bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short-term exposure to intermittent hypoxia leads to changes in gene expression seen in chronic pulmonary disease
Authors: Wu Gang , Lee Yin Yeng , Gulla Evelyn M , Potter Andrew , Kitzmiller Joseph , Ruben Marc D , Salomonis Nathan , Whitsett Jeffery A , Francey Lauren J , Hogenesch John B , Smith David F
Published: February 2021

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) results from episodes of airway collapse and intermittent hypoxia (IH) and is associated with a host of health complications. Although the lung is the first organ to sense changes in oxygen levels, little is known about the consequences of IH to the lung hypoxia-inducible factor-responsive pathways. We hypothesized that exposure to IH would lead to cell-specific up- and downregulation of diverse expression pathways. We identified changes in circadian and immune pathways in lungs from mice exposed to IH. Among all cell types, endothelial cells showed the most prominent transcriptional changes. Upregulated genes in myofibroblast cells were enriched for genes associated with pulmonary hypertension and included targets of several drugs currently used to treat chronic pulmonary diseases. A better understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying diseases associated with OSA could improve our therapeutic approaches, directing therapies to the most relevant cells and molecular pathways.
Control of feeding by Piezo-mediated gut mechanosensation in Drosophila
Authors: Min Soohong , Oh Yangkyun , Verma Pushpa , Whitehead Samuel C , Yapici Nilay , Van Vactor David , Suh Greg SB , Liberles Stephen
Published: February 2021

Across animal species, meals are terminated after ingestion of large food volumes, yet underlying mechanosensory receptors have so far remained elusive. Here, we identify an essential role for Drosophila Piezo in volume-based control of meal size. We discover a rare population of fly neurons that express Piezo, innervate the anterior gut and crop (a food reservoir organ), and respond to tissue distension in a Piezo-dependent manner. Activating Piezo neurons decreases appetite, while Piezo knockout and Piezo neuron silencing cause gut bloating and increase both food consumption and body weight. These studies reveal that disrupting gut distension receptors changes feeding patterns and identify a key role for Drosophila Piezo in internal organ mechanosensation.
High-quality carnivoran genomes from roadkill samples enable comparative species delineation in aardwolf and bat-eared fox
Authors: Allio Rémi , Tilak Marie-Ka , Scornavacca Celine , Avenant Nico L , Kitchener Andrew C , Corre Erwan , Nabholz Benoit , Delsuc Frédéric
Published: February 2021

In a context of ongoing biodiversity erosion, obtaining genomic resources from wildlife is essential for conservation. The thousands of yearly mammalian roadkill provide a useful source material for genomic surveys. To illustrate the potential of this underexploited resource, we used roadkill samples to study the genomic diversity of the bat-eared fox (Otocyon megalotis) and the aardwolf (Proteles cristatus), both having subspecies with similar disjunct distributions in Eastern and Southern Africa. First, we obtained reference genomes with high contiguity and gene completeness by combining Nanopore long reads and Illumina short reads. Then, we showed that the two subspecies of aardwolf might warrant species status (P. cristatus and P. septentrionalis) by comparing their genome-wide genetic differentiation to pairs of well-defined species across Carnivora with a new Genetic Differentiation index (GDI) based on only a few resequenced individuals. Finally, we obtained a genome-scale Carnivora phylogeny including the new aardwolf species.
Volatile DMNT directly protects plants against Plutella xylostella by disrupting the peritrophic matrix barrier in insect midgut
Authors: Chen Chen , Chen Hongyi , Huang Shijie , Jiang Taoshan , Wang Chuanhong , Tao Zhen , He Chen , Tang Qingfeng , Li Peijin
Published: February 2021

Insect pests negatively affect crop quality and yield; identifying new methods to protect crops against insects therefore has important agricultural applications. Our analysis of transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants showed that overexpression of pentacyclic triterpene synthase 1, encoding the key biosynthetic enzyme for the natural plant product (3E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene (DMNT), led to a significant resistance against a major insect pest, Plutella xylostella. DMNT treatment severely damaged the peritrophic matrix (PM), a physical barrier isolating food and pathogens from the midgut wall cells. DMNT repressed the expression of PxMucin in midgut cells, and knocking down PxMucin resulted in PM rupture and P. xylostella death. A 16S RNA survey revealed that DMNT significantly disrupted midgut microbiota populations and that midgut microbes were essential for DMNT-induced killing. Therefore, we propose that the midgut microbiota assists DMNT in killing P. xylostella. These findings may provide a novel approach for plant protection against P. xylostella.
Application and evaluation of knowledge graph embeddings in biomedical data
Authors: Alshahrani Mona , Thafar Maha A. , Essack Magbubah
Published: February 2021

