bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biogenic Catalysis by Adding Compost when Using Wheat Straw in a Biorefinery Concept
Authors: Beuel Patrick , Rieker Christiane , Bursche Jamile
Published: May 2020

The high content of lignocellulose limits the biodegradability of wheat straw for bioenergy production. To counteract this fact, a thermobiological pretreatment was applied to improve the utilization of lignocellulose biomasses for a biorefinery concept. The use of compost assured the growth of cellulose‐degrading anaerobic microorganisms under thermophilic conditions. Results revealed a lignocellulose material degradation in all samples. Moreover, the combination of a thermobiological pretreatment under thermophilic conditions created a synergistic effect that accelerated the biomethanization of wheat straw due to the sugar compounds released during the biogenic catalysis.
All in One: A Comprehensive Goal and Indicator System for Smart Bioenergy
Authors: Szarka Nora , Schmid Christopher , Pfeiffer Diana , Thrän Daniela
Published: May 2020

Owing to the increasing challenges of climate change and limited resources, a bundle of requirements for bioenergy are given, such as securing the energy supply, linking with the material use of biomass, or producing negative emissions. Smart bioenergy generation and utilization can fulfil those requirements by the sustainable, efficient, and flexible provision of renewable energy. This study aims to thoroughly define and structure all contributions bioenergy can make to the energy system, in the form of a comprehensive multilevel goal and indicator system. The built system includes several levels of subgoals associated with biomass, with technology, and its integration. The goal system was verified by research project leaders and further experts and can be applied to any bioenergy concept worldwide.
Microreactor technology for synthesis of ethyl methyl oxalate from diethyl oxalate with methanol and its kinectics
Authors: Ji Guojing , Ding Jie , Zhong Qin
Published: May 2020

This study focused on the performances and kinetics of the transesterification reaction of diethyl oxalate with methanol to prepare ethyl methyl oxalate via microreactor technology. The conversion of 79.8% of diethyl oxalate (DEO) and the selectivity of 65.9% of ethyl methyl oxalate (EMO) was obtained under the following optimized conditions: the mole ratio of methanol to diethyl oxalate was 3.3:1, the temperature was 35°C, the K2CO3 catalyst concentration was 15 mg/mL, and the residence time was 2.30 minutes. In the temperature range of 25°C to 38°C, the simplified dynamic model was found to obtain the reaction order (α = 2.30), frequency factor (k0 = 2.377 × 105), and apparent activation energy (E = 31.86 kJ/mol). The macroscopic dynamic equation was derived from the experimental result of the transesterification reaction of two feedstocks, which can be obtained through a series of calculations.
Integrated molecular profiling of young and elderly patients with triple‐negative breast cancer indicates different biological bases and clinical management strategies
Authors: Ma Ding , Jiang Yi‐Zhou , Xiao Yi , Xie Meng‐Dan , Zhao Shen , Jin Xi , Xu Xiao‐En , Shao Zhi‐Ming
Published: May 2020

Background

Age at the time of breast cancer diagnosis not only predicts clinical outcome but also indicates distinct molecular characteristics that provide the rationale for appropriate treatment strategies. However, to the authors' knowledge, little is known regarding the molecular profile and biological basis of triple‐negative breast cancers (TNBCs) occurring in young and elderly patients.

Methods

Using the study institution's largest, single‐center, multiomics TNBC data set, the authors analyzed the clinical and genomic features of young (aged ≤39 years) and elderly (aged ≥65 years) patients with TNBC.

Results

In the current study, a total of 50 patients, 354 patients, and 69 patients, respectively, were grouped as young, intermediate, and elderly patients with TNBC. Young patients with TNBC had worse short‐term survival, upregulation of DNA repair, cell cycle and RNA metabolism gene sets, frequent pathogenic germline variants, and predominant homologous recombination deficiency‐related mutational signatures. Several copy number alterations also were found to be enriched in young patients with TNBC. Nearly one‐half of the TNBC cases in elderly patients were of the luminal androgen receptor subtype. TNBC in elderly patients was identified as being associated with severe fibrosis; a lower Ki‐67 index; and somatic mutations in PIK3CA, KMT2D, ERBB2, ERBB3, and their corresponding pathways. Elderly patients with TNBC also were more likely to harbor targetable mutations.

Conclusions

The findings of the current study indicated that young patients with TNBC had an enhanced cell cycle, which may have helped to explain their inferior short‐term survival, whereas the homologous recombination deficiency and enriched pathogenic germline variants observed among young patients with TNBC suggested the need for genetic counseling and testing, as well as the potential use of DNA damage agents and poly(adenosine diphosphate ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors. Molecular characteristics of elderly patients with TNBC, although suggesting less response to chemotherapy, provided a rationale for the routine detection of actionable somatic mutations.
Bereaved parents' views on end‐of‐life care for children with cancer: Quality marker implications
Authors: Johnston Emily E. , Molina Jannelle , Martinez Isaac , Dionne‐Odom J. Nicholas , Currie Erin R. , Crowl Terra , Butterworth Lori , Chamberlain Lisa J. , Bhatia Smita , Rosenberg Abby R.
Published: May 2020

Background

End‐of‐life (EOL) quality markers in adult oncology include home death and intensive care unit avoidance. Corresponding markers are lacking in pediatric oncology. This study was aimed at describing bereaved parents' perspectives of high‐quality EOL care in pediatric oncology.

