bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MiRNA and Erythropoietin profiles during the menstrual cycle in relation to hematological and lipid biomarkers
Authors: Bergström Helena , Heiland Carmel , Björkhem-Bergman Linda , Ekström Lena
Published: November 2021

Background

Circulatory micro RNAs (miRNA) have been discussed as complementary diagnostic markers in cardiovascular diseases, and in anti-doping testing. MiR-144 and miR-486 have been associated with cholesterol homeostasis and hematopoiesis, respectively. In addition, they have been suggested as putative biomarkers for autologous blood transfusion and erythropoietin (EPO) doping. The aim of the present study was to assess the variability of miR-144-3p/5p, miR-486-5p/3p and EPO during the menstrual cycle. Secondary aim was to study the correlations between miRNAs, EPO and hematological parameters and lipids.

Methods

13 healthy women with regular menses were followed with weekly blood sampling during two whole menstrual cycles. MiRNAs were analyzed using TaqMan and PCR followed by calculation of the relative expression for each miRNA using ddCT approach.

Results

There was no menstrual cycle variability in miRNAs and EPO. MiRNA-144-3p was associated with HDL-C (rs=-0.34, p=0.036) and miRNA-486-5p with Hb (rs=0.32, p=0.046). EPO concentrations correlated to lymphocytes (rs=-0.062, p=0.0002)),Hb (rs= -0.42, p=0.0091), HDL-C (rs=0.36, p=0.030) and triglycerides (rs=-0.54, p=0.0006).

Conclusions

The results of this study may increase the understanding of how miR486-5p and miR144-3p as well as EPO correlate to hematopoietic and lipid biomarkers.
Identification and characterization of BEND2 as a novel and key regulator of meiosis during mouse spermatogenesis
Authors: Ma Longfei , Xie Dan , Lin Xiwen , Nie Hengyu , Chen Jian , Gao Chenxu , Duo Shuguang , Han Chunsheng
Published: November 2021

The chromatin state undergoes global and dynamic changes during spermatogenesis, and is critical to chromosomal synapsis, meiotic recombination, and transcriptional regulation. However, the key regulators involved and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Herein we report that mouse BEND2, one of the BEN-domain-containing proteins conserved in vertebrates, was specifically expressed in spermatogenic cells within a short time-window spanning meiotic initiation, and that it plays an essential role in the progression of prophase in meiosis I. Bend2 gene knockout in male mice arrested meiosis at the transition from zygonema to pachynema, disrupted synapsis and DNA double-strand break repair, and induced non-homologous chromosomal pairing. BEND2 interacted with a number of chromatin-associated proteins—including ZMYM2, LSD1, CHD4, and ADNP— which are components of certain transcription-repressor complexes. BEND2-binding sites were identified in diverse chromatin states and enriched in simple sequence repeats. BEND2 contributed to shutting down the mitotic gene-expression program and to the activation of meiotic and post-meiotic gene expression, and it regulated chromatin accessibility as well as the modification of H3K4me3. Therefore, our study identified BEND2 as a novel and key regulator of meiosis, gene expression, and chromatin state during mouse spermatogenesis.

Teaser

Meiosis is a highly complex yet poorly understood process that involves the concerted actions of an increasing number of regulators, of which the list remains incomplete. Ma et al. identified BEND2 as a novel and key regulator of meiosis and showed that it interacts with critical chromatin modulators and specific genomic elements to control the expression of mitotic and meiotic genes.
Factors Influencing the Detection of Antibacterial Resistant Escherichia coli in Faecal Samples from Individual Cattle
Authors: Turner Andrea , Schubert Hannah , Puddy Emma F. , Sealey Jordan E. , Gould Virginia C. , Cogan Tristan A. , Avison Matthew B. , Reyher Kristen K.
Published: November 2021

Aims

To investigate whether on-farm antibacterial usage (ABU), environmental antibacterial resistant (ABR) Escherichia coli prevalence, and sampling and sample handling methodologies are associated with ABR E. coli positivity in individual faecal samples from dairy heifers.

