bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modulation of amygdala reactivity following rapidly acting interventions for major depression
Authors: Loureiro Joana R. A. , Leaver Amber , Vasavada Megha , Sahib Ashish K. , Kubicki Antoni , Joshi Shantanu , Woods Roger P. , Wade Benjamin , Congdon Eliza , Espinoza Randall , Narr Katherine L.
Published: March 2020

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and ketamine treatment both induce rapidly acting antidepressant effects in patients with major depressive disorder unresponsive to standard treatments, yet their specific impact on emotion processing is unknown. Here, we examined the neural underpinnings of emotion processing within and across patients (N = 44) receiving either ECT (N = 17, mean age: 36.8, 11.0 SD) or repeated subanesthetic (0.5 mg/kg) intravenous ketamine therapy (N = 27, mean age: 37.3, 10.8 SD) using a naturalistic study design. MRI and clinical data were collected before (TP1) and after treatment (TP2); healthy controls (N = 31, mean age: 34.5, 13.5 SD) completed one MRI session (TP1). An fMRI face‐matching task probed negative‐ and positive‐valence systems. Whole‐brain analysis, comparing neurofunctional changes within and across treatment groups, targeted brain regions involved in emotional facial processing, and included regions‐of‐interest analysis of amygdala responsivity. Main findings revealed a decrease in amygdalar reactivity after both ECT and ketamine for positive and negative emotional face processing (p < .05 family wise‐error (FWE) corrected). Subthreshold changes were observed between treatments within the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and insula (p < .005, uncorrected). BOLD change for positive faces in the inferior parietal cortex significantly correlated with overall symptom improvement, and BOLD change in frontal regions correlated with anxiety for negative faces, and anhedonia for positive faces (p < .05 FWE corrected). Both serial ketamine and ECT treatment modulate amygdala response, while more subtle treatment‐specific changes occur in the larger functional network. Findings point to both common and differential mechanistic upstream systems‐level effects relating to fast‐acting antidepressant response, and symptoms of anxiety and anhedonia, for the processing of emotionally valenced stimuli.
Parietal memory network and default mode network in first‐episode drug‐naïve schizophrenia: Associations with auditory hallucination
Authors: Guo Qian , Hu Yang , Zeng Botao , Tang Yingying , Li Guanjun , Zhang Tianhong , Wang Jinhong , Northoff Georg , Li Chunbo , Goff Donald , Wang Jijun , Yang Zhi
Published: February 2020

Atypical spontaneous activities in resting‐state networks may play a role in auditory hallucinations (AHs), but networks relevant to AHs are not apparent. Given the debating role of the default mode network (DMN) in AHs, a parietal memory network (PMN) may better echo cognitive theories of AHs in schizophrenia, because PMN is spatially adjacent to the DMN and more relevant to memory processing or information integration. To examine whether PMN is more relevant to AHs than DMN, we characterized these intrinsic networks in AHs with 59 first‐episode, drug‐naïve schizophrenics (26 AH+ and 33 AH−) and 60 healthy participants in resting‐state fMRI. We separated the PMN, DMN, and auditory network (AN) using independent component analysis, and compared their functional connectivity across the three groups. We found that only AH+ patients displayed dysconnectivity in PMN, both AH+ and AH− patients exhibited dysfunctions of AN, but neither patient group showed abnormal connectivity within DMN. The connectivity of PMN significantly correlated with memory performance of the patients. Further region‐of‐interest analyses confirmed that the connectivity between the core regions of PMN, the left posterior cingulate gyrus and the left precuneus, was significantly lower only in the AH+ group. In exploratory correlation analysis, this functional connectivity metric significantly correlated with the severity of AH symptoms. The results implicate that compared to the DMN, the PMN is more relevant to the AH symptoms in schizophrenia, and further provides a more precise potential brain modulation target for the intervention of AH symptoms.
Vaginal cuff perforation during robotic‐assisted mesh recto‐sacrocolpopexy
Authors: Chavez Jacqueline , Finsterbusch Carlos , Olson Craig , Zimmern Philippe E
Published: February 2020

Introduction

We report on the management of intraoperative vaginal cuff perforation during robotic‐assisted mesh recto‐sacrocolpopexy for vaginal vault prolapse with defecatory dysfunction.

Case presentation

A 75‐year‐old woman with vaginal bulge and constipation was to undergo a joint robotic mesh recto‐sacrocolpopexy. Intraoperatively, mesh was secured to the left posterior vaginal wall following dissection. Prior to contralateral suture placement, the vaginal cuff split open and exposed an end‐to‐end anastomotic sizer previously inserted in the vagina. Due to subsequent mesh erosion risk, we proceeded with vaginotomy closure with running and interrupted absorbable sutures, removal of mesh, direct suture rectopexy to the promontory, and enterocele defect correction by reapproximating the right and left wings of the peritoneum flaps over the rectum with running sutures. Patient reported satisfactory outcomes after 2 years.

