bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caffeine, Nicotine and MDMA Effects on Retina suggestive of Potential Functional Consequences
Authors: Owolabi Joshua O. , Ogunnaike Philip O.
Published: August 2021

The implications of the use of psychoactive substances, that are usually abused on the retina are yet to be adequately explored. The retina is neural in nature. Most investigations on psychoactive agents have only studied their effects on the brain and behaviour. The mechanisms employed by these agents in producing their effects on the brain suggest that the retina, being neural, might also be significantly affected by the use of the substances. This research investigated the effects of the prolonged use of caffeine, nicotine and 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine [MDMA] on the retina. Juvenile male experimental Wistar were grouped and administered the lower and higher dose of each agent while a reference group remained as the Group A. Groups B and C received the lower [30mg/kg body weight]and the higher [50mg/kg body weight]doses of caffeine respectively; Groups D and E received the lower [10mg/kg body weight] and higher [20mg/kg body weight] doses of nicotine respectively while Groups F and G received the lower [20 mg/kg body weight] and the higher [40 mg/kg body weight] doses of MDMA respectively. The substances had effects on the thickness of the retina with higher doses in each instance causing reductions in retina thickness; the patterns of GFAP expression were also aberrant with the MDMA treated groups being most aberrant. There was no sign of extensive loss of any type of retinal cells. Rhodopsin expression generally demonstrated active rods and provided insight into relatively heathy cones. There is evidence that these agents altered retina thickness and GFAP expression but without extensive disruptions to serve as pathological hallmarks of retina degeneration. The consequences of these might be further investigated.
A Review of the Bohr’s Model of Hydrogen Atom
Authors: Wilson Robert
Published: August 2021

In this paper, the classical Bohr’s model of the hydrogen atom has been revisited. Two values of fundamental physical properties of an electron in the hydrogen atom has been identified. These physical properties ( & ) are constant in nature. The aim for the review was to contribute to the solution of disagreement between the Bohr’s wavelength ( ) and the Balmer’s experimental observation ( ) for the emission spectrum of hydrogen atom. There are two other constants  and  that were identified in the Bohr’s equation of the hydrogen atom.

The four fundamental physical constants are intrinsic properties of an electron and can be applied to multi-electron system. They can also be obtained from Schrodinger’s equation for hydrogen atom at steady state. These constants may be subjected to scrutiny for their determination for better understanding. Also, since Bohr’s model of hydrogen atom is based on classical mechanics, this paper has provided an alternate method of solving simple problems in atomic physics under Bohr’s model to aid good mental picture of hydrogen atom to scientists.
Bacterial Contaminants of New Unused Disposable Food Packs Used in Commercial Area of Gombe State University
Authors: Umar A. T. , Haruna A. , Puma H. U. , Bashir M. , Halima I. , Kawuwa U. A. , Ya’u I.
Published: August 2021

Aim: Consumable items frequently get contaminated with bacteria harbored by their packaging materials. These bacteria result in food-borne diseases when consumed along with the food by susceptible individuals, leading to illnesses and possibly death of these individuals.

Study Design: The study was designed to determine the presence of bacterial contaminants in new unused disposable food packs used in commercial area of Gombe State University.

Place and duration of study: This study was carried out in the department of microbiology, Gombe state university between March, 2018 and June, 2018.

Methodology: 30 disposable food packs were collected using simple random sampling method. Sterile swab sticks were used to swab the interior portion of the packs inside a disinfected glass cupboard, the swabs were serially diluted to tenth fold. Spread plate method was used to inoculate the samples on a nutrient agar plates and incubated at 36oC for 24hours. Viable count method was used to enumerate the number of colonies formed, and the bacteria were identified based on their macroscopic characteristics, Gram’s reaction, microscopy, and standard biochemical tests. Disc diffusion method was used to determine the sensitivity of these isolates to some antibiotics.

Results: Out of the 30 samples, 23 samples were positive for bacterial growths with discrete CFU/ml ranging from 3.0×105 to 5.9×105, these bacteria were identified to be Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus spp. and Streptococcus spp. The sensitivity test results revealed that all the isolates were susceptible to chloramphenicol, augmentin, ciprofloxacin, and ampicillin, with the exception of S. aureus which was found to be resistant to ampicillin.

Conclusion: These disposable food packs have been shown to contain notable amounts of these bacteria, and so proper sanitation, such as rinsing in boiled water should be ensured before using the food packs.
Haptically Quantifying Young's Modulus of Soft Materials Using a Self‐Locked Stretchable Strain Sensor
Authors: Cui Zequn , Wang Wensong , Guo Lingling , Liu Zhihua , Cai Pingqiang , Cui Yajing , Wang Ting , Wang Changxian , Zhu Ming , Zhou Ying , Liu Wenyan , Zheng Yuanjin , Deng Guoying , Xu Chuanlai , Chen Xiaodong
Published: August 2021

