bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbial lipase production: A deep insight into the recent advances of lipase production and purification techniques
Authors: Fatima Samar , Faryad Amna , Ataa Asia , Joyia Faiz Ahmad , Parvaiz Aqsa
Published: September 2020

Importance of enzymes is ever‐rising particularly microbial lipases holding great industrial worth owing to their potential to catalyze a diverse array of chemical reactions in aqueous as well as nonaqueous settings. International lipase market is anticipated to cross USD 797.7 million till 2025, rising at a 6.2% compound annual growth rate from 2017 to 2025. The recent breakthrough in the field of lipase research is the generation of new and upgraded versions of lipases via molecular strategies. For example, integration of rational enzyme design and directed enzyme evolution to attain desired properties in lipases. Normally, purification of lipase with significant purity is achieved through a multistep procedure. Such multiple step approach of lipase purification entails both conventional and novel techniques. The present review attempts to provide an overview of different aspects of lipase production including fermentation techniques, factors affecting lipase production, and purification strategies, with the aim to assist researchers to pick a suitable technique for the production and purification of lipase.
Electromuscular Incapacitation Current Induced Neuromuscular Tissue Injury
Authors: Ling Michelle X. , McFaul Colin A. , Meng Martha , Lee Raphael C.
Published: September 2020

Electrical stun devices (ESDs) serve a basic role in law enforcement and provide an alternative to lethal options for target control by causing electromuscular incapacitation (EMI). A fundamental concern is the adverse health consequences associated with their use. The capability of EMI electric field pulses to disrupt skeletal muscle cells (i.e. rhabdomyolysis) was investigated over the operational range commonly used in commercial EMI devices. Functional and structural alteration and recovery of muscle and nerve tissue were assessed. In an anesthetized swine model, the left thigh was exposed to 2 min of electrical pulses, using a commercially available ESD or a custom‐made EMI signal power amplifier. Serum creatinine phosphokinase (CPK), troponin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were monitored intermittently for 6 h post‐EMI exposure. A standard external cardiac defibrillator served as a positive control. Muscle and nerve tissue histology adjacent to the EMI contacts were examined. Post‐EMI shock skeletal muscle function was evaluated by analyzing the compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) of the rectus femoris muscle. Maximal energy cardiac defibrillator pulses resulted in rhabdomyolysis and marked elevation of CPK, LDH, and AST 6 h post‐shock. EMI field pulses resulted in the animals developing transient acidosis. CMAP amplitudes decreased approximately 50% after EMI and recovered to near‐normal levels within 6 h. Within 6 h post‐EMI exposure, blood CPK was mildly increased, LDH was normal, and no arrhythmia was observed. Minimal rhabdomyolysis was produced by the EMI pulses. These results suggest that EMI exposure is unlikely to cause extremity rhabdomyolysis in normal individuals. Bioelectromagnetics. © 2020 Bioelectromagnetics Society
Linoleic acid inhibits Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation by activating diffusible signal factor‐mediated quorum sensing
Authors: Kim Han‐Shin , Cha Eunji , Ham So‐Young , Park Jeong‐Hoon , Nam SangJin , Kwon Hongmok , Byun Youngjoo , Park Hee‐Deung
Published: September 2020

Bacterial biofilm formation causes serious problems in various fields of medical, clinical, and industrial settings. Antibiotics and biocide treatments are typical methods used to remove bacterial biofilms, but biofilms are difficult to remove effectively from surfaces due to their increased resistance. An alternative approach to treatment with antimicrobial agents is using biofilm inhibitors that regulate biofilm development without inhibiting bacterial growth. In the present study, we found that linoleic acid (LA), a plant unsaturated fatty acid, inhibits biofilm formation under static and continuous conditions without inhibiting the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. LA also influenced the bacterial motility, extracellular polymeric substance production, and biofilm dispersion by decreasing the intracellular cyclic diguanylate concentration through increased phosphodiesterase activity. Furthermore, quantitative gene expression analysis demonstrated that LA induced the expression of genes associated with diffusible signaling factor‐mediated quorum sensing that can inhibit or induce the dispersion of P. aeruginosa biofilms. These results suggest that LA is functionally and structurally similar to a P. aeruginosa diffusible signaling factor (cis‐2‐decenoic acid) and, in turn, act as an agonist molecule in biofilm dispersion.
A “Three‐in‐One” Multifunctional Probe for Bcl‐2/Mcl‐1 Profiling and Visualizing in Situ
Authors: Zhang Xiaodong , Wang Ziqian , Guo Zongwei , Song Ting , He Nianzhe , Zhu Junjie , Cao Keke , Zhang Zhichao
Published: September 2020