Conclusion

We reviewed our experience with vaginal cuff perforation during robotic‐assisted mesh recto‐sacrocolpopexy prompting enterocele repair and rectopexy without mesh.
Long noncoding RNA LINC00630 promotes radio‐resistance by regulating BEX1 gene methylation in colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Liu Feng , Huang Weifeng , Hong Jinsheng , Cai Chuanshu , Zhang Weijian , Zhang Jianrong , Kang Zhenming
Published: March 2020

This study aimed to analyze the relation between long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) LINCE00630 and radio‐resistance and elucidate the underlying mechanism. Relative expression of LINC00630, BEX1, and DNMT3B in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells and clinical samples was determined by real‐time PCR. Prognosis in respect of LINC00630 expression was analyzed by Kaplan–Meier survival curve. LINC00630 and BEX1 were specifically silenced by shRNAs. Cell viability and growth were analyzed by MTT and clonogenic assays, respectively. Cell apoptosis was measure by both caspase‐3 activity and flow cytometry. Association between EZH2 with LINC00630 and BEX1 promoter was determined by RNA immunoprecipitation and chromatin immunoprecipitation. BEX1 and DNMT3B proteins were quantified by Western blot. We demonstrated the elevated LINC00630 correlated with radio‐resistance and poorer prognosis in CRC. Knockdown of LINC00630 significantly improved the sensitivity of CRC cells to irradiation. Mechanistically, LINC00630 in complex with EZH2 negatively regulated BEX1 through promoter DNA methylation. BEX1 silencing greatly restored the cell viability and suppressed cell apoptosis, which were elicited by LINC00630 deficiency in response to irradiation. Our data uncovered the contribution of elevated LINC00630 to radio‐resistance in CRC, which was predominately mediated by epigenetically repressed BEX1.
Effects of Odanacatib on Bone Structure and Quality in Postmenopausal Women With Osteoporosis: 5-Year Data From the Phase 3 Long-Term Odanacatib Fracture Trial (LOFT) and its Extension
Authors: Recker Robert , Dempster David , Langdahl Bente , Giezek Hilde , Clark Seth , Ellis Graham , de Villiers Tobias , Valter Ivo , Zerbini Cristiano AF , Cohn Dosinda , Santora Arthur , Duong Le T
Published: March 2020

Odanacatib (ODN), a selective oral inhibitor of cathepsin K, was an investigational agent previously in development for the treatment of osteoporosis. In this analysis, the effects of ODN on bone remodeling/modeling and structure were examined in the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, event-driven, Phase 3, Long-term Odanacatib Fracture Trial (LOFT; NCT00529373) and planned double-blind extension in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. A total of 386 transilial bone biopsies, obtained from consenting patients at baseline (ODN n = 17, placebo n = 23), month 24 (ODN n = 112, placebo n = 104), month 36 (ODN n = 42, placebo n = 41), and month 60 (ODN n = 27, placebo n = 20) were assessed by dynamic and static bone histomorphometry. Patient characteristics at baseline and BMD changes over 5 years for this subset were comparable to the overall LOFT population. Qualitative assessment of biopsies revealed no abnormalities. Consistent with the mechanism of ODN, osteoclast number was higher with ODN versus placebo over time. Regarding bone remodeling, dynamic bone formation indices in trabecular, intracortical, and endocortical surfaces were generally similar in ODN-treated versus placebo-treated patients after 2 years of treatment. Regarding periosteal modeling, the proportion of patients with periosteal double labels and the bone formation indices increased over time in the ODN-treated patients compared with placebo. This finding supported the observed numerical increase in cortical thickness at month 60 versus placebo. In conclusion, ODN treatment for 5 years did not reduce bone remodeling and increased the proportion of patients with periosteal bone formation. These results are consistent with the mechanism of action of ODN, and are associated with continued BMD increases and reduced risk of fractures compared with placebo in the LOFT Phase 3 fracture trial. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Diagnostic and prognostic values of anti‐helicobacter pylori antibody combined with serum CA724, CA19‐9, and CEA for young patients with early gastric cancer
Authors: Gong Xuyang , Zhang Heng
Published: March 2020

Background

To investigate the value of anti‐helicobacter pylori (Hp) antibody, serum carbohydrate antigen (CA)‐724, CA19‐9, and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in the diagnosis and prognosis evaluation of young patients with early gastric cancer.

Methods

A total of 200 young patients with gastric cancer from April 2014 to December 2015 were enrolled. A total of 206 patients with gastritis and 204 healthy subjects were also selected. Gastric cancer patients were followed up for 3 years, and the number of recurrences, metastasis, and death was recorded.

Results

The positive rate of anti‐Hp antibody, CA724, CA19‐9, and CEA in young patients with early gastric cancer were significantly higher than those in gastritis and healthy subjects (P < .05), and was positively correlated with tumor stage, tumor size, and lymph node metastasis (P < .05). The predicting model was as follows: Logit (P) = 26.433‐3.014(CA724)‐3.908(CA19‐9)‐0.303(CEA)‐2.208(anti‐Hp antibody, Positive = 1; Negative = 0). This model had a high value in identifying young patients with early gastric cancer with AUC of 0.918, and the estimated probability was .806. Compared to patients with negative anti‐Hp antibody and low serum levels of CA724, CA19‐9, and CEA, the recurrence rate, metastasis rate, and mortality of patients with positive anti‐Hp antibody, high serum levels of CA724, CA19‐9, and CEA increased significantly (P < .05).

Conclusion

This study indicated that anti‐Hp antibody combined with CA724, CA19‐9, and CEA had important value in the identification of young patients with early gastric cancer and were of great value in evaluating the risk of postoperative recurrence, metastasis, and death.
Persistent or incident hyperammonemia is associated with poor outcomes in acute decompensation and acute‐on‐chronic liver failure
Authors: Shalimar  , Rout Gyanranjan , Kumar Ramesh , Singh Achintya D , Sharma Sanchit , Gunjan Deepak , Saraya Anoop , Nayak Baibaswata , Acharya Subrat K
Published: February 2020

Background and Aim

The effect of elevated ammonia on organ failures (OF), apart from hepatic encephalopathy, in patients with acute decompensation (AD) of cirrhosis and acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) is unclear. We aimed to assess the effect of persistent or incident hyperammonemia on OF and outcomes in patients with AD and ACLF.

