bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early motor skills predict the developmental trajectory of problem solving in young children with motor delays
Authors: Molinini Rebecca M. , Koziol Natalie A. , Marcinowski Emily C. , Hsu Lin‐Ya , Tripathi Tanya , Harbourne Regina T. , McCoy Sarah W. , Lobo Michele A. , Bovaird James A. , Dusing Stacey C.
Published: May 2021

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to quantify the relationship between early motor skills, such as sitting, and the development of problem‐solving skills in children with motor delays.

Methods

Motor (Gross Motor Function Measure) and problem‐solving (Assessment of Problem‐Solving in Play) skills of 134 children 7–16 months adjusted age at baseline with motor delay were assessed up to 5 times over 12 months. Participants were divided into two groups: mild and significant motor delay.

Results

Motor and problem‐solving scores had large (r’s = 0.53–0.67) and statistically significant (p’s > .01) correlations at all visits. Baseline motor skills predicted baseline and change in problem solving over time. The associations between motor and problem‐solving skills were moderated by level of motor delay, with children with significant motor delay generally having stronger associations compared to those with mild motor delay.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that overall baseline motor skills are predictive of current and future development of problem‐solving skills and that children with significant motor delay have a stronger and more stable association between motor and problem‐solving skills over time. This highlights that children with motor delays are at risk for secondary delays in problem solving, and this risk increases as degree of motor delay increases.
Brain organoids: A promising model to assess oxidative stress‐induced central nervous system damage
Authors: Oyefeso Foluwasomi A. , Muotri Alysson R. , Wilson Christopher G. , Pecaut Michael J.
Published: May 2021

Oxidative stress (OS) is one of the most significant propagators of systemic damage with implications for widespread pathologies such as vascular disease, accelerated aging, degenerative disease, inflammation, and traumatic injury. OS can be induced by numerous factors such as environmental conditions, lifestyle choices, disease states, and genetic susceptibility. It is tied to the accumulation of free radicals, mitochondrial dysfunction, and insufficient antioxidant protection, which leads to cell aging and tissue degeneration over time. Unregulated systemic increase in reactive species, which contain harmful free radicals, can lead to diverse tissue‐specific OS responses and disease. Studies of OS in the brain, for example, have demonstrated how this state contributes to neurodegeneration and altered neural plasticity. As the worldwide life expectancy has increased over the last few decades, the prevalence of OS‐related diseases resulting from age‐associated progressive tissue degeneration. Unfortunately, vital translational research studies designed to identify and target disease biomarkers in human patients have been impeded by many factors (e.g., limited access to human brain tissue for research purposes and poor translation of experimental models). In recent years, stem cell–derived three‐dimensional tissue cultures known as “brain organoids” have taken the spotlight as a novel model for studying central nervous system (CNS) diseases. In this review, we discuss the potential of brain organoids to model the responses of human neural cells to OS, noting current and prospective limitations. Overall, brain organoids show promise as an innovative translational model to study CNS susceptibility to OS and elucidate the pathophysiology of the aging brain.
Psychosocial etiology of maladaptive exercise and its role in eating disorders: A systematic review
Authors: Gorrell Sasha , Flatt Rachael E. , Bulik Cynthia M. , Le Grange Daniel
Published: May 2021

Objective

Although maladaptive exercise (ME) is widely recognized as a clinical feature in transdiagnostic eating disorders, less is known about psychosocial factors that give rise to and perpetuate this behavior. This systematic review aimed to examine the empirical status of this association.

Method

We reviewed 46 full text articles examining longitudinal associations between psychosocial variables and ME.

Results

Eighteen studies met full inclusion criteria. Based on our qualitative synthesis, evidence suggests reasonably consistent associations between early concern with weight and shape, and negative affect on later development of ME.

Discussion

Inconsistent and insufficient assessment of ME across a majority of studies underscores caution in interpretation of results, but guides important discussion for future clinical and research efforts.
The assembly of caprine Y chromosome sequence reveals a unique paternal phylogenetic pattern and improves our understanding of the origin of domestic goat
Authors: Xiao Changyi , Li Jingjin , Xie Tanghui , Chen Jianhai , Zhang Sijia , Elaksher Salma Hassan , Jiang Fan , Jiang Yaoxin , Zhang Lu , Zhang Wei , Xiang Yue , Wu Zhenyang , Zhao Shuhong , Du Xiaoyong
Published: May 2021

The mammalian Y chromosome offers a unique perspective on the male reproduction and paternal evolutionary histories. However, further understanding of the Y chromosome biology for most mammals is hindered by the lack of a Y chromosome assembly. This study presents an integrated in silico strategy for identifying and assembling the goat Y‐linked scaffolds using existing data. A total of 11.5 Mb Y‐linked sequences were clustered into 33 scaffolds, and 187 protein‐coding genes were annotated. We also identified high abundance of repetitive elements. A 5.84 Mb subset was further ordered into an assembly with the evidence from the goat radiation hybrid map (RH map). The existing whole‐genome resequencing data of 96 goats (worldwide distribution) were utilized to exploit the paternal relationships among bezoars and domestic goats. Goat paternal lineages were clearly divided into two clades (Y1 and Y2), predating the goat domestication. Demographic history analyses indicated that maternal lineages experienced a bottleneck effect around 2,000 YBP (years before present), after which goats belonging to the A haplogroup spread worldwide from the Near East. As opposed to this, paternal lineages experienced a population decline around the 10,000 YBP. The evidence from the Y chromosome suggests that male goats were not affected by the A haplogroup worldwide transmission, which implies sexually unbalanced contribution to the goat trade and population expansion in post‐Neolithic period.
Prey preferences of the chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes)
Authors: Bugir Cassandra K. , Butynski Thomas M. , Hayward Matt W.
Published: May 2021

