bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reopening campuses might prove exclusionary, high‐risk for students with disabilities
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: July 2020

A group of advocates for those with disabilities, as well as the Accessible Campus Action Alliance, have created an article and petition urging campuses to consider moving nearly all courses for the fall 2020 semester online for the benefit of students, faculty, and staff with disabilities.
Retrospective analysis of new psychoactive substances in blood samples of German drivers suspected of driving under the influence of drugs
Authors: Fels Helena , Herzog Josefine , Skopp Gisela , Holzer Anna , Paul Liane D. , Graw Matthias , Musshoff Frank
Published: July 2020

Driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) is a serious global problem and poses a public health risk. With new psychoactive substances (NPS) entering the illicit drug market several years ago, a significant number of highly potent and harmful drugs have become easily available and the use of these substances may impair a person’s ability to drive a vehicle safely. Since NPS are not usually covered in routine toxicological analyses used in DUID investigations, only little is known about their prevalence. To gather more information on the prevalence of NPS in cases of impaired driving, a retrospective study was conducted to determine the prevalence of these drugs in blood samples of DUID suspects in southern Germany. A total of 837 blood samples, which were collected in the German federal states Baden‐Württemberg and Bavaria in 2017 and 2018, were reanalyzed for designer stimulants and synthetic cannabinoids by liquid chromatography‐quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (LC‐QTOF‐MS). For the analysis of synthetic cannabinoids, a more sensitive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) screening method was additionally used. A total of 14 cases (1.6%) tested positive for NPS. Designer stimulants were detected in two cases (0.2%) and synthetic cannabinoids were found in 12 cases (1.4%). The rather low prevalence rate of 1.6% estimated in this study suggests that driving under the influence of NPS does not play a large role in southern Germany. Nonetheless, in all cases in which the psychophysical impairment cannot be explained by routine toxicological findings, a screening for NPS should additionally be performed.
Robust age estimation of southern sea otters from multiple morphometrics
Authors: Nicholson Teri E. , Mayer Karl A. , Staedler Michelle M. , Gagné Tyler O. , Murray Michael J. , Young Marissa A. , Tomoleoni Joseph A. , Tinker Martin Tim , Van Houtan Kyle S.
Published: July 2020

Reliable age estimation is an essential tool to assess the status of wildlife populations and inform successful management. Aging methods, however, are often limited by too few data, skewed demographic representation, and by single or uncertain morphometric relationships. In this study, we synthesize age estimates in southern sea otters Enhydra lutris nereis from 761 individuals across 34 years of study, using multiple noninvasive techniques and capturing all life stages from 0 to 17 years of age. From wild, stranded, and captive individuals, we describe tooth eruptions, tooth wear, body length, nose scarring, and pelage coloration across ontogeny and fit sex‐based growth functions to the data. Dental eruption schedules provided reliable and identifiable metrics spanning 0.3–9 months. Tooth wear was the most reliable predictor of age of individuals aged 1–15 years, which when combined with total length, explained >93% of observed age. Beyond age estimation, dental attrition also indicated the maximum lifespan of adult teeth is 13‒17 years, corresponding with previous estimates of life expectancy. Von Bertalanffy growth function model simulations of length at age gave consistent estimates of asymptotic lengths (male Loo = 126.0‒126.8 cm, female Loo = 115.3‒115.7 cm), biologically realistic gestation periods (t0 = 115 days, SD = 10.2), and somatic growth (male k = 1.8, SD = 0.1; female k = 2.1, SD = 0.1). Though exploratory, we describe how field radiographic imaging of epiphyseal plate development or fusions may improve aging of immature sea otters. Together, our results highlight the value of integrating information from multiple and diverse datasets to help resolve conservation problems.
Italian weedy rice—A case of de‐domestication?
Authors: Grimm Annabelle , Sahi Vaidurya P. , Amann Manuel , Vidotto Francesco , Fogliatto Silvia , Devos Katrien M. , Ferrero Aldo , Nick Peter
Published: July 2020

Weedy rice is a representative of the extensive group of feral weeds that derive from crops, but has returned to the lifestyle of a wild species. These weeds develop either from a hybridization of crops with wild relatives (exoferality), or by mutation of crops to weedy forms (endoferality). Due to the close relation of weed and crop, the methods for weed‐targeted containment are limited to date. A deeper understanding of the development of such weeds might help to design more efficient and sustainable approaches for weed management. Weedy rice poses a serious threat to rice yields worldwide. It is widely accepted that weedy rice has originated independently in different regions all over the world. However, details of its evolution have remained elusive. In the current study, we investigated the history of weedy rice in northern Italy, the most important rice‐growing area in Europe. Our approach was to analyze genes related to weedy traits (SD1, sh4, Rc) in weedy rice accessions compared to cultivars, and to integrate these results with phenotypic and physiological data, as well as historical information about rice farming in Italy. We arrive at a working model for the timeline of evolution of weedy rice in Italy indicating that both exoferality and endoferality acted as forces driving the development of the diverse weedy rice populations found in the region today. Models of weed evolution can help to predict the direction which weed development might take and to develop new, sustainable methods to control feral weeds.
KI‐Mediated One‐Pot Transition‐Metal‐Rree Synthesis of 4‐Phenylpyrrolo[1,2‐a]quinoxalines
Authors: Li Shichen , Xie Caixia , Chu Xianglong , Dai Zhen , Feng Lei , Ma Chen
Published: July 2020

