bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exosomes released from M2 macrophages transfer miR‐221‐3p contributed to EOC progression through targeting CDKN1B
Authors: Li Xiaoduan , Tang Meiling
Published: June 2020

In contrast to other solid tumors within the abdominal cavity, epithelial ovarian cancers (EOCs) tend to undergo peritoneal metastasis. Thus, the peritoneal immune microenvironment is crucial for EOC progression. Previous reports indicate that the main immune cells within the peritoneum are M2 macrophages, specifically tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs). The communication between TAMs and tumor cells plays an important role in EOC development, and exosomes, acting as micro–message carriers, occupy an essential position in this process. Microarray analyses of exosomes revealed that miR‐221‐3p was enriched in M2 exosomes. Furthermore, miR‐221‐3p suppressed cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor 1B (CDKN1B) directly. Thus, miR‐221‐3p contributed to the proliferation and G1/S transition of EOC cells. Additionally, low levels of CDKN1B were associated with EOC progression and poor prognosis. These observations suggest that TAMs‐derived exosomal miR‐221‐3p acts as a regulator of EOC progression by targeting CDKN1B. The results of this study confirm that certain exosomal microRNAs may provide novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for EOC.
Chemical Constituents of the Vietnamese Marine Sponge Gelliodes sp. and Their Cytotoxic Activities
Authors: Ki Dae‐Won , Kodama Takeshi , El‐Desoky Ahmed H. , Wong Chin Piow , Nguyen Hien Minh , Do Kiep Minh , Thai Quang Minh , Ton Nu Lien Huong , Morita Hiroyuki
Published: June 2020

A new decenoic acid derivative, gelliodesinic acid, and a naturally new alkaloid, together with three known furanoterpenoids and two known indole alkaloids, were isolated from the MeOH extract of the marine sponge Gelliodes sp. collected in Vietnam. The chemical structures of the isolated compounds were determined by analyses of 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR and MS data and by comparisons of the data with those reported in the literature. The cytotoxicity assay against HeLa, MCF‐7, and A549 cancer cell lines revealed that the three known furanoterpenes exhibited cytotoxic activities with IC50 values ranging from 23.6 to 75.5 μM against the three cell lines, and that 1H‐indole‐3‐carboxylic acid showed cytotoxicity with an IC50 value of 89.2 μM against A549 cancer cell lines.
Complete Photochemical Regulation of 8–17 DNAzyme Activity by Using Reversible DNA Photo‐crosslinking
Authors: Watanabe Yasuha , Fujimoto Kenzo
Published: June 2020

The regulation of DNAzyme activity is an important problem for its in vivo applications. We achieved photochemical regulation of DNAzyme activity by using reversible DNA photo‐crosslinking of 3‐cyanovinylcarbazole (CNVK). The ODN containing CNVK photo‐crosslinked to a pyrimidine base in the complementary strand after a few seconds of photoirradiation, and its photoadduct was split by photoirradiation of another wavelength. The activity of photo‐crosslinked DNAzyme with CNVK was completely inhibited (OFF state). In contrast, after 312 nm irradiation, DNAzyme activity was recovered upon addition of a substrate strand (ON state). In addition, the photo‐crosslinked DNAzyme is prone to enzymatic digestion by exonuclease. This photochemical OFF to ON switching with reversible DNA photo‐crosslinking was regulated at the desired time and position; therefore, it might be possible to use it for in vivo application.
Outcomes of urgent/emergent transcatheter mitral valve repair (MitraClip): A single center experience
Authors: Kovach Christopher P. , Bell Sean , Kataruka Akash , Reisman Mark , Don Creighton
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To describe the outcomes of urgent/emergent transcatheter edge‐to‐edge mitral valve repair (TMVr) and compare the clinical, echocardiographic, and procedural characteristics of survivors and nonsurvivors.

Background

TMVr is a treatment strategy for select patients with severe primary or secondary mitral regurgitation. However, knowledge regarding outcomes for urgent/emergent TMVr is limited.

Methods

All urgent or emergent TMVr procedures using MitraClip performed at the University of Washington Medical Center between January 2018 and March 2019 were identified and clinical, echocardiographic, hemodynamic, procedural, and outcomes data were obtained by chart review. Outcomes included all‐cause mortality, hospital mortality, procedural success, periprocedural complications, and hospital readmission.

Results

Of the 20 patients who underwent urgent/emergent TMVr, eight were treated for cardiogenic shock (CS), four for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) with hypoxemic respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation, and eight for ADHF with failure of inpatient medical therapy. Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) was used in six patients; preceding TMVr in three patients and immediately post‐TMVr in three patients. Overall, 30‐day mortality and hospital readmission rates were 21 and 13%, respectively. Over a median 153 days (IQR 20–491) of follow‐up, 10 patients (50%) died. Preprocedure CS, new or ongoing MCS post‐TMVr, refractory respiratory failure post‐TMVr, and acute kidney injury post‐TMVr were associated with mortality.