Methods

A total of 229 patients with ACLF and 83 with AD were included. Arterial ammonia was measured on day 1 and day 3 of admission. Persistent or incident hyperammonemia was defined as a level of ≥79.5 μmol/L on day 3. The changes in ammonia levels during the first 3 days were analyzed with respect to the complications and outcomes.

Results

At admission, the median level of arterial ammonia was higher in ACLF compared to AD patients (103 vs 86 μmol/L, P < 0.001). Persistent or incident hyperammonemia was noted in 206 (66.0%) patients and was more frequent in ACLF compared to AD patients (70.7 vs 53.0%, P = 0.013). Patients with persistent or incident hyperammonemia, compared to those without it, developed a higher proportion of new‐onset OF during hospitalization involving liver (P = 0.018), kidney (P = 0.001), brain (P = 0.005), coagulation (P = 0.036), circulation (P = 0.002), and respiratory (P = 0.003) issues and had higher 28‐day mortality (log‐rank test, P < 0.001). After adjustment for chronic liver failure consortium ACLF score, persistent or incident hyperammonemia (hazard ratio, 3.174) was independently associated with 28‐day mortality. The presence of infection was an independent predictor of persistent or incident hyperammonemia.

Conclusion

Persistent or incident hyperammonemia during first 3 days of hospitalization in patients with AD or ACLF is associated with increased risk of OF and death.
Synthetic and antimicrobial studies of N‐substituted‐pyrazoline‐based new bisheterocycles
Authors: Nisa Shehneela , Yusuf Mohamad
Published: March 2020

In the present study, the four series of N‐acetyl/N‐carbothioamide/N‐carboxamide/N‐phenyl‐based new bispyrazolines have been synthesized. These symmetrical bisheterocyclic products were prepared efficiently from the ring‐closure reactions of new bischalcones 2a‐d with appropriate cyclizing agents (hydrazine hydrate, thiosemicarbazide, semicarbazide, and phenyl hydrazine) under the alkaline ethanolic conditions. The compounds 2a‐d were obtained by treating hydroxyl‐substituted chalcone 1 with various dihalogenated reagents (α,α′‐dibromo‐o/m/p‐xylene and 4,4′‐bischloromethyl‐diphenyl) in anhydrous K2CO3/dry acetone/Bu4N+I− medium. The structures of all the newly synthesized products have been authenticated with the help of their IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and ESI‐MS spectral data and their purity was corroborated with the help of elemental analysis and thin‐layer chromatography results. The in vitro antimicrobial screening of the newly synthesized intermediates and final bisheterocycles has also been performed by using the serial tube dilution technique against the selected number of microorganisms. The final bisheterocycles revealed better antibacterial and antifungal potencies as compared to their corresponding bischalcones. Among the symmetrical bisheterocyclic products, N‐acetyl and N‐carbothioamide‐substituted bispyrazolines were found to exhibit potential antimicrobial properties than the other products.
Design, synthesis, and characterization of some new benzimidazole derivatives and biological evaluation
Authors: Bektaş Hakan , Sökmen Bahar B. , Aydın Sinem , Menteşe Emre , Bektaş Adile , Dilekçi Gamze
Published: March 2020

A new series of benzimidazole derivatives (1‐15) containing 1,2,4‐triazole, 1,3,4‐thiadiazole, 1,3,4‐oxadiazole, and thiazolidinon rings have been synthesized. All new synthesized benzimidazole compounds were confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR spectra, and LC‐MS, and they were examined for their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Compounds 7 and 1 showed the highest and the lowest antioxidant activities, respectively. The lowest minimum inhibition concentration value found in compound 5 against Enterobacter aerogenes.
Entropy‐driven binding of octyl gallate in albumin: Failure in the application of temperature effect to distinguish dynamic and static fluorescence quenching
Authors: de Carvalho Bertozo Luiza , Fernandes Ana J. F. C. , Yoguim Maurício I. , Bolean Maytê , Ciancaglini Pietro , Ximenes Valdecir F.
Published: March 2020

Fluorescence quenching is widely used to obtain association constants between proteins and ligands. This methodology is based on assumption that ground‐state complex between protein and ligand is responsible for quenching. Here, we call the attention about the risk of using the temperature criterion for decision of applying or not fluorescence quenching data to measure association constants. We demonstrated that hydrophobic effect can be the major force involved in the interaction and, as such, superposes the well‐established rationalization that host/guest complexation is weakened at higher temperatures due to loss of translational and rotational degrees of freedom. To do so, the complexation of bovine serum albumin with octyl gallate was studied by steady‐state, time‐resolved fluorescence spectroscopy and isothermal titration calorimetry. The results clearly demonstrated the complexation, even though the Stern‐Volmer constant increased at higher temperatures (1.6 × 104and 4.1 × 105 mol−1L at 20°C and 40°C), which could suggest a simple dynamic process and not complexation. The entropy‐driven feature of the interaction was demonstrated by the unfavorable enthalpy (∆H° = 104.4 kJmol−1) but favorable entropy (∆S° = 447.5 Jmol−1K−1). The relevance of the ligand hydrophobicity was also evaluated by comparing ascorbic acid and its ester ascorbyl palmitate. Docking simulations showed a higher number of hydrophobic contacts and lower energy poses for the esters, confirming the experimental results. In conclusion, the well‐established rationalization that host/guest complexation is weakened at higher temperatures is not straightforward for protein‐ligand interactions. Hence, the temperature effect for a decision between static and dynamic quenching and its use to decide if a complexation at ground state is taking place between ligand and protein should not be used.
Computational evaluation of mass filter acceptance and transmittance influenced by developing fields: An application of the plane method to investigate prefilter efficacy for rectangular wave operated mass filters
Authors: Huntley Adam P. , Reilly Peter T.A.
Published: March 2020