Simple and rapid Young's modulus measurements of soft materials adaptable to various scenarios are of general significance, and they require miniaturized measurement platforms with easy operation. Despite the advances made in portable and wearable approaches, acquiring and analyzing multiple or complicated signals necessitate tethered bulky components and careful preparation. Here, a new methodology based on a self‐locked stretchable strain sensor to haptically quantify Young's modulus of soft materials (kPa–MPa) rapidly is reported. The method demonstrates a fingertip measurement platform, which endows a prosthetic finger with human‐comparable haptic behaviors and skills on elasticity sensing without activity constraints. A universal strategy is offered toward ultraconvenient and high‐efficient Young's modulus measurements with wide adaptability to various fields for unprecedented applications.
Characterization of the Human Oropharyngeal Microbiomes in SARS‐CoV‐2 Infection and Recovery Patients
Authors: Gao Ming , Wang Haiyu , Luo Hong , Sun Ying , Wang Ling , Ding Suying , Ren Hongyan , Gang Jiaqi , Rao Benchen , Liu Shanshuo , Wang Xuemei , Gao Xinxin , Li Mengyi , Zou Yawen , Liu Chao , Yuan Chengyu , Sun Jiarui , Cui Guangying , Ren Zhigang
Published: August 2021

Respiratory tract microbiome is closely related to respiratory tract infections, while characterization of oropharyngeal microbiome in recovered coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients is not studied. Herein, oropharyngeal swabs are collected from confirmed cases (CCs) with COVID‐19 (73 subjects), suspected cases (SCs) (36), confirmed cases who recovered (21), suspected cases who recovered (36), and healthy controls (Hs) (140) and then completed MiSeq sequencing. Oropharyngeal microbial α‐diversity is markedly reduced in CCs versus Hs. Opportunistic pathogens are increased, while butyrate‐producing genera are decreased in CCs versus Hs. The classifier based on eight optimal microbial markers is constructed through a random forest model and reached great diagnostic efficacy in both discovery and validation cohorts. Notably, the classifier successfully diagnosed SCs with positive IgG antibody as CCs and is demonstrated from the perspective of the microbiome. Importantly, several genera with significant differences gradually increase and decrease along with recovery from COVID‐19. Forty‐four oropharyngeal operational taxonomy units (OTUs) are closely correlated with 11 clinical indicators of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and Hs based on Spearman correlation analysis. Together, this research is the first to characterize oropharyngeal microbiota in recovered COVID‐19 cases and suspected cases, to successfully construct and validate the diagnostic model for COVID‐19 and to depict the correlations between microbial OTUs and clinical indicators.
Metal‐Free Doubly Decarboxylative Three‐Component Reaction: Synthesis of Propargyl Amines
Authors: Lim Jeongah , Lee Sunwoo
Published: August 2021

Arylalkynoic acids, glyoxylic acid, and amines were reacted in the absence of transition metal catalysts to produce the corresponding arylpropargyl amines via double decarboxylation. In addition to cyclic secondary amines, non‐cyclic secondary amines also reacted with various substituted arylalkynoic acids and glyoxylic acid to afford the desired products in good yields. It was revealed that the carboxylic acid functionality was important for increasing the product yield.
Th1 ‐ CD11c+ B Cell Axis Associated with Response to Plasmapheresis in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Kimura Kimitoshi , Lin Youwei , Yamaguchi Hiromi , Sato Wakiro , Takewaki Daiki , Minote Misako , Doi Yoshimitsu , Okamoto Tomoko , Takahashi Ryosuke , Kondo Takayuki , Yamamura Takashi
Published: August 2021

Objective

Although plasmapheresis is a treatment option for patients with autoimmune neurological diseases, treatment response varies greatly among patients. The main objective of this study was to find out if biological/immune traits correlate with a beneficial response.

Methods

We thoroughly analyzed immune phenotypes in paired blood samples from a cohort of 31 patients with multiple sclerosis before and after plasmapheresis, in parallel with clinical evaluation of treatment response.

Results

The frequency of IFN‐γ+ Th1 cells was persistently higher in those who obtained benefit from plasmapheresis (responders) than nonresponders. The Th1 cell frequency before plasmapheresis provided a high predictive value for beneficial response, achieving area under the curve (AUC) of 0.902. Plasmapheresis treatment decreased inflammation‐related gene expressions in Th1 cells. Meanwhile, IFNG expression in Th1 cells positively correlated with the frequency of CD11c+ B cells, of which a pathogenic role has been suggested in several autoimmune diseases. In line with this, in vitro experiments showed that CD11c+ B cells would increase in response to exogenous IFN‐γ compared to IL‐4, and secrete high amounts of IgG. B cell receptor analysis indicated that clonal expansion of CD11c+ B cells takes place in patients with multiple sclerosis. Interestingly, CD11c+ B cells, which showed unique gene expression profile, decreased after plasmapheresis treatment along with all the immunoglobulin subsets in the circulation.

Interpretation

Taken together, we postulate that Th1 cell ‐ CD11c+ B cell axis is involved in treatment response to plasmapheresis, giving us clues to better understanding of complicated pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, and getting closer to a personalized therapy. ANN NEUROL 2021;90:595–611
Copper‐Nitrene‐Catalyzed Desymmetric Oxaziridination/1,2‐Alkyl Rearrangement of 1,3‐Diketones toward Bicyclic Lactams
Authors: Han Xue , Shan Li‐Xin , Zhu Jin‐Xin , Zhang Chang‐Sheng , Zhang Xiao‐Ming , Zhang Fu‐Min , Wang Hong , Tu Yong‐Qiang , Yang Ming , Zhang Wen‐Shuo
Published: August 2021

