bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial aggregation choice in the era of digital and administrative surveillance data
Authors: Lee Elizabeth C. , Arab Ali , Colizza Vittoria , Bansal Shweta
Published: April 2021

Background

Traditional disease surveillance is increasingly being complemented by data from non-traditional sources like medical claims, electronic health records, and participatory syndromic data platforms. As non-traditional data are often collected at the individual-level and are convenience samples from a population, choices must be made on the aggregation of these data for epidemiological inference. Our study seeks to understand the influence of spatial aggregation choice on our understanding of disease spread with a case study of influenza-like illness in the United States.

Methods

Using U.S. medical claims data from 2002 to 2009, we examined the epidemic source location, onset and peak season timing, and epidemic duration of influenza seasons for data aggregated to the county and state scales. We also compared spatial autocorrelation and tested the relative magnitude of spatial aggregation differences between onset and peak measures of disease burden.

Results

We found discrepancies in the inferred epidemic source locations and estimated influenza season onsets and peaks when comparing county and state-level data. Spatial autocorrelation was detected across more expansive geographic ranges during the peak season as compared to the early flu season, and there were greater spatial aggregation differences in early season measures as well.

Conclusions

Epidemiological inferences are more sensitive to spatial scale early on during U.S. influenza seasons, when there is greater heterogeneity in timing, intensity, and geographic spread of the epidemics. Users of non-traditional disease surveillance should carefully consider how to extract accurate disease signals from finer-scaled data for early use in disease outbreaks.
Public Service Quality under Permanent and Fixed-term Employment Contracts: Evidence from Physician Supply of Primary Care
Authors: Sylvia Sean , Yi Hongmei , Xue Hao , Liu Gordon
Published: April 2021

A key feature of public sector employment in many countries is rigid civil service rules that effectively limit manager autonomy over hiring, firing, promotion, and compensation decisions. We study the effect of these rules by comparing the quality of healthcare provided by physicians employed as civil servants with physicians hired in the same facilities on fixed-term contracts that give managers more autonomy over personnel decisions. Using data from interactions with unannounced standardized patients, we find that fixed-term contracts motivate greater diagnostic effort without increasing unnecessary treatments. Lower effort among civil servants appears due to both weaker career and wage incentives.
COVID-19 pandemic: Analyzing of different pandemic control strategies using saturation models
Authors: Bracke Stefan , Grams Lars
Published: April 2021

Since December 2019, the world is confronted with the outbreak of the respiratory disease COVID-19. At the beginning of 2020, the COVID-19 epidemic evolved into a pandemic, which continues to this day. Within many countries, several control strategies or combinations of them, like restrictions (e.g. lockdown actions), medical care (e.g. development of vaccine or medicaments) and medical prevention (e.g. hygiene concept), were established with the goal to control the pandemic. Depending on the chosen control strategy, the COVID-19 spreading behavior slowed down or approximately stopped for a defined time range. This phenomenon is called saturation effect and can be described by saturation models: E.g. a fundamental approach is Verhulst (1838). The model parameter allows the interpretation of the spreading speed (growth) and the saturation effect in a sound way. This paper shows results of a research study of the COVID-19 spreading behavior and saturation effects depending on different pandemic control strategies in different countries and time phases based on Johns Hopkins University data base (2020). The study contains the analyzing of saturation effects related to short time periods, e.g. possible caused by lockdown strategies, geographical influences and medical prevention activities. The research study is focusing on reference countries like Germany, Japan, Denmark, Iceland, Ireland and Israel.
Flies getting filthy: The precopulatory mating behaviours of three mud-dwelling species of AustralianLispe(Diptera: Muscidae)
Authors: Butterworth Nathan J. , Wallman James F.
Published: April 2021

Lispe(Diptera: Muscidae) is a cosmopolitan genus of predatory flies that inhabit the muddy and sandy surrounds of water bodies. There are more than 163 described species worldwide, many of which are known to exhibit cursorial courtship displays which involve complex visual and vibratory signals. Despite the widespread distribution of these flies and their remarkable courtship displays, the biology and behaviour of most species are entirely unknown. Here, for the first time, we describe the pre-copulatory mating behaviours of three widespread and common Australian species:Lispe sydneyensis, Lispe albimaculataandLispe xenochaeta. We demonstrate that all three species exhibit entirely unique courtship displays, consisting of complex behavioural repertoires. Importantly, we highlight intrasexual competition inL. sydneyensis, where males engage in competitive dances and combat. We also report female-male aggression inL. albimaculataandL. xenochaetawhere females charge and display towards males. These novel mating systems provide unique opportunities to test ecological and evolutionary hypotheses.
Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Induces Enteroendocrine Cell Differentiation of Intestinal Stem Cells Through Farnesoid X Receptor Activation
Authors: Kim Ki-Suk , Peck Bailey C. E. , Hung Yu-Han , Koch-Laskowski Kieran , Wood Landon , Dedhia Priya H. , Spence Jason R. , Seeley Randy J. , Sethupathy Praveen , Sandoval Darleen A.
Published: April 2021

Vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) is one of several bariatric procedures that substantially improves glycemia and energy homeostasis. Increased secretion of multiple gut peptides has been hypothesized to be a critical contributor to VSG’s potent effects to reduce body weight and improve glucose regulation. VSG results in an increase in the number of hormone-secreting enteroendocrine cells (EECs) in the intestinal epithelium, but whether this increase is via proliferation or differentiation of EECs and their subtypes remains unclear. Notably, the beneficial effects of VSG are lost in a mouse model lacking the bile acid nuclear receptor, farnesoid X receptor (FXR). FXR is a nuclear transcription factor that has been shown to regulate intestinal stem cell (ISC) function in cancer models, but whether it plays a role specifically in normal intestinal differentiation remains unknown. Therefore, we hypothesized that the VSG-induced increase in EECs is due to changes in intestinal differentiation driven by an increase in bile acid signaling through FXR. To test this, we performed VSG in mice that express eGFP in ISC/progenitor cells and performed RNAseq on GFP-positive cells sorted from the intestinal epithelia. We also assessed changes in EEC number (marked by GLP-1) in mouse intestinal organoids following treatment with bile acids and/or an FXR antagonist. RNA-seq revealed that FXR is expressed in ISCs and that VSG explicitly alters ISC expression of several genes that regulate intestinal secretory cell development, including EEC differentiation. Mouse intestinal organoids treated with bile acids increased GLP-1-positive cell numbers, whereas a potent FXR antagonist blocked this effect. Taken together, these data indicate that VSG drives ISC fate towards EEC differentiation through FXR signaling.
Rev-erb-α controls skeletal muscle calcium homeostasis through myoregulin repression: implications in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Boulinguiez Alexis , Duhem Christian , Mayeuf-Louchart Alicia , Pourcet Benoit , Sebti Yasmine , Kondratska Kateryna , Montel Valérie , Delhaye Stéphane , Thorel Quentin , Beauchamp Justine , Hebras Aurore , Gimenez Marion , Couvelaere Marie , Zecchin Mathilde , Ferri Lise , Prevarskaya Natalia , Forand Anne , Gentil Christel , Piétri-Rouxel France , Bastide Bruno , Staels Bart , Duez Helene , Lancel Steve
Published: April 2021

The sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) plays an important role in calcium homeostasis. SR calcium mishandling is described in pathological conditions such as myopathies. Here, we investigated whether the nuclear receptor Rev-erb-α regulates skeletal muscle SR calcium homeostasis. Our data demonstrate that Rev-erbα invalidation in mice impairs SERCA-dependent SR calcium uptake. Rev-erb-α acts on calcium homeostasis by repressing the SERCA inhibitor Myoregulin, through direct binding to its promoter. Restoration of Myoregulin counteracts the effects of REV-ERB-α overexpression on SR calcium content. Interestingly, myoblasts from Duchenne myopathy patients display downregulated REV-ERBα expression, whereas pharmacological Rev-erb activation ameliorates SR calcium homeostasis, and improves muscle structure and function in dystrophicmdx/Utr+/-mice. Our findings demonstrate that Rev-erb-α regulates muscle SR calcium homeostasis, pointing to its therapeutic interest for mitigating myopathy.
KMT2D haploinsufficiency in Kabuki syndrome disrupts neuronal function through transcriptional and chromatin rewiring independent of H3K4-monomethylation
Authors: Gabriele Michele , Vitriolo Alessandro , Cuvertino Sara , Pereira Marlene F , Franconi Celeste , Germain Pierre-Luc , Capocefalo Daniele , Castaldi Davide , Tenderini Erika , Bèchet Nicholas Burdon , Millar Catherine , Koemans Tom , Sabherwal Nitin , Stumpel Connie , Frega Monica , Palumbo Orazio , Carella Massimo , Malerba Natascia , Squeo Gabriella Maria , Kleefstra Tjitske , van Bokhoven Hans , Kimber Susan J. , Banka Siddharth , Merla Giuseppe , Nael Nadif Kasri , Testa Giuseppe
Published: April 2021

Kabuki syndrome (KS) is a rare multisystem disorder, characterized by intellectual disability, growth delay, and distinctive craniofacial features. It is mostly caused byde novomutations ofKMT2D, which is responsible for histone H3lysine 4 mono-methylation (H3K4me1) that marks active and poised enhancers. We assessed the impact of KMT2D mutations on chromatin and transcriptional regulation in a cohort of multiple KS1 tissues, including primary patient samples and disease-relevant lineages, namely cortical neurons (iN), neural crest stem cells (NCSC), and mesenchymal cells (MC). In parallel, we generated an isogenic line derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESC) for the stepwise characterization of neural precursors and mature neurons. We found that transcriptional dysregulation was particularly pronounced in cortical neurons and widely affected synapse activity pathways. This was consistent with highly specific alterations of spontaneous network-bursts patterns evidenced by Micro-electrode-array (MEA)-based neural network. Profiling of H3K4me1 unveiled the almost complete uncoupling between this chromatin mark and the effects on transcription, which is instead reflected by defects in H3K27ac. Finally, we identified the direct targets of KMT2D in mature cortical neurons, uncovering TEAD2 as the main mediator of KMT2D haploinsufficiency. Our results uncover the multi-tissue architecture of KS1 dysregulation and define a unique electrical phenotype and its molecular underpinnings for the cortical neuronal lineage.
Arginine multivalency stabilizes protein/RNA condensates
Authors: Paloni Matteo , Bussi Giovanni , Barducci Alessandro
Published: April 2021

