bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical features of scrupulosity: Associated symptoms and comorbidity
Authors: Siev Jedidiah , Rasmussen Jessica , Sullivan Alexandra D. W. , Wilhelm Sabine
Published: June 2020

Objective

Scrupulosity is a manifestation of obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) characterized by religious or moral core fears. Clinicians often struggle to treat scrupulosity, which may be associated with several features known to predict poor treatment outcome. The purpose of this study was to examine these features in participants with scrupulous OCD, contamination OCD, and healthy controls.

Method

A total of 68 participants (57.4% women, agemean = 34.01) completed diagnostic interviews, and measures of symptoms and quality‐of‐life.

Results

Relative to comparison groups, scrupulous participants had higher rates of obsessive‐compulsive personality disorder, more severe schizotypal symptoms, and more severe symptoms of depression. In addition, OCD severity was strongly associated with poor insight in the scrupulous group. Both OCD groups reported poorer quality of life than did healthy controls.

Conclusions

Clinicians working with scrupulous individuals may enhance the efficacy of treatment in this challenging population by assessing carefully for these features, and incorporating treatment elements that address them.
MiRNA‐145‐5p prevents differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells by regulating expression of myelin gene regulatory factor
Authors: Kornfeld Samantha F. , Cummings Sarah E. , Fathi Samaneh , Bonin Sawyer R. , Kothary Rashmi
Published: June 2020

The roles of specific microRNAs (miRNA) in oligodendrocyte (OL) differentiation have been studied in depth. However, miRNAs in OL precursors and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) have been less extensively investigated. MiR‐145‐5p is highly expressed in OPCs relative to differentiating OLs, suggesting this miRNA may serve a function specifically in OPCs. Knockdown of miR‐145‐5p in primary OPCs led to spontaneous differentiation, as evidenced by an increased proportion of MAG+ cells, increased cell ramification, and upregulation of multiple myelin genes including MYRF, TPPP, and MAG, and OL cell cycle exit marker Cdkn1c. Supporting this transition to a differentiating state, proliferation was reduced in miR‐145‐5p knockdown OPCs. Further, knockdown of miR‐145‐5p in differentiating OLs showed enhanced differentiation, with increased branching, myelin membrane production, and myelin gene expression. We identified several OL‐specific genes targeted by miR‐145‐5p that exhibited upregulation with miR‐145‐5p knockdown, including myelin gene regulatory factor (MYRF), that could be regulating the prodifferentiation phenotype in both miR‐145 knockdown OPCs and OLs. Indeed, spontaneous differentiation with knockdown of miR‐145‐5p was fully rescued by concurrent knockdown of MYRF. However, proliferation rate was only partially rescued with MYRF knockdown, and overexpression of miR‐145‐5p in OPCs increased proliferation rate without affecting expression of already lowly expressed differentiation genes. Taken together, these data suggest that in OPCs miR‐145‐5p both prevents differentiation at least in part by preventing expression of MYRF and promotes proliferation via as‐yet‐unidentified mechanisms. These findings clarify the need for differential regulation of miR‐145‐5p between OPCs and OLs and may have further implications in demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis where miR‐145‐5p is dysregulated.
Expression of ApoA5 and its function in the right ventricular failing and remodeling secondary to pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Chen Jingyuan , Luo Jun , Yang Xiaojie , Ouyang Minzhi , Zhu Tengteng , Li Yuanchang , Luo Peng , Chen Yusi , Li Zilu , Li Jiang
Published: June 2020

Right heart failure and right ventricular (RV) remodeling were the main reason for mortality of pulmonary hypertension (PH) patients. Apolipoprotein AV (ApoA5) is a key regulator of plasma triglyceride and have multifunction in several target organs. We detected decreased ApoA5 in serum of patients with PH and both in serum and RV of monocrotaline‐induced PH model. Exogenously, overexpression ApoA5 by adenovirus showed protective effects on RV failure and RV fibrosis secondary to PH. In addition, in vitro experiments showed ApoA5 attenuated the activation of fibroblast induced by transforming growth factor β1 and synthesis and secretion of extracellular matrix by inhibiting focal adhesion kinase‐c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase‐Smad3 pathway. Finally, we suggest that ApoA5 may potentially be a pivotal target for RV failure and fibrosis secondary of PH.
Diagnostic and molecular testing patterns in patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia in the Connect® MDS/AML Disease Registry
Authors: Pollyea Daniel A. , George Tracy I. , Abedi Mehrdad , Bejar Rafael , Cogle Christopher R. , Foucar Kathryn , Garcia‐Manero Guillermo , Grinblatt David L. , Komrokji Rami S. , Maciejewski Jaroslaw P. , Revicki Dennis A. , Roboz Gail J. , Savona Michael R. , Scott Bart L. , Sekeres Mikkael A. , Thompson Michael A. , Kurtin Sandra E. , Louis Chrystal U. , Nifenecker Melissa , Flick E. Dawn , Swern Arlene S. , Kiselev Pavel , Steensma David P. , Erba Harry P.
Published: June 2020

