bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subsurface Drip Fertigation, Irrigation Regimes and Short Duration Pulses on Productivity of Cotton-Maize Cropping Sequence
Authors: Sathyamoorthy N. K. , Ragavan R. , Prabhakaran J. , Prakash P. , Ramanathan S. P. , Dheebakaran Ga. , Guhan V. , Raja R. Senthil , Kokilavani S. , Bhuvaneswari K.
Published: July 2022

Fertigation, a latest technology wherein nutrients are applied along with irrigation water. Fertigation opens new possibilities for controlling water and nutrient supplies to crops besides maintaining the desired concentration and distribution of water and nutrients to the soil. Research works on drip fertigation under intercropping situation is very limited. Input information on optimal schedules for micro-irrigation and fertigation to cotton and maize with intercropping of pulses will have to be generated, thus enabling the option of micro irrigation under intercropping situation. The experiment was laid out in split split plot design with three replications. The main plot consists of two irrigation levels viz., 75 and 100 % PE reading, sub plot contains three drip fertigation levels viz., 75, 100 and 125 % and sub sub plot consist intercropping with short duration pulses viz., sole crop of maize/cotton, intercrop with cow pea, blackgram and cluster bean. The result revealed that no significant differences were noticed in number of bolls, boll weight under different irrigation regimes. Among the fertigation level, 125% RDF recorded higher number of bolls plant-1 and boll weight. The cotton equivalent yield of 3860 kg ha-1 with water saving of 24 per cent was accrued under cotton intercropped with blackgram and irrigation regime of 100% PE with application of 125% RDF (150:75:75 kgs NPK/ha) and it was followed by irrigation regime at 75% PE it increased 18.9% cotton yield compared to control (2099 kg ha-1) with water saving of 40.6%.  Regarding maize based intercropping system, maize + black gram intercropping with irrigation regime of 100% PE and 100% RDF (250: 75: 75 kg NPK/ha) gave higher maize equivalent yield of 7735 kg/ha. In cotton – maize sequence, intercropping of black gram found to be best suitable system with the irrigation level of 100% PE and 125% RDF (150:75:75 kg NPK/ha) for cotton and 100% RDF (250: 75: 75 kg NPK/ha) for maize is recommended to get higher yield.
Impact of Growth Retardant and Defoliant on Morpho-physiological Traits and Yield Improvement in Cotton
Authors: Dharani K. , Ravichandran V. , Anandakumar S. , Sritharan N. , Sakthivel N.
Published: July 2022

In cotton, mechanized harvesting has gained popularity in recent years due to labor-intensive process and shortage of labor. Moreover, mechanized harvesting of cotton depends on plant morphological characters like plant height, internodal length and synchronized boll maturity and opening etc. Mechanized harvesting enhancing the harvesting efficiency of cotton which is achieved by the use of some chemicals to attain good lint yield and fibre quality. With this background, the field experiment was conducted to study the impact of growth retardant and defoliant on morpho-physiological traits and yield improvement in cotton (CO 17) during 2021-2022 by following randomized block design with four treatments and five replications. The current study revealed that spraying of 0.015% mepiquat chloride (MC) at square formation and boll development stage significantly reduced the leaf area, plant height, total dry weight and boll number when compared to control. However, chlorophyll content and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) were recorded higher in 0.015% mepiquat chloride (MC) applied treatments than control. Moreover, spraying of mepiquat chloride (0.015%) at square formation and boll development stage followed by spraying of 0.9% sodium chlorate (SC) at 60% boll bursting stage significantly increased the seed cotton yield compared to other treatments and recorded maximum seed cotton yield of 25.22% compared to control. Results clearly indicate that application of MC followed by SC could be a better practice for canopy management in cotton, resulting in improved efficiency of mechanical harvesting and good lint yield and fibre quality.
Benchtop Septic System for Effluent Treatment - A Laboratory Development
Authors: Dölle Klaus , Lex Simon
Published: July 2022

One in every five households in the United States of America operates a decentralized water treatment systems which is also know as septic system, which may contribute to pollutions in water bodies if not operated properly. For this research a 15.0-liter (3.97 gal.) laboratory benchtop septic system was designed, build, installed and operated at a temperature of 23.0°C (73.4°F) to investigate the remediation of municipal wastewater. A three-week start-up phase was used prior to operating the system with unfiltered wastewater collected from primary clarifier at a wastewater treatment. The operational test phase included an hydraulic retention rate of 5, 10 and 20 days which corresponds to 3000 ml/d, 1500 ml/d, and 750 ml/d respectively.

Based on the above results, the laboratory benchtop septic system minimum effluent values for the chemical oxygen demand are 18±1 mg/l, and 60±10 mg/l for the total solids content, and <5±1 mg/l for the total suspended solids. These values correspond to the published effluent concentration range of 30% to 80% of influent concentrations for septic tanks.

The results show, that the laboratory benchtop septic systems is able to reduce the chemical oxygen demand, total solids content, and total suspended solids content level of municipal wastewater and can be a valuable tool to access the performance of septic systems utilizing different wastewater influent types.
Inhibitory Effect on Hexokinase II by Benzimidazoles and the Insight into Interactions
Authors: Navarro Hillary J. , Saul Jhawn G. , Huckleby Andrew E. , Kim Sung-Kun
Published: July 2022

Background: Benzimidazoles are aromatic, heterocyclic organic molecules which exhibit pharmacological potential as anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, anti-hypertensive, anticancer agent, and anthelmintic treatments. The benzimidazoles could inhibit human hexokinase II, which is a critical factor in the glycolysis pathway in humans.

