bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry targeted screening of 16 fentanyl analogs and U‐47700 in hair: Application to 137 authentic samples
Authors: Larabi Islam Amine , Martin Marie , Etting Isabelle , Pfau Gregory , Edel Yves , Alvarez Jean Claude
Published: June 2020

This study was to validate a LC–MS/MS method for the determination of 17 new synthetic opioids (NSOs) in hair including 3‐fluorofentanyl, 3‐methylfentanyl, acetylfentanyl, acetylnorfentanyl, alfentanyl, butyrylfentanyl, butyrylnorfentanyl, carfentanil, fentanyl, furanylfentanyl, furanylnorfentanyl, methoxyacetylfentanyl, norcarfentanil, norfentanyl, ocfentanil, sufentanil, and U‐47700, and to apply it to 137 authentic samples. Twenty milligrams of hair was decontaminated in dichloromethane and underwent liquid extraction. 10 μL of the reconstituted residue were injected onto the system. The separation was performed in 12 minutes in a gradient mode at a flow rate of 300 μL/min using a Hypersyl Gold PFP column (100 × 2.1 mm i.d., 1.9 μm) maintained at 30°C. Compounds were detected in positive ionization and MRM modes using a TSQ Endura mass spectrometer (ThermoFisher). The method was validated according to EMA guidelines. The LLOQ was in the range 1–50 pg/mg, and the calibration ranged from the LLOQ‐1000 pg/mg. Intra‐ and inter‐day accuracy (bias) and precision were < 15%. Extraction recoveries of parent drugs and metabolites were 74–120% and 7–62%, respectively. The matrix effect was in the range 59–126% (CVs ≤ 12.9%). Fentanyl was found in six cases at concentrations of < 1–1650 pg/mg (n = 14 segments). Five fentanyl analogs were quantified in two cases: 3‐fluorofentanyl (25–150 pg/mg, n = 5), furanylfentanyl (15–500 pg/mg, n = 5), methoxyacetylfentanyl (500–600 pg/mg, n = 2), acetylfentanyl (1 pg/mg, n = 2), carfentanyl (2.5–3 pg/mg, n = 2). This fully validated method allowed us to test for the first time 3‐fluorofentanyl and norcarfentanil in hair among 15 other NSOs, and brings new data regarding 3‐fluorofentanyl and methoxyacetylfentanyl hair concentrations.
Can interbasin water transfer affect water consumption and pollution? Lessons from China's South–North water transfer project
Authors: Sheng Jichuan , Tang Weizong , Webber Michael
Published: June 2020

Interbasin water transfer has become a means by which countries around the world solve the problem of water shortage. Moreover, interbasin water transfers may also stimulate stronger controls over water pollution control in water‐receiving areas. However, most existing literature fails to examine the impacts of interbasin water transfers on water consumption and pollution from the perspective of the complex entanglement between human activities and environmental change. In order to respond to this research gap, this study establishes an improved human–environment model that considers the impacts of interbasin water transfer, and uses data about China's South–North Water Transfer Project to empirically study the temporal and spatial effects of interbasin water transfers. The results show that interbasin water transfer not only fails to improve water consumption in water‐receiving cities but also further restricts residents' water use due to the high water price caused by this project. Furthermore, interbasin water transfers also fail to reduce water pollution in water‐receiving cities—levels of water pollution depend more on external environmental policies. These results have some implications for understanding the interbasin water transfers in authoritarian states: although interbasin water transfers do not affect water consumption and pollution, authoritarian states can maintain and consolidate their political legitimacy by gaining public trust through interbasin water transfers.
Digital health care solution for proactive heart failure management with the Cordella Heart Failure System: results of the SIRONA first‐in‐human study
Authors: Mullens Wilfried , Sharif Faisal , Dupont Matthias , Rothman Alexander M.K. , Wijns William
Published: June 2020

Aims

Incorporation of remote monitoring of pulmonary artery pressure and vital signs has been demonstrated to reduce heart failure (HF) hospitalization and all‐cause mortality in selected symptomatic HF patients. The aim of this study is to investigate the safety and accuracy of the new CordellaTM Pulmonary Artery Pressure Sensor (Endotronix, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) and the usability of the comprehensive CordellaTM Heart Failure System (CHFS).

Methods and results

Multicentre, open‐label, first‐in‐human, feasibility study to evaluate the CHFS and the safety and accuracy of the Cordella™ Pulmonary Artery Pressure Sensor in 15 patients with New York Heart Association class III HF. All patients were successfully implanted with the Cordella Pulmonary Artery Pressure Sensor, without sensor failure. No device system‐related complications, defined as invasive treatment, device explant or death, occurred. The primary efficacy endpoint of a mean pulmonary artery pressure at 90 days was met in all but one patients with a cohort difference of 2.7 mmHg (Cordella Sensor 22.5 ± 11.8 mmHg, Swan–Ganz catheter 25.2 ± 8.5 mmHg). One patient did not go through the 90‐day right heart catheterization for safety reasons. Patient adherence to daily measurement, transmission of vital signs and pulmonary artery pressure sensor readings were recorded 99% of the time.

