bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stoichiometric characteristics in Zanthoxylum planispinum var. dintanensis plantation of different ages
Authors: Yanghua Yu , Wei Zheng , Xinping Zhong , Bin Ying
Published: July 2020

The stoichiometry characteristics of Zanthoxylum planispinum var. dintanensis in different plantation ages (5, 10, 20, and 30 yr) in the canyon area of Guizhou Karst Plateau were studied by measuring the C, N, and P content of leaves, litter, and soil. The content of C, N, and P in leaves were 339.17−386.14, 20.95−23.65, and 1.18−1.72 g kg−1, respectively. Carbon and P increased gradually with the plant age, but N did not change significantly. The growth of leaves changed from P restricted to N restricted. Those facts indicate that the main factors of nutrition restriction vary with plantation age. The change of C in litter was not significant with the plantation age. The highest content of N and P were in the 20‐yr plantation. By increasing the decomposition rate of litter, Zanthoxylum planispinum var. dintanensis can adapt to the vulnerable habitat of the area. The content of C, N, and P in soil and the stoichiometric characteristics did not change significantly with the plantation age in spite of the overall P deficiency. The correlation of C, N, and P content in leaves, litter, and soil continuum of Zanthoxylum planispinum var. dintanensis plantation was low, and there was no significant interaction and interference, suggesting that the relationship of nutrient inheritance between the continuum of plantation needs further study. The results can set up a theory foundation for the Zanthoxylum planispinum var. dintanensis plantation nutrition management and ecosystem regulation and provide scientific basis for ecological construction and vegetation reconstruction in the canyon area of the Karst Plateau.
Azithromycin and ciprofloxacin inhibit interleukin‐8 secretion without disrupting human sinonasal epithelial integrity in vitro
Authors: Lim Dong‐Jin , Thompson Harrison M. , Walz Christopher R. , Ayinala Samrath , Skinner Daniel , Zhang Shaoyan , Grayson Jessica W. , Cho Do‐Yeon , Woodworth Bradford A.
Published: July 2020

Background

We recently developed a ciprofloxacin and azithromycin sinus stent (CASS) to target recalcitrant infections in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti‐inflammatory activity of azithromycin released from the CASS and assess the impact on the integrity and function of primary human sinonasal epithelial cells (HSNECs).

Methods

Pseudomonas aeruginosa lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated HSNECs were treated with azithromycin and/or ciprofloxacin at concentrations attainable from CASS release. Interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) secretion was quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Epithelial integrity (transepithelial resistance [TEER], paracellular permeability [fluorescein isothiocyanate‐labeled dextran], lactate dehydrogenase [LDH] assays) and function (ciliary beat frequency [CBF]) were also evaluated.

Results

Azithromycin significantly reduced secreted IL‐8 from P. aeruginosa LPS‐stimulated HSNECs at all concentrations tested (mean ± standard deviation; control = 5.77 ± 0.39 ng/mL, azithromycin [6 μg/mL] = 4.58 ± 0.40 ng/mL, azithromycin [60 µg/mL] = 4.31 ± 0.06, azithromycin [180 µg/mL] = 4.27 ± 0.26 ng/mL, p < 0.05). Co‐incubation with azithromycin (6 µg/mL) and ciprofloxacin (2.4 µg/mL) in LPS‐stimulated HSNECs also displayed a significant reduction in secreted IL‐8 when compared to P. aeruginosa LPS alone (co‐treatment = 4.61 ± 0.29 ng/mL, P. aeruginosa LPS = 7.35 ± 0.89 ng/mL, p < 0.01). The drugs did not negatively impact TEER, paracellular permeability, LDH release, or CBF, indicating retention of cell integrity and function.

Conclusion

Azithromycin decreased P. aeruginosa LPS IL‐8 production in HSNECs at drug concentrations attainable with sustained release of azithromycin from the CASS. In addition to antibacterial activity, anti‐inflammatory properties of the CASS should provide further benefit for patients with recalcitrant CRS.
Molecular Ligand‐Mediated Assembly of Multicomponent Nanosheet Superlattices for Compact Capacitive Energy Storage
Authors: Wu Guanhong , Li Tongtao , Wang Zhilei , Li Mingzhong , Wang Biwei , Dong Angang
Published: July 2020

Inspired by the self‐assembly of nanoparticle superlattices, we report a general method that exploits long‐chain molecular ligands to induce ordered assembly of colloidal nanosheets (NSs), resulting in 2D laminate superlattices with high packing density. Co‐assembly of two types of NSs further enables 2D/2D heterostructured superlattices. As a proof of concept, co‐assembly of Ti3C2Tx and graphene oxide (GO) NSs followed by thermal annealing leads to MXene‐rGO superlattices with tunable microstructures, which exhibit significantly higher capacitance than their filtrated counterparts, delivering an ultrahigh volumetric capacitance of 1443 F cm−3 at 2 mV s−1. Moreover, the as‐fabricated binder‐free symmetric supercapacitors show a high volumetric energy density of 42.1 Wh L−1, which is among the best reported for MXene‐based materials in aqueous electrolytes. This work paves the way toward rational design of 2D material‐based superstructures for energy applications.
Dissolved oxygen concentration regulates human hepatic organoid formation from pluripotent stem cells in a fully controlled bioreactor
Authors: Farzaneh Zahra , Abbasalizadeh Saeed , Asghari‐Vostikolaee Mohammad‐Hassan , Alikhani Mehdi , Cabral Joaquim M. S. , Baharvand Hossein
Published: July 2020