Linked data and bio-ontologies enabling knowledge representation, standardization, and dissemination are an integral part of developing biological and biomedical databases. That is, linked data and bio-ontologies are employed in databases to maintain data integrity, data organization, and to empower search capabilities. However, linked data and bio-ontologies are more recently being used to represent information as multi-relational heterogeneous graphs, “knowledge graphs”. The reason being, entities and relations in the knowledge graph can be represented as embedding vectors in semantic space, and these embedding vectors have been used to predict relationships between entities. Such knowledge graph embedding methods provide a practical approach to data analytics and increase chances of building machine learning models with high prediction accuracy that can enhance decision support systems. Here, we present a comparative assessment and a standard benchmark for knowledge graph-based representation learning methods focused on the link prediction task for biological relations. We systematically investigated and compared state-of-the-art embedding methods based on the design settings used for training and evaluation. We further tested various strategies aimed at controlling the amount of information related to each relation in the knowledge graph and its effects on the final performance. We also assessed the quality of the knowledge graph features through clustering and visualization and employed several evaluation metrics to examine their uses and differences. Based on this systematic comparison and assessments, we identify and discuss the limitations of knowledge graph-based representation learning methods and suggest some guidelines for the development of more improved methods.
QTL mapping of agronomic traits in wheat using the UK Avalon × Cadenza reference mapping population grown in Kazakhstan
Authors: Amalova Akerke , Abugalieva Saule , Chudinov Vladimir , Sereda Grigoriy , Tokhetova Laura , Abdikhalyk Alima , Turuspekov Yerlan
Published: February 2021

Background

The success of wheat production is largely dependent on local breeding projects that focus on the development of high-yielding cultivars with the use of novel molecular tools. One strategy for improving wheat productivity involves the deployment of diverse germplasms with a high potential yield. An important factor for achieving success involves the dissection of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for complex agronomic traits, such as grain yield components, in targeted environments for wheat growth.

Methods

In this study, we tested the United Kingdom (UK) spring set of the doubled haploid (DH) reference population derived from the cross between two British cultivars, Avalon (winter wheat) and Cadenza (spring wheat), in the Northern, Central, and Southern regions (Karabalyk, Karaganda, Kyzylorda) of Kazakhstan over three years (2013–2015). The DH population has previously been genotyped by UK scientists using 3647 polymorphic DNA markers. The list of tested traits includes the heading time, seed maturation time, plant height, spike length, productive tillering, number of kernels per spike, number of kernels per meter, thousand kernel weight, and yield per square meter. Windows QTL Cartographer was applied for QTL mapping using the composite interval mapping method.

Results

In total, 83 out of 232 QTLs were identified as stable QTLs from at least two environments. A literature survey suggests that 40 QTLs had previously been reported elsewhere, indicating that this study identified 43 QTLs that are presumably novel marker-trait associations (MTA) for these environments. Hence, the phenotyping of the DH population in new environments led to the discovery of novel MTAs. The identified SNP markers associated with agronomic traits in the DH population could be successfully used in local Kazakh breeding projects for the improvement of wheat productivity.
Pseudocnidae of ribbon worms (Nemertea): ultrastructure, maturation, and functional morphology
Authors: Magarlamov Timur Yu , Turbeville James M. , Chernyshev Alexei V.
Published: February 2021

The fine structure of mature pseudocnidae of 32 species of nemerteans, representatives of 20 genera, six families, and two classes was investigated with scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Pseudocnidae are composed of four layers (cortex, medulla, precore layer, and core) in most species investigated, but the degree of development and position of each layer can vary between different species. The secretion products comprising immature pseudocnidae segregate into separate layers: a thin envelope, which subsequently separates into the cortex and medulla and an extensive internal layer. We distinguish two pseudocnida types: type I is characterized by a two-layered core and type II by a three-layered core. Type I pseudocnidae are present in archinemertean species, Carinoma mutabilis, and in all pilidiophoran species, except Heteronemertea sp. 5DS; type II pseudocnidae occur in all studied species of Tubulanidae and the basal Heteronemertea sp. 5DS. Based on the structure of the discharged pseudocnidae observed in eleven species of palaeonemerteans and in eight species of pilidiophorans, we distinguish three different mechanisms (1–3) of core extrusion/discharge with the following characteristics and distribution: (1) the outer core layer is everted simultaneously with the tube-like layer and occurs in type I pseudocnidae of most species; (2) the extruded core is formed by both eversion of the outer core layer and medullar layer, and occurs in type I pseudocnidae of Micrura cf. bella; (3) the eversion of the outer core layer begins together with the core rod and core rod lamina and occurs in type II pseudocnidae. Morpho-functional comparison with other extrusomes (cnidae, sagittocysts, rhabdtites, and paracnids) confirm that pseudocnidae are homologous structures that are unique to nemerteans.
Pattern of Physical Activity among Undergraduate Medical Students: A Multicentric Cross-sectional Study Across Bihar, India
Authors: Chaudhary Neha , Mishra Shradha , Kumar Manish , Sharma Yamini , Ahmad Shamshad
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Inspite of the fact that the medical students have a greater awareness about a healthy lifestyle; their academic stress to perform well may poorly affect their pattern of physical activity and thus, compromise their overall health. Aim: To assess the level of physical activity among undergraduate medical students studying in various institutions across the state of Bihar and to evaluate the Metabolic Equivalent Task (MET) score so as to measure the intensity of physical activity performed by the participants. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among the undergraduate students, studying in different medical colleges across Bihar, India. An Online Google Form was created using a short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The collected data was analysed using Stata (Version 13) software. Results were presented as frequencies, mean and standard deviation. Chi-square test was applied to test for significant association at 0.05 level of significance. To identify the predictors of physical activity, multiple logistic regression analysis of the data was done. Results: A total of 1200 students participated in the study. Among these, 64.3% were males and 35.7% were females. More than half of the participants (57.6%) were aged <21 years. Majority of the participants (67.7%) had normal weight followed by overweight/obese (22.8%). Approximately, half of the participants (54.4%) reported availability of gym in their campus and only 26.7% of the participants were following regular routine of physical exercise. Maximum students under the study were residing in the hostel (89.4%); who were reaching college mainly by walking (74.8%), {OR=17.5 (12.9-23.5)}. On multivariate analysis; Body Mass Index (BMI), age, having an availability of gym in the campus and following a regular routine of physical exercise were found to be significant predictors of physical activity. Conclusion: In present study, the majority were sufficiently physically active. However, the low physical activity was observed among the overweight/obese participants is a distressing fact which may reflect the need to integrate the physical education electives in the curriculum
Metastatic Carcinoma to Breast from Renal Cell Carcinoma- A Rare Case Report with Unusual Cytology
Authors: Sood Neelam , Chopra Shikha
Published: February 2021