An efficient and eco‐friendly method for the synthesis of pyrrolo[1,2‐a]quinoxalines is presented. Compared to previous methods, this protocol is transition‐metal‐free and only potassium iodide is required. A series of substituted 4‐phenylpyrrolo[1,2‐a]quinoxalines are obtained in moderate to good yields.
Denial of gender discrimination is associated with better subjective well‐being among women: A system justification account
Authors: Napier Jaime L. , Suppes Alexandra , Bettinsoli Maria Laura
Published: July 2020

Despite the fact that women face socially and politically sanctioned disadvantages every day, a large percentage of women and men report that gender discrimination is no longer a problem. Across three studies, which together include over 20,000 participants from 23 countries, we test the hypothesis that denial (vs. acknowledgement) of gender discrimination is associated with higher subjective well‐being among women (Studies 1–3), and this is because denying gender discrimination promotes the view that the system is fair (Study 1). We further show that this happens above and beyond personal experiences with sexism (Study 1) and that the association is stronger in countries where sexism is relatively high (vs. low; Study 3). We argue that denial of discrimination is an individual‐level coping mechanism and that, like other self‐group distancing strategies, it may perpetuate gender inequality.
Modeling and analysis of hybrid multilevel converter for constant DC and fuel cell sources
Authors: Veerendra Arigela Satya , Mohamed Mohd Rusllim , Sulaiman Mohd Herwan , Leung Pui Ki
Published: July 2020

This article proposes a symmetrical hybrid multilevel converter topology with a constant DC source and a fuel cell source (FCS) for enhancing the voltage levels and minimization of total harmonic distortions (THD). The proposed topology is employed using a modified phase shifted pulse width modulation (PS‐PWM) in order to control the power electronic switches. In this hybrid topology, the first converter operated through low voltage with high frequency and the second converter through high voltage with fundamental frequency for improving the voltage levels. The THD for the hybrid multilevel converter with respect to current and voltage is 1.97% and 15.10%, respectively. The results show that the proposed topology performs better with a constant DC source compared to the fuel cell source. Furthermore, the less component count of the proposed topology is compared with the existing topologies. Comparisons are made to validate the results of the proposed topology with different sources and the existing topologies.
Effect of natural spices on precursor substances and volatile flavor compounds of boiled Wuding chicken during processing
Authors: Yu Yuanrui , Wang Guiying , Luo Yuting , Pu Yuehong , Ge Changrong , Liao Guozhou
Published: July 2020

Boiled chicken with spices is a traditional and characteristic meat product in China. The aims of this work were to investigate the influences of natural spices on precursor substances, and the volatile flavor compounds of boiled Wuding chicken were studied. Whole, boiled Wuding chicken was processed by washing the chickens, boiling them for 1 hour with natural spices, then deep‐frying for 1 minute, and boiling them for 2 hours with natural spices. The water‐soluble low molecular weight (WLOM) compounds in the Wuding chicken were identified using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) spectroscopy; the fatty acid composition of the boiled Wuding chicken was analyzed using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS); and the volatile flavor compounds of boiled Wuding chicken were determined qualitatively and quantitatively using gas‐phase ion mobility spectrometry (GC‐IMS). The results showed that the content of total fatty acids, free amino acids, WLOM compounds, and volatile flavor substances at each processing point in the treatment group was significantly higher than those in the control group (P < .05). Among the 21 volatile flavor compounds detected, the relative content of 5 flavor compounds (1‐amyl alcohol, acetone, 2‐butanone, valeraldehyde, heptanal) was the highest. After boiling for 2 hours, the aldehyde content in the test group was significantly higher than that in the control group. Natural spices have significant effects on the precursor substances and volatile flavor compounds of boiled Wuding chicken, and the spices significantly improve the taste quality of chicken products. This work substantiates a recommendation for the using of natural spices.
Transcriptome analysis reveals that the multiple metabolic pathways were related to gluten polymerization in different quality wheats (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Wang Qi , Jia Feng , Zhang Xia , Wang Xiaohua , Li Jinhe , Wang Jinshui
Published: July 2020

The rapid development of transcriptome sequencing technology has contributed to the discovery of numerous genes in plant; however, the role of gene expression in postharvest wheat remains largely unexplored. In this study, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by RNA‐seq in different quality wheats. The 102.6 Gb clean reads had been yielded from the nine RNA‐seq libraries. Typically, there were 1791 upregulated and 2,677 downregulated DEGs, respectively, in strong‐gluten wheat compared with weak‐gluten wheat. Specifically, a total of 4,468 DEGs were classified into 286 Gene Ontology (GO) terms and 131 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes terms (KEGG). Moreover, the storage protein components, starch and sucrose metabolism, and plant hormone signal transduction‐related genes were discovered, which had involved 109 DEGs. The wet gluten proteins content was 35.24% and 17.36%, and the glutenin macropolymer content was 6.38% and 5.01% between the strong‐ and weak‐gluten wheat, respectively. The POD activities of the different quality wheats were 6,571.14, 5,341.24, and 4,851.48 U/g/min, respectively. The significant difference of starch and sucrose metabolism, hormone, POD, and CAT enzyme along with the higher ATPase activity might potentially affect gluten polymerization, which might thereby result in the different qualities of wheats.
Modellierung des Wasserhaushalts von Straßenböschungen in Lysimetern
Authors: Melsbach Manuel , Birle Emanuel , Kellermann‐Kinner Christine
Published: July 2020