Methods: Autodock analyses were performed for the initial docking between human hexokinase II and benzimidazoles. To determine the IC50 values by benzimidazole compounds, hexokinase enzyme assay was executed using continuous colorimetric detection. In addition, the insight into binding interactions was revealed primarily by Gromacs molecular dynamics simulations.

Results: We tested the most common benzimidazoles such as Fenbendazole, Albendazole, and Mebendazole on the target enzyme hexokinase II. The Autodock vina showed that the binding affinity values were between -7.9 and -6.1 kcal/mol for all three benzimidazoles. The IC50 values were 0.29, 2.5, and 10 μM for Fenbendazole, Albendazole, and Mebendazole, respectively.

Conclusions: Taken altogether, Fenbendazole appears to show most effective inhibition on hexokinase II. This research may give better insight in development of target-specific benzimidazole derivatives as potential anticancer therapeutics.
Osteoimmunity‐Regulating Biomimetically Hierarchical Scaffold for Augmented Bone Regeneration
Authors: Zhang Jin , Tong Dongmei , Song Honghai , Ruan Renjie , Sun Yifu , Lin Yandai , Wang Jun , Hou Linxi , Dai Jiayong , Ding Jianxun , Yang Huanghao
Published: July 2022

Engineering a proper immune response following biomaterial implantation is essential to bone tissue regeneration. Herein, a biomimetically hierarchical scaffold composed of deferoxamine@poly(ε‐caprolactone) nanoparticles (DFO@PCL NPs), manganese carbonyl (MnCO) nanosheets, gelatin methacryloyl hydrogel, and a polylactide/hydroxyapatite (HA) matrix is fabricated to augment bone repair by facilitating the balance of the immune system and bone metabolism. First, a 3D printed stiff scaffold with a well‐organized gradient structure mimics the cortical and cancellous bone tissues; meanwhile, an inside infusion of a soft hydrogel further endows the scaffold with characteristics of the extracellular matrix. A Fenton‐like reaction between MnCO and endogenous hydrogen peroxide generated at the implant‐tissue site triggers continuous release of carbon monoxide and Mn2+, thus significantly lessening inflammatory response by upregulating the M2 phenotype of macrophages, which also secretes vascular endothelial growth factor to induce vascular formation. Through activating the hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α pathway, Mn2+ and DFO@PCL NP further promote angiogenesis. Moreover, DFO inhibits osteoclast differentiation and synergistically collaborates with the osteoinductive activity of HA. Based on amounts of data in vitro and in vivo, strong immunomodulatory, intensive angiogenic, weak osteoclastogenic, and superior osteogenic abilities of such an osteoimmunity‐regulating scaffold present a profound effect on improving bone regeneration, which puts forward a worthy base and positive enlightenment for large‐scale bone defect repair.
Anhydrous Fast Proton Transport Boosted by the Hydrogen Bond Network in a Dense Oxide‐Ion Array of α‐MoO3
Authors: Ma Zihan , Shi Xiang‐Mei , Nishimura Shin‐ichi , Ko Seongjae , Okubo Masashi , Yamada Atsuo
Published: July 2022

Developing high‐power battery chemistry is an urgent task to buffer fluctuating renewable energies and achieve a sustainable and flexible power supply. Owing to the small size of the proton and its ultrahigh mobility in water via the Grotthuss mechanism, aqueous proton batteries are an attractive candidate for high‐power energy storage devices. Grotthuss proton transfer is ultrafast owing to the hydrogen‐bonded networks of water molecules. In this work, similar continuous hydrogen bond networks in a dense oxide‐ion array of solid α‐MoO3 are discovered, which facilitate the anhydrous proton transport even without structural water. The fast proton transfer and accumulation that occurs during (de)intercalation in α‐MoO3 is unveiled using both experiments and first‐principles calculations. Coupled with a zinc anode and a superconcentrated Zn2+/H+ electrolyte, the proton‐transport mechanism in anhydrous hydrogen‐bonded networks realizes an aqueous MoO3–Zn battery with large capacity, long life, and fast charge–discharge abilities.
How economic conditions changed the number of U.S. Farms, 1960–1988: A replication and extension of Gale (1990) to midsize farms in the United States and abroad
Authors: Sant'Anna Ana Claudia , Katchova Ani L.
Published: July 2022

We replicate and extend the analysis of Gale (1990) to provide insight into the role of economic conditions on farm distributions in the United States and abroad. Our underlying hypothesis is that the effects of the economic factors on the change in farm numbers remain the same (direction wise) for different times, farm sizes, and countries/regions. We investigate the role of economic conditions on the disappearing middle farms. We extend the analysis to include the time period 1960–2020 and more economic factors, estimate the models by farm size categories, using seemingly unrelated regression, and apply it to international settings (Brazil and the Eurozone). We find no evidence to support the disappearing middle farm hypothesis, despite a declining trend in the number of US midsize farms. The role of economic factors changes according to farm size and country. Economic factors (e.g., population, financial stress, and infrastructure) are important to explain the increase in small and midsize farm numbers in Brazil, and the decreasing small farm numbers in the Eurozone, showing opposite trends in farm numbers globally.
Advances in the pathogenesis of Rett syndrome using cell models
Authors: Lu Sijia , Chen Yongchang , Wang Zhengbo
Published: July 2022