Developing technologies for scalable production of human organoids has gained increased attention for “organoid medicine” and drug discovery. We developed a scalable and integrated differentiation process for generation of hepatic organoid from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) in a fully controlled stirred tank bioreactor with 150 ml working volume by application of physiological oxygen concentrations in different liver tissue zones. We found that the 20–40% dissolved oxygen concentration [DO] (corresponded to 30–60 mmHg pO2 within the liver tissue) significantly influences the process outcome via regulating the differentiation fate of hPSC aggregates by enhancing mesoderm induction. Regulation of the [DO] at 30% DO resulted in efficient generation of human fetal‐like hepatic organoids that had a uniform size distribution and were comprised of red blood cells and functional hepatocytes, which exhibited improved liver‐specific marker gene expressions, key liver metabolic functions, and, more important, higher inducible cytochrome P450 activity compared to the other trials. These hepatic organoids were successfully engrafted in an acute liver injury mouse model and produced albumin after implantation. These results demonstrated the significant impact of the dissolved oxygen concentration on hPSC hepatic differentiation fate and differentiation efficacy that should be considered ascritical translational aspect of established scalable liver organoid generation protocols for potential clinical and drug discovery applications.
Heterogeneous diffusion in aerobic granular sludge
Authors: van den Berg Lenno , Kirkland Catherine M. , Seymour Joseph D. , Codd Sarah L. , van Loosdrecht Mark C. M. , de Kreuk Merle K.
Published: July 2020

Aerobic granular sludge (AGS) technology allows simultaneous nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon removal in compact wastewater treatment processes. To operate, design, and model AGS reactors, it is essential to properly understand the diffusive transport within the granules. In this study, diffusive mass transfer within full‐scale and lab‐scale AGS was characterized with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods. Self‐diffusion coefficients of water inside the granules were determined with pulsed‐field gradient NMR, while the granule structure was visualized with NMR imaging. A reaction‐diffusion granule‐scale model was set up to evaluate the impact of heterogeneous diffusion on granule performance. The self‐diffusion coefficient of water in AGS was ∼70% of the self‐diffusion coefficient of free water. There was no significant difference between self‐diffusion in AGS from full‐scale treatment plants and from lab‐scale reactors. The results of the model showed that diffusional heterogeneity did not lead to a major change of flux into the granule (<1%). This study shows that differences between granular sludges and heterogeneity within granules have little impact on the kinetic properties of AGS. Thus, a relatively simple approach is sufficient to describe mass transport by diffusion into the granules.
Drivers of combined assurance in a sustainable development context: Evidence from integrated reports
Authors: Maroun Warren , Prinsloo Andre
Published: July 2020

External assurance engagements performed by auditors and consultants to test sections of organisations' sustainability and integrated reports have become commonplace and are examined in detail by the prior research. Less often considered is how different types of internal and external sources of assurance form part of a combined assurance model that organisations rely on to ensure the integrity of information used for internal decision making and reporting to stakeholders. As a result, this paper offers an important contribution to the academic literature by providing one of the first reviews to deal specifically with the operation of combined assurance. The research considers if firm size and profitability, industry membership and select governance features are associated with the use of more sophisticated combined assurance models for ensuring relevant and reliable integrated reporting. Multiple regression, complemented by supplementary analysis, reveals that larger firms that are more profitable and members of environmentally and socially sensitive industries are not necessarily using extensive combined assurance models. These organisations rely on robust assurance methodologies, but the coverage of their combined assurance models is restricted. Similarly, board experience is substituting for the use of complex assurance methodologies. Board size and independence are only associated with a stronger commitment to implementing codes of best practice dealing with combined assurance but not with the coverage of the assurance models or the assurance methodologies being applied. The results may be indicative of the fact that internal controls and systems required to support integrated thinking and reporting are still in a developmental stage, making it difficult for them to be the subject of any formal verification by internal or external assurance providers.
Improving the learning of thickening design through graphical methods with the freeware software SMath studio
Authors: Gallardo‐Rodríguez Juan J. , Ruiz‐Ortega Ana , Navarro‐López Elvira , del Carmen Cerón‐García María , Beas‐Catena Alba , Sánchez‐Mirón Asterio , García‐Camacho Francisco
Published: July 2020