Biomolecular condensates assembled through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of proteins and RNAs are currently recognized to play an important role in cellular organization. Their assembly depends on the formation of a network of transient, multivalent interactions between flexible scaffold biomolecules. Understanding how protein and RNA sequences determine these interactions and ultimately regulate the phase separation is an open key challenge. Recentin vitrostudies have revealed that arginine and lysine residues, which are enriched in most cellular condensates, have markedly distinct propensities to drive the LLPS of protein/RNA mixtures. Here, we employ explicit-solvent atomistic Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations to shed light on the microscopic origin of this difference by investigating mixtures of polyU oligonucleotides with either polyR/polyK peptides. In agreement with experiments, our simulations indicate that arginine has a higher affinity for polyU than lysine both in highly diluted conditions and in concentrated solutions with a biomolecular density comparable to cellular condensate. The analysis of intermolecular contacts suggests that this differential behavior is due to the propensity of arginine side chains to simultaneously form a higher number of specific interactions with oligonucleotides, including hydrogen bonds and stacking interactions. Our results provide a molecular description of how the multivalency of the guanidinium group enables the coordination of multiple RNA groups by a single arginine residue, thus ultimately stabilizing protein/RNA condensates.
A continuum membrane model predicts curvature sensing by helix insertion
Authors: Fu Yiben , Zeno Wade F. , Stachowiak Jeanne C. , Johnson Margaret E.
Published: April 2021

Protein domains, such as ENTH (Epsin N-terminal homology) and BAR (bin/amphiphysin/rvs), contain amphipathic helices that drive preferential binding to curved membranes. However, predicting how the physical parameters of these domains control this ‘curvature sensing’ behavior is challenging due to the local membrane deformations generated by the nanoscopic helix on the surface of a large sphere. To overcome this challenge, we here use a deformable continuum model that accounts for the physical properties of the membrane and the helix insertion to predict curvature sensing behavior and is in good agreement with existing experimental data. Specifically, we show that the insertion can be modeled as a local change to the membrane’s spontaneous curvature,. Using physically reasonable ranges of the membrane bending modulus к, and aof ∼0.2-0.3 nm-1, this approach provides excellent agreement with the energetics extracted from experiment. For small vesicles with high curvature, the insertion lowers the membrane energy by relieving strain on a membrane that is far from its preferred curvature of zero. For larger vesicles with low curvature, however, the insertion has the inverse effect, de-stabilizing the membrane by introducing more strain. The membrane energy cannot be directly predicted analytically, due to shape changes from surface relaxation around the anisotropic insertion. We formulate here an empirical expression that captures numerically calculated membrane energies as a function of both basic membrane properties (bending modulus к and radiusR) as well as stresses applied by the inserted helix (and areaAins). We show that the shape relaxation energy has a similar magnitude to the insertion energy, with a strong nonlinear dependence on. We therefore predict how these physical parameters will alter the energetics of helix binding to curved vesicles, which is an essential step in understanding their localization dynamics during membrane remodeling processes.
Capturing Membrane Trafficking Events During 3D Angiogenic Development in Vitro
Authors: Francis Caitlin R. , Kushner Erich J.
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Mechanisms that govern angiogenesis are paramount to our understanding of how blood vessels are formed embryonically, maintained in adulthood and manifest disease. Akin to transcriptional regulation of endothelial-specific genes, vesicular trafficking events dictate protein localization, functional activity, and half-life, providing a critically important regulatory step. However, there is little information detailing endothelial-specific trafficking signatures. This is due, in part, by limitations in visualizing trafficking events in endothelial tissues. Our aim in this investigation was to explore the use of a 3-dimensional (3D)in vitrosprouting model to image and evaluate membrane trafficking events compared to the conventional 2-dimensional (2D)-based culture method.

Methods

Primary Human endothelial cells were challenged to make multicellular sprouts using a fibrin-bead assay. An assortment of cell polarity and Rab proteins were quantified via immunocytochemistry and live-imaging to compare their localization between 3D sprouts and 2D culture.

Results

Our results show that sprouts generated from the fibrin-bead assay grow close to the imaging plane allowing for an orthogonal view of apical and basal membrane domains. Compared with 2D culture in which the apical and basal domains are in the axial orientation, limiting resolution, 3D sprouts are acquired in the X-Y plane providing high-resolution for viewing trafficking events. Second, we demonstrate that fibrin-bead generated sprouts have a strong apicobasal polarity axis. Third, we directly compare imaging of trafficking mediators podocalyxin and Rab35 between 3D sprouts and 2D culture. Here, we show that 3D sprouting structures are well-suited to capture trafficking events that are not present in 2D culture due to the lack of a defined apical domain. Lastly, we compared exocytic events of von Willebrand Factor between 3D sprouting and 2D culture. Our results demonstrate a distinct imaging advantage for monitoring these trafficking programs in 3D sprouts as compared with conventional 2D culture.