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a progressive neurodevelopmental disorder that occurs mainly in girls with a range of typical symptoms of autism spectrum disorders. MeCP2 protein loss‐of‐function in neural lineage cells is the main cause of RTT pathogenicity. As it is still hard to understand the mechanism of RTT on the basis of only clinical patients or animal models, cell models cultured in vitro play indispensable roles. Here we reviewed the research progress in the pathogenesis of RTT at the cellular level, summarized the preclinical‐research‐related applications, and prospected potential future development.
HPV status and HPV16 viral load in anal cancer and its association with clinical outcome
Authors: Guerendiain Daniel , Grigorescu Raluca , Kirk Anna , Stevenson Andrew , Holden Matthew T. G. , Pan Jiafeng , Kavanagh Kim , Graham Sheila V. , Cuschieri Kate
Published: July 2022

Background

The incidence of anal cancer is increasing globally. Evidence‐based improvement in early detection and management of this morbid cancer is thus required. In other cancers associated with Human Papillomavirus (HPV), viral status and dynamics, including viral load (VL) has been shown to influence clinical outcome. Our aim was to determine the influence of HPV status and HPV16 VL on the clinical outcomes of anal cancer patients.

Methods

A total of 185 anal cancer lesions were genotyped for HPV. Of the HPV16 positive component, VL was determined using a digital droplet PCR assay. The association of qualitative HPV status and VL (low (<12.3), medium (12.3–57) and high (>57 copies/cell)) on overall survival and hazard of death was assessed.

Results

Of the 185 cases, 164 (88.6%) samples were HPV positive. HPV16 was detected in 154/185 samples (83.2%). HPV positive status was associated with improved overall survival in the univariate analysis [hazard ratio (HR) of 0.44, 0.23–0.82, p = 0.01]. When adjusted by age, sex, stage and response to treatment, the association of positive HPV status with improved survival remained (HR 0.24 [0.11–0.55] p < 0.001). High VL was associated with improved overall survival in the univariate analysis with a HR of 0.28 (0.11–0.71, p = 0.007). When adjusted only by age and sex, high VL was associated with better overall survival (HR 0.27, 0.11–0.68 p = 0.006).

Conclusions

HPV status appears to be independently associated with improved outcomes in anal cancer patients. Moreover, HPV viral load quantification may be informative for further risk stratification and warrants further investigation.
Uncooked rice consumption: Causes, implications, regulation, and interventions
Authors: Bruce Rebecca M. , Crandall Philip G. , Atungulu Griffiths G. , O'Bryan Corliss A.
Published: July 2022

Background and Objectives

Uncooked rice is not classified as produce under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) of the United States Food and Drug Administration produce safety rule because it is considered a food grain that is typically processed before consumption. However, uncooked rice is eaten by members of the raw food movement, pregnant pica patients, refugees in war zones, and young women as a perceived beauty treatment.

Findings

The consumption of raw rice may pose serious health risks such as foodborne illness, gastrointestinal issues, exposure to lectin and heavy metals, dental problems, and poor nutrition in consumers, especially those with low immunity including children and pregnant women. This review identifies the various circumstances under which raw rice is eaten or may be eaten, the possible health risks associated with raw rice consumption, and interventions that can be made to prevent the consumption of raw rice.

Conclusions

Many interventions are available to curb the raw rice consumption problem, including providing alternative sources of energy for cooking, medical interventions like iron therapy and psychological counseling for pica patients, and public education on the risks associated with the consumption of raw foods, and clearly differentiating foods that can be eaten raw from those that should not be eaten raw.

Significance and Novelty

This review raises awareness and provides vital multifaceted interventions that may influence policy changes that lead to a reduction in risk.
Gluten‐free traditional Turkish noodle with Macrolepiota procera mushroom: Functional, textural, thermal and sensory characteristics
Authors: Süfer Özge
Published: July 2022

Background and Objectives

The powder of dried Macrolepiota procera was used in gluten‐free (GF) Turkish noodle production by substituting rice flour (RF), in the ratios of 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% for the fortification of traditional egg pasta (erişte).

Findings

Cooking was responsible for decreasing brightness, redness‐blueness, and hardness in all samples when compared to unboiled ones. Declines in the amount of RF in formulation enhanced ash (from 0.749% to 1.247%), protein (from 12.688% to 18.063%), mineral, total phenolics (from 322.368 to 692.982 mg gallic acid equivalent) and antioxidant activity by DPPH (from 2.390 to 20.049 μmol Trolox equivalent [TE]) and FRAP (from 0.713 to 16.350 μmol TE); however, moisture (from 10.831% to 10.208%), crude fat (from 4.515% to 3.231%) and total carbohydrate amounts (from 71.217% to 67.251%) lowered. The starch gelatinization enthalpies of GF erişte specimens including 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% M. procera powder were 297.840, 293.670, 254.520, and 230.560 J/g, respectively.

Conclusions

Enriched noodles gave very similar overall acceptability scores compared to control.

