bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating aneuploidy‐inducing effect of Nemacur, Rogor, and Dursban in human peripheral blood lymphocyte cultures
Authors: Abuwarda Hadeer N. , Alashi Shadi F. , Sharif Fadel A.
Published: May 2021

For many years, organophosphate (OP) pesticides have been considered an attractive choice for pest control around the world. Excessive use of OPs is a concerning issue for human health. Although the genotoxic effect of these pesticides has been reported, studies that examined their aneuploidy‐inducing effect are limited or absent. Therefore, we sought to investigate the potential of OP pesticides, which are extensively used in the Gaza Strip, to induce aneuploidy in human peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBL) cultures. To achieve this goal, we first assessed the cytotoxic effect of selected concentrations of Nemacur (fenamiphos), Rogor (dimethoate), and Dursban (chlorpyrifos) on human PBL cultures by the MTT assay. Then, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique was used to determine the frequency of induced aneuploidy (chromosome loss or gain) in human PBL cultures treated with different concentrations of the three types of OPs. We found that all the OPs treatments used did not show appreciable cytotoxic effects. Increase in frequencies of aneuploidy, chromosome loss, and chromosome gain were observed after each treatment as compared to the results of their respective solvent control cultures, and that increase of aneuploidy was significantly evident at 0.050 mg/ml of Nemacur. It was also noticed that chromosome loss is more frequent than chromosome gain for each concentration of the three types of OPs. While the aneuploidy induction effect of the investigated OPs is not significant (except for the 0.050 mg/ml of Nemacur), these pesticides should be examined further since many people are exposed to them.
Deep analysis of the influence of the different power system structures on the performance of the energy storage systems
Authors: Al‐Gabalawy Mostafa
Published: May 2021

With an increasing need to install variable renewable energy sources to the grid, energy storage (ES) has become a key component for electrical grids to maintain stability. Various methods have been developed to optimize siting of ES systems to benefit a certain actor in the power grid, such as consumers, system operators, or power generators, or to optimize a particular variable, such as frequency, voltage, investment profits, or operator costs. In this paper, a new method has been developed to maximize the grid's efficiency by determining optimal ES siting and evaluating the impact of grid structure on ES performance. The method can decouple the grid structure's impact on grid performance from other factors to show which grid structure is best for ES performance. Inspired by a centrality concept known as a net ability that determines the importance of transmission lines, the net ability equation was modified to include ES within the grid. This paper introduces a weighted topological method called ES net ability that considers capacity, impedance, power transfer distribution factor (PTDF), and node type. ES net ability was also compared to another centrality concept known as betweenness. Using a linear programming method based on direct current (DC) power flow, a MATLAB program was written to determine ES optimal siting for bus test systems IEEE 30, IEEE 118, and IEEE 300. The ES net ability and betweenness of each bus were calculated and compared to determine which bus has the greatest impact on ES performance and efficiency. The buses' rankings could be used to compare buses within a network to determine which node provides the greatest benefit to ES performance and the grid. The average ES net ability of each IEEE test system was calculated to determine which grid structure is best suited for ES grid structure was further broken down into different factors, such as line impedance, line capacity, number of lines per node, number of connections per node, and node location.
Impacts of fluorine in NASICON‐type materials as cathodes for aqueous zinc ion batteries
Authors: Liu Ziyan , Jia Xiaoxiao , Cao Guozhong
Published: May 2021

Sodium superionic conductor (NASICON)‐type materials are getting more and more attention due to their high capacity and good cycling ability compared with other cathode materials in aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIB). The present paper was to study the synthesis and electrochemical properties of two NASICON compounds of Na3V2(PO4)3 and Na3V2(PO4)2F3 and to understand the impacts of fluorine. Both Na3V2(PO4)3 and Na3V2(PO4)2F3 are synthesized by hydrothermal growth followed with annealing at 800°C in inert gas. With 3 mol/L Zn(CF3SO3)2 in water as electrolyte, Na3V2(PO4)3 offered a high storage capacity, while Na3V2(PO4)2F3 demonstrated a high discharge voltage though low storage capacity. It was also found that the storage capacity of Na3V2(PO4)2F3 increases with increased cycles; however, the compound undergoes a gradual phase transition. It is discussed possible approaches to attain both high discharge voltage and large capacity with good cycling stability.
Research on failure criteria and collapse height of roadway roof strata based on energy accumulation and dissipation characteristics
Authors: Li Zhu , Zhang Hong , Jiang Ze , Feng Guorui , Cui Jiaqing , Ma Jingkai
Published: May 2021