Conclusions

In general, our results establish that the fibrin-bead sprouting assay is well-suited for sub-cellular imaging of trafficking events during angiogenic growth. Additionally, the 2D endothelial culture does not enforce the formation of an apicobasal polarity axis.
Sesamol and its derivative investigated as antiandrogen - A potential prevention to prostate cancer in rats
Authors: Shah Abhishek , Shah Aarti Abhishek , Rekunge Deelip S. , Pai Aravinda , Chaturbhuj Ganesh U. , Nandakumar K , Lobo Richard
Published: April 2021

Androgen signaling is essential for the development of prostate cancer (PCa) initiated from prostatic basal cells with collocation of androgen receptor gene mutations. Phytoestrogens, the naturally occurring compounds are AR antagonist. These compounds downregulate prostate-specific antigen (PSA) expression and cell proliferation. Thus, this gives a track to research these compounds as a possible treatment for PCa. In this work, STITCH and molecular docking predict the conformation of ligands inside the suitable target binding site. Therefore, a study was planned to know the interactions among SM and its derivatives with AR. It was further, evaluated forin vitroevaluation on LNCaP, PC-3, and DU-145 using MTT studies. The two lead compounds shortlisted from MTT studies were further analyzed for androgen-regulated genes by using RT-PCR, western blot studies and an animal model of prostate cancer. We found that SM and its derivative (3’-MA) may prevent the development of PCa by androgen pathway.
Back to the Wild: Polluted Site Remediation and Biosphere Resilience
Authors: Ramos Débora Toledo , Corseuil Henry Xavier , Vogel Timothy M.
Published: April 2021

Worldwide efforts to depollute environments altered by human industrial activity have begun to produce an ever-increasing number of “clean” sites. “Clean” is defined by local regulatory processes and often responds to low compound concentrations or risk evaluations. Yet, these sites have been critically derailed from their historical biological activity by both the pollution event and the clean-up technology. This work explored the impact of contaminated (and remediated) sites on local microbial ecosystems. Different parcels of the same field site with the same relatively uniform microbial ecology were polluted and cleaned-up over the last 15 years. The statistical evaluation of the perturbation described changes to the local ecosystem that went back to the original baseline microbial composition although the pollution sources and the clean-up technologies affected the rate of return to the pre-disturbed condition. This rate reflected the intensity of the clean-up treatments. The role played by microbial communities on ecosystem maintenance and mitigation of pollution events lays the groundwork for predicting the microbial community responses to perturbations and the ability to reassert themselves. Predictions of ecosystem response to anthropogenic impacts could support decision-making on environmental management strategies for contaminated sites clean-up, depending on the ecosystem services desired to maintain or the risk posed to sensitive receptors.
Computational Roles of Intrinsic Synaptic Dynamics
Authors: Shimizu Genki , Yoshida Kensuke , Kasai Haruo , Toyoizumi Taro
Published: April 2021

Conventional theories assume that long-term information storage in the brain is implemented by modifying synaptic efficacy. Recent experimental findings challenge this view by demonstrating that dendritic spine sizes, or their corresponding synaptic weights, are highly volatile even in the absence of neural activity. Here we review previous computational works on the roles of these intrinsic synaptic dynamics. We first present the possibility for neuronal networks to sustain stable performance in their presence and we then hypothesize that intrinsic dynamics could be more than mere noise to withstand, but they may improve information processing in the brain.

Highlights

- Synapses exhibit changes due to intrinsic as well as extrinsic dynamics

- Computational frameworks suggest stable network performance despite intrinsic changes

- Intrinsic dynamics might be beneficial to information processing
Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Republic of Guinea 2021: hypotheses of origin
Authors: Kritsky A.A. , Keita S. , Magassouba N. , Krasnov Ya.M. , Safronov V.A. , Naidenova E.V. , Shevtsova A.P. , Naryshkina E.A. , Shcherbakova S.A. , Popova A.Yu. , Kutyrev V.V.
Published: April 2021

In 2013-2016, a large-scale Ebola virus diseas (EVD) outbreak hit the countries of West Africa for the first time. Thus provoking a health crisis. The most affected countries were Sierra Leone, Liberia and the Republic of Guinea. Since the end of the outbreak in 2016, there have been no new cases until recently. In February 2021, the Republic of Guinea announced about laboratory-confirmed EVD cases in its territory.

By April 12, 2021, an Ebola virus disease outbreak in the province of N’Zerekore (Gueke sub-prefecture) of the Republic of Guinea had affected 16 people, 9 of whom had died. The origin of this outbreak is still unknown. This paper considers various hypotheses of its emergence. Within the frames of the study sequencing and analysis of the whole genome sequence of the strain that initiated the epidemic process have been carried out. The most likely cause of this outbreak, according to the results obtained, should be deemed a long-term persistence of the virus in the body of survivors, followed by a relapse of the disease and transmission among contact persons.
Stereotyped B-cell responses are linked to IgG constant region polymorphisms in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Lindeman Ida , Polak Justyna , Qiao Shuo-Wang , Holmøy Trygve , Høglund Rune A. , Vartdal Frode , Berg-Hansen Pål , Sollid Ludvig M. , Lossius Andreas
Published: April 2021