Methods and Results

Three hundred and sixty-four heifers from 37 farms were sampled via rectal or faecal pat sampling. Samples were stored at -80°C for variable periods before microbiological analysis. Data analysis was through a multilevel, multivariable logistic regression approach.

Individual rectal samples had increased odds of positivity for amoxicillin, cefalexin and tetracycline-resistant E. coli. Sample storage for 6-12 month was associated with decreased odds of finding amoxicillin and tetracycline-resistant E. coli. On-farm ABU had little influence, and environmental ABR E. coli prevalence had no significant influence on on the odds of sample-level positivity for ABR E. coli.

Conclusions

Sampling methodology and sample handling have a greater association than on-farm factors with the detection of ABR E. coli in individual faecal samples from dairy heifers.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Sampling and storage methodologies should be considered carefully at the point of designing ABR surveillance studies in livestock and their environments and, where possible, standardised between and within future studies.
Predictive processing of scene layout depends on naturalistic depth of field
Authors: Gandolfo Marco , Nägele Hendrik , Peelen Marius V.
Published: November 2021

Boundary extension (BE) is a classic memory illusion in which observers remember more of a scene than was presented. According to predictive processing accounts, BE reflects the integration of visual input and expectations of what is beyond a scene’s boundaries. According to normalization accounts, BE rather reflects one end of a normalization process towards a scene’s typically-experienced viewing distance, such that close-up views give BE but distant views give boundary contraction. Here across four experiments, we show that BE strongly depends on depth-of-field (DOF), as determined by the aperture settings on a camera. Photographs with naturalistic DOF led to larger BE than photographs with unnaturalistic DOF, even when showing distant views. We propose that BE reflects a predictive mechanism with adaptive value that is strongest for naturalistic views of scenes. The current findings indicate that DOF is an important variable to consider in the study of scene perception and memory.

Statement of Relevance

In daily life, we experience a rich and continuous visual world in spite of the capacity limits of the visual system. We may compensate for such limits with our memory, by filling-in the visual input with anticipatory representations of upcoming views. The boundary extension illusion (BE) provides a tool to investigate this phenomenon. For example, not all images equally lead to BE. In this set of studies, we show that memory extrapolation beyond scene boundaries is strongest for images resembling human visual experience, showing depth-of-field in the range of human vision. Based on these findings, we propose that predicting upcoming views is conditional to a scene being perceived as naturalistic. More generally, the strong reliance of a cognitive effect, such as BE, on naturalistic image properties indicates that it is imperative to use image sets that are ecologically-representative when studying the cognitive, computational, and neural mechanisms of scene processing.
Correcting Cardiorespiratory Noise in Resting-state Functional MRI Data Acquired in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Chan Suk-tak , Sanders William R. , Fischer David , Kirsch John E. , Napadow Vitaly , Bodien Yelena G. , Edlow Brian L.
Published: November 2021

Resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) is being used to develop diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic biomarkers for critically ill patients with severe brain injuries. In studies of healthy volunteers and non-critically ill patients, prospective cardiorespiratory data are routinely collected to remove non-neuronal fluctuations in the rs-fMRI signal during analysis. However, the feasibility and utility of collecting cardiorespiratory data in critically ill patients on a clinical MRI scanner are unknown. We concurrently acquired rs-fMRI (TR=1250ms), cardiac and respiratory data in 23 critically ill patients with acute severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), and 12 healthy control subjects. We compared the functional connectivity results after denoising with cardiorespiratory data (i.e., RETROICOR) with the results obtained after standard bandpass filtering. Rs-fMRI data in 7 patients could not be analyzed due to imaging artifacts. In 6 of the remaining 16 patients (37.5%), cardiorespiratory data were either incomplete or corrupted. In both patients and control subjects, the functional connectivity corrected with RETROICOR did not significantly differ from that corrected with bandpass filtering of 0.008-0.125 Hz. Collectively, these findings suggest that there is a limited feasibility and utility to prospectively acquire high-quality cardiorespiratory data during rs-fMRI in critically ill patients with severe TBI for physiological correction.
Identifying Causal Subsequent Memory Effects
Authors: Halpern David J. , Tubridy Shannon , Davachi Lila , Gureckis Todd M.
Published: November 2021

