bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Binding of AP endonuclease-1 to G-quadruplex DNA depends on the N-terminal domain, Mg2+and ionic strength
Authors: Fleming Aaron M. , Howpay Manage Shereen A. , Burrows Cynthia J.
Published: August 2021

The base excision repair enzyme apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease-1 (APE1) is also engaged in transcriptional regulation. APE1 can function in both pathways when the protein binds to a promoter G-quadruplex (G4) bearing an abasic site (modeled with tetrahydrofuran, F) that leads to enzymatic stalling on the non-canonical fold to recruit activating transcription factors. Biochemical and biophysical studies to address APE1’s binding and catalytic activity with the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) promoter G4 are lacking, and the present work provides insight on this topic. Herein, the native APE1 was used for cleavage assays, and the catalytically inactive mutant D210A was used for binding assays with double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) versus the native G4 or the G4 with F at various positions, revealing dependencies of the interaction on the cation concentrations K+and Mg2+and the N-terminal domain of the protein. Assays in 0, 1, or 10 mM Mg2+found dsDNA and G4 substrates required the cation for both binding and catalysis, in which G4 binding increased with [Mg2+]. Studies with 50 versus physiological 140 mM K+ions present showed that F-containing dsDNA was bound and cleaved by APE1; whereas, the G4s with F were poorly cleaved in low salt and not cleaved at all at higher salt while the binding remained robust. Using Δ33 or Δ61 N-terminal truncated APE1 proteins, the binding and cleavage of dsDNA with F was minimally impacted; in contrast, the G4s required the N-terminus for binding and catalysis. With this knowledge, we found APE1 could remodel the F-containingVEGFpromoter dsDNA→G4 folds in solution. Lastly, the addition of the G4 ligand pyridostatin inhibited APE1 binding and cleavage of F-containing G4s but not dsDNA. The biological and medicinal chemistry implications of the results are discussed.

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Repair of APOBEC3G-mutated retroviral DNA in vivo is facilitated by the host enzyme uracil DNA glycosylase 2
Authors: Briceno Karen Salas , Ross Susan R.
Published: August 2021

Apolipoprotein B mRNA Editing Enzyme Catalytic Subunit 3 (APOBEC3) proteins are critical for the control of infection by retroviruses. These proteins deaminate cytidines in negative strand DNA during reverse transcription, leading to G to A changes in coding strands. Uracil DNA glycosylase (UNG) is a host enzyme that excises uracils in genomic DNA, which the base excision repair machinery then repairs. Whether UNG removes uracils found in retroviral DNA after APOBEC3-mediated mutation is not clear, and whether this occurs in vivo has not been demonstrated. To determine if UNG plays a role in the repair of retroviral DNA, we used APOBEC3G (A3G) transgenic mice which we showed previously had extensive deamination of murine leukemia virus (MLV) proviruses. The A3G transgene was crossed onto an UNG and mouse APOBEC3 knockout background (UNG-/-APO-/-) and the mice were infected with MLV. We found that virus infection levels were decreased in A3G UNG-/-APO-/- compared to A3G APO-/- mice. Deep sequencing of the proviruses showed that there were significantly higher levels of G-to-A mutations in proviral DNA from A3G transgenic UNG-/-APO-/- than A3G transgenic APO-/- mice, suggesting that UNG plays a role in the repair of uracil-containing proviruses. In in vitro studies, we found that cytoplasmic viral DNA deaminated by APOBEC3G was uracilated. In the absence of UNG, the uracil-containing proviruses integrated at higher levels into the genome than did those made in the presence of UNG. Thus, UNG also functions in the nucleus prior to integration by nicking uracil-containing viral DNA, thereby blocking integration. These data show that UNG plays a critical role in the repair of the damage inflicted by APOBEC3 deamination of reverse-transcribed DNA.

Importance

While APOBEC3-mediated mutation of retroviruses is well-established, what role the host base excision repair enzymes play in correcting these mutations is not clear. This question is especially difficult to address in vivo. Here, we use a transgenic mouse developed by our lab that expresses human APOBEC3G and also lacks the endogenous uracil DNA glycosylase (Ung) gene, and show that UNG removes uracils introduced by this cytidine deaminase in MLV reverse transcripts, thereby reducing G-to-A mutations in proviruses. Furthermore, our data suggest that UNG removes uracils at two stages in infection – in unintegrated nuclear viral reverse transcribed DNA, resulting in its degradation and second, in integrated proviruses, resulting in their repair. These data suggest that retroviruses damaged by host cytidine deaminases take advantage of the host DNA repair system to overcome this damage.
SOX transcription factors direct TCF-independent WNT/beta-catenin transcription
Authors: Mukherjee Shreyasi , Luedeke David M. , Brown Leslie , Zorn Aaron M.
Published: August 2021