Zur Ermittlung des Wasserhaushalts von ungesättigten Erdbauwerken wurden bei der Bundesanstalt für Straßenwesen (BASt) Lysimeteruntersuchungen unter Laborbedingungen durchgeführt. Dazu wurden Böschungsausschnitte mit kiesigem und bindigem Boden, Hausmüllverbrennungsasche, Recycling‐Materialien und industriellen Nebenprodukten errichtet. Die Lysimeter wurden mit unterschiedlichen Intensitäten beregnet und Sickerwasser sowie Zwischen‐ und Oberflächenabfluss quantifiziert. So werden typische, mit natürlichen Dammschüttmaterialien und mineralischen Ersatzbaustoffen errichtete Straßenböschungen abgebildet. Zudem wurden auch Bauweisen untersucht, bei denen in Anlehnung an das Merkblatt für Technische Sicherungsmaßnahmen im Erdbau oberhalb des Dammschüttmaterials zur Ableitung des eindringenden Sickerwassers eine Dränmatte angeordnet wurde.

Unter Verwendung der vorab experimentell ermittelten hydraulischen Eigenschaften der verschiedenen Materialien wurde der Wasserhaushalt der Lysimeter mit einer Finite‐Elemente‐Software numerisch nachgerechnet. Diese Ergebnisse zeigten eine gute Übereinstimmung mit den Messungen. Sensitivitätsanalysen zeigten, dass oberflächennahe Schichten im Modell einen großen Einfluss auf den gesamten Wasserhaushalt haben. Außerdem wurde sowohl experimentell als auch rechnerisch festgestellt, dass eine Dränmatte über grobkörnigem Material die Wirkung einer Kapillarsperre hat und die in den Dammbaustoff eindringende Sickerwassermenge signifikant reduziert.
Astroglial N‐myc downstream‐regulated gene 2 protects the brain from cerebral edema induced by stroke
Authors: Guo Hang , Yin Anqi , Ma Yulong , Fan Ze , Tao Liang , Tang Wenhong , Ma Yaqun , Hou Wugang , Cai Guohong , Zhuo Lixia , Zhang Jian , Li Yan , Xiong Lize
Published: July 2020

Brain edema is a grave complication of brain ischemia and is the main cause of herniation and death. Although astrocytic swelling is the main contributor to cytotoxic edema, the molecular mechanism involved in this process remains elusive. N‐myc downstream‐regulated gene 2 (NDRG2), a well‐studied tumor suppressor gene, is mainly expressed in astrocytes in mammalian brains. Here, we found that NDRG2 deficiency leads to worsened cerebral edema, imbalanced Na+ transfer, and astrocyte swelling after ischemia. We also found that NDRG2 deletion in astrocytes dramatically changed the expression and distribution of aquaporin‐4 and Na+‐K+‐ATPase β1, which are strongly associated with cell polarity, in the ischemic brain. Brain edema and astrocyte swelling were significantly alleviated by rescuing the expression of astrocytic Na+‐K+‐ATPase β1 in NDRG2‐knockout mouse brains. In addition, the upregulation of astrocytic NDRG2 by lentiviral constructs notably attenuated brain edema, astrocytic swelling, and blood–brain barrier destruction. Our results indicate a particular role of NDRG2 in maintaining astrocytic polarization to facilitate Na+ and water transfer balance and to protect the brain from ischemic edema. These findings provide insight into NDRG2 as a therapeutic target in cerebral edema.
Salivary side effects after radioiodine treatment for differentiated papillary thyroid carcinoma: Long‐term study
Authors: Le Roux Marc‐Kevin , Graillon Nicolas , Guyot Laurent , Taieb David , Galli Philippe , Godio‐Raboutet Yves , Chossegros Cyrille , Foletti Jean‐Marc
Published: July 2020

Background

Although many studies focus on short‐term side effects of radioiodine therapy, almost none studied long‐term side effects. We assessed radioiodine long‐term salivary side effects after radioiodine treatment for differentiated papillary thyroid carcinoma and compared it to short‐term morbidity within the same population.

Methods

A standardized self‐administrated questionnaire was submitted in 2019 by patients treated with radioiodine between January 2011 and December 2012. These patients had already answered the same questionnaire 6 years before.

Results

Our study showed a significant reduction for salivary side effects: discomfort in submandibular or parotid area, swelling, pain, a bad or salty taste in the mouth, allowing to get back to a “normal” diet.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that a significant rate of patients will recover from I131 therapy salivary side effects. As almost 30% of these remissions happened during our late stage follow‐up, we highlight the necessity of a long‐term follow‐up in these patients.
The association between race/ethnicity and peripartum hysterectomy and the risk of perioperative complications
Authors: Lawson Shari M. , Chou Betty , Martin Kristin L. , Ryan Isa , Eke Ahizechukwu C. , Martin Kimberly D.
Published: July 2020

Objective

To compare perioperative outcomes by patient race/ethnicity.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study identified 7 331 638 childbirth hospitalizations for women aged 12–55 years in the USA between 2004–2014. Peripartum hysterectomy, in‐hospital mortality, perioperative complications, length of stay, and cost of hysterectomy data were analyzed using SAS.