Clonally related B cells infiltrate the brain, meninges and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, but the mechanisms driving the B-cell response and shaping the immunoglobulin repertoires remain unclear. Here, we used single-cell full-length RNA-seq and B-cell receptor reconstruction to simultaneously assess the phenotypes, isotypes, constant region polymorphisms, and the paired heavy- and light-chain repertoires in intrathecal B-lineage cells. We detected extensive clonal connections between the memory B cell and antibody-secreting cell (ASC) compartments and observed clonally related cells of different isotypes, including IgM/IgG1, IgG1/IgA1, IgG1/IgG2, and IgM/IgA1. There was a strong dominance of the G1m1 allotype constant region polymorphisms in ASCs, but not in memory B cells. Tightly linked to the G1m1 allotype, we found a preferential pairing of theIGHV4gene family with the κ variable(IGKV)1gene family. These results link IgG constant region polymorphisms to stereotyped B-cell responses in MS, indicating that the intrathecal B-cell response in these patients could be directed against structurally similar epitopes. The data also suggest that the dominance of the G1m1 allotype in ASCs may occur as a result of biased differentiation of intrathecal memory B cells.
Neutralization of variant under investigation B.1.617 with sera of BBV152 vaccinees
Authors: Yadav Pragya D. , Sapkal Gajanan N. , Abraham Priya , Ella Raches , Deshpande Gururaj , Patil Deepak Y. , Nyayanit Dimpal A , Gupta Nivedita , Sahay Rima R. , Shete Anita M , Panda Samiran , Bhargava Balram , Mohan V. Krishna
Published: April 2021

The drastic rise in the number of cases in Maharashtra, India has created a matter of concern for public health experts. Twelve isolates of VUI lineage B.1.617 were propagated in VeroCCL81 cells and characterized. Convalescent sera of the COVID-19 cases and recipients of BBV152 (Covaxin) were able to neutralize VUI B.1.617.
The 3D construction of leaves is coordinated with water use efficiency in conifers
Authors: Trueba Santiago , Théroux-Rancourt Guillaume , Earles J Mason , Buckley Thomas N. , Love David , Johnson Daniel M , Brodersen Craig
Published: April 2021

Conifers prevail in the canopies of many terrestrial biomes, holding a great ecological and economic importance globally. Current increases in temperature and aridity are imposing high transpirational demands and resulting in conifer mortality. Therefore, identifying leaf structural determinants of water use efficiency is essential in predicting physiological impacts due to environmental variation.

Using synchrotron-generated microCT imaging, we extracted leaf volumetric anatomy and stomatal traits in 34 species across conifers with a special focus onPinus, the richest conifer genus.

We show that intrinsic water use efficiency (WUEi) is positively driven by leaf vein volume. Needle-like leaves ofPinus, as opposed to flat leaves or flattened needles of other genera, showed lower mesophyll porosity, decreasing the relative mesophyll volume. This led to increased ratios of stomatal pore number per mesophyll or intercellular airspace volume, which emerged as powerful explanatory variables, predicting both stomatal conductance and WUEi.

Our results clarify how the three-dimensional organization of tissues within the leaf has a direct impact on plant water use and carbon uptake. By identifying a suit of structural traits that influence important physiological functions, our findings can help to understand how conifers may respond to the pressures exerted by climate change.
Precursor types predict the stability of neuronal branches
Authors: Fuchs Joachim , Eickholt Britta J.
Published: April 2021

Branches are critical for neuron function, generating the morphological complexity required for functional networks. They emerge from different, well-described, cytoskeletal precursor structures that elongate to branches. While branches are thought to be maintained by shared cytoskeletal regulators, our data from mouse hippocampal neurons indicate that the precursor structures trigger alternative branch maintenance mechanisms with differing stabilities. While branches originating from lamellipodia or growth cone splitting events collapse soon after formation, branches emerging from filopodia persist. Furthermore, compared to other developing neurites, axons stabilise all branches and preferentially initiate branches from filopodia. These differences explain the decreased stability of branches we observe in neurons lacking the plasma membrane protein phospholipid phosphatase related protein 3 (PLPPR3/PRG2). Rather than altering branch stability directly, PLPPR3 boosts a ‘filopodia branch program’ on axons, thereby indirectly initiating more long-lived branches. We propose that studies on branching should distinguish overall stabilising effects from effects on precursor types, ideally using multifactorial statistical models as exemplified in this study.
Chiral crystallization of a zinc(II) complex
Authors: Noor Shabana , Suda Shintaro , Haraguchi Tomoyuki , Khatoon Fehmeeda , Akitsu Takashiro
Published: April 2021

The compound, {6,6′-dimethoxy-2,2′-[(4-azaheptane-1,7-diyl)bis(nitrilomethanylidyne)]diphenolato}zinc(II) methanol monosolvate, [Zn(C22H27N3O4)]·CH3OH, at 298 K crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pna21. The Zn atom is coordinated by a pentadentate Schiff base ligand in a distorted trigonal–bipyramidal N3O2 geometry. The equatorial plane is formed by the two phenolic O and one amine N atom. The axial positions are occupied by two amine N atoms. The distorted bipyramidal geometry is also supported by the trigonality index (τ), which is found to be 0.85 for the molecule. In the crystal, methanol solvent molecule is connected to the complex molecule by an O—H...O hydrogen bond and the complex molecules are connected by weak supramolecular interactions, so achiral molecules generate a chiral crystal. The Hirshfeld surface analysis suggests that H...H contacts account for the largest percentage of all interactions.
Crystal structures of (E)-2-amino-4-methylsulfanyl-6-oxo-1-(1-phenylethylideneamino)-1,6-dihydropyrimidine-5-carbonitrile and (E)-2-amino-4-methylsulfanyl-6-oxo-1-[1-(pyridin-2-yl)ethylideneamino]-1,6-dihydropyrimidine-5-carbonitrile
Authors: Mohamed-Ezzat Reham A. , Elgemeie Galal H. , Jones Peter G.
Published: April 2021