Conclusions

In a single‐center retrospective analysis, urgent/emergent TMVr in high‐risk patients with ADHF or CS was associated with high short‐term mortality and periprocedural complications. Prospective studies are warranted to inform patient selection and periprocedural management for urgent/emergent TMVr.
The use of MitraClip to prevent posttranscatheter aortic valve replacement left ventricular “suicide”
Authors: Bode Michael F. , Ahmed Andaleeb A. , Baron Suzanne J. , Labib Sherif B. , Gadey Gautam
Published: June 2020

Patients with concomitant severe aortic stenosis (AS) and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) are at risk for hemodynamic collapse due to a sudden decrease in afterload causing worsening LVOT obstruction. We present a case of an 88‐year‐old female with symptomatic, severe AS, and LVOT obstruction with systolic anterior motion (SAM) of the mitral leaflet in whom alcohol septal ablation was contraindicated secondary to a chronic total occlusion of the right coronary artery that filled retrograde via septal collaterals. MitraClip at the time of TAVR was successfully performed to treat SAM with subsequent stabilization of LVOT gradients despite treatment of the patient's AS. This novel approach may represent a feasible option to prevent hemodynamic complications after TAVR in patients with significant LVOT obstruction secondary to SAM and AS.
The use of hydroxocobalamin for vasoplegic syndrome in left ventricular assist device patients
Authors: Ayers Brian , Wood Katherine , Falvey Jennifer , Bernstein Wendy , Gosev Igor
Published: June 2020

We demonstrate evidence supporting the efficacy of hydroxocobalamin in reducing vasopressor requirements for LVAD patients with refractory vasoplegia. Further study is needed to substantiate these findings and determine its optimal use in practice.
Agranulocytosis‐complicated DRESS with medullar HHV‐6 replication
Authors: Lehericey Margot , Tétart Florence , Carvalho Priscille , Bauvin Olivia , Hervouet Charles , Joly Pascal , Hébert Vivien
Published: June 2020

HHV‐6B is the subtype most often involved in the systemic manifestations of the DRESS, but also in myelosuppression in bone marrow transplant. We report a new observation of its myelosuppressive effect: a case of DRESS complicated by agranulocytosis with detectable HHV‐6 RNA in bone marrow.
Coffee bean sign: Its meaning and importance
Authors: Stavride Eliza , Plakias Charalampos
Published: June 2020

The presence of the coffee bean sign is pathognomonic of sigmoid volvulus.
Bi‐Functional Magnesium Silicate Catalyzed Glucose and Furfural Transformations to Renewable Chemicals
Authors: Kumar Abhinav , Srivastava Rajendra
Published: June 2020

Bio‐refinery is attracting significant interest to produce a wide range of renewable chemicals and fuels from biomass that are alternative to fossil fuel derived petrochemicals. Similar to petrochemical industries, bio‐refinery also depends on solid zeolite catalysts. Acid‐base catalysis plays pivotal role in producing a wide range of chemicals from biomass. Herein, the Mg framework substituted MTW zeolite is synthesized and explored in the valorisation of glucose and furfural. Bi‐functional (acidic and basic) characteristics are confirmed using pyridine adsorbed FT−IR analysis and NH3 and CO2 temperature‐programmed desorption techniques. Textural properties and morphological information are retrieved from N2‐sorption, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electron microscopy. The activity of the catalyst is demonstrated in the selective isomerisation of glucose to fructose in ethanol. Glucose is converted to methyl lactate in high yield using the same catalyst. Further, the bi‐functional activity of this catalyst is demonstrated in the production of fuel precursor by the reaction of furfural and isopropanol. Mg−MTW zeolite exhibits excellent activity in the production of all these chemicals and fuel derivative. The catalyst exhibits no significant loss in the activity even after five recycles. One simple catalyst affording three renewable synthetic intermediates from glucose and furfural will attract significant attention to catalysis researchers and industrialists.
Low‐Temperature Catalytic Hydrogenolysis of Guaiacol to Phenol over Al‐Doped SBA‐15 Supported Ni Catalysts
Authors: Wang Qiuyue , Chen Yufang , Yang Guanheng , Deng Ping , Lu Xinqing , Ma Rui , Fu Yanghe , Zhu Weidong
Published: June 2020

Selective hydrogenolysis of aromatic carbon‐oxygen (Caryl−O) bonds is a key strategy for the generation of aromatic chemicals from lignin. However, this process is usually operated at high temperatures and pressures over hydrogenation catalysts, resulting in a low selectivity for aromatics and an extra consumption of hydrogen. Here, a series of Al‐doped SBA‐15 mesoporous materials with different Si/Al molar ratios (Al‐SBA‐15) were prepared via a post‐synthesis method using NaAlO2 as the Al source, and then Al‐SBA‐15 supported Ni catalysts (Ni/Al‐SBA‐15) were prepared by a deposition‐precipitation method using urea as the hydrolysis reagent. The prepared supports and catalysts were extensively characterized using various techniques such as XRD, N2 adsorption/desorption, TEM, 27Al NMR, NH3‐TPD, XPS, H2‐TPR, and pyridine‐FT‐IR, and the catalysts were evaluated in the hydrogenolysis of the Caryl−O bond in guaiacol and lignin derived compounds under mild conditions. The effects of the Si/Al ratio in catalyst and reaction parameters on guaiacol conversion and product distribution were investigated in detail, associated with solvent effect. The incorporation of Al into the framework of SBA‐15 can improve the Lewis acidity and the dispersion of the supported Ni particles and yet modulate the metal‐support interactions, which are propitious to the hydrogenolysis of the Caryl−O bond in guaiacol. The catalyst Ni/Al‐SBA‐15 with a Si/Al molar ratio of 10 shows the best performance with a guaiacol conversion of 87.4 % and a phenol selectivity of 76.9 % under the mild conditions conducted, because of its proper acidity, suitable metal‐support interactions, and high dispersion of the active species. The present study would stimulate research and development in multi‐functional catalysts for the generation of valuable chemicals from biomass.
Hydrodesulfurization Properties of Nickel Phosphide on Boron‐treated Alumina Supports
Authors: Miles Catherine E. , Carlson Tess R. , Morgan Benjamin J. , Topalian Peter J. , Schare Jacob R. , Bussell Mark E.
Published: June 2020

