bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microwave-Assisted Extraction for Quantification of Microplastics Using Pyrolysis–Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Hermabessiere Ludovic , Rochman Chelsea M.
Published: July 2021

Microplastics are now recognized as a persistent and global pollutant. To quantitively measure microplastics in environmental matrices, several techniques are used including new methods using pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py–GC/MS). In the present study, a new extraction method using microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) combined with Py–GC/MS was developed to extract and quantify a wide range of plastic polymers, and the method was validated using different environmental matrices. This new extraction method was able to extract polyethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene, poly(methyl-methacrylate) (PMMA), polyvinylchloride (PVC), and polycarbonate in dichloromethane with good recoveries (92.9–119.7%). The limit of detection and limit of quantification (LOQ) of the method ranged from 0.002 to 0.18 µg and from 1.2 to 5.8 µg, respectively. Intra- and interday repeatability values with coefficients of variation less than 25% for all polymers were obtained. Method validation also included a spike and recovery using all polymers from clean water, dirty water, and shrimp and salmon fillet samples, with recoveries of 85 to 111, 87 to 138, 81 to 122, and 50 to 151%, respectively. Finally, the method was tested on unspiked wild mussels and bottled water for proof-of-concept. Both polyethylene and PVC were detected and quantified in mussels, and polycarbonate and polypropylene were detected below the LOQ. For bottled water, polypropylene, polystyrene, and polycarbonate were all detected below the LOQ. We introduce a method combining MAE and Py–GC/MS as a tool for mass quantification of microplastics. This method can be used as a stand-alone, or as a complementary method to spectroscopic techniques. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2733–2741. © 2021 SETAC

Abstract

Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) of microplastics and their analysis by pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py–GC/MS). Sample extraction and analysis are done at the same time as external calibration curves, allowing the quantification of six polymer types in various sample matrices. PE = polyethylene.
Should we still worry about the safety of GMO foods? Why and why not? A review
Authors: Teferra Tadesse Fikre
Published: July 2021

Global population is increasing at an alarming rate, posing a threat on the supplies of basic needs and services. However, population increase does not seem to be a common agendum of the global scientists and political leaders. People in the developed countries are more concerned about new technologies and their products. Pseudo‐threats related to the uncertainties of genetic engineering of crops and their outputs present on consumers are more audible and controversial than the real difficulties the world is experiencing at the moment and in the future. This review presents brief summaries of the real reasons to worry about and the uncertainties about genetically modified organisms. This article also presents the real uncertainties shared by consumers and scientists with respect to the past, present, and future of genetically engineered organisms. Developments in the field of precision genetics in the recent years and the implications on regulatory, breeding, and socio‐cultural dimensions of the global settings are included.
Burst activity plays no role in the field‐to‐field variability and rate remapping of grid cells
Authors: Poth Michaela , Herz Andreas V. M.
Published: July 2021

Grid cells in rodent medial entorhinal cortex are thought to play a key role for spatial navigation. When the animal is freely moving in an open arena the firing fields of each grid cell tend to form a highly regular, hexagonal lattice spanning the environment. However, firing rates vary from field to field and change under contextual modifications, whereas the field locations shift at most by a small amount under such “rate remapping.” The observed differences in firing rate could reflect overall activity changes or changes in the detailed spike‐train statistics. As these two alternatives imply distinct neural coding schemes, we investigated whether temporal firing patterns vary from field to field and whether they change under rate remapping. Focusing on short time scales, we found that the proportion of bursts compared to all discharge events is similar in all firing fields of a given grid cell and does not change under rate remapping. For each cell, mean firing rates with bursts are proportional to mean firing rates without bursts. However, this ratio varies across cells. Additionally, we looked at how rate remapping relates to entorhinal theta‐frequency oscillations. Theta‐phase coding was preserved despite firing‐rate changes from rate remapping but we did not observe differences between the first and second half of the theta cycle, as had been reported for CA1. Our results indicate that both, the heterogeneity between firing fields and rate remapping, are not due to altered firing patterns on short time scales but reflect location‐specific changes at the firing‐rate level.
The role of solar energy and eco-innovation in reducing environmental degradation in China: Evidence from QARDL approach
Authors: Chien FengSheng , Hsu Ching-Chi , Andlib Zubaria , Shah Muhammad I. , Ajaz Tahseen , Genie Mesfin G.
Published: July 2021

In the past decade, researchers have shifted their interests to explore different ways to mitigate environmental degradation. In that context, the present study explores the role of solar energy and eco-innovation in reducing environmental degradation in China. The study utilized data for the period 1990–2018 and applied the latest available econometric technique, a quantile autoregressive distributed lag model, to determine the impacts of solar energy and eco-innovation on improving China's environmental quality. According to the empirical results, in the long term, solar energy is negatively and significantly associated with CO2 emissions at higher quantiles. Eco-innovation has proven to be the most important channel to mitigate CO2 emissions in China. Eco-innovation is exerting a negative and significant influence on CO2 emissions at all quantiles in the long term. In addition, the population size is causing CO2 emissions to surge significantly at lower quantiles. The empirical analysis reveals that per capita income (PI) is positively associated with CO2 emissions at all quantiles, but it is significant only at higher quantiles in China. We found evidence of unidirectional causality for eco-innovation to CO2 emissions and solar energy to CO2 emissions. However, for population and CO2 emissions, per capita income, and CO2 emissions, we found bidirectional causality. As indicated by our empirical results, solar energy and eco-innovation are the two most effective channels to control CO2 emissions in China. Therefore, policies based on the promotion of eco-innovation and the initiation of new solar energy projects can control emissions and improve environmental quality in China. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:555–571. © 2021 SETAC