Significance and Novelty

This research offers an innovative and alternative food product for celiac patients and gluten intolerant individuals as well as people who have begun to consume foods involving no gluten.
Modulation of calcineurin signaling during development
Authors: Tucker Edmister Sara , Creton Robbert
Published: July 2022

Calcineurin signaling pathways are suppressed in Down syndrome (trisomy 21), by overexpression of genes that are located on chromosome 21. Two key genes are the regulator of calcineurin 1 (RCAN1), also called the Down syndrome critical region 1 (DSCR1), and the dual‐specificity tyrosine‐phosphorylation‐regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A). The suppressed calcineurin pathway may potentially be restored using small‐molecule DYRK inhibitors, which have been proposed as therapeutics in Down syndrome. However, little is known about the benefits and risks of such treatments during various stages of embryonic development, fetal development, and childhood. We examined the modulation of calcineurin signaling during development, using zebrafish as a model system. To mimic suppressed calcineurin signaling in Down syndrome, zebrafish were exposed to the calcineurin inhibitors cyclosporine and tacrolimus during development. We found that suppression of calcineurin signaling changed specific larval behaviors, including activity and responses to acoustic and visual stimuli, depending on the period of exposure. Cotreatment with the DYRK inhibitor proINDY restored a few of these behaviors but also induced a range of adverse side effects including decreased activity and reduced optomotor responses to visual stimuli. Based on these results, we conclude that proINDY has limited benefits and substantial risks when used during development. We propose that zebrafish is an efficient model system for preliminary safety and efficacy tests of other DYRK inhibitors that aim to restore calcineurin signaling during neural development.
Shifting thermal regimes influence competitive feeding and aggression dynamics of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and creek chub (Semotilus atromaculatus)
Authors: Colby Bryan R. , Niles Jon M. , Persons Matthew H. , Wilson Matthew J.
Published: July 2022

The natural distributions of freshwater fish species are limited by their thermal tolerances via physiological constraints and increased interspecific competition as temperatures shift toward the thermal optima of other syntopic species. Species may mediate stress from temperature change physiologically, behaviorally, or both; but these changes may compromise competitive advantages through effects on feeding and social behavior. In the Appalachian Mountains of North America, creek chub (Semotilus atromaculatus) are found in warm‐water and cold‐water streams and overlap in range with brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) across lower thermal maxima, where they compete for food and space. As stream temperatures continue to increase due to climate change, brook trout are under increasing thermal stress which may negatively affect their ability to compete with creek chub. To examine the influences of temperature on competitive interactions between these species, we observed feeding behavior, aggression, and habitat use differences at three temperatures approaching brook trout thermal maxima (18°C, 20°C, and 22°C) among dyad pairs for all combinations of species in experimental flow‐through tanks. We also examined feeding and habitat use of both species under solitary conditions. We found as temperature increased, feeding and aggression of brook trout were significantly reduced in the presence of creek chub. Creek chub pairs were more likely to occupy benthic areas and refugia while brook trout pairs used surface water more. Space use patterns significantly changed by pairing treatment. Aggression and space use shifts allowed increased exploitative and interference competition from creek chub when paired with brook trout that was not present in conspecific pairs. The decreased dominance of a top predator may lead to diverse impacts on stream community dynamics with implications for the future range restriction of brook trout and demonstrate possible mechanisms to facilitate competitive advantages of warm water generalist species under thermal stress.
Integrative analysis of stressor gradients reveals multiple discrete trait‐defined axes underlie community assembly
Authors: Barrett Isabelle C. , McIntosh Angus R. , Febria Catherine M. , Graham S. Elizabeth , Burdon Francis J. , Pomeranz Justin P. F. , Warburton Helen J.
Published: July 2022

The generalizable functional attributes of organisms (traits) relate strongly to their environment across multiple levels of biological organization, making trait‐based approaches a powerful mechanistic framework to understand species distributions and community composition in relation to environmental change. To investigate how a wide range of stressor types shape stream macroinvertebrate communities, we conducted an integrative analysis using community and taxon trait information across drying, flooding, eutrophication, fine sediment, and acid mine drainage (AMD) gradients. Each gradient spanned relatively unimpacted to severely impacted sites. To characterize community change in response to stressors, we incorporated abundance‐based trait information from all stressor gradients in a single trait‐based ordination (nonmetric multidimensional scaling), defining the trait space within which each stressor gradient acted. We hypothesized that different stressors would apply different environmental filters, moving communities along distinct axes in trait space and resulting in communities with definable trait combinations. Particularly strong relationships were associated with anthropogenically derived stressors (fine sediment, eutrophication, and AMD) compared to natural stressors (drying and flooding). Anthropogenic stressors instigated significant movement of communities along multiple axes in trait space, likely driven by limited adaptation to these novel stressors. We demonstrate that trait‐based analysis of communities across multiple stressor gradients can support a more comprehensive understanding of how community composition changes than taxonomic methods or investigation of a single stressor type, and could underpin community‐focused management actions.
Evaluation of the in vitro bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds of black cumin (BARI‐1cumin) methanolic extract
Authors: Ansary Johura , Regolo Lucia , Machì Michele , Salinari Alessia , Cianciosi Danila
Published: July 2022