The common chimpanzee Pan troglodytes is the closest extant relative of modern humans and is often used as a model organism to help understand prehistoric human behavior and ecology. Originally presumed herbivorous, chimpanzees have been observed hunting 24 species of birds, ungulates, rodents, and other primates, using an array of techniques from tools to group cooperation. Using the literature on chimpanzee hunting behavior and diet from 13 studies, we aimed to determine the prey preferences of chimpanzees. We extracted data on prey‐specific variables such as targeted species, their body weight, and their abundance within the prey community, and hunter‐specific variables such as hunting method, and chimpanzee group size and sex ratio. We used these data in a generalized linear model to determine what factors drive chimpanzee prey preference. We calculated a Jacobs’ index value for each prey species killed at two sites in Uganda and two sites in Tanzania. Chimpanzees prefer prey with a body weight of 7.6 ± 0.4 kg or less, which corresponds to animals such as juvenile bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) and adult ashy red colobus monkeys (Piliocolobus tephrosceles). Sex ratio in chimpanzee groups is a main driver in developing these preferences, where chimpanzees increasingly prefer prey when in proportionally male‐dominated groups. Prey preference information from chimpanzee research can assist conservation management programs by identifying key prey species to manage, as well as contribute to a better understanding of the evolution of human hunting behavior.
Unraveling the dietary diversity of Neotropical top predators using scat DNA metabarcoding: A case study on the elusive Giant Otter
Authors: Quéméré Erwan , Aucourd Marie , Troispoux Valérie , Brosse Sébastien , Murienne Jérôme , Covain Raphaël , Le Bail Pierre‐Yves , Olivier Jean , Tysklind Niklas , Galan Maxime
Published: May 2021

Large carnivores play a pivotal regulating role in maintaining healthy and balanced ecosystems; however, most of them are rare and elusive, and knowledge about their resource consumption is scarce. Traditional methods based on morphological identification of undigested remains are labor intensive and often not sufficiently accurate, leading to errors and biased ecological inferences. Here, we developed a multi‐marker DNA metabarcoding approach to analyze the dietary diversity of giant otters (Pteronura brasiliensis) from fecal DNA while controlling predator species identity. We combined two mitochondrial markers, 12S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase 1 (COI) gene, that target the full range of potential vertebrate and invertebrate prey. We compiled a local reference database of DNA barcodes for most potentially ingested fish, which were used to evaluate the specificity of the metabarcoding primers in silico. Most prey are identified at the species level (>90%) and the dietary profiles provided independently by the two markers are highly similar, whether in terms of list of prey or frequency of occurrences, hence validating the approach. We detected a higher number of rare fish prey with the 12S primers that amplified solely Teleost species while the degenerate COI primers revealed non‐fish prey (e.g., amphibians, snakes, birds, and earthworms) and confirmed predator species identity. This study demonstrated that scat DNA metabarcoding is particularly useful to provide in‐depth information on elusive carnivorous dietary profile. Our methodology opens up new opportunities to understand how top carnivores diet cope with the effects of anthropogenic alteration of ecosystems and identify conflicts with humans and livestock.
Sweat Based‐multiplexed Detection of NPY‐Cortisol for Disease Diagnostics and Stress Management
Authors: Churcher Nathan Kodjo Mintah , Upasham Sayali , Rice Paul , Greyling Cornelia Felicia , Prasad Shalini
Published: May 2021

Cortisol and Neuropeptide Y(NPY) are chronobiological markers of stress. Non‐invasive tracking of these two biomolecules can provide great insight into an individual's physiological and neurological wellbeing. This work presents the development of a platform that tracks the two biomarkers in ultra‐low volumes (5 μL) of sweat using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The sensing platform was able to detect both molecules in their relevant physiological ranges (8.16–141.7 ng/mL and 50–200 pg/mL respectively) with good sensitivity and specificity. This platform is envisioned to aid in the monitoring of pathophysiologies of stress‐based disorders.
Novel cobalt (II) phthalocyanine with appliance of CNTs on GCE: Flexible super‐capacitance by electrochemical methods
Authors: Mounesh  , Praveenkumar N. Y. , Sharankumar T. M. , Venugopal Reddy K. R.
Published: May 2021

Enrich‐Supercapacitive behavior of a novel functional material, tetra trimethylpyrimidin‐2‐carboxamide cobalt (II) phthalocyanine (CoTTPCAPc) upon covalent integration with carbon nanotubes (SWCNT and MWCNTs) is reported for the first time. The supercapacitive behavior of the hybrid (CoTTPCAPc/MWCNTs or SWCNTs/GCE) was investigated using cyclic voltametry, galvanostatic charge–discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Using a more reliable cyclic voltametry and charge–discharge method, the CoTTPCAPc/MWCNTs/GCE hybrid exhibited superior geometrical capacitance for 160.12 F/g by CoTTPCAPc/GCE, CoTTPCAPc/SWCNT/GCE (335.2 F/g) and CoTTPCAPc with composite MWCNTs/GC electrode was predicting the excellent capacitance 475.65 F/g in 1 M H2SO4 electrolyte at a scan rate of 50 mV/s. The CoTTPCAPc/MWCNTs/GC electrode gave excellent stability of over 1000 charge–discharge continuous cycling. These results suggest the importance and great potential ofCoTTPCAPc/MWCNTs composites in the applications of high‐performance super‐capacitance.
Redox mediator induced electrochemical reactions at the electrode‐electrolyte interface: Making sodium‐ion supercapacitors a competitive technology
Authors: Chowdhury Ananya , Biswas Sudipta , Singh Trilok , Chandra Amreesh
Published: May 2021