Results

Among childbirth hospitalizations (52.9% white, 13.5% black, 23.0% Hispanic, 5.2% Asian, and 5.4% other), peripartum hysterectomy occurred in 6619. The incidence of peripartum hysterectomy was 90.3 (95% confidence interval [CI] 87.7–93.0) per 100 000 hospitalizations, and higher for black (111.0, 95% CI 104.5–117.4), Hispanic (104.9, 95% CI 99.1–110.8), and Asian women (119.6, 95% CI 109.1–130.2) compared to whites (75.7, 95% CI 72.8–78.5). After adjustment, Hispanic women had an 18% higher odds of undergoing peripartum hysterectomy (odds ratio [OR] 1.18, 95% CI 1.08–1.29; P=0.004) than white women. Non‐white women had a 2–3‐fold higher odds of in‐hospital mortality (ORblack 2.76, 95% CI 1.44–5.30; ORHispanic 1.99, 95% CI 1.04–3.82; ORAsian+other 2.44, 95% CI 1.11–5.40. Black and Asian/other women were more likely to undergo blood transfusions.

Conclusion

Women of color have higher rates of peripartum hysterectomy and experience higher rates of poor perioperative outcomes and mortality.
Prediction of Landsliding using Univariate Forecasting Models
Authors: Aggarwal Akarsh , Rani Anuj , Sharma Pavika , Kumar Manoj , Shankar Achyut , Alazab Mamoun
Published: July 2020

In last few decades, many methods are proposed for time‐series forecasting. As always, when alternatives exists, choice needs to be made so that an appropriate forecasting method can be selected, and used for a specific forecasting. Primarily, the type of data used for time‐series forecasting are univariate and multivariate. In this paper, we presented an analysis of univariate time‐series forecasting data using ARIMA, GARCH and Dynamic Neural Network (DNN) modeling techniques. These techniques depend on a variety of parameters such as objective of forecasting, type of forecasted data and whether an automatic or manual approach is to be used for forecasting. We implemented proposed methods for 15 m landslide sensor data. The objective of the paper is to find a best method among well‐known techniques for landslide forecasting. The obtained results validate that by implementing three different models, DNN is best‐in‐class for time‐series landslide forecasting.
Neuroserpin extends the time window of tPA thrombolysis in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion
Authors: Cai Li , Zhou Youdong , Wang Zhiyong , Zhu Yaozu
Published: July 2020

Tissue‐type plasminogen activator (tPA) is characterized as an effective drug for early thrombolytic therapy in acute cerebral infarction (ACI). However, tPA will increase the risk of hemorrhage if it is used beyond the treatment time window. The study aims to explore the effects of neuroserpin (NSP) on the time window of tPA thrombolysis in ACI and the underlying mechanism. The middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was constructed in rats, which were randomly divided into six groups: sham operation group, infarction group, 1‐hour thrombolysis group, 1‐hour thrombolytic + NSP intervention group, 4‐hour thrombolytic group, and 4‐hour thrombolysis + NSP intervention group. The neurological changes in rats were evaluated by modified neurological severity scores and rota‐rod test. The brain edema and cerebral infarction area were evaluated by dry‐wet method and triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining. The blood‐brain barrier (BBB) integrity was examined by Evans blue method. The expressions of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase in brain were also investigated. The expression of caspase‐3 and Bcl‐2 in brain tissue and apoptosis of neurons were examined by Western blot analysis and toluidine blue staining. tPA thrombolysis significantly attenuated the neurological impairment in rats with MCAO at 1 hour. Conversely, the effect of tPA thrombolysis at 4 hours after MCAO did not significantly help the recovery of neurological function. However, a combination of tPA treatment and NSP treatment at 4 hours after MCAO markedly ameliorated the neurological impairment, cerebral edema, cerebral infarction volume, BBB injury, oxidative stress products, and neuron apoptosis. NSP can probably expand the time window for tPA treatment to reduce neurological impairment in ACI.
Suppression of Sox4 protects against myocardial ischemic injury by reduction of cardiac apoptosis in mice
Authors: Zhang Lijia , Lv Lifang , Zheng Nan , Li Ruotong , Yang Rui , Li Tianyu , Li Yingnan , Liu Yingqi , Luo Hongwei , Li Xuelian , Zhou Yuhong , Shan Hongli , Bai Bing , Liang Haihai
Published: July 2020

Sox4 participates in the progression of embryo development and regulation of apoptosis in tumors. However, the effect and mechanism of Sox4 in myocardial infarction (MI) remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed at examining the role and molecular mechanism of Sox4 in the process of cardiomyocytes apoptosis during MI. The expression of Sox4 were obviously increased both in MI mice and in neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes treated with H2O2. Overexpression of Sox4 promoted cardiomyocyte apoptosis with or without H2O2, whereas knocking down of Sox4 alleviated H2O2‐induced apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, silencing Sox4 by AAV‐9 carried short hairpin RNA targeting Sox4 (AAV‐9‐sh‐Sox4) markedly decreased cardiac infarct area, imprfoved cardiac dysfunction, and reversed apoptosis in MI mice. Mechanistically, there is a potential Sox4‐binding site in the promoter region of Bim, and forced expression of Sox4 significantly promoted Bim expression in cultured cardiomyocytes with or without H2O2, whereas knocking down of Sox4 inhibited the expression of Bim. Further studies showed that silencing Bim attenuated Sox4‐induced apoptosis in cardiomyocytes, indicating that Sox4 promoted cardiomyocytes apoptosis through regulation of Bim expression, which can be used as a potential therapeutic target for MI.
Inhibition of cathepsin S attenuates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury by suppressing inflammation and apoptosis
Authors: Peng Ke , Liu Hong , Yan Bin , Meng Xiao‐Wen , Song Shao‐Yong , Ji Fu‐Hai , Xia Zhengyuan
Published: July 2020