Diagnostic and molecular genetic testing are key in advancing the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), yet little is known about testing patterns outside of clinical trials, especially in older patients. We analyzed diagnostic and molecular testing patterns over time in 565 patients aged ≥ 55 years with newly diagnosed AML enrolled in the Connect® MDS/AML Disease Registry (NCT01688011) in the United States. Diagnostic data were recorded at enrolment and compared with published guidelines. The percentage of bone marrow blasts was reported for 82.1% of patients, and cellularity was the most commonly reported bone marrow morphological feature. Flow cytometry, karyotyping, molecular testing, and fluorescence in situ hybridization were performed in 98.8%, 95.4%, 75.9%, and 75.7% of patients, respectively. Molecular testing was done more frequently at academic than community/government sites (84.3% vs 70.2%; P < .001). Enrolment to the Registry after 2016 was significantly associated with molecular testing at academic sites (odds ratio [OR] 2.59; P = .023) and at community/government sites (OR 4.85; P < .001) in logistic regression analyses. Better understanding of practice patterns may identify unmet needs and inform institutional protocols regarding the diagnosis of patients with AML.
Coronavirus disease 2019 induces multi‐lineage, morphologic changes in peripheral blood cells
Authors: Lüke Florian , Orsó Evelyn , Kirsten Jana , Poeck Hendrik , Grube Matthias , Wolff Daniel , Burkhardt Ralph , Lunz Dirk , Lubnow Matthias , Schmidt Barbara , Hitzenbichler Florian , Hanses Frank , Salzberger Bernd , Evert Matthias , Herr Wolfgang , Brochhausen Christoph , Pukrop Tobias , Reichle Albrecht , Heudobler Daniel
Published: June 2020

The clinical course of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) varies from mild symptoms to acute respiratory distress syndrome, hyperinflammation, and coagulation disorder. The hematopoietic system plays a critical role in the observed hyperinflammation, particularly in severely ill patients. We conducted a prospective diagnostic study performing a blood differential analyzing morphologic changes in peripheral blood of COVID‐19 patients. COVID‐19 associated morphologic changes were defined in a training cohort and subsequently validated in a second cohort (n = 45). Morphologic aberrations were further analyzed by electron microscopy (EM) and flow cytometry of lymphocytes was performed. We included 45 COVID‐19 patients in our study (median age 58 years; 82% on intensive care unit). The blood differential showed a specific pattern of pronounced multi‐lineage aberrations in lymphocytes (80%) and monocytes (91%) of patients. Overall, 84%, 98%, and 98% exhibited aberrations in granulopoiesis, erythropoiesis, and thrombopoiesis, respectively. Electron microscopy revealed the ultrastructural equivalents of the observed changes and confirmed the multi‐lineage aberrations already seen by light microscopy. The morphologic pattern caused by COVID‐19 is characteristic and underlines the serious perturbation of the hematopoietic system. We defined a hematologic COVID‐19 pattern to facilitate further independent diagnostic analysis and to investigate the impact on the hematologic system during the clinical course of COVID‐19 patients.
Condom use among young women who sell sex in Zimbabwe: a prevention cascade analysis to identify gaps in HIV prevention programming
Authors: Chabata Sungai T , Hensen Bernadette , Chiyaka Tarisai , Mushati Phillis , Busza Joanna , Floyd Sian , Birdthistle Isolde , Hargreaves James R , Cowan Frances M
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), including those who sell sex in sub‐Saharan Africa, are especially vulnerable to HIV. Reaching them with effective prevention is a programmatic priority. The HIV prevention cascade can be used to track intervention coverage, and identify gaps and opportunities for programme strengthening. The aim of this study was to characterise gaps in condom use and identify reasons underlying these gaps among young women who sell sex (YWSS) in Zimbabwe using data from enrolment into an impact evaluation of the DREAMS programme. DREAMS provided a package of biomedical, social and economic interventions to AGYW aged 10 to 24 with the aim of reducing HIV incidence.

Methods

In 2017, we recruited YWSS aged 18 to 24 using respondent‐driven sampling in six sites across Zimbabwe. We measured knowledge about efficacy of, access to, and effective (consistent) use of condoms with the most recent three sexual partners, separately by whether YWSS self‐identified as female sex workers (FSW) or not. Among YWSS without knowledge about efficacy of, not having access to, and not effectively using condoms, we described the potential reasons underlying the gaps in the condom cascade. To identify socio‐demographic characteristics associated with effective condom use, we used logistic regression modelling. All analyses were RDS‐II weighted and restricted to YWSS testing HIV‐negative at enrolment.

Results

We enrolled 2431 YWSS. Among 1842 (76%) YWSS testing HIV‐negative, 66% (n = 1221) self‐identified as FSW. 89% of HIV‐negative YWSS demonstrated knowledge about efficacy of condoms, 80% reported access to condoms and 58% reported using condoms consistently with the three most recent sexual partners. Knowledge about efficacy of and effective use of condoms was similar regardless of whether or not YWSS self‐identified as FSW, but YWSS self‐identifying as FSW reported better access to condoms compared to those who did not (87% vs 68%; age‐ and site‐adjusted (adjOR) = 2.69; 95% CI: 2.01 to 3.60;p < 0.001). Women who reported experiencing sexual violence in the past year and common mental disorder in the past week were less likely to use condoms consistently (43% vs. 60%; adjOR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.35 to 0.68;p < 0.001) and (51% vs. 61%; adjOR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.60 to 0.97;p = 0.029), respectively.

