (i.e. players), while the local trajectory shapes the behavioural repertoires (i.e. stochastic payoffs).
Modulation of H‐reflex responses and frequency‐dependent depression by repetitive spinal electromagnetic stimulation: From rats to humans and back to chronic spinal cord injured rats
Authors: Petrosyan Hayk , Liang Li , Tesfa Asrat , Sisto Sue A. , Fahmy Magda , Arvanian Victor L.
Published: June 2020

The lack of propagation of signals through survived fibers is among the major reasons for functional loss after incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). Our recent results of animal studies demonstrate that spinal electromagnetic stimulation (SEMS) can enhance transmission in damaged spinal cord, and this type of modulation depends on the function of NMDA receptors at the neuronal networks below the injury level. Here, our pilot human study revealed that administration of repetitive SEMS induced long‐lasting modulation of H‐responses in both healthy and participants with chronic SCI. In order to understand the mechanisms underlying these effects, we have used an animal model and examined effects of SEMS on H‐responses. Effects of SEMS on H‐responses, frequency‐dependent depression (FDD) of H‐reflex, and possible underlying mechanisms have been examined in both naïve and rats with SCI. Our results demonstrate that consistent with the effects of SEMS on H‐reflex seen in humans, repetitive SEMS induced similar modulation in excitability of peripheral nerve responses in both non‐injured and rats with SCI. Importantly, our results confirmed the reduced FDD of H‐reflex in SCI animals and revealed that SEMS was able to recover FDD in rats with chronic SCI. Using intraspinal injections of the NMDA receptor blocker MK‐801, we have identified NMDA receptors as an important contributor to these SEMS‐induced effects in rats with SCI. These results identify SEMS as a novel non‐invasive technique for modulation of neuro‐muscular circuits and, importantly, modulation of spinal networks after chronic SCI.
Behind the (Virtual) Mirror: Online Live Supervision in Couple and Family Therapy
Authors: Nadan Yochay , Shachar Razi , Cramer Daniella , Leshem Tali , Levenbach Darylle , Rozen Rinat , Salton Nurit , Cramer Saviona
Published: June 2020

Online therapy and supervision, a rapidly rising practice in couple and family therapy, has been the subject of a growing body of literature. From its early days, family therapy training has included live supervision, which has typically been conducted by a supervisor and a team of trainees situated on the other side of a one‐way mirror. With the outbreak of the COVID‐19 global pandemic, we—the staff of supervisors at the Barcai Institute in Tel Aviv, Israel—were compelled to find solutions to continue meeting with clients and to provide supervision for family therapy trainees. To this end, we have shifted our live supervision courses (“practicums”) to the virtual arena, adapting the popular application “Zoom” into what we call “PractiZoom.” Based on over 100 PractiZoom sessions conducted between March and May 2020, involving 14 supervisors and 28 therapists‐in‐training and their clients, the article reflects on this pioneering online practicum for the online live supervision of therapists with geographically distributed participants. In this article, we outline our operational methods and adaptations for conducting live behind‐the‐mirror supervision online. Following a short theoretical background, we outline the process of online live supervision, discuss our reflections and those of our trainees on the challenges and possibilities it poses, and offer a number of preliminary conclusions and recommendations.
The Challenges of COVID‐19 for Divorcing and Post‐divorce Families
Authors: Lebow Jay L.
Published: June 2020

COVID‐19 and the accompanying procedures of shelter‐in‐place have had a powerful effect on all families but have additional special meanings in the context of families contemplating divorce, divorcing, or carrying out postdivorce arrangements. This paper explores those special meanings for these families. It also offers suggestions for couple and family therapists involved in helping these families during the time of COVID‐19.
Construction of CoS/CeO2 heterostructure nanocages with enhanced photocatalytic performance under visible light
Authors: Yu Bo , Meng Fanming , Zhou Ting , Fan Aoyu , Zhao Ziyi , Wasim Khan Muhammad
Published: June 2020