Thickening consists of separating parts of a suspension by sedimentation under the force of gravity, to obtain a denser product and a clarified liquid. Depending on which part is needed to recover, the denser product or the pure liquid, we use the term thickening or clarification to define these operations. Thickener design is compulsory for chemical engineering (CE) curricula and is usually introduced in courses related to unit operations. Thickening design problems are solved by geometric methods (e.g., Coe–Clevenger or Kynch–Roberts methods). However, nowadays, computers play a more and more important role in CE practice. Both specific and general software solutions are essential. Whereas CE‐specific software is adequate for graduates and professionals, general mathematical software can also be used in class. They can help to deliver certain competences included in the vast majority of CE curricula. For CE introductory courses, software with integrated functions and friendly interfaces are generally preferred over those that require to be familiarized with programming languages. Here, we describe the use of SMath Studio in 2nd‐year engineering courses by nonfamiliarized students. SMath Studio is a comprehensive mathematical notebook, similar to Mathcad, but it is entirely free for personal or commercial use. In this study, student's opinion was surveyed. Around 70 students took part in the two‐phase survey. The use of SMath allowed students to better understand the theoretical basis, fostered critical thinking, and increased their motivation to apply this software for solving other engineering problems.
Acute kidney injury in cardiogenic shock: A comprehensive review
Authors: Sheikh Omar , Nguyen Tung , Bansal Shweta , Prasad Anand
Published: July 2020

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an ominous predictor of mortality in cardiogenic shock. The present review examines the pathophysiology of AKI in cardiogenic shock (CS), summarizes the pertinent literature including the diagnostic criteria/definitions for AKI and possible role of biomarkers, and identifies risk factors and possible therapeutic interventions for AKI in CS. Our review finds that AKI is common in patients with CS and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Urinary biomarkers of renal tubular injury appear more sensitive for detection of AKI but have yet to be incorporated into daily practice. Emerging data would suggest vasopressor choices, mechanical circulatory support, and renal replacement therapy may have important therapeutic roles in the management of CS.
Caught in the Loop: Binding of the [Ru(phen)2(dppz)]2+ Light‐Switch Compound to Quadruplex DNA in Solution Informed by Time‐Resolved Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Devereux Stephen J. , Poynton Fergus E. , Baptista Frederico R. , Gunnlaugsson Thorfinnur , Cardin Christine J. , Sazanovich Igor V. , Towrie Michael , Kelly John M. , Quinn Susan J.
Published: July 2020

Ultrafast time‐resolved infrared (TRIR) is used to report on the binding site of the [Ru(phen)2(dppz)]2+ “light‐switch” complex with both bimolecular (Oxytricha nova telomere) and intramolecular (human telomere) guanine‐quadruplex structures in both K+ and Na+ containing solutions. TRIR permits the simultaneous monitoring both of the “dark” and “bright” states of the complex and of the quadruplex nucleobase bases, the latter via a Stark effect induced by the excited state of the complex. These data are used to establish the contribution of guanine base stacking and loop interactions to the binding site of this biologically relevant DNA structure in solution. A particularly striking observation is the strong thymine signal observed for the Na+ form of the human telomere sequence, which is expected to be in the anti‐parallel conformation.
An Evolutionary Strategy for Identification of Higher Order, Green Fluorescent Host–Guest Pairs Compatible with Living Systems
Authors: Casey Garrett R. , Zhou Xinqi , Lesiak Lauren , Xu Bi , Fang Yuan , Becker Donald F. , Stains Cliff I.
Published: July 2020

Engineered miniprotein host–small‐molecule guest pairs could be utilized to design new processes within cells as well as investigate fundamental aspects of cell signaling mechanisms. However, the development of host–guest pairs capable of functioning in living systems has proven challenging. Moreover, few examples of host–guest pairs with stoichiometries other than 2:1 exist, significantly hindering the ability to study the influence of oligomerization state on signaling fidelity. Herein, we present an approach to identify host–guest systems for relatively small green fluorescent guests by incorporation into cyclic peptides. The optimal host–guest pair produced a 10‐fold increase in green fluorescence signal upon binding. Biophysical characterization clearly demonstrated higher order supramolecular assembly, which could be visualized on the surface of living yeast cells using a turn‐on fluorescence readout. This work further defines evolutionary design principles to afford host–guest pairs with stoichiometries other than 2:1 and enables the identification of spectrally orthogonal host–guest pairs.
Continuous threshold models with two‐way interactions in survival analysis
Authors: Shuo Liu Shuo , Chen Bingshu E.
Published: July 2020

Proportional hazards model with the biomarker–treatment interaction plays an important role in the survival analysis of the subset treatment effect. A threshold parameter for a continuous biomarker variable defines the subset of patients who can benefit or lose from a certain new treatment. In this article, we focus on a continuous threshold effect using the rectified linear unit and propose a gradient descent method to obtain the maximum likelihood estimation of the regression coefficients and the threshold parameter simultaneously. Under certain regularity conditions, we prove the consistency, asymptotic normality and provide a robust estimate of the covariance matrix when the model is misspecified. To illustrate the finite sample properties of the proposed methods, we simulate data to evaluate the empirical biases, the standard errors and the coverage probabilities for both the correctly specified models and misspecified models. The proposed continuous threshold model is applied to a prostate cancer data with serum prostatic acid phosphatase as a biomarker.
Leaf‐footed bugs possess multiple hidden contrasting color signals, but only one is associated with increased body size
Authors: Emberts Zachary , Miller Christine W. , Skojec Chelsea , Shepherd Rachel , St. Mary Colette M.
Published: July 2020