The acceptance of quadrupole mass filters is improved when the alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) fields are developed separately. Physically, this is achieved when a short RF only quadrupole (prefilter) is situated directly ahead of the mass filter. The acceptance gained by a system operating with a prefilter can be observed as an increase in sensitivity over conventional operation. Frequency dynamic duty cycle based rectangular waveform driven (rectangular wave) mass filters, a recent development, currently do not operate with prefilters. Little is known about the influence of duty cycle changes on the acceptance of rectangular wave mass filters. The sensitivity gain seen by conventional systems operating with prefilters indicates that the sensitivity of duty cycle based rectangular wave systems should increase comparably. The objective of this work was to determine prefilter efficacy for nonspecific rectangular wave mass filter systems. In this work, the plane method of acceptance was used to model the change to the acceptance and transmittance of sine and rectangular waveform driven mass filters under different modes of field development. Both systems indicated a fourfold increase in sensitivity when the mass filtering DC or duty cycle was delayed.
Yansuanmalingua inhibits replication of type 2 porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus via activating the caspase‐8 apoptosis pathway
Authors: Ding Yaozhong , Li Guoxiu , Cheng Fangzhen , Dai Junfei , Hu Yonghao , Zhang Jie
Published: March 2020

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) causes significant economic losses to the pork industry. The present study showed that Yansuanmalingua (YASML) can inhibit type 2 PRRSV replication using plaque assay, quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence assay. Furthermore, inhibition of PRRSV replication was shown to be related to Toll‐like receptor 3 (TLR3)‐dependent apoptosis‐induction by YASML in the PRRSV‐infected MARC‐145, and TLR3‐dependent apoptosis‐induction by YASML was found to suppress PRRSV replication via the activation of caspase‐8 and caspase‐3 pathways, respectively. Meanwhile, activation of the caspase‐3 pathway seemed to be related to the downregulation of myeloid cell leukemia 1 (Mcl‐1) expression. Our results showed that YASML‐induced TLR3‐dependent apoptosis could be blocked by a pan‐caspase inhibitor and small interfering RNA against TLR3. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that YASML exerts its anti‐PRRSV effect by activating the caspase‐8/caspase‐3 signaling pathway and by negatively regulating Mcl‐1 expression. These findings not only provide new insights into the molecular mechanism of YASML inhibition of PRRSV replication via the TLR3‐dependent apoptosis pathway but also suggest potential, new antiviral drugs by expressing caspase‐3 or down expressing Mcl‐1.
Synthesis of sericin‐conjugated silver nanoparticles and their potential antimicrobial activity
Authors: Muhammad Tahir Hafiz , Saleem Fatima , Ali Shaukat , Ain Qurat ul , Fazal Amna , Summer Muhammad , Mushtaq Rabia , Tariq Zahid Muhammad , Liaqat Iram , Murtaza Ghulam
Published: March 2020

Nanoparticles (NPs) are being recognized as antibacterial agents due to their rapidly increasing multidrug resistance in bacterial pathogens. Hence, there is an unmet need to identify the natural antibacterial agent. The present study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of sericin‐conjugated silver NPs synthesized by using sericin as a reducing and capping agent. Synthesized NPs were characterized by scanning electron microscope, nanolaser particle size analyzer (BT‐90), Fourier‐transform infrared analysis, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray. The biogenic NPs significantly inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli (12–15 mm zone of inhibition), Staphylococcus aureus (14.6–15.4 mm zone of inhibition), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (12.5–18 mm zone of inhibition). The stability of naturally synthesized NPs was examined at various temperatures (i.e., 4°C, 37°C, and 55°C) and pH (i.e., 3, 7, and 11). Temperature variability did not significantly affect the efficacy of NPs. However, NPs performed better at higher pH levels. This study suggested that the sericin‐based silver NPs are not only effective against bacteria, but they also maintain the stability at different ranges of temperature and pH. We concluded that the sericin‐conjugated silver NPs possess the remarkable antibacterial potential, which suggests their large‐scale use as a cheap and stable antimicrobial agent in the future.
Fourier transform‐Raman and surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy analysis of safflower red‐dyed washi paper: pH study and bands assignment
Authors: Cañamares Maria Vega , Mieites‐Alonso Maria Goretti , Leona Marco
Published: March 2020

Safflower red is a natural dye extracted from the petals of Carthamus tinctorius L. Its main coloring matter is carthamin. Despite its poor lightfastness, safflower was greatly appreciated in Asia for its bright red color. It was particularly important in nishiki‐e multicolor Japanese woodblock printing. In the present work, safflower red was analyzed by Fourier transform (FT)‐Raman and surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopies and the band assignment was carried out with the support of density functional theory calculations. Different pH values were tested in order to determine the optimal conditions for SERS analysis. Changes in the relative intensity of the Raman bands at neutral and acid pH suggest a deprotonation of the acidic groups in the molecule. From the obtained results, the adsorption geometry of the dye molecule on Ag nanoparticles was deducted. Finally, SERS was successfully applied to the detection of safflower red in a paper fiber from a Japanese woodblock print.
Effect of Intravenous Lidocaine Infusion on Postoperative Early Recovery Quality in Upper Airway Surgery
Authors: Wang Qiao , Ding Xiaojun , Huai De , Zhao Weibing , Wang Jun , Xie Chenglan
Published: March 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

Systemic infusions of lidocaine have been widely used as perioperative analgesic adjuvants. The aim of this randomized, double‐blinded, controlled trial was to investigate the effect of perioperative lidocaine infusion on postoperative early recovery quality in upper airway surgery.