Bcl‐2 and Mcl‐1, the two arms of the anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 family proteins, have been identified as key regulators of apoptosis and effective therapeutic targets of cancer. However, no small‐molecular probe is capable of profiling and visualizing both Bcl‐2 and Mcl‐1 simultaneously in situ. Herein, we report a multifunctional molecular probe (BnN3‐OPD‐Alk) by a “three‐in‐one” molecular designing strategy, which integrated the Bcl‐2/Mcl‐1 binding ligand, fluorescent reporter group and photoreactive group azido into the same scaffold. BnN3‐OPD‐Alk exhibited sub‐micromolar affinities to Bcl‐2/Mcl‐1 and bright green self‐fluorescence. It was then successfully applied for Bcl‐2/Mcl‐1 labeling, capturing, enriching, and bioimaging both in vitro and in cells. This strategy could facilitate the precise early diagnosis and effective therapy of dual Bcl‐2/Mcl‐1‐related diseases.
Supports materialization of Pd based catalysts for NOx removal by hydrogen assisted selective catalytic reduction in the presence of oxygen
Authors: Patel Vivek Kumar , Sharma Sweta
Published: September 2020

The Pt and Pd based bimetallic catalyst are developed to address the NOx reduction activity. For this, a series of supports containing three different amounts of CeO2−MgO (9 : 1, 3 : 1, and 3 : 2) are prepared by the co‐precipitation method, followed by impregnation of Pd metal precursors. The physicochemical properties of the catalytic system are investigated using various techniques such as Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET), X‐ray Diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, and H2‐TPR. Among all, Pd/CeO2−MgO (3 : 1) gave the best NOx reduction activity. Furthermore, the effects of hydrogen concentration (0.2–0.8 vol %) on NOx reduction were tested. It was found that 0.8 vol % of H2 shows the highest NOx conversion. Subsequently, the successive impregnation of Pt metal over Pd based catalyst enhanced the catalytic properties. The bimetallic Pt−Pd/CeO2−MgO (3 : 1) catalyst showed an 89 % NOx reduction with about 97 % N2 selectivity in broad temperature windows (100–300 °C).
Boronate Covalent and Hybrid Organic Frameworks Featuring PIII and P=O Lewis Base Sites
Authors: Pacholak Piotr , Gontarczyk Krzysztof , Kamiński Radosław , Durka Krzysztof , Luliński Sergiusz
Published: September 2020

Invited for the cover of this issue is Sergiusz Luliński and his co‐workers from Warsaw University of Technology and University of Warsaw. The image depicts a journey through the interior of the porous Covalent Organic Framework containing phosphorus and boron centres with carbon dioxygen trapped inside an imagined cave. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202001960.
Oligo‐Quinolylene–Vinylene Foldamers
Authors: Wang Jinhua , Wicher Barbara , Maurizot Victor , Huc Ivan
Published: September 2020

Quinoline based aromatic amide foldamers are known to adopt stable folded conformations. We have developed a synthetic approach to produce similar oligomers where all amide bonds, or part of them, have been replaced by an isosteric vinylene group. The results of solution and solid state structural studies show that oligomers exclusively containing vinylene linkages are not well folded, and adopt predominantly flat conformations. In contrast, a vinylene segment flanked by helical oligoamides also folds in a helix, albeit with a slightly lower curvature. The presence of vinylene functions also result in an extension of π‐conjugation across the oligomer that may change charge transport properties. Altogether, these results pave the way to foldamers in which both structural control and specific electronic properties may be engineered.
Cardiac and renal biomarkers in recreational runners following a 21 km treadmill run
Authors: Yeo Tee Joo , Ling Lieng H. , Lam Carolyn Su Ping , Chong Jenny Pek Ching , Liew Oi Wah , Teo Zhen Long , Gong Lingli , Richards Arthur Mark , Chan Mark Y.
Published: September 2020

Background

Highly trained athletes running 42 km or more demonstrate elevated cardiac biomarkers, ventricular dysfunction, and decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Whether similar changes occur in the much larger population of recreational runners following half‐marathon distance running is unclear.

Hypothesis

Recreational runners exhibit changes in myocardial and renal biomarkers, including ventricular strain, after a half‐marathon treadmill run.

Methods

10 recreational subjects (mean age 36.5 ± 6.5 years) ran 21 km on a treadmill (mean completion time 121.6 ± 16.1 minutes). Serum high‐sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT), amino‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP), creatinine, and neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) were measured prior to, 1 hour post‐, and 24 hours post‐exercise. Pre‐ and post‐exercise echocardiograms were performed.

Results

All biomarkers increased 1 hour post‐exercise: hsTnT by 8.5 ± 8.5 pg/ml (P < .05), NT‐ProBNP by 26.2 ± 22.8 pg/ml (P < .05) and NGAL by 29.5 ± 37.7 ng/ml (P=NS). By 24 hours post‐run, these biomarkers declined toward baseline levels. Right ventricle (RV) free wall and left ventricle global longitudinal strain decreased by 5.5% and 1.8%, respectively (P < .001). Changes in NGAL correlated well with changes in serum creatinine (R = 0.79, P < .01) and GFR (R = −0.73, P < .05). Faster 21 km completion times, and a larger reduction in post‐exercise RV strain, were associated with higher NGAL levels: (R = −0.75, P = .01) and (R = 0.66, P < .05), respectively.