Antipredatory displays that incorporate hidden contrasting coloration are found in a variety of different animals. These displays are seen in organisms that have drab coloration at rest, but when disturbed reveal conspicuous coloration. Examples include the bright abdomens of mountain katydids and the colorful underwings of hawk moths. Such hidden displays can function as secondary defenses, enabling evasion of a pursuant predator. To begin to understand why some species have these displays while others do not, we conducted phylogenetic comparative analyses to investigate factors associated with the evolution of hidden contrasting coloration in leaf‐footed bugs. First, we investigated whether hidden contrasting coloration was associated with body size because these displays are considered to be more effective in larger organisms. We then investigated whether hidden contrasting coloration was associated with an alternative antipredatory defense, in this case rapid autotomy. We found that leaf‐footed bugs with hidden contrasting coloration tended to autotomize more slowly, but this result was not statistically significant. We also found that the presence of a body size association was dependent upon the form of the hidden color display. Leaf‐footed bugs that reveal red/orange coloration were the same size, on average, as species without a hidden color display. However, species that reveal white patches on a black background were significantly larger than species without a hidden color display. These results highlight the diversity of forms that hidden contrasting color signal can take, upon which selection may act differently.
Diabetes mellitus and risk of new‐onset and recurrent heart failure: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kodama Satoru , Fujihara Kazuya , Horikawa Chika , Sato Takaaki , Iwanaga Midori , Yamada Takaho , Kato Kiminori , Watanabe Kenichi , Shimano Hitoshi , Izumi Tohru , Sone Hirohito
Published: July 2020

Despite mounting evidence of the positive relationship between diabetes mellitus (DM) and heart failure (HF), the entire context of the magnitude of risk for HF in relation to DM remains insufficiently understood. The principal reason is because new‐onset HF (HF occurring in participants without a history of HF) and recurrent HF (HF re‐occurring in patients with a history of HF) are not discriminated. This meta‐analysis aims to comprehensively and separately assess the risk of new‐onset and recurrent HF depending on the presence or absence of DM. We systematically searched cohort studies that examined the relationship between DM and new‐onset or recurrent HF using EMBASE and MEDLINE (from 1 Jan 1950 to 28 Jul 2019). The risk ratio (RR) for HF in individuals with DM compared with those without DM was pooled with a random‐effects model. Seventy‐four and 38 eligible studies presented data on RRs for new‐onset and recurrent HF, respectively. For new‐onset HF, the pooled RR [95% confidence interval (CI)] of 69 studies that examined HF as a whole [i.e. combining HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF)] was 2.14 (1.96–2.34). The large between‐study heterogeneity (I2 = 99.7%, P < 0.001) was significantly explained by mean age [pooled RR (95% CI) 2.60 (2.38–2.84) for mean age < 60 years vs. pooled RR (95% CI) 1.95 (1.79–2.13) for mean age ≥ 60 years] (P < 0.001). Pooled RRs (95% CI) of seven and eight studies, respectively, that separately examined HFpEF and HFrEF risk were 2.22 (2.02–2.43) for HFpEF and 2.73 (2.71–2.75) for HFrEF. The risk magnitudes between HFpEF and HFrEF were not significantly different in studies that examined both HFpEF and HFrEF risks (P = 0.86). For recurrent HF, pooled RR (95% CI) of the 38 studies was 1.39 (1.33–1.45). The large between‐study heterogeneity (I2 = 80.1%, P < 0.001) was significantly explained by the proportion of men [pooled RR (95% CI) 1.53 (1.40–1.68) for < 65% men vs. 1.32 (1.25–1.39) for ≥65% men (P = 0.01)] or the large pooled RR for studies of only participants with HFpEF [pooled RR (95% CI), 1.73 (1.32–2.26) (P = 0.002)]. Results indicate that DM is a significant risk factor for both new‐onset and recurrent HF. It is suggested that the risk magnitude is large for new‐onset HF especially in young populations and for recurrent HF especially in women or individuals with HFpEF. DM is associated with future HFpEF and HFrEF to the same extent.
Biogas modeling by fuzzy comprehensive index of municipal wastewater and sludge
Authors: Anaokar Guruprasad S. , Khambete Anjali K. , Christian Robin A.
Published: July 2020

Multiple parameter comprehensive index by fuzzy logic is an innovative approach toward environmental indexing. An attempt was carried out to express strength of municipal wastewater and sludge considering their potential for biogasification in terms of wastewater comprehensive index (WWCI) and sludge comprehensive index (SCI), respectively. Both these indices were calculated using fuzzy multiple criteria decisions making (FMCDM). Further biogas was predicted using these WWCI and SCI by multiple linear regression. A significant relation was found in suspended solids concentration of influent wastewater and digester feedstock with WWCI and SCI, respectively. Considering this linear relation, an empirical equation was developed consisting WWCI and SCI giving biogas, which was found a user friendly and precise over established biogas prediction models. As both of these indices will be obtained simply by measuring suspended solids concentration by digital inline meter at wastewater treatment plant there will be no any need to practice laborious sampling, characterization, and calculations.
Genetics and genomics of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis): Current status, future challenges, and biotechnological opportunities toward a sustainable bamboo industry
Authors: Ramakrishnan Muthusamy , Yrjälä Kim , Vinod Kunnummal Kurungara , Sharma Anket , Cho Jungnam , Satheesh Viswanathan , Zhou Mingbing
Published: July 2020