Over 40 years of accumulated research has detailed associations between neuroimaging signals measured during a memory encoding task and later memory performance, across a variety of brain regions, measurement tools, statistical approaches and behavioral tasks. But the interpretation of these Subsequent Memory Effects (SMEs) remains unclear: if the identified signals reflect cognitive and neural mechanisms of memory encoding then the underlying neural activity must be causally related to future memory. However, almost all previous SME analyses do not control for potential confounders of this causal interpretation, such as serial position and item effects. We collect a large fMRI dataset and use a novel experimental design and analysis approach that allows us to statistically adjust for all exogenous confounding variables. We find that, using standard approaches without adjustment, we replicate several univariate and multivariate subsequent memory effects and are able to predict memory performance across people. However, we are unable to identify any signal that reliably predicts subsequent memory after adjusting for confounding variables, bringing into doubt the causal status of these effects. We apply the same approach to subjects’ judgments of learning collected during an encoding period, and show that these behavioral measures of encoding quality do predict memory after adjustments, suggesting that it is possible to measure signals at the time of encoding that reflect causal mechanisms but that existing neuroimaging measures may not have the precision and specificity to do so.
Bedtime to the brain: How infants sleep habits intertwine with sleep neurophysiology
Authors: Schoch Sarah F. , Jaramillo Valeria , Markovic Andjela , Huber Reto , Kohler Malcolm , Jenni Oskar G. , Lustenberger Caroline , Kurth Salome
Published: November 2021

Adequate sleep is critical for development and facilitates the maturation of the neurophysiological circuitries at the basis of cognitive and behavioral function. Observational research has associated sleep problems in early life with worse later cognitive, psychosocial, and somatic health outcomes. Yet, the extent to which day-to-day sleep habits in early life relate to neurophysiology - acutely and long-term - remains to be explored. Here, we report that sleep habits in 32 healthy 6-month-olds assessed with actimetry are linked to fundamental aspects of their neurophysiology measured with high-density electroencephalography (hdEEG). Our study reveals four key findings: First, daytime sleep habits are linked to EEG slow wave activity (SWA). Second, habits of nighttime movement and awakenings from sleep are connected with spindle density. Third, habitual sleep timing is linked to neurophysiological connectivity quantified as Delta-coherence. And lastly, Delta-coherence at age 6 months predicts nighttime sleep duration at age 12 months. These novel findings widen our understanding that infants’ sleep habits are closely intertwined with three particular levels of neurophysiology: sleep pressure (determined by SWA), the maturation of the thalamocortical system (spindles), and the maturation of cortical connectivity (coherence). Our companion paper complements this insight in the perspective of later developmental outcomes: early thalamocortical connectivity (spindle density) at age 6 months predicts later behavioural status at 12 and 24 months. The crucial next step is to extend this concept to clinical groups to objectively characterize infants’ sleep habits “at risk” that foster later neurodevelopmental problems.

Highlights

Infant’s habitual sleep behavior (actimetry) is linked with their sleep neurophysiology (EEG)

Habits of daytime sleeping (naps) are related to slow wave activity

Infant’s movements and awakenings at nighttime are linked to their sleep spindles

Sleep timing (infant’s bedtimes) is associated with cortical connectivity in the EEG
Circulating Microvesicle-Associated Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Is a Novel Therapeutic Target to Treat Sepsis: Current Status and Future Considerations
Authors: Webber Robert J , Sweet Richard M , Webber Douglas S
Published: November 2021

Objective

To determine if mitigating the harmful effects of circulating microvesicle-associated inducible nitric oxide (MV-A iNOS) in vivo increases the survival of challenged mice in three different mouse models of sepsis.