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury leads to high mortality and morbidity due to the incomplete understanding of the underlying mechanism and the consequent lack of effective therapy. The present study revealed and validated key candidate genes in relation to inflammation and apoptosis pathways underlying myocardial I/R injury. Cathepsin S was identified as the top hub protein based on the protein–protein interaction analysis, and, thus, its role during myocardial I/R injury was further investigated. Myocardial I/R in mice resulted in significantly increased levels of myocardial injury biomarkers (cardiac troponin I, lactic dehydrogenase, and creatinine kinase‐MB) and inflammatory cytokines (interleukin‐1β [IL‐1β], IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor‐α), elevated apoptosis rate, and upregulated protein expression of cleaved caspase‐8, cleaved caspase‐3, and cleaved poly ADP‐ribose polymerase. These abovementioned changes were blocked by two different selective cathepsin S inhibitors, LY3000328 or MIV‐247. Moreover, Kaplan–Meier survival plot showed that cathepsin S inhibition improved 21‐day survival rate following myocardial I/R injury. This study demonstrated that the inhibition of cathepsin S alleviated myocardial I/R‐induced injury by suppressing inflammation and apoptosis, which may be used in clinical applications of cardioprotection.
FGF21 impedes peripheral myelin development by stimulating p38 MAPK/c‐Jun axis
Authors: Zhang Yunzhong , Jiang Ketao , Xie Guoqing , Ding Jie , Peng Su , Liu Xiaoyu , Sun Cheng , Tang Xin
Published: July 2020

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) as a metabolic stress hormone, is mainly secreted by the liver. In addition to its well‐defined roles in energy homeostasis, FGF21 has been shown to promote remyelination after injury in the central nervous system. In the current study, we sought to examine the potential roles of FGF21 in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) myelination. In the PNS myelin development, Fgf21 expression was reversely correlated with myelin gene expression. In cultured primary Schwann cells (SCs), the application of recombinant FGF21 greatly attenuates myelination‐associated gene expression, including Oct6, Krox20, Mbp, Mpz, and Pmp22. Accordingly, the injection of FGF21 into neonatal rats markedly mitigates the myelination in sciatic nerves. On the contrary, the infusion of the anti‐FGF21 antibody accelerates the myelination. Mechanistically, both extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) were stimulated by FGF21 in SCs and sciatic nerves. Following experiments including pharmaceutical intervention and gene manipulation revealed that the p38 MAPK/c‐Jun axis, rather than ERK, is targeted by FGF21 for mediating its repression on myelination in SCs. Taken together, our data provide a new aspect of FGF21 by acting as a negative regulator for the myelin development process in the PNS via activation of p38 MAPK/c‐Jun.
Practical approach to develop a multi‐group screening method for detection of mycotoxins, pesticides and veterinary drugs in food
Authors: Moretti Simone , Cavanna Daniele , Lambertini Francesca , Catellani Dante , Sammarco Giuseppe , Barola Carolina , Paoletti Fabiola , Saluti Giorgio , Galarini Roberta , Suman Michele
Published: July 2020

A multi‐group screening method to detect residues of veterinary drugs in meat and environmental contaminants in wheat flour has been developed using liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole‐Orbitrap high‐resolution mass spectrometry (LC‐HRMS). The procedure was tested for over 300 representative compounds (173 veterinary drugs, 122 pesticides and 9 mycotoxins) analysing in parallel negative and positive (spiked) samples according to European validation rules. The Screening Target Concentrations (STCs) were chosen conservatively with respect to the method purposes. Interpretation of results was based on retention time, mass accuracy of precursor and MS2 spectral library. Evaluating the percentage of false negative results, 280 out of the 304 analytes were detectable at the STCs (false compliant rate ≤ 5%). In wheat flours, incurred levels of mycotoxins, deoxynivalenol and 3‐acetyldeoxynivalenol, higher than STCs, were frequently found, whereas in meat, the most detected veterinary drugs were antibiotics generally at negligible concentrations (<10 μg kg−1). Finally, seven test materials from proficiency test schemes were successfully tested.
Multicenter evaluation of Xpert HIV‐1 viral load assay for HIV quantification in China
Authors: Liu Lifeng , Deng Renni , Lan Yun , Li Li , Li Mei , Su Bin , Gnanashanmugam Devasena , Tang Yi‐Wei , Wu Hao , Wang Jing , Cai Xiaoli , Zhang Tong
Published: July 2020

New approaches to increase HIV‐1 testing and HIV‐1 viral load (VL) monitoring are needed for people living with HIV (PLHIV) in China. The Xpert HIV‐1 VL assay was prequalified by the World Health Organization in 2017 but has not been evaluated in China. A multicenter evaluation was conducted to assess the accuracy of the Cepheid Xpert HIV‐1 VL assay compared to the Abbott RealTime HIV‐1 assay in China. Overall agreement was seen in 558 of 562 specimens (99.29%) with a κ value of 0.962. Pearson's coefficient between the two assays was 0.943. Analyzed by the Bland‐Altman method, the mean bias was −0.54 log10 copies/mL, and 94.05% results fell within the 95% confidence limit of agreement (−1.248 to 0.168 log10 copies/mL). The coefficient of variation of the Cepheid Xpert HIV‐1 VL assay ranged from 0.61% to 1.55%, as determined by testing eight positive plasma specimens with three different lots on different days. Due to its simplicity, random‐access, rapid turnaround time, and accuracy, the Xpert HIV‐1 VL assay can be used in local hospitals and clinics that bear the burden of identifying and treating HIV patients in China.
Obesity and load‐induced posttraumatic osteoarthritis in the absence of fracture or surgical trauma
Authors: Luna Marysol , Guss Jason D. , Vasquez‐Bolanos Laura S. , Alepuz Adrian J. , Dornevil Sophie , Strong Jasmin , Alabi Denise , Shi Qiaojuan , Pannellini Tania , Otero Miguel , Brito Ilana L. , van der Meulen Marjolein C. H. , Goldring Steven R. , Hernandez Christopher J.
Published: July 2020

