bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Racemic synephrine found in Citrus aurantium‐listing pre‐workout supplements suggests a non‐plant‐based origin
Authors: Koh Andy Hsien Wei , Chess‐Williams Russ , Lohning Anna Elizabeth
Published: April 2021

Multi‐ingredient pre‐workout supplements (MIPS) contain Citrus aurantium as a source of bioactive amines such as p‐synephrine, but concerns regarding the authenticity of ingredients in some supplements as well as adverse effects from consumption have been raised. R‐(−)‐Synephrine is the predominant enantiomer in Citrus aurantium extracts while synthetic preparations are often racemic. The aims of this study were to develop a screening method to determine the ratio of synephrine enantiomers in pre‐workout supplements listing Citrus aurantium and to assess the ingredient authenticity by directly comparing their ratios to that found in Citrus aurantium standardised reference materials (SRMs). Quantification of enantiomers in the supplements and SRMs was achieved using a validated, high‐performance liquid chromatography‐single quadrupole mass spectrometry (HPLC‐UV‐QDa) direct enantioseparation method with a cellobiohydrolase (CBH) column (100 × 4.0 mm, 5 μM) and UV detection at 225 nm. Citrus aurantium SRMs were found to have an average enantiomeric ratio of 94:6 (R:S) with total synephrine ranging from 5.7 to 90.2 mg/g. Within the pilot sample of pre‐workout supplements tested, only 42% (5/12) had enantiomeric ratios consistent with the SRMs with total synephrine ranging from 0.03 to 91.2 mg/g. For the remaining supplements, four had racemic ratios of synephrine (0.14 to 5.4 mg/g), two lacked any detectable levels of synephrine, and one had solely the S‐(+)‐enantiomer (0.15 mg/g). These results bring the authenticity of labelling of some pre‐workout supplements into question and highlight the need for more stringent labelling regulations and testing for dietary supplements.
Evaluating associations between fitspiration and thinspiration content on Instagram and disordered‐eating behaviors using ecological momentary assessment: A registered report
Authors: Christensen Kara A. , Forbush Kelsie T. , Cushing Christopher C. , Lejuez Carl W. , Fleming Kandace K. , Swinburne Romine Rebecca E.
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Greater use of appearance‐focused social media, such as Instagram, is associated with increased body dissatisfaction and eating disorder (ED) symptoms; however, questions remain about the mechanism connecting social media use to disordered‐eating behaviors (DEBs). The proposed study evaluates how and for whom exposure to fitspiration or thinspiration on Instagram is associated with DEBs.

Methods

We will evaluate a hypothesized pathway from Instagram use to disordered‐eating mediated by negative affect. We will test how individual differences in internalized weight stigma, trait self‐esteem, and trait self‐comparison moderate the pathway from social media use to negative affect. We will recruit 175 undergraduate women who report engaging in DEBs on average at least once per week over the past 3 months. Participants will complete a 7‐day ecological momentary assessment protocol, during which they will report their Instagram use, affect, and engagement in DEBs.

Results

Multi‐level modeling will be used to assess moderated mediation. Results from this study will provide increased specificity about how Instagram usage is linked to eating pathology and who may be most vulnerable to experiencing distress.

Discussion

Information about negative affect from Instagram and engagement in DEBs could contribute to the development of Just‐In‐Time Interventions for problematic social media use.
Evolutionary mismatch along salinity gradients in a Neotropical water strider
Authors: Castillo Anakena M. , De León Luis F.
Published: April 2021

The evolution of local adaptation is crucial for the in situ persistence of populations in changing environments. However, selection along broad environmental gradients could render local adaptation difficult, and might even result in maladaptation. We address this issue by quantifying fitness trade‐offs (via common garden experiments) along a salinity gradient in two populations of the Neotropical water strider Telmatometra withei—a species found in both fresh (FW) and brackish (BW) water environments across Panama. We found evidence for local adaptation in the FW population in its home FW environment. However, the BW population showed only partial adaptation to the BW environment, with a high magnitude of maladaptation along naturally occurring salinity gradients. Indeed, its overall fitness was ~60% lower than that of the ancestral FW population in its home environment, highlighting the role of phenotypic plasticity, rather than local adaptation, in high salinity environments. This suggests that populations seemingly persisting in high salinity environments might in fact be maladapted, following drastic changes in salinity. Thus, variable selection imposed by salinization could result in evolutionary mismatch, where the fitness of a population is displaced from its optimal environment. Understanding the fitness consequences of persisting in fluctuating salinity environments is crucial to predict the persistence of populations facing increasing salinization. It will also help develop evolutionarily informed management strategies in the context of global change.
Detection of the weak‐secretor rs1047781 (385A>T) single nucleotide polymorphism using an unlabeled probe high‐resolution melting‐based method
Authors: Soejima Mikiko , Koda Yoshiro
Published: April 2021

