bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The variable association between expression and methylation of estrogen receptors and the survival of patients with different tumors
Authors: Hu Chao , Liu Yinhua , Jiang Shan , Chen Hongjin , Xu Haojun , Hu Junhong , Li Congzhu , Xia Hongping
Published: June 2020

Background

Estrogen receptor (ER) is essential in reproductive development and is also the primary driver of breast cancers. Deregulation of ER may also be involved in tumorigenesis of other organs. To understand the role of ER in different tumor types, pan‐cancer analysis of estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) and estrogen receptor beta (ESR2) in various tumors and association with patients' survival were conducted using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data.

Results

Gene methylation level was evaluated by the mean methylation level of CpG sites in the promoter region. The significant different DNA methylation between tumor and healthy tissues was shown in 10 tumor types for ESR1 and eight tumor types for ESR2. The methylation pattern was also varied across different TCGA tumors. The pan‐cancer analysis showed significantly different mRNA expression of ESR1 in nine tumor types and ESR2 in four tumor types. Survival analysis showed that the effects of ERs expression on survival are diverse in different tumors. The expression of ERs was associated with tumor molecular subtypes and various clinical characteristics. ER correlated genes were mainly enriched in cancer and immune‐related pathways.

Conclusions

Our pan‐cancer analysis data indicated that ERs might be significantly associated with carcinogenesis and progression of some tumors, which may be potential therapeutic targets and prognosis biomarkers.
Maternal expressive suppression moderates the relations between maternal and child hair cortisol
Authors: Doan Stacey N. , Venkatesh Shruthi , Predroza Melissa , Tarullo Amanda , Meyer Jerrold S.
Published: June 2020

Self‐reports and physiological indicators of stress such as cortisol levels are correlated in maternal and child samples. This relationship is likely to be influenced by maternal emotion regulation. Herein, we investigate the moderating role of maternal regulation strategies on the association between maternal and child hair cortisol levels. Mother–child dyads (N = 63, child mean age = 49.74 months) participated in the study. Hair samples were collected from mother and child, and cortisol was assayed. Mothers reported on their own emotion regulation strategies, namely expressive suppression and cognitive reappraisal. As expected, mother and child hair cortisol levels were significantly correlated. Interestingly, the relation between maternal and child hair cortisol was moderated by maternal suppression of emotion. Mother and child hair cortisol levels were related at low levels of maternal suppression, but not at higher levels of suppression. Maternal cognitive reappraisal of emotion was not associated with cortisol levels.
Adaptive rule learning of event sequences during the A‐not‐B task in 9‐month‐old infants
Authors: Werchan Denise M. , Amso Dima
Published: June 2020

Prior work indicates that infants can use social information to organize simple audiovisual inputs into predictable rules by 8 months of age. However, it is unclear whether infants can use social information to organize more complex events into predictable rules that can be used to guide motor action. To examine these issues, we tested 9‐month‐old infants using a modified version of an A‐not‐B task, in which hiding event sequences were paired with different experimenters, who could be used to organize the events into rules that guide action. We predicted that infants’ reaching accuracy would be better when the experimenter changes when the toy's hiding location changes, relative to when the experimenter stays the same, as this should cue a novel rule used to guide action. Experiments 1 and 2 validated this prediction. Experiment 3 showed that reaching accuracy was better when the toy's hiding locationswitchedbut wasconsistentwith the rule associated with the experimenter, relative to when the toy's hiding locationrepeatedbut wasinconsistentwith the rule associated with the experimenter. These data suggest that infants can use the identities of experimenters to organize events into predictable rules that guide action in the A‐not‐B task.
Tree canopy cover constrains the fertility–diversity relationship in plant communities of the southeastern United States
Authors: Hakkenberg Christopher R. , Peet Robert K. , Wentworth Thomas R. , Zhu Kai , Schafale Michael P.
Published: June 2020

The goal of elucidating the primary mechanisms constraining the assembly and distribution of biodiversity remains among the central unresolved challenges facing the field of ecology. Simulation studies and experimental manipulations have focused on how patterns in community assembly result from bivariate relationships along productivity or environmental gradients. However, the joint influence of multiple resource gradients on the distribution of species richness in natural communities remains understudied. Using data from a large network of multiscale vegetation plots across forests and woodlands of the southeastern United States, we find significant evidence for the scale‐dependent, joint constraints of forest structure and soil resources on the distribution of vascular plant species richness. In addition to their significant partial effects on species richness, understory light levels and soil fertility positively interact, suggesting a trade‐off between the two limiting resources with species richness peaking both in high‐light, low‐fertility conditions as well as low‐light, high‐fertility settings. This finding provides a novel perspective on the biodiversity–productivity relationship that suggests a transition in limiting resources from soil nutrients to light availability when enhanced productivity results in reduced light resources for subordinate individuals. Results likewise have meaningful implications for our understanding of scale‐dependent community assembly processes as size‐asymmetric competition replaces environmental filtering as the primary assembly mechanism structuring temperate forest communities along an increasing soil fertility gradient.
A multifaceted approach to analyzing taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic β diversity
Authors: Nakamura Gabriel , Vicentin Wagner , Súarez Yzel Rondon , Duarte Leandro
Published: June 2020