Metastatic carcinoma to breast is an uncommon entity compared to the primary breast malignancies. Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) metastasising to breast is very rare as it commonly metastasises to lung, liver or bone. An accurate diagnosis of Secondary Tumour is must, since the prognosis and treatment differs between primary and secondary tumours. Here, the authors present the case of a 55-year-old female patient who presented with lump in right breast measuring 5×4 cm. Mammographic findings showed relatively well-defined round irregular marginated heterogenous radioopaque mass in outer lower quadrant, Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BIRADS- IV B). Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) showed atypical cells arranged in cohesive clusters with focal papillary architecture, entangled in eosinophilic stroma and cellular stromal fragments. The cells were small with ill-defined cell borders, granular to focal vacuolated cytoplasm, mild anisocytosis and indistinct nucleoli. Stain for mucin was negative. The differential diagnosis offered were primary breast carcinoma with possibility of metaplastic carcinoma and metastatic carcinoma. A trucut biopsy showed fibrocellular stroma, islands of cells with clear cytoplasm separated by thin fibrous septa. Immunohistochemical (IHC) for pancytokeratin (panCK), CD10 and vimentin were positive and Estrogen Receptor (ER), Progesterone Receptors (PR), Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) were negative and the diagnosis of metastatic RCC was made. The cytology case reports in the literature have shown characteristic cytomorphological features composed of cells with abundant, finely vacuolated cytoplasm, moderate pleomorphism and prominent nucleoli. This case is unusual as it was predominated by small cells with granular cytoplasm. Therefore, it was concluded that trucut biopsy is mandatory for breast lump in patient with RCC since the cytological features on FNAC might not always be characteristic.
Euthanasia: Past, Present and Future
Authors: Phatak Shantanu Ajay , Phatak Ajay Gajanan
Published: February 2021

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India has provided a legal recognition to ‘passive euthanasia’ in March 2018. In May 2018, David Goodall, an Australian scientist ended his life through Physician Assisted Death in a Swiss clinic at the age of 104 for old age rather than terminal illness. These two events sparked a fresh debate regarding euthanasia and the proponents and opponents of euthanasia argued voraciously for and against it albeit the central theme remained same- ‘the dignity of human life’. This monograph elaborates on the philosophy and popular terminology of euthanasia. It also deliberates on the socio-cultural differences in the conceptualisation of euthanasia and an unbiased critique of the pros and cons of euthanasia with the intention to redress the balance. The monograph finally discusses the current scenario and future directions related to euthanasia.
Diagnostic Efficacy of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology and Cell Block Technique in Thyroid Lesions: A Hospital-based Study
Authors: Raina Usha Kiran , Suri Jyotsna , Bhardwaj Subash , Sahni Bhavna
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) and Cell Block are very commonly used initial tests for triaging thyroid lesions and play a pivotal role in deciding subsequent clinical management of thyroid nodules. In most cases, after excision, the diagnosis remains unchanged, but at times discordance does occur when benign lesions are reported on FNAC and cell blocks are found to be malignant on final histopathology and vice-versa. Aim: To assess the diagnostic efficacy of both FNAC and Cell Block technique in the evaluation of thyroid lesions by comparing their respective results with final histopathological diagnosis (after excision) in case of malignancies and clinico- radiological follow-up in benign cases. Materials and Methods: An observational hospital-based study was conducted in the Department of Pathology in a Tertiary Care Teaching Institute from 1st November, 2016 to 31st October, 2017. A total of 100 cases of thyroid masses were subjected to both FNAC and Cell Block and the diagnostic efficacy of both the techniques was assessed using MedCalc Statistical Software. Results: Mean age of the patients was 42.75±15.75 years with a range of 12-75 years. Females constituted 88% of the sample with male to female ratio of 1:7.3. 88% lesions were benign, 8% were malignant and 4% suspicious of malignancy on conventional smears in comparison to cell block which showed 90% benign, 8% malignant and 2% suspicious lesions. The validity of FNAC in terms of sensitivity, specificity, Positive Predictive Value (PPV), Negative Predictive Value (NPV) and accuracy was found to be 100%, 95.65%, 66.67%, 100.00% and 96.00% respectively, whereas for cell blocks these statistics were 100%, 97.83%, 80%, 100% and 98% respectively. Conclusion: Cell block improved the overall diagnostic accuracy of FNAC when used as an adjunct leading to 100% diagnostic yield. The results of this study also establish that FNAC and Cell blocks are sensitive, specific, and accurate as preliminary diagnostic tests for evaluation of patients with thyroid swellings. Moreover, their combined use can reduce the diagnostic errors and to improve the overall reporting efficacy. It is thus advised to perform cell block for each case of FNAC in thyroid lesions.
Spectral Adomian Decomposition Method for the MHD Three-Dimensional Flow due to a Stretching Sheet in a Porous Medium
Authors: Daoud Yassir , Abdalbagi Mohammed , Khidir Ahmed A.
Published: February 2021