This study aims to evaluate the phenolic contents, chemical composition, mineral amount as well as antioxidant activity of methanolic extracts from dried black cumin (Nigella sativa L; family: Ranunculaceae) seed powder. We also performed an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion process to understand the effect on phenolic components and their antioxidant activity after gastrointestinal digestion. Black cumin showed high amounts of total phenolic and flavonoid contents, such as dihydroxybenzoic acid and ferulic acid, through high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis. Six mineral elements (Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Se, and Zn) were determined by using coupled plasma mass spectrometry, while 25 fatty acids (13 saturated, 7 unsaturated, and 5 unsaturated omega fatty acids) were also identified by gas chromatography, with linoleic acid the most present. In addition, black cumin extract presented high antioxidant capacity measured by DPPH, FRAP, and TEAC. Additionally, dried black cumin powder was evaluated after gastrointestinal digestion: phenolic compounds (1.81‐fold), flavonoids (1.03‐fold), and antioxidant capacity (up to 2.1‐fold) increased in gastric fraction compared to the undigested methanolic extract. Moreover, a higher amount (p < 0.05) of total phenolic content and flavonoids, as well as higher total antioxidant capacity, were found in the gastric and elimination fraction than in the bioaccessible fraction. Our results demonstrated that there were a significant decrease in the quantity of phenolic compounds (68%) and flavonoids (95.53%) after gastrointestinal digestion in the bioaccessible fraction as well as a reduced the antioxidant activity (10.79%–94.84%), suggesting that phenolic compounds are responsible for antioxidant activity.
Edible insects: A novel nutritious, functional, and safe food alternative
Authors: Giampieri Francesca , Alvarez‐Suarez José M. , Machì Michele , Cianciosi Danila , Navarro‐Hortal Maria D. , Battino Maurizio
Published: July 2022

In a world where 1 billion people suffer from hunger, lands and seas are overexploited and production systems are unsustainable, and there is an urgent need to find alternative foods. In this context, insects represent a good source of macro‐ and micronutrients and even bioactive compounds that could contribute to reducing nutritional deficiency and preventing some human diseases. However, some aspects related to their consumption, including health risks, need to be clarified. This communication aims to summarize the nutritional/phytochemical profile of common edible insects and the main safety concerns, highlighting the possible strategies to promote entomophagy in a more conscious way.
Development of myelinating glia: An overview
Authors: Cristobal Carlo D. , Lee Hyun Kyoung
Published: July 2022

Myelin is essential to nervous system function, playing roles in saltatory conduction and trophic support. Oligodendrocytes (OLs) and Schwann cells (SCs) form myelin in the central and peripheral nervous systems respectively and follow different developmental paths. OLs are neural stem‐cell derived and follow an intrinsic developmental program resulting in a largely irreversible differentiation state. During embryonic development, OL precursor cells (OPCs) are produced in distinct waves originating from different locations in the central nervous system, with a subset developing into myelinating OLs. OPCs remain evenly distributed throughout life, providing a population of responsive, multifunctional cells with the capacity to remyelinate after injury. SCs derive from the neural crest, are highly dependent on extrinsic signals, and have plastic differentiation states. SC precursors (SCPs) are produced in early embryonic nerve structures and differentiate into multipotent immature SCs (iSCs), which initiate radial sorting and differentiate into myelinating and non‐myelinating SCs. Differentiated SCs retain the capacity to radically change phenotypes in response to external signals, including becoming repair SCs, which drive peripheral regeneration. While several transcription factors and myelin components are common between OLs and SCs, their differentiation mechanisms are highly distinct, owing to their unique lineages and their respective environments. In addition, both OLs and SCs respond to neuronal activity and regulate nervous system output in reciprocal manners, possibly through different pathways. Here, we outline their basic developmental programs, mechanisms regulating their differentiation, and recent advances in the field.
Hydrosilylation for the synthesis of sequence‐controlled periodic copolymers
Authors: Luh Tien‐Yau , Cheng Yen‐Ju
Published: July 2022

Transition metal‐catalyzed addition of bis‐silyl hydride to bis‐alkyne is widely used for the synthesis of alt‐silylene‐divinyl‐linker copolymer. When the linker for connecting two silyl hydrides is different from that for two alkyne motifs, hydrosilylation reaction will give the corresponding AB‐type copolymer. The reactivity of alkynes can be manipulated by using different protective groups. This kind of strategy would enable us to assemble a range of linkers in regioregular manner or sequence‐controlled tactic. In this account, we summarize our synthetic endeavors on the use of rhodium‐catalyzed hydrosilylation reaction to incorporate different kinds and/or numbers of chromophores arranged regioselectively on the polymeric backbone. The photophysical properties such as those arising from the ground state interactions, fluorescence resonance energy transfer, photoinduced electron transfer, light‐harvesting, or a combination thereof have been systematically examined. These data may offer useful clues on the folding behavior of these silicon‐containing polymers.
Stress among dental students transitioning from remote learning to clinical training during coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: A qualitative study
Authors: Garcia Patricia Petromilli Nordi Sasso , de Souza Ferreira Franciele , Pazos Júlia Margato
Published: July 2022

Objectives

To identify dental students’ perceptions of stress over returning to in‐person clinical training after remote learning required from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic.

Methods

This was a qualitative observational study. The sample was composed of undergraduate students (n = 47) in the final year of São Paulo State University, School of Dentistry, Araraquara program. The data were collected using a questionnaire created in Google Forms. The data was analyzed using the discourse of the collective subject technique.