Conclusions

Despite high knowledge about efficacy of and access to condoms, there remain large gaps in self‐reported consistent condom use among YWSS. Addressing the structural determinants of YWSS’ inconsistent condom use, including violence, could reduce this gap. YWSS who do not self‐identify as FSW have less access to condoms and may require additional programmatic intervention.
New synthesis of 6″‐[18F]fluoromaltotriose for positron emission tomography imaging of bacterial infection
Authors: Gabr Moustafa T. , Haywood Tom , Gowrishankar Gayatri , Srinivasan Ananth , Gambhir Sanjiv S.
Published: June 2020

6″‐[18F]fluoromaltotriose is a positron emission tomography tracer that can differentiate between bacterial infection and inflammation in vivo. Bacteria‐specific uptake of 6″‐[18F]fluoromaltotriose is attributed to the targeting of maltodextrin transporter in bacteria that is absent in mammalian cells. Herein, we report a new synthesis of 6″‐[18F]fluoromaltotriose as a key step for its clinical translation. In comparison with the previously reported synthesis, the new synthesis features unambiguous assignment of the fluorine‐18 position on the maltotriose unit. The new method utilizes direct fluorination of 2″,3″,4″‐tri‐O‐acetyl‐6″‐O‐trifyl‐α‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1‐4)‐O‐2′,3′,6′‐tri‐O‐acetyl‐α‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1‐4)‐1,2,3,6‐tetra‐O‐acetyl‐D‐glucopyranose followed by basic hydrolysis. Radiolabeling of the new maltotriose triflate precursor proceeds using a single HPLC purification step, which results in shorter reaction time in comparison with the previously reported synthesis. Successful synthesis of 6″‐[18F]fluoromaltotriose has been achieved in 3.5 ± 0.3% radiochemical yield (decay corrected, n = 7) and radiochemical purity above 95%. The efficient radiosynthesis of 6″‐[18F]fluoromaltotriose would be critical in advancing this positron emission tomography tracer into clinical trials for imaging bacterial infections.
The brain structure of selected trypanorhynch tapeworms
Authors: Biserova Natalia M. , Korneva Janetta V. , Polyakova Tatiana A.
Published: June 2020

The brain architecture in four species of tapeworms from the order Trypanorhyncha has been studied. In all species, the brain consists of paired anterior and lateral lobes, and an unpaired central lobe. The anterior lobes connect by dorsal and ventral semicircular commissures; the central and lateral lobes connect by a median and an X‐shaped crisscross commissure. In the center of the brain, five well‐developed compact neuropils are present. The brain occupies a medial position in the scolex pars bothrialis. The ventral excretory vessels are situated outside the lateral lobes of the brain; the dorsal excretory vessels are located inside the brain and dorsal to the median commissure. The brain gives rize four anterior proboscis nerves and four posterior bulbar nerves with myelinated giant axons (GAs). The cell bodies of the GAs are located within the X‐commissure and in the bulbar nerves. Highly developed serotonergic neuropils are present in the anterior and lateral lobes; numerous 5‐HT neurons are found in the brain lobes including the central unpaired lobe. The X‐cross commissure consists of the α‐tub‐immunoreactive and 5‐HT‐IR neurites. Eight ultrastructural types of neurons were found in the brain of the three species investigated. In addition, different types of synapses were present in the neuropils. Glial cells ensheath the brain lobes, the neuropils, the GAs, and the bulbar nerves. Glia cell processes form complex branching patterns of thin cytoplasmic sheets sandwiched between adjacent neural processes and filling the space between neurons. Multilayer myelin‐like envelopes and a mesaxon‐like structure have been found in Trypanorhyncha nervous system. We compared the brain architecture of Trypanorhyncha with that of an early basal cestode taxon, that is, Diphyllobothriidea, and present a hypothesis about the homology of the anterior brain lobes in order Trypanorhyncha; and the lateral lobes and median commissure are homologous brain structures within Eucestoda.
Identification and characterization of impurities in an insecticide, bifenthrin technical
Authors: Kannoujia Jyoti , Bangalore Pavan Kumar , Kantevari Srinivas , Sripadi Prabhakar
Published: June 2020

The HPLC‐DAD and GC/MS methods were successfully used for the identification and characterization of the impurities in an agrochemical insecticide, bifenthrin technical. Three impurities ranging from 0.175%–0.541% were detected by the HPLC‐DAD method. The LC/MS technique with ESI or APCI source failed to detect the impurities detected by HPLC‐DAD, due to lack of ionization in ESI or APCI. The three impurities were enriched by prep‐HPLC, and then their structures were elucidated based on the GC/EIMS and CIMS data. The EI mass spectra of bifenthrin and its impurities displayed molecular ion and provided structure indicative fragment ions; the CIMS data further confirmed their molecular weight. The identity of the impurity 1 was further confirmed by the synthesis of the authentic sample followed by NMR and GC/MS data.
The extremophile Anoxybacillus sp. PC2 isolated from Brazilian semiarid region (Caatinga) produces a thermostable keratinase
Authors: Reis Sharon V. dos , Beys‐da‐Silva Walter O. , Tirloni Lucas , Santi Lucélia , Seixas Adriana , Termignoni Carlos , Silva Márcia V. da , Macedo Alexandre J.
Published: June 2020

The aim of this study was to select and identify thermophilic bacteria from Caatinga biome (Brazil) able to produce thermoactive keratinases and characterize the keratinase produced by the selected isolate. After enrichment in keratin culture media, an Anoxybacillus caldiproteolyticus PC2 was isolated. This thermotolerant isolate presents a remarkable feature producing a thermostable keratinase at 60°C. The partially purified keratinase, identified as a thermolysin‐like peptidase, was active at a pH range of 5.0–10.0 with maximal activity at a temperature range of 50–80°C. The optimal activity was observed at pH 7.0 and 50–60°C. These characteristics are potentially useful for biotechnological purposes such as processing and bioconversion of keratin.
Effects of body weight‐supported treadmill training on cartilage‐subchondral bone unit in the rat model of posttraumatic osteoarthritis
Authors: Hao Xiaoxia , Wang Shengjie , Zhang Jiaming , Xu Tao
Published: June 2020

Posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) is a subset of osteoarthritis (OA) resulting from the integrated outcome of joint injury, accounting for more than 12% of the overall OA cases. Although current therapies restore joint kinematics and alleviate inflammation, more than 20% patients undergo the unexpected progression of PTOA. Exercise is widely recommended to patients with OA and treadmill training is effective in preventing osteoarthritic changes in PTOA animals. However, the understanding gap of modified treadmill exercise models with different exercise dose and loading weight still exists. To evaluate the effects of body weight‐supported treadmill training on PTOA, 30 rats were divided into the sham group (n = 6) and the PTOA group (n = 24) which were further assigned into three subgroups including the sedentary, the treadmill walking (TW), and the body weight‐supported treadmill training (BWSTT) groups. The training groups were subjected to 4‐week treadmill training at the speed of 15 m/min for 30 min/d, 5 d/wk. Then the tibias were elevated by histological staining, immunohistochemical staining, and micro‐computed tomography. In our results, the significant OA‐relevant changes in cartilage‐subchondral bone unit were observed in the PTOA groups after surgery, characterized by cartilage degradation and subchondral bone remodeling. After 4‐week treadmill training, the OA‐relevant changes in cartilage‐subchondral bone unit were alleviated and BWSTT is more efficient to maintain cartilage integrity and attenuate the subchondral bone loss and remodeling than TW. In conclusion, BWSTT is a promising and favorable treatment of PTOA slowing down the development of PTOA by reprogramming the cartilage‐subchondral unit.
Carbon dioxide and gaseous nitrogen emissions from biochar‐amended soils under wastewater irrigated urban vegetable production of Burkina Faso and Ghana
Authors: Manka'abusi Delphine , Lompo Désiré J. P. , Steiner Christoph , Ingold Mariko , Akoto-Danso Edmund Kyei , Werner Steffen , Häring Volker , Nyarko George , Marschner Bernd , Buerkert Andreas
Published: June 2020

To quantify carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) losses in soils of West African urban and peri‐urban agriculture (UPA) we measured fluxes of CO2‐C, N2O‐N, and NH3‐N from irrigated fields in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, and Tamale, Ghana, under different fertilization and (waste‐)water regimes. Compared with the unamended control, application of fertilizers increased average cumulative CO2‐C emissions during eight cropping cycles in Ouagadougou by 103% and during seven cropping cycles in Tamale by 42%. Calculated total emissions measured across all cropping cycles reached 14 t C ha−1in Ouagadougou, accounting for 73% of the C applied as organic fertilizer over a period of two years at this site, and 9 t C ha−1in Tamale. Compared with unamended control plots, fertilizer application increased N2O‐N emissions in Ouagadougou during different cropping cycles, ranging from 37 to 360%, while average NH3‐N losses increased by 670%. Fertilizer application had no significant effects on N2O‐N losses in Tamale. While wastewater irrigation did not significantly enhance CO2‐C emissions in Ouagadougou, average CO2‐C emissions in Tamale were 71% (1.6 t C ha−1) higher on wastewater plots compared with those of the control (0.9 t C ha−1). However, no significant effects of wastewater on N2O‐N and NH3‐N emissions were observed at either location. Although biochar did not affect N2O‐N and NH3‐N losses, the addition of biochar could contribute to reducing CO2‐C emissions from urban garden soils. When related to crop production, CO2‐C emissions were higher on control than on fertilized plots, but this was not the case for absolute CO2‐C emissions.
Safety and Efficacy of Budesonide for Liver Transplant Immune Suppression: Results of a Pilot Phase 2a Trial
Authors: Bari Khurram , Shah Shimul A. , Kaiser Tiffany E. , Cohen Robert M. , Anwar Nadeem , Kleesattel David , Sherman Kenneth E.
Published: June 2020

Despite adverse effects like hyperglycemia, new‐onset diabetes after transplant (NODAT), and infectious complications, corticosteroid use remains an important part of liver transplantation (LT) immune suppression. Budesonide, a synthetic corticosteroid, undergoes extensive first‐pass hepatic metabolism with only 10% systemic bioavailability, providing an opportunity for an improved toxicity‐therapeutic ratio. Although effective in the treatment of autoimmune hepatitis, the effects of budesonide for LT immune suppression are unknown. We conducted a single‐center phase 2a trial to study the safety and efficacy of budesonide immunosuppressive therapy. From July 2017 to November 2018, 20 patients undergoing a first LT received budesonide tapering doses (from 9 to 3 mg) for 12 weeks. Patients were compared with matched control patients who received prednisone from the same time period. Additionally, both groups received calcineurin inhibitors and mycophenolate mofetil. Outcome measures at week 24 included rates of biopsy‐proven acute cellular rejection (ACR), NODAT (hemoglobin A1c >6.4%), and infectious complications. In the budesonide arm, 1 patient developed ACR at week 5 and was removed from the study. Another patient stopped the study drug at week 8 due to persistent nausea. Rates of ACR were similar between the budesonide and control groups (5% versus 5%, P = 1.00). Three patients in the control group developed NODAT versus none in the budesonide group (15% versus 0%; P = 0.23). There were 6 infections in the control group compared with none in the budesonide group (30% versus 0; P = 0.02). These pilot data suggest that budesonide has the potential to be a safe and effective alternative to prednisone for LT immune suppression while reducing steroid‐induced infections and NODAT. Randomized controlled trials are required to validate these findings.
Low‐Viscosity Limonene Dimethacrylate as a Bio‐Based Alternative to Bisphenol A‐Based Acrylic Monomers for Photocurable Thermosets and 3D Printing
Authors: Schimpf Vitalij , Asmacher Anne , Fuchs Andre , Stoll Klaus , Bruchmann Bernd , Mülhaupt Rolf
Published: June 2020