Methods

This study enrolled a convenience sample of 28 bereaved parents (English‐ or Spanish‐speaking) whose children (0‐21 years old) had died of cancer ≥6 months before. Semistructured interviews were conducted to elicit parental perceptions of medically intense/quality EOL care. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim (30 hours), and study team consensus and content analyses identified themes related to EOL quality markers. Related quotes were scored on a 5‐point Likert scale ranging from 1 (supported comfort care) to 5 (supported medically aggressive care).

Results

The children died in 1998‐2017 at a mean age of 10 years (SD, 5.2 years); 50% had a solid tumor, and 46% were Spanish‐speaking. Themes included 1) home death preference (unless home support was inadequate; median score, 1.6), nonaggressive care (median score, 2.4), and continued anticancer therapy (median score, 3.2); 2) programs/policies that could alleviate barriers limiting a family's time with a dying child (visiting restrictions and financial strains); 3) the need to prepare the family for death (eg, what would happen to the child's body), and 4) perceived abandonment.

Conclusions

This is the first qualitative study to identify quality makers for children dying of cancer from bereaved parents' perspectives. Natural death is generally preferred, and quality measures that address barriers to parents' spending time with their children, a lack of preparation for the events surrounding death, and feelings of abandonment are critical. Future studies need to validate these findings and develop targeted interventions.
Napabucasin (BBI 608), a potent chemoradiosensitizer in rectal cancer
Authors: Nagaraju Ganji Purnachandra , Farran Batoul , Farren Matthew , Chalikonda Gayathri , Wu Christina , Lesinski Gregory B. , El‐Rayes Bassel F.
Published: May 2020

Background

The induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) represents a viable strategy for enhancing the activity of radiotherapy. The authors hypothesized that napabucasin would increase ROS via its ability to inhibit NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 and potentiate the response to chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer via distinct mechanisms.

Method

Proliferation studies, colony formation assays, and ROS levels were measured in HCT116 and HT29 cell lines treated with napabucasin, chemoradiation, or their combination. DNA damage (pγH2AX), activation of STAT, and downstream angiogenesis were evaluated in both untreated and treated cell lines. Finally, the effects of napabucasin, chemoradiotherapy, and their combination were assessed in vivo with subcutaneous mouse xenograft models.

Results

Napabucasin significantly potentiated the growth inhibition of chemoradiation in both cell lines. Napabucasin increased ROS generation. Inhibition of ROS by N‐acetylcysteine decreased the growth inhibitory effect of napabucasin alone and in combination with chemoradiotherapy. Napabucasin significantly increased pγH2AX in comparison with chemoradiotherapy alone. Napabucasin reduced the levels of pSTAT3 and VEGF and inhibited angiogenesis through an ROS‐mediated effect. Napabucasin significantly potentiated the inhibition of growth and blood vessel formation by chemoradiotherapy in mouse xenografts.

Conclusion

Napabucasin is a radiosensitizer with a novel mechanism of action: increasing ROS production and inhibiting angiogenesis. Clinical trials testing the addition of napabucasin to chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer are needed.
Screening of 19,460 genotypes of wheat species for resistance to powdery mildew and identification of potential candidates using focused identification of germplasm strategy (FIGS)
Authors: Vikas V. K. , Kumar Sundeep , Archak Sunil , Tyagi R. K. , Kumar Jagdish , Jacob Sherry , Sivasamy M. , Jayaprakash P. , Saharan M.S. , Basandrai A. K. , Basandrai Daisy , Srinivasan Kalyani , Radhamani J. , Parimalan R. , Tyagi Sandhya , Kumari Jyoti , Singh Amit Kumar , Peter John , Nisha Rebekah , Yadav Mamata , Kumari Jyotisna , Dhillon H.K. , Chauhan Divya , Sharma Shivani , Chaurasia Shiksha , Sharma R. K. , Dutta M. , Singh G. P. , Bansal K. C.
Published: May 2020

Powdery mildew (PM) caused by Blumeria graminis (DC). E.U. Speer f.sp. tritici Em. Marchal (Syn. Erysiphe gramnis DC f.sp. tritici, Em. Marchal) is one of the important diseases of wheat worldwide. A comprehensive evaluation of wheat germplasm accessions (19,460) conserved in the National Genebank of ICAR–National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources was conducted to identify sources of resistance to PM. Accessions belonging to the three wheat species—bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L. subsp. aestivum) (15,944), durum wheat (T. durum Desf.) (3,359), and emmer wheat (T. dicoccum Schrank ex Schübl.) (157)—were screened at Wellington, a hotspot location for PM, for two consecutive seasons. Screening results indicated that 7271 (45%) from bread wheat, 756 (22%) from durum wheat, and 22 (14%) from emmer were resistant. Out of 8094 PM‐resistant accessions, 60% were indigenous, while majority of the 40% exotic were from CIMMYT. Focused identification of germplasm strategy (FIGS), which identifies a set of similar plant genotypes with a greater possibility of containing specific target traits, was used to form a subset of 52 accessions (from 19,460) that have the potential to contain new PM resistance genes. Resistant accessions identified in the study have enriched the existing gene pool for PM resistance in wheat and will serve as a potential source for resistance in future.
Application of the Cottonscope for determining fiber maturity and fineness of an upland cotton MAGIC population
Authors: Kim Hee Jin , Delhom Christopher D. , Fang David D. , Zeng Linghe , Jenkins Johnie N. , McCarty Jack C. , Jones Don C.
Published: May 2020