The specific capacitance values of Na‐ion supercapacitor can now compete with other well‐established pseudocapacitors. This is obtained by using redox additive modified electrolytes in combination with hierarchical nanostructures of NaMnPO4. Modifying the conventionally used electrolyte, that is: NaOH, with redox additives such as potassium ferricyanide [K3Fe(CN)6] and potassium iodide (KI), can induce nearly 50% enhancement in the specific capacitance. The enhancement is also retained in full cell, fabricated using NaMnPO4 and activated carbon as the positive and negative electrodes, respectively. Redox mediators stimulate extra redox pairs and higher ionic conductivity, leading to enhanced electrochemical reactions at the electrode‐electrolyte interface.
One‐step selective affinity purification and immobilization of His‐tagged enzyme by recyclable magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Zhou Li‐Jian , Li Rui‐Fang , Li Xue‐Yong , Zhang Ye‐Wang
Published: May 2021

The NiFe2O4 magnetic nanoparticles (NF‐MNPs) were prepared for one‐step selective affinity purification and immobilization of His‐tagged recombinant glucose dehydrogenase (GluDH). The prepared nanoparticles were characterized by a Fourier‐transform infrared spectrophotometer and microscopy. The immobilization and purification of His‐tagged GluDH on NF‐MNPs were investigated. The optimal immobilization conditions were obtained that mixed cell lysis and carriers in a ratio of 0.13 in pH 8.0 Tris‐HCl buffer at 30℃ and incubated for 2 h. The highest activity recovery and protein bindings were 71.39% and 38.50 μg mg–1 support, respectively. The immobilized GluDH exhibited high thermostability, pH‐stability and it can retain more than 65% of the initial enzyme after 10 cycles for the conversion of glucose to gluconolactone. Comparing with a commercial Ni‐NTA resin, the NF‐MNPs displayed a higher specific affinity with His‐tagged recombinant GluDH.
Pregabalin as adjunctive therapy in adult and pediatric patients with generalized tonic‐clonic seizures: A randomized, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Driscoll Joseph , Almas Mary , Gregorian Gabriela , Kyrychenko Alla , Makedonska Iryna , Liu Jing , Patrick Jeffrey , Scavone Joseph M. , Antinew Jeremias ,   the 1105 Study Group
Published: May 2021

Objective

Generalized tonic‐clonic (GTC) seizures are the most common type of generalized seizure and more common in children than adults. This phase 3 study evaluated the efficacy and safety of pregabalin for GTC seizures in adults and children with epilepsy.

Methods

This randomized, double‐blind, multicenter study evaluated pregabalin (5 mg/kg/day or 10 mg/kg/day) vs placebo as adjunctive therapy for 10 weeks (following a 2‐week dose escalation), in pediatric and adult patients (aged 5‐65 years) with GTC seizures. Primary endpoint was change in log‐transformed 28‐day seizure rate during active treatment. Secondary endpoints included responder rates, defined as proportion of patients with ≥50% reduction in 28‐day GTC seizure rate from baseline. Safety was monitored throughout.

Results

Of 219 patients, 75, 72, and 72 were randomized to adjunctive pregabalin 5 mg/kg/day, 10 mg/kg/day, and placebo, respectively. Fifteen, 11, and 6 patients discontinued from the 5 mg/kg/day, 10 mg/kg/day, and placebo arms, respectively, most commonly due to adverse events (AEs; 10.7%, 6.9%, and 5.6%, respectively). A nonsignificant change in log‐transformed mean 28‐day seizure rate was seen with pregabalin 10 mg/kg/day vs placebo (least‐squares [LS] mean difference –0.01 [95% confidence interval (CI) –0.19 to 0.16]; P = .8889) and with pregabalin 5 mg/kg/day vs placebo (LS mean difference 0.02 [CI –0.15 to 0.19]; P = .8121). Similar observations were noted for adults and children. No significant differences were seen for secondary endpoints with pregabalin vs placebo, including responder rate. The most common AEs (≥10%) were dizziness, headache, and somnolence. Most were of mild/moderate intensity. Seven patients had serious AEs, with one death in the placebo arm (sudden unexpected death in epilepsy).

Significance

Adjunctive pregabalin treatment did not change GTC seizure rate in adults or children. The safety profile of pregabalin was similar to that known; treatment was well tolerated with few discontinuations due to AEs.
Identifying Teachers' Needs for Results From Interim Unit Assessments
Authors: Kannan Priya , Bryant Andrew D. , Shao Shiyi , Wylie E. Caroline
Published: May 2021

Interim assessments have been defined variously in different contexts and can be used for predictive purposes or instructional purposes. In this paper, we present results from a study where we evaluated reporting needs for interim assessments designed for instructional purposes and intended to be used at the end of defined curriculum units. Results from such unit assessments should help teachers determine gaps in student understanding and inform ongoing instructional decision‐making. Our goal was to determine if learning progressions (LPs) could serve as the cognitive lens through which teachers can evaluate how their students' understanding of key constructs improves through periodic unit assessments. Therefore, we used the LP framework in mathematics and the key practices (KP) framework for English language arts (ELA) to design preliminary teacher report mock‐ups for these unit assessments. Within a utilization‐oriented evaluation framework, we conducted six needs‐assessment focus groups with elementary and middle school mathematics (n = 12) and ELA (n = 11) teachers to specifically evaluate the extent to which they find results presented within the LP and KP frameworks understandable and useful for their instructional practice. Results from the focus groups show teachers' overall needs for types of information sought from unit assessment reports, the extent to which teachers are familiar with the LP and KP frameworks, their interpretations (including confusions) of the information presented in the preliminary mock‐ups, and their additional needs for reports from unit assessments to be instructionally useful.
Sensory preferences for pomegranate arils in Italy: A comparison between different varieties and cultivation sites
Authors: Rozzanigo Erika , Stiletto Alice , Lomolino Giovanna , Vincenzi Simone , Trestini Samuele
Published: May 2021