Roof collapse is a form of rock failure driven by energy release. The rectangular elastic thin plate (RETP) model, widely used in coal mining engineering research, reflects the law of the movement of overlying strata of a coal seam. The stress distribution regularity of each delamination can be analyzed using the theoretical model of RETPs. In this study, a new method for determining both the height of the caving zone and the damaged area of the roadway roof is developed based on the energy evolution law. The damaged area and the oval‐shaped boundary of each stratum are determined using the damage criterion deduced by calculating the strain energy of the elementary volume. As a case study, the collapse height was obtained by accumulating the thickness of damaged strata, and the length of bolts was increased from 2.2 m to 2.8 m, effectively preventing the reoccurrence of a roof collapse for the No. 30102 working face in Nanliang Coal Mine. In addition, the vertical boundary of the caved zone can be outlined by connecting and fitting the end vertexes of the minor axis in the oval‐shaped damaged area of the RETPs. The supporting angle of the bolts in two side walls of the roadway was decreased from 75° to 70°. This method was verified and applied in a roof collapse investigation by determining the length and drilling angle of the anchor rod and anchor cable required to develop reasonable support schemes. The results of this research can be used for ensuring safety in coal mining and subway or tunnel construction in China.
A comparative study of phytochemical investigation and antioxidative activities of six citrus peel species
Authors: Olfa Taktak , Gargouri Manel , Akrouti Amel , Brits Maxime , Gargouri Mahmoud , Ben Ameur Raoudha , Pieters Luc , Foubert Kenn , Magné Christian , Soussi Ahlem , Allouche Noureddine
Published: May 2021

Over the past few decades, much effort has been devoted to the study of known food products for medicinal applications. Among these, citrus fruits play a key role in providing a wide range of health‐beneficial effects but it generates a huge amount of waste products. In an attempt to recover those wastes, peel of six citrus species (C aurantium, C limetta,C limon, C reticulata, C Sinensis osbeck, and C Sinensis thomson) was evaluated for yield, physicochemical properties, phenolic constituents and antioxidant activities. LC‐MS/MS analysis showed that the flavonoids neoeriocitrin, luteolin‐7‐O‐neohesperidoside, scoparin and neohesperidin were chemical markers for C limetta, whereas apigenin‐6,8‐di‐C‐glycoside was only detected in C Sinensis Osbeck. PCA analysis revealed signiﬁcant correlations between antioxidant activities and phenolic contents, highlighting a large interspecific variability. These results suggest that Citrus peel by‐products may be valuably recycled by industries due to their high yield and transformed into value‐added products, with potential interest for the development of functional foods, cosmetics or preventive therapies for some diseases.
Numerical study on filtration law of supercritical carbon dioxide fracturing in shale gas reservoirs
Authors: Luo Zhifeng , Wu Lin , Zhao Liqiang , Zhang Nanlin , Chen Weihua , Liang Chong
Published: May 2021

Supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO2) fracturing can form more complex fracture network and avoid reservoir damage, making it a lucrative alternative to hydraulic fracturing in shale gas reservoirs. This study establishes a two‐dimensional dynamic filtration model of SC‐CO2 fracturing, which considers stress sensitivity, fluid adsorption, dynamic changes of fluid physical parameters, and coupled fracture propagation. According to the established model, the dynamic filtration of fracture elements and matrix pressure variation in fracture propagation are simulated and analyzed. And the influence of dynamic and static filtration model, constant and variable SC‐CO2 physical parameters, and fluid types in the filtration areas on the calculation results, as well as the effects of stress sensitivity and fluid adsorption on the filtration process are analyzed. The results show that during the fracturing process, fracture elements’ average filtration rate gradually drops and finally becomes stable, while the cumulative filtration volume increases nearly linearly. The static filtration model of uncoupled fracture propagation or the simplification of fluid in the filtration areas to SC‐CO2 single phase provides the reduction of calculation results, while constant SC‐CO2 physical parameters or the fluid simplification to the methane (CH4) single phase have the opposite effect. Stress sensitivity can accelerate the filtration, while fluid adsorption can slow down the filtration. The influence of stress sensitivity is maximal at the middle stage of fracturing, while the influence of fluid adsorption weakens with time. This study's findings have important guiding significance for the optimal design and field application of SC‐CO2 fracturing in shale gas reservoirs. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sulphide geochemistry of the superlarge Tiegelongnan Cu (Au) deposit in Tibet, China: Implication for the mineralization process
Authors: He Wen , Lin Bin , Wang Qin , Yang Huan‐Huan , Song Ying‐Xin
Published: May 2021