Study Design

Prospective, randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled trial.

Methods

A total of 99 patients were randomly assigned to the lidocaine group (group L) or the control group (group C). The patients received 2 mg/kg lidocaine completed within 10 minutes before the induction of anesthesia followed by continuous infusions of 2 mg/kg/hr lidocaine (group L) or the same volume of 0.9% normal saline (group C) intravenously during anesthesia. The Quality of Recovery‐40 (QoR‐40) survey was administered on the preoperative day (Pre) and postoperative days 1 (POD1) and 2 (POD2). The primary endpoint was QoR‐40 score on POD1 and POD2.

Results

Compared with Pre, global QoR‐40 scores on POD1 and POD2 were significantly lower (P < .05). Compared with group C, global QoR‐40 scores were significantly higher in group L on POD1 and POD2 (P < .05). Among the five dimensions of QoR‐40, the scores for physical comfort, emotional state, and pain were superior in group L compared to group C (P < .05). Compared with group C, the consumption of remifentanil and diclofenac as well as the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and postoperative 48‐hour numeric rating scale (NRS) scores in group L were significantly lower (P < .05).

Conclusions

Systemic lidocaine infusion can improve QoR‐40 scores in patients with upper airway surgery, reduce the dosage of intraoperative opioids, decrease the incidence of PONV and NRS scores 2 days after surgery, thus improving postoperative early recovery quality.

Level of Evidence

1b Laryngoscope, 131:E63–E69, 2021
Wind erosion control using inoculation of aeolian sand with cyanobacteria
Authors: Fattahi Seyed Mohammad , Soroush Abbas , Huang Ning
Published: February 2020

Wind erosion is a natural phenomenon that has been increasing due to anthropogenic activities. Wind erosion has detrimental consequences on the environment, and its prevention is a critical issue in many arid regions of the world. The topic of this study was an artificial formation of biocrusts to diminish wind erosion by inoculation of the aeolian sand by two filamentous cyanobacteria of Nostoc punctiforme and Microcoleus vaginatus. The erodibility of the sand was examined in a wind–tunnel equipped with a sand particle counter (SPC). The erosion rate, number of emitted particles, and flux of eroded mass from the surface of the sand were measured as indicators of the erodibility at five wind velocities of 6, 10, 15, 20, and 25 m/s. Results suggested that biocrust of M. vaginatus had thicker interparticle bonding and more resistance than biocrust of N. punctiforme against wind erosion; however, both of cyanobacterial crust reduced the erodibility indicators by two to three orders of magnitude.
Shifts in the soil bacterial community along a salinity gradient in the Yellow River Delta
Authors: Zhao Qingqing , Bai Junhong , Gao Yongchao , Zhao Haixiao , Zhang Guangliang , Cui Baoshan
Published: March 2020

Soil salinization has rapidly encroached from the coastline to inland areas over the past two decades in the Yellow River Delta (YRD). Soil samples were collected from low‐ (LSW), medium‐ (MSW), and high‐ (HSW) salinity wetlands at a depth of 0–20 cm for 16S rRNA sequencing and bioinformatic analyses. The richness and α‐diversity indices were significantly lower in saline soils (ECe > 15 dS/m, HSW) than in soils those were not saline (ECe < 15 dS/m, LSW and MSW) (p < 0.05), generally showing a decreasing trend with increasing salinities. The phyla, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi, Acidobacteria and Planctomycetes, represented more than 70% of the bacterial community in the three wetlands, indicating the wide adaption of these phyla to salinity changes. Specifically, Proteobacteria was recognized as the most dominant (35.30% ‐ 38.59%) phylum regardless of salinity. Furthermore, bacterial composition was different among the wetlands, as revealed by β‐diversity indices and analysis of similarities. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size revealed the presence of 11, 2, and 10 discriminating bacterial taxa (LDA > 4) among LSW, MSW, and HSW, respectively, implying that they can serve as bioindicators of soil salinization. Redundancy analysis, Spearman correlation analysis, and the Mantel test suggested that salinity parameters (EC, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Cl−, and SO42−) prominently structured the bacterial community in the current study. These results suggest that the changes of bacterial composition would be induced in these LSW and MSW soils once seawater intrusion occurs.
A unidirectional ultra‐wideband circularly polarized spiral antenna array
Authors: Geng Jingru , Liu Xueguan , Liu Changrong , Guo Huiping
Published: March 2020

This paper studies a unidirectional ultra‐wideband circularly polarized (CP) spiral antenna array. The ultra‐wideband high‐gain CP operation is realized by implementing four‐element sequentially rotated spiral array antennas fed with an ultra‐wideband feeding network. Tapered multisections power dividers and broadband microstrip‐slot phase shifters are utilized to provide accurately equal power division and constant phase shifts of 90°. In order to further improve the CP operating bandwidth, foam of absorber is adopted between the radiating aperture and the feeding network substrate. The proposed CP array is designed, fabricated, and measured. Test results show that the impendence bandwidth of the proposed array covers 2.2 to 11.6 GHz (5.3:1) and 3 dB axial‐ratio bandwidth covers 2.3 to 13 GHz (5.65:1), demonstrating a stable CP array performance within an ultra‐wide working bandwidth.
Self‐navigation for 3D multishot EPI with data‐reference
Authors: Moeller Steen , Ramanna Sudhir , Lenglet Christophe , Pisharady Pramod K. , Auerbach Edward J. , Delabarre Lance , Wu Xiaoping , Akcakaya Mehmet , Ugurbil Kamil
Published: March 2020

Purpose

In this study, we sought to develop a self‐navigation strategy for improving the reconstruction of diffusion weighted 3D multishot echo planar imaging (EPI). We propose a method for extracting the phase correction information from the acquisition itself, eliminating the need for a 2D navigator, further accelerating the acquisition.