The deep hydrodesulfurization (HDS) properties of nickel phosphide (Ni2P) on boron‐modified alumina (xB−Al2O3) supports having different B contents have been investigated. Ni2P precursors were prepared on the xB−Al2O3 supports using hypophosphite (‐hypo) or phosphate (‐phos) as the P source and were subsequently reduced in flowing hydrogen. The 4,6‐dimethyldibenzothiophene HDS activities and turnover frequencies of the Ni2P/xB−Al2O3 catalysts showed a strong dependence on B loading, with a maximum observed for the hypophosphite‐ and phosphate‐based Ni2P/B−Al2O3 catalysts corresponding to 0.8 wt % and 1.2 wt % B loadings, respectively. Based on XPS and IR spectral measurements, the optimal B loadings corresponded to ∼20 % B2O3 coverage of the γ‐Al2O3 support and coincided with removal of the most basic hydroxyl groups on the alumina surface. At 573 K, a Ni2P/0.8B−Al2O3‐hypo catalyst was 2.5 times more active than a B‐free Ni2P/Al2O3‐hypo catalyst, while a Ni2P/1.2B−Al2O3‐phos catalyst was 8.6 times more active than a B‐free Ni2P/Al2O3‐phos catalyst. Overall, the hypophosphite‐based Ni2P/B−Al2O3 catalysts exhibited higher HDS activities than the phosphate‐based Ni2P/B−Al2O3 catalysts, in part due to smaller Ni2P particle sizes. The optimized catalysts, Ni2P/0.8B−Al2O3‐hypo and Ni2P/1.2B−Al2O3‐phos, were more active than a sulfided Ni−Mo/Al2O3 catalyst.
Facile Synthesis of Ag@PdnL Icosahedral Nanocrystals as a Class of Cost‐Effective Electrocatalysts toward Formic Acid Oxidation
Authors: Wang Wenxia , Chen Zitao , Shi Yifeng , Lyu Zhiheng , Cao Zhenming , Cheng Haoyan , Chi Miaofang , Xiao Kaijun , Xia Younan
Published: June 2020

We report a facile synthesis of Ag@Pd core−shell icosahedral nanocrystals for the development of cost‐effective electrocatalysts toward formic acid oxidation. With 12.4 nm Ag icosahedra serving as seeds, Pd shells of controlled thicknesses in the range of 3.6–5.8 atomic layers are grown by adjusting the experimental parameters. When examined as catalysts toward formic acid oxidation, all the Ag@Pd nanocrystals exhibit enhanced mass activities relative to a commercial Pd/C catalyst, with the Ag@Pd4.2L nanocrystals showing enhanced mass activity that is almost twice that of a commercial Pd/C. The chronoamperometry measurements indicate that all the Ag@Pd/C catalysts are more robust than the Pd/C, with the catalyst based on Ag@Pd4.2L nanocrystals showing a mass activity greater than that of the pristine Pd/C after holding in a mixture of HCOOH and HClO4 at 0.75 V for 1,000 s. We believe that the strategy demonstrated here can also be extended to the development of other types of advanced electrocatalysts.
Oak‐Associated Negativicute Equipped with Ancestral Aromatic Polyketide Synthase Produces Antimycobacterial Dendrubins
Authors: Ishida Keishi , Shabuer Gulimila , Schieferdecker Sebastian , Pidot Sacha J. , Stinear Timothy P. , Knuepfer Uwe , Cyrulies Michael , Hertweck Christian
Published: June 2020

Anaerobic bacteria have only recently been recognized as a source of antibiotics; yet, the metabolic potential of Negativicutes (Gram‐negative staining Firmicutes) such as the oak‐associated Dendrosporobacter quercicolus has remained unknown. Genome mining of D. quercicolus and phylogenetic analyses revealed a gene cluster for a type II polyketide synthase (PKS) complex that belongs to the most ancestral enzyme systems of this type. Metabolic profiling, NMR analyses, and stable‐isotope labeling led to the discovery of a new family of anthraquinone‐type polyphenols, the dendrubins, which are diversified by acylation, methylation, and dimerization. Dendrubin A and B were identified as strong antibiotics against a range of clinically relevant, human‐pathogenic mycobacteria.
Photoinduced DNA Lesions in Dormant Bacteria: The Peculiar Route Leading to Spore Photoproducts Characterized by Multiscale Molecular Dynamics**
Authors: Francés‐Monerris Antonio , Hognon Cécilia , Douki Thierry , Monari Antonio
Published: June 2020