The Tiegelongnan deposit in central Tibet presents a typical high‐sulfidation porphyry Cu (Au) mineralization system. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM–EDS), and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA–ICPMS) were used to understand the mineralization processes. The advanced argillic alteration zone directly contacts the phyllic alteration zone, which is linked to the Early Cretaceous porphyritic intrusions. In this study, the spatial distributions of chief copper sulphides with variable gangue minerals are illustrated. The deep inner phyllic zone typically produced an end‐member assemblage of chalcopyrite–sericite (±dolomite), which trended upwards to produce more bornite–sericite (±siderite ± magnesite), and subsequently, the advanced argillic alteration yielded the representative end‐member assemblage of tennantite–alunite ± (aluminium‐phosphate‐sulphate, namely, APS, ±kaolinite). In the phyllic–advanced argillic transition zone, intensive covellite precipitation with the widespread occurrence of sericite–kaolinite (±APS) assemblage is proposed as an important feature in this study, which is mainly produced on the southwest side of the ore‐body centre. The typical co‐occurrence of chalcopyrite with dolomite at great depths indicates that it was related to a gently acidic fluid containing CO2; however, the pervasive tennantite–alunite association present at shallower levels suggests that fluids with SO2 were mainly involved and produced stronger acidic conditions. Acidic fluids are demonstrated to highly accelerate water‐rock alteration. Trace element analyses of the copper sulphides reflect that Au concentrations of bornite and tennantite are higher than chalcopyrite and covellite and present small signal variations. Moreover, comparing the presence of micron‐sized Au‐telluride in tennantite under advanced argillic alteration with the nano‐sized native gold in bornite resulting from phyllic alteration suggests that to a certain extent, Au enrichment is affected by the shift of more Te contents in fluid towards shallower levels, which could promote Au precipitation. Additionally, the Se contents of the selected samples were typically concentrated in chalcopyrite, bornite, and covellite, which yielded contents an order of magnitude greater than those in tennantite, indicating the intimate hydrothermal origin of the first three sulphides. Overall, the sulphide–gangue mineral associations and their copper sulphide geochemistry indicate that the hypogene–chalcopyrite of low Au contents from the phyllic zone closely corresponds to the action of gentle acidic fluids with CO2, while more acidic fluids with SO2 are involved in the formation of supergene tennantite with relatively high values of Au and Te in the advanced argillic alteration.
Differences in risk factors for molecular subtypes of clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Purdue Mark P. , Rhee Jongeun , Moore Lee , Gao Xiaohua , Sun Xuezheng , Kirk Erin , Bencko Vladimir , Janout Vladimir , Mates Dana , Zaridze David , Petruzella Stacey , Hakimi Abraham Ari , Linehan William Marston , Chanock Stephen J. , Brennan Paul , Furberg Helena , Troester Melissa , Rothman Nathaniel
Published: May 2021

The ccA and ccB molecular subtypes of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) have well‐characterized prognostic relevance. However, it is not known whether they possess distinct etiologies. We investigated the relationships between these subtypes and RCC risk factors within a case‐control study conducted in Eastern Europe. We analyzed risk factor data for ccA (n = 144) and ccB (n = 106) cases and 1476 controls through case‐only and case‐control comparisons to assess risk factor differences across subtypes using logistic and polytomous regression models. We also performed a meta‐analysis summarizing case‐only results from our study and three patient cohorts. Patients with ccB tumors had poorer survival than those with ccA tumors and were more likely to be male (case‐only odds ratio [OR] 2.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.43‐5.03). In case‐control analyses, body mass index was significantly associated with ccA tumors (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.18‐5.10 for ≥35 vs <25 kg/m2) but not with ccB tumors (1.52, 0.56‐4.12), while trichloroethylene was associated with ccB but not ccA (OR 3.09, 95% CI 1.11‐8.65 and 1.25, 0.36‐4.39 respectively for ≥1.58 ppm‐years vs unexposed). A polygenic risk score of genetic variants identified from genome‐wide association studies was associated with both ccA and, in particular, ccB (OR 1.82, 1.11‐2.99 and 2.87, 95% CI 1.64‐5.01 respectively for 90th vs 10th percentile). In a meta‐analysis of case‐only results including three patient cohorts, we still observed the ccB excess for male sex and the ccA excess for obesity. In conclusion, our findings suggest the existence of etiologic heterogeneity across ccRCC molecular subtypes for several risk factors.
Acute and subacute toxicity evaluation of Houttuynia cordata ethanol extract and plasma metabolic profiling analysis in both male and female rats
Authors: Chen Hongjiang , Sha Xiuxiu , Luo Yiyuan , Chen Jianwei , Li Xiang , Wang Juan , Cao Gang , Peng Xin
Published: May 2021

Houttuynia cordata has been used as a traditional medicine for more than 1500 years. It has aroused wide public concern about its safety in the past few years, for it contains various aristolactams. However, the safety of H. cordata extract remains unclear. In the present study, single dose (2000 mg/kg) and subacute (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg/day for 28 days) oral toxicity studies of the 95% ethanol extract of H. cordata (HCE) were performed in both male and female Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats. Hematological, biochemical, histopathological parameters, and plasma metabolic profiling were assessed. The single‐dose toxicity of HCE was more than 2000 mg/kg. The subacute toxicity results showed that no significant adverse effect of HCE was observed at 250 mg/kg/day. However, five rats died in 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day groups and exhibited toxicities to liver and kidney. Plasma metabolic profiling analysis suggested that a number of metabolic disturbances were induced by oral administration of HCE, focusing on energy metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and lipids metabolism. Moreover, it appeared that male rats were more susceptible to the toxic effects of HCE than female rats. Therefore, in this preliminary study, oral administration of HCE 250 mg/kg/day can be regarded as the no observed adverse effect level in rats over 28 days. However, long‐term use of HCE with large doses exhibited some hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in rats.
Cr(VI)‐induced DNA damage is lessened by the modulation of hsp70 via increased GSH de novo synthesis in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Chaouhan Hitesh S. , Jha Rakesh R. , Patel Devendra K. , Kar Chowdhuri Debapratim
Published: May 2021

Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is a genotoxic chemical, and in the chemical‐exposed organism, oxidative stress is one of the leading causative mechanisms of genotoxicity. Heat shock protein‐70 (Hsp70) is reported to be modulated in environmental chemical exposed organisms. Inadequate information on the protective role of Hsp70 in chemical‐induced DNA lesions prompted us to investigate this possibility in a well‐studied genetically tractable in vivo model Drosophila melanogaster. In the midgut cells of Cr(VI)‐exposed hsp70‐knockout (KO), ‐knockdown (KD), and ‐overexpression Drosophila strains, no significant change in double‐strand breaks generation was observed in comparison to similarly exposed w