Conclusion

The initial experience of the CHFS incorporating comprehensive vital signs and pulmonary artery pressure monitoring enables safe and accurate monitoring of HF status.
The impact of COVID‐19 on heart failure hospitalization and management: report from a Heart Failure Unit in London during the peak of the pandemic
Authors: Bromage Daniel I. , Cannatà Antonio , Rind Irfan A. , Gregorio Caterina , Piper Susan , Shah Ajay M. , McDonagh Theresa A.
Published: June 2020

Aims

To examine the impact of COVID‐19 on acute heart failure (AHF) hospitalization rates, clinical characteristics and management of patients admitted to a tertiary Heart Failure Unit in London during the peak of the pandemic.

Methods and results

Data from King's College Hospital, London, reported to the National Heart Failure Audit for England and Wales, between 2 March–19 April 2020 were compared both to a pre‐COVID cohort and the corresponding time periods in 2017 to 2019 with respect to absolute hospitalization rates. Furthermore, we performed detailed comparison of patients hospitalized during the COVID‐19 pandemic and patients presenting in the same period in 2019 with respect to clinical characteristics and management during the index admission. A significantly lower admission rate for AHF was observed during the study period compared to all other included time periods. Patients admitted during the COVID‐19 pandemic had higher rates of New York Heart Association III or IV symptoms (96% vs. 77%, P = 0.03) and severe peripheral oedema (39% vs. 14%, P = 0.01). We did not observe any differences in inpatient management, including place of care and pharmacological management of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.

Conclusion

Incident AHF hospitalization significantly declined in our centre during the COVID‐19 pandemic, but hospitalized patients had more severe symptoms at admission. Further studies are needed to investigate whether the incidence of AHF declined or patients did not present to hospital while the national lockdown and social distancing restrictions were in place. From a public health perspective, it is imperative to ascertain whether this will be associated with worse long‐term outcomes.
Bidirectional resource scheduling algorithm for advanced long term evolution system
Authors: Gatti Ravi , Shankar Shiva
Published: June 2020

The 5G long term evolution‐advanced (LTE‐A) system aims to offer unprecedent data rates, user experience, and minimal latency amongst the end users with the introduction of carrier aggregation (CA) technology. Radio resource management (RRM) with scheduler is responsible for satisfying the user quality of service (QoS) requirements through resource allocation. Due to the need for an uninterrupted bidirectional communication between the eNodeB and user equipment (UE) in LTE‐A, the joint scheduling algorithm is acknowledged as a central research prospect. In this article, a modified joint uplink/downlink (UL/DL) user carrier scheduling algorithm satisfying demand service requests UE, is proposed. The joint optimization of the subcarrier assignment in an orthogonal frequency‐division multiplexing‐based network is utilized to balance the resource coupling between the UL/DL directions. CA is used to determine the weight factors required for the bandwidth allocation within the mobile users based on the QoS class identifier. These weight factors are employed as probability functions for resource allocation. The proposed algorithm will reduce the computational complexity arised in the conventional joint UL/DL scheduling algorithm based on the suboptimal solutions via probability functions. The simulation results show that the packet loss rate and packet delay among the mobile users are substantially reduced for both real‐time and nonreal‐time services.
Climate‐change refugia: biodiversity in the slow lane
Authors: Morelli Toni Lyn , Barrows Cameron W , Ramirez Aaron R , Cartwright Jennifer M , Ackerly David D , Eaves Tatiana D , Ebersole Joseph L , Krawchuk Meg A , Letcher Benjamin H , Mahalovich Mary F , Meigs Garrett W , Michalak Julia L , Millar Constance I , Quiñones Rebecca M , Stralberg Diana , Thorne James H
Published: June 2020

Climate‐change adaptation focuses on conducting and translating research to minimize the dire impacts of anthropogenic climate change, including threats to biodiversity and human welfare. One adaptation strategy is to focus conservation on climate‐change refugia (that is, areas relatively buffered from contemporary climate change over time that enable persistence of valued physical, ecological, and sociocultural resources). In this Special Issue, recent methodological and conceptual advances in refugia science will be highlighted. Advances in this emerging subdiscipline are improving scientific understanding and conservation in the face of climate change by considering scale and ecosystem dynamics, and looking beyond climate exposure to sensitivity and adaptive capacity. We propose considering refugia in the context of a multifaceted, long‐term, network‐based approach, as temporal and spatial gradients of ecological persistence that can act as “slow lanes” rather than areas of stasis. After years of discussion confined primarily to the scientific literature, researchers and resource managers are now working together to put refugia conservation into practice.
Combining physical and species‐based approaches improves refugia identification
Authors: Michalak Julia L , Stralberg Diana , Cartwright Jennifer M , Lawler Joshua J
Published: June 2020