KEY POINTS

The present study explores the role of solar energy and eco-innovation in reducing environmental degradation in China.  In the long term, solar energy is negatively and significantly associated with CO2 emissions at higher quantiles.  Eco-innovation has proven to be the most important channel to mitigate CO2 emissions in China.
Occurrence, functionality and abundance of the TERT promoter mutations
Authors: Rachakonda Sivaramakrishna , Hoheisel Jörg D. , Kumar Rajiv
Published: July 2021

Telomere shortening at chromosomal ends due to the constraints of the DNA replication process acts as a tumor suppressor by restricting the replicative potential in primary cells. Cancers evade that limitation primarily through the reactivation of telomerase via different mechanisms. Mutations within the promoter of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene represent a definite mechanism for the ribonucleic enzyme regeneration predominantly in cancers that arise from tissues with low rates of self‐renewal. The promoter mutations cause a moderate increase in TERT transcription and consequent telomerase upregulation to the levels sufficient to delay replicative senescence but not prevent bulk telomere shortening and genomic instability. Since the discovery, a staggering number of studies have resolved the discrete aspects, effects and clinical relevance of the TERT promoter mutations. The promoter mutations link transcription of TERT with oncogenic pathways, associate with markers of poor outcome and define patients with reduced survivals in several cancers. In this review, we discuss the occurrence and impact of the promoter mutations and highlight the mechanism of TERT activation. We further deliberate on the foundational question of the abundance of the TERT promoter mutations and a general dearth of functional mutations within noncoding sequences, as evident from pan‐cancer analysis of the whole‐genomes. We posit that the favorable genomic constellation within the TERT promoter may be less than a common occurrence in other noncoding functional elements. Besides, the evolutionary constraints limit the functional fraction within the human genome, hence the lack of abundant mutations outside the coding sequences.
Synthesis of rod‐shaped dipolar compounds for the study of long‐range electronic interactions
Authors: Chuang Jay , Chang Chun‐Wei , Chang Yuan Jay , Chou Po‐Ting , Wen Yuh‐Sheng , Liu Ching‐Yang , Chou Teh‐Chang , Chow Tahsin J.
Published: July 2021

Two series of rod‐shaped dipolar organic compounds are synthesized, each of which contains an electron donor (D), an electron acceptor (A), and a rigid hydrocarbon spacer (S). The first series of S compounds belong to the derivatives of oligo‐norbornyl (NB3 and NB4); and the second series of S the derivatives of a cage‐shaped heptacyclic tetradecane (HT2a,b and HT4a,b). The absorption/emission spectra and the oxidation/reduction potentials of D's and A's are measured, and the free energy of the photo‐excited electron transfer (PET) process is estimated according to the Marcus relationship. The degree of fluorescence quenching is found to be proportional to the corresponding free energy. The symmetry correlation between the frontier molecular orbitals of D and A is believed to play a significant role in the PET processes.
The intermediate‐conductance calcium‐activated potassium channel KCa3.1 contributes to alkalinization‐induced vascular calcification in vitro
Authors: Bai Yaling , Xu Jinsheng , Yang Shuo , Zhang Huiran , He Lei , Zhou Wei , Cheng Meijuan , Zhang Shenglei
Published: July 2021

Objective

In order to find new strategies for the prevention of vascular calcification in uremic individuals especially treated by dialysis and develop novel therapeutic targets in vascular calcification, we explore the role of KCa3.1 in alkalinization‐induced VSMCs calcification in vitro.

Method

Rat VSMCs calcification model was established by beta‐glycerophosphate (β‐GP, 10 mM) induction. The pH of Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) was adjusted every 24 h with 10 mM HCl or 10 mM NaHCO3. The mineralization was measured by Alizarin Red staining and O‐cresolphthalein complex one method. mRNA and protein expression were detected by RT‐PCR and Western blot or immunofluorescence. Ca2+ influx was measured by Elisa.

Result

The results indicated that alkalization induced an increase in Ca2+ influx to enhance VSMCs calcification. Furthermore, the increase of calcification was associated with the expression of KCa3.1 via advanced expression of osteoblastic differentiation markers alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Runt‐related transcription factor 2 (Runx2). Blocking KCa3.1 with TRAM‐34 or shRNA vector can significantly lowered the effects of calcification in the activity of ALP and Runx2 expression.