Although copper‐nitrene has been extensively studied as a versatile active species in various transformations, asymmetric reactions involving copper‐nitrene have been limited to the aziridination of olefins. Herein, we report the novel copper‐nitrene‐catalyzed desymmetric oxaziridination reaction of cyclic diketones with alkyl azides and the subsequent rearrangement of the resulting highly active intermediate, which produces a synthetically challenging chiral bicyclic lactam containing a quaternary carbon center. This procedure not only enriches the copper‐nitrene‐catalyzed asymmetric reactions, but also provides an alternative strategy to address the inherent challenges of catalytic asymmetric Schmidt reactions. This unique reaction could inspire the investigation of novel copper‐nitrene‐catalyzed asymmetric transformations and their reaction mechanisms.
Synthesis of Mixed‐Valent Lanthanide Sulfide Nanoparticles
Authors: Glaser Priscilla , Stewart Orlando , Atif Rida , Asuigui Dane Romar C. , Swanson Joel , Biacchi Adam J. , Hight Walker Angela R. , Morrison Gregory , zur Loye Hans‐Conrad , Stoll Sarah L.
Published: August 2021

In targeting reduced valent lanthanide chalcogenides, we report the first nanoparticle synthesis of the mixed‐valent ferromagnets Eu3S4 and EuSm2S4. Using divalent lanthanide halides with bis(trimethylsilyl)sulfide and oleylamine, we prepared nanoparticles of EuS, Eu3S4, EuSm2S4, SmS1.9, and Sm3S4. All nanoparticle phases were identified using powder X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy was used to confirm morphology and nanoparticle size, and magnetic susceptibility measurements for determining the ordering temperatures and valence. The UV/Vis, Raman and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopies for each phase were compared. Surprisingly, the phase is influenced by the halide and the reaction temperature, where EuCl2 formed EuS while EuI2 formed Eu3S4, highlighting the role of kinetics in phase stabilization. Interestingly, at lower temperatures EuI2 initially forms EuS, and converts over time to Eu3S4.
Behavioural and metabolic responses of Unionida mussels to stress
Authors: Curley Edward A. M. , Thomas Rhian , Adams Colin E. , Stephen Alastair
Published: August 2021

The aim of this study was to assess the extent to which the behavioural traits of freshwater mussels provide suitable indicators of stress in individuals, towards the advancement of non‐invasive, remote monitoring techniques to examine population condition.

Variation in the expression of particular behavioural metrics was examined in accordance with measurements of oxygen consumption, across environmental stressors (aerial exposure and high concentrations of total suspended solids), and between two freshwater mussel species (Margaritifera margaritifera and Anodonta anatina)

Aerobic metabolic rate was quantified using intermittent respirometry, and behaviour was observed using time‐lapse footage. Comparisons of metabolic response and the occurrence of behavioural traits, across the two stressors, focused on differences between the 24 h pre‐exposure period (pre‐exposure), the first 3 h of post‐exposure (immediate post‐exposure), and the time following the initial 3 h of post‐exposure until the end of the experimental run (extended post‐exposure).

The results of this study demonstrated a relationship between the frequency of occurrence of behavioural responses to stress exposure, associated with valve activity, and significant changes in the metabolic functioning of A. anatina and M. margaritifera mussels. The findings from the study also highlighted substantial intraspecific variation across species and stressors.

Data from this research could assist in the development of novel biosensors that track mussel valve activity remotely in their natural environment. When coupled with real‐time data examining alterations in environmental metrics, this technology could assist in the monitoring of population condition and aid conservation management.
Review of sensory modalities of sirenians and the other extant Paenungulata clade
Authors: Moore Amanda Marie , Hartstone‐Rose Adam , Gonzalez‐Socoloske Daniel
Published: August 2021

Extant members of Paenungulata (sirenians, proboscideans, and hyracoideans) form a monophyletic clade which originated in Africa. While paenungulates are all herbivorous, they differ greatly in size, life history, and habitat. Therefore, we would expect both phylogenetically related similarities and ecologically driven differences in their use and specializations of sensory systems, especially in adaptations in sirenians related to their fully aquatic habitat. Here we review what is known about the sensory modalities of this clade in an attempt to better elucidate their sensory adaptations. Manatees have a higher frequency range for hearing than elephants, who have the best low‐frequency hearing range known to mammals, while the hearing range of hyraxes is unknown. All paenungulates have vibrissae assisting in tactile abilities such as feeding and navigating the environment and share relatively small eyes and dichromatic vision. Taste buds are present in varying quantities in all three orders. While the olfactory abilities of manatees and hyraxes are unknown, elephants have an excellent sense of smell which is reflected by having the relatively largest cranial nerve related to olfaction among the three lineages. Manatees have the relatively largest trigeminal nerve—the nerve responsible for, among other things, mystacial vibrissae—while hyraxes have the relatively largest optic nerve (and therefore, presumably, the best vision) among the Paenungulata. All three orders have diverged significantly; however, they still retain some anatomical and physiological adaptations in common with regard to sensory abilities.
Association of Increased Serum Lipopolysaccharide, But Not Microbial Dysbiosis, With Obesity‐Related Osteoarthritis
Authors: Loeser Richard F. , Arbeeva Liubov , Kelley Kathryn , Fodor Anthony A. , Sun Shan , Ulici Veronica , Longobardi Lara , Cui Yang , Stewart Delisha A. , Sumner Susan J. , Azcarate‐Peril M. Andrea , Sartor R. Balfour , Carroll Ian M. , Renner Jordan B. , Jordan Joanne M. , Nelson Amanda E.
Published: August 2021

Objective

To test the hypothesis that an altered gut microbiota (dysbiosis) plays a role in obesity‐associated osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

Stool and blood samples were collected from 92 participants with a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2, recruited from the Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project. OA patients (n = 50) had hand and knee OA (Kellgren/Lawrence [K/L] grade ≥2 or arthroplasty). Controls (n = 42) had no hand OA and a K/L grade of 0–1 for the knees. Compositional analysis of stool samples was carried out by 16S ribosomal RNA amplicon sequencing. Alpha‐ and beta‐diversity and differences in taxa relative abundances were determined. Blood samples were used for multiplex cytokine analysis and measures of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and LPS binding protein. Germ‐free mice were gavaged with patient‐ or control‐pooled fecal samples and fed a 40% fat, high‐sucrose diet for 40 weeks. Knee OA was evaluated histologically.