Bisphenol A glycidyl methacrylate (BisGMA) is well established as photocurable resin in dental restoratives and 3D printing. At present there are raising concerns regarding the estrogen‐mimicking bisphenol A (BPA) contamination of health care and consumer products. It is an important challenge to substitute BPA‐based resins for bio‐based cycloaliphatic monomers while lowering resin viscosity without sacrificing high stiffness and glass temperature. Particularly high viscosity is critical for 3D printing by photopolymerization. Unlike BPA the cyclic monoterpene limonene, extracted from citrus fruit peels, is safe in human uses. Herein it is reported on limonene‐based dimethacrylate (LDMA) tailored for 3D printing application and derived from limonene oxide (LO) and methacrylic acid (MA). Residual MA is converted into glycerol dimethacrylate (GDMA) serving as an in situ reactive diluent. The influences of temperature, catalysts, MA/LO stoichiometry, and the addition of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and magnesium oxide on the LDMA‐based resin performance are elucidated. As compared to BisGMA (560 Pa s) LDMA‐based resins exhibit significantly lower viscosity (5–117 Pa s) governed by the MA/LDMA molar ratio and the GMA addition. At 30 wt% LDMA content photocured resin yields thermosets having high Young’s Modulus (3.4–3.7 GPa), tensile strength (88–98 MPa), and glass transition temperature (119–135 °C), surpassing the performance of the corresponding BisGMA‐based resins.
Multiscale Observation of the Fatigue‐Induced Damage Mechanisms in Carbon‐Black Filled Styrene‐Butadiene Rubber
Authors: Dinari Amina , Chaabane Makram , Benameur Tarek , Guo Qiang , Gloaguen Jean‐Michel , Zaïri Fahmi
Published: June 2020

Filled rubber materials exhibit a complex macroresponse characterized by stress softening, hysteresis, and dissipative heating when they are cyclically loaded. The relationship of these inelastic features to the microstructure changes is far from being fully established. This paper deals with the damage mechanisms in sulfur‐vulcanized styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR) specimens in the diablo form reinforced with carbon‐black (CB) and zinc‐oxide (ZnO) fillers, and submitted to tension cyclic loading at room temperature. The microstructure alteration is characterized at different relevant scales and at different zones of the diabolo specimen by means of various technologies in the aim to report valuable insights about the mechanisms responsible for the macroresponse of this rubber‐filler material system. IR absorption spectra reveal that increasing filler content induces more interfacial interaction between CB and SBR chains. The environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) observations show relevant altered morphologies of elastomeric chains with a predominant effect of both CB and ZnO fillers. A mesoscale observation of material density variation is presented using X‐ray computed tomography and the results are compared with those issued from ESEM.
Bacterial diversity in theclarkiecotype of the photosynthetic sacoglossan,Elysia crispata
Authors: Mahadevan Padmanabhan , Middlebrooks Michael L.
Published: June 2020

Few studies have examined the bacterial communities associated with photosynthetic sacoglossan sea slugs. In this study, we determined the bacterial diversity in the clarki ecotype,Elysia crispatausing 16S rRNA sequencing. Computational analysis using QIIME2 revealed variability between individual samples, with the Spirochaetes and Bacteroidetes phyla dominating most samples. Tenericutes and Proteobacteria were also found, among other phyla. Computational metabolic profiling of the bacteria revealed a variety of metabolic pathways involving carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, and amino acid metabolism. Although associated bacteria may be involved in mutually beneficial metabolic pathways, there was a high degree of variation in the bacterial community of individual slugs. This suggests that many of these relationships are likely opportunistic rather than obligate and that many of these bacteria may live commensally providing no major benefit to the slugs.
Dynamic analysis of rotating double‐tapered cantilever Timoshenko nano‐beam using the nonlocal strain gradient theory
Authors: Li Yongqiang , Li Meng
Published: June 2020

Based on the nonlocal strain gradient theory, the coupling nonlinear dynamic equations of a rotating double‐tapered cantilever Timoshenko nano‐beam are derived using the Hamilton principle. The equation of motion is discretized via the differential quadrature method. The effects of the angular velocity, nonlocal parameter, slenderness ratio, cross‐section parameter, and taper ratios are examined and discussed. It is shown that taper ratios and cross‐section parameter play a significant role in the vibration response of a rotating cantilever nano‐beam. Further as rotational angular velocity increases, the taper ratios and cross‐section parameter effect on the frequency response are increased for first modes of vibration.
On a fractional Caputo–Hadamard inclusion problem with sum boundary value conditions by using approximate endpoint property
Authors: Etemad Sina , Rezapour Shahram , Esmael Samei Mohammad
Published: June 2020