Methods

In‐vivo acquisitions at 3T with 0.9 mm and 1.5 mm isotropic resolutions were used to evaluate the performance of the self‐navigation strategy. Sensitivity to motion was tested using a large difference in pitch position of the head. Using a multishell diffusion weighted acquisition, tractography results were obtained at (0.9 mm)3 to validate the quality with conventional acquisition.

Results

The use of 3D multislab EPI with self‐navigation enables 3D diffusion‐weighted spin echo EPI acquisitions that have the same efficiency as 2D single‐shot acquisition. For matched acquisition time the image signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) between 3D and 2D acquisition is shown to be comparable for whole‐brain coverage with (1.5 mm)3 resolution and for (0.9 mm)3 resolution the 3D acquisition has higher SNR than what can be obtained with 2D acquisitions using current state‐of‐art multiband techniques. The self‐navigation technique was shown to be stable under inter‐volume motion. In tractography analysis, the higher resolution afforded by our technique enabled clear delineation of the tapetum and posterior corona radiata.

Conclusion

The proposed self‐navigation approach utilized a self‐consistent phase in 3D diffusion weighted acquisitions. Its efficiency and stability were demonstrated for a plurality of common acquisitions. The proposed self‐navigation approach allows for faster acquisition of 3D multishot EPI desirable for large field of view and/or higher resolution.
Application of Lectin Microarrays for Biomarker Discovery
Authors: Dang Kai , Zhang Wenjuan , Jiang Shanfeng , Lin Xiao , Qian Airong
Published: March 2020

Many proteins in living organisms are glycosylated. As their glycan patterns exhibit protein‐, cell‐, and tissue‐specific heterogeneity, changes in the glycosylation levels could serve as useful indicators of various pathological and physiological states. Thus, the identification of glycoprotein biomarkers from specific changes in the glycan profiles of glycoproteins is a trending field. Lectin microarrays provide a new glycan analysis platform, which enables rapid and sensitive analysis of complex glycans without requiring the release of glycans from the protein. Recent developments in lectin microarray technology enable high‐throughput analysis of glycans in complex biological samples. In this review, we will discuss the basic concepts and recent progress in lectin microarray technology, the application of lectin microarrays in biomarker discovery, and the challenges and future development of this technology. Given the tremendous technical advancements that have been made, lectin microarrays will become an indispensable tool for the discovery of glycoprotein biomarkers.
Aromatic Fluorination of Multiblock Amphiphile Enhances Its Incorporation into Lipid Bilayer Membranes
Authors: Sasaki Ryo , Sato Kohei , Kinbara Kazushi
Published: March 2020

We designed multiblock amphiphiles AmF and AmH, which consist of perfluorinated and non‐fluorinated hydrophobic units, respectively. Absorption spectroscopy revealed that both amphiphiles are molecularly dispersed in organic solvent, while they form aggregates under aqueous conditions. Furthermore, we investigated whether AmF and AmH can be incorporated into DOPC lipid bilayer membranes, and found that the maximum concentration of AmF that can be incorporated into DOPC lipid bilayer membranes is 43 times higher than that of AmH.
Fetal open spinal dysraphism repair through a mini‐hysterotomy: Influence of gestational age at surgery on the perinatal outcomes and postnatal shunt rates
Authors: Peralta Cleisson F. A. , Botelho Rafael D. , Romano Edson R. , Imada Vanessa , Lamis Fabrício , Júnior Ronaldo R. , Nani Fernando , Stoeber Gerd H. , de Salles Antônio A. F.
Published: February 2020

Objective

To analyze the impact of gestational age (GA) at the time of fetal open spinal dysraphism (OSD) repair through a mini‐hysterotomy on the perinatal outcomes and the infants' ventriculoperitoneal shunt rates.

Methods

Retrospective study of cases of fetal OSD correction performed from 2014 and 2019.

Results

One hundred and ninety women underwent fetal surgery for OSD through a mini‐hysterotomy, and 176 (176/190:92.6%) have since delivered. Fetal OSD correction performed earlier in the gestational period, ranging from 19.7 to 26.9 weeks, was associated with lower rates of postnatal ventriculoperitoneal shunting (P: .049). Earlier fetal surgeries were associated with shorter surgical times (P: .01), smaller hysterotomy lengths (P < .001), higher frequencies of hindbrain herniation reversal (P: .003), and longer latencies from surgery to delivery (P < .001). Median GA at delivery was 35.3 weeks. Multivariate binary logistic regression showed that both fetal lateral ventricle‐to‐hemisphere ratio (%; P < .001; OR: 1.14 [95% CI: 1.09‐1.21]) and GA at the time of fetal surgery (P: .016; OR: 1.37 [95% CI: 1.07‐1.77]) were independent predictors of postnatal ventriculoperitoneal shunting.