FUT2 encodes galactoside 2‐α‐l‐fucosyltransferase 2 which determines the secretor status of ABO(H) blood group antigens. Secretors have at least one functional FUT2 allele (Se), while nonsecretors or weak secretors are homozygous for nonfunctional (non‐ or weak secretor) FUT2 alleles (se or Sew). The Sew having the 385A>T missense SNP (rs1047781) is the prevalent nonfunctional allele in East and Southeast Asians. In this study, we developed an unlabeled‐probe high‐resolution melting (HRM) analysis for genotyping of 385A>T and validated the method by analyzing 72 Japanese whose 385A>T genotypes were confirmed by DNA sequencing. The unlabeled‐probe HRM analysis clearly discriminated three genotypes of 385A>T. In addition, the results obtained for the 72 Japanese by this method were fully concordant with previous ones. Estimation of secretor status using this cost‐effective method may be useful in East and Southeast Asian populations.
Effects of Optimized Electrode Surface Roughness and Solid Electrolyte Interphase on Lithium Dendrite Growth
Authors: Gao Li Ting , Guo Zhan-Sheng
Published: April 2021

Lithium metal is an ideal anode material for high‐energy‐density rechargeable batteries. However, harmful dendrites lead to short circuit and cause safety hazards. Herein, a fundamental study on increasing the roughness of the electrode and its influence on the behaviors of lithium dendrites by combining experiment and simulation is presented. Various aspects of the growth behaviors of lithium dendrite on the electrode surface are investigated with consideration of the overpotential, roughness, and the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). In situ observation of experimental results show that the electrode surface becomes rough gradually during the charging process, and the rough electrode surface promotes the formation of disordered dendrites. The simulation results also show that it is easy to form dendrites on the surface of electrodes with higher roughness. Higher overpotential leads to uneven deposition of reduced lithium and promotes the formation of lithium dendrites. A thicker SEI and lower conductivity can effectively slow down the growth of dendrites. Herein, the overpotential, protuberance, and SEI are preliminarily designed to suppress the growth of dendrites effectively. These results supply useful information for the optimal design of electrode surface patterns and an artificial SEI.
Gram‐Scale Synthesis of Porous Graphene via Printing Paper Pyrolysis as Supercapacitor Electrodes
Authors: Wang Min , Liu Congyan , Albolkany Mohamed K. , Zhao Mingming , Zhu Chaofeng , Liu Bo
Published: April 2021

Graphene has great potential in the application as supercapacitor electrode materials owing to its unique properties. However, it is challenging to find a facile and cost‐efficient method using cheap raw materials for large‐scale synthesis. Herein, a simple method is demonstrated for converting printing paper to graphene via one‐step pyrolysis followed by washing. Various characterizations are used to analyze the obtained samples, revealing the typical graphene feature of the products. The sample obtained at 900 °C (denoted as G‐900) shows a specific surface area of 514 m2 g−1 with a 50% mesopore volume. The symmetric supercapacitor using G‐900 as an active electrode material gives rise to an ultrahigh power density of 49 kW kg−1 at a high current density of 10 A g−1, along with a great specific capacitance of 164.4 F g−1. The capacitance retention ratio is as high as 93% after cycling for 4000 cycles at a current density of 1 A g−1. As hundreds of million tons of paper are used annually, converting the waste paper to graphene is a scalable way for practical applications, associated with the facile conversion procedures.
Analysis of Possible Reductions of Rejects in Battery Cell Production during Switch‐On and Operating Processes
Authors: Kehrer Mario , Locke Marc , Offermanns Christian , Heimes Heiner , Kampker Achim
Published: April 2021

Battery cell production is one of the key industries for electric mobility. To become more competitive and economic, battery cell production requires maximum efficiency in every process step. An efficient production can be achieved by a low rejection rate during switch‐on and operating processes. For all process steps of battery cell production relative rejection rates and absolute scrap amounts are analyzed. Herein, it is aimed to find out to what extent existing quality inspection systems can eliminate battery cell production rejects, whether there are deficits in their application and if approaches of Industry 4.0 can offer solutions. The results are that coating is the process step with the highest reject and data‐driven methods are suitable tools to reduce the rejection rate in the production of current and future battery cells.
Thorium Exposure Drives Fatty Acid and Metal Transfer from Biofilms to the Grazer Lymnaea sp.
Authors: Doose Caroline , Fadhlaoui Mariem , Morin Soizic , Fortin Claude
Published: April 2021

Aquatic ecotoxicological risks associated with tetravalent metallic elements such as thorium (Th) are still poorly understood. Periphytic biofilm represents an important food source in aquatic environments; thus, such risks could severely affect nutrient and energy cycling in these ecosystems. The present study investigated the potential for Th to change the fatty acid composition of biofilm communities. Bioaccumulation of Th and fatty acids were measured after 4 wk to 2 exposure conditions: a control (C0) and Th exposure (C10). Some major fatty acids such as C16:1n-7 and docosahexaenoic acid C22:6n-3 differed significantly between control and C10 conditions. To determine if Th can be trophically transferred and to investigate the impacts of nutritional quality changes on primary consumers, common pond snails (Lymnaea sp.) were fed for 4 wk with control and Th-exposed biofilm. Thorium appeared to be trophically transferable to the grazers, although we cannot exclude that part of the Th accumulated by the snails may have been taken from the water through release from the biofilms. The composition of major fatty acids observed in the grazers was also significantly affected, notably by a decrease of total polyunsaturated fatty acids. These results indicate that very low Th concentrations can decrease the nutritional quality of organisms at the base of the food chain. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2220–2228. © 2021 SETAC