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and the respective genetic control strain after 48 h. Therefore, the role of hsp70 was investigated on oxidative DNA damage induction in the exposed organisms after 24 h. Oxidized DNA lesions (particularly oxidized purine‐based lesions), 8‐oxo‐dG level, and oxidative stress endpoints were found to be significantly elevated in hsp70‐KO and ‐KD strains in comparison to similarly exposed w

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and respective genetic control strain. On the contrary, in ubiquitous hsp70‐overexpression strain exposed to Cr(VI), these endpoints were significantly lowered concurrently with increased GSH level through elevated gclc, and gclm expression, Gclc level, and GCL activity. The study suggests that as a consequence of hsp70 overexpression, the augmented GSH level in cells vis‐a‐vis GSH de novo synthesis can counteract Cr(VI)‐induced oxidized DNA lesions.
On the performance of the Black and Scholes options pricing formulas during the subprime and Covid‐19 crises
Authors: Redroban Shirley , Cifuentes Arturo
Published: May 2021

We examine the performance of the Black‐Scholes (B‐S) formulas around (i.e., before, during and after) two periods of market stress: the subprime crisis (October, 2008) and the onset of the Covid‐19 pandemic (March, 2020). This is interesting for two reasons. First, most studies regarding the accuracy of the B‐S formulas have been done under regular or normal market conditions (granted, a fuzzy concept), not under conditions of severe market stress. And second, these two crises are quite different in nature. The subprime crisis was generated within a specific segment of the capital markets and affected only some sectors of the economy; the Covid‐19 crisis was due to an external shock and still continues to have a much wider impact. We find, in agreement with previous studies under different circumstances, that the accuracy of these formulas is very poor. Moreover, we find that the degree of mispricing, which is significant and in many cases exceed 100%, is manifest in both crises, and in all scenarios analyzed.
Unsulfated biotechnological chondroitin by itself as well as in combination with high molecular weight hyaluronan improves the inflammation profile in osteoarthritis in vitro model
Authors: Vassallo Valentina , Stellavato Antonietta , Cimini Donatella , Pirozzi Anna V. A. , Alfano Alberto , Cammarota Marcella , Balato Giovanni , D'Addona Alessio , Ruosi Carlo , Schiraldi Chiara
Published: May 2021

Several studies suggest that inflammation has a pivotal role during the progression of osteoarthritis (OA) and cytokines have been identified as the main process mediators. This study aimed to explore the ability to modulate the main OA pro‐inflammatory biomarkers of novel gels (H‐HA/BC) based on high molecular weight hyaluronan (H‐HA) and unsulfated biotechnological chondroitin (BC). For the first time, BC was tested also in combination with H‐HA on human primary cells isolated from pathological knee joints. Specifically, the experiments were performed using an OA in vitro model based on human chondrocytes and synoviocytes. To evaluate the anti‐inflammatory effects of H‐HA/BC in comparison with H‐HA and BC single gels, NF‐kB, COMP‐2, MyD88, MMP‐13 and a wide range of cytokines, known to be specific biomarkers in OA (e.g., IL‐6, IL‐8, and TNF‐α), were evaluated. In addition, cell morphology and proliferation occurring in the presence of either H‐HA/BC or single components were assessed using time‐lapse video microscopy. It was shown that synovial fluids and cells isolated from OA suffering patients, presented a cytokine pattern respondent to an ongoing inflammation status. H‐HA and BC significantly reduced the levels of 23 biomarkers associated with cartilage damage. However, H‐HA/BC decreased significantly 24 biological mediators and downregulated 19 of them more efficiently than the single components. In synoviocytes cultures, cytokine analyses proved that H‐HA/BC gels re‐established an extracellular environment more similar to a healthy condition reducing considerably the concentration of 11 analytes. Instead, H‐HA and BC significantly modulated 7 (5 only with a longer treatment) and 8 biological cytokines, respectively. Our results suggest that H‐HA/BC beyond the viscosupplementation effect typical for HA‐based gels, can improve the inflammation status in joints and thus could be introduced as a valid protective and anti‐inflammatory intraarticular device in the field of Class III medical devices for OA treatments.
Novel nanocomposite of biochar‐zerovalent copper for lead adsorption
Authors: Din Salah Ud , Awan Junaid Murtaza , Imran Muhammad , Zain‐Ul‐Abdin  , Haq Sirajul , Hafeez Muhammad , Hussain Sajjad , Khan Muhammad Sarfraz
Published: May 2021

In this study, a composite of zerovalent copper‐biochar was investigated for its ability to remove lead from water. The prepared material was characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffractomter (XRD), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The pH effect on adsorption of lead was investigated within the range of 2–8 and the effect of temperature was studied at 303, 308, 313, and 318 K. The kinetics of lead adsorption on biochar composite was evaluated and the equilibrium time of 12 hr was established. To further evaluate the nature of adsorption, Langmuir model was tested and the adsorption capacities were evaluated for lead adsorption on the surface of copper biochar composite. The activation energy, entropy, and enthalpy values indicated the adsorption phenomenon to be chemisorptive and spontaneous in nature. Comparison of adsorption capacities with the reported adsorbents in the literature concluded zerovalent copper‐biochar composite to be an efficient adsorbent for the removal of lead in the experimental conditions under study.