Ecological literature offers a myriad of methods for quantifying β diversity. One such method is determining BDtotal (BD), which, unlike other methods, can be decomposed into meaningful components that indicate how unique a sampling unit is regarding its composition (local contribution) and how unique a species is regarding its occurrence in the community (species contribution). Despite this advantage, the original formulation of the BD metric only assesses taxonomic variation and neglects other important dimensions of biodiversity. We expanded the original formulation of BD to capture variation in the functional and phylogenetic dimensions of community data by computing two new metrics—BDFun and BDPhy—as well as their respective components that represent the local and species contribution. We tested the statistical performance of these new metrics for capturing variation in functional and phylogenetic composition through simulated communities and illustrated the potential use of these new metrics by analyzing β diversity of stream fish communities. Our results demonstrated that BDPhy and BDFun have acceptable type I error and great power to detect the effect of deep evolutionary relationships and attributes mediating patterns of β diversity. The empirical example illustrated how BDPhy and BDFun reveal complementary aspects of β diversity relative to the original BD metric. These new metrics can be used to identify local communities that are of conservation importance because they represent unique functional, phylogenetic, and taxonomic compositions. We conclude that BDPhy and BDFun are important tools for providing complementary information in the investigation of the structure of biological communities.
Syntheses, Structures and Magnetic Properties of Ferromagnetically/Antiferromagnetically Coupled Penta‐ and Hexanuclear Azido‐Bridged Nickel(II) Coordination Compounds
Authors: Panja Anangamohan , Adak Sarmistha , Brandão Paula , Dlháň Ľubor , Boča Roman
Published: June 2020

The use of the Schiff base ligand (HL) derived from 2,6‐diformyl‐4‐methylphenol and N,N‐dimethyldipropylenetriamine in nickel(II) coordination chemistry has been investigated and two pentanuclear [Ni5(H2L)2(µ1,1‐N3)4(N3)2(µ3‐OH)2(H2O)2](NO3)4·6H2O (1), [Ni5(L)2(µ1,3‐OAc)2(µ1,1‐N3)4(µ3‐OH)2]·12H2O·2CH3OH (2) and one hexanuclear [Ni6(H2L)2(µ1,1‐N3)4(µ1,3‐N3)2(N3)4(µ3‐OH)2(H2O)2](ClO4)2·4H2O (3) clusters were isolated under mild conditions. In these complexes, the nature of the anion and stoichiometry of the reactants seem to play important roles in directing the formation of the metal clusters. Their X‐ray characterization shows that the Ni6 cluster can be considered to be built from two triangular [Ni3(µ‐phenoxido)(µ3‐OH)(µ‐N3)4] subunits with bis(µ1,3‐N3) connectors, while bowtie‐shaped Ni5 clusters are formed by sharing a common vertex. Variable temperature magnetic properties of the penta‐ and the hexanuclear nickel(II) spin coupled clusters have been investigated and interpreted. According to the present results, although the core structures of triangular Ni3 units are identical in these systems, the introduction of different bridges bring overall diverse magnetic interaction (antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic) in these nickel(II) clusters.
The Role of Monoanionic Aryl Pincer Ligands in the Stabilization of Group 14 Metallylenes
Authors: Deak Noémi , Madec David , Nemes Gabriela
Published: June 2020

Pincer ligands have an important role in stabilizing group 14 metallylenes. The particular structure of the aryl pincer ligands makes them a unique ligand platform. This review is focused on presenting monoanionic metallylenes stabilized by aryl pincer‐type ligands, described so far in the literature, with focus on their synthesis, structural features, and reactivity. Throughout this work, the close correlation between structure and reactivity is highlighted, as well as the manner in which this influences the stability of the compounds and their potential applications.
Exploiting Substrate Diversity for Preparing Synthetically Valuable Sulfoxides via Asymmetric Hydrogenative Kinetic Resolution
Authors: Fernández‐Pérez Héctor , Lao Joan R. , Grabulosa Arnald , Vidal‐Ferran Anton
Published: June 2020

A detailed study is disclosed on the Rh‐mediated hydrogenative kinetic resolution of α,β‐unsaturated sulfoxides with alkyl and aryl substituents at the α‐, E‐ and Z‐positions of the double bond. This stereoselective catalytic methodology has enabled the preparation of highly enantioenriched (or even enantiopure) alkyl and aryl‐substituted (un)saturated sulfoxides via a simple and efficient synthetic operation. Moreover, the application of the hydrogenative KR to the preparation of valuable optically active sulfoxide‐containing building blocks or biologically active intermediates is described.
Treated Screen Printed Electrodes Based on Electrochemically Reduced Graphene Nanoribbons for the Sensitive Voltammetric Determination of Dopamine in the Presence of Uric Acid
Authors: Mohammadi Somayeh , Taher Mohammad Ali , Beitollahi Hadi
Published: June 2020