Abstract

Thorium (Th) waterborne exposure induced bioaccumulation in biofilms and a reduction in fatty acids (FAs) such as C20:2n-6. The Th-exposed biofilm diet caused a decrease in polyunsaturated FAs and n-6 FAs in grazers, as well as Th bioaccumulation in soft bodies. PUFA = polyunsaturated FA.
Lattice Boltzmann method for compressible Euler equations based on exact kinetic system
Authors: Hanada Takaya , Kataoka Takeshi
Published: April 2021

We have developed a new type of simple lattice Boltzmann (LB) model for the compressible Euler equations based on the collisionless kinetic‐equation approach proposed by Sone. The model uses the collisionless kinetic equation in the streaming process, and modifies the distribution function to its Chapman–Enskog type at each time step. Compared with the current LB models which solve the kinetic equation of the BGK type, the proposed model is superior in the following two points: (i) Inviscid flows can be computed stably while there is no such model in the current LBM; (ii) The velocity distribution function does not need to be memorized in computation. We calculate various inviscid compressible flows described by the compressible Euler equations using our new one‐, two‐, and three‐dimensional models. Numerical results show the capability of our scheme to simulate high‐speed supersonic flows with shock waves.
Extraction and purification of total flavonoids from Eupatorium lindleyanum DC. and evaluation of their antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities
Authors: Li Chao , Chen Shanglong , Sha Jin , Cui Jue , He Juping , Fu Junning , Shen Yingbin
Published: April 2021

The health benefits and promising medical treatment potential of total flavonoids from Eupatorium lindleyanum DC. (TFELDC) have been recognized. The process parameters of extracting total flavonoids from Eupatorium lindleyanum DC. by ultrasonic–microwave synergistic extraction (UMSE) were optimized, and they were purified by AB‐8 macroporous resin in the current study. In addition, the antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities of the purified TFELDC (PTFELDC) were evaluated. The results showed that the optimal parameters of UMSE were as follows: ethanol volume fraction 71.5%, L/S ratio 12.2 ml/g, microwave power 318 W, and extraction time 143 s. After TFELDC were purified by AB‐8 macroporous resin, the total flavonoid contents of PTFELDC increased from 208.18 ± 1.60 to 511.19 ± 3.21 mg RE/g FDS. Compared with TFELDC, the content of total flavonoids in PTFELDC was increased by 2.46 times. The antioxidant activities of PTFELDC were assessed using DPPH radical, superoxide anion radical, reducing power, and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays, and the IC50 values were found to be 37.13, 19.62, 81.22, and 24.72 μg/ml, respectively. The enzyme inhibitory activities of PTFELDC were measured using lipase, α‐amylase, α‐glucosidase, and acetylcholinesterase assays with the IC50 values 1.38, 2.08, 1.63, and 0.58 mg/ml, respectively. By comparing with their positive controls, it was found that PTFELDC had good antioxidant activities, and lipase, α‐amylase, and α‐glucosidase inhibitory activities, However, the acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity was relatively weaker. These results suggested that PTFELDC have a promising potential as natural antioxidant, antilipidemic, and hypoglycemic drugs used in functional foods or pharmaceuticals.
The cross‐sectional interplay between neurochemical profile and brain connectivity
Authors: Zacharopoulos George , Emir Uzay , Cohen Kadosh Roi
Published: April 2021

Neurochemical profile and brain connectivity are both critical aspects of brain function. However, our knowledge of their interplay across development is currently poor. We combined single‐voxel magnetic resonance spectroscopy and resting functional magnetic resonance imaging in a cross‐sectional sample spanning from childhood to adulthood which was reassessed in ~1.5 years (N = 293). We revealed the developmental trajectories of 20 neurochemicals in two key developmental brain regions (the intraparietal sulcus, IPS, and the middle frontal gyrus, MFG). We found that certain neurochemicals exhibited similar developmental trajectories across the two regions, while other trajectories were region‐specific. Crucially, we mapped the connectivity of the brain regions IPS and MFG to the rest of the brain across development as a function of regional glutamate and GABA concentration. We demonstrated that glutamate concentration within the IPS is modulated by age in explaining IPS connectivity with frontal, temporal and parietal regions. In mature participants, higher glutamate within the IPS was related to more negative connectivity while the opposite pattern was found for younger participants. Our findings offer specific developmental insights on the interplay between the brain's resting activity and the glutamatergic system both of which are crucial for regulating normal functioning and are dysregulated in several clinical conditions.
Loss‐of‐Function Genetic Screening Identifies Aldolase A as an Essential Driver for Liver Cancer Cell Growth Under Hypoxia
Authors: Niu Yi , Lin Ziyou , Wan Arabella , Sun Lei , Yan Shijia , Liang Heng , Zhan Siyue , Chen Dongshi , Bu Xianzhang , Liu Peiqing , Chen Ceshi , He Weiling , Lu Xiongbin , Wan Guohui
Published: April 2021

Background and Aims

Hypoxia is a common feature of the tumor microenvironment (TME), which promotes tumor progression, metastasis, and therapeutic drug resistance through a myriad of cell activities in tumor and stroma cells. While targeting hypoxic TME is emerging as a promising strategy for treating solid tumors, preclinical development of this approach is lacking in the study of HCC.