Despite the growing worldwide interest on pomegranate due to its health benefits, little is known about the varieties produced and consumed in Italy. In this context, the aim of our study was to evaluate the factors affecting preferences of Italian consumers towards pomegranate arils of different varieties and cultivation sites. Three samples of pomegranate arils were analysed. Two retrieved from the local (Veneto) agricultural market: one of Turkish origin and one of Sicilian (Italy) origin. The third was retrieved from local producers in Veneto. Selected varieties were ‘Wonderful’ for Italian samples and ‘Hicaz’ for Turkish. Samples have been characterized by panel tests and physicochemical analyses. Consumers' preferences were assessed by submitting a questionnaire to 203 college students. Results showed that samples were significantly different in sensory and physicochemical characteristics among varieties and the cultivation sites. Significant differences also emerged on consumers preferences. Wonderful from Sicily was the most preferred sample: highest overall liking (6.65) due to a higher appreciation of sweetness (6.47), juiciness (6.18) and size of the arils (6.57); Wonderful from Veneto was the least appreciated (5.48). Despite this, Wonderful from Veneto showed the highest content of polyphenols. Sensory evaluation of pomegranates arils of different varieties and cultivation sites can effectively predict consumers' preferences in the Italian market. The traits contributing the most to the overall liking are the juiciness of arils, their red colour, firmness and size, while bitterness, seed intrusiveness and astringency are the products' traits that affect preferences the least.
Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of fennel, ginger, oregano and thyme essential oils
Authors: Mutlu‐Ingok Aysegul , Catalkaya Gizem , Capanoglu Esra , Karbancioglu‐Guler Funda
Published: May 2021

In this study, the aim was to evaluate the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of thyme (Thymus vulgaris), oregano (Origanum vulgare), ginger (Zingiber officinale) and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) essential oils in addition to their chemical compositions. Based on the results of gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC—MS) analysis, major components were thymol andp‐cymene in thyme, carvacrol, andp‐cymene in oregano, α‐zingiberene and ar‐curcumene in ginger and (E)‐anethole in fennel essential oils. Essential oils were investigated for their antimicrobial activities by agar well diffusion and broth microdilution methods againstCampylobacter jejuniandCampylobacter coli. The inhibition zone diameters varied from 9.2 ± 0.7 to 28.7 ± 2.1 mm forC. jejuniand 14.7 ± 2.0 to 27.8 ± 2.8 mm forC. coli. While the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were lower for thyme and oregano EOs (5.65–43.20 μg/ml), the highest MIC value was obtained in fennel EO againstC. jejuni(28530 μg/ml). Total phenolic contents and antioxidant activities of these essential oils were evaluated by using Folin Ciocalteu, 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Cupric Reducing Antioxidant Capacity (CUPRAC) and 2, 2‐azinobis(3‐ethylbenzo‐thiazoline)‐6‐sulphonic acid (ABTS) methods. The total phenolic content of the essential oils ranged between 7.72 (ginger) to 193 (thyme) mg GAE/L. Antioxidant activities of thyme and oregano were found to be the highest according to the ABTS method, whereas thyme was found to be the highest by the CUPRAC method and ginger by the DPPH method.
Thermally induced isomerization of linoleic acid and α‐linolenic acid in Rosa roxburghii Tratt seed oil
Authors: Li Yongfu , Yu Yuanshan , Luo Qiqi , He Yangbo , Tian Zhuxi , Zhao Yueliang
Published: May 2021

Rosa roxburghii seed oil is obtained from the seeds left following pressing of the juice from R. roxburghii fruit. The total oil content of R. roxburghii seed was around 9.30%. The fatty acid profile of the oil was determined by gas chromatography (GC). Among the 11 fatty acids identified in the oil, seven were unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) (92.6%); four were saturated fatty acids (SFAs) (7.17%). Then, the kinetics of formation of trans‐fatty acids was studied by GC. Heat treatment of R. roxburghii seed oil showed an increase in the relative percentage of linoleic acid and α‐linolenic acid isomers with increasing temperature and time. The formation of linoleic acid and α‐linolenic acid isomers followed a zero‐order reaction. The presence of O2 enhanced the isomerization of these UFAs. In addition, the rate constants and activation energies for the geometrical isomerization of UFAs in R. roxburghii seed oil were presented. Overall, R. roxburghii seed oil contains high UFA contents. Heating temperature and duration and the presence of O2 should be considered to reduce the formation of trans‐fatty acids during thermal treatment of R. roxburghii seed oil.
Effect of fat extraction methods on the fatty acids composition of bovine milk using gas chromatography
Authors: Moneeb Asmaa H. M. , Hammam Ahmed R. A. , Ahmed Abdelfatah K. A. , Ahmed Mahmoud E. , Alsaleem Khalid A.
Published: May 2021