Climate‐change refugia – locations likely to facilitate species persistence under climate change – are increasingly important components of conservation planning. Recent approaches for identifying refugia at broad scales include identifying regions that are projected to experience less severe changes (climatic exposure), that contain a diversity of physical and topographic features (environmental diversity), and that either retain or remain close to suitable climatic conditions (climate tracking, including both “species‐neutral” and species‐based approaches). We compared the degree of agreement between these approaches – with respect to their spatial coverage and other characteristics – across much of North America. This analysis found that approaches based on environmental diversity and species‐neutral climatic gradients both favored topographically complex regions, whereas climatic exposure and species‐based approaches identified regions with a range of topographic characteristics. Species‐based approaches targeting specific habitat groups identified unique regions missed by other approaches, emphasizing the importance of asking the question “refugia for what?” when prioritizing refugia. Our results highlight the necessity of including climatic exposure and species‐based information in addition to topographic diversity and climatic gradients in refugia analyses.
Protective effects of cyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside on UVB‐induced chronic skin photodamage in mice via alleviating oxidative damage and anti‐inflammation
Authors: Peng Ziyao , Hu Xiaolong , Li Xusheng , Jiang Xinwei , Deng Liehua , Hu Yunfeng , Bai Weibin
Published: June 2020

Excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure results in skin chronic photodamage via stimulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation. Anthocyanins are a group of flavonoids frequently found in edible plants. Cyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside (C3G) as a typical anthocyanin shows effective anti‐oxidative and anti‐inflammatory properties. This study aims to investigate whether the topical application of C3G moisturizing gel on mice can protect the skin from UVB‐induced chronic photodamage. The results of in vitro experiment showed that the active ingredient C3G can penetrate the mice skin. The dorsal of Kunming mice were treated with C3G moisturizing gel (100, 200, 300 μmol/L) after UVB exposure. The animal experiment demonstrated that C3G can reduce chronic photodamage caused by UVB. C3G could effectively ameliorate the UVB‐induced epidermal barrier dysfunction including an increase in the skin hydration and decrease in the transepidermal water loss, and have statistically significance. Besides, our results also indicated that C3G inhibited UVB‐induced epidermal hyperplasia, the destruction of collagen fibers, ROS levels, and the expression of COX‐2 and IL‐6. In brief, these results indicate that C3G can reduce UVB‐induced chronic photodamage by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation.
Clinical and surgical management of patients with head and neck cancer in a COVID‐19 dedicated center in Italy
Authors: Galli Jacopo , Settimi Stefano , Tricarico Laura , Almadori Giovanni , Paludetti Gaetano
Published: June 2020

Introduction

For the EARs NOSE AND THROAT (ENT) surgeon, there are many challenges that show‐up in the clinical management of a patient affected by a head and neck cancer during COVID‐19 pandemic, especially in the postoperative period.

Methods

During the acute COVID‐19 emergency phase in Italy, we analyzed the management of a patient affected by a head and neck cancer. We reported several clinical data about the hospitalization period, pointing out the difficulties encountered both from clinical and management point of view.

Results

During pandemic, we admitted 27 oncological patients at our ENT Department. Delays in surgical procedures, complications of hospitalizations, need for radiological studies, and possible transfer to other hospital ward, due to suspect SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, were registered.

Conclusions

The changes in the whole health care system during the COVID‐19 pandemic have impacted the management of patients with head and neck cancer, generating several clinical challenges for the ENT surgeon.
Impact of a tobacco treatment program on abstinence and survival rates among current smokers with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Day Andrew T. , Dahlstrom Kristina R. , Lee Rebecca , Karam‐Hage Maher , Sturgis Erich M.
Published: June 2020

Background

Approximately one quarter of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients smoke cigarettes at the time of diagnosis. Despite HNC guideline recommendations to treat tobacco dependence, the effectiveness of treatment in this population is poorly described.

Methods

This retrospective cohort review evaluated 117 current smokers with p16‐negative mucosal head and neck squamous cell carcinoma prospectively enrolled in a tobacco treatment program. Seven‐day point prevalence tobacco abstinence rates at 9 months and survival outcomes were compared among abstinent and nonabstinent groups.

Results

Median follow‐up among survivors was 62.4 months. Forty percent of patients were abstinent at 9 months according to intention‐to‐treat analysis. After adjustment for age, comorbidity and site, abstinent stage I to II patients had a decreased risk of death compared to smoking stage I to II patients (HR 0.15, 95% CI 0.03‐0.82).

Conclusions

High cohort abstinence rates and favorable survival among abstinent patients with early‐stage HNC confirm the importance of tobacco dependence treatment in this population.
Risk factors associated with the development of aspiration pneumonia in patients receiving radiotherapy for head and neck cancer: retrospective study
Authors: Kawashita Yumiko , Morimoto Shimpei , Tashiro Kensuke , Soutome Sakiko , Yoshimatsu Masako , Nakao Noriko , Kurogi Tadafumi , Saito Thoshiyuki , Ukai Takashi , Umeda Masahiro
Published: June 2020

Background

Patients with head and neck cancer who are receiving radiotherapy can develop aspiration pneumonia. Determination of the incidence of aspiration pneumonia and the associated risk factors could facilitate the identification of high‐risk patients.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we determined the incidence of aspiration pneumonia in 357 patients receiving radiotherapy along with oral care for head and neck cancer. We also performed univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses to investigate the risk factors for this complication.

Results

The incidence of aspiration pneumonia was 17.6%. Hypopharyngeal cancer, grade 3 oral mucositis, and nasogastric tube feeding were independent risk factors. Moreover, the development of aspiration pneumonia was one of the major effects on the discontinuation of radiotherapy.