Conclusion

A 21 km run in recreational runners is associated with transient ventricular stunning and reversible changes in myocardial and renal biomarkers. Whether repeated bouts of similar activity contributes to chronic cardiac or kidney dysfunction deserves further evaluation.
Reasons for missed chemotherapy appointments in retinoblastoma patients undergoing chemotherapy: A report from a Tertiary Care Hospital from India
Authors: Gupta Aditya Kumar , Meena Jagdish Prasad , Seth Rachna
Published: September 2020

Background

Delays in chemotherapy due to missed‐appointments can lead to sub‐optimal outcomes in any cancer. Missed appointments or delayed follow up are an important concern in the treatment of pediatric cancers as it compromises the patient's health and overall outcomes.

Aim

This study was conducted to understand the reasons responsible for missed‐appointments in Retinoblastoma (RB) patients scheduled for daycare based chemotherapy.

Methods

We prospectively recorded the causes for missed‐appointments in RB patients from February 2018 to September 2018. A delay of more than 48‐hours from the pre‐scheduled date of chemotherapy was categorized as a “missed‐appointment.”

Results

Out of 870 scheduled visits of patients with RB for chemotherapy to our center, there were 122 (14%) instances of missed‐appointments during the study period. There were 40 instances (4.6%) where the patient had missed‐appointments (possibly avoidable reasons). These 40 instances occurred in 33 patients who had a median age of 29 months (IQR 22.5‐51.5 m) with 22 males. Six patients lived within 100 km of the treating center, 12 lived between 100 and 500 km, and 15 patients lived beyond 500 km. The median length of delay was 13.75 days (IQR‐7‐20.75 days). Twenty‐seven patients used a train as a means of transport, and 10 used the state‐bus. The main cause of delay was the illness of other family members (52.5%) followed by financial issues (27.5%), transport‐related problems (10%), and absence of an adult to accompany (10%).

Conclusion

Causes for missed‐appointments for chemotherapy in RB patients were multifactorial and included the illness of other family members, financial issues, distance/transport‐related problems, and no caregiver to accompany. The future study with a large sample size with a multicenter design is needed to confirm the results of the current study and to know the deficiency in the improvement of the follow‐up RB patients.
Meaning‐making as a mediator of anxiety and depression reduction during cognitive behavioral therapy intervention in participants with adjustment disorders
Authors: Marco José H. , Alonso Sandra , Baños Rosa
Published: September 2020

There is a consensus among researchers about the link between low meaning in life and anxiety and depressive symptoms. One unanswered question is whether meaning‐making is a mediator of the change in anxiety and depression symptoms in participants with adjustment disorders during cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) treatment. The aims of this study were (a) to analyse whether there was meaning‐making during the application of the CBT, (b) to analyse whether meaning‐making was a mediator of anxiety psychopathology and (c) to analyse whether meaning‐making was a mediator of depressive symptoms. The sample was composed of 115 patients who satisfied the full Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)‐5 criteria for adjustment disorder as their primary diagnosis and completed CBT treatment in a primary care mental health service: 74.78% women, n = 86, and 25.22% men, n = 29, with a mean age of 41.89 (standard deviation [SD] = 10.39) years. The diagnosis was established using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐5 (SCID‐5), and participants filled out the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory and Purpose in Life questionnaires. The therapists were clinical psychologists with experience in clinical assessment. A repeated‐measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and two mediation analyses using the bootstrap method were performed. The results indicated that (a) There was meaning‐making during the CBT because the treated sample showed a statistically significant improvement in meaning in life, and (b) meaning‐making during the CBT was a partial mediator between anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms before and after the treatment. The present study suggests that meaning in life could be an important variable in the psychopathology of adjustment disorders.
Tri‐Functional Double Perovskite Oxide Catalysts for Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers
Authors: Kumar Baral Ashok , Vijaya Sankar Kalimuthu , Matatyaho Asia , Kushnir Gil , Tsur Yoed
Published: September 2020

Perovskite oxides are at the forefront of the race to develop catalysts/electrodes for fuel cells and electrolyzers. This work presents trifunctional properties of the double‐perovskite oxide PrBa0.5Sr0.5Co1.5Fe0.5O5+δ and the PrBa0.5Sr0.5Co1.5Fe0.5O5+δ−Ag composite prepared by the glycine nitrate process. The electrocatalytic studies reveal that the Ag‐based composite is an excellent catalyst for both oxygen evolution (OER) and hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) in alkaline solution. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis through distribution function of relaxation times (DFRT) suggests that the improved activity originates from the suppression of resistance contributed by various relaxation processes. The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) kinetics in these oxide‐based cathodes has been studied by performing symmetric‐cell measurements at high temperatures using both oxygen‐ion and proton‐conducting cells. DC bias dependence of charge‐transfer processes, oxygen‐surface kinetics, polarization resistances, and activation energies are revealed by DFRT studies. Ag addition in PrBa0.5Sr0.5Co1.5Fe0.5O5+δ leads to enhanced kinetics of OER, HER, and ORR.
Sustainable Shape‐Memory Polyurethane from Abietic Acid: Superior Mechanical Properties and Shape Recovery with Tunable Transition Temperatures
Authors: Gnanasekar Pitchaimari , Chen Jing , Goswami Shrestha Roy , Chen Heyu , Yan Ning
Published: September 2020