In this research, the graphene oxide nanoribbons (GONRs) were substantially synthesized by the oxidative longitudinal unzipping of the multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Then, a direct electrochemical technique was employed for reducing GONRs adsorbed on the screen printed carbon electrode (SPCE). Electrochemical reduction effectively eliminated the oxygen‐containing groups in the GONRs and produced the electrochemically reduced graphene nanoribbons (ERGNRs). Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) were employed to characterize the materials. The modified SPCE with ERGNRs (ERGNRs/SPCE) displayed acceptable electrocatalytic characteristics towards the oxidation of dopamine (DA) and uric acid (UA) and applied to the simultaneous determination of these two analytes. ERGNRs/SPCE has a peak potential difference of 245 mV between DA and UA. The anodic peak currents of DA and UA were linear within the concentration ranges between 0.5 and 300.0 μM and 1.0 to 400.0 μM in phosphate buffer (pH=7.0) respectively. The detection limit of the technique for DA is 0.15 μM (S/N=3) and for UA is 0.3 μM (S/N=3). The proposed approach has been applied to the determination of DA and UA in real samples and generated acceptable outputs.
An accurate interface reconstruction method using piecewise circular arcs
Authors: Maity Ram Kumar , Sundararajan T. , Velusamy K.
Published: June 2020

A novel piecewise circular interface construction (PCIC) method for accurate reconstruction of interface in a two‐phase flow problem is proposed. This is under the framework of a fixed grid, volume of fluid approach applied on a two‐dimensional semistaggered structured grid. Fluid interface in each mixed cell is represented using a geometric template of piecewise circular arc. Data corresponding to arc center coordinates and radius are first predicted using curve fitting methods and corrected with the help of volume fraction constraints. Further corrections are carried out to achieve function (c0) continuity at cell boundaries. The proposed method does not require additional calculations for the determination of curvature (for calculation of surface tension force), since it is obtained as part of reconstruction process itself. For dynamic interface construction, simple analytical expressions are derived to construct edge matched flux polygons. Area of intersection of flux polygons with area covered by primary fluid is determined to effect geometric advection across a PCIC interface. Accuracy of this method is demonstrated by the reconstruction of standard static and dynamically evolving interface problems. Accuracy levels superior to most interface reconstruction methods using PLIC and schemes using higher order curves are established. Finally, the capability to handle a complex two‐phase flow problem simulation viz the four‐vortex flow field, where interface undergoes breakage and coalescence, is also demonstrated.
Petrogenesis and geodynamic implications of the intrusions related to the Pusangguo skarn Cu‐dominated polymetallic deposit in Tibet: Constraints from geochronology, geochemistry, and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotopes
Authors: Li Zhuang , Lang Xinghai , Zhang Qizhi , Liu Xinkai , Yang Xin
Published: June 2020

Pusangguo is a high‐grade skarn‐type Cu‐dominated polymetallic deposit and the only large‐sized Cu‐Pb‐Zn‐(Co‐Ni) deposit in the Gangdese metallogenic belt (GMB); the magmatic rocks associated with this deposit are poorly documented, and their petrogenesis and geodynamic setting are unclear. To explore these issues, we present zircon U–Pb ages along with Hf isotopic, whole‐rock geochemical, and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic data for Pusangguo biotite granodiorite (PBG) and Pusangguo diorite porphyrite (PDP) in this deposit. Zircon U–Pb dating for these rocks indicates that they were emplaced during the Miocene (13.6–14.6 Ma). Geochemically, both PBG and PDP show characteristics of adakites, with intermediate SiO2 (65.55–67.30 wt% and 60.56–58.27 wt%, respectively), relatively high Al2O3 (15.28–15.85 wt% and 17.71–16.71 wt%, respectively) and Sr (599–723 ppm and 687–1,616 ppm, respectively) and low Y and Yb. In addition, they show relatively low ratios of (87Sr/86Sr)i and (206Pb/204Pb)i, (207Pb/204Pb)i and (208Pb/204Pb)i and relatively low values of εNd(t) and εHf(t). The Sr‐Nd‐Pb‐Hf isotopes of PBG and PDP are similar to those of the Miocene adakitic rocks associated with the porphyry–skarn deposits in the GMB, indicating that they were predominantly generated by partial melting of the thickened juvenile Lhasa Terrane lower crust and the PDP were likely to be generated through mixing between the magma parental to the PBG and a mafic end‐member. By combining our results with the previously reported results, we suggest that the model of delamination of the overthickened mantle lithosphere of Lhasa Terrane and convective upwelling of mantle asthenosphere which may involve Indian continental lithosphere.
Sirt6 Alleviated Liver Fibrosis by Deacetylating Conserved Lysine 54 on Smad2 in Hepatic Stellate Cells
Authors: Zhang Jinhang , Li Yanping , Liu Qinhui , Huang Ya , Li Rui , Wu Tong , Zhang Zijing , Zhou Jian , Huang Hui , Tang Qin , Huang Cuiyuan , Zhao Yingnan , Zhang Guorong , Jiang Wei , Mo Li , Zhang Jian , Xie Wen , He Jinhan
Published: June 2020

Backgrounds and Aims

Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a central driver of fibrosis. This study aimed to elucidate the role of the deacetylase sirtuin 6 (Sirt6) in HSC activation and liver fibrosis.