Osteoarthritis is increasingly viewed as a heterogeneous disease with multiple phenotypic subgroups. Obesity enhances joint degeneration in mouse models of posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). Most models of PTOA involve damage to surrounding tissues caused by surgery/fracture; it is unclear if obesity enhances cartilage degeneration in the absence of surgery/fracture. We used a nonsurgical animal model of load‐induced PTOA to determine the effect of obesity on cartilage degeneration 2 weeks after loading. Cartilage degeneration was caused by a single bout of cyclic tibial loading at either a high or moderate load magnitude in adult male mice with severe obesity (C57Bl6/J + high‐fat diet), mild obesity (toll‐like receptor 5 deficient mouse [TLR5KO]), or normal adiposity (C57Bl6/J mice + normal diet and TLR5KO mice in which obesity was prevented by manipulation of the gut microbiome). Two weeks after loading, cartilage degeneration occurred in limbs loaded at a high magnitude, as determined by OARSI scores (P < .001). However, the severity of cartilage damage did not differ among groups. Osteophyte width and synovitis of loaded limbs did not differ among groups. Furthermore, obesity did not enhance cartilage damage in limbs evaluated 6 weeks after loading. Constituents of the gut microbiota differed among groups. Our findings suggest that, in the absence of surgery/fracture, obesity may not influence cartilage loss after a single mechanical insult, suggesting that either damage to surrounding tissues or repeated mechanical insult is necessary for obesity to influence cartilage degeneration. These findings further illustrate heterogeneity in PTOA phenotypes and complex interactions between mechanical/metabolic factors in cartilage loss.
Anesthesia Management and Postanesthetic Recovery Following Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Laporta Mariana L. , O'Brien Erin K. , Stokken Janalee K. , Choby Garret , Sprung Juraj , Weingarten Toby N.
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Delayed anesthesia recovery following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) can be an indicator of immediate complications and negatively impact healthcare efficiency. This study aims to examine clinical factors with a focus on improving clinical practice.

Methods

Medical records of patients undergoing ESS under general anesthesia from 2014 to 2018 were reviewed. Based on the interquartile range of anesthesia recovery for the cohort, patients in the upper quartile were categorized as “prolonged” and the lowest three quartiles as “goal” recovery. Patient and surgical characteristics were investigated.

Results

Analyzing 416 patients who underwent ESS, the median anesthesia recovery time was 48 [35–66] minutes. Prolonged recovery was associated with higher body mass index (odds ratio 1.50 [95% confidence interval 1.03–2.18] per 10 kg/m2, P = .03) and surgical duration (1.37 [1.10–1.72] per hour, P < .01). Inversely, goal recovery was associated with preoperative acetaminophen (0.61 [0.38–0.98], P = .04) and intraoperative remifentanil (0.55 [0.32–0.93], P = .03). Patients with prolonged recovery had higher rates of severe pain (33 (31.7%) vs. 25 (8.0%), P < .01), respiratory depression (7 [6.7] vs. 2 [0.6], P < .01), oversedation (39 [37.5] vs. 39 [12.5], P < .01), and the need for rescue opioids (52 [50] vs. 71 [22.8], P < .01). In addition to reduced postanesthesia recovery time, patients who were administered preemptive acetaminophen had lower rates of severe pain (OR 0.55 [0.31–0.98], P = .04) and nausea and vomiting (0.39 [0.17–0.87], P = .02).

Conclusion

Our findings substantiate the use of acetaminophen and remifentanil in ESS, facilitating anesthesia recovery. Broadly consideration of preemptive acetaminophen could further increase postoperative comfort in ESS.

Level of Evidence

4 – Retrospective. Laryngoscope, 131:E815–E820, 2021
Bilioenteric Reconstruction Techniques in Pediatric Living Donor Liver Transplantation
Authors: Kilic Murat , Karaca Can A. , Yilmaz Cahit , Farajov Rasim , Iakobadze Zaza , Kilic Kamil , Aydogdu Sema
Published: July 2020

Biliary complications (BCs) are still a major cause of morbidity following liver transplantation despite the advancements in the surgical technique. Although Roux‐en‐Y (RY) hepaticojejunostomy has been the standard technique for years in pediatric patients, there is a limited number of reports on the feasibility of duct‐to‐duct (DD) anastomosis, and those reports have controversial outcomes. With the largest number of patients ever reported on the topic, this study aims to discuss the feasibility of the DD biliary reconstruction technique in pediatric living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). After the exclusion of the patients with biliary atresia, patients who received either deceased donor or right lobe grafts, and retransplantation patients, data from 154 pediatric LDLTs were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were grouped according to the applied biliary reconstruction technique, and the groups were compared using BCs as the outcome. The overall BC rate was 13% (n = 20), and the groups showed no significant difference (P = 0.6). Stricture was more frequent in the DD reconstruction group; however, this was not statistically significant (P = 0.6). The rate of bile leak was also similar in both groups (P = 0.6). The results show that the DD reconstruction technique can achieve similar outcomes when compared with RY anastomosis. Because DD reconstruction is a more physiological way of establishing bilioenteric integrity, it can safely be applied.
Triangular representations of functions of operators with Schatten–von Neumann Hermitian components
Authors: Gil' Michael
Published: July 2020