Some bacterial species enter a dormant state in the form of spores to resist to unfavorable external conditions. Spores are resistant to a wide series of stress agents, including UV radiation, and can last for tens to hundreds of years. Due to the suspension of biological functions, such as DNA repair, they accumulate DNA damage upon exposure to UV radiation. Differently from active organisms, the most common DNA photoproducts in spores are not cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers, but rather the so‐called spore photoproducts. This noncanonical photochemistry results from the dry state of DNA and its binding to small, acid‐soluble proteins that drastically modify the structure and photoreactivity of the nucleic acid. Herein, multiscale molecular dynamics simulations, including extended classical molecular dynamics and quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics based dynamics, are used to elucidate the coupling of electronic and structural factors that lead to this photochemical outcome. In particular, the well‐described impact of the peculiar DNA environment found in spores on the favored formation of the spore photoproduct, given the small free energy barrier found for this path, is rationalized. Meanwhile, the specific organization of spore DNA precludes the photochemical path that leads to cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer formation.
Coordination‐Induced Emission from Tetraphenylethylene Units and Their Applications
Authors: Yu Jian‐Gang , Sun Li‐Ying , Wang Chong , Li Yang , Han Ying‐Feng
Published: June 2020

Thanks to the potential of aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) phenomena, improved stabilities, and the good selectivity and sensitivity of the chemical responses exhibited by the products, coordination‐driven self‐assembly with tetraphenylethylene (TPE) units has recently received much attention and has been widely investigated for application in chemical sensors, cell imaging agents, light‐harvesting systems, and others. Several reviews have emerged on the topics of AIE chemistry and aggregation‐induced emission luminogen (AIEgen)‐based supramolecular assembles, however, there is still a distinct lack of full overviews of emission enhancement from the viewpoint of metal‐coordination effects. Thus, this minireview offers recent advances that have been made in the design and application of TPE‐based metallacycles, metallacages, metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) and coordination polymers (CPs).
Shedding light on human cerebral lipofuscin: An explorative study on identification and quantification
Authors: Hakvoort Karlijn , Otto Louise , Haeren Roel , Hoogland Govert , Schijns Olaf , Vink Hans , Klein Dionne , van Zandvoort Marc , Rijkers Kim
Published: June 2020

Increased oxidative stress has been associated with several neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, but also with neurological diseases sharing pathophysiological pathways like epilepsy. Lipofuscin is a nondegradable end‐product of oxidative stress; its cerebral presence reflects the cumulative amount of oxidative stress the brain has endured. In this study, we have observed prominent autofluorescent particles in the pial arterial wall and in neocortical parenchyma of young, drug‐resistant epilepsy patients (18–28 years old) who underwent resective brain surgery (n = 6), as well as in older control patients (n = 3). With fluorescence spectroscopic imaging, brightfield microscopy, histochemistry and fluorescence lifetime imaging, these autofluorescent particles were identified as the age pigment lipofuscin. An evaluation of these lipofuscin particles using Imaris© software allowed robust quantification, while the 3D properties allowed visualization of the complex configuration. We elaborate on the usefulness of lipofuscin as a marker of cumulative oxidative stress in the brain. Furthermore, we speculate on the observed differences in particle size and density that we found between young patients and older controls, which could imply a role for lipofuscin in the pathophysiology of epilepsy and possibly other neurological diseases.
Brain gyrification in wild and domestic canids: Has domestication changed the gyrification index in domestic dogs?
Authors: Grewal Jagmeet S. , Gloe Tyler , Hegedus Joseph , Bitterman Kathleen , Billings Brendon K. , Chengetanai Samson , Bentil Sarah , Wang Victoria X. , Ng Johnny C. , Tang Cheuk Y. , Geletta Simon , Wicinski Bridget , Bertelson Mads , Tendler Benjamin C. , Mars Rogier B. , Aguirre Geoffrey K. , Rusbridge Clare , Hof Patrick R. , Sherwood Chet C. , Manger Paul R. , Spocter Muhammad A.
Published: June 2020

Over the last 15 years, research on canid cognition has revealed that domestic dogs possess a surprising array of complex sociocognitive skills pointing to the possibility that the domestication process might have uniquely altered their brains; however, we know very little about how evolutionary processes (natural or artificial) might have modified underlying neural structure to support species‐specific behaviors. Evaluating the degree of cortical folding (i.e., gyrification) within canids may prove useful, as this parameter is linked to functional variation of the cerebral cortex. Using quantitative magnetic resonance imaging to investigate the impact of domestication on the canine cortical surface, we compared the gyrification index (GI) in 19 carnivore species, including six wild canid and 13 domestic dog individuals. We also explored correlations between global and local GI with brain mass, cortical thickness, white and gray matter volume and surface area. Our results indicated that GI values for domestic dogs are largely consistent with what would be expected for a canid of their given brain mass, although more variable than that observed in wild canids. We also found that GI in canids is positively correlated with cortical surface area, cortical thickness and total cortical gray matter volumes. While we found no evidence of global differences in GI between domestic and wild canids, certain regional differences in gyrification were observed.
Theoretical Study on Singlet Fission Dynamics in Pentacene Ring‐Shaped Aggregate Models with Different Configurations
Authors: Miyamoto Hajime , Nakano Masayoshi
Published: June 2020

Using the quantum master equation method, we investigate size and monomer configuration dependences of singlet fission (SF) in pentacene J‐ and H‐type ring‐shaped aggregate (N‐mer) models. Interestingly, it is found that SF rates in the J‐aggregate models monotonically decrease with increasing N, while those in the H‐aggregate models show different variation behaviors depending on the parity of N, where the H‐type pentamer model exhibits the maximum SF rate. It is also found that correlated triplet‐pair yields in the J‐aggregate models rapidly increase from ∼0.45 toward 1, while those in the H‐aggregate gradually decrease from ∼0.96 toward 0. These features are explained by relative relaxation factor analysis between adiabatic states and by the point group symmetry of the ring‐shaped aggregate models. The present results contribute to a deeper understanding of the correlation between the aggregate size, monomer configuration and SF dynamics, and thus to constructing new design guidelines for highly efficient SF ring‐shaped aggregates.
Treatment of oral lichen planus with mucoadhesive mycophenolate mofetil patch: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Samiee Negin , Taghavi Zenuz Ali , Mehdipour Masumeh , Shokri Javad
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology which is known as a premalignant disease. A complete cure has not been found for this condition. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is a new drug that seems to be effective in improving OLP lesions. But there are no studies on the efficacy of mucoadhesive form of MMF in ulcerative OLP. Therefore, this study was performed to determine the therapeutic effect of MMF mucoadhesive on OLP lesions.