WNT/ß-catenin signaling regulates gene expression across numerous biological contexts including development, stem cell homeostasis and tissue regeneration, and dysregulation of this pathway has been implicated in many diseases including cancer. One fundamental question is how distinct WNT target genes are activated in a context-specific manner, given the dogma that most, if not all, WNT/ß-catenin responsive transcription is mediated by TCF/LEF transcription factors (TFs) that have similar DNA-binding specificities. Here we show that the SOX family of TFs direct lineage-specific WNT/ß-catenin responsive transcription during the differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into definitive endoderm (DE) and neuromesodermal progenitors (NMPs). Using time-resolved multi-omics analyses, we show that ß-catenin association with chromatin is highly dynamic, colocalizing with distinct TCFs and/or SOX TFs at distinct stages of differentiation, indicating both cooperative and competitive modes of genomic interactions. We demonstrate that SOX17 and SOX2 are required to recruit ß-catenin to hundreds of lineage-specific WNT-responsive enhancers, many of which are not occupied by TCFs. At a subset of these TCF-independent enhancers, SOX TFs are required to both establish a permissive chromatin landscape and recruit a WNT-enhanceosome complex that includes ß-catenin, BCL9, PYGO and transcriptional coactivators to direct SOX/ß-catenin-dependent transcription. Given that SOX TFs are expressed in almost every cell type, these results have broad mechanistic implications for the specificity of WNT responses across many developmental and disease contexts.
Using mass spectrometry to investigate fluorescent compounds in squirrel fur
Authors: Hughes Bryan , Bowman Jeff , Stock Naomi L. , Burness Gary
Published: August 2021

While an array of taxa are capable of producing fluorescent pigments, fluorescence in mammals is a novel and poorly understood phenomenon. We believe that a first step towards understanding the potential adaptive functions of fluorescence in mammals is to develop an understanding of fluorescent compounds, or fluorophores, that are present in fluorescent tissue. Here we use Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) of flying squirrel fur known to fluoresce under ultraviolet (UV) light to identify potentially fluorescent compounds in squirrel fur. All of the potentially fluorescent compounds we identified were either present in non-fluorescent fur or were not present in all species of fluorescent flying squirrel. Therefore, we consider that the compounds responsible for fluorescence in flying squirrels may also be present in non-fluorescent mammal fur. Some factor currently unexplained likely leads to excitation of fluorophores in flying squirrel fur. A recently suggested hypothesis that fluorescence in mammals is widely caused by porphyrins is consistent with our findings.
Instruments to assess Evidence-Based Practice among healthcare professionals: a systematic review
Authors: da Silva Anderson Martins , Valentim Daniela Pereira , Martins Adriana Leite , Padula Rosimeire Simprini
Published: August 2021

The study makes it possible to select the most appropriate instruments to evaluate the use of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) among health professionals. The objective of this study was to assess the measurement properties, summarize and describe the instruments that evaluate the use of EBP in health professionals, currently available through the update of the systematic review. The study was conducted and reported according to recommendations of the PRISMA checklist. A systematic search was conducted in the databases: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and ERIC. In addition, three groups of search terms: EBP terms; evaluation; cross-cultural adaptation and measurement proprieties. They included studies that showed assessment tools of EBP in healthcare workers in general publication of full-text scientific articles, which tested the measurement properties and publication of an article in English. Searches included published studies from 2006 until July 2020. Evaluation of the methodological quality of the studies was conducted according to the COSMIN initiative. 92 studies were included. Forty new instruments have been identified to assess EBP. From these, most were developed for nursing professionals and physiotherapists. More than 48% of studies have American and Australian English as their native language. Only 28% of the studies included students in the samples. Reliability was considered appropriate (sufficient) in 76% of the instruments. The COSMIN checklist classified 7 (seven) instruments as being suitable for use in the target audience. However, Fresno Test remains the most appropriate instrument for assessing the use of EBP in healthcare professionals. 40 new instruments that assess EBP have been identified. Most are consistent and reliable for measuring the use of EBP in healthcare professionals. The Fresno Test, in a list of seven reliable and valid instruments for analysis, remains the most used and the one that most assesses the domains of EBP.
A Combinatorial PCR Method for Efficient, Selective Oligo Retrieval from Complex Oligo Pools
Authors: Winston Claris , Organick Lee , Ceze Luis , Strauss Karin , Chen Yuan-Jyue
Published: August 2021

With the rapidly decreasing cost of array-based oligo synthesis, large-scale oligo pools offer significant benefits for advanced applications, including gene synthesis, CRISPR-based gene editing, and DNA data storage. Selectively retrieving specific oligos from these complex pools traditionally uses Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), in which any selected oligos are exponentially amplified to quickly outnumber non-selected ones. In this case, the number of orthogonal PCR primers is limited due to interactions between them. This lack of specificity presents a serious challenge, particularly for DNA data storage, where the size of an oligo pool (i.e., a DNA database) is orders of magnitude larger than it is for other applications. Although a nested file address system was recently developed to increase the number of accessible files for DNA storage, it requires a more complicated lab protocol and more expensive reagents to achieve high specificity. Instead, we developed a new combinatorial PCR method that outperforms prior work without compromising the fidelity of retrieved material or complicating wet lab processes. Our method quadratically increases the number of accessible oligos while maintaining high specificity. In experiments, we accessed three arbitrarily chosen files from a DNA prototype database that contained 81 different files. Initially comprising only 1% of the original database, the selected files were enriched to over 99.9% using our combinatorial primer method. Our method thus provides a viable path for scaling up DNA data storage systems and has broader utility whenever scientists need access to a specific target oligo and can design their own primer regions.
Complex structure of the acyltransferase VinK and the carrier protein VinL with a pantetheine cross-linking probe
Authors: Miyanaga Akimasa , Ouchi Risako , Kudo Fumitaka , Eguchi Tadashi
Published: August 2021