Sustainable goals for contemporary world seek viable solutions for interconnected challenges, particularly in the fields of food and energy security and climate change. We present bamboo, one of the versatile plant species on earth, as an ideal candidate for bioeconomy for meeting some of these challenges. With its potential realized, particularly in the industrial sector, countries such as China are going extensive with bamboo development and cultivation to support a myriad of industrial uses. These include timber, fiber, biofuel, paper, food, and medicinal industries. Bamboo is an ecologically viable choice, having better adaptation to wider environments than do other grasses, and can help to restore degraded lands and mitigate climate change. Bamboo, as a crop species, has not become amenable to genetic improvement, due to its long breeding cycle, perennial nature, and monocarpic behavior. One of the commonly used species, moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) is a potential candidate that qualifies as industrial bamboo. With its whole‐genome information released, genetic manipulations of moso bamboo offer tremendous potential to meet the industrial expectations either in quality or in quantity. Further, bamboo cultivation can expect several natural hindrances through biotic and abiotic stresses, which needs viable solutions such as genetic resistance. Taking a pragmatic view of these future requirements, we have compiled the present status of bamboo physiology, genetics, genomics, and biotechnology, particularly of moso bamboo, to drive various implications in meeting industrial and cultivation requirements. We also discuss challenges underway, caveats, and contextual opportunities concerning sustainable development.
High variability of food and nutrient intake exists across the Mediterranean Dietary Pattern—A systematic review
Authors: Abdelhamid Asmaa , Jennings Amy , Hayhoe Richard P. G. , Awuzudike Veronica E. , Welch Ailsa A.
Published: July 2020

A Mediterranean style dietary pattern (MDP) is considered beneficial for health. The MD Score (MDS) definition has evolved, resulting in considerable variability in the foods and nutrients associated with MDS adherence. We systematically investigated food and nutrient composition of the MD between studies, countries, and methods of classifying the MDS. We searched Embase for MD systematic reviews and selected observational studies reporting intakes of foods, macronutrients, or micronutrients by categories of MDS adherence. The percentage differences in food and nutrient intakes between categories of high and low adherence to the MDS were calculated for each study. A total of 369 full‐text primary papers were reviewed from the included systematic reviews and 74 papers selected (66 adults, 8 children). We found considerable differences in MDS definitions and scoring criteria. Between‐study variation in food intake between high‐ and low‐adherence MDS adherence categories ranged from a mean of −23% for meat, to 119% for fruit, and 278% for fish. Greater variability was evident in non‐Mediterranean than Mediterranean regions. We conclude that few studies report food and nutrient intakes across the range of the MDP in adults and even fewer in children. The considerable variability in the foods and nutrients reported makes comparison of results from studies and translation into dietary guidelines difficult. We recommend that future publications of MD studies include full details of the range of food and nutrient intakes across the distribution of MD adherence in order to facilitate translation into health policy and practice.
Dimensions of Health Security—A Conceptual Analysis
Authors: Stoeva Preslava
Published: July 2020

Discussions of the politics and practicalities of confronting health security challenges—from infectious disease outbreaks to antimicrobial resistance and the silent epidemic of noncommunicable diseases—hinge on the conceptualization of health security. There is no consensus among analysts about the specific parameters of health security. This inhibits comparative evaluation and critique, and affects the consistency of advice for policymakers. This article aims to contribute to debates about the meaning and scope of health security by applying Baldwin’s (1997) framework for conceptualizing security with a view to propose an alternative framing. Asking Baldwin’s concept‐defining questions of the health security literature highlights how implicit and explicit assumptions currently place health security squarely within a narrow traditionalist analytical framework. Such framing of health security is inaccurate and constraining, as demonstrated by practice and empirical observations. Alternative approaches to security propose that security politics can also be multiactor, cooperative, and ethical, while being conscious of postcolonial and feminist critique in search of sustainable solutions to existential threats to individuals and communities. A broader conceptualization of health security can transform the politics of health security, improving health outcomes beyond acute crises and contribute to broader security studies’ debates.
The impact of sugar‐sweetened beverage taxes on purchases: Evidence from four city‐level taxes in the United States
Authors: Cawley John , Frisvold David , Jones David
Published: July 2020