Material and methods

Twenty‐seven patients with OLP, were enrolled in two groups. All the patients were instructed to place the MMF 2% mucoadhesive on the lesion twice daily for 4 weeks. Lesion size was measured by a sterile digital caulis (mm) and the severity of burning sensation and pain by visual analogue scale (VAS; cm) at baseline and weekly follow‐ups.

Results

There was no significant difference in burning sensation and lesion size at Weeks 1, 2, and 3 in both groups. In Group A, at Week 4, there was significant reduction in pain and burning sensation and lesion size on both sides (p = .048, .012). The difference in lesion size on control sides was not significant. In Group B, at Week 4, there was significant reduction in pain and burning sensation and lesion size (p = .004). No side effects were reported by the patients.

Conclusions

Based on the results, 2% MMF mucoadhesive was effective in decreasing burning sensation and pain severity and ulcer size of ulcerative OLP and the effect was time‐dependent.
The oral health and periodontal diseases awareness and knowledge in the Iraqi population: Online‐based survey
Authors: Abdulbaqi Hayder R. , Abdulkareem Ali A. , Alshami Muhanad L. , Milward Mike R.
Published: June 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate oral health (OH) and periodontal diseases (PD) awareness in the Iraqi population.

Material and methods

This study was a questionnaire‐based online survey of two weeks duration. The questionnaire was built using a Google platform and was distributed randomly via social media (Facebook and Telegram). The questionnaire consisted of a demographic data section and two other main sections for the evaluation of OH and PD awareness. Each response was marked with “1” for a positive answer and “0” for the other answers. For each respondent, answers were summed to give an overall score. The frequency of positive responses was used to determine the association of awareness with demographic data and the level of awareness into low, moderate, and high levels.

Results

A total of 1,465 were included in the final analysis after application of exclusion criteria. The respondents showed significantly higher levels of awareness about PD (mean ± SD = 3.66 ± 1.42) than OH awareness (mean ± SD = 2.19 ± 1.29). Analysis of data showed that OH awareness was mainly associated with high degree holders (OR 1.851) and age > 45 years (OR 1.730). However, PD awareness did not show any evident association with demographic variables investigated. In general, the respondents exhibited low levels of OH knowledge and low to moderate level of PD knowledge.

Conclusions

Despite limitations, this study revealed inappropriate levels of OH and PD awareness and knowledge in the Iraqi population and provided the baseline data necessary for the development of Governmental educational programs and health awareness campaigns which are highly suggested particularly focusing on the primary and high schools, in an attempt to improve the levels of awareness.
Obesity and diabetes as high‐risk factors for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid‐19)
Authors: Zhou Yue , Chi Jingwei , Lv Wenshan , Wang Yangang
Published: June 2020

The outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid‐19) has become an evolving worldwide health crisis. With the rising prevalence of obesity and diabetes has come an increasing awareness of their impacts on infectious diseases, including increased risk for various infections, post‐infection complications and mortality from critical infections. Although epidemiological and clinical characteristics of Covid‐19 have been constantly reported, no article has systematically illustrated the role of obesity and diabetes in Covid‐19, or how Covid‐19 affects obesity and diabetes, or special treatment in these at‐risk populations. Here, we present a synthesis of the recent advances in our understanding of the relationships between obesity, diabetes and Covid‐19 along with the underlying mechanisms, and provide special treatment guidance for these at‐risk populations.
Compared with conventional PCR assay, qPCR assay greatly improves the detection efficiency of predation
Authors: Yang Ting‐bang , Liu Jie , Chen Jian
Published: June 2020

Studies of predation can contribute greatly to understanding predator–prey relationships and can also provide integral knowledge concerning food webs and multi‐trophic level interactions. Both conventional polymerase chain reaction (cPCR) and quantitative PCR (qPCR) have been employed to detect predation in the field because of their sensitivity and reproducibility. However, to date, few studies have been used to comprehensively demonstrate which method is more sensitive and reproducible in studies of predation. We used a Drosophila melanogaster‐specific DNA fragment (99 bp) to construct a tenfold gradient dilution of standards. Additionally, we obtained DNA samples from Pardosa pseudoannulata individuals that fed on D. melanogaster at various time since feeding. Finally, we compared the sensitivity and reproducibility between cPCR and qPCR assays for detecting DNA samples from feeding trials and standards. The results showed that the cPCR and qPCR assays could detect as few as 1.62 × 103 and 1.62 × 101 copies of the target DNA fragment, respectively. The cPCR assay could detect as few as 48 hr post‐feeding of the target DNA fragment. But the qPCR assay showed that all spiders were positive after consuming prey at various time intervals (0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hr). A smaller proportion of the technical replicates were positive using cPCR, and some bands on the agarose gel were absent or gray, while some were white and bright for the same DNA samples after amplification by cPCR. By contrast, a larger proportion of the technical replicates were positive using qPCR and the coefficients of variation of the Ct value for the three technical replicates of each DNA sample were less than 5%. These data showed that qPCR was more sensitive and highly reproducible in detecting such degraded DNA from predator's gut. The present study provides an example of the use of cPCR and qPCR to detect the target DNA fragment of prey remains in predator's gut.
An estimation method of photovoltaics power output using satellite images and power flow
Authors: Yasunami Kazuhiro , Yatsubo Osamu , Washio Takashi , Takada Nozomu
Published: June 2020