Conclusion

Fetuses with OSD who were operated on earlier in the gestational interval, which ranged from 19.7 to 26.9 weeks, were less prone to receiving postnatal ventriculoperitoneal shunts.
Synthesis of peptide homo‐ and heterodimers as potential mimics of platelet‐derived growth factor BB
Authors: Stubbing Louise A. , Kaur Harveen , Feng Sheryl X. , Aalderink Miranda , Dragunow Michael , Brimble Margaret A.
Published: February 2020

Pericyte loss is correlated with blood‐brain barrier leakage in neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. The platelet‐derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRβ)/platelet‐derived growth factor BB (PDGF‐BB) signalling pathway is key to the regulation of pericyte survival and proliferation. A series of peptide dimers mimicking the ligand PDGF‐BB were prepared in the hope of stimulating PDGFRβ internalisation and activation of this pathway. Copper‐catalysed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition of peptide monomers with PEGylated linkers of varying length afforded the desired peptide dimers. Evaluation of the peptide dimers in human brain pericyte assays revealed no effect on PDGFRβ internalisation nor cell proliferation at concentrations <10 μM. The peptide dimers also did not act as antagonists at PDGFRβ at concentrations <10 μM.
Dissociation of tetramethylsilane for the growth of SiC nanocrystals by atmospheric pressure microplasma
Authors: Haq Atta Ul , Lucke Philip , Benedikt Jan , Maguire Paul , Mariotti Davide
Published: March 2020

We report on mass spectrometry of residual gases after dissociation of tetramethylsilane (TMS) during the synthesis of silicon carbide (SiC) nanocrystals (NCs) by an atmospheric pressure microplasma. We use these results to provide details that can contribute to the understanding of the formation mechanisms of NCs. Mass spectrometry reveals the presence of high‐mass polymerization products supporting the key role of neutral fragments and limited atomization. On this basis, we found that the loss of methyl groups from TMS, together with hydrogen abstraction, represents important paths leading to nucleation and growth. The combination of TMS concentration and NC residence time controls the NC mean size and the corresponding distributions. For higher precursor concentrations, the reaction kinetics is sufficiently fast to promote coalescence.
Use of portable gas analyzers during pediatric field testing
Authors: Itaborahy Bianca Dana Horongozo , Wamosy Renata Maba Gonçalves , Scalco Janaina Cristina , Schivinski Camila Isabel Santos
Published: March 2020

Objective

To compare performance and cardiorespiratory responses in field tests performed by healthy children, with and without the use of a portable gas analyzer (PGA), and to analyze the reproducibility of the tests.

Method

The study included healthy children aged 6 to 14 years old. The sample was divided into children who underwent field tests (modified shuttle walk test [MSWT], 6‐minute walk test [6MWT], and ADL‐Glittre for pediatrics [TGlittre‐P]) without PGA (GS) and children who carried the equipment K4b2—COSMED, Rome, Italy (GK).

Results

A total of 120 children participated in the study, 31 in the GK (mean age 10.16 ± 1.81 years old) and 89 in GS (mean age 10.1 ± 1.79 years old). The groups did not differ from each other and there was no significant difference in the performance of the 6MWT and MSWT intergroup (P > .05), but the significant alteration in the variables of the cardiorespiratory response was identified. In the TGlittre‐P, the GK completed the test in a shorter time than the GS (2.69 ± 0.38 minutes vs 2.91 ± 0.40 minutes) and both presented alterations in most cardiorespiratory variables. The intragroup reproducibility showed concordance in all tests, and there was no concordance between groups (P > .05).

Conclusion

The use of PGA had a lower time spent on TGlittre‐P. In the 6MWT and MSWT, there was no difference in cardiorespiratory performance and response with and without the use of PGA. The three field tests were reproducible, but the same test, with and without the use of PGA, did not show agreement.
Bubble‐positive expiratory pressure device and sputum clearance in bronchiectasis: A randomised cross‐over study
Authors: Santos Mary D. , Milross Maree A. , McKenzie David K. , Alison Jennifer A.
Published: February 2020

Objectives

The bubble‐positive expiratory pressure (PEP) device may be used for sputum clearance in people with daily sputum production. However, this device has never been studied in people with bronchiectasis. Hence, the objective of this study was to compare the effect of bubble‐PEP device, the active cycle of breathing technique (ACBT) and no intervention (control) on sputum clearance in people with bronchiectasis.

Methods

This was a prospective, randomised cross‐over trial with concealed allocation, assessor blinding and intention‐to‐treat analysis. Adult participants with stable bronchiectasis and productive of sputum daily were recruited. Participants performed 30‐min of bubble‐PEP, ACBT or control in random order whilst sitting, followed by 60‐min of quiet sitting, on three separate days at the same time within a 10‐day period. Primary outcome measure was wet weight of expectorated sputum during 30‐min intervention, 60‐min post intervention and total wet weight (30 min plus 60 min).

Results

Thirty‐five‐participants (11 males, mean [standard deviation] age 75 [8] years, forced expiratory volume in 1 s 72 [20] % predicted) were recruited and 34 completed the study. There was no significant difference in sputum wet weight between bubble‐PEP and ACBT during 30‐min intervention (mean difference [95% confidence interval]) −0.59 g [−1.37, 0.19] and total wet weight (0.74 g [−0.54, 2.02]). Sputum wet weight was significantly greater in bubble‐PEP than ACBT at 60‐min post intervention (1.33 g [0.19, 2.47]).

Conclusion

Sputum wet weight was significantly greater with bubble‐PEP than control at all time periods, and greater than ACBT at 60‐min‐post. Bubble‐PEP could be considered an alternative sputum clearance technique to ACBT.
Realized heritability, inheritance and cross‐resistance patterns in imidacloprid‐resistant strain of Dysdercus koenigii (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Pyrrhocoridae)
Authors: Saeed Rabia , Abbas Naeem
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

Imidacloprid, a neonicotinoid insecticide, is widely sprayed alone or mixed with other insecticides against Dysdercus koenigii, a potential pest of cotton in Pakistan. Recently, resistance to imidacloprid in field populations of D. koenigii has developed because of its overuse. Herein, we have investigated inheritance of imidacloprid resistance in D. koenigii and its cross‐resistance to other insecticides.