Fineness and maturity are two cotton (Gossypium spp.) fiber properties that respectively estimate the fiber diameter and degree of internal fiber thickening. Cotton researchers have been searching for accurate and efficient ways of measuring them due to their important roles in lint yield, fiber quality, and downstream textile performance. The recent development of the Cottonscope has offered an improved way of quantitatively assessing fineness and maturity based on the tests with reference cotton materials composed of clean and homogenous fibers. However, cotton geneticists and breeders have not widely adopted the new technology, since it has not been tested with a genetic population consisting of a large number of fiber samples with high levels of variations within a sample and among replicates. Thus, we measured a multiparent advanced generation intercross (MAGIC) population using the Cottonscope in comparison with a conventional Advanced Fiber Information System (AFIS). Comparative analyses showed a correlation of the fineness values between AFIS and Cottonscope, but a discrepancy in the maturity ratio values between them. Extensive phenotypic analyses suggested that Cottonscope technology using snippets and a normalization with a fiber width might help improve the accuracy of maturity from various fiber samples of the MAGIC population. The information may help cotton scientists measuring and interpreting fiber maturity from experimental materials for genetic and genomic analyses.
Social interaction in the emergence of toddler’s mealtime spoon use
Authors: Nonaka Tetsushi , Stoffregen Thomas A.
Published: May 2020

The use of a spoon for eating is among the important daily skills in early development. The article provides an analysis of how caregiver–toddler interactions guides the attention of toddlers who were first learning how to use a spoon to spoon‐related action opportunities that were relevant to the mealtime context. Our analysis revealed several related results. First, caregivers often manipulated objects on the table (i.e., food and dishes), and toddlers were more likely than chance to use their spoon to contact food immediately after watching these caregiver manipulations. Second, toddlers looked more often at the caregiver's hand than at their face. Third, toddlers tended to look at the caregiver's hand when the caregiver was manipulating objects on the table, and after these looks, toddlers were more likely than chance to contact food with their spoon. Finally, the toddlers’ choices about when to look at the caregiver were influenced by their own behavior, as if they wanted to know how the caregiver would react to what they had done. We discuss these results in terms of the learning of socially promoted action opportunities for meal‐related spoon use.
Exhaled breath acetone for predicting cardiac and overall mortality in chronic heart failure patients
Authors: Marcondes‐Braga Fabiana G. , Gioli‐Pereira Luciana , Bernardez‐Pereira Sabrina , Batista Guilherme L. , Mangini Sandrigo , Issa Victor S. , Fernandes Fabio , Bocchi Edimar A. , Ayub‐Ferreira Silvia M. , Mansur Alfredo J. , Gutz Ivano G.R. , Krieger Jose E. , Pereira Alexandre C. , Bacal Fernando
Published: May 2020

Aims

Exhaled breath acetone (EBA) has been described as a new biomarker of heart failure (HF) diagnosis. EBA concentration increases according to severity of HF and is associated with poor prognosis, especially in acute decompensated HF. However, there are no data on chronic HF patients. The aim is to evaluate the role of EBA for predicting cardiac and overall mortality in chronic HF patients.

Methods and results

In GENIUS‐HF cohort, chronic patients were enrolled between August 2012 and December 2014. All patients had left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 50%, and the diagnosis was established according to Framingham criteria. After consent, patients were submitted to clinical evaluation and exhaled breath collection. EBA identification and quantitative determination were done by spectrophotometry. The clinical characteristics associated with acetone were identified. All participants were followed for 18 months to assess cardiac and overall mortality. Around 700 participants were enrolled in the current analysis. Patients were 55.4 ± 12.2 years old, 67.6% male patients, and 81% New York Heart Association I/II with left ventricular ejection fraction of 32 ± 8.6%. EBA median concentration was 0.6 (0.3–1.2) ug/L. Acetone levels increased with the number of symptoms of HF and were associated with right HF signs/symptoms and liver biochemical changes. EBA at highest quartile (EBA > 1.2ug/L) was associated with a significantly worse prognosis (log rank test, P < 0.001). Cox proportional multivariable regression model revealed that EBA > 1.20ug/L was an independent predictor of cardiac (P = 0.011) and overall (P = 0.010) mortality in our population.

Conclusions

This study shows that EBA levels reflect clinical HF features, especially right HF signs/symptoms. EBA is an independent predictor of cardiac and overall mortality in chronic HF patients.
IgE‐mediated regulation of IL‐10 and type I IFN enhances rhinovirus‐induced Th2 differentiation by primary human monocytes
Authors: Rowe Regina K. , Pyle David M. , Farrar J. David , Gill Michelle A.
Published: May 2020