Results

On average, OA patients were slightly older than the controls, consisted of more women, and had a higher mean BMI, higher mean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index pain score, and higher mean K/L grade. There were no significant differences in α‐ or β‐diversity or genus level composition between patients and controls. Patients had higher plasma levels of osteopontin (P = 0.01) and serum LPS (P < 0.0001) compared to controls. Mice transplanted with patient or control microbiota exhibited a significant difference in α‐diversity (P = 0.02) and β‐diversity, but no differences in OA severity were observed.

Conclusion

The lack of differences in the gut microbiota, but increased serum LPS levels, suggest the possibility that increased intestinal permeability allowing for greater absorption of LPS, rather than a dysbiotic microbiota, may contribute to the development of OA associated with obesity.
Inconsistent seduction: Addressing confounds and methodological issues in the study of the seductive detail effect
Authors: Tislar Kay L. , Steelman Kelly S.
Published: August 2021

Introduction

The inclusion of interesting but irrelevant details in instructional materials may interfere with recall and application of the core content. Although this seductive detail effect is well researched, recent research highlights factors that may influence the effect size.

Objectives

The current study discusses confounds and methodological issues in the study of seductive details and outlines strategies for overcoming them. These practices were then applied in a study that examined the role of learning objectives on the seductive detail effect.

Methods

Seductive details were selected on the basis of interest and importance level and matched for word count and reading level. The 3 × 2 between‐subjects design presented 132 undergraduate students with a lesson on plate tectonics; participants completed tests on both recall and transfer.

Results

Results did not reveal a consistent detrimental effect of high‐interest details on core content recall and transfer. On the recall test, contrary to expectation, the seductive detail effect obtained only when objectives were provided. A similar pattern emerged on the transfer task.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the difficulty of consistently eliciting the seductive detail effect. We discuss outstanding issues that must be addressed in order to develop practical guidelines on the inclusion of seductive details in educational materials.
Antiseizure medications for post‐stroke epilepsy: A real‐world prospective cohort study
Authors: Tanaka Tomotaka , Fukuma Kazuki , Abe Soichiro , Matsubara Soichiro , Motoyama Rie , Mizobuchi Masahiro , Yoshimura Hajime , Matsuki Takayuki , Manabe Yasuhiro , Suzuki Junichiro , Ikeda Shuhei , Kamogawa Naruhiko , Ishiyama Hiroyuki , Kobayashi Katsuya , Shimotake Akihiro , Nishimura Kunihiro , Onozuka Daisuke , Koga Masatoshi , Toyoda Kazunori , Murayama Shigeo , Matsumoto Riki , Takahashi Ryosuke , Ikeda Akio , Ihara Masafumi ,   for the PROPOSE Study Investigators
Published: August 2021

Background and purpose

The management of post‐stroke epilepsy (PSE) should ideally include prevention of both seizure and adverse effects; however, an optimal antiseizure medications (ASM) regimen has yet been established. The purpose of this study is to assess seizure recurrence, retention, and tolerability of older‐generation and newer‐generation ASM for PSE.

Methods

This prospective multicenter cohort study (PROgnosis of Post‐Stroke Epilepsy [PROPOSE] study) was conducted from November 2014 to September 2019 at eight hospitals. A total of 372 patients admitted and treated with ASM at discharge were recruited. Due to the non‐interventional nature of the study, ASM regimen was not adjusted and followed standard hospital practices. The primary outcome was seizure recurrence in patients receiving older‐generation and newer‐generation ASM. The secondary outcomes were the retention and tolerability of ASM regimens.

Results

Of the 372 PSE patients with ASM at discharge (median [IQR] age, 73 [64–81] years; 139 women [37.4%]), 36 were treated with older‐generation, 286 with newer‐generation, and 50 with mixed‐generation ASM. In older‐ and newer‐generation ASM groups (n = 322), 98 patients (30.4%) had recurrent seizures and 91 patients (28.3%) switched ASM regimen during the follow‐up (371 [347–420] days). Seizure recurrence was lower in newer‐generation, compared with the older‐generation, ASM (hazard ratio [HR], 0.42, 95%CI 0.27–0.70; p = .0013). ASM regimen withdrawal and change of dosages were lower in newer‐generation ASM (HR, 0.34, 95% CI 0.21–0.56, p < .0001).