Exploring non‐noble metal photocatalysts with high activity and stability is always fascinating. Herein, the hollow CoS nanocages deriven from ZIF‐67 have been reported for the first time to combine with CeO2 NPs grown in situ for photocatalytic degradation of stubborn pollutants. The unique CoS nanocages not only provide rich active sites but also enhance light capture. CeO2 NPs loaded on the surface accelerate the separation of photocharges and extend the lifetime of photogenerated carriers. The optimized photocatalysts show outstanding activity and stability for the photodegradation of tetracycline and phenol under visible light, and the corresponding photodegradation efficiency is 96.5% and 90.5% at 60 minutes. The novel multi‐stage nanocage structure simultaneously realizes extended light absorption and improved photocharges transfer efficiency. This work provides an exclusive perspective to design high‐efficiency photocatalysts with hollow structures for environmental restoration.
Hierarchically porous lanthanum zirconate foams with low thermal conductivity from particle‐stabilized foams
Authors: Meng Xuanyu , Xu Jie , Zhu Jiatong , Li Zhuolun , Zhao Jia , Reece Michael J. , Gao Feng
Published: June 2020

Lanthanum zirconate (LZO) ceramic foams with hierarchical pore structure were fabricated by particle‐stabilized foaming method for the first time, and the as‐prepared ceramics have high porosity of 90.7%‐94.9%, low thermal conductivity, and relatively high compressive strength. The LZO powder was synthesized by solid‐state method. The porosity of the ceramic foams was tailored by suspensions with different solid loadings (20‐40 wt%). The sample with porosity of 94.9% has thermal conductivity of 0.073 W/(m·K) and compressive strength of 1.19 MPa, which exhibits outstanding property of thermal insulation and mechanical performance, indicating that LZO ceramic foam is a promising thermal insulation material in high temperature applications.
The ACE2 expression in Sertoli cells and germ cells may cause male reproductive disorder after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Shen Qiaoyan , Xiao Xia , Aierken Aili , Yue Wei , Wu Xiaojie , Liao Mingzhi , Hua Jinlian
Published: June 2020

The serious coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) was first reported in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. COVID‐19 is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). Angiotensin converting enzyme 2(ACE2) is the cellular receptor for SARS‐CoV‐2. Considering the critical roles of testicular cells for the transmission of genetic information between generations, we analyzed single‐cell RNA‐sequencing (scRNA‐seq) data of adult human testis. The mRNA expression of ACE2 was expressed in both germ cells and somatic cells. Moreover, the positive rate of ACE2 in testes of infertile men was higher than normal, which indicates that SARS‐CoV‐2 may cause reproductive disorders through pathway activated by ACE2 and the men with reproductive disorder may easily to be infected by SARS‐CoV‐2. The expression level of ACE2 was related to the age, and the mid‐aged with higher positive rate than young men testicular cells. Taken together, this research provides a biological background of the potential route for infection of SARS‐CoV‐2 and may enable rapid deciphering male‐related reproductive disorders induced by COVID‐19.
Case of autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 3 complicated with anti‐N‐methyl‐D‐aspartic acid‐receptor encephalitis
Authors: Kurozumi Akira , Okada Yosuke , Nishio Kosuke , Tanaka Yoshiya
Published: June 2020

Anti‐N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor (NMDA‐R) encephalitis is an autoimmune disorder in which autoantibodies in the limbic system bind to GluN1 subunits of NMDA‐Rs in the brain. We report a rare case of autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 3 complicated by anti‐NMDA‐R encephalitis. After hospitalization for type 1 diabetes, the 39‐year‐old patient developed various schizophreniform symptoms and seizures after cold‐like symptoms. These findings are consistent with the diagnosis of anti‐NMDA‐R encephalitis. Immune‐related encephalitis was suspected at the early phase of the disease, and cerebrospinal fluid was positive for anti‐NMDA‐R antibody. Early steroid pulse therapy was initiated during the disease course. The condition improved gradually to full recovery. Early detection and treatment of anti‐NMDA‐R encephalitis should enhance a positive outcome, considering that besides thyroid diseases and type 1 diabetes, various autoimmune diseases are associated with autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 3.
The Complete Protist Symbiont Communities of Coptotermes formosanus and Coptotermes gestroi: Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Five New Species
Authors: Jasso‐Selles Daniel E. , De Martini Francesca , Velenovsky Joseph F. , Mee Evan D. , Montoya Samantha J. , Hileman Jonathon T. , Garcia Mikaela D. , Su Nan‐Yao , Chouvenc Thomas , Gile Gillian H.
Published: June 2020

Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki and Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann) (Blattoidea: Rhinotermitidae) are invasive subterranean termite pest species with a major global economic impact. However, the descriptions of the mutualistic protist communities harbored in their respective hindguts remain fragmentary. The C. formosanus hindgut has long been considered to harbor three protist species, Pseudotrichonympha grassii (Trichonymphida), Holomastigotoides hartmanni, and Cononympha (Spirotrichonympha) leidyi (Spirotrichonymphida), but molecular data have suggested that the diversity may be higher. Meanwhile, the C. gestroi community remains undescribed except for Pseudotrichonympha leei. To complete the characterization of these communities, hindguts of workers from both termite species were investigated using single‐cell PCR, microscopy, cell counts, and 18S rRNA amplicon sequencing. The two hosts were found to harbor intriguingly parallel protist communities, each consisting of one Pseudotrichonympha species, two Holomastigotoides species, and two Cononympha species. All protist species were unique to their respective hosts, which last shared a common ancestor ~18 MYA. The relative abundances of protist species in each hindgut differed remarkably between cell count data and 18S rRNA profiles, calling for caution in interpreting species abundances from amplicon data. This study will enable future research in C. formosanus and C. gestroi hybrids, which provide a unique opportunity to study protist community inheritance, compatibility, and potential contribution to hybrid vigor.
Older US adults like sweetened colas, but not other chemesthetic beverages
Authors: Wierenga Madison R. , Crawford Ciera R. , Running Cordelia A.
Published: June 2020

Many older adults suffer from difficulty swallowing thin beverages like water or coffee. To improve swallowing safety, beverages are typically thickened. This creates a new problem: the thickened beverages can be disgusting. New research suggests chemesthesis, particularly spiciness, carbonation, or intense sourness, could improve swallowing without the need for thickeners. Yet, whether such beverages would be liked by older adults is unknown. We thus conducted this experiment to establish older adults' sensory perception and liking/disliking of commercially available chemesthetic beverages. We recruited participants to rate sweetness, sourness, fizziness, stinging, and liking/disliking of unsweetened carbonated waters (1 plain, 5 flavored), sour orange juice, spicy ginger beer, and colas (sugar or aspartame‐sweetened). Initial tests (N = 30 older adults) indicated sour orange juice, spicy ginger beer, and two of the flavored waters were not well‐liked, so other beverages were selected for a second test (N = 94, 30 younger adults, 64 older adults). Sweetened, carbonated colas were the best‐liked of the beverages. The unsweetened, flavored carbonated waters were in general not liked. Regarding comparisons of sensory ratings between older and younger adults, only sweetness differed between age groups. In particular, intensity ratings for the chemesthetic aspects of the beverages (stinging/burning/spiciness, fizziness) and the sour taste did not differ by age. As the chemesthetic properties are the most likely reason the beverages could aid in swallowing safety, observing no suppression of these sensations in older adults is encouraging for the potential of these products as a treatment option.
TP53 R249S mutation detected in circulating tumour DNA is associated with Prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients with or without hepatectomy
Authors: Shen Ting , Li Shan‐Feng , Wang Jia‐Lin , Zhang Ting , Zhang Song , Chen Hai‐Tao , Xiao Qian‐Yi , Ren Wei‐Hua , Liu Chao , Peng Bo , Ji Xiao‐Na , Yang Yang , Lu Pei‐Xin , Chen Tao‐Yang , Yu Long , Ji Yuan , Jiang De‐Ke
Published: June 2020

Background and Aims

Somatic mutation R249S in TP53 is highly common in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aim to investigate the effects of R249S in ctDNA on the prognosis of HCC.

Methods

We analysed three cohorts including 895 HCC patients. TP53 mutation spectrum was examined by direct sequencing of genomic DNA from tissue specimens in HCC patients with hepatectomy (Cohort 1, N = 260). R249S and other recurrent missense mutations were assessed for their biological functions and associations with overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) of HCC patients in Cohort 1. R249S within circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) was detected through droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) and its association with OS and PRS was analysed in HCC patients with (Cohort 2, N = 275) or without (Cohort 3, N = 360) hepatectomy.

Results

In Cohort 1, R249S occupied 60.28% of all TP53 mutations. Overexpression of R249S induced more serious malignant phenotypes than those of the other three identified TP53 recurrent missense mutations. Additionally, R249S, but not other missense mutations, was significantly associated with worse OS (P = .006) and PFS (P = .01) of HCC patients. Consistent with the results in Cohort 1, HCC patients in Cohorts 2 and 3 with R249S had worse OS (P = 8.291 × 10−7 and 2.608 × 10−7 in Cohorts 2 and 3, respectively) and PFS (P = 5.115 × 10−7 and 5.900 × 10−13 in Cohorts 2 and 3, respectively) compared to those without this mutation.