Acyltransferases are responsible for the selection and loading of acyl units onto carrier proteins in polyketide and fatty-acid biosynthesis. Despite the importance of protein–protein interactions between the acyltransferase and the carrier protein, structural information on acyltransferase–carrier protein interactions is limited because of the transient interactions between them. In the biosynthesis of the polyketide vicenistatin, the acyltransferase VinK recognizes the carrier protein VinL for the transfer of a dipeptidyl unit. The crystal structure of a VinK–VinL covalent complex formed with a 1,2-bismaleimidoethane cross-linking reagent has been determined previously. Here, the crystal structure of a VinK–VinL covalent complex formed with a pantetheine cross-linking probe is reported at 1.95 Å resolution. In the structure of the VinK–VinL–probe complex, the pantetheine probe that is attached to VinL is covalently connected to the side chain of the mutated Cys106 of VinK. The interaction interface between VinK and VinL is essentially the same in the two VinK–VinL complex structures, although the position of the pantetheine linker slightly differs. This structural observation suggests that interface interactions are not affected by the cross-linking strategy used.
The impact of public policy marketing, institutional narratives and discourses on renewable energy consumption in a developing economy
Authors: Cheah Stephanie Kay Ann , Low Brian
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy such as solar energy is difficult and requires significant ongoing public policy marketing initiatives. Drawing on institutional theory, this paper aims to explore how public policy marketing initiatives through institutional narratives and discourses legitimize solar energy's sustainable consumption in a developing economy.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a post-structuralist approach, the authors undertook a thematic analysis to study the process of sustainable consumption. The authors conducted face-to-face interviews with key stakeholders in the solar energy sector and complemented the primary data with secondary analysis of archived published materials and podcasts.

Findings

First, narratives on conformance rules and regulations (regulatory legitimacy) are significant sustainable consumption predictors of solar energy. However, the top-down regulatory legitimation narrative alone is insufficient to overcome poorly developed taken-for-granted (cognitive legitimacy) and morally correct consumption behavior (normative legitimacy), especially among the general population. Second, while consumption is primarily seen as a micro-level, residential and commercial customers phenomenon, the intersecting macro- (government) and meso-levels' (industry/market) narratives and discourses influence and direct micro-level consumption.

Originality/value

Future research agenda on legitimizing the sustainable consumption of solar energy needs to consider the dynamic interactions of institutional narratives and discourses through the lens of institutional theory and practice. Sustained, bold and provident government interventions and actions through market structure and policy issues play a crucial role in the consumption process, particularly in developing economies.
Reliability modeling and performance evaluation of solar photovoltaic system using Gumbel–Hougaard family copula
Authors: Maihulla Anas Sani , Yusuf Ibrahim , Salihu Isa Muhammad
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Solar photovoltaic (PV) is commonly used as a renewable energy source to provide electrical power to customers. This research establishes a method for testing the performance reliability of large grid-connected PV power systems. Solar PV can turn unrestricted amounts of sunlight into energy without releasing carbon dioxide or other contaminants into the atmosphere. Because of these advantages, large-scale solar PV generation has been increasingly incorporated into power grids to meet energy demand. The capability of the installation and the position of the PV are the most important considerations for a utility company when installing solar PV generation in their system. Because of the unpredictability of sunlight, the amount of solar penetration in a device is generally restricted by reliability constraints. PV power systems are made up of five PV modules, with three of them needing to be operational at the same time. In other words, three out of five. Then there is a charge controller and a battery bank with three batteries, two of which must be consecutively be in operation. i.e. two out of three. Inverter and two distributors, all of which were involved at the same time. i.e. two out of two. In order to evaluate real-world grid-connected PV networks, state enumeration is used. To measure the reliability of PV systems, a collection of reliability indices has been created. Furthermore, detailed sensitivity tests are carried out to examine the effect of various factors on the efficiency of PV power systems. Every module's test results on a realistic 10-kW PV system. To see how the model works in practice, many scenarios are considered. Tables and graphs are used to show the findings.

Design/methodology/approach

The system of first-order differential equations is formulated and solved using Laplace transforms using regenerative point techniques. Several scenarios were examined to determine the impact of the model under consideration. The calculations were done with Maple 13 software.

Findings

The authors get availability, reliability, mean time to failure (MTTF), MTTF sensitivity and gain feature in this research. To measure the reliability of PV systems, a collection of reliability indices has been created. Furthermore, detailed sensitivity tests are carried out to examine the effect of various factors on the efficiency of PV power systems.