An approximate solution is obtained of the steady, laminar three-dimensional ow for an incompressible, viscous uid past a stretching sheet using the Spectral Adomian Decomposition Method (SADM). The governing partial dierential equations are transformed into ordinary dierential equations using suitable transformations. A comparison between the obtained results with solutions obtained early in the literature and the numerical solution has been made to testthe validity, accuracy and convergence of the SADM. The eects of physical parameters on the velocity are determined and discussed.
Energy Use Pattern of Zero Budget Natural Farming in Rice Production in Visakhapatnam District of Andhra Pradesh State
Authors: Shrine S. , Umadevi K.
Published: February 2021

The study examined the energy use pattern of zero budget natural farming (ZBNF) in rice production. Operation wise energy usage in rice production was calculated in this study. From the results, natural fertilizers and manures were found to be the dominant source of energy and the lowest is seed energy in rice production. The energy use efficiency shows 4.83 MJ per ha output energy utilised per 1 MJ ha-1 input energy. The net energy was found to be 54645.75 MJ per hectare rice production in the study.
Efficacy of Mancozeb and Ocimum gratissimum Extract in the Management of Late Blight Disease in Tomato Varieties
Authors: Bi Manju Evelyn , NehTeke Ache , Ncheuveu Nkwatoh Therese , Toh Bih Nadine
Published: February 2021

Tomato late blight is an economic disease that causes 100 % yield loss of tomato in Cameroon. The objective of the study was to determine the efficacy of mancozeb and Ocimum gratissimum extract in managing late blight disease in Nadira and Rio-grande tomato varieties. Seedlings of each tomato variety were planted in replicates of three in a complete randomized block design comprising of three treatments (T1 –Ocimum gratissimum extract (1666.7 g/15 L); T2 –Mancozeb (50 g/15 L); T3 –control. Fifty grams of mancozeb (50g) and 1666.7 g of O. gratissimum extract dissolved and mixed with water in a 15 L knapsack sprayer was applied to control tomato late blight from the onset of blight symptoms, at two days intervals, to control Data for the disease incidence, severity, and yield parameters were collected at weekly intervals for four weeks from plants in the middle of the ridges.  Mancozeb and O. gratissimum extract significantly reduced the disease severity of  Nadira and Rio-grande tomato varieties by 0.2., resulting in a mean fruit number of 18.31 and 16.31 fruits and fruit weight of 1.44 g and 1.13 g. There was no significant difference (p =0.05) between plants sprayed with Mancozeb and O. gratissimum extract. The Nadira variety was resistant to the tomato late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans. Thus biopesticides (O. gratissimum) can be effectively used as alternatives to synthetic fungicides (mancozeb) –which pose risks to human and environmental health.
Frequency of Carbonated Beverage Drinking, Knowledge Regarding its Risks on Health and Association with Bone Mineral Density in Medical Students
Authors: Abbas Syed Sohail , Ramejo Bushra Begum , Mehar Asadullah , Sohu Khush Muhammad , Naqvi Syeda Abiya Amber , Aftab Sobia
Published: February 2021

Background: The carbonated drink manufacturing companies has set young school/college going children as their primary target customers who are consuming it on daily basis and frequency of drinking vary depending on affordability and need. The consumption of carbonated drink has been increased recently that has led us to think about its unwanted effects on health. It has been identified that consuming more carbonated drinks may cause low bone mineral density.

Objectives: To identify the frequency of consumption of carbonated drinks in medical students and to assess the knowledge regarding adverse effects of theses drinks and association of BMD.

Methodology: It was a cross sectional study conducted at Baqai Medical University Karachi from May to August 2020. Students of MBBS 4th year and BDS final year were approached, sample size was calculated at 50% precision of total population i.e 100 participants were recruited by convenient sampling from the mentioned classes. Preformed questionnaire was administered to identify the frequency and knowledge regarding the subject and bone mineral density through Single x-ray absorptiometry (SXA).

Results: The study participants almost (90%) were aware of the name carbonated drink of, 85.5% were aware regarding the harmful effects, and 75.5% were having knowledge about the ingredients. Majority were aware regarding health related effects but they were not having knowledge about names of the specific diseases. There was no significant (0.079) association between carbonated drink consumption and BMD.