Research Highlights

Highly efficient composite of zerovalent copper with biochar was synthesized for lead adsorption.

XPS and XRD shows the presence of zerovalent copper in the biochar composite.

pH and temperature were the main governing factors in the adsorption process.

Adsorption capacity for lead is higher than many of the reported adsorbents.
VEGF165 gene‐modified human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells protect against acute liver failure in rats
Authors: Chen Haiou , Tang Shigang , Liao Jinmao , Liu Meng , Lin Yihe
Published: May 2021

Background

Human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells (HUCB‐MSCs) can exert a protective effect in rat models of acute liver failure (ALF). Vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF165) is the predominant VEGF isoform and possesses a strong pro‐angiogenic function. In the present study, HUCB‐MSC served as the gene delivery vehicle for the VEGF165 gene, and we explored the therapeutic effects of this system on ALF.

Methods

HUCB‐MSCs were infected with an adenovirus expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐VEFG fusion protein (Ad‐VEGF165) to overexpress VEGF165 or an adenovirus expressing GFP (Ad‐GFP) as control. The control and modified HUCB‐MSCs were then transplanted into ALF model rats. Liver function and liver pathological changes were assessed by biochemical tests and liver histology. Immunohistochemistry was carried out to determine the expression of, CD34, Ki67 and VEGF.

Results

VEGF165 overexpression enhanced the multipotency of HUCB‐MSCs and promoted the homing and colonization of HUCB‐MSC in the liver tissues of ALF rats. Furthermore, although HUCB‐MSC transplantation ameliorated liver damage and promoted liver regeneration to some extent in ALF rats, Ad‐VEGF165‐HUCB‐MSC transplantation showed stronger therapeutic effects on ALF.

Conclusions

In summary, transplantation of VEGF165‐modified HUCB‐MSCs exert stronger therapeutic effects on ALF than HUCB‐MSCs. The present study provides a novel therapeutic approach for ALF.
Longitudinal analysis of microfinance borrowers in Brazil: A dynamic market segmentation
Authors: de Souza Lucas Lopes Ferreira , Bassi Francesca , de Freitas Ana Augusta Ferreira
Published: May 2021

This study uses a dynamic modelling approach to group clients of a microcredit programme in Brazil and follows them over time. Five segments are identified based on variables related to business, owners, families and operations performed within the programme. Results show that borrowers' circumstances are diverse and different actions are needed for each group. Many customers remained in the same segment; some moved to segments with worse conditions. However, the fact that one fourth of borrowers improved conditions is promising, considering the risky nature of entrepreneurial activity and the Brazilian economic context. Our analyses show that mission drift does not occur.
Porphyromonas gingivalisinduces periodontitis, causes immune imbalance, and promotes rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Zhou Niu , Zou Fagui , Cheng Xiao , Huang Yilian , Zou Hang , Niu Qingru , Qiu Yi , Shan Fen , Luo Aoxiang , Teng Wei , Sun Jianbo
Published: May 2021

Periodontitis induced by bacteria especially Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) is the most prevalent microbial disease worldwide and is a significant risk factor for systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA and periodontitis share similar clinical and pathologic features. Moreover, the prevalence of RA is much higher in patients with periodontitis than in those without periodontitis. To explore the immunologic mechanism of periodontitis involved in RA, we established a mouse model of periodontitis and then induced RA. According to the results of paw thickness, arthritis clinical score, arthritis incidence, microscopic lesion using H&E staining, and micro-CT analysis, periodontitis induced by P. gingivalis promoted the occurrence and development of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice. Furthermore, periodontitis enhanced the frequency of CD19+ B cells, Th17, Treg, gMDSCs, and mMDSCs, whereas down-regulated IL-10 producing regulatory B cells (B10) in CIA mice preinduced for periodontitis with P. gingivalis. In vitro stimulation with splenic cells revealed that P. gingivalis directly enhanced differentiation of Th17, Treg, and mMDSCs but inhibited the process of B cell differentiation into B10 cells. Considering that adoptive transfer of B10 cells prevent RA development, our study, although preliminary, suggests that down-regulation of B10 cells may be the key mechanism that periodontitis promotes RA as the other main immune suppressive cells such as Treg and MDSCs are up-regulated other than down-regulated in group of P. gingivalis plus CIA.
Severe COVID-19 is marked by dysregulated serum levels of carboxypeptidase A3 and serotonin
Authors: Soria-Castro Rodolfo , Meneses-Preza Yatsiri G , Rodríguez-López Gloria M , Romero-Ramírez Sandra , Sosa-Hernández Víctor A , Cervantes-Díaz Rodrigo , Pérez-Fragoso Alfredo , Torres-Ruíz José J , Gómez-Martín Diana , Campillo-Navarro Marcia , Álvarez-Jiménez Violeta D , Pérez-Tapia Sonia M , Chávez-Blanco Alma D , Estrada-Parra Sergio , Maravillas-Montero José L , Chacón-Salinas Rommel
Published: May 2021