In the present research manuscript, we introduce a novel general fractional boundary value inclusion problem and investigate the necessary and sufficient conditions for desired existence results. Indeed, more precisely, we formulate a class of fractional multiterm Caputo–Hadamard differential inclusion problem with two‐point sum boundary value conditions. In two separate theorems, we prove the existence results for mentioned inclusion problem by using α‐ψ‐contractive maps and approximate endpoint property. Finally, we provide an example to illustrate our main results.
Relaxometric studies of erythrocyte suspensions infected by Plasmodium falciparum: a tool for staging infection and testing anti‐malarial drugs
Authors: Di Gregorio Enza , Ferrauto Giuseppe , Schwarzer Evelin , Gianolio Eliana , Valente Elena , Ulliers Daniela , Aime Silvio , Skorokhod Oleksii
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Malaria is a global health problem with the most malignant form caused by Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum). Parasite maturation in red blood cells (RBCs) is accompanied by changes including the formation of paramagnetic hemozoin (HZ) nanocrystals, and increased metabolism and variation in membrane lipid composition. Herein, MR relaxometry (MRR) was applied to investigate water exchange across RBCs’ membrane and HZ formation in parasitized RBCs.

Methods

Transverse water protons relaxation rate constants (R2 = 1/T2) were measured for assessing HZ formation in P. falciparum‐parasitized human RBCs. Moreover, water exchange lifetimes across the RBC membrane (τi) were assessed by measuring longitudinal relaxation rate constants (R1 = 1/T1) at 21.5 MHz in the presence of a gadolinium complex dissolved in the suspension medium.

Results

τi increased after invasion of parasites (ring stage, mean τi/ = 1.234 ± 0.022) and decreased during maturation to late trophozoite (mean τi/ = 0.960 ± 0.075) and schizont stages (mean τi/ = 1.019 ± 0.065). The HZ accumulation in advanced stages was revealed by T2‐shortening. The curves reporting R2 (1/T2) vs. magnetic field showed different slopes for non‐parasitized RBCs (npRBCs) and parasitized RBCs (pRBCs), namely 0.003 ± 0.001 for npRBCs, 0.009 ± 0.002, 0.028 ± 0.004 and 0.055 ± 0.002 for pRBCs at ring‐, early trophozoite‐, and late trophozoite stage, respectively. Antimalarial molecules dihydroartemisinin and chloroquine elicited measurable changes in parasitized RBCs, namely dihydroartemisinin modified τi, whereas the interference of chloroquine with HZ formation was detectable by a significant T2 increase.

Conclusions

MRR can be considered a useful tool for reporting on P. falciparum blood stages and for screening potential antimalarial molecules.
Quantification of brain oxygen extraction fraction using QSM and a hyperoxic challenge
Authors: Ma Yuhan , Mazerolle Erin L. , Cho Junghun , Sun Hongfu , Wang Yi , Pike G. Bruce
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To use hyperoxia in combination with QSM to quantify microvascular oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) and cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2) in healthy subjects and to cross‐validate results with those from hypercapnia QSM‐OEF.

Methods

Ten healthy subjects were scanned on a 3T MRI scanner. At baseline normoxia and during hyperoxia (PetO2 = +300 mmHg), QSM data were acquired using a multi‐echo gradient‐echo (GRE) sequence, and cerebral blood flow data were acquired using a pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling sequence. The OEF and CMRO2 maps were computed and compared with those from hypercapnia QSM‐OEF, acquired in the same subjects, using correlation and Bland‐Altman analysis in 16 vascular territories.

Results

Hyperoxia QSM‐OEF produced physiologically reasonable OEF and CMRO2 values in all subjects (gray‐matter region of interest average OEF = 0.42 ± 0.04, average CMRO2 = 181 ± 34 μmol O2/min/100 g). When compared with hypercapnia QSM‐OEF, Bland‐Altman plots revealed small deviations (mean OEF difference = 0.015, mean CMRO2 difference = 4.9 μmol O2/min/100 g, P < .05). Good and excellent correlations of regional OEF and CMRO2 were found for the two methods. In addition, hyperoxia had minimal impact on cerebral blood flow (average gray‐matter cerebral blood flow was reduced by 7.5 ± 5.4%).

Conclusions

Hyperoxia in combination with QSM is a robust approach to measure OEF. Compared with hypercapnia, hyperoxia is more comfortable and has minimal impact on cerebral blood flow.
A possible mechanism underlying mood disorders associated with LUTS: Chronic bladder outlet obstruction causes NLRP3‐dependent inflammation in the hippocampus and depressive behavior in rats
Authors: Hughes Francis M. , Hirshman Nathan A. , Malick Hamza A. , White Simon W. , Jin Huixia , Harper Shelby N. , Purves J. Todd
Published: June 2020

Aims

Reports link urinary dysfunction and mood disorders, such as depression, but a causative mechanism has never been postulated. Contemporary discoveries demonstrate a local inflammatory response in peripheral organs can trigger inflammation in the brain, particularly the hippocampus, mediated through the NLRP3 inflammasome. Critically, central inflammation causes depressive behavior. Since bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) evokes a local inflammatory response in the bladder, we hypothesize it will induce NLRP3‐dependent inflammation in the hippocampus and depressive behavior.

Methods

There were four groups of rats: control, sham, BOO, or BOO + glyburide (an NLRP3 inhibitor). BOO was created by urethral ligation over a 1 mm catheter. Sham was tied loosely. Glyburide was provided by slow‐release pellet (subcutaneous 50 mg, 21 day, replaced as needed). Rats were analyzed 12 weeks post‐op for: hippocampal inflammation, microglial density, neurogenesis, and depression symptoms (open field and sucrose preference).