Conclusions

TP53 R249S mutation in ctDNA may serve as a promising prognosis biomarker for HCC patients with or without hepatectomy.
Combining IR and X‐ray microtomography data sets: Application to Itokawa particles and to Paris meteorite
Authors: Dionnet Zelia , Brunetto Rosario , Aléon‐Toppani Alice , Rubino Stefano , Baklouti Donia , Borondics Ferenc , Buellet Anne‐Cécile , Djouadi Zahia , King Andrew , Nakamura Tomoki , Rotundi Alessandra , Sandt Christophe , Troadec David , Tsuchiyama Akira
Published: June 2020

In the near future, a new generation of sample return missions (Hayabusa2, OSIRIS‐REx, MMX, etc.) will collect samples from small solar system bodies. To maximize the scientific outcome of laboratory studies and minimize the loss of precious extraterrestrial samples, an analytical sequence from less destructive to more destructive techniques needs to be established. In this work, we present a combined X‐ray and IR microtomography applied to five Itokawa particles and one fragment of the primitive carbonaceous chondrite Paris. We show that this analytical approach is able to provide a 3‐D physical and chemical characterization of individual extraterrestrial particles, using the measurement of their 3‐D structure and porosity, and the detection of mineral and organic phases, and their spatial co‐localization in 3‐D. We propose these techniques as an efficient first step in a multitechnique analytical sequence on microscopic samples collected by space missions.
Partitioning heterozygosity in subdivided populations: Some misuses of Nei's decomposition and an alternative probabilistic approach
Authors: Lefèvre François , Gallais André
Published: June 2020

Nei's decomposition of total expected heterozygosity in subdivided populations into within‐ and between‐subpopulation components, HS and DST, respectively, is a classical tool in the conservation and management of genetic resources. Reviewing why this is not a decomposition into independent terms of within‐ and between‐subpopulation gene diversity, we illustrate how this approach can be misleading because it overemphasizes the within‐subpopulation component compared to Jost's nonadditive decomposition based on gene diversity indices. Using probabilistic partitioning of the total expected heterozygosity into independent within‐ and between‐subpopulation contributions, we show that the contribution of the within‐subpopulation expected heterozygosity to the total expected heterozygosity is not HS, as suggested by Nei's decomposition, but HS/s, with s being the number of subpopulations. Finally, we compare three possible approaches of decomposing total heterozygosity in subdivided populations (i.e., Nei's decomposition, Jost's approach, and probabilistic partitioning) with regard to independence between terms and sensitivity to unequal subpopulation sizes. For the conservation and management of genetic resources, we recommend using probabilistic partitioning and Jost's differentiation parameter rather than Nei's decomposition.
Review: Microglia in motor neuron disease
Authors: Ashford B. A. , Boche D. , Cooper‐Knock J. , Heath P. R. , Simpson J. E. , Highley J. R.
Published: June 2020

Motor Neuron Disease (MND) is a fatal neurodegenerative condition, which is characterized by the selective loss of the upper and lower motor neurons. At the sites of motor neuron injury, accumulation of activated microglia, the primary immune cells of the central nervous system, is commonly observed in both human post mortem studies and animal models of MND. Microglial activation has been found to correlate with many clinical features and importantly, the speed of disease progression in humans. Both anti‐inflammatory and pro‐inflammatory microglial responses have been shown to influence disease progression in humans and models of MND. As such, microglia could both contribute to and protect against inflammatory mechanisms of pathogenesis in MND. While murine models have characterized the microglial response to MND, these studies have painted a complex and often contradictory picture, indicating a need for further characterization in humans. This review examines the potential role microglia play in MND in human and animal studies. Both the pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory responses will be addressed, throughout the course of disease, followed by the potential of microglia as a target in the development of disease‐modifying treatments for MND.
Growth hormone treatment for extremely low birthweight children born small for gestational age
Authors: Onuma Shinsuke , Ida Shinobu , Maeyama Takatoshi , Shoji Yasuko , Etani Yuri , Kawai Masanobu
Published: June 2020

Background

The effectiveness of growth hormone (GH) treatment for height gain in short‐stature children born small for gestational age (SGA) with extremely low birthweight (ELBW; birthweight <1,000 g) remains largely unknown.