A new chemical architecture from abietic acid, consisting of a cycloaliphatic unsaturated terminal diisocyanate (AADI) structure, is synthesized and fully characterized. The AADI is then used to construct an amorphous and biocompatible shape‐memory polyurethane (SMPU) network system with adjustable cross‐linking densities over a wide range. The SMPU network exhibits good shape‐memory properties with a shape fixing rate of greater than 98 % and a shape recovery rate of 95 %. In vitro hydrolytic biodegradation weight loss ratio of SMPUs reaches 71 % within eight weeks. The physical properties of these SMPUs are comparable to those reported for SMPUs obtained from commercially available petroleum‐derived diisocyanates. This is the first time that multiple SMPU networks based on abietic acid have been reported. These environmentally‐friendly SMPUs display a wide range of physicomechanical properties with promising hydrolytic degradability, showing good potential for practical application.
Dispersal limitation and fire feedbacks maintain mesic savannas in Madagascar
Authors: Goel Nikunj , Van Vleck Erik S. , Aleman Julie C. , Staver A. Carla
Published: September 2020

Madagascar is regarded by some as one of the most degraded landscapes on Earth, with estimates suggesting that 90% of forests have been lost to indigenous Tavy farming. However, the extent of this degradation has been challenged: paleoecological data, phylogeographic analysis, and species richness indicate that pyrogenic savannas in central Madagascar predate human arrival, even though rainfall is sufficient to allow forest expansion into central Madagascar. These observations raise a question—if savannas in Madagascar are not anthropogenic, how then are they maintained in regions where the climate can support forest? Observation reveals that the savanna–forest boundary coincides with a dispersal barrier—the escarpment of the Central Plateau. Using a stepping‐stone model, we show that in a limited dispersal landscape, a stable savanna–forest boundary can form because of fire–vegetation feedbacks. This phenomenon, referred to as range pinning, could explain why eastern lowland forests have not expanded into the mesic savannas of the Central Highlands. This work challenges the view that highland savannas in Madagascar are derived by human‐lit fires and, more importantly, suggests that partial dispersal barriers and strong nonlinear feedbacks can pin biogeographical boundaries over a wide range of environmental conditions, providing a temporary buffer against climate change.
Implementation of sacubitril/valsartan in Sweden: clinical characteristics, titration patterns, and determinants
Authors: Fu Michael , Vedin Ola , Svennblad Bodil , Lampa Erik , Johansson Daniel , Dahlström Ulf , Lindmark Krister , Vasko Peter , Lundberg Anna , Costa‐Scharplatz Madlaina , Lund Lars H.
Published: September 2020

Aims

The aim of this study is to study the introduction of sacubitril/valsartan (sac/val) in Sweden with regards to regional differences, clinical characteristics, titration patterns, and determinants of use and discontinuation.

Methods and results

A national cohort of heart failure was defined from the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register and National Patient Register. A subcohort with additional data from the Swedish Heart Failure Registry (SwedeHF) was also studied. Cohorts were subdivided as per sac/val prescription and registration in SwedeHF. Median sac/val prescription rate was 20 per 100 000 inhabitants. Between April 2016 and December 2017, we identified 2037 patients with ≥1 sac/val prescription, of which 1144 (56%) were registered in SwedeHF. Overall, patients prescribed with sac/val were younger, more frequently male, and had less prior cardiovascular disease than non‐sac/val patients. In SwedeHF subcohort, patients prescribed with sac/val had lower ejection fraction. Overall, younger age [hazard ratio 2.81 (95% confidence interval 2.45–3.22)], registration in SwedeHF [1.97 (1.83–2.12)], male gender [1.50 (1.37–1.64)], ischaemic heart disease [1.50 (1.39–1.62)], lower left ventricular ejection fraction [3.06 (2.18–4.31)], and New York Heart Association IV [1.50 (1.22–1.84)] were predictors for sac/val use. As initiation dose in the sac/val cohort, 38% received 24/26 mg, 54% 49/51 mg, and 9% 97/103 mg. Up‐titration to the target dose was achieved in 57% of the overall cohort over a median follow‐up of 6 months. The estimated treatment persistence for any dose at 360 days was 82%.