Conclusions

Newer‐generation ASM possess advantages over older‐generation ASM for secondary prophylaxis of post‐stroke seizures in clinical practice.
A Direct Electrochemical H2S Sensor Based on Ti3C2Tx MXene
Authors: Liu Xinran , He Liang , Li Ping , Li Xinqi , Zhang Pandong
Published: August 2021

The layered structure of two‐dimensional transition metal carbon/nitride and its excellent physical and chemical properties make it a major research hotspot in the field of sensing. Meanwhile, characteristics such as good biocompatibility and hydrophilicity make this type of material a good potential biological sensing material. In this work, a graphene‐like structure composed of multilayer Ti3C2Tx MXene was successfully synthesized by a simple hydrogen fluoride etching method, and an attempt was made to use it for non‐enzymatic H2S electrochemical sensing. The electrochemical test results show that the modified Ti3C2Tx MXene/GCE has a high sensitivity (0.587 μA μM−1 cm−2) for the detection of trace H2S. At the same time, it shows a low detection limit (16.0 nM) and a wide detection range (100 nM–300 μM). The result provides a new research direction for H2S electrochemical sensing, as well as a new platform for MXene materials in biological sensing.
Cut points and contexts
Authors: Busch Evan L.
Published: August 2021

In research, policy, and practice, continuous variables are often categorized. Statisticians have generally advised against categorization for many reasons, such as loss of information and precision as well as distortion of estimated statistics. Here, a different kind of problem with categorization is considered: the idea that, for a given continuous variable, there is a unique set of cut points that is the objectively correct or best categorization. It is shown that this is unlikely to be the case because categorized variables typically exist in webs of statistical relationships with other variables. The choice of cut points for a categorized variable can influence the values of many statistics relating that variable to others. This essay explores the substantive trade‐offs that can arise between different possible cut points to categorize a continuous variable, making it difficult to say that any particular categorization is objectively best. Limitations of different approaches to selecting cut points are discussed. Contextual trade‐offs may often be an argument against categorization. At the very least, such trade‐offs mean that research inferences, or decisions about policy or practice, that involve categorized variables should be framed and acted upon with flexibility and humility.

Lay Summary

In research, policy, and practice, continuous variables are often turned into categorical variables with cut points that define the boundaries between categories. This involves choices about how many categories to create and what cut‐point values to use.

This commentary shows that different choices about which cut points to use can lead to different sets of trade‐offs across multiple statistical relationships between the categorized variable and other variables.

These trade‐offs mean that no single categorization is objectively best or correct. This context is critical when one is deciding whether and how to categorize a continuous variable.
Sentiment analysis of social media data based on chaotic coyote optimization algorithm based time weight‐AdaBoost support vector machine approach
Authors: Dangi Dharmendra , Bhagat Amit , Dixit Dheeraj Kumar
Published: August 2021

Sentiment analysis or opinion mining is exploited in business, customer services, and so forth, where people provide their opinions in the form of reviews. However, the people's opinions are in a perplexing form such as, sarcasm, irony, and implied meaning which can cause an impact on sentiment analysis. The only way to analyze these words is through context. Nevertheless, there still exist some issues, to tackle those issues, a lot of research has been conducted by focusing the feature engineering. However, the optimized output has not been acquired yet. Hence, we propose a novel method known as chaotic coyote optimization algorithm (COA) based time weight‐AdaBoost support vector machine (SVM) approach which can be used to attain the precise classifications in context. The proposed time weight‐AdaBoost SVM can be used to circumvent the drift concept issues and can be utilized for the perfect learning of data for further classifications. Further, the class imbalance issues can be overcome by adopting a modified CO algorithm, that is, the chaotic COA. Furthermore, the proposed work performance is analyzed with state‐of‐art works such as DICE, ABCDM, and SVM approaches. The comparative analysis shows that our proposed work classifies the social media content acquired from Twitter more accurately than the other works. Thus our work outperforms all the existing approaches in terms of accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score.
Corporate social responsibility in the retail business: A case study
Authors: Dal Mas Francesca , Tucker William , Massaro Maurizio , Bagnoli Carlo
Published: August 2021

In an economic scenario that sees greater attention paid to sustainability issues, the retail sector features significant economic influence and resources to address sustainability challenges successfully. The retail industry is challenged to carry on corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives whilst aiming at competitive prices and communicating such CSR activities to its customers and employees. Employing a case study conducted within one of the major European retailers in clothing, the paper aims to provide a new perspective on CSR in the retail business. Results highlight the importance of clear and extensive communication and translation of CSR initiatives as a central element to raise awareness and engagement for both employees and customers, positively impacting retail organizations in boosting their business performance and sustainability outcomes at the same time. Practical implications include the need for retail firms to organize their CSR external and internal communication effectively.
Recent Developments in the Formulation and Use of Polymers and Particles of Plant‐based Origin for Emulsion Stabilizations
Authors: Ghavidel Nasim , Fatehi Pedram
Published: August 2021

The main scope of this Review was the recent progress in the use of plant‐based polymers and particles for the stabilization of Pickering and non‐Pickering emulsion systems. Due to their availability and promising performance, it was discussed how the source, modification, and formulation of cellulose, starch, protein, and lignin‐based polymers and particles would impact their emulsion stabilization. Special attention was given toward the material synthesis in two forms of polymeric surfactants and particles and the corresponding formulated emulsions. Also, the effects of particle size, degree of aggregation, wettability, degree of substitution, and electrical charge in stabilizing oil/water systems and micro‐ and macro‐structures of oil droplets were discussed. The wide range of applications using such plant‐based stabilizers in different technologies as well as their challenge and future perspectives were described.
Watching plants’ dance: movements of live and dead branches linked to atmospheric water demand
Authors: Hallmark Alesia J. , Maurer Gregory E. , Pangle Robert E. , Litvak Marcy E.
Published: August 2021