Results

More than half of the students (63.8%) reported experiencing stress in the transition from remote learning to clinical training. According to the students, the main causes of this stress were fear of COVID‐19 infection or contamination (31.5%) and insecurity in their clinical treatment skills after having gone so long without training (25.5%). Half of the students surveyed (51.1%) exhibited at least one stress‐related symptom. For most of the students (70.2%), remote learning was insufficient to prepare them for returning to in‐person clinical activities. Performing laboratory pre‐clinical activities prior to clinical training was the suggestion most frequently cited by the students (25.5%), as a way to avoid some of the stress associated with their return to in‐person learning. The main coping strategies adopted by the students upon their return to in‐person learning were making the most of their clinical training, planning cases, and studying relevant topics before treating patients (48.9%).

Conclusion

The dental students perceived high levels of stress during the transition from remote learning to clinical training.
Evaluating a general pediatric/adult genetic counseling clinic in a Midwest medical center
Authors: King Charlie , Nielsen Shelly , Schmanski Andrew , Abdul‐Rahman Omar , Fishler Kristen P.
Published: July 2022

In 2018, the Munroe‐Meyer Institute for Genetics & Rehabilitation (MMI) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) in Omaha, NE created a genetic counseling clinic (GCC) to increase access to genetics services and decrease the time spent between a referral and being seen in a general genetics outpatient clinic. In the GCC, genetic counselors led patient encounters and geneticists served as advisors, rather than primary providers. We conducted a chart review of 109 patients seen in the GCC from November 1, 2018, to March 16, 2020, and obtained information regarding patient demographics, indications, and clinical recommendations as a result of the visit. Most patients seen in this clinic were female (65.1%) and aged 19 years of age or older (54.1%). The primary indications for patients in this clinic included review genetic test results (42.2%), coordination of genetic testing for a known familial variant (30.2%), and concerns for personal or family history suspicious of a genetic condition without dysmorphic features (24.8%). The average patient wait time between referral date and appointment date in the GCC was 49.8 days. The two most common clinical recommendations made by genetic counselors in the GCC were genetic testing (56.1%) and/or follow‐up with specialist (26.5%). These specialists primarily included endocrinology (n = 5), neurology (n = 4), cardiology (n = 4), ophthalmology (n = 3), and audiology (n = 3). We found that the GCC model may be appropriate for patients with (1) genetic test results requiring interpretation, (2) a known familial variant or (3) genetic testing recommended by a specialist physician. Descriptions of the indications and recommendations for patients seen in this GCC provide a framework for potential implementation of a GCC in other regions across the nation.
Dissolved organic phosphorus molecular weight fractionation and apparent bioavailability quantified via coupled sequential ultrafiltration and enzyme hydrolysis
Authors: Hull Danielle K. , Ruttenberg Kathleen C.
Published: July 2022

Aquatic organisms utilize dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP) when phosphate levels are insufficient to satisfy their P‐demand. Its critical role in supporting primary production has motivated efforts to characterize DOP composition and gain insight into its bioavailability. 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (31P‐NMR) spectroscopy, the principal tool currently used by aquatic geochemists to identify compositional aspects of the bulk marine DOP pool, has provided limited compositional detail beyond the immediate P‐bonding environment, and does not provide quantitative information on potential bioavailability of DOP. As a result, the DOP pool remains poorly characterized, limiting predictive power relative to DOP bioavailability. We have developed a sequential ultrafiltration (SUF) method to segregate the DOP pool into four distinct molecular weight ranges. The concentrated molecular weight fractions are then incubated with phosphohydrolytic enzymes to determine the potential bioavailability of monoester‐ and diester‐bound P. DOP molecular weight segregation was verified using commercially available DOP compounds of known molecular weight as analogues for naturally occurring DOP. We have applied the SUF method to surface water samples from a nearshore transect in Kāne'ohe Bay, Hawai'i, and surface waters from oligotrophic Station ALOHA (Hawai'i Ocean Time Series). Results of these field tests indicate that the coupled SUF‐bioavailability method reveals greater compositional complexity of the marine DOP pool than has been resolved by 31P‐NMR studies. Notably, the SUF‐bioavailability method does not require expensive, technically complicated instrumentation (e.g., 31P‐NMR), and thus is readily accessible to researchers wishing to probe marine DOP composition who do not have access to or expertise in 31P‐NMR.
Spatial Dimension Determined Stability of Hierarchical Structures in A(BC)2B Multiblock Copolymers
Authors: Yin Mengchen , Xu Yuci
Published: July 2022

The effect of spatial dimension on the stability of hierarchical nanostructures with different mid‐thin layer k in A(BC)2B multi‐block copolymer are studied using self‐consistent field theory. For the 1D hierarchical lamellae (HL), larger χBC and smaller χAB favor the HL with less k. However, hierarchical cylinders (HC) with more mid‐thin layers are stable at larger χBC. A scaling theory based on the analysis of the single‐chain B/C interfacial energy suggests that the 2D HC phase with more k has a lower single‐chain interfacial energy due to the effect of spatial dimension. Furthermore, the 3D hierarchical gyroid (HG) phase shows the universal behavior based on the scaling analysis; larger χBC leads to the stability of HG with more mid‐thin layers.
Application of 1,1‐ADEQUATE and DFT to correct13C misassignments of carbonyl chemical shifts for carbapenem antibiotics
Authors: Cohen Ryan D. , Wang Xiao , Sherer Edward C. , Martin Gary E.
Published: July 2022