Approach and Results

Gain‐of‐function and loss‐of‐function models were used to study the function of Sirt6 in HSC activation. Mass spectrometry was used to determine the specific acetylation site. The lecithin retinol acyltransferase–driven cyclization recombination recombinase construct (CreERT2) mouse line was created to generate HSC‐specific conditional Sirt6‐knockout mice (Sirt6△HSC). We found that Sirt6 is most abundantly expressed in HSCs as compared with other liver cell types. The expression of Sirt6 was decreased in activated HSCs and fibrotic livers of mice and humans. Sirt6 knockdown and Sirt6 overexpression increased and decreased fibrogenic gene expression, respectively, in HSCs. Mechanistically, Sirt6 inhibited the phosphorylation and nuclear localization of mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (Smad) 2. Further study demonstrated that Sirt6 could directly interact with Smad2, deacetylate Smad2, and decrease the transcription of transforming growth factor β/Smad2 signaling. Mass spectrometry revealed that Sirt6 deacetylated conserved lysine 54 on Smad2. Mutation of lysine 54 to Arginine in Smad2 abolished the regulatory effect of Sirt6. In vivo, specific ablation of Sirt6 in HSCs exacerbated hepatocyte injury and cholestasis‐induced liver fibrosis in mice. With targeted delivery of the Sirt6 agonist MDL‐800, its concentration was 9.28‐fold higher in HSCs as compared with other liver cells and alleviated hepatic fibrosis.

Conclusions

Sirt6 plays a key role in HSC activation and liver fibrosis by deacetylating the profibrogenic transcription factor Smad2. Sirt6 may be a potential therapeutic target for liver fibrosis.
Hematological reactions in the inhabitants of the Arctic on a polar night and a polar day
Authors: Balashova Svetlana N. , Samodova Anna V. , Dobrodeeva Liliya K. , Belisheva Natalya K.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify the features of hematological reactions in the inhabitants of the Arctic territory of the Kola Peninsula on a polar night and a polar day.

Methods

The study included determining the hemogram, neutrograms, monocytograms, lymphocytograms, and phagocytic activity neutrophil granulocytes, enzyme immunoassay, flow cytometry.

Results

It was established that during the polar night, there is an increase in the activity of migration of leukocytes from the marginal pool to the circulating pool, an increase in the intensity of phagocytosis by neutrophils, an increase in the concentrations of noradrenaline, cortisol, as well as an increase in hyperergic reactions involving immunoglobulin E and inhibitory processes due to an increase in interleukin‐10.

Conclusion

A prolonged lack of sunlight causes a decrease in the reserve capacity for regulating homeostasis and forces the body to use proliferative reactions, which is reflected in the increase in stab neutrophils, large lymphocytes in the structure of the lymphocytogram and CD10+ lymphocytes. In winters, the frequency of neutropenia registration also increases to 13% of cases, the deficit of phagocytic activity of neutrophils; lymphopenia is recorded in 20% with T‐helper deficiency (37%). A part of the population probably has a relatively high degree of vulnerability to the action of natural environmental factors and is not able to completely restore the initial levels of the effectiveness of adaptation reactions in the summer. So at the end of the polar day in 8% of adults born in the north, neutropenia is recorded and in 21%—lymphopenia.
Childhood cancer incidence among specific Asian and Pacific Islander populations in the United States
Authors: Moore Kristin J. , Hubbard Aubrey K. , Williams Lindsay A. , Spector Logan G.
Published: June 2020

Despite the vast genetic and environmental diversity in Asia, individuals of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) descent are often combined into a single group for epidemiologic analyses within the U.S. We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Detailed Asian/Pacific Islander Database to calculate incidence rates for discrete groups among children aged 0 to 19 years. Due to sample size constraints we pooled incidence among regional groups based on countries of origin: East Asians (Chinese, Japanese, Korean), Southeast (SE) Asians (Vietnamese, Laotian, Cambodian), Asian Indian/Pakistani, Oceanians (Guamanian, Samoan, Tongan) and Filipinos. Incidence rate ratios (IRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated comparing each API regional group to Non‐Hispanic Whites (NHW) and East Asians. Finally, we calculated the correlation between incidence of cancer in specific API ethnicities in SEER and in originating countries in the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents. Incidence rates among API regional groups varied. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) was lower in children of SE Asian descent (IRR 0.65, 95% CI 0.44, 0.96) compared to NHW. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) was more common among children from Oceania compared to NHW (IRR 3.88, 95% CI 1.83, 8.22). East Asians had higher incidence rates than SE Asians but lower rates compared to children from Oceania. Correlation of some incidence rates between US‐based API ethnicities and originating countries were similar. The variation observed in childhood cancer incidence patterns among API groups may indicate differences in underlying genetics and/or patterns of exposure.
Cost of decentralized CAR T‐cell production in an academic nonprofit setting
Authors: Ran Tao , Eichmüller Stefan B. , Schmidt Patrick , Schlander Michael
Published: June 2020