The title compounds 3a, C14H13N5OS, and 3b, C13H12N6OS, both show an E configuration about the N=C bond and a planar NH2 group. The molecules, which only differ in the presence of a phenyl (in 3a) or pyridyl (in 3b) substituent, are closely similar except for the different orientations of these groups. The amino hydrogen atoms form classical hydrogen bonds; in 3a the acceptors are the oxygen atom and the cyano nitrogen atom, leading to ribbons of molecules parallel to the b axis, whereas in 3b the acceptors are the oxygen atom and the pyridyl nitrogen, leading to a layer structure perpendicular to (\overline{1}01).
Crystal structure of 3,14-dimethyl-2,13-diaza-6,17-diazoniatricyclo[16.4.0.07,12]docosane bis(perchlorate) from synchrotron X-ray data
Authors: Moon Dohyun , Jeon Sunghwan , Choi Jong-Ha
Published: April 2021

The crystal structure of the title salt, C20H42N4
2+·2ClO4
−, has been determined using synchrotron radiation at 220 (2) K. The structure determination reveals that protonation has occurred at diagonally opposite amine N atoms. The asymmetric unit comprises one half of the organic dication, which lies about a center of inversion, and one perchlorate anion. The macrocyclic dication adopts the most stable endodentate trans-III conformation. The crystal structure is stabilized by intramolecular N—H...N, and intermolecular N—H...O and C–H...O hydrogen bonds involving the macrocycle N—H and C—H groups as donors and the O atoms of perchlorate anions as acceptors, giving rise to a three-dimensional network.
Quinine dihydrochloride hemihydrate
Authors: Anderson Grace I. , Bellia Sophia , Zeller Matthias , Hillesheim Patrick C. , Mirjafari Arsalan
Published: April 2021

Numerous non-covalent interactions link together discrete molecules in the crystal structure of the title compound, 2C20H26N2O2
2+·4Cl−·H2O {systematic name: 4-[(5-ethenyl-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octan-2-yl)(hydroxy)methyl]-6-methoxyquinolin-1-ium dichloride hemihydrate}. A combination of hydrogen bonding between acidic H atoms and the anions in the asymmetric unit forms a portion of the observed hydrogen-bonded network. π–π interactions between the aromatic portions of the cation appear to play a role in the formation of the long-range ordering. One ethylene double bond was found to be disordered. The disorder extends to the neighboring carbon and hydrogen atoms.
A clinical and statistical analysis of abscess in cellulitis
Authors: Okamoto Osamu , Kai Yoshitaka , Munemoto Sekinori , Suzuki Rui , Akishino Kosuke , Hashimoto Hiroyuki
Published: April 2021

The features of abscess that forms in cellulitis patients were investigated. Among 449 cellulitis cases, about 15% developed abscess, and about 70% of teenaged patients were abscess cases. Furthermore, abscess in the younger age group occurred almost exclusively among male patients. The lesion was predominantly concentric at all ages in the abscess group and in teenagers in the non‐abscess group. In contrast, it was diffuse in patients ≥20 years old in the non‐abscess group. The clinical symptoms and laboratory values in the abscess group were generally more severe than those in the non‐abscess group, especially in the older age group. The abscess sizes increased with the initial area of the lesions. Most abscess cases received incision, and post‐incision ulcers were mostly conservatively treated. The duration required for treatment termination was >30 days longer in the abscess group than in the non‐abscess group. When post‐incision ulcers were conservatively treated, the duration until healing increased with abscess size. However, the durations did not significantly differ between the conservatively and surgically treated groups. When surgically treated, many ulcers healed within 19 days after operation and the outpatient follow‐up period tended to be relatively short. Most teenaged patients were student athletes, and thus needed an early return to competition. The main cause in these patients was bruising during sports, with rugby football the most common causative sport. Ulcer closure by operation was suggested to be preferable for shortening the outpatient follow‐up period, especially for student athlete patients.
Boreal forest fertilization leads to functional homogenization of ground beetle assemblages
Authors: Rodríguez Antonio , Hekkala Anne‐Maarit , Sjögren Jörgen , Strengbom Joachim , Löfroth Therese
Published: April 2021

Intensive fertilization of young spruce forest plantations (i.e. ‘nutrient optimization’) has the potential to meet increasing demands for carbon sequestration and biomass production from boreal forests. However, its effects on biodiversity, other than the homogenization of ground‐layer plant communities, are widely unknown.

We sampled ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in young spruce forest plantations of southern Sweden, within a large‐scale, replicated ecological experiment initiated in 2012, where half of the forest stands were fertilized every second year. We assessed multi‐scale effects of forest fertilization on ground beetle diversity and community assembly, 4 years after commencement of the experiment.

We found that nutrient optimization had negative effects on ground beetle diversity at multiple spatial scales, despite having negligible effects on species richness. At the local scale, ground beetle species had lower variation in body size at fertilized sites, resulting in within‐site functional homogenization. At the landscape scale, fertilized sites, with higher basal area and lower bilberry cover, filtered carabid traits composition to larger body sizes, generalist predators and summer breeding species.