Conclusion

Together all, our studies suggested that alkalinization can promote vascular calcification by upregulating KCa3.1 channel and enhancing osteogenic/chondrogenic differentiation by upregulating Runx2. The specific inhibitor TRAM‐34 and KCa3.1‐shRNA ameliorated VSMCs calcification by downregulating KCa3.1.
CircRNA WHSC1 promotes non‐small cell lung cancer progression via sponging microRNA‐296‐3p and up‐regulating expression of AKT serine/threonine kinase 3
Authors: Shi Fengfeng , Yang Qin , Shen Dongdong , Chen Jianwei
Published: July 2021

Background

Lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and leading cause of cancer death, with 80%–85% of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been shown to be promising early diagnostic and therapeutic molecular biomarkers for NSCLC. However, biological role and regulatory mechanism of circRNA WHSC1 (circWHSC1) in NSCLC are unknown. Therefore, we aim to explore the function and mechanism of circWHSC1 in NSCLC oncogenesis and progression.

Methods

qRT‐PCR was used for circWHSC1 level evaluation; Kaplan‐Meier was used for survival analysis; bioinformatics, dual‐luciferase activity, and RNA pull‐down were used for evaluating competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network; cell viability, colony formation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were used for cell function analysis; function gain and loss with rescue experiments were used for exploring mechanism of circWHSC1 in NSCLC development.

Results

Significantly up‐regulated circWHSC1 and down‐regulated microRNA‐296‐3p (miR‐296‐3p) were identified in NSCLC tissues and cells. Up‐regulated circWHSC1 was associated with poor prognosis in NSCLC patients. MiR‐296‐3p was sponged by circWHSC1, and AKT serine/threonine kinase 3 (AKT3) was target of miR‐296‐3p; meanwhile, miR‐296‐3p over‐expression significantly down‐regulated AKT3 expression, and co‐transfecting anti‐miR‐296‐3p rescued circWHSC1 silence caused AKT3 down‐regulation. CircWHSC1 silence significantly inhibited colony formation, viability, invasion, and migration, while increased NSCLC cell apoptosis, which were partially rescued by anti‐miR‐296‐3p.

Conclusion

CircWHSC1 is an independent indicator of poor prognosis in NSCLC patients, and functions as a ceRNA of miR‐296‐3p to up‐regulate AKT3, consequently promotes NSCLC cell growth and metastasis. Targeting circWHSC1 might be a prospective strategy for diagnosis, therapeutics, and prognosis of NSCLC.
La3+and F−dual‐doped multifunctional hydroxyapatite nanoparticles: Synthesis and characterization
Authors: Erdem Umit , Turkoz Mustafa B.
Published: July 2021

Hydroxyapatite (HA) co‐doped with La3+and F−ions were synthesized by the precipitation method and sintered at 1,100°C for 1 hr. Samples were characterized by the standard experimental methods including the density, X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to investigate their microstructure, phase formation, and bonding characteristics in detail. Moreover, the materials produced were identified using the microhardness tests. It was observed that in the most of materials, the hydroxyapatite was found to be the main phase with a minor amount of β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP). Furthermore, the presence of fluoride and small amount of β‐TCP was verified with all the characteristic FTIR bands of hydroxyapatite for the majority of samples studied. The result in SEM evaluation is that the produced HA powders have less deformed, uniformly distributed, and regularly shaped particles. Here, the material density has changed towards a less dense state with the increasing rate of La doping, but statistically significant difference was not obtained (p, .1942 > .05) with increase of the F doping. A significant difference was obtained the microhardness values between La3+and F−ions co‐doped HA materials and pure HA (p[.0053] < .05). Accordingly, this study confirmed that since the La3+and F−ions can potentially increase the efficacy of HA. According to the spectral, mechanical, and microstructure analysis result, this material can be as a good candidate product for use as an occluding material for dental application.
The diagnostic significance of circulating lncRNA ADAMTS9‐AS2 tumor biomarker in non‐small cell lung cancer among the Egyptian population
Authors: Abdul‐Maksoud Rehab S. , Rashad Nearmeen M. , Elsayed Walid S. H. , Elsayed Rasha S. , Sherif Magda M. , Abbas Ahmad , El Shabrawy Mohamed
Published: July 2021

Background

Long non‐coding RNA ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif, 9 antisense RNA 2 (ADAMTS9‐AS2) was recognized as a novel tumor suppressor and plays an important role in the initiation and progression of malignant behavior in human cancers, although its plasma expression and clinical value in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain unknown. We aimed to analyze the diagnostic role of ADAMTS9‐AS2 and cytokeratin 19 fragmentation antigen (CYFRA 21‐1) in NSCLC.

Methods

The present study included 80 control subjects, 80 patients with benign lung lesion and 80 NSCLC patients. The expression of ADAMTS9‐AS2 in the tissue and plasma was detected by a real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Serum CYFRA 21‐1 was analyzed using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

In comparison with benign lung lesion and controls, tissue and plasma ADAMTS9‐AS2 expression were significantly down‐regulated in NSCLC (p < 0.001). Decreased ADAMTS9‐AS2 expression was associated with TNM stages in NSCLC patients (p < 0.001). Up‐regulation of CYFRA 21‐1 was reported among NSCLC patients and it was associated with TNM staging. Tissue and plasma ADAMTS9‐AS2 expression levels were the predicting factors for NSCLC and they both correlated negatively with CYFRA 21‐1 levels. Plasma ADAMTS9‐AS2 levels had a significant positive correlation with their tumor tissue levels. Plasma ADAMTS9‐AS2 showed a higher sensitivity (95%) and specificity (99.1%) in the diagnosis of NSCLC than CYFRA 21‐1 (61.3% sensitivity and 60% specificity).