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‐cell therapy is a promising immunotherapy with high acquisition costs, and it has raised concerns about affordability and sustainability in many countries. Furthermore, the current centralized production paradigm for the T cells is less than satisfactory. Therefore, several countries are exploring alternative T‐cell production modes. Our study is based on the T‐cell production experience in a nonprofit setting in Germany. We first identified the work steps and main activities in the production process. Then we determined the fixed costs and variable costs. Main cost components included personnel and technician salaries, expenditure on equipment, a clean room, as well as production materials. All costs were calculated in 2018 euros and converted into U.S. dollars. For a clean room with one machine for closed and automated manufacturing installed, annual fixed costs summed up to approximately €438 098 ($584 131). The variable cost per production was roughly €34 798 ($46 397). At the maximum capacity of one machine, total cost per product would be close to €60 000 ($78 849). As shown in the scenario analysis, if three machines were to be installed in the clean room, per production cost could be as low as €45 000 (roughly $59905). If a cheaper alternative to lentivirus was used, per production total cost could be further reduced to approximately €33 000 (roughly $44309). Decentralized T‐cell production might be a less costly and more efficient alternative to the current centralized production mode that requires a high acquisition cost.
Activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor by benzo[a]pyrene increases interleukin 33 expression and eosinophil infiltration in a mouse model of allergic airway inflammation
Authors: Tajima Hitoshi , Tajiki‐Nishino Risako , Watanabe Yuko , Kurata Keigo , Fukuyama Tomoki
Published: June 2020

We recently demonstrated that benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligand, directly contributes to aggravation of cutaneous allergy in a mouse model of allergic dermatitis. The present study aimed to determine whether BaP‐induced AhR activation results in development of airway inflammation. Initially, the potential for a direct relationship between BaP‐induced AhR activation and airway inflammation was investigated in vivo, using a mouse model of type 2 helper T cell (Th2) hapten toluene‐2,4‐diisocyanate (TDI)‐induced airway inflammation. Mice were orally administered BaP at 48, 24, and 4 h before the final allergen challenge. Oral administration of BaP showed a significant increase in lung inflammation and eosinophil infiltration. While expression of Th2 cytokines such as interleukin 4 (IL‐4) and IL‐13 was not affected by exposure to BaP, AhR activation significantly increased IL‐33 expression. To confirm the in vivo results, in vitro experiments were performed using the human eosinophilic leukemia cell line (EOL‐1), human bronchial epithelial cell line (BEAS‐2B), and human lung adenocarcinoma epithelial cell line (A549). Results indicated that pre‐treatment with BaP increased expression of IL‐8 in house dust mite‐activated EOL‐1, BEAS‐2B, and A549 cells. In addition, IL‐33 levels in BEAS‐2B cells were significantly increased after BaP exposure. Our findings indicated that BaP‐induced AhR activation is involved in the pro‐inflammatory response in respiratory allergy, and that this effect may be mediated by increased IL‐33 expression and eosinophil infiltration.
Comparative study between bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell and their conditioned medium in the treatment of rat model of Parkinsonism
Authors: Abdelwahab Soha , Elsebay Sara Abdel Gawad , Fouli Gaber Manar , Abdel‐Hafez Sara Mohamed Naguib
Published: June 2020

Parkinsonism is one of the most common aging neurodegenerative disorders. This study aims to compare the therapeutic effect of stem cell versus its conditioned medium in the Parkinsonism model. Parkinsonism was induced by daily subcutaneous injection of 0.5 mg/kg of rotenone dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide for 28 days. Fifty rats were divided randomly into five groups: control, dimethyl sulfoxide, Parkinsonism, stem cell‐treated, and conditioned medium‐treated groups. Midbrain specimens were obtained for histological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical studies. Lewy bodies were observed in the Parkinsonism group in the dopaminergic neuron and neuropil as well. Almost all of the pathological changes were clearly ameliorated in both stem cell‐ and conditioned medium‐treated groups as confirmed by biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical (anti‐nestin, anti‐glial fibrillary acidic protein, and anti‐α synuclein) studies. However, the conditioned medium showed more superior therapeutic effect establishing nearly the normal histological architecture of substantia nigra. These results may pave the future for using stem cell‐conditioned medium as a more convenient and effective adjuvant therapy in Parkinsonism and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Pyrolysis of microalgae biomass over carbonate catalysts
Authors: Ferreira Ana Filipa , Soares Dias Ana Paula
Published: June 2020

Microalgae are seen as potential biomass to be used in a biorefinery concept. Several technologies can be used to convert microalgal biomass, but pyrolysis is viewed as a unique pathway to obtain valuable chemicals distributed in three phases: liquid (bio‐oil), gas (bio‐gas) and solid (bio‐char). The liquid phase, bio‐oil, usually presents higher heating value than raw biomass, but acidity and oxygen content are major drawbacks. In situ catalyzed pyrolysis can help to decrease the oxygen content and acidity of pyrolytic bio‐oils. Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedesmus obliquus were pyrolyzed in a fixed‐bed reactor using commercial carbonate catalysts (Li2CO3, Na2CO3, K2CO3, MgCO3, SrCO3 and MnCO3). The catalysis pyrolysis temperature (375 °C) was selected from thermal degradation profiles obtained using thermogravimetry under nitrogen flow and corresponds to the maximum degradation rate for both microalgae. In spite of similar volatile and fixed carbon contents, microalgae performed differentially during pyrolysis mainly due to the different contents of carbohydrates, oils and proteins. Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedesmus obliquus showed bio‐oil yield in the range 26–38 and 28–50 wt%, respectively. Only sodium carbonate was able to decrease the bio‐char yield, confirming that carbonate catalysts prompt simultaneously gasification and carbonization reactions. Fourier transform infrared spectra of produced bio‐oils showed a net decrease of acidity, associated with carbonyl species when carbonate catalysts were used. Bio‐char morphology, for both microalgae, showed evidence of melting and resolidification of cell structures, which might be due to the lower melting points of the pyrolysis products obtained from proteins and lipids. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Prevalence and dental professional awareness of antibiotic self‐medication among older adults: Implications for dental education
Authors: Roberts Eugenia P. , Roberts Bradley S. , Burns Andrea , Goodlet Kellie J. , Chapman Alice , Cyphers Russel , Atkinson Jennifer
Published: June 2020