Synthesis and applications. Fertilization of young spruce plantations is a strong filter for ground beetle assemblages, leading to functionally homogeneous communities in the short term, without changes in species richness. The large‐scale functional impoverishment of carabid communities because of fertilization may have negative consequences on system resilience and on ecosystem service provision by this functionally diverse group. Large‐scale establishment of nutrient optimization threatens ground beetle diversity in young conifer plantations, underlining the risks of introducing more intensive management schemes in already heavily managed forest landscapes.
The Adelphocoris lineolatus OBP4: Support for evolutionary and functional divergence of a mirid pheromone‐binding protein from that found in lepidopteran moths
Authors: Wang Qian , Li Yujie , Wang Qi , Sun Liang , Zhang Yongjun
Published: April 2021

Pheromone‐binding proteins (PBPs) have been extensively investigated in lepidopteran moths, but their evolution and function in hemipteran species remain unclear. Our previous study demonstrated that an odorant‐binding protein, OBP4, of the mirid bug Adelphocoris lineolatus functions as a candidate hemipteran PBP but clustered with lepidopteran antennae‐binding proteins (ABPs) rather than in the PBP/general odorant‐binding protein (GOBP) clade. In this study, we hypothesized that origin and function of PBPs in hemipteran bugs may differ from those of lepidopteran moths. To test this hypothesis, we first constructed a phylogenetic tree using insect OBPs from sister hemipteran and holometabolous lineages, and the results indicated that neither OBP4 nor other types of candidate PBPs of mirid bugs clustered with the lepidopteran PBP/GOBP clade. Then, a fluorescence competitive binding assay was employed to determine binding affinities of recombinant OBP4 protein to host plant volatiles, with functional groups different from A. lineolatus sex pheromone components. The results revealed that OBP4 highly bound the female adult attractant 3‐hexanone and 15 other mirid bug biologically active plant volatiles. Finally, we examined cellular expression profiles of OBP4 in putative antennal sensilla that are related to female A. lineolatus host plant location. The fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunocytochemical labeling assay showed that the OBP4 gene was highly expressed in the multiporous olfactory sensilla medium‐long sensilla basiconica rather than in the short sensilla basiconica or uniporous sensilla chaetica. These results, together with those of our previous studies, indicate that OBP4 not only functions in recognition of bug‐produced sex pheromones in males, but is probably involved in detection of host plant volatiles in both A. lineolatus sexes. Our findings support the hypothesis that the origin and function of PBPs in hemipteran bugs differ from those of well‐known PBPs in lepidopteran moths, which provides a novel perspective on evolutionary mechanisms of sex pheromone communication across insect orders.
Relationships between isolated sweetpotato starch properties and textural attributes of sweetpotato French fries
Authors: Allan Matthew C. , Marinos Nicholas , Johanningsmeier Suzanne D. , Sato Ai , Truong Van‐Den
Published: April 2021

Sweetpotato French fry (SPFF) textures have been associated with dry matter and starch contents, but these do not fully account for all textural differences. This study investigated the relationships between the physicochemical properties of sweetpotato starch and textural attributes of sweetpotato fries. Starches from 16 sweetpotato genotypes that varied in dry matter content were isolated and analyzed. The amylose content, pasting temperatures and viscosities, and textural properties of equilibrated starch gels were measured. Correlational analysis was performed with the respective SPFF mechanical and sensory texture attributes. Sweetpotato starch amylose content ranged from 17.3% to 21.1%, and the pasting and gel textural properties varied significantly between starches. Starch from orange‐fleshed sweetpotatoes had lower pasting temperatures than starches from yellow/cream‐fleshed genotypes, 72.2 ± 2.0 and 75.5 ± 1.1 °C, respectively. Notable inverse correlations were observed between the starch pasting temperature and perceived moistness (r = –0.63) and fibrousness (r = –0.70) of fries, whereas SPFF denseness was positively associated with starch pasting viscosity (r = 0.60) and nonstarch alcohol‐insoluble solids content. Fry textures were likely affected by cooked starch properties, which should be considered when selecting varieties for sweetpotato fries.

Practical Application

Without the aid of a batter, sweetpotato French fries (SPFFs) tend to be soft and limp—undesirable attributes in a fried food. The physiochemical properties of starch, the most abundant component in sweetpotato fries, were further explored in this study to better understand the properties of sweetpotato starch that influence SPFF textures. These findings can be used by sweetpotato processors and breeders for developing new sweetpotato varieties that are designed for production of fried products with desirable textures.
Clinical factors associated with successful embolization of lower gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Thavanesan Navamayooran , Van Der Werf Bert , Shafi Adil , Kennedy Colette , O'Grady Greg , Loveday Benjamin , Pandanaboyana Sanjay
Published: April 2021

Aim

To develop a model of clinical factors that may predict: (1) technically and clinically successful embolization of a bleeding vessel at digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for lower gastrointestinal bleed (LGIB); (2) a negative DSA in the presence of positive CT‐mesenteric angiography (CTMA) for LGIB.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of all DSAs conducted with intent for embolization for acute LGIB over a 10‐year period was undertaken. Pre‐procedural and intra‐procedural clinical variables were evaluated using uni‐ and multi‐variate analysis.