Design

The ability of anti-MV-A iNOS monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to rescue challenged mice was assessed using three different mouse models of sepsis.

Setting

The vivarium of a research laboratory

Subjects

Balb/c mice

Interventions: Mice were challenged with an LD80 dose of either lipopolysaccharide (LPS / endotoxin), TNFα, or MV-A iNOS and then treated at various times after the challenge with saline as control or with an anti-MV-A iNOS mAb as a potential immunotherapeutic to treat sepsis.

Measurement and Main Results

Each group of mice was checked daily for survivors, and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were constructed. Five different murine anti-MV-A iNOS mAbs from our panel of 24 murine anti-MV-A iNOS mAbs (1) were found to rescue some of the challenged mice. All five murine mAbs were used to genetically engineer humanized anti-MV-A iNOS mAbs by inserting the murine complementarity-determining regions (CDRs) into a human IgG1,kappa scaffold and expressing the humanized mAbs in CHO cells. Three humanized anti-MV-A iNOS mAbs were effective at rescuing mice from sepsis in three different animal models of sepsis. The effectiveness of the treatment was both time and dose dependent. Humanized anti-MV-A iNOS rHJ mAb could rescue up to 80% of the challenged animal if administered early and at a high dose.

Conclusions

Our conclusions are MV-A iNOS is a novel therapeutic target to treat sepsis; anti-MV-A iNOS mAbs can mitigate the harmful effects of MV-A iNOS; the neutralizing mAb’s efficacy is both time and dose dependent; and a specifically targeted immunotherapeutic for MV-A iNOS could potentially save tens-of-thousands of lives annually and could result in improved antibiotic stewardship.
Executive control by fronto-parietal activity explains counterintuitive decision behavior in complex value-based decision-making
Authors: Matsui Teppei , Hattori Yoshiki , Tsumura Kaho , Aoki Ryuta , Takeda Masaki , Nakahara Kiyoshi , Jimura Koji
Published: November 2021

In real life, humans make decisions by taking into account multiple independent factors, such as delay and probability. Cognitive psychology suggests that cognitive control mechanisms play a key role when facing such complex task conditions. However, in value-based decision-making, it still remains unclear to what extent cognitive control mechanisms become essential when the task condition is complex. In this study, we investigated decision-making behaviors and underlying neural mechanisms using a multifactor gambling task where participants simultaneously considered probability and delay. Decision-making behavior in the multifactor task was modulated by both probability and delay. The behavioral effect of probability was stronger than delay, consistent with previous studies. Furthermore, in a subset of conditions that recruited fronto-parietal activations, reaction times were paradoxically elongated despite lower probabilistic uncertainty. Notably, such a reaction time elongation did not occur in control tasks involving single factors. Meta-analysis of brain activations suggested an association between the paradoxical increase of reaction time and strategy switching. Together, these results suggest a novel aspect of complex value-based decision-makings that is strongly influenced by fronto-parietal cognitive control.

Highlights

•

A value-based decision task with concurrent delay and probabilistic uncertainty

•

Stronger behavioral effect of probability than delay

•

Paradoxically long reaction time despite low probabilistic uncertainty

•

The task activated fronto-parietal cognitive control network

•

Reaction time elongation coincided with activation similar to strategy switching
What drives employee's involvement in corporate volunteering? Bright and dark side of consequences to organization
Authors: Sekar Srinivasan
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study assesses the relevance of both individual and contextual factors as an antecedent to employee participation in corporate volunteering (CV) activities and affective organizational commitment and inter-role conflict as an outcome of employee volunteering. This study draws from the functional theory of motivation, social exchange theory and role strain perspective to explain hypothesized relationship of the study constructs.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was administered with 461 employee volunteers who had participated in company-sponsored volunteering programs. The authors adopted structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the study hypotheses.