Conclusions

Implementation of sac/val in Sweden was slow and varied five‐fold across different regions; younger age, male, SwedeHF registration, and ischaemic heart disease were among the independent predictors of receiving sac/val. Overall, treatment persistence and tolerability was high.
A bright side of sadness: The depolarizing role of sadness in intergroup conflicts
Authors: Gur Tamar , Ayal Shahar , Halperin Eran
Published: September 2020

Intractable conflicts constitute violent and threatening environments that lead to intense emotions and polarized attitudes. Sadness is one emotion frequently elicited by the price of such conflicts. This investigation characterized the effects of sadness on conflict‐related information processing and attitudes in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. Findings from four experimental studies suggest that both incidental and integral sadness can induce a depolarization of political attitudes. In Study 1 (N = 163), sadness reduced the effect of political ideology on conflict‐related decisions. Sadness reduced the effect of political ideology on in‐group bias in resource allocation in Studies 2 (N = 213) and 4 (N = 274), willingness to negotiate in Studies 1 and 3 (N = 174), and openness to information supporting the out‐group's perspective (Study 4). Overall, in addition to its more negative implications, these results suggest that sadness (compared to both the non‐emotional and anger conditions) may have a bright side, since it may induce depolarization of political attitudes in intractable conflicts.
Factors associated with slow progression of cognitive impairment following first dementia diagnosis
Authors: Perera Gayan , Mueller Christoph , Stewart Robert
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To investigate the extent to which slow progression of dementia after diagnosis might be predicted from routine longitudinal healthcare data, in order to clarify characteristics of people who experience this outcome.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was conducted using data from the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust Biomedical Research Centre Case Register. This study included all patients receiving a first dementia diagnosis between 2006 and 2017, restricted to those with a baseline Mini–Mental State Examination (MMSE) score within 6 months of initial diagnosis of dementia and at least one MMSE score after 3 years post‐diagnosis. Slow progression was defined as a change in MMSE score of −1, 0 or an increase at the follow‐up point. This group was compared to the remainder with an MMSE decline of −2 or more.

Results

Overall, 682 patients with slow progression were compared to 1045 with faster progression. In the confounder‐adjusted multivariate logistic regression model, slow progression was more likely in younger patients (age 65–74 years; odds ratio: 1.18; 95% confidence intervals: 1.04–1.37), males (1.24; 1.01–1.53), those with moderate or severe dementia according to MMSE, patients with mixed‐type dementia (2.06; 1.11–3.82) compared to Alzheimer's disease and less likely in those receiving acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChEI) treatment (0.57; 0.46–0.71).

Conclusion

Slow dementia progression after diagnosis was common in patients with mixed Alzheimer's and vascular dementia, younger age, males and non‐receipt of AChEIs, possibly suggesting non‐Alzheimer pathologies and clarifying such predictors is important, as there is currently very limited information on which to base prognosis estimates in post‐diagnosis counselling.
Developing a Labeled Affective Magnitude scale and Fuzzy Linguistic scale for tactile feeling
Authors: Akay Diyar , Duran Burcu U. , Duran Engin , Henson Brian , Boran Fatih E.
Published: September 2020

Affective design is the inclusion or representation of human emotions and subjective impressions in product design processes. In affective design, a number of different scales are commonly used to reveal and measure subjective emotions related to the design features of products. Osgood's Semantic Differential Scale (SDS) is one of the scales that has often been used for this purpose. However, there are some drawbacks in the SDS due to the ordinal nature of the scale that leads to losses or distortions of a significant amount of information and this makes it difficult to justify parametric statistical analysis. In this study, two scales, namely a Labeled Affective Magnitude (LAM) scale and a Fuzzy Linguistic scale, are developed. The LAM scale is an alternative scale based on magnitude estimation and has ratio properties. The Fuzzy Linguistic scale is an interval scale for which responses are linguistic descriptors that are identified with fuzzy numbers or intervals. The scales were developed for tactile feelings because they are an important factor in product evaluation. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare the scales. There was no significant difference between the newly constructed fuzzy scale and 11 point SDS, whereas there was a significant difference between the newly constructed LAM scale and 11 point SDS.
Real options and the perverse effect of interest rates on investment timing
Authors: Gutiérrez Óscar
Published: September 2020

This paper examines the relationship between investment and interest rates within the standard model of real options. We analyse the effect of interest rates on investment through the expected time until investment. The sign of the relationship is ambiguous, and critically dependent on the choice of the state variable and the parameters taken as model primitives. If the payout rate of the project (dividend yield) is taken as a model parameter, results are robust.

The main novel conclusions drawn from the analysis are the following. Firstly, we provide new conditions under which increasing the interest rate accelerates irreversible investments. In particular, a raise of the interest rate favours investment when the initial value of the state variable is far from the optimal threshold; in some cases, investment is favoured independently of the value of the state variable. Secondly, the level of volatility affects the investment/interest rate relationship; in particular, a raise of the interest rate tends to favour investment in hi‐tech sectors (the opposite conclusion holds for mature sectors). Thirdly, the analysis implications remain under costless reversibility.
Violence against women during the COVID‐19 pandemic: An integrative review
Authors: Sánchez Odette R. , Vale Diama B. , Rodrigues Larissa , Surita Fernanda G.
Published: September 2020

Background

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, incipient data have revealed an increase in violence against women (VAW).

Objective

To analyze the existing scientific literature on strategies and recommendations to respond to VAW during the implementation of social distancing measures in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Search strategy

An integrative review was conducted based on articles published between December 2019 and June 2020. Suitable articles were identified from the PubMed, SciELO, and LILACS databases, using relevant terms.

Selection criteria

Eligible studies included opinion and primary research articles describing the dynamics of VAW during quarantine and in the context of the restrictive measures taken during the COVID‐19 pandemic and proposing recommendations to respond to this issue.