Approach and Results

From a genome‐wide CRISPR/CRISPR‐associated 9 gene knockout screening, we identified aldolase A (ALDOA), a key enzyme in glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, as an essential driver for HCC cell growth under hypoxia. Knockdown of ALDOA in HCC cells leads to lactate depletion and consequently inhibits tumor growth. Supplementation with lactate partly rescues the inhibitory effects mediated by ALDOA knockdown. Upon hypoxia, ALDOA is induced by hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α and fat mass and obesity–associated protein–mediated N6‐methyladenosine modification through transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation, respectively. Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas shows that elevated levels of ALDOA are significantly correlated with poor prognosis of patients with HCC. In a screen of Food and Drug Administration–approved drugs based on structured hierarchical virtual platforms, we identified the sulfamonomethoxine derivative compound 5 (cpd‐5) as a potential inhibitor to target ALDOA, evidenced by the antitumor activity of cpd‐5 in preclinical patient‐derived xenograft models of HCC.

Conclusions

Our work identifies ALDOA as an essential driver for HCC cell growth under hypoxia, and we demonstrate that inhibition of ALDOA in the hypoxic TME is a promising therapeutic strategy for treating HCC.
Science in action? A critical view of UK blood donation deferral policy and men who have sex with men
Authors: Fisayo Temitope
Published: April 2021

The rules that govern blood donation vary globally. Some potential blood donors are ineligible for immediate blood donation, and as such are deferred until such time that they become eligible. This practice, the blood donation deferral period, is intended to reduce the risk of blood‐borne infections being transfused into a blood product‐recipient. As blood screening technologies improve, the risk of an infected blood product remaining undetected decreases—and so too have the deferral periods for certain donors. Much has been made of the importance of an evidence‐based, scientific approach to protecting blood product‐recipients. However, these deferrals are controversial. What exactly determines the blood donation deferral period? This article argues that blood donation deferral periods are not merely the result of enacting empirical data. Instead, the deferral periods represent a negotiation between scientific evidence, experts, politically expedient narratives, institutionalised risk aversion, as well as more mundane concerns such as operational feasibility. As a case study, I examine how the UK Advisory Committee on the Safety of Blood, Tissues and Organs changed the 12‐month deferral period for blood donation from men who have sex with men to a 3‐month deferral period.
An integrative review on the toxicity of Bisphenol A (BPA) released from resin composites used in dentistry
Authors: Lopes‐Rocha Lígia , Ribeiro‐Gonçalves Lara , Henriques Bruno , Özcan Mutlu , Tiritan Maria Elizabeth , Souza Júlio C. M.
Published: April 2021

The main aim of this study was to perform an integrative review on the release of bisphenol A (BPA) from resin‐matrix composites and potential toxic effects. A bibliographic search was performed on the PubMed platform using the following keywords: “Bisphenol A" OR “BPA” AND “resin composite” OR “composite resin” AND “toxicity” OR “cytotoxicity” OR “release”. Inclusion criteria involved in vitro and in vivo studies on the release and toxicity of BPA. Results highlighted the release of BPA from resin‐matrix composites due to insufficient polymerization and/or degradation of the polymeric matrix. BPA is part of the organic matrix of resin‐matrix composites and may be hydrolysed in human saliva, although studies report that low doses might not be detected by traditional chemical analysis. Studies exposing zebrafish embryos to different concentrations of Bis‐GMA, showed 55% mortality at 10 μM Bis‐GMA while 30% mortality was recorded at 1 μM Bis‐GMA. In patients, a BPA concentration of around 2.09 × 10−2 μg/ml was found in the saliva after placement of lingual orthodontic retainers with resin‐matrix composites. Also, the BPA molecule can be swallowed and absorbed by the oral/gastrointestinal mucosa, which might result in systemic toxicity. The degradation of resin‐matrix composites and release of BPA in oral environment are dependent on the organic matrix content and on the polymerization method. A increased release of BPA can lead to the absorption into oral and gastrointestinal mucosa with high risks of local and systemic toxicity.
Meta‐Analysis of Noncompartmental Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Ertugliflozin to Evaluate Dose Proportionality and UGT1A9 Polymorphism Effect on Exposure
Authors: Marshall Jean‐Claude , Liang Yali , Sahasrabudhe Vaishali , Tensfeldt Thomas , Fediuk Daryl J. , Zhou Susan , Krishna Rajesh , Dawra Vikas Kumar , Wood Linda S. , Sweeney Kevin
Published: April 2021