Findings

The findings from the survey suggest that altruistic motives and organization CV capability will impact employee's participation in CV. The results highlight that employee participation in CV enhances affective organizational commitment, indicating that employee volunteering creates inter-role conflict.

Research limitations/implications

Though the study has identified inter-role conflict as a potentially unfavorable outcome, exploring when and how employee volunteering will create a negative effect will add significant value to organizations to protect the interest of their employees.

Practical implications

This study provides insights to understand the relative effects of self- and other-oriented motives. The results suggest that organizations have more directed and carefully designed employee volunteering activities to enable more favorable benefits to employees.

Originality/value

This study contributes to expanding the knowledge on the phenomenon of employee volunteering by introducing and empirically validating an integrated framework of antecedents and consequences of employee volunteering.
A methodology for loss and performance assessment of a variable geometry turbocharger turbine through a new meanline FORTRAN program
Authors: Ketata Ahmed , Driss Zied
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Variable geometry turbine (VGT), a key component of modern internal combustion engines (ICE) turbochargers, is increasingly used for better efficiency and reduced exhaust gas emissions. The aim of this study is the development of a new meanline FORTRAN code for accurate performance and loss assessment of VGTs under a wider operating range. This code is a useful alternative tool for engineers for fast design of VGT systems where higher efficiency and minimum loss are being required.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed meanline code was applied to a variable geometry mixed flow turbine at different nozzle vane angles and under a wide range of rotational speed and the expansion ratio. The numerical methodology was validated through a comparison of the predicted performance to test data. The maps of the mass flow rate as well as the efficiency of the VGT system are discussed for different nozzle vane angles under a wide range of rotational speed. Based on the developed model, a breakdown loss analysis was carried out showing a significant effect of the nozzle vane angle on the loss distribution.

Findings

Results indicated that the nozzle angle of 70° has led to the maximum efficiency compared to the other investigated nozzle vane angles ranging from 30° up to 80°. The results showed that the passage loss was significantly reduced as the nozzle vane angle increases from 30° up to 70°.

Originality/value

This paper outlines a new meanline approach for variable geometry turbocharger turbines. The developed code presents the novelty of including the effect of the vane radii variation, due to the pivoting mechanism of the nozzle ring. The developed code can be generalized to either radial or mixed flow turbines with or without a VGT system.
Knowledge management practices and green innovation in SMES: the role of environmental awareness towards environmental sustainability
Authors: Polas Mohammad Rashed Hasan , Tabash Mosab I. , Bhattacharjee Amitab , Dávila Guillermo Antonio
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of knowledge management dimensions (i.e. knowledge acquisition, knowledge dissemination and knowledge responsiveness) on green innovation. The study also seeks to determine whether these relationships are mediated by the environmental awareness in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the UAE.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained from a sample of 194 SMEs (two informants from each firm that consist of 388 top managers) in Abu Dhabi, UAE. In this cross-sectional study, convenience random sampling was used. The positivism approach was adopted using a hypothetical statistical induction method. Validated measurement scales were used to measure the study constructs adopted from previous studies. Data were analysed using a quantitative approach with Smart partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) 3.0.

Findings

The results of the study indicated a positive and significant association between knowledge acquisition, knowledge dissemination and knowledge responsiveness with green innovation. Moreover, the data analysis confirmed that environmental awareness mediates the relationship between knowledge dissemination and green innovation. However, no mediation role of environmental awareness in the relationship between knowledge acquisition and knowledge responsiveness with green innovation was found.

Practical implications

Knowing how to manage knowledge effectively is considered to be one of the most important aspects of green innovations. Nonetheless, there was a dearth of literature highlighting the relevance of knowledge management for long-term organisational success. The results of this study present practical implications for SME professionals. Green innovation with the support of environmental awareness may help a firm understand and implement the importance of knowledge management into their administrative operations. They can subsequently become eco-innovative ecologically, economically and socially.