Results

BOO elicited hippocampal inflammation, accompanied by an increase in activated microglia (22%) and a decrease in neurogenesis (35%), which was blocked by glyburide. In addition, BOO rats displayed anxiety (57% decrease in exploratory behavior in the open field assay) and anhedonia (21% decrease in sucrose preference), two symptoms of depression. Like inflammation, these symptoms were diminished by glyburide to levels not statistically significantly different from controls.

Conclusions

BOO, a bladder‐localized event, stimulates NLRP3‐dependent inflammation in the rat hippocampus after 12 weeks and this inflammation causes depressive behavior. This is the first mechanistic explanation of the link between BOO and depression and provides evidence for a distinct bladder‐brain axis.
A critical look at the U.S. deceased‐donor organ procurement and utilization system
Authors: Ersoy Ozge Ceren , Gupta Diwakar , Pruett Timothy
Published: June 2020

The U.S. system for procuring and utilizing deceased‐donor organs for transplantation has been studied and written about in many articles. The purpose of this paper is to examine the interactions between the elements that comprise this system, and point out improvement opportunities that may be affected through operations research/management techniques. The authors demonstrate the need for developing data‐driven and analytic tools. In fact, data is used to generate hypotheses and support claims throughout the paper. The paper also points out the need to fully leverage data that is available to researchers, and to seek data that is currently not deposited in a centralized archive.
A framework for multi‐provider virtual private networks in software‐defined federated networks
Authors: Mostafaei Habib , Lospoto Gabriele , Di Lallo Roberto , Rimondini Massimo , Di Battista Giuseppe
Published: June 2020

Federated networks represent a remunerable operational way, allowing federated partners to increase their incomes through a sharing resource process. They have been primarily used in the context of cloud computing; nowadays, they are also used to provide connectivity services, like virtual private networks. However, providing such a service by using standard technologies in federated networks requires a nonnegligible effort from different points of view (e.g., configuration effort). In this paper, we propose an software‐defined network (SDN)–based framework aiming at overcoming limitations in currently adopted best practices to issue virtual private networks in federated networks. Relying on the SDN architecture, we propose a method allowing federated providers to quickly and easily create federated networks, reducing unneeded costs (e.g., new hardware), and a way for customers to fast‐access federated services, without any explicit actions from providers. We evaluate our framework by using SDNetkit. We focus on analyzing the impact of our implementation on both control and data plane, in terms of number of control messages exchanged in the network and size of the forwarding tables, respectively.
ParaStieltjes: Parallel computation of Gauss quadrature rules using a Parareal‐like approach for the Stieltjes procedure
Authors: Gander Martin J. , Lunet Thibaut
Published: June 2020

The computation of Gauss quadrature rules for arbitrary weight functions using the Stieltjes algorithm is a purely sequential process, and the computational cost significantly increases when high accuracy is required. ParaStieltjes is a new algorithm to compute the recurrence coefficients of the associated orthogonal polynomials in parallel, from which the nodes and weights of the quadrature rule can then be obtained. ParaStieltjes is based on the time‐parallel Parareal algorithm for solving time‐dependent problems, and thus enlarges the applicability of this time parallel technique to a further, new area of scientific computing. We study ParaStieltjes numerically for different weight functions, and show that substantial theoretical speedup can be obtained when high accuracy is needed. We also present an asymptotic approximation for the node and weight distribution of Gauss quadrature rules, which can be used effectively in ParaStieltjes.
Immobilization of dopamine on the copolymer of N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone and allyl glycidyl ether and synthesis of new hydrogels
Authors: Mezhuev Yaroslav O , Varankin Alexander V , Luss Anna L , Dyatlov Valerie A , Tsatsakis Aristidis M , Shtilman Mikhail I , Korshak Yuri V
Published: June 2020

An epoxy‐containing copolymer was synthesized by radical copolymerization of N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone and allyl glycidyl ether. Further, the obtained copolymer was used to immobilize dopamine. It was found that immobilization of dopamine follows an equation of second general order and is accompanied by opening of the epoxy cycle. The synthesized dopamine‐containing copolymer was used to produce hydrogels that are formed during the treatment thereof with solutions of iron(III) chloride and sodium periodate. The gel formed upon treatment with iron(III) chloride was found to be pH sensitive. It was shown that the hydrogel obtained through oxidation with sodium periodate is capable of complete slow degradation in a saline phosphate buffer at pH 7.5. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis and properties of σ‐π conjugated porous polymers obtained withMizoroki–Heckreaction of tetra vinyl cyclic siloxane with dibromo fluorene
Authors: Naga Naofumi , Miyanaga Tomoharu , Wang Yuting , Nakano Tamaki
Published: June 2020

σ‐π Conjugated porous polymers were synthesized by the Mizoroki–Heck reaction of cyclic siloxane with vinyl groups, 1,3,5,7‐tetravinyltetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane (TVMCTS), and 2,7‐dibromo‐9,9‐dialkylfluorene (RFl) compounds, using a Pd catalyst inN,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) at 100°C. The reactions of TVMCTS in combination with 2,7‐dibromo‐9,9‐dihexylfluorene (HFl), 2,7‐dibromo‐9,9‐dioctylfluorene (OFl), and 2,7‐dibromo‐9,9‐ethylhexylfluorene (EHFl) yielded porous polymers whose morphologies were induced by phase separation during the network formation. The reactions in combination with binary RFl systems, TVMCTS‐HFl/OFl, and HFl/EHFl systems, also yielded porous polymers. Scanning electron microscope images showed porous structures, which were composed by connected globules and/or isolated‐deformed holes. The long and branching structure of the alkyl side chains in RFl decreased Young's modulus of porous polymers in compression test. The porous polymers showed emission derived from σ‐π conjugated fluorene units on photo excitation. An increase in monomer concentration in the reaction induced red shifts of the emission bands of the porous polymer due to π‐stacking of the fluorene units. The porous polymers showed relatively high fluorescence quantum yields of about 0.2–0.3. Quantum yield of the porous polymers with HFl decreased with increasing monomer concentration in the reaction systems.
Prevalence and predictors of cancer patients' unexpressed needs in the admission interview of inpatient rehabilitation
Authors: Heß Verena , Meng Karin , Schulte Thomas , Neuderth Silke , Bengel Jürgen , Faller Hermann , Schuler Michael
Published: June 2020