Conclusions

Our results suggested that decreased plasma ADAMTS9‐AS2 expression might act as a novel non‐invasive tumor biomarker in NSCLC diagnosis. Furthermore, plasma ADAMTS9‐AS2 might predict aggressive tumor behavior.
The beginning of a new therapeutic era in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Récher Christian
Published: July 2021

In the field of AML, the early 2000s were shaped by the advent of novel molecular biology technologies including high‐throughput sequencing that improved prognostic classification, response evaluation through the quantification of minimal residual disease, and the launch of research on targeted therapies. Our knowledge of leukemogenesis, AML genetic diversity, gene‐gene interactions, clonal evolution, and treatment response assessment has also greatly improved. New classifications based on chromosomal abnormalities and gene mutations are now integrated on a routine basis. These considerable efforts contributed to the discovery and development of promising drugs which specifically target gene mutations, apoptotic pathways and cell surface antigens as well as reformulate classical cytotoxic agents. In less than 2 years, nine novels drugs have been approved for the treatment of AML patients, and many others are being intensively investigated, in particular immune therapies. There are now numerous clinical research opportunities offered to clinicians, thanks to these new treatment options. We are only at the start of a new era which should see major disruptions in the way we understand, treat, and monitor patients with AML.
A simple risk score for detecting radiological occult metastasis in patients with resectable or borderline resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Sakaguchi Tatsuma , Satoi Sohei , Hashimoto Daisuke , Yamamoto Tomohisa , Yamaki So , Hirooka Satoshi , Ishida Mitsuaki , Ikeura Tsukasa , Inoue Kentaro , Sekimoto Mitsugu
Published: July 2021

Background

We advocated carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19‐9 ≥ 150 U/mL and tumor size ≥30 mm as “high‐risk markers” for predicting unresectability among patients with radiologically resectable (R) or borderline resectable (BR) pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The main aim is to establish a risk scoring system for occult abdominal metastasis (OAM) in R/BR PDAC.

Methods

Predictors of OAM were investigated retrospectively in an experiment cohort from 2006 to 2018. The proposed risk scoring system was validated in another cohort from 2019 to 2020.

Results

Five hundred and thirteen eligible patients were divided into the experimental (405 patients; OAM, 22%) and validation cohorts (108 patients). Multivariate analysis identified tumor location of body/tail (odds ratio [OR] 4.45, P < .0001) and “high‐risk markers” (OR 2.07, P = .011) as independent predictors of OAM. A scoring system consisting of body/tail (yes: 1, no: 0) and “high‐risk markers” (yes: 1, no: 0) was constructed. In the validation cohort, when staging laparoscopy (SL) was performed for patients with scores 1/2, the eligibility for SL, sensitivity, and negative predictive value of OAM were 55%, 91%, and 96%, respectively.

Conclusions

Tumor location of body/tail and “high‐risk markers” were independent predictors of OAM, composing our simple and reproducible risk scoring system.
Aid for health, economic growth, and the emigration of medical workers
Authors: Lanati Mauro , Thiele Rainer
Published: July 2021

Debates on the extent to which developing countries suffer from a brain drain often focus on the emigration of locally scarce health personnel. In this paper, we empirically examine how two potential determinants—aid for health and local income levels—affect the emigration rates of doctors and nurses from developing countries. Employing a standard gravity model of international migration, we show that aid for health has a negative effect on the emigration of both nurses and doctors. Our findings suggest that donors influence the emigration decisions of doctors and nurses through improvements in health infrastructure. Higher income per capita is also associated with lower emigration from developing countries for doctors and nurses alike. Given that nurses typically belong to the poorer segments of populations in the countries of origin, we can conclude that even at low initial income levels, on balance, economic growth provides an incentive to stay.
Clinical utility of methionine restriction in adenosine kinase deficiency
Authors: Almuhsen Najmah , Guay Simon‐pierre , Lefrancois Marie , Gauvin Cheryl , Al Bahlani AL Qasim , Ahmed Najma , Saint‐Martin Christine , Gagnon Tommy , Waters Paula , Braverman Nancy , Buhas D.
Published: July 2021

Adenosine kinase (ADK) deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive inborn error of metabolism involving the methionine and purine metabolic pathways. Prior reports show that most patients present in infancy with jaundice, hypotonia, developmental delay, and mild dysmorphic features. Characteristic biochemical findings included hypoglycemic hyperinsulinism, cholestasis, elevated liver functions, methionine, S‐adenosylhomocysteine, and S‐adenosylmethionine, with normal or mildly elevated homocysteine level. Brain imaging demonstrated atrophy, hydrocephalus, and delayed myelination. There are 26 reported patients of ADK deficiency, of which 14 patients were placed on a methionine‐restricted diet. Clinical improvement with methionine restriction was not well described.