The immune response plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection ranging from protection to tissue damage and all occur in the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ARDS patients display elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines and innate immune cells, and T and B cell lymphocytes have been implicated in this dysregulated immune response. Mast cells are abundant resident cells of the respiratory tract and are able to release different inflammatory mediators rapidly following stimulation. Recently, mast cells have been associated with tissue damage during viral infections, but their role in SARS-CoV-2 infection remains unclear. In this study, we examined the profile of mast cell activation markers in the serum of COVID-19 patients. We noticed that SARS-CoV-2-infected patients showed increased carboxypeptidase A3 (CPA3) and decreased serotonin levels in their serum when compared with symptomatic SARS-CoV-2-negative patients. CPA3 levels correlated with C-reactive protein, the number of circulating neutrophils, and quick SOFA. CPA3 in serum was a good biomarker for identifying severe COVID-19 patients, whereas serotonin was a good predictor of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In summary, our results show that serum CPA3 and serotonin levels are relevant biomarkers during SARS-CoV-2 infection. This suggests that mast cells and basophils are relevant players in the inflammatory response in COVID-19 and may represent targets for therapeutic intervention.
Natural occurrence of Azospirillum brasilense in petunia with capacity to improve plant growth and flowering
Authors: Toffoli Lucía M. , Martínez‐Zamora Martín G. , Medrano Norma N. , Fontana Cecilia A. , Lovaisa Nadia C. , Delaporte‐Quintana Paola , Elias Juliana M. , Salazar Sergio M. , Pedraza Raúl O.
Published: May 2021

To evaluate the natural occurrence of the plant growth‐promoting bacterium Azospirillum brasilense and petunia plants, local strains were isolated and characterized by biochemical and molecular methods. Three strains were assessed in greenhouse conditions using Petunia × hybrida Ultra™. Treatments: Plants without bacterial inoculation or chemical fertilization; fertilized with NPK and KNO3; and independently inoculated with the strains 2A1, 2A2, and 2E1 by submerging their roots in a bacterial suspension (~106 CFU·ml−1). Root length, dry weight of roots and shoots, leaf area, leaf greenness, and nutrient content were evaluated. The number of days from transplanting to the opening of the first flower and the number of flowers per plant were also determined. As a result, five isolates were characterized as A. brasilense, showing the capacity to produce indoles and siderophores, to solubilize phosphate, nitrogenase activity, and nifH‐PCR amplification. In general, all the parameters of the plant assay were improved in plants inoculated with A. brasilense, with variations among the strains, as well as the onset of flowering and the number of flowers per plant, compared with uninoculated or fertilized plants. This is the first report on the natural occurrence of A. brasilense in petunia with the capacity to improve plant growth and flowering.
A semi‐automatic framework based upon quantitative analysis of MR‐images for classification of femur cartilage into asymptomatic, early OA, and advanced‐OA groups
Authors: Thaha Rafeek , Jogi Sandeep P. , Rajan Sriram , Mahajan Vidur , Mehndiratta Amit , Singh Anup
Published: May 2021

To develop a semi‐automatic framework for quantitative analysis of biochemical properties and thickness of femur cartilage using magnetic resonance (MR) images and evaluate its potential for femur cartilage classification into asymptomatic (AS), early osteoarthritis (OA), and advanced OA groups. In this study, knee joint MRI data (fat suppressed‐proton density‐weighted and multi‐echo T2‐weighted images) of eight AS‐volunteers (data acquired twice) and 34 OA patients including 20 early OA (16 Grade‐I and 4 Grade‐II), 14 advanced‐OA (Grade‐III) were acquired at 3.0T MR scanner. Modified Outerbridge classification criteria was performed for the clinical evaluation of data by an experienced radiologist. Cartilage segmentation, T2‐mapping, 2D‐WearMap generation, and subregion analysis were performed semi‐automatically using in‐house developed algorithms. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and coefficient of variation (CV) were computed for testing the reproducibility of T2 values. One‐way analysis of variance with Tukey–Kramer post hoc test was performed for evaluating the differences among the groups. The performance of individual T2 and thickness, as well as their combination using logistic regression, were evaluated with receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis. The interscan agreement based on the ICC index was 0.95 and the CV was 2.45 ± 1.33%. T2 mean of values greater than 75th percentile showed sensitivity and specificity of 94.1% and 81.3% (AUC = 0.93, cut‐off value = 47.9 ms) in differentiating AS volunteers versus OA group, while sensitivity and specificity of 90.0% and 81.3% (AUC = 0.90, cut‐off value = 47.9 ms) in differentiating AS volunteers versus early OA groups, respectively. In the differentiation of early OA versus advanced‐OA group, ROC results of combination (T2 and thickness) showed the highest sensitivity and specificity of 85.7%, and 70.0% (AUC = 0.79, cut‐off value = 0.39) compared with individual T2 and thickness features, respectively. A computer‐aided quantitative evaluation of femur cartilage degeneration showed promising results and can be used to assist clinicians in diagnosing OA.
Adverse perioperative outcomes among patients undergoing gastrointestinal cancer surgery: Quantifying attributable risk from malnutrition
Authors: Kenny Erin , Samavat Hamed , Touger‐Decker Riva , Parrott J. Scott , Byham‐Gray Laura , August David Allen
Published: May 2021

Background

Preoperative malnutrition adversely impacts perioperative outcomes among patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. The attributable risk (AR) that nutrition status contributes towards negative outcomes is poorly understood.