Ertugliflozin, a sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, is primarily metabolized via glucuronidation by the uridine 5′‐diphospho‐glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) isoform UGT1A9. This noncompartmental meta‐analysis of ertugliflozin pharmacokinetics evaluated the relationship between ertugliflozin exposure and dose, and the effect of UGT1A9 genotype on ertugliflozin exposure. Pharmacokinetic data from 25 phase 1 studies were pooled. Structural models for dose proportionality described the relationship between ertugliflozin area under the plasma concentration‐time curve (AUC) or maximum observed plasma concentration (Cmax) and dose. A structural model for the UGT1A9 genotype described the relationship between ertugliflozin AUC and dose, with genotype information on 3 UGT1A9 polymorphisms (UGT1A9‐2152, UGT1A9*3, UGT1A9*1b) evaluated as covariates from the full model. Ertugliflozin AUC and Cmax increased in a dose‐proportional manner over the dose range of 0.5‐300 mg, and population‐predicted AUC and Cmax values for the 5‐ and 15‐mg ertugliflozin tablets administered in the fasted state demonstrated good agreement with the observed data. The largest change in ertugliflozin AUC was in subjects carrying the UGT1A9*3 heterozygous variant, with population‐predicted AUC (90% confidence interval) values of 485 ng·h/mL (458 to 510 ng·h/mL) and 1560 ng·h/mL (1480 to 1630 ng·h/mL) for ertugliflozin 5 and 15 mg, respectively, compared with 436 ng·h/mL (418 to 455 ng·h/mL) and 1410 ng·h/mL (1350 to 1480 ng·h/mL), respectively, in wild‐type subjects. Overall, the mean effects of the selected UGT1A9 variants on ertugliflozin AUC were within ±10% of the wild type. UGT1A9 genotype did not have any clinically meaningful effects on ertugliflozin exposure in healthy subjects. No ertugliflozin dose adjustment would be required in patients with the UGT1A9 variants assessed in this study.
Information asymmetries in web‐based information for engineering transfer students
Authors: Reeping David , Knight David B.
Published: April 2021

Background

Transfer students in engineering must navigate a myriad of information sources to obtain accurate information on how to matriculate into a 4‐year institution. Although some institutional and state‐level initiatives attempt to streamline the transfer process, students still report difficulties.

Purpose

This article explores the extent to which web‐based transfer information is fragmented across institutional websites and written using communicative strategies that could limit comprehension. Accordingly, this study characterizes information asymmetries—gaps in information—that affect transfer students in terms of two constructs: fragmentation and language.

Method

We employed a convergent fully integrated mixed‐methods design with a stratified random sample of 38 US engineering degree‐granting institutions. The connections between the webpages were transformed into networks and clustered using k‐means and partitioning around medoids with measures of dispersion and centrality. A purposeful nested sample of 16 institutions was taken based on the clusters and explored using a two‐cycle mixed‐methods coding protocol to understand how fragmentation and language interact to create information asymmetries. The resulting themes from each construct were integrated to develop narratives across the sampled institutions.

Conclusions

We found the web‐based information for transfer students to be a messy web of loosely connected structures with language that complicates understanding. We identified four fragmentation themes illustrating how transfer information is organized and six language themes capturing linguistic patterns across the webpages. We offer strategies for researchers and practitioners based on the narratives we developed.
Ammonia emissions and dispersion from broiler production
Authors: Harper Lowry A. , Ritz Casey W. , Flesch Thomas K.
Published: April 2021

Ammonia (NH3) has been used as a target gas for nuisance complaints to restrict or close poultry operations near encroaching rural development. There are conflicting data on NH3 emissions from broiler production across the United States. The purpose of this research is to compare emission rates from a Georgia broiler operation across seasons and with other geographical areas in the United States. Comparison of seasonal and geographical emission rates showed large seasonal variation in NH3 emissions for eastern U.S. sites but little seasonal variation in the semi‐arid region of the United States. Differences in production management practices, ambient temperature, and animal density did not appear to explain differences in emissions between regions; however, the climatic influence of ambient humidity and litter management practices are thought to be key factors in the generation of emissions.
Integrative anatomical study of the branched annelid Ramisyllis multicaudata (Annelida, Syllidae)
Authors: Ponz‐Segrelles Guillermo , Glasby Christopher J. , Helm Conrad , Beckers Patrick , Hammel Jörg U. , Ribeiro Rannyele P. , Aguado M. Teresa
Published: April 2021

The sponge‐dwelling Syllidae Ramisyllis multicaudata and Syllis ramosa are the only annelid species for which a branched body with one head and multiple posterior ends is known. In these species, the head is located deep within the sponge, and the branches extend through the canal system of their host. The morphology of these creatures has captivated annelid biologists since they were first discovered in the late XIXth century, and their external characteristics have been well documented. However, how their branched bodies fit within their symbiotic host sponges and how branches translate into internal anatomy has not been documented before. These features are crucially relevant for understanding the body of these animals, and therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate these aspects. In order to assess these questions, live observation, as wells as histology, immunohistochemistry, micro‐computed tomography, and transmission electron microscopy techniques were used on specimens of R. multicaudata. By using these techniques, we show that the complex body of R. multicaudata specimens extends greatly through the canal system of their host sponges. We demonstrate that iterative external bifurcation of the body is accompanied by the bifurcation of the longitudinal organ systems that are characteristic of annelids. Additionally, we also highlight that the bifurcation process leaves an unmistakable fingerprint in the form of newly‐described “muscle bridges.” These structures theoretically allow one to distinguish original and derived branches at each bifurcation. Last, we characterize some of the internal anatomical features of the stolons (reproductive units) of R. multicaudata, particularly their nervous system. Here, we provide the first study of the internal anatomy of a branched annelid. This information is not only crucial to deepen our understanding of these animals and their biology, but it will also be key to inform future studies that try to explain how this morphology evolved.
Assessment of precipitation from the CRA40 dataset and new generation reanalysis datasets in the global domain
Authors: Li Chunxiang , Zhao Tianbao , Shi Chunxiang , Liu Zhiquan
Published: April 2021