Diurnal branch movements in woody plants have only recently been described in detail. While previously only vegetative and reproductive structures have been known to move on hourly timescales, imaging technologies such as terrestrial laser scanning and near‐surface repeat digital photography provide a means of remotely monitoring plant movements at high enough temporal and spatial resolution to capture rhythmic movements of woody material. Virtually, nothing is known about the range of species and ecosystems in which woody movements might occur or what causes these movements. We report that diurnal woody branch movements occur in a number of tree and shrub species across a broad range of abiotic conditions. We examined detailed branch movements in one species, creosote (Larrea tridentata), and found that branch movements were highly correlated with humidity, air temperature, vapor pressure deficit, and stem water potential: all factors related to plant water status. We also found that live and dead branch movements were distinct in the timing of their movements and in the abiotic conditions with which they were most correlated. Changes in dead branch position were most correlated with humidity, with these movements consistently lagging 1–2 h behind changes in humidity. Live branch movements were also highly correlated with vapor pressure deficit and humidity but went from lagging 1–2 h behind changes in these abiotic conditions in summer to being nearly in sync in winter. We believe that this is the first study that (1) documents diurnal branch movements in creosote, (2) differentiates between the movements of live and dead branches, and (3) relates environmental data to these movements. We hope these findings encourage other researchers to more closely examine imagery from their sites for evidence of branch movements, which may provide deeper insights into water and solute movements in plants and physiological responses to water stress.
SARS‐CoV‐2‐reactive T‐cell receptors isolated from convalescent COVID‐19 patients confer potent T‐cell effector function
Authors: Brunk Fabian , Moritz Andreas , Nelde Annika , Bilich Tatjana , Casadei Nicolas , Fraschka Sabine A. K. , Heitmann Jonas S. , Hörber Sebastian , Peter Andreas , Rammensee Hans‐Georg , Singh Harpreet , Walz Juliane , Maurer Dominik , Wagner Claudia
Published: August 2021

Both B cells and T cells are involved in an effective immune response to SARS‐CoV‐2, the disease‐causing virus of COVID‐19. While B cells—with the indispensable help of CD4+ T cells—are essential to generate neutralizing antibodies, T cells on their own have been recognized as another major player in effective anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 immunity. In this report, we provide insights into the characteristics of individual HLA‐A*02:01‐ and HLA‐A*24:02‐restricted SARS‐CoV‐2‐reactive TCRs, isolated from convalescent COVID‐19 patients. We observed that SARS‐CoV‐2‐reactive T‐cell populations were clearly detectable in convalescent samples and that TCRs isolated from these T cell clones were highly functional upon ectopic re‐expression. The SARS‐CoV‐2‐reactive TCRs described in this report mediated potent TCR signaling in reporter assays with low nanomolar EC50 values. We further demonstrate that these SARS‐CoV‐2‐reactive TCRs conferred powerful T‐cell effector function to primary CD8+ T cells as evident by a robust anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 IFN‐γ response and in vitro cytotoxicity. We also provide an example of a long‐lasting anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 memory response by reisolation of one of the retrieved TCRs 5 months after initial sampling. Taken together, these findings contribute to a better understanding of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 T‐cell immunity and may contribute to paving the way toward immunotherapeutics approaches targeting SARS‐CoV‐2.
Ultra pH‐sensitive detection of total and free prostate‐specific antigen using electrochemical aptasensor based on reduced graphene oxide/gold nanoparticles emphasis on TiO2/carbon quantum dots as a redox probe
Authors: Aayanifard Zahra , Alebrahim Talieh , Pourmadadi Mehrab , Yazdian Fatemeh , Dinani Homayoon Soleimani , Rashedi Hamid , Omidi Meisam
Published: August 2021

The development of a rapid, sensitive, and straightforward detection method of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) is indispensable for the early diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa). This work relates an electrochemical method using functionalized single‐stranded DNA aptamer to diagnose PCa and benign prostate hyperplasia. The sensing platform relies on PSA recognition by aptamer/Au/GO‐nanohybrid‐modified glassy carbon electrode. Besides ferrocyanide TiO2/carbon quantum dots (CQDs) probe is used to investigate the effect of nanoparticle‐containing electrolyte. Optimization of incubation time of aptamer/Au/GO‐nanohybrid and volume fraction of nafion were done using Design Expert 10 software reporting 42.4 h and 0.095% V/V, respectively. In ferrocyanide medium, PSA detection as low as 3, 2.96, and 0.85 ng mL−1 was achieved with a dynamic range from 0.5 to 7 ng ml−1, in accord with clinical values, using cyclic voltammetry, square wave voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, respectively. Moreover, this sensor exhibited conspicuous performance in TiO2/CQDs‐containing medium with different pH values of 5.4 and 8 to distinguish total PSA and free PSA, resulting in very low limit of detections, 0.028, and 0.007 ng ml−1, respectively. The results manifested the proposed system as a forthcoming sensor in a clinical and point of care analysis of PSA.
PacBio sequencing detects genome‐wide ultra‐low‐frequency substitution mutations resulting from exposure to chemical mutagens
Authors: Revollo Javier R. , Miranda Jaime A. , Dobrovolsky Vasily N.
Published: August 2021