Case report

We report an infant who presented at birth with persistently elevated ammonia (100‐163 μmol/L), hypoglycemia, cholestasis, and liver dysfunction. The initial metabolic and genetic work‐up was nondiagnostic, with only a mildly increased plasma methionine level (51 [<38 μmol/L]). Iron depositions in the liver and in lip mucosa led to suspicion of gestational alloimmune liver disease. Immunoglobulin therapy and exchange transfusion treatments demonstrated transient clinical and biochemical improvements. However, subsequent episodes of acute liver failure with development of neurological abnormalities led to further evaluation. Metabolic studies showed a 25‐fold increase in plasma methionine level at 8 months of life (1022 [<38 μmol/L]) with white matter abnormalities on brain MRI. Expanded molecular testing identified the disease. Urinary purines profile showed elevations of adenosine and related metabolites. Introduction of a low‐methionine diet resulted in rapid clinical amelioration, improvement of brain MRI findings, and normalization of liver functions and methionine levels.
Divergent developmental trajectories in two siblings with neuropathic mucopolysaccharidosis type II (Hunter syndrome) receiving conventional and novel enzyme replacement therapies: A case report
Authors: Tomita Kazuyoshi , Okamoto Shungo , Seto Toshiyuki , Hamazaki Takashi , So Sairei , Yamamoto Tatsuyoshi , Tanizawa Kazunori , Sonoda Hiroyuki , Sato Yuji
Published: July 2021

Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II; Hunter syndrome) is an X‐linked recessive lysosomal storage disease caused by a mutation in the IDS gene and characterized by systemic accumulations of glycosaminoglycans. Its somatic symptoms can be relieved by enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with idursulfase, but because the enzyme cannot cross the blood‐brain‐barrier (BBB), it does not address the progressive neurodegeneration and subsequent central nervous system (CNS) manifestations seen in patients with neuropathic MPS‐II. However, pabinafusp alfa, a human iduronate‐2‐sulfatase (IDS) fused with a BBB‐crossing anti‐transferrin receptor antibody, has been shown to be efficacious against both the somatic and CNS symptoms of MPS II. We report two cases of MPS‐II in Japanese siblings sharing the same G140V mutation in the IDS gene, who showed markedly contrasting developmental trajectories following enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). Sibling 1 was diagnosed at 2 years of age, started undergoing conventional ERT shortly afterward, and scored a developmental quotient (DQ) of 53 on the Kyoto Scale of Psychological Development (KSPD) at 4 years of age. Sibling 2 was diagnosed prenatally and received conventional ERT from the age of 1 month through 1 year and 11 months, when he switched to pabinafusp alpha. He attained a DQ of 104 at age 3 years and 11 months, along with significant declines in heparan sulfate concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid. This marked difference in neurocognitive development highlights the importance of early initiation of ERT with a BBB‐penetrating enzyme in patients with neuropathic MPS‐II.
Evaluation of predictors of severe‐moderate COVID‐19 infections at children: A review of 292 children
Authors: Kara Aybüke A. , Böncüoğlu Elif , Kıymet Elif , Arıkan Kamile Ö. , Şahinkaya Şahika , Düzgöl Mine , Cem Ela , Çelebi Mİray , Ağın Hasan , Bayram Süleyman N. , Özkan Behzat , Devrim İlker
Published: July 2021

Although the underlying disease is associated with a severe course in adults and laboratory abnormalities have been widely reported, there are not sufficient data on the clinical course of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in children with pre‐existing comorbid conditions and on laboratory findings. We aimed to describe the independent risk factors for estimating the severity of the COVID‐19 in children. All children between 1 month and 18 years old who were hospitalized during the period of March 11–December 31, 2020, resulting from COVID‐19 were included in the study. Patients were categorized into mild (group 1) and moderate + severe/critically (group 2) severity based on the criteria. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and laboratory variables between the two groups were compared. A total of 292 children confirmed to have COVID‐19 infection were included in the study. The most common associated diseases were obesity (5.1%) and asthma bronchiale (4.1%). We observed that disease progressed more severely in patients with underlying diseases, especially obesity and asthma bronchiale (for patients with obesity odds ratio [OR] 9.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.92–43.28, p = 0.005 and for patients with asthma bronchiale OR 4.1, 95% CI 1.04–16.80, p = 0.044). In group 2 patients, presence of lymphopenia and hypoalbuminemia, and also an elevation in serum levels of C‐reactive protein, procalcitonin, and uric acid were detected and these results were statistically significant (p values; p < 0.001, p = 0.046, p = 0.006, p = 0.045, p < 0.001, respectively). The strongest predictor of moderate‐severe COVID‐19 infections in the children was uric acid, with an odds ratio of 1.6 (95% CI 1.14–2.13, p = 0.005) and lymphocytes with an odds ratio of 0.7 (95% CI 0.55–0.88, p = 0.003). Although children are less susceptible to COVID‐19, the pre‐existing comorbid condition can predispose to severe disease. In addition, lymphopenia and high uric acid are indicators that COVID‐19 infection may progress more severely.
Evaluation of the relationship between pentraxin 3 (PTX3) rs2305619 (281A/G) and rs1840680 (1449A/G) polymorphisms and the clinical course of COVID‐19
Authors: Kerget Ferhan , Kerget Buğra , Kahraman Çiğdem Yüce , Araz Ömer , Akgün Metin , Uçar Elif Yılmazel , Sağlam Leyla
Published: July 2021