Originality/value

This is one of the very few studies that examine the effect of knowledge management dimensions (knowledge acquisition, knowledge dissemination and knowledge responsiveness) on green innovation in UAE SMEs.
Investigating the role of national culture on integrated report assurance: international evidence
Authors: Uyar Ali , Kilic Merve , Kuzey Cemil
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Drawing on neo-institutional, stakeholder, social contract and contingency theories, the objective of this study is to examine whether cultural values across countries may influence decisions to assure integrated reports.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, the authors have collected integrated reporting assurance, national culture and firm-specific data from several sources for the years ranging between 2011 and 2016 and have performed pooled and panel logistic regression analyses.

Findings

The authors found that corporations established in countries where the following characteristics prevail have higher tendencies to assure integrated reports: high collectivism among people, low power distance, strong feminine values rather than masculine values, high uncertainty avoidance, pursuance of short-term goals rather than long-term and a low level of indulgence.

Research limitations/implications

The study is not free from limitations. First, the authors were only able to obtain assurance data for the years between 2011 and 2016 since 2011 was the initial year in which integrated reporting was adopted. Second, culture variables used throughout the study remained the same for each year due to the unavailability of differing data. This was noted in prior studies as well; thus, this is not an exception. Third, the assumption that all companies in a country have the same culture score is inherent in the scoring system of countries (Orij, 2010).

Practical implications

Based on the results, the authors drew implications for organizations, policymakers and assurance service providers. Multinational corporations can benefit from the outcome of this study by considering national cultures in formulating their corporate strategies. Finally, assurance service providers can position themselves in the marketplace by the findings of this study.

Originality/value

This paper aims to enhance the comprehension of corporate reporting practices by companies that operate in different countries, with necessarily varying cultural values. To the best knowledge of the authors, no prior study has yet examined the impact of national culture on the assurance of integrated reports.
Selection on convergent functional traits drives compositional divergence in early succession of a tallgrass prairie restoration experiment
Authors: Karimi Nisa , Larkin Daniel J. , Glasenhardt Mary‐Claire , Barak Rebecca S. , Williams Evelyn W. , Ernst Adrienne R. , Hipp Andrew L.
Published: November 2021

Plant biodiversity is often partitioned into taxonomic diversity (species composition and abundance), phylogenetic diversity (breadth of evolutionary lineages) and functional diversity (resource‐use strategies or physical traits). Evaluating the effects and interplay of these dimensions can provide insights into how assembly processes drive compositional changes in plant communities. However, teasing apart the effects of different biodiversity dimensions is challenging in observational studies or retrospective analyses.

To evaluate how plant phylogenetic and trait history shape community establishment and turnover in restoration of a species‐rich North American tallgrass prairie, we conducted an experiment with 127 species planted in assemblages representing three levels of phylogenetic diversity (PD) and two of functional trait diversity (FD), holding starting species richness (SR) fixed. We tested whether PD and FD of planted assemblages predicted species diversity, compositional turnover and selection on functional traits.

Rank order of initial functional and phylogenetic diversity levels was maintained throughout the experiment, but neither diversity measure correlated positively with species richness by the end of the experiment. Phylogenetic and taxonomic beta diversity increased among all treatments. This increase in compositional beta diversity was associated with directional selection on phylogenetically dispersed functional traits. A set of functional traits associated with competitiveness in tallgrass prairies predicted species' cover for all survey years: stem dry matter content, leaf dry matter content, vegetative height and rhizomatous growth. Although all plots collectively converged on a similar suite of functional traits, functional beta diversity increased among high‐FD plots.