Genetic toxicology uses several assays to identity mutagens and protects the public. Most of these assays, however, rely on reporter genes, can only measure mutation indirectly based on phenotype, and often require specific cell lines or animal models—features that impede their integration with existing and emerging toxicological models, such as organoids. In this study, we show that PacBio Single‐Molecule, Real‐Time (PB SMRT) sequencing identified substitution mutations caused by chemical mutagens in Escherichia coli by generating nearly error‐free consensus reads after repeatedly inspecting both strands of circular DNA molecules. Using DNA from E. coli exposed to ethyl methanosulfonate (EMS) or N‐ethyl‐N‐nitrosourea (ENU), PB SMRT sequencing detected mutation frequencies (MFs) and spectra comparable to those obtained by clone‐sequencing from the same exposures. The optimized background MF of PB SMRT sequencing was ≤ 1 × 10−7 mutations per base pair (mut/bp).
FOXO transcription factors in antioxidant defense
Authors: Krafczyk Niklas , Klotz Lars‐Oliver
Published: August 2021

Forkhead box, class O (FOXO) family proteins are widely expressed and highly conserved transcriptional regulators that modulate cellular fuel metabolism, stress resistance and cell death. FOXO target genes include genes encoding antioxidant proteins, thus likely contributing to the key role FOXOs play in the cellular response to oxidative stress and supporting the cellular strategies of antioxidant defense, that is, prevention (of the formation of reactive oxygen species), interception (of reactive species prior to their reaction with cellular components), repair (of damaged biomolecules), and adaptation (i.e., the stimulation of signaling pathways allowing for the expression of protective proteins). FOXOs themselves are regulated by redox processes at several levels, including expression of FOXO genes and enzymatic as well as nonenzymatic posttranslational modifications of FOXO proteins. The latter include modifications of FOXO cysteine residues. Here, an overview is provided on (i) the contribution of FOXO target genes to cellular antioxidative strategies, and (ii) on the impact of thiol homeostasis and thiol modification on FOXO activity.
The Vitamin D Metabolite Ratio Is Associated With Changes in Bone Density and Fracture Risk in Older Adults
Authors: Ginsberg Charles , Hoofnagle Andrew N , Katz Ronit , Hughes-Austin Jan , Miller Lindsay M , Becker Jessica O , Kritchevsky Stephen B , Shlipak Michael G , Sarnak Mark J , Ix Joachim H
Published: August 2021

Recent studies have suggested that 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) may be a poor biomarker of bone health, in part because measured levels incorporate both protein-bound and free vitamin D. The ratio of its catabolic product (24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [24,25(OH)2D]) to 25(OH)D (the vitamin D metabolite ratio [VMR]) may provide more information on sufficient vitamin D stores and is not influenced by vitamin D–binding protein concentrations. We evaluated whether the VMR or 25(OH)D are more strongly associated with bone loss and fracture risk in older adults. We performed a retrospective cohort study of 786 community-dwelling adults aged 70 to 79 years who participated in the Health Aging and Body Composition study. Our primary outcomes were annual changes in bone density and incident fracture. The mean age of these participants was 75 ± 3 years, 49% were female, 42% were Black, and 23% had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/mL/1.73m2. In fully adjusted models, a 50% lower VMR was associated with 0.3% (0.2%, 0.6%) more rapid decline in total hip bone mineral density (BMD). We found similar relationships with thoracic and lumbar spine BMD. In contrast, 25(OH)D3 concentrations were not associated with longitudinal change in BMD. There were 178 fractures during a mean follow-up of 10 years. Each 50% lower VMR was associated with a 49% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06, 2.08) greater fracture risk, whereas lower 25(OH)D3 concentrations were not significantly associated with fracture risk (hazard ratio [HR] per 50% lower 1.07 [0.80, 1.43]). In conclusion, among a diverse cohort of community-dwelling older adults, a lower VMR was more strongly associated with both loss of BMD and fracture risk compared with 25(OH)D3. Trials are needed to evaluate the VMR as a therapeutic target in persons at risk for worsening BMD and fracture. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Inhibition of spindle and kinetochore associated complex subunit 3 suppresses the proliferation and invasion and induced the apoptosis of cutaneous melanoma by affecting the PI3K/Akt pathway
Authors: Liang Yan , Zheng Yan , Mou Kuanhou , Han Dan , Wang Lijuan , Ge Rui , Meng Anfeng
Published: August 2021

Spindle and kinetochore‐associated complex subunit 3 (SKA3) is reportedly a key contributor to the progression of various cancers. The present work aimed to evaluate the possible role of SKA3 in cutaneous melanoma (CM). A high SKA3 level was found in CM tissues and predicted a poor prognosis. SKA3 silencing markedly repressed the proliferation, invasion, and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and induced the apoptosis of CM cells. SKA3 silencing decreased the phosphorylation of PI3K and Akt. Akt inhibition markedly reversed SKA3 overexpression‐induced oncogenic effects on CM cells. SKA3 silencing significantly prohibited the formation and growth of CM‐derived xenograft tumors in nude mice in vivo. Our findings demonstrated SKA3 inhibition repressed the progression of CM by downregulating the PI3K/Akt pathway. This study indicates that SKA3 has potential as an anticancer candidate for CM.
Sarcopenia and major complications in patients undergoing oncologic colon surgery
Authors: Schneider Michael , Hübner Martin , Becce Fabio , Koerfer Joachim , Collinot Jean‐Aibert , Demartines Nicolas , Hahnloser Dieter , Grass Fabian , Martin David
Published: August 2021

Background

Sarcopenia is a surrogate marker for malnutrition and frailty, which has been linked to higher complication rates and prolonged length of stay (LOS) after surgery. The study aim was to assess the correlation between computed tomography (CT)‐based sarcopenia and short‐term clinical outcomes after oncologic colon surgery.