Milk fat is a complex natural fat and contains around 400 fatty acids. The objectives of this study were to extract fat from bovine milk using two different methods, including Bligh and Dyer and Mojonnier, and to determine the fatty acid content in the extracted fats using gas chromatography (GC). No differences (p > .05) were detected in the fat content and fatty acids content as a percentage of total fat (FA%TF) extracted using both methods. No differences (p > .05) were detected in some saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and unsaturated fatty acids (USFAs) extracted from both methods, such as C11:0 (undecylic acid), C16:0 (palmitic acid), C18:0 (stearic acid), C14:1 (myristoleic acid), and C16:1 (palmitoleic acid). However, the majority of SFAs were different (p < .05) in Mojonnier method as compared to Bligh and Dyer method and vice versa for USFAs. The short (6.54% vs. 5.95%) and medium (21.86% vs. 20.73%) chains FAs determined by GC were high in Mojonnier fat as compared to Bligh and Dyer fat, while the long‐chain FAs were higher in the last (66.61%) relative to Mojonnier fat (65.51%). This study found that Mojonneir method has resulted in fewer errors. In contrast, the Bligh and Dyer extraction method has more experimental error, which led to decreasing the total fat, as well as was not able to detect C9:0.
The Translational Machine: A novel machine‐learning approach to illuminate complex genetic architectures
Authors: Askland Kathleen D. , Strong David , Wright Marvin N. , Moore Jason H.
Published: May 2021

The Translational Machine (TM) is a machine learning (ML)‐based analytic pipeline that translates genotypic/variant call data into biologically contextualized features that richly characterize complex variant architectures and permit greater interpretability and biological replication. It also reduces potentially confounding effects of population substructure on outcome prediction. The TM consists of three main components. First, replicable but flexible feature engineering procedures translate genome‐scale data into biologically informative features that appropriately contextualize simple variant calls/genotypes within biological and functional contexts. Second, model‐free, nonparametric ML‐based feature filtering procedures empirically reduce dimensionality and noise of both original genotype calls and engineered features. Third, a powerful ML algorithm for feature selection is used to differentiate risk variant contributions across variant frequency and functional prediction spectra. The TM simultaneously evaluates potential contributions of variants operative under polygenic and heterogeneous models of genetic architecture. Our TM enables integration of biological information (e.g., genomic annotations) within conceptual frameworks akin to geneset‐/pathways‐based and collapsing methods, but overcomes some of these methods' limitations. The full TM pipeline is executed in R. Our approach and initial findings from its application to a whole‐exome schizophrenia case–control data set are presented. These TM procedures extend the findings of the primary investigation and yield novel results.
Out of Africa: A Solidarity‐Based Approach to Vaccine Allocation
Authors: Jecker Nancy , Atuire Caesar
Published: May 2021

This article sets forth a solidaristic approach to global distribution of vaccines against the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus. Our approach draws inspiration from African ethics and from the characterization of the Covid‐19 crisis as a syndemic, a convergence of biosocial forces that interact with one another to produce and exacerbate clinical disease and prognosis. The first section elaborates the twin ideas of syndemic and solidarity. The second section argues that these ideas lend support to global health alliances to distribute vaccines beyond national borders. The third section introduces ethical criteria to guide global distribution, emphasizing priority to low‐ and middle‐income countries, which have the least ability to obtain vaccines on their own. It also justifies giving priority to people at high risk of infection and high risk of severe disease and death.
Strained Ruthenium Complexes Bearing Tridentate Guanidine‐Derived Ligands
Authors: Wilkinson Eden‐Taylor , Viguri Fernando , Rodríguez Ricardo , López José A. , García‐Orduña Pilar , Lahoz Fernando J. , Lamata Pilar , Carmona Daniel
Published: May 2021

The dimer [{(η6‐p‐cymene)RuCl}2(μ‐Cl)2] (cymene=MeC6H4iPr) reacts with N,N′‐bis(p‐tolyl)‐N′′‐(2‐pyridinylmethyl)guanidine (H2L1) and N,N′‐bis(p‐tolyl)‐N′′‐(2‐diphenylphosphanoethyl)guanidine (H2L2), in the presence of NaSbF6, giving rise to chlorido compounds of formula [(η6‐p‐cymene)RuCl(H2L)][SbF6] (H2L=H2L1 (1), H2L2 (2)) in which the guanidine ligand adopts a κ2 chelate coordination mode. The related ligand (S)‐N,N′‐bis(p‐tolyl)‐N′′‐(1‐isopropyl, 2‐diphenylphosphano ethyl)guanidine (H2L3) affords mixtures of the corresponding chlorido compound [(η6‐p‐cymene)RuCl(H2L3)][SbF6] (3) together with the complexes [(η6‐p‐cymene)RuCl2(H3L3)][SbF6] (4) and [(η6‐p‐cymene)Ru(κ3N,N′,P‐HL3)][SbF6] (10) which contain phosphano‐guanidinium and phosphano‐guanidinate ions acting as monodentate and tridentate ligand, respectively. Compounds 1, 2 and mixture of 3/4/10 react with AgSbF6 rendering the cationic aqua‐complexes [(η6‐p‐cymene)Ru(H2L)(OH2)][SbF6]2 (H2L=H2L1 (5), H2L2 (6), H2L3 (7)). These aqua‐complexes exhibit a temperature‐dependent fluxional process in solution. Experimental NMR studies and DFT theoretical calculations on complex 6 suggest that the process involves the exchange between two rotamers around one of the C−N guanidine bonds. Treatment of 5–7 with NaHCO3 renders the complexes [(η6‐p‐cymene)Ru(κ3N,N′,N′′‐HL1)][SbF6] (8) and [(η6‐p‐cymene)Ru(κ3N,N′,P‐HL)][SbF6] (HL=HL2 (9), HL3 (10)), respectively, in which the HL ligand adopts a fac κ3 coordination mode. The new complexes have been characterized by analytical and spectroscopic means, including the determination of the crystal structures of the compounds 1, 2, 5, 9 and 10, by X‐ray diffractometric methods.
Rare lymphomas in routine practice – Treatment and outcome in marginal zone lymphoma in the prospective German Tumour Registry Lymphatic Neoplasms
Authors: Knauf Wolfgang , Abenhardt Wolfgang , Koenigsmann Michael , Maintz Christoph , Sandner Reiner , Zahn Mark‐Oliver , Schnell Roland , Tech Susanne , Kaiser‐Osterhues Anja , Houet Leonora , Marschner Norbert ,   the TLN‐Group (Tumour Registry Lymphatic Neoplasms)
Published: May 2021