Since 2017, many US cities have implemented taxes on sugar‐sweetened beverages to decrease consumption of sugary beverages and raise revenue. We analyze household receipt data to examine the impact of taxes on households' beverage purchases in the four largest US cities with such taxes: Philadelphia, PA; San Francisco, CA; Seattle, WA; and Oakland, CA. We compare changes in monthly household purchases in the treatment cities with changes in two comparison groups: (1) areas adjacent to the treatment cities or (2) a matched set of households nationally. An increase in the tax rate of 1 cent per ounce decreases household purchases of taxed beverages by 53.0 ounces per month (12.2%). This impact is consistent with a reduction in individual consumption of 5 calories per day per household member and eventual reduction in weight of 0.5 pounds. However, the decline was concentrated in Philadelphia, where the tax decreased purchases by 27.7%. There was no change in purchases of taxed beverages in the other three cities combined.
How to Survive COVID‐19 Even If the Vaccine Fails
Authors: Branch Andrea D.
Published: July 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has created an emergency of epic proportions. While a vaccine may be forthcoming, this is not guaranteed, as discussed herein. The potential problems and ominous signs include (1) lung injury that developed in animals given an experimental vaccine for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS‐CoV)‐1; (2) a perversion of adaptive immune responses called antibody‐dependent enhancement of infection that occurs in SARS‐CoV‐1 and that may occur in people vaccinated for COVID‐19; (3) the frequent and recurrent infections that are caused by respiratory coronaviruses; and (4) the appearance of mutations in SARS‐CoV‐2 proteins, which raise the specter of vaccine escape mutants. Because success is uncertain, alternatives to vaccines need to be vigorously pursued during this critical moment in the pandemic. Alternatives include (1) engineered monoclonal antibodies that do not cause antibody‐dependent enhancement; (2) cocktails of antiviral drugs and inhibitors of the cellular proteins required for SARS‐CoV‐2 replication; (3) interferons; and (4) anticoagulants, antioxidants, and immune modulators. To organize and coordinate the systematic investigation of existing therapies and new therapies (as they emerge), a Covid‐19 clinical trials network is needed to provide (1) robust funding (on a par with vaccine funding) and administration; (2) an adaptive trial design committee to prioritize interventions and review results in real time; (3) a computer interface to facilitate patient enrollment, make data available to investigators, and present findings; (4) a practice guidelines study group; and (5) a mobile corps of COVID‐19 experts available for rapid deployment, to assist local health care providers and enroll patients in trials as outbreaks occur. To combat the COVID‐19 pandemic and future mass contagions, the network would be a cornerstone of a comprehensive infectious diseases research program.
Local Air Quality Issues and Research Priorities Through the Lenses of Chilean Experts: An Ontological Analysis
Authors: Manzano Carlos A , Jácome Manuel , Syn Thant , Molina Carolina , Toro Araya Richard , Leiva-Guzmán Manuel Andres
Published: July 2020

Air pollution problems can be large, complex, and ill-structured. They can vary from location to location and combine many complex components: urban expansion, increasing vehicles and industrial emissions, biomass burning, geographic and meteorological conditions, cultural aspects, and economic effects. However, the existing research, accumulated knowledge, and local research priorities are spread over many disciplines and lack a systematic mapping to help manage and develop new strategies for researchers and policy makers. Ontological analysis can be used as a tool to capture this complexity through simple natural-language descriptions and a structured terminology. We describe the development of an ontological framework for “Air Quality Management in Chile” and its application to evaluate the current state of the research. The process was based on focus groups and validated by a panel of multidisciplinary experts. We used the developed framework to highlight the topics that have been heavily emphasized, lightly emphasized, or overlooked in the Chilean research. The framework developed can help researchers, practitioners, and policy makers systematically navigate the domain and provide the opportunity to correct blind spots by enabling more informed hypotheses that deal with air quality issues at a national level. We believe that applying this same process to different countries will yield different results (due to differences in local knowledge and experience). The framework presented could be used to evaluate other important stakeholders (government, media, NGOs, etc.), which will provide a complete picture of how local societies deal with air quality issues at different levels. Additionally, local government institutions will benefit from this analysis by improving funding allocation and opening new research opportunities to improve the distribution of the local body of knowledge. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:273–281. © 2020 SETAC

KEY POINTS

Local air quality issues are described based on the opinion of a multidisciplinary panel of experts and using an ontological approach. The work of local academia was evaluated based on this developed framework. The skewed distribution of published scientific articles showed underdeveloped areas that are considered important by local experts. This framework can be used to develop an informed hypothesis and to improve the allocation of research funds.
Can a small New Keynesian model of the world economy with risk‐pooling match the facts?
Authors: Minford Patrick , Ou Zhirong , Zhu Zheyi
Published: July 2020

We ask whether a model of the US and Europe trading with the rest of the world can match the facts of world behaviour in a powerful indirect inference test. One version has uncovered interest parity (UIP), the other risk‐pooling. Both pass the test but the most probable is risk‐pooling. This is consistent with risk‐pooling failing a number of single‐equation tests, as has been found in past work; we show that these tests will typically reject risk‐pooling when it in fact prevails. World economic behaviour under risk‐pooling shows much stronger spillovers than under UIP with opposite monetary responses to the exchange rate. We argue that the risk‐pooling model therefore demands more attention from policy‐makers.
Folate and Vitamin B‐12 Status Is Associated With Bone Mineral Density and Hip Strength of Postmenopausal Chinese‐Singaporean Women
Authors: Kalimeri Maria , Leek Francesca , Wang Nan Xin , Koh Huann Rong , Roy Nicole C , Cameron‐Smith David , Kruger Marlena C , Henry Christiani Jeyakumar , Totman John J
Published: July 2020