Rhinovirus (RV) infections are linked to the development and exacerbation of allergic diseases including allergic asthma. IgE, another contributor to atopic disease pathogenesis, has been shown to regulate DC antiviral functions and influence T cell priming by monocytes. We previously demonstrated that IgE‐mediated stimulation of monocytes alters multiple cellular functions including cytokine secretion, phagocytosis, and influenza‐induced Th1 development. In this study, we investigate the effects of IgE‐mediated stimulation on monocyte‐driven, RV‐induced T cell development utilizing primary human monocyte‐T cell co‐cultures. We demonstrate that IgE crosslinking of RV‐exposed monocytes enhances monocyte‐driven Th2 differentiation. This increase in RV‐induced Th2 development was regulated by IgE‐mediated inhibition of virus‐induced type I IFN and induction of IL‐10. These findings suggest an additional mechanism by which two clinically significant risk factors for allergic disease exacerbations—IgE‐mediated stimulation and rhinovirus infection—may synergistically promote Th2 differentiation and allergic inflammation.
The N2pc component as a neural index of early attention allocation among adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain
Authors: Wang Yang , Liu Yanci , Gozli Davood , Xiang Yu‐Tao , Jackson Todd
Published: May 2020

Recent evidence from event‐related potentials (ERPs) has identified N2 posterior contralateral (pc) amplitudes as a neural marker of early attention allocation. The N2pc has been used to evaluate attention biases (ABs) in samples with anxiety‐based problems, but its utility has yet to be considered among persons with chronic pain, another group theorized to display ABs that perpetuate their difficulties. To address this gap, we assessed N2pc responses of adults with chronic pain (N = 70) and pain‐free controls (N = 70) during a dot‐probe task comprising painful‐neutral and happy‐neutral facial expression image pairs. Analyses indicated that (1) larger N2pc amplitudes were elicited by both painful and happy expressions compared to complementary neutral expressions in each sample, (2) the chronic pain sample displayed larger N2pc amplitudes during exposure to both painful and happy expressions than controls did and (3) no group differences were evident for N2pc latencies. Overall N2pc results reflected general biases in early allocation of attention towards affectively valenced expressions rather than pain‐specific ABs among chronic pain cohorts.

Significance

Although numerous researchers have examined pain‐related attention biases, these data are based exclusively upon behavioural measures of attention such as reaction times and eye movements. Drawing from relevant event‐related potentials research, this study is the first to evaluate and identify differences in orienting of attention between adults with chronic pain and pain‐free controls based on N2 posterior contralateral (pc) amplitudes which provide a neural index of early attention allocation.
Comorbidities of self‐reported fibromyalgia in United States adults: A cross‐sectional study from The National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC‐III)
Authors: Sleurs David , Tebeka Sarah , Scognamiglio Claire , Dubertret Caroline , Le Strat Yann
Published: May 2020

Background

Fibromyalgia has been associated with various physical and mental disorders. However, these comorbidities need to be quantified in a population‐based study.

Method

We compared participants with and without self‐reported fibromyalgia to assess (a) The prevalence of self‐reported fibromyalgia and its sociodemographic characteristics in a US representative sample, (b) The associations between self‐reported fibromyalgia and lifetime and past 12‐month mental and physical disorders and (c) The quality of life associated with self‐reported fibromyalgia. This cross‐sectional study used a large national sample (n = 36,309) of the US population, the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions‐III. Face to face interviews were conducted, collecting sociodemographic characteristics, diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders‐5 structured diagnosis and self‐reported medical conditions (including fibromyalgia).

Results

The past 12‐month prevalence of self‐reported fibromyalgia was estimated at 2.05%. Participants with self‐reported fibromyalgia were significantly at higher risk to report a lifetime history of mental disorder (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.32). Self‐reported fibromyalgia was also positively associated with 24 of the 27 physical conditions assessed in this study. Participants with self‐reported fibromyalgia were more likely to report a past 12‐month history of suicide attempts (aOR = 5.81), substance use disorders (aOR = 1.40), mood disorders (aOR = 2.67), anxiety disorders (aOR = 2.75) and eating disorders (aOR = 2.45). Participants with self‐reported fibromyalgia had lower levels of both mental and physical quality of life than those without fibromyalgia.

Conclusions

Participants with self‐reported fibromyalgia have a higher prevalence of comorbid mental and physical disorders, and lower mean levels of mental and physical quality of life than their counterparts without fibromyalgia.

Significance

We showed here a strong association of self‐reported fibromyalgia with both mental and physical comorbidities. We showed that among participants with self‐reported fibromyalgia, more than 8 out of 10 had at least three other physical comorbidities, and almost half had at least three mental comorbidities. This is a cross‐sectional study using a representative sample of the US population with highly reliable psychiatric diagnosis that makes our results generalizable. Practitioners managing fibromyalgia should search and treat these comorbidities.
Laxative and antioxidant effects of ramie (Boehmeria nivea L.) leaf extract in experimental constipated rats
Authors: Lee Hyun‐Joo , Choi Eun Joo , Park Sihoon , Lee Jae‐Joon
Published: May 2020