Originality/value

This is the authors' original copy of the paper. Because of the importance of the study, the references are well-cited. Nothing from any previously published articles or textbooks has been withdrawn.
Analyzing environmental sustainability enablers for an Indian steel manufacturing supply chain
Authors: Goyal Shishir , Routroy Srikanta
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish the structural relationships between the environmental sustainability enablers (ESEs) for the steel supply chain in India and also to classify them on the basis of driving and dependence power with an objective of achieving enhanced environmental sustainability performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The ESEs were identified through extensive literature review and discussion held with experts from the Indian steel industry. The interpretative structural modeling (ISM) approach was applied to an Indian steel supply chain to arrange these 12 ESEs in different hierarchies of the structural framework on the basis of their driver dependence power and also diagraph was developed to classify them.

Findings

The water pollution control system, air pollution control system and soil pollution control system were found to be in the bottom hierarchy of the ISM framework and these enablers were also observed in the driving quadrant of the diagraph. These driving enablers should be given priority for its full-scale development, management and monitoring to sustain and enhance the environmental sustainability in the Indian steel supply chain, whereas top management commitment, environment compliance certification and government regulation and incentives are the antecedents for carrying out the sustainability program.

Research limitations/implications

The outcomes of the current study are limited to the Indian steel manufacturing company in specific but the results will not change significantly for the steel sectors in India. However, an empirical analysis can be used to explore and validate the structural framework for its acceptability.

Practical implications

The outcomes from the methodology provide the basis for an Indian steel manufacturing industry to develop the right strategy in their quest for environmental sustainability.

Originality/value

Although the study on ESEs of various industries was reported in the literature, the comprehensive study to identify the significant ESEs related to the Indian steel supply chain for environmental sustainability in specific have been hardly carried out. The current study will definitely be a valuable addition to environmental sustainability literature in general and steel supply chain environmental sustainability in specific.
Knowledge, diffusion and interest in blockchain technology in SMEs
Authors: Bracci Enrico , Tallaki Mouhcine , Ievoli Riccardo , Diplotti Sonia
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The paper aims to understand the possible determinants of knowledge of, and interest in using, blockchain, with a particular focus in the future intention to apply this technology. Blockchain technology is deemed to radically change business models and processes. Using this technology in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is still a novel idea. Moreover, not much is known about the diffusion and level of interest towards blockchain in SMEs. This research adopts a knowledge management perspective, drawing on technology acceptance model to highlight the level of blockchain technology diffusion, and to explore which factors lead SMEs’ to adopt blockchain.

Design/methodology/approach

This study distributed a questionnaire to a sample of 300 SMEs in Italy. This study received 96 responses (32% response rate). This study calculated descriptive statistics and undertook a reliability analysis. Finally, this study performed a logistic regression to analyse the determinants of further intention to use blockchain technology.

Findings

Results show that blockchain technology is quite well known, but the level of knowledge is limited. Moreover, the research reveals that the rate of adoption is very low. Interest in the future adoption of blockchain is associated with knowledge, perception of usefulness and ease of use of blockchain.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first explorative studies showing which factors lead SMEs to adopt blockchain technologies and shedding some light on the interaction between knowledge management and blockchain adoption and diffusion in SMEs. It highlights how blockchain knowledge could determine future interest in blockchain innovation. This paper is relevant for public and private institutions that aim to promote, through knowledge management, the adoption of blockchain in SMEs.
A phase 2b, randomized, double‐blind, multicenter, vehicle‐controlled study to assess the efficacy and safety of two crisaborole regimens in Japanese patients aged 2 years and older with mild‐to‐moderate atopic dermatitis
Authors: Fujita Kayo , Yagi Michio , Moriwaki Shinichi , Yoshida Mizuki , Graham Daniela
Published: August 2021

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by pruritus, xerosis, and eczematous lesions. In Japan, treatment options, such as topical corticosteroids and tacrolimus, are associated with efficacy and safety concerns. Crisaborole ointment, 2%, is a topical non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory agent approved in several countries for the treatment of mild‐to‐moderate AD. This phase 2b, randomized, double‐blind study (NCT03954158) assessed the efficacy and safety of two crisaborole regimens versus vehicle in the treatment of Japanese patients aged ≥2 years with mild‐to‐moderate AD. Each patient was assigned to one of two age cohorts (≥12 or 2–11 years) and randomized to crisaborole once daily (QD) or twice daily (BID). All patients had two target lesions that were each randomly assigned to crisaborole or vehicle at baseline and treated for 2 weeks. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in total sign score (TSS) in crisaborole‐ or vehicle‐treated target lesions on day 15, and secondary endpoints included change from baseline in Investigator’s Static Global Assessment (ISGA) and pruritic assessments (Cohort 1: peak pruritus numeric rating scale [NRS]; Cohort 2: Itch Severity Scale Self‐Report and Caregiver‐Reported Itch Severity NRS) and incidence of treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs). This study comprised 81 patients (Cohort 1: n = 41; Cohort 2: n = 40). Crisaborole‐treated lesions showed statistically significant reductions in TSS versus vehicle‐treated lesions at day 15 (p < 0.01), and numerically larger decreases in TSS were observed with crisaborole BID versus crisaborole QD in both cohorts. Furthermore, crisaborole‐treated lesions generally demonstrated greater decreases in ISGA, peak pruritus NRS, Itch Severity Scale, and Caregiver‐Reported Itch Severity NRS versus vehicle‐treated lesions irrespective of regimen or cohort. Overall, TEAEs were mild; the most frequently reported TEAEs was application site irritation. In summary, both crisaborole regimens, particularly crisaborole BID, demonstrated efficacy and were well tolerated.
Connexin 43 participates in atrial electrical remodelling through colocalization with calcium channels in atrial myocytes
Authors: Peng De‐wei , Lai Ying‐yu , Luo Xue‐shan , Li Xin , Deng Chun‐yu , Guo Hui‐ming , Zhao Jun‐fei , Yang Hui , Liu Yang , Wang Zhao‐yu , Xu Yu‐wen , Kuang Su‐juan , Wu Shu‐lin , Xue Yu‐mei , Rao Fang
Published: August 2021