There is a growing need to use photovoltaic (PV) technology to mitigate global warming and the depletion of fossil fuels. However, the high network penetration of PVs potentially lessen the stability and the reliability of electrical power systems in various ways. Under its high network penetration, monitoring of the unmeasurable power outputs of PVs is needed for the proper operations of an electrical power system. To suffice this need, a novel method was proposed to estimate the PV power output of the system using the measured power flow and solar radiation intensity estimated from satellite image in our previous work. However, it occasionally causes large estimation errors of the PV power output based on the wrong estimation of parameters induced by a large data sampling interval. To address this issue, in this paper, we improved our proposed method by introducing a parameter estimation procedure to exclude outliers of estimated values and increase the number of data used for estimation. We confirmed its enhanced accuracy using data observed from The Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc.
Compensatory recruitment, dynamic habitat, and selective gear present challenges to large‐scale invasive species control
Authors: Walsworth Timothy E. , Landom Kevin , Gaeta Jereme W.
Published: June 2020

Control of long‐established invasive species to aid threatened native species presents major logistic and economic challenges. Invasive common carp (Cyprinus carpio) recently accounted for over 90% of the fish biomass in Utah Lake (Utah, USA), driving many undesired changes to ecosystem structure. Carp control efforts have removed >12,000 tons of carp from the system over 10 yr. However, the impact of recent removal efforts on carp population structure and dynamics remains unclear. We develop an integrated age‐structured population model incorporating carp harvest data with independent standardized monitoring data to evaluate population‐level consequences of the removal effort and evaluate future removal scenarios. Specifically, we estimate the age structure, biomass, and population dynamics of carp in Utah Lake and simulate carp population responses to potential future management strategies. The model estimates carp population biomass has decreased to approximately 27.6% of pre‐removal biomass and 23.4% of the greatest estimated biomass. However, carp removal gear is highly selective of older, larger individuals, and current removal efforts have had little impact on young age‐classes. Evidence of recent strong juvenile cohorts of carp suggests a compensatory response to removal efforts that may increase total biomass as these age‐classes mature. Simulations of carp population response to potential alternative harvest approaches demonstrate that the current gear is unlikely to maintain carp biomass below target thresholds even at substantially increased levels of effort due to gear selectivity, compensatory recruitment, and periodic large recruitment events resulting from lake level increases. A hypothetical gear selecting for juvenile carp is predicted to have a meaningful chance of maintaining low carp biomass, particularly if effort is at least tripled over current levels. These simulations illustrate the value of analytically exploring multiple management approaches when conducting adaptive management. Even when historically used methods have been successful at approaching management objectives, their suitability may change as ecosystem state changes. Periodic re‐assessment of ecosystem state and willingness to explore potential alternative approaches is critical to the long‐term success of any management program as socio‐ecological systems and knowledge change.
Habitat affinity and density‐dependent movement as indicators of fish habitat restoration efficacy
Authors: Polivka Carlos M.
Published: June 2020

Conceptual and methodological tools from behavioral ecology can inform studies of habitat quality, and their potential for evaluating habitat restoration in conservation efforts is explored here. Such approaches provide mechanistic detail in understanding the relationship between organisms and their habitats and are thus more informative than correlations between density and habitat characteristics. Several Pacific salmon species have been the target of habitat restoration efforts for the past 2–3 decades, but most post‐restoration effectiveness studies have been limited to correlative data described above. In mark–recapture assays from four different study years, the affinity of sub‐yearling Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tschawytscha) and steelhead (O. mykiss) for stream pools restored with or created by engineered log structures was greater than that for pools without restoration, though with high interannual variability. From corresponding distribution and density data, it was clear that habitat affinity data are not always concordant with single observations of density. The same was true of the correlation between either affinity or density and physical characteristics of pools, although depth and current velocity had some explanatory power for both responses in Chinook. Movement into pools by Chinook during the assays indicated that restored pools can support more immigrants at a given density than can unrestored pools; however, no such pattern emerged for steelhead. Variation among individuals in body condition has implications for population‐wide fitness, and such low variation was correlated with stronger affinity for pools in Chinook regardless of restoration status. This suggests that pools may mediate habitat‐related trade‐offs and that restoring them might have a positive effect on fitness. Thus affinity, immigration, and condition data give much‐needed mechanistic indication of habitat selection for restored habitat via an apparent capacity increase and those potential fitness benefits. This is stronger support for restoration effectiveness than density differences alone because density data (1) may simply indicate redistribution of fish from poor to good habitats and (2) are not adequate to show correlations between restoration and positive change in traits correlated with fitness.
9‐Borabicyclononane Bipyridyl Complexes: Synthesis, Luminescence, and Electronic Characterization
Authors: Chrzanowski Matthew , Collins Stephanie , Zeller Matthias , Gray Thomas G.
Published: June 2020