Owing to its heterogeneity and rarity, management of disseminated marginal zone B‐cell lymphoma (MZL) remains largely understudied. We present prospective data on choice of systemic treatment and survival of patients with MZL treated in German routine practice. Of 175 patients with MZL who had been documented in the prospective clinical cohort study Tumour Registry Lymphatic Neoplasms (NCT00889798) collecting data on systemic treatment, 58 were classified as extranodal MZL of mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) and 117 as non‐MALT MZL. We analyzed the most commonly used first‐line and second‐line chemo(immuno)therapies between 2009 and 2016 and examined objective response rate (ORR), progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and prognostic factors for survival. Compared to patients with MALT MZL, those with non‐MALT MZL more often presented with bone marrow involvement (43% vs. 14%), Ann Arbor stage III/IV (72% vs. 57%) and were slightly less often in good general condition (ECOG = 0; 41% vs. 47%). In German routine practice, rituximab‐bendamustine for a median of 6 cycles was the most frequently used first‐line (76%) and second‐line treatment (36%), with no major differences between MZL subtypes. The ORR for patients encompassing any positive response was 81%. For patients with MALT and non‐MALT MZL, respectively, 5‐years PFS was 69% (95% CI 52%–81%) and 66% (95% CI 56%–75%), 5‐years OS 79% (95% CI 65%–89%) and 75% (95% CI 66%–83%). Cox proportional hazards models showed a significantly increased risk of mortality for higher age in all patient groups. Our prospective real world data give valuable insights into the management and outcome of non‐selected patients with MZL requiring systemic treatment and can help optimize therapy recommendations.
Estimation of novel coronavirus (COVID‐19) reproduction number and case fatality rate: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ahammed Tanvir , Anjum Aniqua , Rahman Mohammad Meshbahur , Haider Najmul , Kock Richard , Uddin Md Jamal
Published: May 2021

Background and aims

Realizing the transmission potential and the magnitude of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) aids public health monitoring, strategies, and preparation. Two fundamental parameters, the basic reproduction number (R0) and case fatality rate (CFR) of COVID‐19, help in this understanding process. The objective of this study was to estimate the R0 and CFR of COVID‐19 and assess whether the parameters vary in different regions of the world.

Methods

We carried out a systematic review to find the reported estimates of the R0 and the CFR in articles from international databases between January 1 and August 31, 2020. Random‐effect models and Forest plots were implemented to evaluate the mean effect size of R0 and the CFR. Furthermore, R0 and CFR of the studies were quantified based on geographic location, the tests/thousand population, and the median population age of the countries where the studies were conducted. To assess statistical heterogeneity among the selected articles, the I2 statistic and the Cochran's Q test were used.

Results

Forty‐five studies involving R0 and 34 studies involving CFR were included. The pooled estimation of R0 was 2.69 (95% CI: 2.40, 2.98), and that of the CFR was 2.67 (2.25, 3.13). The CFR in different regions of the world varied significantly, from 2.49 (2.08, 2.94) in Asia to 3.40 (2.81, 4.04) in North America. We observed higher mean CFR values for the countries with lower tests (3.15 vs 2.16) and greater median population age (3.13 vs 2.27). However, R0 did not vary significantly in different regions of the world.

Conclusions

An R0 of 2.69 and a CFR of 2.67 indicate the severity of the COVID‐19. Although R0 and CFR may vary over time, space, and demographics, we recommend considering these figures in control and prevention measures.
Numerical analysis of an MHD flow in fuzzy environment in presence of induced magnetic field
Authors: Hazarika Gopal Chandra , Dutta Palash , Borah Joydeep
Published: May 2021

Due to the uncertain behavior of real‐life problems, fuzzification is one of the most suitable ways to find the interval at which the problems show their accurate results. Various imprecise parameters and conditions make the fluid flow problems more uncertain. Here, we try to solve a boundary value problem of fluid mechanics numerically using fuzzy conditions. The fuzzified governing partial differential equations along with the fuzzified boundary conditions are solved by finite difference method using Python (an object‐oriented programming language). The values of the parameters and the boundary conditions are taken as triangular fuzzy numbers.  ‐cut technique is used to find the results and they are presented graphically for various values of and the involved parameters.
Adiponectin predicts poor response to antidepressant drugs in major depressive disorder
Authors: Benedetti Francesco , Branchi Igor , Poletti Sara , Lorenzi Cristina , Bigai Giorgia , Colombo Cristina , Zanardi Raffaella
Published: May 2021

Objective

Produced by adipocytes, adiponectin crosses the blood‐brain barrier to bind with specific receptors in the hypothalamus, brainstem, hippocampus, and cortex. In patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), circulating levels of adiponectin inversely related with antidepressant response to ketamine, and predicted a better response to multi‐target drug combinations than to escitalopram. We investigated the effect of adiponectin on response to antidepressants in a naturalistic setting.