Prior to the development of sensitive proton‐detected 2D NMR experiments, assigning13C signals could be a significant challenge, and mistakes have occurred even for prominent compound classes. In this study, 1,1‐ADEQUATE data were used to unambiguously reassign the13C chemical shifts for the β‐lactam carbonyl at the C‐7 position and the proximal carboxylate at the C‐10 position of the carbapenems, meropenem and imipenem. Density functional theory (DFT) was then investigated to provide sufficiently accurate13C chemical shift predictions, allowing for the carbonyl signal reassignment of thienamycin.
Nutrition for precision health: The time is now
Authors: Qi Lu
Published: July 2022

Precision nutrition has emerged as a boiling area of nutrition research, with a particular focus on revealing the individual variability in response to diets that is determined mainly by the complex interactions of dietary factors with the multi‐tiered “omics” makeups. Reproducible findings from the observational studies and diet intervention trials have lent preliminary but consistent evidence to support the fundamental role of gene–diet interactions in determining the individual variability in health outcomes including obesity and weight loss. Recent investigations suggest that the abundance and diversity of the gut microbiome may also modify the dietary effects; however, considerable instability in the results from the microbiome research has been noted. In addition, growing studies suggest that a complicated multiomics algorithm would be developed by incorporating the genome, epigenome, metabolome, proteome, and microbiome in predicting the individual variability in response to diets. Moreover, precision nutrition would also scrutinize the role of biological (circadian) rhythm in determining the individual variability of dietary effects. The evidence gathered from precision nutrition research will be the basis for constructing precision health dietary recommendations, which hold great promise to help individuals and their health care providers create precise and effective diet plans for precision health in the future.
Maternal free fatty acid concentration during pregnancy is associated with newborn hypothalamic microstructure in humans
Authors: Rasmussen Jerod M. , Thompson Paul M. , Gyllenhammer Lauren E. , Lindsay Karen L. , O'Connor Thomas G. , Koletzko Berthold , Entringer Sonja , Wadhwa Pathik D. , Buss Claudia
Published: July 2022

Objective

This study tested the hypothesis, in a prospective cohort study design, that maternal saturated free fatty acid (sFFA) concentration during pregnancy is prospectively associated with offspring (newborn) hypothalamic (HTH) microstructure and to explore the functional relevance of this association with respect to early‐childhood body fat percentage (BF%).

Methods

In N = 94 healthy newborns (born mean 39.3 [SD 1.5] weeks gestation), diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging was performed shortly after birth (25.3 [12.5] postnatal days), and a subgroup (n = 37) underwent a dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry scan in early childhood (4.7 [SD 0.7] years). Maternal sFFA concentration during pregnancy was quantified in fasting blood samples via liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry. Infant HTH microstructural integrity was characterized using mean diffusivity (MD). Multiple linear regression was used to test the association between maternal sFFA and HTH MD, accounting for newborn sex, age at scan, mean white matter MD, and image quality. Multiple linear regression models also tested the association between HTH MD and early‐childhood BF%, accounting for breastfeeding status.

Results

Maternal sFFA during pregnancy accounted for 8.3% of the variation in newborn HTH MD (β‐std = 0.25; p = 0.006). Furthermore, newborn HTH MD prospectively accounted for 15% of the variation in early‐childhood BF% (β‐std = 0.32; p = 0.019).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that maternal overnutrition during pregnancy may influence the development of the fetal hypothalamus, which, in turn, may have clinical relevance for childhood obesity risk.
Enhancing healthcare professional‐led sexual support in cancer care: Acceptability and usability of an eLearning resource and its impact on attitudes towards providing sexual support
Authors: Bingham Sharon Linsey , Semple Cherith Jane , Flannagan Carrie , Dunwoody Lynn
Published: July 2022

Objective

Barriers to healthcare professional (HP) (HP)‐led sexual support in cancer care include lack of knowledge, skills and evidence‐based educational interventions, to equip HPs to address sexual challenges faced by patients and partners. Consequently, sexual support is often avoided. This study examined HPs' acceptability and usability of the Maximising Sexual Wellbeing: Cancer Care (MSW|CC) eLearning resource for HPs and evaluated its impact on HPs' sexual attitudes and beliefs to providing sexual support in cancer care.

Methods

HPs (n = 87) completed pre and post‐test surveys using the modified 12‐item Sexual Attitudes and Beliefs Scale (SABS). Post‐test, participants rated acceptability and usability of the MSW|CC, with optional free‐text comments. A repeated measures t‐test assessed changes in HPs' scores on the SABS. Descriptive statistics and reporting of free text comments were used to explore HPs' perspectives of the MSW|CC.

Results

SABS scores increased significantly from Time 1 (M = 35.1, SD = 4.8) to Time 2 (M = 40.1, SD = 4.3), t (86) = −10.2, p < 0.001 (two‐tailed) with a medium effect size (d = 0.55); indicating a decrease in HPs' attitudinal barriers to providing sexual support. The MSW|CC was deemed acceptable, user‐friendly and easy to navigate. Healthcare professionals would recommend the use of this eLearning resource to others (3.78/4, SD = 0.5), considered it a good informational resource (3.78/4, SD = 0.5) and straightforward to use (3.8/4, SD 0.42).