Conclusion

Approximately, one‐sixth of the patients developed aspiration pneumonia despite appropriate oral care during radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. Aspiration pneumonia during radiotherapy could adversely affect head and neck cancer management.
COVID‐19 and fiscal space for health system in Pakistan: It is time for a policy decision
Authors: Shaikh Babar T. , Ali Nabeela
Published: June 2020

Most developing countries with weak economies and low GDPs strive to invest an optimal amount of budget to health sector. Compounding on this state of affairs is their inherent inefficiency to spend even that meager amount on the welfare of the patients, improving service delivery, motivating their workforce and making their health systems responsive to the needs of the people they serve. With weak fiscal base and inelasticity in budget spending, when these countries face a catastrophe like COVID‐19, there is a whole situation of havoc and lack of finances emerges as the biggest issue in such crises. Pakistan has been no exception to this kind of situation. Government funds allocated to other public sector development schemes are diverted to deal with the health emergency. Hence, the result is an overall socioeconomic shock that a country has to face. Amid such crises, other international commitments also face a state of uncertainty. With the changing disease patterns all over the world, the public financial management system for health sector needs to be revisited to devise a more sustainable and resilient mechanism not only to absorb shocks like COVID‐19 but also to meet the international health commitments.
FAM20C‐Mediated Phosphorylation of MEPE and Its Acidic Serine‐ and Aspartate‐Rich Motif
Authors: Christensen Brian , Schytte Gitte N , Scavenius Carsten , Enghild Jan J , McKee Marc D , Sørensen Esben S
Published: June 2020

Matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein (MEPE) is expressed in bone and teeth where it has multiple functions. The C‐terminus of MEPE contains a mineral‐binding, acidic serine‐ and aspartate‐rich motif (ASARM) that is also present in other noncollagenous proteins of mineralized tissues. MEPE‐derived ASARM peptides function in phosphate homeostasis and direct inhibition of bone mineralization in a phosphorylation‐dependent manner. MEPE is phosphorylated by family with sequence similarity 20, member C (FAM20C), which is the main kinase phosphorylating secreted phosphoprotein. Although the functional importance of protein phosphorylation status in mineralization processes has now been well‐established for secreted bone and tooth proteins (particularly for osteopontin), the phosphorylation pattern of MEPE has not been previously determined. Here we provide evidence for a very high phosphorylation level of this protein, reporting on the localization of 31 phosphoresidues in human MEPE after coexpression with FAM20C in HEK293T cells. This includes the finding that all serine residues located in the canonical target sequence of FAM20C (Ser‐x‐Glu) were phosphorylated, thus establishing the major target sites for this kinase. We also show that MEPE has numerous other phosphorylation sites, these not being positioned in the canonical phosphorylation sequence. Of note, and underscoring a possible important function in mineralization biology, all nine serine residues in the ASARM were phosphorylated, even though only two of these were positioned in the Ser‐x‐Glu sequence. The presence of many phosphorylated amino acids in MEPE, and particularly their high density in the ASARM motif, provides an important basis for the understanding of structural and functional interdependencies in mineralization and phosphate homeostasis. © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Effective phosphated CeO2 materials in the photocatalytic degradation of phenol under UV irradiation
Authors: Castañeda Claudia , Gutiérrez Karol , Alvarado Ignacio , Martínez José J , Rojas Hugo , Tzompantzi Francisco , Gómez Ricardo
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Photocatalytic degradation is considered as an effective and eco‐friendly alternative for removal of persistent pollutants. The enhancement of the photocatalytic properties of conventional photocatalysts such as CeO2 can be realized by surface modification with metals or nonmetals, which allows a reduction in the recombination frequency of charge carriers. In this study, superficially phosphated CeO2 materials with various anion contents obtained using an impregnation method were evaluated in the photodegradation of phenol under UV irradiation.

RESULTS

The addition of phosphate anions promoted an increase in the surface area and a slight decrease in the crystallite size. The anchorage of the phosphate anions was via bidentate mode. An enhancement in the degradation of the pollutant was evidenced using the phosphated materials with respect to the results observed using unmodified CeO2. Also, an effect of the content of anions was evidenced, the optimal amount being equal to 1.0 wt%.

CONCLUSIONS

The surface modification of CeO2 with phosphate anions favors a control of the physical and chemical properties of the semiconductor and the effective separation of electron–hole pairs, which leads to an increase in the photocatalytic activity. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, aminoguanidine improved Ki67 as a marker of neurogenesis and learning and memory in juvenile hypothyroid rats
Authors: Alikhani Vajiheh , Beheshti Farimah , Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar Mahboobeh , Marefati Narges , Mansouritorghabeh Fatemeh , Hosseini Mahmoud
Published: June 2020

Introduction

In the present study, the effect of inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, aminoguanidine (AG) on neurogenesis indicators, learning and memory, and oxidative stress status in juvenile hypothyroid (Hypo) rats was evaluated.

Method

The studied groups were including: (a) Control, (b) Hypo, (c–e) Hypo‐AG 10, Hypo‐AG 20, and Hypo‐AG 30. Hypothyroidism was induced in the groups 2–5 by adding propylthiouracil in drinking water (0.05%). AG (10, 20, or 30 mg/kg) was daily injected intraperitoneally in the groups 3–5. The rats of the groups 1 and 2 were injected by saline instead of AG. After 6 weeks treatment, Morris water maze (MMW) and passive avoidance (PA) tests were done. Deep anesthesia was then induced and the brain tissue was excised for biochemical parameters measuring.