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with atrial conduction disturbances caused by electrical and/or structural remodelling. In the present study, we hypothesized that connexin might interact with the calcium channel through forming a protein complex and, then, participates in the pathogenesis of AF. Western blot and whole‐cell patch clamp showed that protein levels of Cav1.2 and connexin 43 (Cx43) and basal ICa,L were decreased in AF subjects compared to sinus rhythm (SR) controls. In cultured atrium‐derived myocytes (HL‐1 cells), knocking‐down of Cx43 or incubation with 30 mmol/L glycyrrhetinic acid significantly inhibited protein levels of Cav1.2 and Cav3.1 and the current density of ICa,L and ICa,T. Incubation with nifedipine or mibefradil decreased the protein level of Cx43 in HL‐1 cells. Moreover, Cx43 was colocalized with Cav1.2 and Cav3.1 in atrial myocytes. Therefore, Cx43 might regulate the ICa,L and ICa,T through colocalization with calcium channel subunits in atrial myocytes, representing a potential pathogenic mechanism in AF.
One year effectiveness of an app‐based treatment for urinary incontinence in comparison to care as usual in Dutch general practice: A pragmatic randomised controlled trial over 12 months
Authors: Loohuis Anne MM , Van Der Worp Henk , Wessels Nienke J , Dekker Janny H , Slieker‐Ten Hove Marijke CPh , Berger Marjolein Y , Vermeulen Karin M , Blanker Marco H
Published: August 2021

Objective

To assess the long‐term effectiveness of app‐based treatment for female stress, urgency or mixed urinary incontinence (UI) compared with care‐as‐usual in primary care.

Design

A pragmatic, randomised controlled, superiority trial.

Setting

Primary care in the Netherlands from 2015 to 2018, follow up at 12 months.

Population

Women with two or more UI episodes per week and access to mobile apps, wanting treatment. A total of 262 women were randomised equally to app or care‐as‐usual; 89 (68%) and 83 (63%) attended 1 year follow up.

Interventions

The standalone app included conservative management for UI with motivation aids (e.g. reminders). Care‐as‐usual was delivered according to the Dutch GP guideline for UI.

Main outcome measures

Effectiveness assessed by the change in symptom severity score (ICIQ‐UI‐SF) and the change in quality of life (ICIQ‐LUTSqol) with linear regression on an intention‐to‐treat basis.

Results

Clinically relevant improvement of UI severity for both app (−2.17 ± 2.81) and care‐as‐usual (−3.43 ± 3.6) groups, with a non‐significant mean difference of 0.903 (−0.66 to 1.871).

Conclusion

App‐based treatment is a viable alternative to care‐as‐usual for UI in primary care in terms of effectiveness after 1 year.

Tweetable abstract

App‐based treatment for female urinary incontinence is a viable alternative to care‐as‐usual after 12 months.
Epidemiology, management, and prevention of exit site infections in peritoneal dialysis patients
Authors: Sachar Moniyka , Shah Ankur
Published: August 2021

Exit site infection (ESI) is a leading complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD), at an incidence of 0.6 episodes per year in the United States, and a major risk factor for catheter removal and peritonitis. An estimated 20% of all peritonitis cases are preceded by an ESI, with up to 50% of Staphylococcus aureus peritonitis associated with ESI. Gram‐negative ESIs are less associated with succeeding peritonitis than their gram‐positive counterparts, though when present, are associated with a lower peritonitis cure rate. The rate of catheter removal for refractory ESI is relatively highest in ESI due to mycobacteria (up to 40%), S. aureus (35%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (28%), followed by Corynebacterium, Serratia, and fungi. In review of relevant literature, we found no prophylactic benefit of dressings over nondressings, specific antiseptics over normal saline, or topical honey over topical antibiotic prophylaxis, and thus recommend individualized exit site hygiene. We found topical gentamicin effective for prevention of most ESIs, including gram‐negative ESIs, and thus recommend consideration of prophylactic topical gentamicin in areas of high gram‐negative peritonitis incidence. With long‐term use, observational studies detect up to 25% of gram‐positive and 14% of gram‐negative ESIs may be mupirocin and gentamicin resistant, respectively. We review empiric and targeted ESI management, including indications for ultrasound, anti‐VMRSA, anti‐Pseudomonal, and anti‐mycobacterial antibiotic use, and catheter removal. We recommend further investigation into the earlier use of second‐line treatment agents and the utility of treating post‐infectious exit site colonization as avenues to decrease refractory and repeat ESI.
Relaxin exerts a protective effect during ischemia‐reperfusion in the rat model
Authors: Kohsaka Tetsuya , Yoneda Yoshitaka , Yoshida Takuya , Minagawa Itaru , Pitia Ali M. , Iwasawa Atsushi , Ikegaya Naoki
Published: August 2021