Discussion/Conclusion

The MSW|CC reduced HPs' attitudinal barriers towards the provision of HP‐led sexual support in cancer care, whilst being acceptable and useable. The MSW|CC could support implementation of global clinical guidelines advocating for HP‐led sexual support across the treatment trajectory.
Analysis of electrochemical and liver microsomal transformation products of lasalocid by LC/HRMS
Authors: Knoche Lisa , Lisec Jan , Koch Matthias
Published: July 2022

Rationale

Lasalocid (LAS), an ionophore, is used in cattle and poultry farming as feed additive for its antibiotic and growth‐promoting properties. Literature on transformation products (TP) resulting from LAS degradation is limited. So far, only hydroxylation is found to occur as the metabolic reaction during the LAS degradation. To investigate potential TPs of LAS, we used electrochemistry (EC) and liver microsome (LM) assays to synthesize TPs, which were identified using liquid chromatography high‐resolution mass spectrometry (LC/HRMS).

Methods

Electrochemically produced TPs were analyzed online by direct coupling of the electrochemical cell to the electrospray ionization (ESI) source of a Sciex Triple‐TOF high resolution mass spectrometer. Then, EC‐treated LAS solution was collected and analyzed offline using LC/HRMS to confirm stable TPs and improve their annotation with a chemical structure due to informative MS/MS spectra. In a complementary approach, TPs formed by rat and human microsomal incubation were investigated using LC/HRMS. The resulting data were used to investigate LAS modification reactions and elucidate the chemical structure of obtained TPs.

Results

The online measurements identified a broad variety of TPs, resulting from modification reactions like (de‐)hydrogenation, hydration, methylation, oxidation as well as adduct formation with methanol. We consistently observed different ion complexations of LAS and LAS‐TPs (Na+; 2Na+ K+; NaNH4+; KNH4+). Two stable methylated EC‐TPs were found, structurally annotated, and assigned to a likely modification reaction. Using LM incubation, seven TPs were formed, mostly by oxidation/hydroxylation. After the identification of LM‐TPs as Na+‐complexes, we identified LM‐TPs as K+‐complexes.

Conclusion

We identified and characterized TPs of LAS using EC‐ and LM‐based methods. Moreover, we found different ion complexes of LAS‐based TPs. This knowledge, especially the different ion complexes, may help elucidate the metabolic and environmental degradation pathways of LAS.
Molecular regulation of hypoxia through the lenses of noncoding RNAs and epitranscriptome
Authors: Islam Safirul , Mukherjee Chandrama
Published: July 2022

Cells maintain homeostasis in response to environmental stress through specific cell stress responses. Hypoxic stress, well known to be associated with diverse solid tumors, is one of the main reasons for cancer‐related mortality. Although cells can balance themselves well during hypoxic stress, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not well understood. The enhanced appreciation of diverse roles played by noncoding transcriptome and epigenome in recent years has brought to light the involvement of noncoding RNAs and epigenetic modifiers in hypoxic regulation. The emergence of techniques like deep sequencing has facilitated the identification of large numbers of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) that are differentially regulated in various cancers. Similarly, proteomic studies have identified diverse epigenetic modifiers such as HATs, HDACs, DNMTs, polycomb groups of proteins, and their possible roles in the regulation of hypoxia. The crosstalk between lncRNAs and epigenetic modifiers play a pivotal role in hypoxia‐induced cancer initiation and progression. Besides the lncRNAs, several other noncoding RNAs like circular RNAs, miRNAs, and so forth are also expressed during hypoxic conditions. Hypoxia has a profound effect on the expression of noncoding RNAs and epigenetic modifiers. Conversely, noncoding RNAs/epigenetic modifies can regulate the hypoxia signaling axis by modulating the stability of the hypoxia‐inducible factors (HIFs). The focus of this review is to illustrate the molecular orchestration underlying hypoxia biology, especially in cancers, which can help in identifying promising therapeutic targets in hypoxia‐induced cancers.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Regulation of RNA Stability

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease

RNA Structure and Dynamics > RNA Structure, Dynamics and Chemistry
Peer-to-Peer Lending: a Growth-Collapse Model and its Steady-State Analysis
Authors: Boxma Onno , Perry David , Stadje Wolfgang
Published: July 2022

We present a stochastic growth-collapse model for the capital process of a peer-to-peer lending platform. New lenders arrive according to a compound Poisson-type process with a state-dependent intensity function; the growth of the lending capital is from time to time interrupted by partial collapses whose arrival intensities and sizes are also state-dependent. In our model the capital level administered via the platform is the crucial quantity for the generated profit, because the brokerage fee is a fixed (small) fraction of it. Therefore we study its steady-state probability distribution as a key performance measure. In the case of exponentially distributed upward jumps we derive an explicit expression for its probability density, for quite general arrival rates of upward and downward jumps and for certain collapse mechanisms. In the case of generally distributed upward jumps, we derive an explicit expression for the Laplace transform of the steady-state cash level density in various special cases. An alternative model featuring up and down periods and a shot noise mechanism for the downward evolution is also analyzed in steady state.