Ramie leaf (Boehmeria nivea L.) is rich in cellulose, polyphenol compounds, vitamin C, and minerals. The leaves of this plant, which are used for medicinal purposes, have long been reported to have anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, anticolitis, and antidiabetic effects. We investigated the protective effects of ramie leaf ethanol extract (RLE) against loperamide‐induced constipation and oxidative stress in rats. Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were administered 200 or 400 mg/kg body weight of RLE (RLEL and RLEH groups) by gavage, while normal (NOR) and control (CON) rats received saline. Loperamide (4.0 mg/kg, twice per day) was injected subcutaneously to induce constipation in RLEL, RLEH, and CON groups. Total fecal number, wet weight, and water content decreased, while the total number of loperamide‐induced fecal pellets in the distal colon increased with administration of RLE in a dose‐dependent manner. Gastrointestinal transit time was more greatly reduced in RLE‐treated groups than in the CON group. Serum total cholesterol (TC) level, as well as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, was significantly lower in both RLEL and RLEH groups compared with the CON group. Intestinal mucosa malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production decreased significantly in a dose‐dependent manner in the RLE‐treated groups. Loperamide decreased the antioxidant enzyme activity, including that of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), while RLE administration increased the antioxidant activity. These results suggest that RLE exerts potent laxative and antioxidant effects in model rats with loperamide‐induced constipation.
Clustering of known low and moderate risk alleles rather than a novel recessive high‐risk gene in non‐BRCA1/2 sib trios affected with breast cancer
Authors: Hilbers Florentine S. , van ‘t Hof Peter J. , Meijers Caro M. , Mei Hailiang , Michailidou Kyriaki , Dennis Joe , Hogervorst Frans B. L. , Nederlof Petra M. , van Asperen Christi J. , Devilee Peter
Published: May 2020

Breast cancer risk is approximately twice as high in first‐degree relatives of female breast cancer cases than in women in the general population. Less than half of this risk can be attributed to the currently known genetic risk factors. Recessive risk alleles represent a relatively underexplored explanation for the remainder of familial risk. To address this, we selected 19 non‐BRCA1/2 breast cancer families in which at least three siblings were affected, while no first‐degree relatives of the previous or following generation had breast cancer. Germline DNA from one of the siblings was subjected to exome sequencing, while all affected siblings were genotyped using SNP arrays to assess haplotype sharing and to calculate a polygenic risk score (PRS) based on 160 low‐risk variants. We found no convincing candidate recessive alleles among exome sequencing variants in genomic regions for which all three siblings shared two haplotypes. However, we found two families in which all affected siblings carried the CHEK2*1100delC. In addition, the average normalized PRS of the “recessive” family probands (0.81) was significantly higher than that in both general population cases (0.35, P = .026) and controls (P = .0004). These findings suggest that the familial aggregation is, at least in part, explained by a polygenic effect of common low‐risk variants and rarer intermediate‐risk variants, while we did not find evidence of a role for novel recessive risk alleles.
Assessing water and nitrate‐N losses from subsurface‐drained paddy lands by DRAINMOD‐N II
Authors: Hashemi Seyedeh‐Zohreh , Darzi‐Naftchali Abdullah , Qi Zhiming
Published: May 2020

In this study, the effects of various drainage systems on water and nitrate‐N losses were investigated using DRAINMOD‐N II. Required field data were obtained during three growing seasons of canola in a subsurface drainage pilot in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran. The calibrated model was used to assess the effects of different drain depths (D = 0.10–0.90 m with 0.10 m intervals) and spacing (L = 10–90 m with 10 m intervals) on seasonal drainage water and NO3−‐N concentration in drainage effluents. DRAINMOD‐N II performance was assessed using different criteria including absolute deviation (AD), root mean square error (RMSE) and determination coefficient (R2). The simulated and observed drainage discharges (0.97 vs 0.96 mm day−1) and NO3‐N concentrations (9.1 vs 14.1 mg l−1) were in good agreement in the calibration process. The model performance was also acceptable in the validation process (AD = 0.59–0.79 mm day−1; RMSE = 1.01–1.28 mm day−1; R2 = 0.59–0.79 for drainage discharge and AD = 8.3–16.3 mg l−1; RMSE = 12.4–27.6 mg l−1; R2 = 0.4 for NO3‐N). Based on the scenario analyses, the D0.40L50 drainage system was the best one, resulting in fewer environmental effects from the nitrate‐N and water loss viewpoints. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of SARS‐CoV‐2 neutralizing antibodies using a CPE‐based colorimetric live virus micro‐neutralization assay in human serum samples
Authors: Manenti Alessandro , Maggetti Marta , Casa Elisa , Martinuzzi Donata , Torelli Alessandro , Trombetta Claudia M. , Marchi Serena , Montomoli Emanuele
Published: May 2020

The micro‐neutralization assay is a fundamental test in virology, immunology, vaccine assessment, and epidemiology studies. Since the SARS‐CoV‐2 outbreak at the end of December 2019 in China, it has become extremely important to have well‐established and validated diagnostic and serological assays for this new emerging virus. Here, we present a micro‐neutralization assay with the use of SARS‐CoV‐2 wild type virus with two different methods of read‐out. We evaluated the performance of this assay using human serum samples taken from an Italian seroepidemiological study being performed at the University of Siena, along with the human monoclonal antibody CR3022 and some iper‐immune animal serum samples against Influenza and Adenovirus strains. The same panel of human samples have been previously tested in enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as a pre‐screening. Positive, borderline, and negative ELISA samples were evaluated in neutralization assay using two different methods of read‐out: subjective (by means of an inverted optical microscope) and objective (by means of a spectrophotometer). Our findings suggest that at least 50% of positive ELISA samples are positive in neutralization as well, and that method is able to quantify different antibody concentrations in a specific manner. Taken together, our results confirm that the colorimetric cytopathic effect‐based microneutralization assay could be used as a valid clinical test method for epidemiological and vaccine studies.
Comparison of SARS‐CoV‐2 detection from nasopharyngeal swab samples by the Roche cobas 6800 SARS‐CoV‐2 test and a laboratory‐developed real‐time RT‐PCR test
Authors: Pujadas Elisabet , Ibeh Nnaemeka , Hernandez Matthew M. , Waluszko Aneta , Sidorenko Tatyana , Flores Vanessa , Shiffrin Biana , Chiu Numthip , Young‐Francois Alicia , Nowak Michael D. , Paniz‐Mondolfi Alberto E. , Sordillo Emilia M. , Cordon‐Cardo Carlos , Houldsworth Jane , Gitman Melissa R.
Published: May 2020