Methods

Adults undergoing GI cancer surgeries were identified within the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (2005–2017). Emergency surgeries, outpatients, and cases with an American Society of Anesthesiologists status above III were excluded. Adjusted multivariable models were constructed to determine the associations between markers of nutrition status (body mass index, >10% weight loss in last 6 months, functional status, and serum albumin level) and adverse perioperative outcomes (presence and number of complications, death, 30‐day readmission, and length of stay). Predictive accuracy statistics and population AR (PAR) were determined.

Results

The final sample included 78,662 cases. Patients with >10% weight loss 6 months preceding surgery (compared with those who did not), had a significantly increased risk of complications (Relative Risk = 1.28; 95% CI, 1.20–1.37) and odds of death (odds ratio [OR] = 1.37; 95% CI, 1.18–1.59). A totally dependent functional status (compared with independent status) was associated with a 3.3‐times higher odds of death (OR = 3.30; 95% CI, 1.53–7.15). Multivariable models were not predictive of adverse outcomes; PAR from the markers ranged 1%–2%.

Conclusion

Ten percent weight loss in preceding 6 months was associated with increased risk of adverse perioperative outcomes among adults undergoing GI cancer surgery. The contribution of nutrition status markers to surgical outcomes as assessed by PAR was small (1%–2%), a finding not previously reported. Future intervention studies should include validated nutrition risk markers, control for effects of perioperative variables, and evaluate PAR within the immediate/long‐term postoperative periods.
Data sharing—trialists' plans at registration, attitudes, barriers and facilitators: A cohort study and cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Tan Aidan Christopher , Askie Lisa M. , Hunter Kylie Elizabeth , Barba Angie , Simes Robert John , Seidler Anna Lene
Published: May 2021

Data unavailability impedes research transparency and is a major problem for individual participant data (IPD) meta‐analyses as it reduces statistical power, increases risk of bias, and may even preclude completion. The primary objectives of this study were to determine IPD sharing plans reported in recently registered clinical trial registration records, how data sharing commitment relates to clinical trial characteristics, and principal investigators' attitudes, motivations and barriers to data sharing. The secondary objective was to derive recommendations to overcome identified barriers to data sharing. This was a retrospective cohort study of all interventional trials registered on the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) from 1 December 2018 to 30 November 2019, and an online cross‐sectional survey of their principal investigators. In the cohort study of all clinical trials registered on the ANZCTR in the study period (n = 1517), commitment to share data was low (22%, 329/1517). In the cross‐sectional survey (n = 281, 23% response rate), principal investigators showed strong support for the concept of data sharing (77%, 216/281) but a substantially lower intention to actually share data from their clinical trials (40%, 111/281). Major barriers to data sharing included lacking informed consent to share data, protecting participant confidentiality and preventing misinterpretation of data or misleading secondary analyses. There is a gap between high in‐principle support for data sharing, and low in‐practice intention from investigators to share data from their own clinical trials. Multiple pathways exist to bridge this gap by addressing the identified barriers to data sharing.
Formation of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Foams by Compression of Soft Porous Material
Authors: Johnson Phillip , Vaccaro Mauro , Starov Victor , Trybala Anna
Published: May 2021

Interaction of foams with porous materials is frequently observed in industry and nature. An example is the interaction of foam of a cleaning product with a sponge, which has been investigated previously in Johnson et al., Colloids Surfaces A, 2019, 579, June, p. 123569 with commercial dishwashing solution using a compression device with a sponge saturated with a surfactant solution. The purpose of this study is to investigate the same process using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), which has the same critical micelle concentration (CMC) as the commercial surfactant used. It is found that SDS concentration 10 times the CMC is the optimum concentration for foam formation. Any further increase in concentration above 10 CMC does not result in further increase of foam mass. Although the concentration of the surfactant solution was the most important parameter, temperature and pH of the surfactant also influenced the foam generation. Increasing the temperature resulted in decreasing the mass of foam generated and pH 7 was found as the optimal pH for foam generation.
A chemometric approach for the differentiation of 15 monofloral honeys based on physicochemical parameters
Authors: Rodopoulou Maria‐Anna , Tananaki Chrysoula , Kanelis Dimitrios , Liolios Vasilios , Dimou Maria , Thrasyvoulou Andreas
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Although the main method for authentication of monofloral honey is pollen analysis, other classification approaches have been also applied. However, the majority of the existing classification models so far have utilized a few honey types or a few honey samples of each honey type, which can lead to inaccurate results. Aiming at addressing this, the goal of the present study was to create a classification model by analysing in total 250 honey samples from 15 different monofloral honey types in ten physicochemical parameters and then, multivariate analysis [multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), principal component analysis (PCA) and multi‐discriminant analysis (MDA)] was applied in an effort to distinguish and classify them.

RESULTS

Electrical conductivity and colour were found to have the highest discriminative power, allowing the classification of monofloral honey types, such as oak, knotgrass and chestnut honey, as well as the differentiation between honeydew and nectar honeys. The classification model had a high predictive power, as the 84.4% of the group cases was correctly classified, while for the cases of chestnut, strawberry tree and sunflower honeys the respective prediction was correct by 91.3%, 95% and 100%, allowing further determination of unknown honey samples.