The role of micronutrients such as folate and vitamin B‐12 in bone quality has been widely studied with conflicting results. Ethnicity seems to play a large role on nutrient intake, as diet varies across cultures. In this study, we examined the relationships of BMD, proximal femur strength, and bone resorption with plasma folate and vitamin B‐12 in a cohort of 93 healthy postmenopausal women of Chinese‐Singaporean descent. The parameters examined were areal (aBMD) and volumetric BMD (vBMD) of the proximal femur and the third lumbar vertebra (L3), total body aBMD, proximal femur bending, compressive and impact strength indices (composite strength indices) and circulating levels of C‐telopeptide of type I collagen. Eighteen participants (19.4%) had aBMD in the osteoporotic range (osteoporosis group), 59 (63.4%) in the osteopenic range (osteopenia group), and the remaining 16 (17.2%) in the normal range (normal BMD group). Circulating folate levels were significantly higher in the normal BMD group compared with the osteoporosis group. Using linear regression analysis, we found that overall, aBMD and vBMD are positively associated with folate concentrations, whereas composite strength indices were positively associated with vitamin B‐12 concentrations. These findings support the existing literature and suggest a link between levels of circulating folate/vitamin B‐12 and BMD/bone strength in the cohort examined. Further investigation is needed to examine if individuals with inadequate circulating levels of these nutrients could decrease their risk for fragility fractures through better nutrition or vitamin supplementation. © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Exome Sequencing Reveals a Phenotype Modifying Variant in ZNF528 in Primary Osteoporosis With a COL1A2 Deletion
Authors: Skarp Sini , Xia Ji-Han , Zhang Qin , Löija Marika , Costantini Alice , Ruddock Lloyd W , Mäkitie Outi , Wei Gong-Hong , Männikkö Minna
Published: July 2020

We studied a family with severe primary osteoporosis carrying a heterozygous p.Arg8Phefs*14 deletion in COL1A2, leading to haploinsufficiency. Three affected individuals carried the mutation and presented nearly identical spinal fractures but lacked other typical features of either osteogenesis imperfecta or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Although mutations leading to haploinsufficiency in COL1A2 are rare, mutations in COL1A1 that lead to less protein typically result in a milder phenotype. We hypothesized that other genetic factors may contribute to the severe phenotype in this family. We performed whole-exome sequencing in five family members and identified in all three affected individuals a rare nonsense variant (c.1282C > T/p.Arg428*, rs150257846) in ZNF528. We studied the effect of the variant using qPCR and Western blot and its subcellular localization with immunofluorescence. Our results indicate production of a truncated ZNF528 protein that locates in the cell nucleus as per the wild-type protein. ChIP and RNA sequencing analyses on ZNF528 and ZNF528-c.1282C > T indicated that ZNF528 binding sites are linked to pathways and genes regulating bone morphology. Compared with the wild type, ZNF528-c.1282C > T showed a global shift in genomic binding profile and pathway enrichment, possibly contributing to the pathophysiology of primary osteoporosis. We identified five putative target genes for ZNF528 and showed that the expression of these genes is altered in patient cells. In conclusion, the variant leads to expression of truncated ZNF528 and a global change of its genomic occupancy, which in turn may lead to altered expression of target genes. ZNF528 is a novel candidate gene for bone disorders and may function as a transcriptional regulator in pathways affecting bone morphology and contribute to the phenotype of primary osteoporosis in this family together with the COL1A2 deletion. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Efficacy and safety of granulocyte transfusion in children: A single‐center experience
Authors: Kagızmanlı Gozde Akın , Guzelkucuk Zeliha , Işık Pamir , Kara Abdurrahman , Ozbek Namık Yasar , Yarali Nese
Published: July 2020

Background

Granulocyte suspension transfusion (GTx) can be used in severely neutropenic patients with infections that cannot be controlled despite appropriate antibiotic therapy.

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of GTx for the treatment of febrile neutropenia (FEN) in the pediatric age group.

Methods

Patients who underwent GTx in the Hematology Clinic of Ankara Child Health and Diseases Hematology Oncology Training and Research Hospital between 2013 and 2017 were evaluated retrospectively. Hematologic and clinical response rates, effects on survival, and adverse effects were investigated. Clinical response was defined at two time points: clinical response I was evaluated after each transfusion, while clinical response II was evaluated after the final GTx in a FEN episode.

Results

During the study period, 343 GTx were given 107 FEN episodes of 74 patients. The mean number of granulocyte suspensions administered per patient and per FEN episode was 4.6 units and 3.2 units. The mean GTx volume administered was 237 ± 40 mL, and the mean granulocyte count was 2.8 ± 1.3 x 1010/unit. Hematologic response was attained in 163 (47.6%) of 343 transfusions. Clinical response I was obtained in 88 (25.7%) of the GTx, and clinical response II was attained in 83 (78.5%) of 107 episodes. Life‐threatening adverse event was not observed. The cumulative 1‐month and 3‐month survival rates were 87.8% and 76.5%, respectively.