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the pentraxin 3 (PTX3) gene polymorphisms rs2305619 (281A/G) and rs1840680 (1449A/G) and the development of MAS in patients with COVID‐19. The study included a total of 94 patients aged 18–45 who were diagnosed as having COVID‐19 between June and December 2020. PTX3 281A/G and 1449A/G polymorphism frequencies were evaluated. PTX3 281A/G allele and genotype frequencies did not deviate from Hardy–Weinberg (HW) equilibrium in the MAS or non‐MAS group (χ2: 0.049, df: 2, p = 0.976, χ2: 0.430, df: 2, p = 0.806). PTX3 1449A/G allele and genotype frequencies deviated significantly from HW equilibrium in the non‐MAS group (χ2: 6.794, df: 2, p = 0.033) but not in the MAS group (χ2: 2.256, df: 2, p = 0.324). The AG genotype was significantly more frequent in the non‐MAS group, while the AA genotype was significantly more frequent in the MAS group (χ2: 11.099, df: 2, p= 0.004). Analysis of the PTX3 1449A/G polymorphism showed that individuals with the GG genotype had higher serum PTX3 levels than those with the AA and AG genotypes (p = 0.001 for both). Analysis of the PTX3 1449A/G polymorphism in patients with COVID‐19 showed that those with the AG genotype were relatively more protected from MAS compared with individuals with the AA genotype. In addition, lower serum PTX3 levels are observed in patients carrying the A allele.
Should you pursue your passion as a career? Cultural differences in the emphasis on passion in career decisions
Authors: O'Keefe Paul A. , Horberg E. J. , Chen Patricia , Savani Krishna
Published: July 2021

Are there cultural differences in the extent to which people believe they should follow their passion when pursuing a career? Three experiments demonstrated that people from the United States, which is a more independent culture, evaluate pursuing a passion as a career more favorably than those from Singapore, a less independent culture. When evaluating others who decided to pursue a passion (vs. a non‐passion) as a career, Americans were more likely than Singaporeans to endorse this decision, and to expect subsequent positive outcomes, such as future success and fulfillment (Studies 1–3). This difference was due to Americans' stronger belief that passions are inherently motivating (Studies 1 and 2), and to Singaporeans' stronger belief that passions can be problematic at times, such as when they conflict with obligations (Studies 2 and 3). Moreover, the extent to which participants pursued a passion as a career in their own lives predicted their life satisfaction more strongly for Americans than for Singaporeans (Study 3). These findings challenge the idea that pursuing a passion is a universally valued career philosophy and instead suggest that it is culturally constructed.
Use of Trichoderma koningiopsis chitinase to enhance the insecticidal activity of Beauveria bassiana against Diatraea saccharalis
Authors: Mejía Cindy , Ardila Harold D. , Espinel Carlos , Brandão Pedro F. B. , Villamizar Laura
Published: July 2021

Trichoderma is a well‐known soil‐borne fungus, highly efficient producer of extracellular enzymes including chitinases. The aim of this study was to recover a chitinase from fermentation waste after harvesting Trichoderma koningiopsis Th003 conidia and assess its potential as an enhancer of Beauveria bassiana insecticidal activity against Diatraea saccharalis. T. koningiopsis was produced by solid fermentation, conidia were harvested, and a crude extract (CE) was recovered by washing the residual substrate (rice:wheat bran). The partially purified chitinase (PPC) (75 kDa product) with N‐acetyl‐β‐glucosaminidase activity was obtained by chromatography to 29.3‐fold with optimal activity at pH 5 and 55°C. Both the CE and the PPC were mixed with B. bassiana Bv062 conidia and assessed in a bioassay against D. saccharalis larvae. The CE and PPC from T. koningiopsis Th003 did not affect the germination or viability of B. bassiana conidia and enhanced its insecticidal activity when used at 0.06 U/ml enzymatic activity with a 24.5% reduction in B. bassiana lethal time (LT90). This study demonstrated the potential of chitinases produced by T. koningiopsis in solid fermentation to be recovered from the waste substrate and used as an additive to enhance B. bassiana, adding value to the main waste from the Trichoderma biopesticide/biofertilizer industries.
A putative redox‐sensing regulator Rex regulates lincomycin biosynthesis in Streptomyces lincolnensis
Authors: Hou Bingbing , Wang Ruida , Zou Jingyun , Zhang Feixue , Wu Haizhen , Ye Jiang , Zhang Huizhan
Published: July 2021

Lincomycin is an important antimicrobial agent which is widely used in clinical and animal husbandry. The biosynthetic pathway of lincomycin comes to light in the past 10 years, however, the regulatory mechanism is still unclear. In this study, a redox‐sensing regulator Rex from Streptomyces lincolnensis (Rexlin) was identified and characterized to affect cell growth and lincomycin biosynthesis. Disruption of rex resulted in an increase in cell growth, but a decrease in lincomycin production. The results of quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction showed that Rexlin can promote transcription of the regulatory gene lmbU and the structural genes lmbA, lmbC, lmbJ, lmbV, and lmbW. However, electrophoretic mobility shift assay analysis demonstrated that Rexlin can not bind to the promoter regions of these genes above. Findings in this study broadened our horizons in the regulatory mechanism of lincomycin production and laid a foundation for strain improvement of antibiotic producers.
Phycoremediation of nitrogen and phosphate from wastewater using Picochlorum sp.: A tenable approach
Authors: Goswami Rahul K. , Agrawal Komal , Verma Pradeep
Published: July 2021