Background

Testicular torsion, which causes ischemia‐reperfusion (IR) injury, is a serious urological emergency that can lead to testicular dysfunction, including infertility, primarily among newborn and pubertal males; thus, effective drugs should be administered during or after ischemia.

Objectives

Using a rat model of testicular IR injury, the present study investigated the protective effects of relaxin (RLN) against oxidative stress, testicular dysfunction, inflammation, histological damage, arrested spermatogenesis, and germ cell apoptosis as well as explored the usefulness of RLN as a potential protective drug for IR injury combined with surgical treatment.

Materials and methods

Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were subjected to left testicular ischemia for 2 h, followed by 24 h of reperfusion. They were subsequently divided into three groups: sham, IR, and IR + RLN groups. Porcine RLN (500 ng/h) or saline was infused using an implanted osmotic mini‐pump 90 min after inducing ischemia. The RLN dose used herein was that which resulted in serum RLN levels comparable to those in mid‐pregnant rats based on previous studies.

Results

Testicular IR increased germ cell apoptosis and histological damage as well as promoted disorganized and arrested spermatogenesis, accompanied by a significant increase in oxidative stress and inflammation. However, RLN administration ameliorated the adverse consequences associated with IR injury by attenuating oxidative stress and mitigating apoptosis and inflammation.

Discussion and conclusion

The study findings clearly demonstrated that RLN exerts a protective effect against IR‐induced testicular injury by attenuating oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation, suggesting that RLN together with surgical treatment is a potentially efficacious approach toward ameliorating testicular dysfunction following testicular torsion.
Conspiracy beliefs and the impact on health behaviors
Authors: Kroke Abigail M. , Ruthig Joelle C.
Published: August 2021

Health‐related conspiracy beliefs are widespread, cover a variety of health topics, and can impact behavior. As such, understanding exactly how these beliefs impact health behavior is an important step in developing interventions to increase preventative health behaviors and individuals' overall health and well‐being. This review assesses two different widely endorsed health‐related conspiracy beliefs using two key health models, the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB; Ajzen, 1985) and the Health Belief Model (HBM; Rosenstock et al., 1988, https://doi.org/10.1177/109019818801500203), in order to determine how these beliefs may impact health behavior and possible avenues for intervention. Attitudes and subjective norms from the TPB, along with perceived severity, barriers, and benefits from the HBM, were the most salient to conspiracy beliefs. Future research should consider a mixed model approach that utilizes components from both theories in intervention planning and assessment.
Contrasting effects of exogenous and endogenous attention on size perception
Authors: Han Yifei , Tan Zhihao , Zhuang Huang , Qian Jiehui
Published: August 2021

Although neuroimaging studies have shown that exogenous and endogenous attention are dissociable, only a few behavioural studies have explored their differential effects on visual sensitivity, and none have directly focused on visual appearance. Here, we show that exogenous and endogenous attention produces contrasting effects on apparent size. Participants performed a spatial pre‐cueing comparative judgement task that had been frequently used to test the attentional effects on visual perception. The results showed that a smaller stimulus within the focus of exogenous attention was perceived to be equal in size as a larger unattended stimulus, whereas a larger stimulus within the focus of endogenous attention was perceived to be equal in size as a smaller unattended stimulus. In other words, exogenous attention increased the perceived size while endogenous attention decreased the perceived size. The contrasting effects may be attributed to the mechanism that exogenous attention favours parvocellular processing for which more neurons with smaller receptive fields (RFs) are activated for a given size, whereas endogenous attention favours magnocellular processing for which fewer neurons with larger RFs are activated. This finding shows that exogenous and endogenous attention acts differentially on size perception, and provides supportive evidence for the distinct mechanisms underlying the two types of attentional processing.
FEV1 is independently related with impaired left atrial strain in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: A speckle tracking study
Authors: Kalaycıoğlu Ezgi , Çetin Mustafa , Kırış Tuncay , Özyıldız Ali Gökhan , Turan Turhan , Yılmaz Ahmet Seyda
Published: August 2021

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. It is known that impaired forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) is one of the risk factors of cardiovascular disease. Two‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D‐STE) can detect deterioration of left atrial mechanical functions in the subclinical stage. We hypothesized that reduced lung functions, measured by FEV1 in COPD patients, may be associated with impaired left atrial (LA) mechanical functions.