Conclusion

High hematologic response and clinical recovery rates were achieved with GTx, with no limiting adverse effects. Granulocyte transfusion appears to be a safe and effective treatment in pediatric patients with FEN.
Nano nickel [1,2,4]‐triazole‐3‐thiones complex: Design, sonochemical synthesis, and antimicrobial evaluation
Authors: Farag Paula S. , Hemdan Magdy M. , El‐Sayed Amira A.
Published: July 2020

A series of new 1,2,4‐triazole‐3‐thiones were synthesized by calm, benign, no risk, eco‐friendly, and energy efficient sequential reaction methodology like grinding and ultrasonic (US). In addition, 1,2,4‐triazoles were prepared under conventional method and comparative study was done. The synthesized 1,2,4‐triazoles were complexed with Ni(II) to produce nanoparticles complexes (NPC's) with average particle size vary from 55 to 100 nm (using scanning electron microscope technique) with good yields via both US and conventional techniques. X‐ray diffraction technique and spectra analysis techniques were used to confirm the square planer geometry of the synthesized NPC's. Antimicrobial activity of the prepared 1,2,4‐triazoles and their nickel complexes were studied which evaluated a high activity with complexes instead their triazoles.
Frontline Science: Conversion of neutrophils into atypical Ly6G+SiglecF+ immune cells with neurosupportive potential in olfactory neuroepithelium
Authors: Ogawa Kei , Asano Kenichi , Yotsumoto Satoshi , Yamane Tsuyoshi , Arita Makoto , Hayashi Yoshihiro , Harada Hironori , Makino-Okamura Chieko , Fukuyama Hidehiro , Kondo Kenji , Yamasoba Tatsuya , Tanaka Masato
Published: July 2020

Neutrophils are generally considered as short-lived, homogenous, and terminally differentiated phagocytes that play crucial roles in conquering infection, although they occasionally cause severe collateral tissue damage or chronic inflammation. Recent reports have indicated that neutrophils also play a protective role in inflammation resolution and tissue repair. However, how terminally differentiated neutrophils have diverse functions remains unclear. Here, we show that neutrophils undergo conversion into Ly6G+SiglecF+ double-positive cells expressing neurosupportive genes in the olfactory neuroepithelium (OE) under an inflammatory state. Through comprehensive flow cytometric analysis of murine nose, we identified Ly6G+SiglecF+ double-positive cells that reside only in the OE under steady-state conditions. Double-positive cells were neutrophil-derived cells and increased by more than 10-fold during inflammation or tissue injury. We found that neutrophils infiltrate into the nose to express proinflammatory genes in the acute phase of inflammatory state, and they gradually change their surface markers and gene expression, expressing some neurogenesis-related genes in addition to inflammation related genes in the later phase. As the OE is known to have exceptionally high regeneration capacity as a nervous system, these findings suggest that neutrophils have the potential to contribute neurogenesis after conversion in peripheral nervous tissues, providing a challenge on a classic view of neutrophils as terminally differentiated leukocytes.
Multifunctional T cell response in convalescent patients two years after ZIKV infection
Authors: Pereira Neto Tertuliano Alves , Gonçalves-Pereira Marcela Helena , de Queiroz Camila Pereira , Ramos Michele Faria , de Oliveira Fernanda de Fátima Souza , Oliveira-Prado Roberta , do Nascimento Valdinete Alves , Abdalla Ligia Fernandes , Santos João Hugo Abdalla , Martins-Filho Olindo Assis , Naveca Felipe Gomes , Teixeira-Carvalho Andrea , Santiago Helton da Costa
Published: July 2020

Zika is an important emerging infectious disease in which the role of T cells remains elusive. This study aimed to evaluate the phenotype of multifunctional T cells in individuals 2 yr after exposure to Zika virus (ZIKV). We used a library of 671 synthetic peptides covering the whole polyprotein of ZIKV in pools corresponding to each viral protein (i.e., capsid, membrane precursor or prM, envelope, NS1 [nonstructural protein], NS2A + NS2B, NS3, NS4A + NS4B, and NS5) to stimulate PBMCs from individuals previously exposed to ZIKV. We observed an increased frequency of ZIKV-specific IFNγ, IL-17A, TNF, and IL-10 production by T cell populations. IFNγ and TNF production were especially stimulated by prM, capsid, or NS1 in CD8+ T cells and by capsid or prM in CD4+ T cells. In addition, there was an increase in the frequency of IL-10+ CD8+ T cells after stimulation with prM, capsid, NS1, NS3, or NS5. Multifunctional properties were observed in ZIKV-specific T cells responding especially to prM, capsid, NS1 or, to a smaller extent, NS3 antigens. For example, we found a consistent IFNγ + TNF+ CD8+ T cell population in response to most virus antigens and CD4+ and CD8+ T cells that were IFNγ + IL-17A+ and IL-17A+IL-10+, which could also produce TNF, in response to capsid, prM, NS1, or NS3 stimulation. Interestingly, CD8+ T cells were more prone to a multifunctional phenotype than CD4+ T cells, and multifunctional T cells were more efficient at producing cytokines than single-function cells. This work provides relevant insights into the quality of ZIKV-specific T cell responses and ZIKV immunity.