Data collection and analysis

Data were extracted from eligible publications and qualitative synthesis was used.

Main results

The 38 articles included in the study showed that some factors increasing women’s vulnerabilities to violence were exacerbated during the social distancing and lockdown period. Health professionals are essential for screening and responding to VAW during the pandemic.

Conclusions

Strategies must include integrated actions aiming to prevent and respond to violence during and after the COVID‐19 pandemic. These must be designed based on lessons learned from previous public health emergencies.
Comparison of spectra optia and amicus cell separators for autologous peripheral blood stem cell collection
Authors: Chung Yousun , Kong Jung Hee , Hu Youmi , Lee Se‐Na , Shim Hyoeun , Eom Hyeon‐Seok , Kong Sun‐Young
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Autologous peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) transplantation has become a standard treatment option for many oncology patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of two cell separators, Spectra Optia (Terumo BCT, Japan) and Amicus (Fresenius‐Kabi) for autologous PBSC collection.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 56 apheresis by Spectra Optia with Continuous Mononuclear Cell Collection (cMNC) from 20 patients, and 50 apheresis by Amicus from 27 patients between December 2018 and December 2019. CD34+ collection efficiency (CE2) and platelet (PLT) loss were evaluated.

Results

There was no significant difference in CD34+ CE2 between Spectra Optia with cMNC (median, 28.8%) and Amicus (median, 33.1%; P = 0.537). PLT loss was significantly lower in Amicus (median, 28.6%) than in Spectra Optia with cMNC (median, 37.8%; P = 0.009).

Conclusion

CD34+ CE2 was comparable between Spectra Optia and Amicus, and PLT loss was significantly lower in Amicus. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report comparing autologous PBSC collection of the Spectra Optia and Amicus. These results may provide general guidance with regard to device selection to apheresis clinics that use both separators for optimal outcomes depending on each patient's characteristics.
Assessing the validity of DLPNO‐CCSD(T) in the calculation of activation and reaction energies of ubiquitous enzymatic reactions
Authors: Paiva Pedro , Ramos Maria J. , Fernandes Pedro A.
Published: September 2020

The domain‐based local pair natural orbital coupled‐cluster with single, double, and perturbative triples excitation (DLPNO‐CCSD(T)) method was employed to portray the activation and reaction energies of four ubiquitous enzymatic reactions, and its performance was confronted to CCSD(T)/complete basis set (CBS) to assess its accuracy and robustness in this specific field. The DLPNO‐CCSD(T) results were also confronted to those of a set of density functionals (DFs) to understand the benefit of implementing this technique in enzymatic quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) calculations as a second QM component, which is often treated with DF theory (DFT). On average, the DLPNO‐CCSD(T)/aug‐cc‐pVTZ results were 0.51 kcal·mol−1 apart from the canonic CCSD(T)/CBS, without noticeable biases toward any of the reactions under study. All DFs fell short to the DLPNO‐CCSD(T), both in terms of accuracy and robustness, which suggests that this method is advantageous to characterize enzymatic reactions and that its use in QM/MM calculations, either alone or in conjugation with DFT, in a two‐region QM layer (DLPNO‐CCSD(T):DFT), should enhance the quality and faithfulness of the results.
Feasibility trial of the dialectical behavior therapy skills training group as add‐on treatment for adults with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Moritz Guilherme R. , Pizutti Leandro T. , Cancian Ana C. M. , Dillenburg Mariana S. , de Souza Lucas A. S. , Lewgoy Laura B. , Basso Patrícia , Andreola Michel M. P. , Bau Claiton H. D. , Victor Marcelo M. , Teche Stefania P. , Grevet Eugênio H. , Philipsen Alexandra , Rohde Luis A. P.
Published: September 2020

Objective

Our aim was to explore the feasibility, and efficacy of a Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skill Training Group (DBT‐ST) as an add‐on treatment for adult attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in Latin America.

Method

Adults with ADHD (n = 31) with stable medication treatment for ADHD and residual symptoms (ASRS > 20) were randomly assigned to DBT‐ST (n = 16) or treatment as usual (TaU; n = 15) for 12 weeks. Feasibility was accessed by attendance and completion rates at 12 weeks. Efficacy outcomes were measured with the ASRS, and performed at 0, 6, 12, and 16 weeks.

Results

The DBT‐ST protocol had 81.25% completion rate, with a mean attendance of 87.25% of the sessions. No significant interactions between group and time were detected for outcome measures.