The China Meteorological Administration recently released its first reanalysis product, the CRA40 dataset covering the time period 1979–2018. We evaluate the performance of the CRA40 dataset in reproducing the observed precipitation climatology and variations over the global domain and typical monsoon regions during the period 1980–2018. In this study, four additional reanalysis precipitation datasets—the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts Reanalysis v5 (ERA5), Japanese 55‐year reanalysis (JRA55), Modern‐Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications version 2 (MERRA2) and Climate Forecast System Reanalysis—are compared against the Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP). For the global climatology, there are considerable differences in the performance of the five reanalysis products over south‐central Asia (85–95°E, 20–40°N), where CRA40 exhibits the wettest bias across all months especially for the south of 30°N bands. JRA55 produces more intense precipitation with a larger bias over the Atlantic and Pacific intertropical convergence zones (ITCZs). Meanwhile, CRA40 tends to slightly underestimate low rainfall, but overestimates high rainfall. In terms of trend, except MERRA2, the average global/hemispheric precipitation increased by 0.02–0.11 mm/day/decade in all the reanalysis datasets, which is attributed to clearly increased trends along the ITCZ. In contrast, a non‐significant increasing trend is observed. JRA55 generally has the empirical orthogonal function pattern most consistent with the GPCP, with the highest spatial and temporal correlations. Moreover, CRA40 correlates better with the Niño 3.4 index, producing precipitation patterns similar to the El Niño–Southern Oscillation. For six typical monsoon systems, CRA40 has a less consistent local precipitation average with a larger normalized standard deviation and centred root‐mean‐square error, and lower correlation coefficient than other reanalyses when compared with the GPCP.
Seasonal precipitation variability in mainland China based on entropy theory
Authors: Wu Guocan , Qin Shun , Huang Chengcheng , Ma Zhanshan , Shi Chunming
Published: April 2021

Precipitation plays a fundamental role in terrestrial modelling and is extremely vulnerable to climate change. It is particularly challenging to describe precipitation due to its intermittency and fluctuation at nearly all temporal and spatial scales. Precipitation variability represents the degree of unevenness in its distribution or its lack of uniformity over different scales. This study examined the seasonal variability of meteorological station precipitation observations during 1961–2018 over mainland China using entropy theory. The intensity disorder index (IDI) and apportionment disorder index (ADI) were used to characterize the distribution unevenness, including the number of precipitation days, and precipitation amounts. Six special regions were selected according to their geographical location and climate conditions to show the regional differences of the disorder indices. At the daily scale, the regional mean IDI was 0.4081 for the eastern Tibetan Plateau and the regional mean ADI was 0.9984 for north China, which were the largest value among the six regions investigated. The regional mean IDI was 0.1128 and the regional mean ADI was 0.4071 both for the Yangtze River Basin, which were the smallest value among the six regions investigated. Temporal variations of the DIs were also detected. The IDI have decreased not significantly in most regions, except increasing by 0.0223/decade and 0.0129/decade in southwest China during nighttime and daytime, respectively. The ADI decreased by −0.0191, −0.0275, −0.0229, and −0.0203/decade and passed the significant test at .05 level for northwest, northeast, north China, and eastern Tibetan Plateau at the daily scale, respectively. The results quantify the precipitation unevenness over mainland China, which can be treated as a reference for water resources management and land surface model evaluation.
Serum proteins associated with periodontitis relapse post‐surgery: A pilot study
Authors: Esberg Anders , Isehed Catrine , Holmlund Anders , Lindquist Susanne , Lundberg Pernilla
Published: April 2021

Background

The knowledge of which genes and proteins that are connected to the susceptibility to gingivitis with subsequent local tissue degradation seen in periodontitis is insufficient. Changes of serum proteins associated with recurrence of bleeding on probing (BOP) and increased periodontal pocket depths (PPD) after surgical treatment of periodontitis could reveal molecules that could be early signals of tissue destruction and/or of importance for systemic effects in other tissues or organs.

Methods

We performed a longitudinal pilot study and followed 96 inflammation‐related proteins over time in serum from patients who underwent surgical treatment of periodontitis (n= 21). The samples were taken before (time 0), and then at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Changes in protein levels were analysed in relation to the clinical outcome measures, that is, proportion of surfaces affected by BOP and PPD.

Results

Changes in treatment outcomes with early signs of relapse in periodontitis after surgical treatment, for example, increased BOP and PPDs, were during 12‐months follow up associated with increased serum levels of high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) and programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1), and reduced serum levels of cystatin‐D protein.

Conclusion

This study shows that clinical signs of recurrence of periodontitis after surgery are reflected in serum, but larger studies are needed for verification. Our novel findings of an association between increased PD‐L1‐ and decreased cystatin D‐levels and recurrence in periodontitis are interesting because PD‐L1 has been shown to facilitate bacterial infections and chronic inflammation and cystatin D to inhibit tissue destruction. Our results justify mechanistic studies regarding the role of these molecules in periodontitis.
A review of ASTM D7979 for the analysis of per‐ and polyfluorinated alkyl substances in non‐potable water by co‐solvation with methanol and using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Lipps William C. , Prakash Brahm , Schug Kevin A.
Published: April 2021