Objective

Antibiotic stewardship has been recognized as an essential component of dental education. A notable threat to stewardship is the growing trend toward self‐medication with nonprescribed antibiotics (SMNPA), particularly among older adults who may be at increased risk for adverse outcomes. This study aimed to assess the need to incorporate SMNPA into dental education by researching (1) professional awareness and (2) self‐medication behaviors among older adults.

Methods

A SMNPA awareness survey was administered to dentists in Arizona with 148 respondents including general dentists, dental school faculty, and public health clinicians. A second survey was distributed to 410 households in an independent and assisted living facility.

Results

The dentists were aware of sources of SMNPA such as friends/family, leftover prescriptions, as well as sources outside of the United States; however, most (>80%) were not aware that ornamental fish antibiotics could be obtained online or in pet stores. The survey response rate for the older adults was 46.3%, of which 68.3% reported antibiotic use within the past 2 years (several for dental premedication) and 6.4% (n = 12) admitted to SMNPA for treating cold symptoms or pain. The main reason given for self‐treatment was the belief that antibiotics had resolved similar symptoms in the past. One‐third of the older adult respondents were unaware that antibiotics only treat bacterial infections.

Conclusion

Approximately 1 in 16 older adults surveyed reported SMNPA. Dental professionals reported some knowledge of SMNPA but were unaware of all sources. This study highlights the need for SMNPA education, awareness, and implementation within dental curricula.
Perceived stress and quality of life among graduate dental faculty
Authors: Meira Thiago Martins , Paiva Saul Martins , Antelo Oscar Mario , Guimarães Lara Karolina , Bastos Susiane Queiroz , Tanaka Orlando Motohiro
Published: June 2020

Objective

This study aimed to identify the predictors of perceived stress and quality of life (QoL) among graduate dental faculty.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted using a representative sample of 348 dental faculty members from master's and doctoral programs in Brazil. Data were collected using self‐administered questionnaires between August and December 2018. QoL was assessed using the multidimensional World Health Organization Quality of Life assessment (WHOQOL‐BREF). Perceived stress was assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Participant sociodemographic characteristics served as the independent variables. The data were subjected to linear regression analysis.

Results

Women obtained higher PSS scores and lower QoL scores (P < 0.05). There was a negative correlation between perceived stress and all 4 QoL domains. Multivariate analysis revealed that a combination of the independent variables (i.e., sex, age, sleep duration, dual employment, medication intake due to work, and leisure time) explained 32% of the variance in perceived stress. Regarding QoL, perceived stress, sleep duration, and medication intake due to work explained 50%, 58%, 27%, and 40% of the variance in the physical health, psychological, social relationships, and environment domain scores, respectively. Sex (i.e., female) and medication intake due to work predicted higher levels of perceived stress. In contrast, age, sleep duration, dual employment, and leisure time were associated with lower levels of perceived stress.

Conclusion

Perceived stress and medication intake due to work had a negative effect on QoL, whereas sleep duration had a positive impact on QoL.
Agave: a natural renewable resource with multiple applications
Authors: Pérez‐Zavala Ma de Lourdes , Hernández‐Arzaba Juan C , Bideshi Dennis K , Barboza‐Corona José E
Published: June 2020

Agaves are a group of succulent plants that thrive in arid or semiarid environments. Indeed, genes associated with their resilience are a potential resource for genetic engineering of other agronomically important crops grown in adverse climates. Agave is mainly used for the production of distilled (spirits) and non‐distilled alcoholic beverages, including tequila, mezcal, bacanora, raicilla, and pulque, all of which have special connections to Mexican history and culture, and contribute to the Mexican economy. In recent years, there has been growing interest to maximize the use of agave plant materials for other purposes, as the bulk of their biomass pre‑ and post‐production is wasted. In traditional practice, during the passage from fields to factories, only agave cores are used, and the leaves and bagasse are not always harnessed. To place this in perspective, during the period from 2010 to 2019, 2674.7 × 106 L of tequila was produced in Mexico, which required 9 607 400 tons of agave cores. This generated approximately the same amount of leaves and 3 842 960 tons of bagasse. The economic base of agave plants can be expanded if expended biomass could be transformed into products that are useful for applications in food, forage, ensilage, agriculture, medicine, energy, environment, textiles, cosmetics, and esthetics. This review focuses on the current utility of agave plants, as well as our perspective for future studies and uses of this formidable plant. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of ultrahigh pressure on structural and physicochemical properties of rice and corn starch in complexes with apple polyphenols
Authors: Chou Shurui , Li Bin , Tan Hui , Cui Huijun , Zhang Shuyi , Wang Hanchen , Meng Xianjun
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Ultrahigh‐pressure (UHP) treatment, a non‐thermal processing technology, exerts a bactericidal effect and affects food texture. How UHP treatments influence starch–polyphenol complexes has not yet been reported. Here, we studied the effects of UHP treatment on the structure of common rice starch (CRS)–apple polyphenol (AP) and common corn starch (CCS)–AP mixtures.