Methods

We assessed baseline plasma levels of adiponectin in 121 MDD inpatients, treated with antidepressant drug monotherapy based on clinical need (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, venlafaxine, duloxetine) in a specialized hospital setting. Severity of depression was weekly assessed with Hamilton scale ratings.

Results

Adiponectin plasma levels were higher in patients with MDD compared with healthy controls, and negatively influenced the pattern of antidepressant response (higher baseline levels, worse response) independent of the drug class and of the baseline severity of depression, and of age, sex, and body mass index.

Conclusions

The identification of adiponectin as a predictor of antidepressant response to drugs of different mechanism of action, such as ketamine, SSRIs, and SNRIs, and both in experimental and in clinical settings, warrants interest for further study of its pathways to search for novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
lncRNA Mirt2 upregulates miR‐1246 through methylation to suppress LPS‐induced lung cell apoptosis
Authors: Xu Xuwen , Xu Yuyuan , Tao Xin , Liang Guangyu
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Long noncoding RNA Mirt2 has been proven to be a suppressor of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (a key player in sepsis)‐induced inflammation responses. Therefore, Mirt2 may also participate in sepsis. This study was carried out to analyze the interactions between Mirt2 and microRNA‐1246 (miR‐1246) in sepsis, with a specific focus on sepsis‐induced acute lung injury (sepsis‐ALI).

Methods

Forty sepsis patients (sepsis group; 23 males and 17 females; 40–65 years, 48.6 ± 6.3 years), 40 sepsis patients with acute lung injury (sepsis‐ALI group, 23 males and 17 females; 40–65 years, 48.7 ± 6.4 years), and 40 healthy controls (control group, 23 males and 17 females; 40–65 years, 48.6 ± 6.1 years) were included. Mirt2 and miR‐1246 expression in plasma samples from these patients were determined by a reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Overexpression of Mirt2 and miR‐1246 was achieved in human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEpCs) to explore the interaction between them. The effects of Mirt2 overexpression on miR‐1246 methylation were analyzed by methylation‐specific PCR. Cell apoptosis analysis was performed to analyze the role of Mirt2 and miR‐1246 in the apoptosis of HBEpCs.

Results

Mirt2 expression was downregulated in sepsis and was further downregulated in patients with sepsis‐ALI. Mirt2 and miR‐1246 found to be positively correlated. Downregulation of Mirt2 and miR‐1246 was observed in HBEpCs with LPS treatment. In HBEpCs, Mirt2 overexpression increased miR‐1246 expression but decreased its gene methylation. Cell apoptosis analysis showed that Mirt2 and miR‐1246 negatively regulated the apoptosis of HBEpCs induced by LPS. In addition, miR‐1246 inhibition reduced the inhibitory effects of Mirt2 overexpression on cell apoptosis.

Conclusions

Mirt2 may upregulate miR‐1246 through methylation to suppress lung cell apoptosis.
Inhibitory effect of HTLV‐1 infection on the production of B‐cell activating factors in established follicular dendritic cell‐like cells
Authors: Takatani Ayuko , Nakamura Hideki , Furukawa Kaori , Endo Yushiro , Umeda Masataka , Shimizu Toshimasa , Nishihata Shin‐ya , Kitaoka Kyoko , Nakamura Tatsufumi , Kawakami Atsushi
Published: May 2021

Introduction

The low frequency of ectopic germinal center in labial salivary glands of patients with human T‐cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV‐1) antibody‐positive Sjögren's syndrome (SS) suggests that HTLV‐1 has some effects on follicular dendritic cells (FDCs).

Methods

We used flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) to investigate the direct effect of HTLV‐1 on B‐cell activating factors produced by established FDC like cells obtained from excised human tonsils. We then measured the serum B‐cell activating factor (BAFF) and C‐X‐C motif ligand (CXCL) 13 concentrations of the HTLV‐1‐seropositive SS patients and the HTLV‐1‐seronegative SS patients by ELISA.

Results

Among the 31 isolated specimens, 22 showed morphological characteristics of FDCs. Day 2‐cultured specimens showed expressions of CD14, CD23, CD40, intracellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1. After 2 weeks, 12 of these specimens expressed ICAM‐1, FDC, and fibroblast cell marker. Intracellular BAFF and CXCL13 were constitutively expressed regardless of stimulation. After direct coculture with the HTLV‐1‐infected T‐cell line HCT‐5 or MT‐2, the BAFF and CXCL13 expressions on the FDC‐like cells were decreased in accord with the increased number of HCT‐5 and MT‐2 cells with styliform change and without HTLV‐1 Gag protein expression. Interferons upregulated the concentration of BAFF (but not CXCL13) in the culture supernatant, which showed a declining trend under the presence of HCT‐5 or MT‐2. The serum concentrations of BAFF and CXCL13 in the HTLV‐1‐seropositive SS patients were lower than those of the HTLV‐1 seronegative SS patients.