Per‐ and polyfluorinated alkyl substances are large class of man‐made compounds known in the media as “forever chemicals”. In 2015, ASTM International published ASTM D7979, for the analysis of per‐ and polyfluorinated alkyl substances in non‐potable water samples. This method extracts the substances by co‐solvation with methanol and measures targeted compounds using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. ASTM D7979 is a performance‐based method that analyzes 31 compounds plus 14 isotopically labeled surrogates. The minimum reporting limit is approximately 10 ng/L with an analytical range of 10–200 ng/L for most compounds. Expected recovery of surrogates and spiked matrices is 70–130%. Samples containing high suspended solids can be analyzed with minimal interferences and potential loss of analyte. The method is consistent with ASTM and EPA's sustainable development goals by using reduced volumes of sample, solvent, and minimizing hazardous solvents and sample preparation materials while maintaining data quality and detection limits that are suitable for the intended use. This paper covers the rationale, outlines some of the challenges associated with analysis of per‐ and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, and describes the steps taken by the ASTM Committee D19 task group to develop, optimize, and validate this method.
The influence of lipid content and taxonomic affiliation on methane and carbon dioxide production from phytoplankton biomass in lake sediment
Authors: Hiltunen Minna , Nykänen Hannu , Syväranta Jari
Published: April 2021

The greenhouse gases methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are end products of microbial anaerobic degradation of organic matter (OM) in lake sediments. Although previous research has shown that phytoplankton lipid content influences sediment methanogenesis, current understanding on how OM quality affects methanogenesis is still limited. Such information is needed to more accurately assess how lake greenhouse gas emissions may change in response to anthropogenic activities. We cultured 11 phytoplankton species from five classes and studied how taxonomic identity, C : N ratio, lipid content, and fatty acid composition of phytoplankton biomass affects the CH4 and net CO2 production in anaerobic lake sediments with an incubation experiment that lasted > 100 d. The carbon‐normalized potential CH4 (0.09–0.23 μmol mg C−1 d−1) and net CO2 (0.09–0.28 μmol mg C−1 d−1) production rates were not related to phytoplankton taxonomic affiliation (e.g., class, species), C : N ratio, or fatty acid composition of algal biomass. Methane or net CO2 production potentials did not increase with higher lipid content (10–30%); however, total fatty acid content had a weak correlation with CH4 production potential. In contrast to previous research, our results suggest that lipid content is of minor importance in determining methanogenesis rates from the biomass of multispecies phytoplankton communities settling on sediments. The decrease in CO2 concentration and the correlation between stable carbon isotope signatures of CH4 and molar ratio of CH4 and CO2 at the end of the experiment may indicate that importance of hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis, which uses CO2 when other substrates become limiting, increased during the long incubation.
Risk Factors for Beyond Milan Recurrence After Hepatic Resection for Single Hepatocellular Carcinoma No Larger Than 5 Centimeters
Authors: Kim Mina , Kim Taegyu , Lee Hyun Young , Hong Sung Yeon , Wang Hee‐Jung , Kim Bong‐Wan
Published: April 2021

Hepatic resection (HR) is considered a treatment of choice for a single hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ≤5 cm in patients with preserved liver function. However, it is possible for these patients to develop a severe form of recurrence (beyond Milan recurrence [BMR] criteria). This recurrence could have been avoided if liver transplantation (LT) was performed primarily, as LT is believed to yield a more favorable oncological outcome compared with HR. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors for BMR after HR and to verify whether primary LT can provide a more favorable outcome in patients with BMR risk factors. Data from 493 patients who underwent HR for HCC ≤5 cm between 1995 and 2016 were analyzed. Among them, 74 patients (15%) experienced BMR. The 10‐year survival rate of patients with BMR was significantly low compared with that of patients without BMR (22.6% versus 79.8%; P < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, calculated hepatic venous pressure gradient ≥7 mm Hg and microvascular invasion were identified as the risk factors for BMR (P < 0.05). During the same period, 63 eligible patients underwent LT as a primary treatment for HCC ≤5 cm. No significant difference in long‐term survival rate was observed when no risk factor for BMR was present in the HR and LT groups (85.5% versus 100%; P = 0.39). However, 10‐year survival was poorer in the HR group in the presence of risk factors for BMR (60.6% versus 91.8%; P < 0.001). Among the patients with HCCs ≤5 cm, which are resectable and transplantable, LT is indicated when calculated hepatic venous pressure gradient ≥7 mm Hg and/or microvascular invasion is present.
Antimicrobial properties of Lactobacillus cell‐free supernatants against multidrug‐resistant urogenital pathogens
Authors: Scillato Marina , Spitale Ambra , Mongelli Gino , Privitera Grete Francesca , Mangano Katia , Cianci Antonio , Stefani Stefania , Santagati Maria
Published: April 2021