Discussion

The DBT‐ST was feasible as add‐on treatment for adult patients with ADHD in Latin America. Replicating previous findings, DBT‐ST has shown no significantly higher improvement in ADHD symptoms in comparison with TaU. Registered at the Clinical Trials database (NCT03326427).
Malrotation of whole‐leg radiograph less than 10 degrees does not influence preoperative planning in open‐wedge high tibial osteotomy
Authors: Kawahara Shinya , Mawatari Taro , Matsui Gen , Mizu‐uchi Hideki , Hamai Satoshi , Akasaki Yukio , Tsushima Hidetoshi , Nakashima Yasuharu
Published: September 2020

Coronal whole‐leg radiography is generally used for preoperative open‐wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) planning. Nevertheless, malrotational whole‐leg radiographs could affect the planning, and the effects could possibly be strengthened by the knee flexed position. Consecutive 51 varus osteoarthritis knees that underwent OWHTO were included. The digitally reconstructed radiography (DRR) images parallel to the surgical epicondylar axis (neutral rotation; NR), 5° and 10° external rotation (ER) or internal rotation (IR), were reconstructed from preoperative CT. Preoperative weight‐bearing line percentage (WBL%), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), planned opening angle, and planned postoperative MPTA were measured with OWHTO planning in each DRR image. Correlations among the measured differences relative to NR images and knee flexion angle were investigated. As the DRR image shifted from ER to IR, the differences in preoperative WBL% and MPTA gradually increased, whereas those in the opening angle gradually decreased, although all differences in the opening angle were within 0.5° on an average. Opening angle differences remarkably correlated with knee flexion angle, and knees with >10° flexion contracture had >1° difference in 10° ER or IR images. Planned postoperative MPTA had relatively high consistency regardless of whole‐leg malrotation. The opening angle measurement using malrotated radiographs less than 10° would be clinically reliable in cases without knee flexion contracture. Nevertheless, extreme care should be taken in cases with >10° knee flexion contracture. The MPTA after medial opening would be a consistent and reliable parameter in whole‐leg alignment evaluation.
Elastography for Pediatric Chronic Liver Disease
Authors: Ferraioli Giovanna , Barr Richard G. , Dillman Jonathan R.
Published: September 2020

In adults with chronic liver diseases, ultrasound and magnetic resonance shear wave elastography (SWE) can replace liver biopsy in several clinical scenarios. Several guidelines on the use of ultrasound SWE for the adult population have been published. However, the number of publications in the pediatric population is limited, and available guidelines on SWE do not specifically address pediatric chronic liver diseases. In this article, we review the literature on the use of SWE for pediatric chronic liver diseases and provide expert opinion on how to use SWE, both ultrasound and magnetic resonance techniques, in the pediatric population.
A low‐cost modular control system for multistressor experiments
Authors: Low Natalie H. N. , Ng Crystal A. , Micheli Fiorenza
Published: September 2020

Marine organisms and ecosystems face multiple, temporally variable stressors in a rapidly changing world. Realistic experiments that incorporate these aspects of physiological stress are important for advancing our ability to understand, predict, and manage their ecological impacts. However, the experimental systems needed to conduct such experiments can be costly. Here, we describe a low‐cost, modular control system that can be used with seawater sensors and actuators to dynamically manipulate multiple seawater variables. It enables researchers to run a variety of realistic multiple‐stressor, variable exposure experiments with a range of marine organisms. This tank controller system is based on the open‐source Arduino prototyping platform and features a custom‐made circuit board with a 16‐bit analog‐to‐digital converter, a real‐time clock, a MicroSD memory card reader, a high‐voltage transistor array, and solderless screw terminal connectors for easy connection of sensors, actuators, and power supplies. The assembly and use of this controller system does not require extensive electronics engineering or programming experience, and each module can be assembled for under 80 USD in parts. To demonstrate the system's capabilities, we present seawater manipulations from experiments involving (1) simultaneous manipulations of dissolved oxygen and pH; (2) fluctuating dissolved oxygen levels; and (3) a controlled stepwise decrease in dissolved oxygen at different temperatures. The low cost and high customizability of this Arduino‐based control system can contribute to expanding capacities for running global change experiments for researchers and students worldwide.
Far‐Field Superresolution Imaging via Spatial Frequency Modulation
Authors: Tang Mingwei , Liu Xiaowei , Wen Zhong , Lin Feihong , Meng Chao , Liu Xu , Ma Yaoguang , Yang Qing
Published: September 2020

The diffraction limit substantially impedes the resolution of the conventional optical microscope. Under traditional illumination, the high‐spatial‐frequency light corresponding to the subwavelength information of objects is located in the near‐field in the form of evanescent waves, and thus not detectable by conventional far‐field objectives. Recent advances in nanomaterials and metamaterials provide new approaches to break this limitation by utilizing large‐wavevector evanescent waves. Here, a comprehensive review of this emerging and fast‐growing field is presented. The current superresolution imaging techniques based on evanescent‐wave‐assisted spatial frequency modulation, including hyperlens, microsphere lens, and evanescent field‐illuminated spatial frequency shift microscopy, are illustrated. They are promising in investigating unobserved details and processes in fields such as medicine, biology, and material research. Some current challenges and future possibilities of these superresolution methods are also discussed.
TP63‐mutation as a cause of prenatal lethal multicystic dysplastic kidneys
Authors: Friedmann Isabel , Campagnolo Carla , Chan Nancy , Hardy Ghislain , Saleh Maha
Published: September 2020

Background

Ectrodactyly‐ectodermal dysplasia‐clefting syndrome 3 (EEC) is one of the six overlapping syndromes caused by mutations in the tumor protein p63 gene (TP63). EEC is suspected when patients have cleft hands or feet, polydactyly, and syndactyly, abnormal development of the ectodermally derived structures, and orofacial clefting. Genitourinary (GU) anomalies have been identified in patients with EEC, yet these are often under‐recognized and under‐reported. The available literature on sonographic prenatal findings is sparse, especially when considering GU anomalies.