RESULTS

Overall, UHP treatment decreased the particle size of the CRS–AP and CCS–AP composites. Furthermore, the ΔH values of the CRS–AP and CCS–AP mixtures decreased, and the heating stability was improved after UHP treatment. X‐ray diffraction indicated that the relative crystallinity of the mixtures was unaffected by UHP treatment. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy proved that no new absorption peaks were observed in the infrared spectra, and the order of starch–AP was decreased after UHP treatment. These results indicated that UHP treatment inhibited the retrogradation of the starch–AP mixture. Our analyses of the microstructures of CRS–AP and CCS–AP mixtures showed increased folding and more pronounced network structures under high‐pressure.

CONCLUSIONS

These results provide a theoretical basis for further exploring the properties of starch–AP mixtures following UHP treatment and provide insights regarding the use of UHP treatments for food production. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Chaotropic chromatography method development for the determination of aripiprazole and its impurities following analytical quality by design principles
Authors: Rmandić Milena , Malenović Anħelija
Published: June 2020

In this paper, development of robust and reliable chaotropic chromatography method for the determination of aripiprazole and its impurities, following Analytical Quality by Design principles is presented. The efficient baseline separation and accurate determination of aripiprazole and its four impurities from tablets were set as Analytical Target Profile. In line with it, the influence of Critical Method Parameters (acetonitrile content, concentration of perchloric acid in water phase, and column temperature) on predefined Critical Method Attributes (separation of the critical pair of peaks, retention of the first and last eluting peak) was investigated with aid of the Central Composite Design. Further on Design Space, where Critical Method Parameters meet predefined acceptance limits with a high level of probability (π ≥ 85%), was computed as a result of performed Monte Carlo simulations. A normal operating conditions corresponding to 34% of acetonitrile, 66% of 42.5 mM perchloric acid, and column temperature at 35°C were selected from created Design Space. Robustness testing of the quantitative performances of the developed method was conducted combining Plackett–Burman design with alias matrix approach. Through the additional validation testing, reliability of the developed method for the use in the routine practice was completely confirmed.
Systematic analysis of the metabolites of Roukou Wuwei pills by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry after oral administration to rats
Authors: Wan Meiqi , Liu Lu , Gao Hua , Zhang Xuezhi , Li Weiwei , Zhang Youbo
Published: June 2020

Roukou Wuwei pill is one of the most commonly used Mongolian medicinal prescriptions and historically used for the treatment of depression. This research aimed to illustrate the metabolic characteristic of Roukou Wuwei pills in vivo. To address this objective, an ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry method based metabonomics approach was used to detect and analyze the metabolites of Roukou Wuwei pills. The chromatographic separation was completed on an Agilent SB‐C18 column (1.8 µm, 2.1 × 50 mm) with a gradient elution system (acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid–water). Electrospray ionization was operated in a full‐scan mode at m/z 100–1000. The data were collected in positive and negative ion modes. The Masslynx 4.1 and SIMCA‐P 13.0 software were used to analyze the mass spectrometry data and select the potential metabolites by using an orthogonal partial least‐squares discriminant analysis, which was applied to investigate the differences between the blank and drug groups in biosamples of rats. Finally, totally 87 metabolites were detected based on their tandem mass spectrometry data. Among them, 69 metabolites are potential new compounds.
Meta‐Analysis of Gut Dysbiosis in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Nishiwaki Hiroshi , Ito Mikako , Ishida Tomohiro , Hamaguchi Tomonari , Maeda Tetsuya , Kashihara Kenichi , Tsuboi Yoshio , Ueyama Jun , Shimamura Teppei , Mori Hiroshi , Kurokawa Ken , Katsuno Masahisa , Hirayama Masaaki , Ohno Kinji
Published: June 2020

Background

PD may begin with the intestinal accumulation of α‐synuclein fibrils, which can be causally associated with gut dysbiosis. The variability of gut microbiota across countries prevented us from identifying shared gut dysbiosis in PD.

Objectives

To identify gut dysbiosis in PD across countries.

Methods

We performed 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing analysis of gut microbiota in 223 patients with PD and 137 controls, and meta‐analyzed gut dysbiosis by combining our dataset with four previously reported data sets from the United States, Finland, Russia, and Germany. We excluded uncommon taxa from our analyses. For pathway analysis, we developed the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes orthology set enrichment analysis method.