The healthy vaginal microbiota is dominated by Lactobacillus spp., which provide an important critical line of defense against pathogens, as well as giving beneficial effects to the host. We characterized L. gasseri 1A‐TV, L. fermentum 18A‐TV, and L. crispatus 35A‐TV, from the vaginal microbiota of healthy premenopausal women, for their potential probiotic activities. The antimicrobial effects of the 3 strains and their combination against clinical urogenital bacteria were evaluated together with the activities of their metabolites produced by cell‐free supernatants (CFSs). Their beneficial properties in terms of ability to interfere with vaginal pathogens (co‐aggregation, adhesion to HeLa cells, biofilm formation) and antimicrobial activity mediated by CFSs were assessed against multidrug urogenital pathogens (S. agalactiae, E. coli, KPC‐producing K. pneumoniae, S. aureus, E. faecium VRE, E. faecalis, P. aeruginosa, P. mirabilis, P. vulgaris, C. albicans, C. glabrata). The Lactobacilli tested exhibited an extraordinary ability to interfere and co‐aggregate with urogenital pathogens, except for Candida spp., as well as to adhere to HeLa cells and to produce biofilm in the Lactobacillus combination. Lactobacillus CFSs and their combination revealed a strong bactericidal effect on the multidrug resistant indicator strains tested, except for E. faecium and E. faecalis. The antimicrobial activity was maintained after heat treatment but decreased after enzymatic treatment. All Lactobacilli showed lactic dehydrogenase activity and production of D‐ and L‐lactic acid isomers on Lactobacillus CFSs, while only 1A‐TV and 35A‐TV released hydrogen peroxide and carried helveticin J and acidocin A bacteriocins. These results suggest that they can be employed as a new vaginal probiotic formulation and bio‐therapeutic preparation against urogenital infections. Further, in vivo studies are needed to evaluate human health benefits in clinical situations.
The benefits and challenges of family genetic testing in rare genetic diseases—lessons from Fabry disease
Authors: Germain Dominique P. , Moiseev Sergey , Suárez‐Obando Fernando , Al Ismaili Faisal , Al Khawaja Huda , Altarescu Gheona , Barreto Fellype C. , Haddoum Farid , Hadipour Fatemeh , Maksimova Irina , Kramis Mirelle , Nampoothiri Sheela , Nguyen Khanh Ngoc , Niu Dau‐Ming , Politei Juan , Ro Long‐Sun , Vu Chi Dung , Chen Nan , Kutsev Sergey
Published: April 2021

Background

Family genetic testing of patients newly diagnosed with a rare genetic disease can improve early diagnosis of family members, allowing patients to receive disease‐specific therapies when available. Fabry disease, an X‐linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by pathogenic variants in GLA, can lead to end‐stage renal disease, cardiac arrhythmias, and stroke. Diagnostic delays are common due to the rarity of the disease and non‐specificity of early symptoms. Newborn screening and screening of at‐risk populations, (e.g., patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or undiagnosed nephropathies) can identify individuals with Fabry disease. Subsequent cascade genotyping of family members may disclose a greater number of affected individuals, often at younger age than they would have been diagnosed otherwise.

Methods

We conducted a literature search to identify all published data on family genetic testing for Fabry disease, and discussed these data, experts’ own experiences with family genetic testing, and the barriers to this type of screening that are present in their respective countries.

Results

There are potential barriers that make implementation of family genetic testing challenging in some countries. These include associated costs and low awareness of its importance, and cultural and societal issues. Regionally, there are barriers associated with population educational levels, national geography and infrastructures, and a lack of medical geneticists.

Conclusion

In this review, the worldwide experience of an international group of experts of Fabry disease highlights the issues faced in the family genetic testing of patients affected with rare genetic diseases.
An adaptive model order reduction method for nonlinear seismic analysis of civil structures based on the elastic–plastic states
Authors: Fang Ming , Wang Jian , Li Hui
Published: April 2021

As an approach to evaluating the seismic performance of civil structures, nonlinear seismic analysis faces a challenge in terms of computational efficiency for high‐fidelity simulations of large‐scale finite element models. In this article, an adaptive model order reduction (AMOR) method is proposed for alleviating the computational burden of nonlinear seismic analysis based on elastic–plastic states. The elastic–plastic states are classified as the initial‐elastic, plastic‐deforming, and residual‐elastic states. The finite element model of a civil structure is automatically partitioned into linear and nonlinear substructures according to the time‐varying spatial distribution of the plastic deformation zone, and the Craig–Bampton method was employed to construct the reduced governing equations in each elastic–plastic state. An elastic–plastic‐triggered reanalysis method was proposed to conduct a seamless transformation of the reduced governing equations between different elastic–plastic states. In the back‐off step, the reduced response vectors are projected back to the physical coordinate space. In the reanalysis step, the response vectors are initialized, partitioned, and transformed onto the hybrid coordinate space spanned by reduced‐order bases. Compared with a conventional time step integration method, the AMOR method yields comparative results with a higher computational efficiency.
The effect of vinyl trimethoxy silane as a flame‐retardant agent in ultraviolet curable resin based on palm oil
Authors: Sua Pei Ru , Azizah Abubakar , Azniwati Abd Aziz , Rozman Hj. Din , Tay Guan Seng
Published: April 2021

Palm oil was used as a raw material to produce flame retardant ultraviolet curable resin (POR). Polyethylene glycol with a molecular weight of 400 (PEG 400) was employed as a softening agent to produce coating films with different hardness, while vinyl trimethoxy silane (VTMS) was utilized as a reactive flame‐retardant monomer in the formulation. The resin was successfully cured using ultraviolet radiation with the presence of a photoinitiator. The results showed that the adhesion strength of the coating films was enhanced by the addition of VTMS in the formulation, at a different plasticity when compared with the control sample. From thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), the increment of VTMS content had improved the thermal stability of the films. VTMS also plays a crucial role in improving the flame‐retardant properties of coated wood.