Methods

In study 1, 35 prepubertal Japanese children born SGA with ELBW were categorized into three groups based on the presence or absence of catch‐up growth by age 3 (CU(+) and CU(−), respectively) and GH treatment (GH(+) and GH(−), respectively). Height standard deviation (SD) scores (HT‐SDS) in the CU−/GH+ group (n = 19) were compared with those in the age‐matched CU+/GH− (n = 9) and CU−/GH‐ groups (n = 7). In study 2, 66 prepubertal Japanese SGA children treated with GH were divided into three groups by birthweight: <1,000 g (n = 19), 1,000–2,000 g (n = 20), and >2,000 g (n = 27). Changes in HT‐SDS during the initial 3 years of GH treatment were compared among the three groups.

Results

In study 1, the mean HT‐SDS in the CU−/GH+ group (−1.15 SD) was similar to that in the CU+/GH‐ group (−1.39 SD) but higher than that in the CU−/GH− group (−2.24 SD). In study 2, GH achieved a height gain of +1.62 SD in the ELBW group, which was similar to that in the other groups (1,000–2,000 g: +1.46 SD, >2,000 g: +1.53 SD).

Conclusions

Growth hormone treatment in short‐stature children born SGA with ELBW increased HT‐SDS, which was similar to that in SGA children born with a birthweight ≥1,000 g. These results indicate that GH treatment may be an effective approach to promote adequate growth recovery for short‐stature children born SGA with ELBW.
Differential antibody responses to Giardia lamblia strain variants expressing dissimilar levels of an immunogenic protein
Authors: Garzon Thania , Valencia Lourdes , Dominguez Victor , Rascon Lucila , Quintero Jael , Garibay‐Escobar Adriana , Enrique Robles‐Zepeda Ramón , Velazquez Carlos
Published: June 2020

Aims

Giardia lamblia is a protozoan parasite that causes giardiasis, one of the most common worldwide gastrointestinal diseases. For rational development of a Giardia vaccine, increasing our understanding of the host‐Giardia interaction is crucial. In this study, we analysed the immunogenicity and antigenicity of two G lamblia strain variants [GS and GS‐5G8 (+)], which express different levels of the variant‐specific surface protein (VSP) 5G8 and also analysed the intestinal histological changes associated with Giardia infection.

Methods and results

We evaluated the antibody responses induced by G lamblia strains in infected, reinfected and immunized C3H/HeJ mice using ELISA, flow cytometry, Western blotting and histological analysis. Our results showed that G lamblia GS‐5G8 (+) was more immunogenic and antigenic than the GS strain. The antibody response against the GS‐5G8 (+) strain primarily recognized 5G8 protein. Serum antibody from infected and reinfected mice exhibited specific agglutination of trophozoites in vitro. GS‐5G8 (+)‐infected mice showed higher CD19+ infiltrating cell levels compared to GS‐infected animals.

Conclusion

G lamblia strains with different expression levels of an immunogenic antigen (VSP 5G8) induce differential antibody responses. A better understanding of the immunogenic proteins of G lamblia will contribute to the rational development of an effective vaccine against this parasitic disease.
Hamster, a close model for visceral leishmaniasis: Opportunities and challenges
Authors: Saini Sheetal , Rai Ambak K.
Published: June 2020

Aim

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) caused by parasites belonging to genus Leishmania (L.) is classified as a category I disease by the TDR/WHO. The understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease was built from the findings of available experimental models. Among all available models, the Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) is the most suitable model for the experimental representation of VL. In this review, we have focused on the opportunities and challenges of using the hamster as an experimental model for visceral leishmaniasis.

Methods

The studies referenced in this review were based on searches in PubMed and Google Scholar without a specific timeline. We collected study results underlining the clinicopathological response, immunopathogenesis and factors determining the outcome of VL in hamsters. Particular emphasis was given in the context of developing new therapeutics and testing potential candidates for vaccine development.

Conclusion

Among all animal models, M. auratus is undoubtedly a better animal model for immunopathogenesis, drug discovery and vaccine development studies of VL infection. But, further optimization of this animal model is required to mimic human VL completely.