This work presents the use of organoboron compounds as anolytes in redox flow batteries. Through the study of their structural, electrochemical, and photophysical properties, four bipyridyl boronium salts show potential for application in such batteries. The compounds were synthesized in moderate to high yields by previously published methods. We find when using chelating bipyridyl‐based substituents, the complexes undergo two reversible reductions; however, when switching to phenanthroline‐based substituents, the reduction events are no longer reversible. Density‐functional theory calculations indicate that the chelating nitrogen heterocycle is the locus of reduction and fluorescence.
Application of Saponin for Cholesterol Removal from Pacific White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) Lipid
Authors: Raju Navaneethan , Benjakul Soottawat
Published: June 2020

The removal of cholesterol from lipid obtained from Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) cephalothorax using saponin in conjunction with celite under various conditions is investigated. Various lipid:saponin ratios (1:2, 1:4, and 1:6, W/W) with different lipid:solvent ratios (1:20, 1:40, and 1:80, W/V) are employed with a treatment time of 4 h. The highest cholesterol removal (88.77 ± 0.18%) is obtained with a lipid:saponin ratio of 1:6 and 20 volumes of 50% ethanol. As the treatment time is increased from 1 to 4 h, higher cholesterol removal is achieved. Lipid peroxides and conjugated dienes are higher in the lipid after cholesterol removal compared to untreated lipid, while thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, the ρ‐anisidine value and free fatty acids are reduced. However, the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content in the saponin‐treated lipid (18.06 ± 0.37 g/100 g−1) is higher than that of untreated lipid (15.80 ± 0.17 g/100 g−1). FTIR spectra confirmed the formation of hydroperoxides, with lower aldehyde, phospholipid and free fatty acid contents in the cholesterol‐removed lipid. The process developed employing saponin is able to produce crude shrimp lipid with a pronounced decrease in cholesterol, but augmented PUFAs, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Practical Applications: Shrimp lipid is a vital byproduct capable of extraction from cephalothorax. Due to the presence of astaxanthin, EPA and DHA, shrimp lipid is considered to be a highly useful nutraceutical product. However, the cholesterol content of shrimp lipid is a major constraint on its human consumption. The negative impact of cholesterol content can be overcome by lowering the cholesterol content. Saponin treatment of shrimp lipid is able to reduce the cholesterol level and increase the PUFA, thus solving the high cholesterol problem and also gaining augmented health benefits.
Internal Reforming Solid Oxide Fuel Cell System Operating under Direct Ethanol Feed Condition
Authors: Elharati Mohamed A. , Dewa Martinus , Bkour Qusay , Mohammed Hussain A. , Miura Yohei , Dong Song , Fukuyama Yosuke , Dale Nilesh , Marin-Flores Oscar G. , Ha Su
Published: June 2020

A button‐typed single solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) with an internal catalytic reforming layer is tested for direct‐fed ethanol SOFC technology. This catalytic functional layer consists of 5 wt% Rh/CeZrO2 catalyst and is applied in front of conventional nickel–yttria–stabilized zirconia (Ni–YSZ) anode to convert the ethanol fuel (35 vol%) into a hydrogen‐rich gas stream via the ethanol steam reforming reaction under harsh operating conditions for 24 h (steam‐to‐carbon [S/C] ratio = 3.1, 600 °C, and weight hourly space velocity [WHSV] of 176 h−1). The X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images reveal highly dispersed Rh nanoparticles with an average size of 2 nm over CeZrO2 support. Unlike the button cell without the catalytic functional layer, the electrochemical performance of the button cell with the catalytic functional layer illustrates a high coking resistance while maintaining a good power density output. The proposed SOFC with the catalytic functional layer is a viable solution for future electric cars with bioethanol‐fed SOFC technology.
Glut1 Deficiency Syndrome (Glut1DS): State of the art in 2020 and recommendations of the international Glut1DS study group
Authors: Klepper Joerg , Akman Cigdem , Armeno Marisa , Auvin Stéphane , Cervenka Mackenzie , Cross Helen J. , De Giorgis Valentina , Della Marina Adela , Engelstad Kristin , Heussinger Nicole , Kossoff Eric H. , Leen Wilhelmina G. , Leiendecker Baerbel , Monani Umrao R. , Oguni Hirokazu , Neal Elizabeth , Pascual Juan M. , Pearson Toni S. , Pons Roser , Scheffer Ingrid E. , Veggiotti Pierangelo , Willemsen Michél , Zuberi Sameer M. , De Vivo Darryl C.
Published: June 2020