RESULTS

The imidacloprid‐selected population had a 91 421‐fold increase in resistance to imidacloprid after six generations. Overlapping 95% fiducial limits of LC50s of the F1 (Imida‐Sel ♂ × Sus‐ST ♀) and F1† (Imida‐Sel ♀ × Sus‐ST ♂) suggested an autosomal and incomplete dominant resistance to imidacloprid (DLC = 0.84 for F1 and 0.86 for F1†). Reciprocal backcrosses of the F1 and F1† with Sus‐ST predicted a polygenic inheritance. Realized heritability of imidacloprid resistance was 0.38. When mean slope = 1.74 and h2 = 0.38, then 3–13 generations would be required for a ten‐fold increase in LC50s at 90–20% intensity of selection. Very high cross‐resistance to emamectin benzoate (143‐fold), deltamethrin (1675‐fold) and lambda‐cyhalothrin (140‐fold), and moderate cross‐resistance to acetamiprid (37‐fold) in the imidacloprid‐selected strain compared to the field population were observed.

CONCLUSION

Imidacloprid resistance developed very quickly under continuous selection pressure in the laboratory. These factors might lead to an increasing likelihood of resistance development in field populations, if imidacloprid is used continuously without insecticide rotation for prolonged periods. The present results would be supportive for better management of D. koenigii by devising an effective resistance management strategy. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Double‐stranded RNAs targeting HvRPS18 and HvRPL13 reveal potential targets for pest management of the 28‐spotted ladybeetle, Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata
Authors: Lü Jing , Guo Wei , Chen Shimin , Guo Mujuan , Qiu Baoli , Yang Chunxiao , Zhang Youjun , Pan Huipeng
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

RNA interference (RNAi) is a potential tool for plant protection against insect pests. The great challenge for effective pest control using RNAi in the field is the development of efficient and reliable methods for the production and delivery of double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA).

RESULTS

In the present study, we investigated the potential of feeding in vitro synthesized or bacterially expressed dsRNA to populations of the 28‐spotted ladybeetle Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata as a method of biological pest control. Ingestion of in vitro synthesized dsHvRPS18 or dsHvRPL13 led to significant down‐regulation of the ribosomal protein‐encoding genes HvRPS18 and HvRPL13, respectively, and significantly decreased the survival of H. vigintioctopunctata. Such silencing of HvRPS18 or HvRPL13 expression appeared to be partially dose‐dependent and also inhibited the growth of H. vigintioctopunctata and significantly suppressed the expression of digestive enzyme‐related genes. Finally, ingestion of bacterially expressed dsHvRPS18 or dsHvRPL13 induced significant mortality in the first and third instars, and in adults.

CONCLUSION

The effectiveness of RNAi‐based gene silencing in H. vigintioctopunctata provides a powerful reverse genetic tool for the functional annotation of its genes. This study demonstrates that HvRPS18 and HvRPL13 represent candidate genes for RNAi‐based biological control of H. vigintioctopunctata. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Protective effects of Genistein on the cognitive deficits induced by chronic sleep deprivation
Authors: Lu Cong , Lv Jingwei , Jiang Ning , Wang Haixia , Huang Hong , Zhang Lijing , Li Shuying , Zhang Nana , Fan Bei , Liu Xinmin , Wang Fengzhong
Published: March 2020

Sleep deprivation has been widely reported to cause cognitive dysfunction, and elevation in oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, including the brain, have been suggested as the main factors. Genistein (GE) is an isoflavone widely present in leguminous plants, and it was found to exert a wide spectrum of biological activities, including antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and antimetastatic effects. In this study, the protective effect of GE on chronic sleep deprivation (CSD)‐induced cognitive dysfunction was investigated. The mice were subjected to the sleep interruption apparatus and continuously sleep deprived for 25 days. GE was orally administrated (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg) during the sleep deprivation process totally for 25 days. Cognitive behavioral tests were conducted to study the learning and memory using the object location recognition (OLR) task, novel object recognition (NOR) test, and the Morris water maze (MWM) task. Additionally, the cortex and hippocampus were dissected to measure the oxidative stress markers and the antioxidant element nuclear erythroid‐2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its downstream targets, including glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic, glutamate cysteine ligase modifier, heme oxygenase 1, and quinone oxidoreductase 1, as well as nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) p65, nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‐2) protein expression. Moreover, the pro‐inflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α, interleukin [IL]‐6, and IL‐1β) level was examined in the serum. The current results showed that GE could dose‐dependently ameliorate the cognitive deficits of CSD‐treated mice in the OLR, NOR, and MWM tasks. In addition, GE treatment significantly elevated the activities of total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase and the level of glutathione and lowered the content of malondialdehyde in the cortex and hippocampus of CSD‐treated mice. Furthermore, GE administration effectively activated the antioxidant element Nrf2 and its downstream targets in the cortex and hippocampus of CSD‐treated mice. Moreover, GE treatment significantly suppressed CSD‐induced NF‐κB p65, iNOS, and COX‐2 activation in the cortex and hippocampus, as well as inhibited CSD‐induced pro‐inflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐1β) release in the serum. Taken together, all these results suggested that GE has substantial potential as a therapeutic intervention for the alleviation of CSD‐induced deleterious effects.