Let be a separable Hilbert space with the unit operator I, let A be a bounded linear operator in with a Schatten–von Neumann Hermitian component ( means the operator adjoint to A) and let be a function analytic on the spectra of A and . For we obtain the representation in the form of the sum of a normal operator and a quasi‐nilpotent Schatten–von Neumann operator , and estimate the norm of . That estimate gives us an inequality for the norm of the resolvent of . Applications of the obtained estimate for to operator equations, whose coefficients are operator functions, and to perturbations of spectra are also discussed.
Synaptic Loss in Primary Tauopathies Revealed by [11C]UCB‐J Positron Emission Tomography
Authors: Holland Negin , Jones P. Simon , Savulich George , Wiggins Julie K. , Hong Young T. , Fryer Tim D. , Manavaki Roido , Sephton Selena Milicevic , Boros Istvan , Malpetti Maura , Hezemans Frank H. , Aigbirhio Franklin I. , Coles Jonathan P. , O’Brien John , Rowe James B.
Published: July 2020

Background

Synaptic loss is a prominent and early feature of many neurodegenerative diseases.

Objectives

We tested the hypothesis that synaptic density is reduced in the primary tauopathies of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) (Richardson’s syndrome) and amyloid‐negative corticobasal syndrome (CBS).

Methods

Forty‐four participants (15 CBS, 14 PSP, and 15 age‐/sex‐/education‐matched controls) underwent PET with the radioligand [11C]UCB‐J, which binds to synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A, a marker of synaptic density; participants also had 3 Tesla MRI and clinical and neuropsychological assessment.

Results

Nine CBS patients had negative amyloid biomarkers determined by [11C]PiB PET and hence were deemed likely to have corticobasal degeneration (CBD). Patients with PSP‐Richardson’s syndrome and amyloid‐negative CBS were impaired in executive, memory, and visuospatial tasks. [11C]UCB‐J binding was reduced across frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital lobes, cingulate, hippocampus, insula, amygdala, and subcortical structures in both PSP and CBD patients compared to controls (P < 0.01), with median reductions up to 50%, consistent with postmortem data. Reductions of 20% to 30% were widespread even in areas of the brain with minimal atrophy. There was a negative correlation between global [11C]UCB‐J binding and the PSP and CBD rating scales (R = –0.61, P < 0.002; R = –0.72, P < 0.001, respectively) and a positive correlation with the revised Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (R = 0.52; P = 0.01).

Conclusions

We confirm severe synaptic loss in PSP and CBD in proportion to disease severity, providing critical insight into the pathophysiology of primary degenerative tauopathies. [11C]UCB‐J may facilitate treatment strategies for disease‐modification, synaptic maintenance, or restoration. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Solid‐state ion sensor for on‐chip determination of potassium ion in body fluid
Authors: Pandey Prem C. , Pandey Govind , Narayan Roger J.
Published: July 2020

This article describes a synthetic route for the fabrication of all‐solid‐state potentiometric ion‐sensing device for on‐chip determination of potassium ion in body fluid. The sensing electrodes comprised of (a) a solid‐state reference electrode made from a Ag/AgCl‐printed electrode covered with a solid‐electrolyte‐embedded membrane made from siloxane polymer and (b) solid‐state ion‐selective electrode as working electrode made by assembling ionophore‐impregnated PVC membrane casting solution over a ion exchanger‐impregnated membrane. The ion exchanger‐impregnated membrane is cast by assembling siloxane–polyindole nanodispersion over working electrode of screen‐printed electrode to yield constant dipolar potential. The screen‐printed electrodes comprising of all‐solid‐state reference and working electrode can be operated under zero current flow to monitor potassium ion in given sample. The configuration of the printed electrodes is designed to fix a microneedle assembly over the working portion of both reference and working electrodes for transdermal ion sensing. The functional alkoxysilanes derived from nanodispersion allow to make solid‐state reference electrode avoiding the use of internal filling solution providing innovation in designing potentiometric sensor. In one aspect, a potentiometric device for detecting analyte in biological fluid that can include a array of hollowed microneedle in which each needle acts as protruded needle structure including an exterior wall forming a hollow interior covering both solid‐state working and reference electrode with an opening at terminal end in such that one microneedle is converted into a potassium ion‐selective electrode.
Improving GMRES(m) using an adaptive switching controller
Authors: Cabral Juan C. , Schaerer Christian E. , Bhaya Amit
Published: July 2020

The restarted generalized minimal residual (denoted as GMRES(m)) normally used for solving a linear system of equations of the form Ax=b has the drawback of eventually presenting a stagnation or a slowdown in its rate of convergence at certain restarting cycles. In this article, a switching controller is introduced to modify the structure of the GMRES(m) when a stagnation is detected, enlarging and enriching the subspace. In addition, an adaptive control law is introduced to update the restarting parameter to modify the dimension of the Krylov subspace. This combination of strategies is competitive from the point of view of helping to avoid the stagnation and accelerating the convergence with respect to the number of iterations and the computational time. Computational experiments corroborate the theoretical results.
Autoimmune cytopenias following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant in pediatric patients: Response to therapy and late effects
Authors: Koo Jane , Giller Roger H. , Quinones Ralph , McKinney Christopher M. , Verneris Michael R. , Knight‐Perry Jessica
Published: July 2020

Background

Autoimmune cytopenias (AICs) are rare, but serious complications of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT).