The wastewater originates from different industrial, municipal, and agriculture processes and contains different nitrogen sources, for example, nitrate, ammonium, nitrite, and phosphate such as inorganic and organic sources. The discharge of high nitrate and phosphate to the ecosystem or nearby water bodies can cause eutrophication which disbalances the aquatic ecosystem. Furthermore, ingestion of these pollutants can cause severe toxicity and disease to humans and animals. Thus, from an environmental and social perspective, its treatment is essential with no negative impact on the ecosystem. Microalgae are fundamental, mixotrophic microorganisms that treat different wastewater and utilize nitrate and phosphate in the medium as a source of nutrients. Among them, Picochlorum sp., have the potential to remove nitrogen and phosphate from wastewater. The biomass produced by Picochlorum sp. can be a promising candidate as a sustainable feedstock for biofuel and bioproducts formation. Thus, the present review provides a brief knowledge and understanding about the concentration of nitrogen and phosphate in different wastewater, their negative impacts, and the uptake mechanism of microalgae. Furthermore, the review also provides an insight into Picochlorum sp., and the effects of different physiological and nutritional factors on their growth, wastewater treatment efficacy, and biomass for value‐added products and biorefinery applications. In addition, the review is useful to understand the potential of Picochlorum sp. for a tenable wastewater treatment process.
Gypsum and pressmud amelioration improve soil organic carbon storage and stability in sodic agroecosystems
Authors: Basak Nirmalendu , Sheoran Parvender , Sharma Raman , Yadav Rajender Kumar , Singh Ranjay K. , Kumar Satyendra , Krishnamurthy Thimmappa , Sharma Parbodh C.
Published: July 2021

Salinity–induced land degradation poses a threat to environment and food production globally. Farmers' participatory research (2014–18) was carried out to assess the potential of gypsum (Gyp) and pressmud (PM) in alleviating the sodicity stress, and improvement in soil organic carbon (SOC) pools and its stability in the Trans Indo–Gangetic Plains of India. Intensive rice–wheat cultivation using alkali water increased soil pH, exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), and bulk density (BD) causing a net depletion in SOC. Gypsum (supplies soluble Ca2+) and pressmud (mobilizes native CaCO3) mediated amelioration (Gyp + PM) significantly decreased soil sodification and compaction, and improved total organic carbon (TOC; 32%–64%) over the unamended control. Higher left–over C for SOC stabilization, crop biomass, and rhizodeposition returned through Gyp + PM significantly improved SOC pools and C sequestration culminating in ~25% yield superiority over the unamended control. Within SOC pools, highest proportion was equally retained in very labile and non–labile C pools. On average, the passive pool contained ~45% of TOC; albeit to a greater contribution through PM followed by Gyp + PM and Gyp. Rice–wheat system yield (RWSY) was positively correlated with SOC pools and indices while negatively correlated with soil pH, ESP, BD, CaCO3, and recalcitrant index. Multiple regression analysis showed stratification ratio, CaCO3, sensitivity index, and BD as key variables for yield prediction under the existing levels of soil sodicity. The key insights suggest ecosystem‐based approach using Gyp + PM in restoring the degraded lands, enhancing crop resilience and system (SOC enrichment and storage) stability, and achieving UN–Sustainable Development Goals related to food security and land degradation neutrality.
Climatology of super‐refraction and trapping layers conditions over Central and West Africa
Authors: Kaissassou Samuel , Djiotang L. , Komkoua A. , Ekobo B. , Ndzana B. , Tanessong R. , Guenang M. , Vondou A.
Published: July 2021

The propagation of radio electric waves emitted from ground‐based meteorological instruments is determined through stratification of the atmosphere. In super‐refractive cases characterized by strong temperature inversions or strong vertical moisture gradients, the radar beam can be deflected towards the ground (trapping). This phenomenon often results in spurious returned echoes and misinterpretation of radar images such as erroneous precipitation, wind, and temperature detection. In this study, a 5‐year Central and West Africa (CWA) climatology of the frequency of super‐refractive and trapping‐layer base height has been produced using refractivity computations from European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) analyses at a 40‐km horizontal resolution and 60 levels in the vertical direction. The aim of this climatology is to improve the understanding on how frequent such anomalous propagations conditions are, which is a prerequisite for fully benefiting from radar data information for the multiple purposes of model validation, precipitation analysis, and data assimilation. First, the main climatological features are summarized for the whole CWA: Sahara and inlands seldom experience super‐refraction, whereas coastal areas are strongly affected, especially in regions where the temperature inversion and the trade winds are intense lying near the surface. Over land, seasonal averages of super‐refraction frequencies reach 80% (40%) over moist areas year‐round but remain below 40% (15%) in most other regions. Seasonal statistics exhibit a pronounced diurnal cycle of super‐refraction occurrences, with averaged frequencies peaking at 60% in summer late afternoon over the areas located on the Atlantic Ocean border but inlands region are less affected with super‐refractive cases by midday.
Design and alignment of off‐axis reflection beam expanding and contracting optical system
Authors: Li Qingyan , Zhang Bin , Fan Rundong , Qi Baoling , Guo Dongbin , Wang Chunhui
Published: July 2021