Conclusion: Students were aware of health related hazards caused by carbonated drinks there was no association of carbonated drink consumption and BMD.
Race as Determinant of Red Blood Cell Osmotic Stress Haemolysis in South Indian and African Populations
Authors: Haji Hassan Thabit , Okafor Chukwuma J. , Obeagu Emmanuel Ifeanyi , Said Othman Hakum , Nayak Kirtana R. , Obianagha Nkem F. , Galano Emilio Stivens
Published: February 2021

The study was to compare the red blood cell osmotic fragility between South Indian and African ethnicities. A cross sectional study was performed in the Department of Physiology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal. The study involved apparently healthy young adults between 18 to 40 years old. The whole study's total sample size was 50 healthy individuals, 25 South Indians (13 female and 12 male) and 25 Africans (13 female and 12 male).  The results showed an increase in the percentage haemolysis that was statistically significant (p=0.0001) in South Indians (32.16 ±5.048%) compared to Africans (20.01 ± 3.151%), respectively. The present study has identified and quantified race's impact as one of the determinant factors of red blood cell osmotic stress haemolysis. Therefore, we conclude that the percentage of haemolysis is higher for the South Indian population than the African population.
From plastics to microplastics and organisms
Authors: Bajt Oliver
Published: February 2021

The amount of plastic waste and microplastics released into marine environments has increased rapidly in recent decades. The durability of plastic materials results in major problems following their release into the environment. This study provides an overview of recent findings on issues related to plastic degradation, the accumulation of microplastics in mussels and fishes, and the toxicological effects associated with the ingestion of microplastics. These findings confirm the serious problem of slowly degrading plastics (which rarely degrade fully) in natural marine environments. Microplastics have become widespread pollutants and have been detected in mussels and fish around the world. Microplastic particles, whether virgin or with adsorbed pollutants on their surfaces, pose a health problem after being ingested by marine organisms. This paper ends by highlighting the need for certain improvements in studies of these phenomena.
Comparison of pretreatment VMAT quality assurance with the integral quality monitor (IQM) and electronic portal imaging device (EPID)
Authors: Ghafarian Melissa , Price Michael , Morales‐Paliza Manuel
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this study was to compare pretreatment volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) quality assurance (QA) measurements and evaluate the multileaf collimator (MLC) error sensitivity of two detectors: the integral quality monitor (IQM) system (iRT systems IQM) and the electronic portal imaging device (EPID) (Varian PortalVision aS1200). Pretreatment QA measurements were performed for 20 retrospective VMAT plans (53 arcs). A subset of ten plans (23 arcs) was used to investigate MLC error sensitivity of each device. Eight MLC error plans were created for each VMAT plan. The errors included systematic opening/closing (±0.25, ±0.50, ±0.75 mm) of the MLC and random positional errors (1 mm) for individual/groups of leaves. The IQM was evaluated using the percent error of the measured cumulative signal relative to the calculated signal. The EPID was evaluated using two methods: a novel percent error of the measured relative to the predicted cumulative signals, and gamma (γ) analysis (1%/1 mm, 2%/2 mm, 3%/3 mm and 3%/1 mm for Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy plans). The average change in maximum dose obtained from dose‐volume histogram (DVH) data and change in detector signals for different systematic MLC shifts was also compared. Cumulative signal differences showed similar levels of agreement between measured and expected detector signals (IQM: 1.00 ± 0.55%; EPID: 1.22 ± 0.92%). Results from γ analysis lacked specificity. Only the 1%/1 mm criteria produced data with remarkable differences. A strong linear correlation was observed between IQM and EPID cumulative signal differences with MLC error magnitude (R = 0.99). Likewise, results indicate a strong correlation between the cumulative signal for both detectors and DVH dose (RIQM = 0.99; REPID = 0.97). In conclusion, use of cumulative signal differences could be more useful for detecting errors in treatment delivery in EPID than γ analysis.
Bifilar‐Pendulum‐Assisted Multilayer‐Structured Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Wave Energy Harvesting
Authors: Zhang Chuguo , Zhou Linglin , Cheng Ping , Liu Di , Zhang Chunlei , Li Xinyuan , Li Shaoxin , Wang Jie , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: February 2021

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have been introduced as a new cost‐effective technology for harvesting renewable wave energy for their unmatchable performance in low frequency (<5 Hz). Here, bifilar‐pendulum‐assisted multilayer‐structured triboelectric nanogenerator (BM‐TENG) modules incorporated into a vessel for wave energy harvesting are reported, which have a high output performance and adaptive capacity in actual marine environment. Compared with previous research work on wave energy collection by TENG, the designed BM‐TENG, which is optimized by the structure and material, presents a milestone power density of 200 W m−3 and this performance is an improvement of 1–2 orders of magnitude. More importantly, by using a vessel as a platform, TENG can be integrated into it to eliminate the impact of the marine environment and enable convenient maintenance, easy connection, and long‐term stable operation of TENG. The findings provide not only a new design methodology for TENG but also a feasible method to harvest renewable energy efficiently.
Does age estimated from teeth forming in different early life periods show differential discrepancy with known age?
Authors: Nelson Jennifer S. , Harrington Lesley , Holland Emily , Cardoso Hugo F. V.
Published: February 2021

Objectives

The aim of this study is to explore growth discrepancies in the dentition of impoverished children and examine how dental development is impacted by environmental influences throughout childhood, thereby identifying which teeth are more sensitive to the effects of biocultural factors and are consequently less useful to predict age.

Methods

Length measurements of developing teeth (deciduous and permanent) were taken from individuals of known age and sex (n = 61) from the Certosa collection, a 19th century skeletal assemblage representing Italian children of low socioeconomic status. Discrepancies between age estimates based on tooth length and chronological age were calculated, and the accuracy and precision of age prediction between earlier forming teeth and later forming teeth were compared.