The urgent need to implement and rapidly expand testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection has led to the development of multiple assays. How these tests perform relative to one another is poorly understood. We evaluated the concordance between the Roche Diagnostics cobas 6800 SARS‐CoV‐2 test and a laboratory‐developed test (LDT) real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction based on a modified Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocol, for the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 in samples submitted to the Clinical Laboratories of the Mount Sinai Health System. A total of 1006 nasopharyngeal swabs in universal transport medium from persons under investigation were tested for SARS‐CoV‐2 as part of routine clinical care using the cobas SARS‐CoV‐2 test with subsequent evaluation by the LDT. Cycle threshold values were analyzed and interpreted as either positive (“detected” or “presumptive positive”), negative (not detected), inconclusive, or invalid. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism 8. The cobas SARS‐CoV‐2 test reported 706 positive and 300 negative results. The LDT reported 640 positive, 323 negative, 34 inconclusive, and 9 invalid results. When excluding inconclusive and invalid results, the overall percent agreement between the two platforms was 95.8%. Cohen's κ coefficient was 0.904 (95% confidence interval, 0.875‐0.933), suggesting almost perfect agreement between both platforms. An overall discordance rate of 4.2% between the two systems may reflect differences in primer sequences, assay limit of detection, or other factors, highlighting the importance of comparing the performance of different testing platforms.
Patient follow‐up after discharge after COVID‐19 pneumonia: Considerations for infectious control
Authors: Zheng Zhong , Yao Zhixian , Wu Ke , Zheng Junhua
Published: May 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) represents a significant global medical issue, with a growing number of cumulative confirmed cases. However, a large number of patients with COVID‐19 have overcome the disease, meeting hospital discharge criteria, and are gradually returning to work and social life. Nonetheless, COVID‐19 may cause further downstream issues in these patients, such as due to possible reactivation of the virus, long‐term pulmonary defects, and posttraumatic stress disorder. In this study, we, therefore, queried relevant literature concerning severe acute respiratory syndrome, Middle East respiratory syndrome, and COVID‐19 for reference to come to a consensus on follow‐up strategies. We found that strategies, such as the implementation of polymerase chain reaction testing, imaging surveillance, and psychological assessments, starting at the time of discharge, were necessary for long‐term follow‐up. If close care is given to every aspect of coronavirus management, we expect that the pandemic outbreak will soon be overcome.
Anchoring of atmospheric teleconnection patterns by Arctic Sea ice loss and its link to winter cold anomalies in East Asia
Authors: Li Muyuan , Luo Dehai , Simmonds Ian , Dai Aiguo , Zhong Linhao , Yao Yao
Published: May 2020

In this paper, the physical processes underlying recent winter cold anomalies over East Asia (EA) are examined via statistical analysis. It is found that the EA cold anomaly depends on the warming in the North Atlantic, sea ice loss in the Barents–Kara Sea (BKS), and atmospheric teleconnection patterns. Specifically, the sea ice loss in the BKS can anchor teleconnection patterns originating from different North Atlantic sea surface temperature (SST) patterns. Different patterns of North Atlantic warming can affect the position of the cold anomaly region through altering the atmospheric circulations. In addition, whether the relevant teleconnection pattern leads to enhanced cold anomaly over EA crucially depends on the sea ice loss in the BKS, because it can anchor the blocking anticyclone embedded in the teleconnection pattern over the Ural region and make it more persistent and quasi‐stationary. Furthermore, it is found that the role of SST modes in the EA cold anomaly depends on their time scales. Although the strong basin‐scale warming (north–south SST tripolar mode) in the North Atlantic mid‐ to high‐latitudes plays a major role in decadal (interannual) cold anomaly over EA, it appears that the Atlantic east–west SST dipole structure dominates winter temperature variations over EA in recent decades on both the interannual and decadal time scales.
Understanding the contributions of land parcel features to intra‐surface urban heat island intensity and magnitude: A study of downtown Shanghai, China
Authors: Zhang Hao , Li Tian‐tian , Liu Yu , Han Jie‐jie , Guo Yan‐jun
Published: May 2020