Methods

This retrospective study included consecutive patients operated between May 2014 and December 2019. Three radiological indices of sarcopenia were measured at the level of the third lumbar vertebra on preoperative CT scans: skeletal muscle area (SMA), skeletal muscle index (SMI) (both markers of muscle quantity), and skeletal muscle radiation attenuation (SMRA) (marker of muscle quality). Patients with major complications (grade ≥ 3b according to the Clavien classification) were compared with those without. Statistical correlation between sarcopenia indices, LOS, and comprehensive complication index (CCI) was tested with the Pearson correlation coefficient.

Results

A total of 325 patients were included. Mean age was 67 years [standard deviation (SD) 14.3], mean body mass index was 26.0 kg/m2 (SD 5.3), and 193 (59%) were male. Fifty patients (15.4%) had major complications, while 275 (84.6%) did not. Patients with major complications had more open surgery (52 vs. 21%, P < 0.01), intraoperative blood loss (257 vs. 102 mL, P = 0.035), and intraoperative complications (22 vs. 9%, P = 0.012). Patients with major complications had significantly increased CCI scores (53 vs. 6, P < 0.01), reoperations (74 vs. 0%, P < 0.01), and LOS (33 vs. 7, P < 0.01). SMA and SMI were comparable between both groups (126.0 vs. 125.2 cm2, P = 0.974, and 43.4 vs. 44.3 cm2/m2, P = 0.636, respectively), while SMRA was significantly lower in patients with major complications (33.6 vs. 37.3 HU, P = 0.018). A lower SMRA was correlated with prolonged LOS (r = −0.207, P < 0.01) and higher CCI (r = −0.144, P < 0.01), while the other sarcopenia indices had no influence on surgical outcomes.

Conclusions

Muscle quality (SMRA) as a specific sarcopenia marker was lower in patients with major complications and seems to prevail over muscle quantity (SMA and SMI) in the prediction of adverse outcomes after oncologic colon surgery.
Method comparison of beta‐hydroxybutyrate point‐of‐care testing to serum in healthy children
Authors: Parmar Komalben , Mosha Maua , Weinstein David A. , Riba‐Wolman Rebecca
Published: August 2021

Ketone production is a physiological phenomenon that occurs to avoid irreversible neurological damage from hypoglycemia, thereby serving as a marker of metabolic stress. The primary ketone body, beta‐hydroxybutyrate (BHB), guides the diagnostic evaluation and management of many hypoglycemic disorders. Serum and point‐of‐care (POC) BHB values were not been compared in children without diabetes or metabolic disorders. We aim at comparing the serum and point‐of‐care BHB values in healthy children after an overnight fast. Eligible participants were ≤18 years of age prospectively recruited from elective procedures through our surgery centers. Exclusion criteria included a history of diabetes, hypopituitarism, adrenal, metabolic or inflammatory disorders, dietary restrictions, trauma, or use of medications that might affect blood glucose. The main outcome measure was comparing serum and POC BHB levels after a period of fasting. Data from 94 participants (mean age 8.29 ± 5.68 years, 54.3% male, 45.7% female, BMI mean 19.28 ± 5.25 kg/m2) were analyzed. There was a strong correlation between serum BHB (mean 0.25 ± 0.23 mmol/L) and POC BHB (mean 0.18 ± 0.20 mmol/L) (rs = 0.803, p < 0.0001). The majority (96.81%) of values for serum BHB compared with POC BHB fell within 0.1 ± 0.1 mmol/L. The average of difference between serum and POC BHB (the bias) was 0.064 mmol/L (95% CI 0.047–0.081), and percentage error was 3.19%. Point‐of‐care BHB is accurate and comparable to serum BHB levels in our cohort of children after an overnight fast.

Synopsis

Point‐of‐care BHB agrees with serum values in healthy children.
The heat wave of October 2020 in central South America
Authors: Marengo Jose A. , Ambrizzi Tercio , Barreto Naurinete , Cunha Ana Paula , Ramos Andrea M. , Skansi Milagros , Molina Carpio Jorge , Salinas Roberto
Published: August 2021

During September–November 2020, the meteorological services of Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Paraguay, and Bolivia reported record‐high maximum temperatures in several warm spells during this season. Positive and significant trends in heat wave frequency, intensity, and duration have been recorded since the 1980s, particularly in large cities. In this study, a heat wave is defined as a period in which both daily maximum and minimum air temperatures exceed the corresponding climatological 90th percentile for three or more consecutive days during September–November 2020. In this period, an intense heat wave during the first half of October and two heat waves events in November resulted in record‐breaking daily maximum temperatures in several locations in central South America. Places experienced temperature of about 10°C above normal, and some locations reported maximum temperatures above 40°C for several days in a row. Because its intensity and geographical extension, affecting central South America from southern Peruvian Amazon to southeastern Brazil, the heat wave of September 23–October 15 was selected as a case study. This intense heat wave was due a persistent atmospheric blocking located starting in late September and lasting until middle October 2020, a continuous presence of a warm air mass for several consecutive days contributed to pronounced positive temperature anomalies, possibly reinforced by extremely low soil moisture. This makes it easier for these high‐pressure systems to generate extreme heat waves because more of the sun's energy is going into heating the atmosphere rather than evaporating non‐existent water in the soil. This heat wave aggravated the drought over the Pantanal and other regions in October 2020, increasing fires and impacts on natural and human systems, representing a severe drought‐heat compound event. This vicious cycle of drought and extreme heat is of the kind expected under a warming climate.