Methods

We present the case of a male stillborn fetus, who was found antenatally to have multicystic dysplastic kidneys and anhydramnios. Following the termination of pregnancy, examination and autopsy further revealed unilateral polydactyly and bilateral syndactyly which had not been previously identified on antenatal ultrasound.

Results

Whole‐exome sequencing (WES) revealed a de novo heterozygous pathogenic variant in exon 5 of the TP63 gene: p.His247Arg: c.740A>G (NM_003722.4) which has been reported in the literature. The His247Arg variant has been published as a pathogenic variant in association with EEC, both with and without orofacial clefting.

Conclusion

Our prenatal case expands the phenotypic spectrum of TP63‐related disorders in general. In addition, it adds to the phenotype associated with the His247Arg pathogenic variant responsible for EEC. Further, we highlight the importance of WES as a postnatal tool to help clarify unexpected findings, and as a way to add to the spectrum of existing phenotypes of known single‐gene disorders.
Prediction of Promiscuity Cliffs Using Machine Learning
Authors: Blaschke Thomas , Feldmann Christian , Bajorath Jürgen
Published: September 2020

Compounds with the ability to interact with multiple targets, also called promiscuous compounds, provide the basis for polypharmacological drug discovery. In recent years, a plethora of structural analogs with different promiscuity has been identified. Nevertheless, the molecular origins of promiscuity remain to be elucidated. In this study, we systematically extracted different structural analogs with varying promiscuity using the matched molecular pair (MMP) formalism from public biological screening and medicinal chemistry data. Care was taken to eliminate all compounds with potential false‐positive activity annotations from the analysis. Promiscuity predictions were then attempted at the level of compound pairs representing promiscuity cliffs (PCs; formed by analogs with large promiscuity differences) and corresponding non‐PC MMPs (analog pairs without significant promiscuity differences). To address this prediction task, different machine learning models were generated and the results were compared with single compound predictions. PCs encoding promiscuity differences were found to contain more structure‐promiscuity relationship information than sets of individual promiscuous compounds. In addition, feature analysis was carried out revealing key contributions to the correct prediction of PCs and non‐PC MMPs via machine learning.
Need for Legal Protection Against Weight Discrimination in the United States
Authors: Sabharwal Shreya , Campoverde Reyes Karen J. , Stanford Fatima Cody
Published: September 2020

The steady rise in the prevalence of obesity has had a negative impact for people living with obesity. This includes health care and social disparities that lead to diminished quality of life and social prosperity. Even though discrimination based on weight has a negative impact on people’s health and wellness, there is only one state in the United States, Michigan, that has an antiweight discrimination law. Massachusetts and some cities in the United States have been working to ensure that weight is added as a civil protection over the years. This perspective describes the importance of a weight discrimination law in the United States as well as summarizes the currently existing protections in the country.
Wagner hypothesis in India: An empirical investigation from pre and post reform period
Authors: Rani Ritu , Kumar Naresh
Published: September 2020

The present study empirically examines the validity of Wagner's hypothesis for Indian economy in pre (1967–1990) and post (1991–2015) reform period. The study examined six alternatives versions of Wagner's hypothesis. The long‐run relationship between government expenditure and economic growth is tested using ARDL model while causal relationship has been investigated using Granger causality test. The results found strong evidence of Wagner's hypothesis during post reform period while the elasticity of government expenditure to economic growth is low in pre reform period. Further, results indicate that unidirectional causality is moving from economic growth to government expenditure in all versions of Wagner's hypothesis.
Institutional quality and economic performance in South Asia
Authors: Singh Bhanu Pratap , Pradhan Kailash Chandra
Published: September 2020

The study empirically examines the impact of institutional quality on economic performance in South Asia for the period 2002 to 2016. The study employed six World Bank Governance indicators and constructed a composite governance index to measure institutional quality. Per capita real GDP is taken as a measure of economic performance. The study uses conventional determinants of growth such as labor supply and physical capital stocks. Fixed effects regression and Fully Modified Ordinary Least Square (FMOLS) methods are employed to examine the long‐run equilibrium relationship. Dumitrescu‐Hurlin (2012) panel causality test is used as a short‐run diagnostics test for the long‐run relationship. The empirical results reveal institutional quality has a positive impact on economic performance in the long‐run whereas, governance indicators such as control of corruption, government effectiveness and political stability are vital for better economic performance in South Asian countries. The short‐run diagnostics results reveal that institutional quality has no impact on economic performance. On the other side, economic performance helps to improve intuitional quality in the short‐run. Hence, in the short‐run South Asian countries should focus on non‐good governance indicators such as effective taxation, health, education, infrastructure and skill development to achieve good governance and better economic outcome in the long‐run.