This study investigated the fine‐scale land parcel features and their influences on the intra‐surface urban heat island (SUHI) of four dense urban functional zones in downtown Shanghai. A thermal sharpening method was employed to map the high‐resolution intra‐SUHI intensity (SUHII) and magnitude (SUHIM) by integrating the cokriging interpolation of Landsat 8 thermal band 10 and Quickbird datasets. Together with three area proportions (area proportion of the cooling surface/CoolAP, area proportion of the buildings/BuildAP, and area proportion of the other impervious surface/OtherAP), the mean distance between the nearest neighboring buildings (BuildDist) and the building average story number (BuildSN) were used to characterize the land parcel features. The results showed that both the composition and the design attributes of land parcels were significantly related to the intra‐SUHI indicators (SUHII and SUHIM). Additionally, remarkable seasonal variations existed in the intra‐SUHI indicators. The results of the partial least square regression models explained 64.6–65.2% of the variance of the SUHIIs and 63.0–63.9% of the variance of the SUHIMs on hot days and 11.70–18.90% of the variance of the SUHIIs and 11.10–15.90% of the variance of the SUHIMs on cool and chilly days, respectively. This study provided compelling evidence that for a given land parcel, when fixing the effects of BuildAP or OtherAP, high levels of CoolAP, BuildSN, and BuildDist will help create a cooling microclimate on hot days. In contrast, high‐density land parcels with sparse cooling surface exhibit much higher SUHII and SUHIM levels than do low‐density parcels with dominant cooling surface.
Soil carbon stocks in Ethiopian forests and estimations of their future development under different forest use scenarios
Authors: Lehtonen Aleksi , Ťupek Boris , Nieminen Tiina M. , Balázs András , Anjulo Agena , Teshome Mindaye , Tiruneh Yibeltal , Alm Jukka
Published: May 2020

Contributions from all land‐uses are needed if Ethiopia is to fulfil its Paris Agreement targets. The magnitude of soil carbon stock and the role of Ethiopian forest soils in climate change mitigation has not yet been clarified. In this study, soil carbon inventory in forests was carried out as a part of the Ethiopia REDD+ Programme. The performance of soil carbon models Yasso07 and CENTURY was tested by comparing the model predictions with the empirical soil organic carbon (SOC) data provided by the field inventory. In addition to that, Global Soil Organic Carbon (GSOC) map estimates by the Food and Agriculture Organization for Ethiopia were included in the comparison. The soil inventory was carried out in 2017–2018 at a subset of permanent sampling units of the National Forest Inventory conducted in 2014–2017. A combination of soil inventory data, soil carbon models and satellite images enabled to quantify the impact of forest use intensity to future SOC sinks in Ethiopian forests in a novel way. The Yasso07 and CENTURY models provided similar SOC estimates to the measured data for all biomes, and the GSOC map overestimated in biomes with larger SOC stocks. Results showed that Moist Afromontane forest biome contains twice as much SOC per unit area compared to Combretum‐Terminalia forest biome and three‐times more SOC compared to Acacia‐Commiphora. Results underlined that sustainable forest management has a high potential for soil carbon development in Ethiopian forests in near future, impacting the ability of the Country to achieve its Paris Agreement targets.
Description of combined ARHSP/JALS phenotype in some patients with SPG11 mutations
Authors: Khani Marzieh , Shamshiri Hosein , Fatehi Farzad , Rohani Mohammad , Haghi Ashtiani Bahram , Akhoundi Fahimeh Haji , Alavi Afagh , Moazzeni Hamidreza , Taheri Hanieh , Ghani Mina Tolou , Javanparast Leila , Hashemi Seyyed Saleh , Haji‐Seyed‐Javadi Ramona , Heidari Matineh , Nafissi Shahriar , Elahi Elahe
Published: May 2020

Background

SPG11 mutations can cause autosomal recessive hereditary spastic paraplegia (ARHSP) and juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (JALS). Because these diseases share some clinical presentations and both can be caused by SPG11 mutations, it was considered that definitive diagnosis may not be straight forward.

Methods

The DNAs of referred ARHSP and JALS patients were exome sequenced. Clinical data of patients with SPG11 mutations were gathered by interviews and neurological examinations including electrodiagnosis (EDX) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Results

Eight probands with SPG11 mutations were identified. Two mutations are novel. Among seven Iranian probands, six carried the p.Glu1026Argfs*4‐causing mutation. All eight patients had features known to be present in both ARHSP and JALS. Additionally and surprisingly, presence of both thin corpus callosum (TCC) on MRI and motor neuronopathy were also observed in seven patients. These presentations are, respectively, key suggestive features of ARHSP and JALS.

Conclusion

We suggest that rather than ARHSP or JALS, combined ARHSP/JALS is the appropriate description of seven patients studied. Criteria for ARHSP, JALS, and combined ARHSP/JALS designations among patients with SPG11 mutations are suggested. The importance of performing both EDX and MRI is emphasized. Initial screening for p.Glu1026Argfs*4 may facilitate SPG11 screenings in Iranian patients.
Peer support — A secret weapon in the fight against COVID‐19
Authors: Jadwisiak Mary
Published: May 2020

Peer supporters are proving to be invaluable, providing connection and hope during this unprecedented time. As orders restricting movement challenged traditional service delivery practices, peer supporters kicked into high gear doing what they do: breaking isolation, engaging clients and modeling recovery.
Thermal conductivity enhancement of nanofluid by adding multiwalled carbon nanotubes: Characterization and numerical modeling patterns
Authors: Du Congcong , Nguyen Quyen , Malekahmadi Omid , Mardani Ali , Jokar Zahra , Babadi Elmira , D'Orazio Annunziata , Karimipour Arash , Li Zhixiong , Bach Quang‐Vu
Published: May 2020