Results

After adjusting for confounding factors (body mass index, constipation, sex, age, and catechol‐O‐methyl transferase inhibitor), genera Akkermansia and Catabacter, as well as families Akkermansiaceae, were increased, whereas genera Roseburia, Faecalibacterium, and Lachnospiraceae ND3007 group were decreased in PD. Catechol‐O‐methyl transferase inhibitor intake markedly increased family Lactobacillaceae. Inspection of these bacteria in 12 datasets that were not included in the meta‐analysis revealed that increased genus Akkermansia and decreased genera Roseburia and Faecalibacterium were frequently observed across countries. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes orthology set enrichment analysis revealed changes in short‐chain fatty acid metabolisms in our dataset.

Conclusions

We report that intestinal mucin layer‐degrading Akkermansia is increased and that short‐chain fatty acid–producing Roseburia and Faecalibacterium are decreased in PD across countries. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
DNA methylation establishment of CpG islands near maternally imprinted genes on chromosome 7 during mouse oocyte growth
Authors: Li Qian‐Nan , Ma Jun‐Yu , Liu Wen‐Bo , Meng Tie‐Gang , Wang Feng , Hou Yi , Schatten Heide , Sun Qing‐Yuan , Ou Xiang‐Hong
Published: June 2020

The genome methylation is globally erased in early fetal germ cells, and it is gradually re‐established during gametogenesis. The expression of some imprinted genes is regulated by the methylation status of CpG islands, while the exact time of DNA methylation establishment near maternal imprinted genes during oocyte growth is not well known. Here, growing oocytes were divided into three groups based on follicle diameters including the S‐group (60–100 μm), M‐group (100–140 μm), and L‐group (140–180 μm). The fully grown germinal vesicle (GV)‐stage and metaphase II (M2)‐stage mature oocytes were also collected. These oocytes were used for single‐cell bisulfite sequencing to detect the methylation status of CpG islands near imprinted genes on chromosome 7. The results showed that the CpG islands near Ndn, Magel2, Mkrn3, Peg12, and Igf2 were completely unmethylated, but those of Peg3, Snrpn, and Kcnq1ot1 were hypermethylated in MII‐stage oocytes. The methylation of CpG islands near different maternal imprinted genes occurred asynchronously, being completed in later‐stage growing oocytes, fully grown GV oocytes, and mature MII‐stage oocytes, respectively. These results show that CpG islands near some maternally imprinted genes are not necessarily methylated, and that the establishment of methylation of other maternally imprinted genes is completed at different stages of oocyte growth, providing a novel understanding of the establishment of maternally imprinted genes in oocytes.
Weight gain during pregnancy and its associated factors: A Path analysis
Authors: Dolatian Mahrokh , Sharifi Nasibeh , Mahmoodi Zohreh , Fathnezhad‐kazemi Azita , Bahrami‐vazir Elahe , Rashidian Tayebeh
Published: June 2020

Aim

Weight gain during pregnancy is an important indicator in the prediction of morbidity and mortality in infants and mothers. This study aimed to determine the association factors for weight gain during pregnancy.

Design

A longitudinal study.

Methods

A total of 734 women were selected using multistage cluster sampling. Data were collected using demographic and midwifery questionnaires, economic and social status, psychological factors, domestic violence, perceived social support and food insecurity.

Results

Of participants 28.7%, 49.6% and 21.7%, respectively, received insufficient, adequate and excessive weight gain in pregnancy respectively. Among health determinants entered in the model, mother's age, prepartum body mass index and direct and indirect prenatal care, size of households, food insecurity, stress, anxiety, stress and pregnancy‐specific stress as well as violence had a positive and increasing effect on weight gain during pregnancy.

Conclusion

Considering the effect of inappropriate weight gain during pregnancy on undesirable pregnancy outcomes, related factors such as nutritional status, stress and depression in prenatal care should be assessed. Healthcare providers should consult, educate pregnant women.
Borehole effect causing artefacts in cross‐borehole electrical resistivity tomography: A hydraulic fracturing case study
Authors: Perri Maria T. , Barone Ilaria , Cassiani Giorgio , Deiana Rita , Binley Andrew
Published: June 2020

Electrical resistivity tomography is a technique widely used for the investigation of the structure and fluid dynamics of the shallow subsurface, particularly for hydro‐geophysical purposes, sometimes using cross‐borehole configurations. The results of electrical resistivity tomography inversion and their usefulness in solving hydrogeophysical problems, even though invariably limited by resolution issues, depend strongly on the accuracy of inversion, which in turn depends on a proper estimation and handling of data and model errors. Among model errors, one approximation often applied in cross‐hole electrical resistivity tomography is that of neglecting the effects of boreholes and the fluids therein. Such effects inevitably impact the current and potential patterns as measured by electrodes in the boreholes themselves. In the presence of very saline fluids, in particular, this model approximation may prove inadequate and the tomographic inversion may yield images strongly contaminated by artefacts. In this paper, we present a case study where highly saline water was used for hydraulic fracturing to improve permeability of a shallow formation impacted by hydrocarbon contamination, with the final aim of improving the effectiveness of in situ contaminant oxidation. The hydraulic fracturing was monitored via time‐lapse cross‐hole electrical resistivity tomography. Arrival of the saline water in the monitoring borehole likely caused a strong borehole effect that significantly affected the quality and usefulness of electrical resistivity tomography inversions. In this paper, we analyse the experimental dataset and produce, via three‐dimensional electrical resistivity tomography forward modelling, a viable explanation for the observed, paradoxical field results.