Objective

The admission interview in oncological inpatient rehabilitation might be a good opportunity to identify cancer patients' needs present after acute treatment. However, a relevant number of patients may not express their needs. In this study, we examined (a) the proportion of cancer patients with unexpressed needs, (b) topics of unexpressed needs and reasons for not expressing needs, (c) correlations of not expressing needs with several patient characteristics, and (d) predictors of not expressing needs.

Methods

We enrolled 449 patients with breast, prostate, and colon cancer at beginning and end of inpatient rehabilitation. We obtained self‐reports about unexpressed needs and health‐related variables (quality of life, depression, anxiety, adjustment disorder, and health literacy). We estimated frequencies and conducted correlation and ordinal logistic regression analyses.

Results

A quarter of patients stated they had “rather not” or “not at all” expressed all relevant needs. Patients mostly omitted fear of cancer recurrence. Most frequent reasons for not expressing needs were being focused on physical consequences of cancer, concerns emerging only later, and not knowing about the possibility of talking about distress. Not expressing needs was associated with several health‐related outcomes, for example, emotional functioning, adjustment disorder, fear of progression, and health literacy. Depression measured at the beginning of rehabilitation showed only small correlations and is therefore not sufficient to identify patients with unexpressed needs.

Conclusions

A relevant proportion of cancer patients reported unexpressed needs in the admission interview. This was associated with decreased mental health. Therefore, it seems necessary to support patients in expressing needs.
Shifting links in the relationship between education and fertility
Authors: Wood Jonas , Klüsener Sebastian , Neels Karel , Myrskylä Mikko
Published: June 2020

For a long time, high‐income countries tended to report a negative association between female educational attainment and childbearing. Belgium was among the first countries that seemed to witness the emergence of a positive educational gradient in female fertility. It has been argued that—alongside other contextual correlates—this trend reflects the increasing availability of work–family reconciliation policies from which especially highly educated people benefit. In contrast to the sizable body of literature assessing varying educational gradients in female fertility across countries, subnational regional variation has hitherto received little attention. As a result, we study the Belgian case using unique microdata covering all residents in 2002–2005. The main focus is on the relevance of between‐municipality variation in economic conditions and childcare services for understanding variation in second birth hazards by educational attainment. We show that a considerable part of the municipal variation in the educational gradient in second birth hazards reflects a positive link between fertility and childcare provisions as well as wealth for highly educated women, contrasting with lower educated groups. Our findings suggest that institutional support for families is relevant but also incurs the risk of increased social polarisation.
The evaluation of a new multidimensional job insecurity measure in a Chinese context
Authors: Wang Dawei , Hao Leilei , Zong Zhaobiao , Siu OiLing , Xiao Yilin , Zhao Chaoyue , Zhang Xinyong , O'Neill Patrick , Hu Yixin
Published: June 2020

This study examines the psychometric properties of a new multidimensional job insecurity measure (JIM) by O'Neill and Sevastos in a Chinese context. Overall, the results corroborate the construct validity, reliability and criterion‐related validity of the JIM. Based on the results of the exploratory factor analysis, the new scale has 15 items and three items were removed from the dimensions of job loss and job change because of differences in culture and understanding between Chinese and Western employees. Additionally, the relationship between job insecurity and theoretically viable antecedents (three different types of conflicts) and outcomes (i.e., job satisfaction and counterproductive work behaviour) were also examined, and the results show that the three conflicts are effective predictors of job insecurity and job insecurity is predictor of outcomes variables. All findings show that this new JIM is more parsimonious and more effective in assessing job insecurity in the Chinese context.
Lancing Drug Reservoirs into Subcutaneous Fat to Combat Obesity and Associated Metabolic Diseases
Authors: Than Aung , Duong Phan Khanh , Zan Ping , Liu Junjie , Leow Melvin Khee‐Shing , Chen Peng
Published: June 2020

Obesity is a serious epidemic health problem that can cause many other diseases including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Current approaches to combat obesity suffer from low effectiveness and adverse side effects. Here, a new self‐administrable and minimally invasive transdermal drug delivery strategy for home‐based long‐term treatment of obesity and other diseases is developed. Specifically, ultrathin, core‐shelled, and lance‐shaped polymeric drug reservoirs (micro‐lances [MLs]) are readily fabricated by a thermal pressing molding method and totally implanted into subcutaneous fat by lancing through the skin. Using a diet‐induced obese mouse model, it is shown that the development of obesity and associated metabolic disorders is effectively inhibited by applying therapeutic core‐shelled MLs once every 2 weeks. The outstanding therapeutic effects are attributable to highly localized and biphasic drug release, as well as combination therapy based on browning transformation of white fat and enhanced insulin sensitivity.