Results

Deciduous teeth produced more precise dental age estimates (mean age discrepancy −0.092 years), while discrepancies between chronological age and age based on developing permanent dentition were larger (−0.628 years). The difference between these discrepancies in age estimates for deciduous and permanent teeth was significant (p < 0.001), indicating that age prediction from deciduous tooth length is more accurate than age predicted using permanent tooth length.

Conclusion

An increasing variation and delay in tooth length for age reflects increasing susceptibility to biocultural factors, which impacts tooth growth during the course of childhood. Teeth whose development occurs earlier in life are less variable in their growth and provide more accurate estimations of age as a result.
Parent‐authored memoirs: Lessons in the practice of narrative medicine
Authors: Carey John C.
Published: February 2021

Healthcare professionals, including practitioners of medical genetics and genetic counseling, have much to learn about the experiences of parents who are raising and caring for a child with a rare disease or developmental disability. Knowledge and understanding of the challenges in the care of a child with conditions such as Down syndrome and Wolf‐Hirschhorn syndrome are at the core of the practice of genetic medicine. Insights into this experience can come from active listening to stories and from deep reading of memoirs and narratives authored by parents of children having these challenges. A recent book, Raising a rare girl: A memoir, by writer, poet, and teacher, Heather Lanier, represents a relevant and prototypic example of this genre. Spending the effort in the contemplation of the parental stories provides a valuable lesson in narrative medicine and the experience of empathy for the plight of the family.
Discovery of Cyanobacterial Natural Products Containing Fatty Acid Residues**
Authors: Figueiredo Sandra A. C. , Preto Marco , Moreira Gabriela , Martins Teresa P. , Abt Kathleen , Melo André , Vasconcelos Vitor M. , Leão Pedro N.
Published: February 2021

In recent years, extensive sequencing and annotation of bacterial genomes has revealed an unexpectedly large number of secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters whose products are yet to be discovered. For example, cyanobacterial genomes contain a variety of gene clusters that likely incorporate fatty acid derived moieties, but for most cases we lack the knowledge and tools to effectively predict or detect the encoded natural products. Here, we exploit the apparent absence of a functional β‐oxidation pathway in cyanobacteria to achieve efficient stable‐isotope‐labeling of their fatty acid derived lipidome. We show that supplementation of cyanobacterial cultures with deuterated fatty acids can be used to easily detect natural product signatures in individual strains. The utility of this strategy is demonstrated in two cultured cyanobacteria by uncovering analogues of the multidrug‐resistance reverting hapalosin, and novel, cytotoxic, lactylate‐nocuolin A hybrids—the nocuolactylates.
Liposomen als Überträger membranassoziierter Proteine und Peptide für die massenspektrometrische Analyse
Authors: Frick Melissa , Schwieger Christian , Schmidt Carla
Published: February 2021

Membranproteine gehören zu den Schlüsselkomponenten einer Zelle. Kenntnisse über ihre Struktur und die Wechselwirkungen, die sie mit ihrer Lipidumgebung eingehen, sind häufig notwendig, um ihre komplexe Funktion zu verstehen. In dieser Studie untersuchen wir Liposomen als Membranmimetika für die massenspektrometrische Analyse von peripheren Membranproteinen und ‐peptiden. Liposomen haben gegenüber anderen Membranmimetika den Vorteil, dass sie einfach herzustellen sind, in Größe und Zusammensetzung variiert werden können und außerdem für funktionelle Analysen geeignet sind. Wir konnten zeigen, dass Liposomen in der Gasphase eines Massenspektrometers in Lipidcluster dissoziieren, während Proteine und Protein‐Lipid‐Komplexe intakt bleiben. Dies wird durch den Einsatz verschiedener Liposomen, darunter Proteoliposomen zweier verschieden großer Modellpeptide/‐proteine, veranschaulicht. Unsere Ergebnisse ebnen so den Weg für die allgemeine Anwendung von Liposomen in der massenspektrometrischen Analyse membranassoziierter Proteine.
Enantioselective α‐Carbonylative Arylation for Facile Construction of Chiral Spirocyclic β,β′‐Diketones
Authors: Wu Ting , Zhou Qinghai , Tang Wenjun
Published: February 2021

We herein describe the first enantioselective α‐carbonylative arylation, providing a diverse set of chiral spiro β,β′‐diketones bearing various ring sizes and functionalities in high yields and good to excellent enantioselectivities. Calculations suggest the transformation proceeds through reductive elimination instead of nucleophilic addition pathway.
Visible‐Light‐Induced Homolysis of Earth‐Abundant Metal‐Substrate Complexes: A Complementary Activation Strategy in Photoredox Catalysis
Authors: Abderrazak Youssef , Bhattacharyya Aditya , Reiser Oliver
Published: February 2021

The mainstream applications of visible‐light photoredox catalysis predominately involve outer‐sphere single‐electron transfer (SET) or energy transfer (EnT) processes of precious metal RuII or IrIII complexes or of organic dyes with low photostability. Earth‐abundant metal‐based MnLn‐type (M=metal, Ln=polydentate ligands) complexes are rapidly evolving as alternative photocatalysts as they offer not only economic and ecological advantages but also access to the complementary inner‐sphere mechanistic modes, thereby transcending their inherent limitations of ultrashort excited‐state lifetimes for use as effective photocatalysts. The generic process, termed visible‐light‐induced homolysis (VLIH), entails the formation of suitable light‐absorbing ligated metal–substrate complexes (MnLn‐Z; Z=substrate) that can undergo homolytic cleavage to generate Mn−1Ln and Z. for further transformations.
Tunable Hydrophobicity via Dimensionally Confined Polymerization of Organometallic Adducts
Authors: Chang Julia J. , Du Chuanshen , Pauls Alana , Thuo Martin
Published: February 2021