Results

Ki67 as a maker of neurogenesis and thiol, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) as oxidative stress indicators were decreased in the brain of Hypo group, whereas malondialdehyde (MDA) and NO metabolites were enhanced. AG improved Ki67, thiol, CAT, and SOD while decreased MDA and NO metabolites. The escape latency in the MWM test increased in the Hypo group. The spending time in the target quadrant in the probe test of MWM and step‐through latency in the PA test in the Hypo group was lower than Control group. AG reversed all the negative behavioral effects of hypothyroidism.

Conclusion

These results revealed that AG improved neurogenesis, learning and memory impairments, and oxidative imbalance in the brain juvenile Hypo rats.
Long noncoding RNA FTX is associated with prognosis of glioma patients
Authors: Liang Yongjuan , Lu Hongzhen
Published: June 2020

Background

Long noncoding RNAs play influential roles in the progression of many types of human malignancies. The present study aimed to explore the prognostic value of long noncoding RNA FTX (FTX) on patients with glioma.

Methods

FTX expression in glioma specimens and matched adjacent non‐neoplasm specimens was examined by a quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay. Furthermore, assays of the relationships between FTX expression and clinicopathologic characteristics of patients with glioma were also performed. Kaplan–Meier methods were applied for the assays of the overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) of patients and Cox regression assays were used to analyze the clinical value of FTX used as a possible biomarker.

Results

FTX levels were significantly up‐regulated in glioma specimens compared to the paired non‐neoplasm specimens (p < 0.01). Furthermore, high FTX expression in neoplasm tissues was dramatically associated with World Health Organization grade (p = 0.001) and Karnofsky Performance Score (p = 0.009). Kaplan–Meier assays with 187 patients revealed that patients with high level of FTX expression displayed poorer OS (p = 0.002) and PFS (p = 0.000). Subsequently, multivariable Cox regression analysis identified FTX expression as an independent prognostic factor of unfavorable survivals in glioma (OS: p = 0.001; PFS: p = 0.002).

Conclusions

These findings indicated that FTX may be a novel predictor for prognostic assessment of glioma patients. However, studies conducted with larger numbers of patients are essential to confirm our findings.
CCDC88B is required for mobility and inflammatory functions of dendritic cells
Authors: Olivier Jean-Frederic , Fodil Nassima , Al Habyan Sara , Gopal Angelica , Artusa Patricio , Mandl Judith N , McCaffrey Luke , Gros Philippe
Published: June 2020

The Coiled Coil Domain Containing Protein 88B (CCDC88B) gene is associated with susceptibility to several inflammatory diseases in humans and its inactivation in mice protects against acute neuroinflammation and models of intestinal colitis. We report that mice lacking functional CCDC88B (Ccdc88bMut) are defective in several dendritic cells (DCs)-dependent inflammatory and immune reactions in vivo. In these mice, an inflammatory stimulus (LPS) fails to induce the recruitment of DCs into the draining lymph nodes (LNs). In addition, OVA-pulsed Ccdc88bMut DCs injected in the footpad do not induce recruitment and activation of antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in their draining LN. Experiments in vitro indicate that this defect is independent of the ability of mutant DCs to capture and present peptide antigen to T cells. Rather, kinetic analyses in vivo of wild-type and Ccdc88bMut DCs indicate a reduced migration capacity in the absence of the CCDC88B protein expression. Moreover, using time-lapse light microscopy imaging, we show that Ccdc88bMut DCs have an intrinsic motility defect. Furthermore, in vivo studies reveal that these reduced migratory properties lead to dampened contact hypersensitivity reactions in Ccdc88b mutant mice. These findings establish a critical role of CCDC88B in regulating movement and migration of DCs. Thus, regulatory variants impacting Ccdc88b expression in myeloid cells may cause variable degrees of DC-dependent inflammatory response in situ, providing a rationale for the genetic association of CCDC88B with several inflammatory and autoimmune diseases in humans.
The role of pituitary adenylyl cyclase activating polypeptide in affective signs of nicotine withdrawal
Authors: Nega Shiromani , Marquez Paul , Hamid Abdul , Ahmad Syed Muzzammil , Lutfy Kabirullah
Published: June 2020

Recent evidence implicates endogenous pituitary adenylyl cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) in the aversive effect of nicotine. In the present study, we assessed if nicotine‐induced conditioned place preference (CPP) or affective signs of nicotine withdrawal would be altered in the absence of PACAP and if there were any sex‐related differences in these responses. Male and female mice lacking PACAP and their wild‐type controls were tested for baseline place preference on day 1, received conditioning with saline or nicotine (1 mg/kg) on alternate days for 6 days and were then tested for CPP the next day. Mice were then exposed to four additional conditioning and were tested again for nicotine‐induced CPP 24 hr later. Controls were conditioned with saline in both chambers and tested similarly. All mice were then, 96 hr later, challenged with mecamylamine (3 mg/kg), and tested for anxiety‐like behaviors 30 min later. Mice were then, 2 hr later, forced to swim for 15 min and then tested for depression‐like behaviors 24 hr later. Our results showed that male but not female mice lacking PACAP expressed a significant CPP that was comparable to their wild‐type controls. In contrast, male but not female mice lacking PACAP exhibited reduced anxiety‐ and depression‐like behaviors compared to their wild‐type controls following the mecamylamine challenge. These results suggest that endogenous PACAP is involved in affective signs of nicotine withdrawal, but there is a sex‐related difference in this response.
Surface‐enhanced resonance Raman scattering in partially oxidized thin copper film
Authors: Saleem Muhammad Farooq , Haleem Yasir Abdul , Sun Wenhong , Ma Lei , Wang Deliang
Published: June 2020