Conclusions

HTLV‐1 partially inhibited the BAFF and CXCL13 expressions of established FDC‐like cells.
Development and evaluation of 1‐deoxynojirimycin sustained‐release delivery system: In vitro and in vivo characterization studies
Authors: Chen Yu‐si , Jiang Xue , Sun Yi‐yang , Zhang Sai‐ya , Li Ke , Chen Wen‐bo , Liu Yan‐qiang
Published: May 2021

We aimed to establish a 1‐Deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) sustained‐release delivery system to improve the hypoglycemic effect of DNJ. We used a transdermal diffusion meter in an in vitro orthogonal experiment to determine the optimal composition of the DNJ sustained‐release transdermal system. Based on the in vitro analysis results, a sustained‐release patch was prepared, and its pharmacokinetics and other properties were determined in vivo. The results showed that 30% hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (K100M), 14% carboxymethyl cellulose sodium and 26% oleic acid‐azone compound as the matrix material, drug excipient, and penetration enhancer, respectively, produced an optimal DNJ sustained‐release delivery system. In vitro release tests showed that the system slowly released DNJ within 12 hr, conforming to the Higuchi equation. In vivo experiments showed that the prepared patch had good hypoglycemic activity and continuously released DNJ within 10 hr. In vivo pharmacokinetic study results showed that compared to conventional patches, the prepared patch exhibited significantly different maximum concentration (Cmax), time to achieve Cmax (Tmax), and area under the curve from 0 to time t (AUC[0‐t]) as well as improved pharmacokinetics. In conclusion, the prepared DNJ patch has high stability, a sustained‐release effect, and relatively good pharmacokinetics and is a safe dosage form that does not cause skin irritation.
The impact of delayed and immediate adverse events on the intention of future donations in whole blood and plateletpheresis donors
Authors: Gupta Abhaykumar Malind , Bajpai Meenu
Published: May 2021

Background

Adverse donor events (ADEs) are usually mild and short‐term with no sequelae, but may cause disinclination toward future donations.

Aims

To determine the impact of delayed ADEs (D‐ADEs) in addition to immediate ADEs (I‐ADEs) on the intention of future donations (IFDs) and to analyze the various associated factors.

Methods

ADEs were categorized following the ISBT working group on donor vigilance. Telephonic interviews of the donors were conducted 2 weeks after the whole blood (WB) and plateletpheresis donation to inquire about D‐ADEs and IFDs.

Results

A total of 3514 WB and 531 plateletpheresis donors were included in the study. WB donors had an overall higher IFD as compared to plateletpheresis donors (89.53% vs 57.06%, P < .001). A higher IFD was observed in male WB donors as compared to female WB donors (89.95% vs 75%, P < .001). Repeat WB donors had a higher IFD as compared with first‐time donors (93.66% vs 81.37%, P < .001). A total of 13.7% WB donors and 19.2% plateletpheresis donors reported D‐ADEs. WB donors who experienced D‐ADEs had a significantly lower IFD (78.38% vs 91.63%, P < .001) as compared with donors without any ADEs; a similar trend was observed in donors who experienced I‐ADEs (69.90% vs 91.63%, P < .001). In WB donors, systemic D‐ADEs such as fatigue had a more negative impact on IFDs as compared with localized D‐ADEs such as bruises (63.93% vs 86.83%, P < .001).

Conclusions

Both D‐ADEs and I‐ADEs negatively impact donors' intention to donate again. Systemic D‐ADEs had a more negative impact on IFDs as compared with localized D‐ADEs.
The utility of therapeutic plasma exchange in Hyperviscosity syndrome associated with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: A case report
Authors: Green Allen P. , Gonzalez Adam C. , Alperin Jack B. , Burner James D. , Yates Sean G.
Published: May 2021

Hyperviscosity syndrome (HVS) is a life‐threatening syndrome caused by high concentrations of large plasma proteins like IgM, rheumatoid factor, and other immune complexes, leading to increased blood viscosity and symptoms such as visual abnormalities, neurological impairment, bleeding diathesis, and thrombosis. While Waldenström's macroglobulinemia accounts for 80% to 90% of cases, HVS may develop in other clinical settings characterized by elevations in plasma proteins. Limited evidence currently exists describing the safety and efficacy of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) for the management of HVS secondary to non‐neoplastic conditions. We report a case of recurrent HVS associated with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and Felty syndrome that demonstrated improvement in clinical symptoms following initiation of TPE. These findings suggest that TPE may be utilized as an adjunct treatment option in patients with HVS secondary to autoimmune disorders.
Small Latin arrays have a near transversal
Authors: Best Darcy , Pula Kyle , Wanless Ian M.
Published: May 2021

A Latin array is a matrix of symbols in which no symbol occurs more than once within a row or within a column. A diagonal of an n × n array is a selection of cells taken from different rows and columns of the array. The weight of a diagonal is the number of different symbols on it. We show via computation that every Latin array of order has a diagonal of weight at least . A corollary is the existence of near transversals in Latin squares of these orders. More generally, for all we compute a lower bound on the order of any Latin array that does not have a diagonal of weight at least .
A novel WT1 gene mutation in a chinese girl with denys‐drash syndrome
Authors: Wang Faliang , Cai Jiabin , Wang Jinhu , He Min , Mao Junqing , Zhu Kun , Zhao Manli , Guan Zhonghai , Li Linjie , Jin Hongchuan , Shu Qiang
Published: May 2021

Objective

Denys‐Drash syndrome (DDS) is defined by the triad of Wilms tumor, nephrotic syndrome, and/or ambiguous genitalia. Genetic testing may help identify new gene mutation sites and play an important role in clinical decision‐making.

Methods

We present a patient with an XY karyotype and female appearance, nephropathy, and Wilms tumor in the right kidney. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood cells according to standard protocols. “Next‐generation” sequencing (NGS) was performed to identify novel variants. The variant was analyzed with Mutation Taster, and its function was explored by a cell growth inhibition assay.

Results

We found the first case of Denys‐Drash syndrome with the uncommon missense mutation (c.1420C>T, p.His474 Tyr) in theWT1gene. In silico analysis, the variant was predicted “disease‐causing” by Mutation Taster. The mutated variant showed a weaker effect in inhibiting tumor cells than wild‐typeWT1.

Conclusions

The uncommon missense mutation (c.1420C>T, p.His474 Tyr) in theWT1gene may be a crucial marker in DDS.