Nanofluid is divided in two major section, mono nanofluid (MN) and hybrid nanofluid (HN). MN is created when a solid nanoparticle disperses in a fluid, whereas HN has more than one solid nanomaterial. In this research, iron (III) oxide (Fe3O4) is MN, and Fe3O4 plus multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) is HN, whereas both are mixed and dispersed into the water basefluid. Thermal conductivity (TC) of Fe3O4/water and MWCNT/Fe3O4/water was measured after preparation and numerical model performed on the resulted data. After that, field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) was studied for microstructural observation of nanoparticles. MN and HN TC were studied at temperature ranges of 25 to 50°C and volume fractions of 0.2% to 1.0%. For MN and HN, thermal conductivity enhancement (TCE) of 32.76% and 33.23% was measured at 50°C temperature—1.0% volume fraction, individually. Different correlations have been calculated for numerical modeling, with R2 = 0.9. Deviation of 0.6007% and 0.6096% was calculated for given correlations for MN and HN individually. Deviation of 0.5862% and 0.6057% was calculated for trained models, for MN and HN individually. Thus, by adding MWCNT to Fe3O4‐H2O nanofluid, TC is enhanced 0.47%, and this HN has agreeable heat transfer potential.
Proportionate Postnatal Growth in Preterm Neonates on Expressed Breast Milk Feeding With Selected Fortification
Authors: Tewari Vishal Vishnu , Kumar Ashutosh , Singhal Amit , Prakash Arya , Pillai Nayana , Varghese Jaya
Published: May 2020

Background

Preterm neonates not fed an exclusive human‐milk diet in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) show disproportionate postnatal growth. There are scant data on postnatal growth in neonates from India fed an exclusive expressed breast milk (EBM) diet. This study describes the postnatal changes in weight, length, and head circumference in preterm neonates given EBM with selected fortification.

Methods

The study had a prospective observational design. Exclusive EBM feeding, early initiation, and standardized progression of feeds was followed. Fortification of breast milk with human milk fortifier (HMF) or liquid calcium phosphate and multivitamins (CALVIT) or hindmilk (HM) was done based on the gestational age. Monitoring for weight, length, and head circumference was done from admission to discharge.

Results

Ninety‐three preterm neonates were included in the study, of which 34 (36.6%) were small for gestational age. Thirty‐two (34.3%) neonates received EBM with HMF, 35 (35.7%) received EBM fortified with CALVIT and 26 (28%) neonates received HM fortification. There was a significant difference in the change in z‐scores from birth to discharge for the weight, length, and head circumference (P = .001). The mean increase in daily weight ranged from 8.8 to 9.5 g/d, whereas weekly change in length was 0.8–0.9 cm/wk, and head circumference was 0.7 cm/wk.

Conclusion

Postnatal growth of preterm neonates during NICU admission on exclusive EBM feeding with selected fortification resulted in a proportionate increase in weight, length, and head circumference.
The relative effectiveness of gain‐framed and loss‐framed messages in charity advertising: Meta‐analytic evidence and implications
Authors: Xu Jie , Huang Guanxiong
Published: May 2020

Meta‐analysis is a primary avenue for the development of cumulative knowledge and an essential step in the process theory testing. It provides a more specific quantitative understanding of a subject while correcting for sampling and measurement errors. This project is a modest first attempt to extend existing meta‐analytic work on the effect of gain‐ versus loss‐framed messages to charity advertising research. A meta‐analysis of 27 studies (k = 40, N = 9,298) finds that gain‐framed and loss‐framed appeals do not differ significantly on persuasiveness in charity advertising. The random‐effects model reveals a mean r of .002 (95% CI −0.061–0.064, p = .96) after correcting for sampling and measurement errors. A re‐analysis (k = 38) excluding two outliers yielded a mean r of .03 (95% CI −0.022–.073, p = .29). Among published studies (k = 32), there was tentative indication pointing to the slight advantage of gain‐framed appeals. The framing effect does not differ by which type of donation the message calls for (monetary vs. organ), nor is it affected by moderators such as study setting and population. The little difference finding echoes previous conceptual and empirical work and calls for more work identifying moderating factors and boundary conditions on framing research. Practical implications and future directions are discussed.
The impact of human resource practices on employee engagement in the airline industry
Authors: Alola Uju V. , Alafeshat Rawan
Published: May 2020

The impact of recruitment and training on employees increases psychological state, commitment, and employee attachment to the organization. Several researchers have continuously, for several decades, investigated the effect of recruitment and selection and the robust impact on employees; nevertheless, the effect of human resources practices on both the employees' satisfaction and retention as parameters of the organization performance cannot be overemphasized. Drawing from Social Exchange Theory (SET), the study identifies the significance of human resource practices (selecting and recruitment, training, and development) on employees. 277 questionnaires were collected from six private airline employees in Jordan. The hypotheses, validity, and reliability were tested through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The findings indicate that proper selecting and recruitment and training have a significant impact on organization. Also, Employee Engagement (EE) plays a mediating role on model variables. The study further indicates that employee engagement partially mediates the relationship between variables. Cross‐sectional data collection was employed; therefore, generalizing the findings should be done with caution. This study is of importance to human resources managers and policymakers to understand the significant impact of HR practices, attracting effective and efficient employees.