Glut1 deficiency syndrome (Glut1DS) is a brain energy failure syndrome caused by impaired glucose transport across brain tissue barriers. Glucose diffusion across tissue barriers is facilitated by a family of proteins including glucose transporter type 1 (Glut1). Patients are treated effectively with ketogenic diet therapies (KDT) that provide a supplemental fuel, namely ketone bodies, for brain energy metabolism. The increasing complexity of Glut1DS, since its original description in 1991, now demands an international consensus statement regarding diagnosis and treatment. International experts (n = 23) developed a consensus statement utilizing their collective professional experience, responses to a standardized questionnaire, and serial discussions of wide‐ranging issues related to Glut1DS. Key clinical features signaling the onset of Glut1DS are eye‐head movement abnormalities, seizures, neurodevelopmental impairment, deceleration of head growth, and movement disorders. Diagnosis is confirmed by the presence of these clinical signs, hypoglycorrhachia documented by lumbar puncture, and genetic analysis showing pathogenic SLC2A1 variants. KDT represent standard choices with Glut1DS‐specific recommendations regarding duration, composition, and management. Ongoing research has identified future interventions to restore Glut1 protein content and function. Clinical manifestations are influenced by patient age, genetic complexity, and novel therapeutic interventions. All clinical phenotypes will benefit from a better understanding of Glut1DS natural history throughout the life cycle and from improved guidelines facilitating early diagnosis and prompt treatment. Often, the presenting seizures are treated initially with antiseizure drugs before the cause of the epilepsy is ascertained and appropriate KDT are initiated. Initial drug treatment fails to treat the underlying metabolic disturbance during early brain development, contributing to the long‐term disease burden. Impaired development of the brain microvasculature is one such complication of delayed Glut1DS treatment in the postnatal period. This international consensus statement should facilitate prompt diagnosis and guide best standard of care for Glut1DS throughout the life cycle.
Morphological evolution of a barchan dune migrating past an offshore wind farm foundation
Authors: Couldrey Amelia J. , Benson Thomas , Knaapen Michiel A.F. , Marten Kerry V. , Whitehouse Richard J.S.
Published: June 2020

As the number of manmade structures installed on the seafloor is increasing rapidly, we seek to understand the impact of these immobile obstacles on marine geomorphological processes, such as the evolution of bedforms. A 5.8 m diameter monopile foundation was installed at the case study offshore windfarm approximately 30 m ahead of an approaching barchan (crescent‐shaped) dune. The impact of the monopile on the dune's evolution was analysed using six multibeam bathymetry surveys spanning 20 years. To substantiate this analysis, coupled three‐dimensional numerical modelling of flows and sediment was conducted in which the scour inducing bed shear stresses were calculated from the modelled turbulent kinetic energy. Following the installation of the monopile, the mid‐section of the dune accelerated and stretched in the direction of the wake of the monopile. Four years after the monopile's installation the rest of the dune had caught up, flattening out the slip face within half the dune's length downstream of the monopile. Due to the modified flow field, the dune was scoured deeply at the base of the monopile to a depth of 6.8 m (supported by the model results that predicted a scour depth exceeding 2 m over a period of just a few days). The surveyed volume of material scoured amounted to 8% of the total dune volume. Whilst the process of scouring occurs at a timescale of days to weeks, the dune migrated on average by 25 m/yr. The difference in the timescale of the two processes allowed the scouring to occur through the full thickness of the dune. The scoured dune profile recovered rapidly once the dune migrated downstream of the monopile. This article demonstrates how large geomorphological features can intercept and migrate past a monopile foundation without long‐lasting impacts on the integrity of the feature or the foundation. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
State‐of‐health prediction for lithium‐ion batteries via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and artificial neural networks
Authors: Li Yige , Dong Bo , Zerrin Taner , Jauregui Evan , Wang Xichao , Hua Xia , Ravichandran Dwaraknath , Shang Ruoxu , Xie Jia , Ozkan Mihrimah , Ozkan Cengiz S.
Published: June 2020

A detailed and in‐depth prediction of the state‐of‐health of lithium ion batteries (LIB) remains a major challenge. Meanwhile, the dynamic changes in the thermal and electrochemical characteristics of the interphases are important for the determination of battery health. Herein, we performed electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements and equivalent circuit analysis on Panasonic NCR 18650B batteries under different states of charge (SOC), overcharge, and overdischarge cycling conditions. Three indicators of the comprehensive state of health (CSOH) of the batteries were summarized based on the values of the resistances obtained from equivalent circuit analysis from the EIS measurements. CSOH represents the dynamic electrochemical characteristics of the LIBs. By evaluating the CSOH indicators, we have developed an artificial neural network (ANN) model which can provide an effective prediction of the future CSOH of the LIBs. Percent error estimations have been done by implementing the Tanh activation function, and the estimation results of predicted equivalent series resistance, charge‐transfer resistance, and solid‐electrolyte interphase resistance are 5%, 1.5%, and 1%, respectively. The ANN model based on EIS analysis is a straightforward and effective approach that can provide novel routes for CSOH prediction of LIBs.
Scalable coral‐like silicon powders with three‐dimensional interconnected structures for lithium ion battery anodes
Authors: Liu Jingjing , Li Changling , Dong Bo , Yan Yiran , Zerrin Taner , Ozkan Mihrimah , Ozkan Cengiz S.
Published: June 2020

Silicon has attracted a lot of attention as a potential anode material for next‐generation lithium ion batteries (LIBs) because of its high energy density, high theoretical capacity, and abundance. Herein, we introduce an effortless synthesis of coral‐like silicon powders with a three‐dimensional (3D) interlinked network using a scalable method that consist of magnesiothermic reduction and chemical vapor deposition. The porous structure achieved by silicon nanospheres can create room for the volume expansion and alleviate the built strain that would occur upon lithiation. In addition, intertwined coral‐like framework provides a shortened path for lithium ion diffusion, which can improve the ionic conductivity of the cells. At a high current rate of C/2, a reversible capacity of 3172 mAh g−1 was delivered by the silicon‐carbon nanocomposite electrode, and the capacity still remains as high as 1018 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles, while the Columbic efficiency is higher than 99%. The inexpensive, effective, and scalable fabrication of porous silicon‐carbon nanocomposite spheres possessing a 3D interlinked network could establish a basis for developing high energy density anode materials to be used in next‐generation LIBs.