Objectives

Present study included 127 consecutive COPD patients. We divided study population into two groups: patients with normal LA strain (n = 20) or with impaired LA strain (n = 107).

Results

In univariate logistic regression analysis, age (p: 0.001), FEV1% (p < 0.001), FEV1 (p < 0.001), FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) (p: 0.014), white blood cell (p: 0.012), LA Max vol (p: 0.026), C‐reactive protein (p :0.001), arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2) (p: 0.019), arterial oxygen saturation (SO2) (p: 0.021), left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) (p: 0.042), and mitral A‐wave velocity (p: 0.017) were associated with impaired LA‐strain. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, age (p: 0.043), FEV1 (p < 0.001), LA Max vol (p: 0.004), and LVEF (p: 0.004) were independently associated with impaired LA strain.

Conclusion

FEV1 is associated with impaired left atrial strain independently of arterial blood gas and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction parameters in COPD patients with preserved left ventricular systolic function.
Multimodal imaging changed clinical decision‐making: A rare mediastinal yolk sac tumor infiltrating the heart and follow‐up
Authors: Yang Qun , Liu Hongyun , Liu Yani
Published: August 2021

Background

Primary yolk sac tumor of the mediastinum is an extremely rare and highly malignant neoplasm, affecting mainly young men.

Method and result

This case report describes a 60‐year‐old man with a mediastinal yolk sac tumor and infiltrating the heart. A large mobile mass was found in the right atrium by transthoracic echocardiography, and myxoma was suspected. However, contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography imaging revealed a remarkable enhancement in the mass. Highly metabolized mass was not only found in the right atrium, also in superior vena cava and right superior mediastinum by whole‐body positron emission tomography‐computed tomography. Supraclavicular lymph node biopsy confirmed the tumor as a primary mediastinum yolk sac. The tumor started to shrink during chemotherapy and AFP levels decreased. This patient significantly benefited from the chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Multimodal imaging plays a vital role in the diagnostic workup and management for cardiac mass.
Hump‐shaped relationship between aggregation tendency and body size within fish populations
Authors: Pan Ruo‐Yu , Kuo Ting‐Chun , Hsieh Chih‐hao
Published: August 2021

A distribution with high spatial variability may impair the bet‐hedging capacity of a population, threatening population sustainability. Although the association between aggregation and life history traits of a species (e.g. body size) has been documented, the relationship between aggregation and size within a population has rarely been explored. As selective over‐fishing may induce size truncation in the targeted stocks, it is critical to understand if such a truncation also undermines the distribution patterns of the population. In this study, we examined if and how the ‘aggregation tendency' varies among different size classes of a population. Aggregation tendency was quantified as the exponent b of Taylor's power law (V = a × Mb), which measures the change in spatial variance (V) with the mean abundance (M) of a population. We estimated b by size class for each of the nine commercially important fish species in the North Sea, using ICES survey data from 1991 to 2015. Our study found that the relationship between b and body size within a population is hump‐shaped, with a peak slightly larger than the 50% mature length of the species. This result indicates larger adults in a population tend to distribute less heterogeneously when abundance increases, suggesting that larger size classes play a critical role in reducing the variability of population distribution. Our findings highlight the importance of considering the combined effects of fishing‐induced size truncation and changes in aggregation patterns in fishery management. That is, maintaining the size and spatial structure for the target stocks of selective fisheries is critical for the sustainability of the populations.
Applying Evidence‐Centered Design in the Development of a Multidimensional Adaptive Reading Motivation Measure
Authors: Wang Wenhao , Kingston Neal M. , Davis Marcia H. , Tiemann Gail C. , Tonks Stephen , Hock Michael
Published: August 2021

Adaptive tests are more efficient than fixed‐length tests through the use of item response theory; adaptive tests also present students questions that are tailored to their proficiency level. Although the adaptive algorithm is straightforward, developing a multidimensional computer adaptive test (MCAT) measure is complex. Evidence‐centered design (ECD) can provide a highly structured framework to guide the development of a MCAT. In this paper, the development of the adaptive reading motivation measure (ARMM) demonstrates the process of applying ECD to the development of a MCAT measure. This paper focuses on the conceptual assessment framework layer of the ECD that guides the technical aspects of MCAT development. The five models of conceptual assessment framework layer are student model, task model, evidence model, assembly model, and presentation model. How each model guided the development of the ARMM is described in detail. In this paper, we demonstrate how the conceptual assessment framework in ECD can provide a useful structure for developing MCAT measures.
Role of psoriatic keratinocytes in the metabolic reprogramming of dermal mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Cao Yue , Liang Nan‐Nan , Chang Wen‐Juan , Li Jun‐Qin , Jiao Juan‐Juan , Hou Rui‐Xia , Li Juan , Zhang Kai‐Ming
Published: August 2021

Background

Psoriasis is an immune‐mediated inflammatory skin disease, featured by epidermal hyperproliferation. Psoriasis exhibits metabolic abnormalities, which can further aggravate the condition of psoriasis. The present study aimed to investigate the role of psoriatic keratinocytes (KCs) in the metabolic reprogramming of dermal mesenchymal stem cells (DMSCs).