Fabrication of tunable fine textures on solid metal surfaces often demands sophisticated reaction/processing systems. By exploiting in situ polymerization and self‐assembly of inorganic adducts derived from liquid metals (the so‐called HetMet reaction) with concomitant solidification, solid metal films with tunable texture are readily fabricated. Serving as a natural dimensional confinement, interparticle pores and capillary‐adhered thin liquid films in a pre‐packed bed of undercooled liquid metal particles lead to the expeditious surface accumulation of organometallic synthons, which readily oligomerize and self‐assemble into concentration‐dictated morphologies/patterns. Tuning particle size, particle packing (flat or textured), and reactant concentration generates diverse, autonomously organized organometallic structures on a metal particle bed. Concomitant solidification and sintering of the underlying undercooled particle bed led to a multiscale patterned solid metal surface. The process is illustrated by creating tunable features on pre‐organized metal particle beds with concomitant tunable wettability as illustrated through the so‐called petal and lotus effects.
Investigation of LaMnO3 catalyst loaded on HZSM‐5 zeolite for CO catalytic oxidation
Authors: Qi Boyang , Wu Qiwei , Zhou Hao , Cen Kefa
Published: February 2021

Due to the large amounts of CO pollutant from iron ore sintering and vehicle emissions, the control of CO emission becomes more and more important for the environment. To control the emission of CO more effectively, the catalysts of LaMnO3 perovskite with HZSM‐5 zeolite as support were prepared by sol–gel method. The structure and catalytic activities of catalysts were characterized and analyzed. According to the results of X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), the LaMnO3 perovskite phase is successfully obtained in all the supported catalysts. The average particle sizes of supported catalysts are in the range of 15–38 μm. Compared with the perovskite catalysts loaded on other kinds of supports, LaMnO3 supported with HZSM‐5 has a larger specific surface area (SSA). The SSAs of supported catalysts with different loading amount are in the range of 190–300 m2/g. The HZSM‐5 support improves the catalytic activity of LaMnO3 catalyst by increasing the SSA. The activity of supported catalyst becomes higher when the loading amount increases from 20% to 60%. The catalyst with 60% perovskite loaded shows the best activity in CO catalytic oxidation. The CO conversion of 60LM/HZSM‐5 attains 50% and 90% at 172.7°C and 201.5°C, respectively. The activities of catalysts with 80% and 100% perovskite loaded decrease due to the accumulated pores formed by too much perovskite. The supported catalysts exhibit favorable activities in consecutive reaction cycles. It turns out that HZSM‐5 support is appropriate for the synthesis of active perovskite catalysts for CO oxidation.
Development of highly transparent UV‐curable nylon 6 nanofiber‐reinforced polyurethane acrylate nanocomposite coatings for pre‐coated metals
Authors: Gavande Vishal , Im Donghyeok , Lee Won‐Ki
Published: February 2021

The aim of this study is the development of the UV‐curable polyurethane acrylate‐based transparent nanocomposite by using electrospun nylon 6 nanofibers as reinforcement. To accomplish the perfect embedment of nylon 6 nanofibers, over‐coating is the leading advantage on account of the ultrafast wetting and chemical interaction with the UV‐curable PUA matrix system. The remarkable properties of nylon 6 nanofibers offer the use of a very tiny amount of nanofibers as reinforcement in developing nanocomposites, which allowed a significant improvement of the mechanical properties. We developed optically transparent and flexible nanocomposite films and coatings based on casting, electrospinning, and UV‐curing. The reinforcement of nanofibers in the nanocomposites maintains 89%–93% optical transmittance in the visible light range with remarkable enhancement of the tensile strength by 85% for 240 min nanofiber deposition in nanocomposite films. The annexed results generated much consideration and proved that the embedment of nylon 6 nanofibers leads to a wide range of applications for pre‐coated metals. The morphologies of the nanofibers and properties of the thin film composites were also investigated. The potential utilization of nanofibers as a reinforcement and the fabrication of a nanocomposite along with its characterization comparably to the UV‐cured polyurethane acrylate film are also discussed.
Disparities in insurance coverage among hospitalized adult congenital heart disease patients before and after the Affordable Care Act
Authors: Salciccioli Katherine B. , Salemi Jason L. , Broda Christopher R. , Lopez Keila N.
Published: February 2021

Background

Data are lacking regarding the insurance status of adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD). We investigated whether the Affordable Care Act (ACA) impacted insurance status among hospitalized ACHD, identified associated sociodemographic factors, and compared coverage to adults with other chronic childhood conditions.

Methods

Serial cross‐sectional analysis of National Inpatient Sample hospitalizations from 2007 to 2016 was performed for patients 18–64 years old. ACHD were identified using ICD‐9/10‐CM codes and compared to patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), cystic fibrosis (CF), and the general population. Age was dichotomized as 18–25 years (transition aged) or 26–64 years. Groups were compared by era (pre‐ACA [January 2007–June 2010]; early‐ACA [July 2010–December 2013], which eliminated pre‐existing condition exclusions; and full‐ACA [January 2014–December 2016]) using interrupted time series and multivariable Poisson regression analyses.