There are special requirements for the laser beam diameter and divergence angle in various optical combination systems, so most of the designs add beam expansion and contraction systems. Off‐axis reflective systems are more widely used in practical applications because of their nonobstructing characteristics and unaffected by chromatic aberration. This paper designs an optical system with both beam expansion and contraction functions by Zemax optical software according to actual needs. The magnification and reduction are 3×. The mirror surface adopts an aspheric design to overcome system aberrations. The off‐axis reflective structure is suitable for lasers of different wavelengths (632.8 nm, 1064 nm, and 1550 nm) without being affected by chromatic aberration. The optical spot diagram shows that the light spot distribution is uniform and meets the magnification and reduction ratio. Besides, combined the dynamic laser interferometer, we install and debug the primary and secondary mirrors of the system and use the laser beam quality analyzer to measure the exit spot of the actual laser beam after passing through the designed optical system. The peak value and root‐mean‐square value of the system transmission wave front are less than 0.1λ. The beam quality test result of the outgoing spot meets the actual application requirements and image quality requirements.
Natural Recruitment Potential of a Reintroduced Shovelnose Sturgeon Population in the Bighorn River, Wyoming
Authors: Hogberg Nicholas P. , Skorupski Joseph A. , Hochhalter Samuel J.
Published: July 2021

Shovelnose Sturgeon Scaphirhynchus platorynchus were extirpated from the Bighorn River, Wyoming during the 20th century after the construction of two main-stem dams and the resulting modifications to fish passage and flow and thermal regimes. The species was reintroduced to the river between 1996 and 2020, but nothing was known about how these fish used the river and whether they could sustain themselves without consistent stocking. Radio telemetry during 2015–2018 identified at least two putative spawning locations 95.6 and 139.5 river kilometers upstream from a reservoir transition zone. Temperature and velocity data suggest that most of the drifting larvae will have insufficient fluvial habitat to complete their drift stage and are likely to enter the Bighorn Lake transition zone. Benthic dissolved oxygen concentrations in the reservoir transition zone were low enough to cause recruitment reduction or failure for drifting larvae that reach this habitat. Future monitoring will determine whether this population persists, but this study highlights the importance of understanding species life history and the causes of extirpations to better predict reintroduction success.
A qualitative study on the experience of empowerment from the perspectives of breast cancer survivors
Authors: Luo Zebing , Chen Chujun , Xu Wanzhu , Wang Peiru , Wang Yiru
Published: July 2021

Aim

To describe the experience of empowerment for breast cancer survivors in order to increase quality of life after treatment.

Design

We adopted a qualitative design in this study.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive approach guided by interpretive description methodology as the theoretical framework was used in this study. Semi‐structured group and individual interviews were conducted with eleven female Chinese breast cancer survivors (mean age 54.18 years, 100% female).

Results

Many survivors reported that they continued to experience disease‐related discomfort from the physiological aspect, but they use multiple ways to improve quality of life. Breast cancer survivors experienced empowerment after treatment. Empowerment mainly required three components: a belief in good health, capability of self‐management and acquisition of a good social support system.
Dental caries and breastfeeding in early childhood in the late Medieval and Modern populations from Radom, Poland
Authors: Tomczyk Jacek , Szostek Krzysztof , Lisowska‐Gaczorek Aleksandra , Jelec Paweł , Trzeciecki Maciej , Zalewska Marta , Olczak‐Kowalczyk Dorota
Published: July 2021

Studies of dental caries on the deciduous dentition can be a source of information about changes in diet, which can be correlated with the time of eruption of the deciduous and permanent teeth. In this respect, the moment of transition from the maternal diet (mother's milk) to solid food is particularly interesting. The aim of this study was to assess changes in the diet of children who inhabited Radom, Poland, in the late Medieval/early Modern (LMP, 14th–17th c.) and Modern (MP, 18th–19th c.) periods by applying odontological and physicochemical methods. We analyzed the dental remains of 104 nonadult individuals (1.0–2.5 years, 3.0–5.5 years, and 6.0–8.0 years), with a total of 1044 deciduous and 108 permanent teeth. The concentration of stable δ15N isotopes in collagen isolated from the femur bones was assessed in 63 individuals (27 children, 36 adults). The diagnosis of dental caries was carried out through visual, radiographic, and fluorescent techniques. Dental caries were recorded in 30% (68/224) of the deciduous teeth in the LMP and 39% (321/820) of the deciduous teeth in the MP. Dental caries were found more often in the two earliest age groups of children in the MP than in the LMP. Early childhood caries (ECC) were diagnosed in 18% of the deciduous dentition of children from the MP. Isotopic analyses showed that the start of weaning occurred in the MP group almost 4 months earlier than in the LMP group (1.1 years in LMP vs. 0.7 years in MP). The final weaning of children from maternal milk in the LMP group took place at 2.5 years of age, whereas in the MP group it took place at 3.2 years of age. The study shows that the period of feeding children exclusively with the mother's milk in the MP was shorter. This means a faster introduction of solid food products to the diet. This could explain the increase in dental caries in primary teeth.