Methods

Dermal mesenchymal stem cells were cocultured with primary KCs either from psoriatic lesions or from normal subjects using Transwell plate. Glycolysis and mitochondrial metabolism of DMSCs were detected by Seahorse Metabolic Analyzer. Expression levels of proteins were analyzed by Western blotting. DMSCs proliferation was assessed using 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine assay and Cell Counting Kit‐8.

Results

In comparison with normal KCs, coculture of psoriatic KCs with DMSCs dramatically increased glycolytic and mitochondrial metabolism, and expression levels of stem cell factor, epidermal growth factor, glucose transporter 1, and c‐Myc. Moreover, psoriatic KCs were more potent than normal KCs in the stimulation of DMSC proliferation.

Conclusions

In conclusion, psoriatic KCs display a higher potency in metabolic reprogramming and stimulation of DMSC proliferation, possibly contributing to the pathogenesis of psoriasis. However, whether the intervention of metabolic reprogramming of DMSCs can alleviate psoriasis remains to be determined.
Concentration effect on oxygen quenching behavior of EuxY0.08‐xZr0.92O1.96 and DyxY0.08‐xZr0.92O1.96 phosphors
Authors: Yang Lixia , Zhong Bofeng , Kou Zongde , Peng Di , Chen Zhaofeng , Yu Min , Zhao Xiaofeng
Published: August 2021

The effect of oxygen partial pressure on the phosphorescence of EuxY0.08‐xZr0.92O1.96 and DyxY0.08‐xZr0.92O1.96 (x = 0.001, 0.005, 0.01, 0.02, 0.05) phosphors was investigated and compared to explore the Ln3+ (Ln3+ = Eu3+, Dy3+) concentration effect on oxygen quenching using a lifetime‐based measurement system equipped with a heatable and pressure controllable chamber. The phosphorescence lifetimes of these two series of phosphors were found to be sensitive to the oxygen partial pressure in high‐temperature environments. Surprisingly, the oxygen sensitivity of DyxY0.08‐xZr0.92O1.96 phosphors markedly increases as the Dy3+ concentration increases, while that of EuxY0.08‐xZr0.92O1.96 phosphors remains nearly constant. Further analysis shows that the oxygen quenching phenomenon is attributable to an oxygen vacancy‐induced non‐radiative decay reduction. However, the mechanisms of non‐radiative decay affected by oxygen vacancies differ, with a charge transfer state (CTS) transition mechanism in EuxY0.08‐xZr0.92O1.96 and a cross‐relaxation mechanism in DyxY0.08‐xZr0.92O1.96 phosphors. The CTS measured from the excitation spectrum is found to be independent of the Eu3+ concentration. In contrast, cross‐relaxation is closely related to the Dy3+ concentration, as demonstrated by the concentration‐quenching behaviours of the phosphorescence intensities and lifetimes, and the non‐exponential decay curves. The present research was expected to shed light on the development and optimization of oxygen/pressure sensors for high‐temperature service.
Revealing the solid‐state processing mechanisms of antiferroelectric AgNbO3 for energy storage
Authors: Zhang Mao‐Hua , Carstensen Leif , Zhao Changhao , Fulanović Lovro , Donner Wolfgang , Koruza Jurij
Published: August 2021

AgNbO3 is one of the prominent lead‐free antiferroelectric (AFE) oxides, which readily exhibits a field‐induced AFE to ferroelectric phase transition and thus a high energy storage density. The solid‐state synthesis of AgNbO3 is considered difficult and an oxidizing atmosphere is typically employed during AgNbO3 processing, on the premise that oxygen can prevent possible decomposition of the silver oxide at high temperatures. However, details about the influence of processing parameters on the functional properties of AFE AgNbO3 are insufficiently understood. In this work, the solid‐state reaction of a stoichiometric AgO and Nb2O5 mixture was investigated. We found that ball milling can convert AgO into metallic Ag, which is beneficial for lowering the reaction temperature for the formation of the perovskite phase to 500‒600℃. Moreover, the influence of the processing atmosphere (air, O2, and N2) was investigated by thermal analysis and in situ X‐ray diffraction. Since the reaction between Ag and Nb2O5 to form AgNbO3 requires oxygen uptake, AgNbO3 was only found to form in air and O2, whereby the kinetics were faster in the latter case. All the sintered AgNbO3 samples exhibited a similar crystallographic structure, although the samples processed in O2 had a lower oxygen vacancy concentration. Despite this, well‐defined AFE double polarization loops were obtained in all cases. Our results indicate that decomposition of sliver oxide during ball milling is beneficial for the solid‐state reaction, while a pure O2 atmosphere is not essential for the synthesis of high‐quality AgNbO3. These findings may simplify the processing and facilitate further research of AgNbO3‐based antiferroelectrics.