Results

Overall, uninsured hospitalizations decreased from pre‐ACA (12.0%) to full‐ACA (8.5%). After full ACA implementation, ACHD had lower uninsured rates than the general hospitalized population (6.0 vs. 8.6%, p < .01), but higher rates than those with other chronic childhood diseases (SCD [4.5%]; CF [1.6%]). Across ACA eras, transition aged ACHD had higher uninsured rates than older patients (8.9 vs. 7.6%, p < .01), and Hispanic patients remained less insured than other groups.

Conclusions

Hospitalized ACHD were better insured than the general population but less insured than those with SCD or CF. Full ACA implementation was associated with improved insurance coverage for all groups, but disparities persisted for transition aged and Hispanic patients. Ongoing evaluation of the effects of insurance and health policy on ACHD remains critical to diminish health disparities.
Further examination of the effects of order of stimulus presentation on receptive discrimination
Authors: Leon Yanerys , Campos Claudia , Suarez Alexa , Salama Jina , Balsimo Krista , Gokey Kaitlynn
Published: February 2021

Recent research has demonstrated that the order of stimulus presentation during auditory‐visual discrimination training may influence the rate of skill acquisition. Results of some studies have suggested that presenting the sample auditory stimulus prior to the comparison visual stimuli may enhance learning for typically developing children. However, replication efforts in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in structured discrete‐trial formats have produced mixed results. The purpose of the current study was to further evaluate the role of stimulus order during auditory‐visual discrimination training to learners with ASD or speech delays during discrete trial instruction. Five of the six children who participated in the study acquired the skills faster during the sample‐first stimulus condition.
In‐air self‐reduction synthesis and luminescence properties from Mg21Ca4Na4(PO4)18:Eu2+–Eu3+ excited using ultraviolet light
Authors: Wu Yuheng , Peng Kangliang , Huang Shuai , Zhao Youjun , Deng Yakun , Ai Jinshui , Yang Yaoyao , Hu Mengzhu , Min Xiao , Yu Lixin
Published: February 2021

A series of Mg21Ca4Na4(PO4)18:Eu2+–Eu3+ phosphors was successfully synthesized using a high‐temperature solid‐state method in an air atmosphere. The phase structures and luminescence properties of the samples were studied in detail. The phosphors exhibited strong visible light emission under different wavelengths of ultraviolet light excitation. By harmonizing the doping concentration of Eu3+ to adjust the relative luminescence intensity of Eu2+ and Eu3+, a colourful emission of phosphors could be achieved. In addition, the colour coordinates of the International Commission on lighting indicated that Mg21Ca4Na4(PO)18:Eu2+–Eu3+ could be considered as a potential blue, orange and red phosphor for white light‐emitting diode applications.
Analysis of clinical outcomes and prognostic factors in patients treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy for oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Jeong Hyehyun , Im Hyeon‐Su , Bang Yeonghak , Kim Yong‐Hee , Kim Hyeong Ryul , Lee Hyun Joo , Jung Hwoon‐Yong , Lee Gin Hyug , Song Ho June , Kim Do Hoon , Choi Kee Don , Lee Jeong Hoon , Ahn Ji Yong , Na Hee Kyong , Ryu Jin‐Sook , Kang Jihoon , Kim Sung‐Bae , Kim Jong Hoon , Park Sook Ryun
Published: February 2021

As patients receiving definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT) for oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) are heterogeneous, we aimed to identify prognostic factors and failure patterns after dCRT. From 2006 to 2015, 327 patients who received dCRT for ESCC were reviewed. Treatment response to dCRT was evaluated based on EORTC‐PET criteria with endoscopy and CT results. After dCRT, 296 patients (90.5%) achieved disease stabilisation, with 132 cases of complete response (CR) (40.4%), 158 of partial response (PR) (48.3%) and 6 of stable disease (SD) (1.8%); 31 patients (9.5%) had progressive disease (PD). Median overall survival (OS) from response evaluation was 24.0 months in the overall population. Post‐treatment clinical response was the most significant prognostic factor for OS in the multivariate analysis (median OS, 65.0 months for CR, 17.3 months for PR, 4.4 months for SD and 4.0 months for PD; p < 0.0001). Median progression‐free survival (PFS) in 296 patients who achieved disease stabilisation was 13.1 months, and only clinical response was a significant factor in the multivariate analysis. The median PFS of CR, PR and SD patients were 36.9, 9.2 and 2.8 months, respectively (p < 0.0001). The clinical response was also significantly associated with the predominant failure pattern (locoregional failure [81.6%] in the initial non‐PD group vs. distant metastasis [87.1%] in the initial PD group [p < 0.0001]). In conclusion, definitive chemoradiotherapy‐treated ESCC patients showed highly different prognoses after treatment especially according to the clinical response to chemoradiotherapy.
Hybrid revascularization procedures for multivessel disease: 2021
Authors: Butman Samuel M.
Published: February 2021

Key Points

There have only been small or pilot trials of hybrid coronary revascularization.

To date, short‐term benefits, if any, are at best minimal.

Hybrid coronary revascularization has not caught on for a variety of reasons.

It may be considered as an option on a case‐by‐case basis.