Procedure

We performed a case‐control study using 20 pediatric AIC cases and 40 controls, matched by stem cell source and primary indication comparing clinical and transplant characteristics, treatment, outcomes, and late effects.

Results

Cases were more likely to be human leukocyte antigen mismatched (P = 0.04). There was no difference in conditioning regimen, serotherapy use, graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis, incidence of acute or chronic GVHD, ABO compatibility, infections, and donor engraftment. The median time to AIC onset was 219 days (range, 97‐1205 days) and AIC resolution was 365 days (range, 10 days to 2737.5 days). First‐line therapies for AIC patients most commonly included corticosteroids (75%) and rituximab (55%). Only 25% of patients responded to first‐line treatment. At a median of 611.5 days from last rituximab dose, 82.5% patients were still receiving intravenous immune globulin for hypogammaglobulinemia compared with 2.5% of controls (P < 0.0001). Iron overload was higher in AIC patients (P = 0.0004), as was avascular necrosis (P = 0.04). There was no difference in overall survival at one year after HSCT (85% vs 82.5%). Two patients with refractory autoimmune hemolytic anemia responded to daratumumab and had resolution of B‐cell aplasia.

Conclusions

In this study, we find poor initial responses to AIC‐directed therapies and significant late effects.
The role of mab‐3 in spermatogenesis and ontogenesis of pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus
Authors: Zhou Lifeng , Ma Xinxin , Zhu Najie , Zou Qingchi , Guo Kai , Bai Liqun , Yu Hongshi , Hu Jiafu
Published: July 2020

Background

Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is one of the most destructive invasive species, causing extensive economic losses worldwide. The sex ratio of female to male of B. xylophilus plays an important role in the nematode infestation. However, little is known about the processes of its sex determination. The double sex/mab‐3‐related family of transcription factors are highly conserved in animals, playing crucial roles in sex determination, spermatogenesis and ontogenesis. We therefore investigated its orthologue, Bxy‐mab‐3, in B. xylophilus.

Results

Bxy‐mab‐3 has two typical conserved DNA‐binding domains. It was observed in J2 (the second‐stage of juveniles), J3, J4 and male adults (specifically on the spicules), but not in eggs or female adults via mRNA in situ hybridization. RNA‐Seq indicated significantly higher expression in males. RNAi showed that the body size and sperm size of male adults were markedly smaller than those of the controls. Meanwhile, almost all the RNAi‐treated males failed to mate with the normal females, even 26.34% of interfered males did not produce sperm. However, RNAi of Bxy‐mab‐3 had no effect on the sex ratio of B. xylophilus.

Conclusion

Bxy‐mab‐3 is indispensable for spermatogenesis, ontogenesis and mating behavior. It is a typical sex‐determination gene with differential expression in males and females. However, knocking down Bxy‐mab‐3 expression could not alter the sex ratio as seen in other species. Our findings contribute towards a better understanding of the molecular events of Bxy‐mab‐3 in B. xylophilus, which provides promising hints for control of pine wilt disease by blocking ontogenesis and decreasing nematode fecundity.
Theoretical studies on the influence of metallic cations on ring opening of propylene oxide catalyzed by metal‐salen complexes
Authors: Chen Lei , Yang Hui‐Qing , Jin Cheng‐Yu , Chen Zhao‐Xu
Published: July 2020

We studied the ring opening of propylene oxide (PO) by salen‐M coordinated OH− group [M = Al(III), Sc(III), Cr(III), Mn(III), Fe(III), Co(II), Co(III), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Ru(III) and Rh(III)]. The results show that the ring‐opening energy barriers for M(II) complexes are much lower than those with M(III) complexes in the gas phase, and the barriers correlate linearly with the negative charges on the OH− group and the Fukui function condensed on the OH− group. The nucleophilicity ordering in the gas phase can be rationalized by the ratio of formal positive charges/radius of M cations. Solvent effect greatly increases the barriers of M(II) complexes but slightly changes the results of M(III) ones, making the barriers similar. Analysis indicates that the reaction heats are linearly proportional to the reverse reaction barriers. The relationships established here can be used to estimate the ring‐opening barriers and to screen epoxide ring‐opening catalysts.
DNMT3B deficiency alters mitochondrial biogenesis and α-ketoglutarate levels in human embryonic stem cells
Authors: Cieslar-Pobuda Artur , Ahrens Theresa D. , Caglayan Safak , Behringer Sidney , Hannibal Luciana , Staerk Judith
Published: July 2020

Embryonic stem cell renewal and differentiation is regulated by metabolites that serve as cofactors for epigenetic enzymes. An increase of α-ketoglutarate (α-KG), a cofactor for histone and DNA demethylases, triggers multilineage differentiation in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). To gain further insight into how the metabolic fluxes in pluripotent stem cells can be influenced by inactivating mutations in epigenetic enzymes, we generated hESCs deficient for de novo DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) 3A and 3B. Our data reveal a bidirectional dependence between DNMT3B and α-KG levels: a-KG is significantly upregulated in cells deficient for DNMT3B, while DNMT3B expression is downregulated in hESCs treated with α-KG. In addition, DNMT3B null hESCs exhibit a disturbed mitochondrial fission and fusion balance and a switch from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation. Taken together, our data reveal a novel link between DNMT3B and the metabolic flux of hESCs.