Broad and low‐intensity Raman peaks are usually expected from nanocrystalline thin semiconductor films. The inherently weak Raman scattering phenomenon can be further deteriorated by unwanted background signals preventing the successful Raman analysis of an analyte. In this study, the resonant and surface‐enhanced Raman scattering techniques were combined to detect CuO and Cu2O phases in the partially oxidized nanocrystalline copper film that were otherwise undetectable. Heat treatment resulted in increased oxidation and phase transition from multiphase to single CuO phase that was in situ observed by temperature‐dependent Raman measurements. Detailed understanding of the film properties and substrate interaction was made by using several characterization techniques.
Synthesis and Aggregation of Novel Sugar‐Based Gemini Surfactant with a N, N′‐Acetylethylenediamine Spacer in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Wang Ruijuan , WanYan Ruihua , Yang Shuo , Wang Dong , Yin Zhigang
Published: June 2020

A novel sugar‐based Gemini surfactant with a N,N′‐acetylethylenediamine spacer (N,N′ (N‐dodecyl‐2‐D‐glucosaminyl acetyl) ethylenediamine, Glu(12)‐(AA)‐Glu(12)), was synthesized with D‐(+)‐Glucono‐1,5‐lactone as starting material in three steps. The surfactant's structure was confirmed using 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS). The aggregation behavior of Glu(12)‐(AA)‐Glu(12) in aqueous solution at pH 4.0, 7.0, and 10.0 was investigated by surface tension, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and cryogenic transmission electron microscopic (Cryo‐TEM) measurements. The surface tension measurement shows that the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of Glu(12)‐(AA)‐Glu(12) is at the concentration level of 10−5 mol·L−1 at 25 °C, which is significantly lower than that of corresponding monomeric sugar‐based surfactants. Compared with such sugar‐based Gemini surfactants with similar hydrophilic spacers, Glu(12)‐(AA)‐Glu(12) demonstrated similar or slightly lower surface activity. The CMC value of Glu(12)‐(AA)‐Glu(12) underwent a slight decrease with the increase of pH. DLS and Cryo‐TEM measurements reveal that Glu(12)‐(AA)‐Glu(12) forms micelles at acidic pH (pH 4.0) and the micelles are transformed into vesicles at neutral or high pH (pH 7.0, 10.0). The microstructural transformation of Glu(12)‐(AA)‐Glu(12) aggregates is related to the protonation state of its two tertiary amines in the head groups versus pH.
Effect of cultivating Pleurotus ostreatus on substrates supplemented with herb residues on yield characteristics, substrates degradation, and fruiting bodies’ properties
Authors: Jin Zhiqiang , Hou Qinwen , Niu Tianzeng
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Inappropriate disposal of herb residues in China has caused major problems for the immediate environment and to human safety. Here, three herb residues, compound Kushen injection (CKI), Qizhi Tongluo capsule (QTC), and Shenbai Shuxin capsule (SSC), were applied as substrates to corncob at various ratios (30:60, 45:45, and 60:30) for the propagation of the mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus. The effects of supplementation using herb residues on yield, biodegradation ability, bioactive compounds, antioxidant properties, and safety of P. ostreatus were assessed.

RESULTS

Different spawn running times were observed using growth medium, whereas 45CKI, 60QTC, and 30SSC media were determined as optimal‐performing substrate combinations, resulting in yields of 843 g kg−1, 828 g kg−1, and 715 g kg−1 respectively. Biodegradation analysis of consumed substrates revealed a significant decrease in cellulose and hemicellulose levels compared with lignin. Furthermore, chemical analysis of fruiting bodies revealed that the 45CKI and 60QTC substrates resulted in higher total phenol, flavonoid, terpenoid, and vitamin C levels, but significantly reduced water‐soluble polysaccharides compared with the corncob medium. The methanol extract of fruiting bodies grown on substrates containing herb residues exhibited higher antioxidant properties than the control, as it was more effective in scavenging 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radicals, had greater reducing power, and more strongly inhibiting lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, high‐performance liquid chromatography studies indicated that fruiting bodies did not generate matrine (a specific toxin produced in Kushen) when cultivated using the CKI substrate.