CONCLUSION

It seems that the characterization of monofloral honeys based on their physicochemical parameters through the proposed model can be achieved and further applied on other honey types. The results could contribute to the development of methodologies for the determination of honey's botanical origin, based on simple techniques, so that these can be applied for routine analysis. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Pulmonary resection for tissue harvest in adoptive tumor‐infiltrating lymphocyte therapy: Safety and feasibility
Authors: Corsini Erin M. , Mitchell Kyle G. , Zhou Nicolas , Bernatchez Chantale , Forget Marie‐Andrée , Haymaker Cara L. , Hofstetter Wayne L. , Mehran Reza J. , Rajaram Ravi , Rice David C. , Roth Jack A. , Sepesi Boris , Swisher Stephen G. , Vaporciyan Ara A. , Walsh Garrett L. , Amaria Rodabe N. , Jazaeri Amir A. , Antonoff Mara B.
Published: May 2021

Background and Objectives

Adoptive T‐cell therapies (ACTs) using expansion of tumor‐infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) populations are of great interest for advanced malignancies, with promising response rates in trial settings. However, postoperative outcomes following pulmonary TIL harvest have not been widely documented, and surgeons may be hesitant to operate in the setting of widespread disease.

Methods

Patients who underwent pulmonary TIL harvest were identified, and postoperative outcomes were studied, including pulmonary, cardiovascular, infectious, and wound complications.

Results

83 patients met inclusion criteria. Pulmonary TIL harvest was undertaken primarily via a thoracoscopy with a median operative blood loss and duration of 30 ml and 65 min, respectively. The median length of stay was 2 days. Postoperative events were rare, occurring in only five (6%) patients, including two discharged with a chest tube, one discharged with oxygen, one episode of urinary retention, and one blood transfusion. No reoperations occurred. The median time from TIL harvest to ACT infusion was 37 days.

Conclusions

Pulmonary TIL harvest is safe and feasible, without major postoperative events in our cohort. All patients were able to receive intended ACT infusion without delays. Therefore, thoracic surgeons should actively participate in ongoing ACT trials and aggressively seek to enroll patients on these protocols.
Maternal Support and Attrition from Child Trauma‐Focused Therapy
Authors: Wamser‐Nanney Rachel
Published: May 2021

Many children prematurely terminate from trauma‐focused therapy (TFT), and attrition is a critical barrier in addressing the impacts of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). The field's knowledge of risk factors for dropout is growing; however, one aspect of the child's environment that remains unexamined is maternal support following the CSA disclosure/discovery. Maternal support has been theorized to play a valuable role in influencing children's outcomes after CSA and may be relevant in understanding attrition. The objective of the current study was to investigate the associations between children's symptoms, relationship to the perpetrator, and maternal support in relation to premature termination from TFT among 186 sexually abused children (Mage = 9.24 years, SD = 3.72, 67.3% female). Two operational definitions of attrition were used: (a) clinician‐rated dropout (i.e., clinician's ratings of whether the child completed treatment) and (b) whether the child received an adequate treatment dose treatment (i.e., ≥12 sessions). Maternal marital status was the only factor associated with clinician‐rated treatment dropout, OR = 2.35, whereas maternal support and blame/doubt were unrelated. Living farther from the clinic was tied to an increased risk of receiving an inadequate treatment dose, OR = 0.96. Replication of these findings is needed, particularly using a clinician‐administered measure of caregiver support; yet, maternal emotional support and blame/doubt may not evince strong ties to dropout from TFT among sexually abused children. Additional work is needed to discern if there are key subgroups for whom support is more strongly related to the risk of premature termination following CSA.
Survivorship and Spatial Patterns of an Urban Population of Texas Horned Lizards
Authors: Vesy Miranda N. , Watters Jessa L. , Moody Raymond W. , Schauber Eric M. , Mook Jennie M. , Siler Cameron D.
Published: May 2021

Habitat fragmentation has negative consequences on threatened and endangered species by creating isolated populations. The Texas horned lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum) is experiencing population declines and localized extirpations throughout its range and has been classified as a species of greatest conservation need in Oklahoma, USA. Younger age classes have been poorly studied but may be vital to the stability of remaining populations. To address gaps in knowledge concerning subadult (hatchling and juvenile) morphometrics, survivorship, and home range sizes, we studied 2 cohorts of subadults, for 2 years each, covering their hatching and juvenile years (2016–2019). We used a combination of radio‐telemetry and novel harmonic radar methodology to study a closed population of Texas horned lizards in 15 ha of native grassland at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma. Population abundance for adults and juveniles was estimated as 56.5 ± 5.5 lizards and density as 7.96 lizards/ha. Our lowest estimates of survival indicated an average survival probability for the hatchling life stage of 0.285 (95% CI = 0.15–0.44), which is lower than for adults on the site. Average home range size increased from hatchling to adult life stages. Our results will have an immediate effect on the planning and assessment of ongoing headstart and management programs for Texas horned lizards. © 2021 The Authors. The Journal of Wildlife Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of The Wildlife Society.