Results

One hundred and twenty‐three DSAs were evaluated. Technical success was 81% and clinical success 78% where DSA was positive. Technical success was associated with super‐selective approach, contrast extravasation on CT, haemoglobin drop, anatomical source and time from CT to DSA on univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, time from CT to DSA was significant with a higher success probability within 120 min with different factors being salient depending on degree of delay. Clinical success was only associated with activated partial thromboplastin time (<27.5 s). A negative DSA was associated with anatomical source, haemodynamic stability, platelet count and time from CT to DSA on univariate analysis. The latter three remained so on multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

A triaging approach to utilizing emergency DSA may be helpful. If prolonged delay between CT and DSA is anticipated, with haemodynamic stability and a near‐normal platelet count, the DSA may not be fruitful. Technical success may be more likely if DSA occurs within 120 min. Clinical success may be more likely if activated partial thromboplastin time is within normal range.
Silicone oil‐free syringes, siliconized syringes and needles: quantitative assessment of silicone oil release with drugs used for intravitreal injection
Authors: Melo Gustavo Barreto , da Cruz Natasha Ferreira Santos , do Monte Agra Lydianne Lumack , Emerson Geoffrey Guy , Lima Luiz H. , Linkuviene Vaida , Maia Maurício , Farah Michel Eid , Carpenter John F. , Rodrigues Eduardo Büchele , Probst Christine
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to quantify the amount of silicone oil (SO) released across a variety of syringe and needle models routinely used for intravitreal injection.

Methods

The release of SO was assessed in eight models of syringes, two of which were reported to be ‘SO‐free’, and eleven models of needles with unknown SO content. To evaluate SO release within the context of anti‐VEGF therapeutics, syringes were evaluated using aflibercept, bevacizumab, buffer, ziv‐aflibercept and formulation buffer. All syringe tests were performed with or without agitation by flicking for syringes. Needles were evaluated without agitation only. Samples were fluorescently labelled to identify SO, and triplicate measurements were collected using imaging flow cytometry.

Results

Seven out of 8 syringe models showed a statistically significant increase in the SO particle count after agitation. The two SO‐free syringe models (HSW Norm‐Ject, Daikyo Crystal Zenith) released the least SO particles, with or without agitation, whereas the BD Ultra‐Fine and Saldanha‐Rodrigues syringes released the most. More SO was released when the syringes were prefilled with formulation buffer than with ziv‐aflibercept. Syringes filled with aflibercept and bevacizumab had intermediate levels. Agitation increased the release of SO into each of the drug solutions. Silicone oil (SO) was detected in all needles.

Conclusions

Agitation of the syringe by flicking leads to a substantial increase in the number of SO particles. Silicone oil (SO)‐free syringes had the best performance, but physicians must also be aware that needles are siliconized and also contribute to the injection of SO into the vitreous.
Transanal reinforcement of low rectal anastomosis versus protective ileostomy after total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer. Preliminary results of a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Altomare Donato Francesco , Delrio Paolo , Shelgyn Yuri , Rybakov Evgeny , Vincenti Leonardo , De Fazio Michele , Simone Michele , Graziano Giusy , Picciariello Arcangelo
Published: April 2021

Aim

The study aimed to show if transanal reinforcement of the suture line can prevent anastomotic leakage (AL) after rectal cancer surgery, thus avoiding the need for a covering ileostomy.

Methods

This is a prospective, multicentre, parallel‐arm randomized controlled equivalence trial. After standard total mesorectal excision, patients with anastomotic line at 1–3 cm from the dentate line were randomized to have transanal suture reinforcement (TAR group) or protective ileostomy (PI group).

Results

Twenty‐nine patients had PI, 25 had TAR. The two groups were comparable both for baseline characteristics and intra‐operative aspects. Clinically evident AL occurred in four (16%) and five (17.24%) patients of the TAR and PI group, respectively, resulting in a difference of −1.20% (90% CI −17.93, 15.45), while subclinical AL at proctography was absent in 15 (65.22%) and 13 (50%) patients of the TAR and PI groups, respectively, resulting in a difference of 15% (90% CI −7.74 to 38.17).

Conclusion

Preliminary data suggest that transanal reinforcement of the suture line performed in rectal cancer patients with suture line at 1–3 cm from the dentate line carries a similar (even if not equivalent) AL rate to covering ileostomy, suggesting that a covering ileostomy could be avoided in this selected group of patients. This indication needs to be addressed with future larger trials (clinicaltrials.gov ID number NCT02279771).
Theosis and Baptist–Orthodox Discussions
Authors: Simuț Corneliu C.
Published: April 2021

Baptist–Orthodox discussions could take the shape of a continuous and constructive dialogue if their historical understandings of the Bible are investigated based on their specific perspectives on doctrine. Concretely, the idea of theosis, present in Greek Patristics and later used by the Eastern Orthodox Church as deification, can be investigated by Baptists in at least three distinct ways: as Christification, as participation, or as perichoresis. All these are prevalent in the works of contemporary Baptist theologians such as Dongsun Cho (United States), Paul Fiddes (United Kingdom), and Emil Bartoș (Romania). Based on the foundation provided by theosis and its range of interpretations, the Baptist–Orthodox dialogue can be further strengthened by a series of common concerns such as apologetics, evangelism, politics, economics, social work, and education.