CONCLUSIONS

P. ostreatus cultivation on substrates mixed with herb residues facilitates herb residue management as well as bioactivity‐rich and non‐toxic fruit body formation. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
The Sequential Relation Between Changes in Catastrophizing and Changes in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Severity
Authors: Pimentel Stephania Donayre , Adams Heather , Ellis Tamara , Clark Robin , Sully Craig , Paré Catherine , Sullivan Michael JL.
Published: June 2020

Catastrophizing has been discussed as a cognitive precursor to the emergence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms following the experience of stressful events. Implicit in cognitive models of PTSD is that treatment‐related reductions in catastrophizing should yield reductions in PTSD symptoms. The tenability of this prediction has yet to be tested. The present study investigated the sequential relation between changes in a specific form of catastrophizing—symptom catastrophizing—and changes in PTSD symptom severity in a sample of 73 work‐disabled individuals enrolled in a 10‐week behavioral activation intervention. Measures of symptom catastrophizing and PTSD symptom severity were completed at pre‐, mid‐, and posttreatment assessment points. Cross‐sectional analyses of pretreatment data revealed that symptom catastrophizing accounted for significant variance in PTSD symptom severity, β = .40, p < .001, sr = .28 (medium effect size), even when controlling for known correlates of symptom catastrophizing, such as pain and depression. Significant reductions in symptom catastrophizing and PTSD symptoms were observed during treatment, with large effect sizes, ds = 1.42 and 0.94, respectively, ps < .001. Cross‐lagged analyses revealed that early change in symptom catastrophizing predicted later change in PTSD symptoms; early changes in PTSD symptom severity did not predict later change in symptom catastrophizing. These findings are consistent with the conceptual models that posit a causal relation between catastrophizing and PTSD symptom severity. The clinical implications of the findings are discussed.
A multistressor model of carbon acquisition regulation for macroalgae in a changing climate
Authors: Dudgeon Steve , Kübler Janet E.
Published: June 2020

It is widely hypothesized that noncalcifying macroalgae will be more productive and abundant in increasingly warm and acidified oceans. Macroalgae vary greatly in the magnitudes and interactions of responses of photosynthesis and growth to multiple stressors associated with climate change. A knowledge gap that exists between the qualitative “macroalgae will benefit” hypothesis and the variable outcomes observed is regulation of physiological mechanisms that cause variation in the magnitudes of change in primary productivity, growth, and their covariation. In this context, we developed a model to quantitatively describe physiological responses to coincident variation in temperature, carbonate chemistry and light supply in a representative bicarbonate‐using marine macroalga. The model is based on Ulva spp., the best understood dissolved inorganic carbon uptake mechanism among macroalgae, with data enabling synthesis across all parameters. At boundary layer pH < 8.7 most inorganic carbon is taken up through the external carbonic anhydrase (CAext) mechanism under all conditions of photosynthetic photon flux density, temperature, and boundary layer thickness. Each 0.1 unit decline in pH causes a 20% increase in the fraction of diffusive uptake of CO2 thereby lessening reliance on active transport of bicarbonate. Modeled downregulation of anion exchange‐mediated active bicarbonate transport associated with a 0.4 unit decline in pH under ocean acidification is consistent with enhanced growth up to 4% per day without increasing photosynthetic rate. The model provides a means to quantify magnitudes of change in productivity under factorial combinations of changing temperature, pCO2, and light supply anticipated as climate changes.
Prozessindustrie: In Echtzeit reagieren
Authors: Ehrensberger Christian
Published: June 2020

Der Mobilfunkstandard der fünften Generation überträgt größere Datenmengen schneller als die bisherige Technik. Damit lassen sich mehr Sensoren und Roboter in Logistik oder Produktion nutzen. Große Unternehmen steigen mit eigenen 5G‐Netzen ein, kleinere treten Verbundprojekten bei.
Schnell publiziert
Authors: Zbikowski Frauke
Published: June 2020

Medizinethiker drängen darauf, auch unter dem Druck der Coronakrise gute wissenschaftlichen Praxis zu beachten.
Effects of female workforce participation on crime: An analysis from the districts of India
Authors: Agarwal Goel Prarthna
Published: June 2020

This article assesses the impact of female workforce participation on violent and non‐violent crimes in India. Increase in female workforce should lead to greater investment in education and labour, more specifically by men. Greater representation of females also leads to increase in reporting of crime. These factors raise apprehension and conviction costs and should lead to fall in criminal engagements. Estimates suggest that a percent rise in female workforce leads to 1.5% rise in non‐violent crimes contemporaneously. With a decade lag, rise in female workforce causes reduction in violent crime by 1.1% and non‐violent crime by 2.24%.
Ethnic inequality in non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug‐associated harm in New Zealand: A national population‐based cohort study
Authors: Tomlin Andrew , Woods David John , Lambie Angela , Eskildsen Lisa , Ng Jerome , Tilyard Murray
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are associated with many serious complications and they are widely used in New Zealand (NZ). However, differences in NSAID‐associated risk for these complications between ethnic groups are largely unknown. We assessed ethnic disparities in risk of hospital admission for upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB), heart failure, and acute kidney failure (AKF) in NZ's primary care population prescribed and dispensed NSAIDs.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study utilising national pharmaceutical dispensing and hospital admissions data 2007 to 2015. Patient follow‐up included 90‐day periods following the dispensing of NSAIDs. Risk for each adverse outcome in Maori, Pacific, European, and Asian patients was estimated using multivariable Poisson regression adjusting for age, sex, deprivation, comorbidity and concurrent drug use.

Results

3 023 067 patients were dispensed NSAIDs between 2008 and 2015. Their total intended duration of NSAID treatment encompassed 2 353 140 patient‐years. Maori, Pacific and Asian patients were younger than European patients (all P < .001). After adjusting for other risk factors, Maori (rate ratio: 2.54, 95% confidence interval: 2.23‐2.90) and Pacific patients (3.17, 2.69‐3.74) were more likely to be hospitalised for UGIB than Europeans (reference), and heart failure (Maori: 2.48, 2.24‐2.74; Pacific: 1.97, 1.69‐2.30). Risk of AKF was higher in Maori (1.46, 1.23‐1.74). Higher risk for UGIB and HF in Maori and Pacific patients was most pronounced in males and patients aged <60 years.

Conclusions

Inequalities exist in the incidence of serious adverse outcomes experienced by different ethnic groups in NZ while using NSAIDs. Interventions to promote safer use of these medicines are required to reduce this inequity.
Oral reading fluency as a screening tool with English learners: A systematic review
Authors: Newell Kirsten W. , Codding Robin S. , Fortune Tara W.
Published: June 2020

Students learning to read in more than one language are a growing population in schools. Early screening and identification of reading difficulties may lead to better outcomes for all students. Oral reading fluency (ORF) is one tool shown to be both a reliable measure of reading and an accurate method to identify students at risk for poor reading outcomes. This study synthesized available validity evidence for ORF with biliterates. All included studies (n = 31) were conducted with English language learners in grades K–8. Results suggested that although ORF is correlated with reading outcomes, the accuracy of ORF to identify English learners at risk of poor reading outcomes does not meet criteria. The strength of validity evidence differed by language proficiency of participants. Finally, the quality of the reviewed studies was low in critical areas.
Nasal mask vs binasal prongs for nasal continuous positive airway pressure in preterm infants: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Razak Abdul , Patel Waseemoddin
Published: June 2020

Objective

To investigate the effect of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) given with nasal masks (NM) compared with binasal prongs (BNP) on the incidence of intubation within 72 hours in preterm infants (primary outcome) via meta‐analysis of clinical studies.

Data Sources

We searched for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) or quasi‐RCTs in Medline, PubMed, and Web of Science from inception through 4 December 2019.

Data Extraction/Synthesis

Two independent co‐authors extracting data performed the meta‐analysis using a fixed‐effect model to yield pooled relative risk (RR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) for each outcome. We used Cochrane GRADE to evaluate the evidence quality.

Results

Eleven RCTs met the inclusion criteria. The meta‐analysis showed NCPAP provided via NM significantly reduced the rate of intubation within 72 hours (RR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.58‐0.90; nine studies; GRADE‐moderate) and nasal trauma (RR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.55‐0.74; GRADE‐low) compared with NCPAP provided via BNP. Also, NCPAP via NM significantly reduced surfactant treatment (RR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.74‐0.97; GRADE‐very low) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (RR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.23‐0.95; GRADE‐low) compared with BNP in a setting where NCPAP was used as the primary support in respiratory distress syndrome. No statistically significant differences were noted between groups in secondary outcomes except increased NCPAP duration when NCPAP given with NM compared with BNP (mean difference [days], 1.78; 95% CI, 1.67‐1.89; GRADE‐low).

Conclusion

Among premature infants, NCPAP provided with NM is more effective in preventing intubation and mechanical ventilation within 72 hours of initiating the support compared with NCPAP provided with BNP.
Pathophysiological effects of intravenous phosphodiesterase type 4 inhibitor in addition to surfactant lavage in meconium‐injured newborn piglet lungs
Authors: Chen Wei‐Yu , Lin Chih‐Hsueh , Lee Yu‐Sheng , Tsao Pei‐Chen , Jeng Mei‐Jy
Published: June 2020

Background

Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, such as selective phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4) inhibitors have potential anti‐inflammatory and respiratory smooth muscle relaxation effects. This study aimed to investigate the pathophysiological effects of an intravenous PDE4 inhibitor (rolipram) and surfactant lavage (SL) in a newborn piglet model of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS).

Methods

MAS was induced in 25 newborn piglets, which were randomly divided into control and four SL treatment groups administered with different doses of intravenous rolipram (0, 0.1, 0.5, and 1 mg/kg). Cardiopulmonary variables were monitored and recorded. The experimental time was 4 hours. Serial blood was drawn for blood gas and biomarker analyses. Lung tissue was examined for histological analysis.

Results

All SL‐treated groups revealed improved oxygenation during the 4‐hour experiments and had significantly lower peak inspiratory pressure levels than the control group at the end of experiments. All SL plus rolipram‐treated groups exhibited significantly higher lung compliance than the control group. However, the animals receiving high‐dose (0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg) rolipram demonstrated significantly elevated heart rates. Lung histology of the nondependent sites revealed significantly lower lung injury scores in all SL‐treated groups compared with that in the control group, but there were no differences among the rolipram‐treated groups.

Conclusions

In addition to SL, intravenous PDE4 inhibitors may further improve lung compliance in treating MAS; however, it is necessary to consider cardiovascular adverse effects, primarily tachycardia. Further investigations are required before the clinical application of intravenous PDE4 inhibitor as an anti‐inflammatory agent to treat severe MAS.