Synthesis. Neither higher functional nor phylogenetic diversity maintained higher species richness (SR) over time in our study. Although SR was not maintained, higher levels of PD and FD were. Both types of diversity shaped the rate at which plots changed in composition over time, with high diversity treatment plots increasing in beta diversity. Selection for traits convergent across the tree of life drove phylogenetic and compositional divergence among plots. While optimization of site‐specific functional traits may be most important for maintaining higher SR, our work implies that planting higher initial PD and FD may make grassland restorations more adaptable to site conditions that may be difficult to predict.
When is it time to stop? When good enough becomes bad enough
Authors: Abramovitch Henry
Published: November 2021

This article draws on Winnicott’s concept of the good enough mother to discuss how to know whether a therapeutic situation is good enough to continue or bad enough to end. This dilemma is explored in terms of clinical syndromes, such as anorexia and pathological gambling, but focuses mainly on analyst‐initiated endings, which are termed the ‘Casablanca dilemma’, based on an amplification of the ending of the film Casablanca. The author goes on to discuss such one‐sided endings, drawing on interviews with 40 analysts and therapists about their clinical experience. A typology of bad enough endings is presented. The psychological differences between a good enough analysis as opposed to a bad enough one are explored through the ideas of Winnicott and Neumann.
Helping students connect the macroscopic level to the molecular level
Authors: Schmidt Shelly J.
Published: November 2021

It has been well documented that for many students science is difficult to learn. Thus, as a food chemistry teacher, it has been my mission to continually search for and implement better ways to help my students learn chemistry. One strategy for improved learning, based on Johnstone's Triangle, that has been shown to be exceedingly effective, is to intentionally and explicitly provide students with opportunities to see and experience chemistry at the macroscopic level (things they can observe), so that they can make a more meaningful and lasting connection to the molecular level (things they cannot directly observe). Thus, the focus of this article is to share with you six demonstrations and one assignment that help make chemistry visible to students, providing them with a macromolecular manifestation of a molecular level property or event. Featured demonstrations are grouped into two categories: The Properties of Water Demonstrations (Water's #1 Superpower: Hydrogen Bonding) and The Phase Transitions of Water Demonstrations (Water's #2 Superpower: Shapeshifting). The assignment is modeled after the popular Unwrapped TV series.
The reversal of drug resistance by two‐dimensional titanium carbide Ti2C (2D Ti2C) in non‐small‐cell lung cancer via the depletion of intracellular antioxidant reserves
Authors: Zhu Yue , Sui Baiyan , Liu Xin , Sun Jiao
Published: November 2021

Background

Chemoresistance is a major barrier limiting the therapeutic efficacy of late stage non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this study, we sought to use two‐dimensional titanium carbide (2D Ti2C) to reverse cisplatin resistance in NSCLC.

Methods

We first achieved favorable properties as a potential anti‐tumor agent. We then compared cell viability and cisplatin uptake in chemoresistant NSCLC cells before and after the use of 2D Ti2C. Afterwards, we explored the effects of 2D Ti2C on intracellular antioxidant reserves, followed by evaluating the subsequent changes in the expression of core drug resistance genes. Finally, we confirmed the tumor inhibitory effect and bio‐safety of 2D Ti2C in a drug‐resistant lung cancer model in nude mice.

Results

Due to the properties of thin layer, large specific surface area, and abundant reactive groups on the surface, 2D Ti2C can deplete the antioxidant reserve systems such as the glutathione redox buffer system, γ‐glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ‐GCS), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione‐S‐transferase‐Pi (GST‐π), and metallothionein (MT), thereby increasing the intracellular accumulation of cisplatin and decreasing the expression of drug resistance genes.

Conclusions

2D Ti2C can reverse NSCLC chemoresistance both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that it may potentially become a novel and effective means to treat chemoresistant NSCLC in the clinic.
Benefits and safety of transdermal glyceryl trinitrate in acute stroke: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Lim Beng Leong , Lee Wei Feng , Ng Wei Ming , Situ Wangmin , Loo Kee Vooi , Man Goh Carmen Jia , Chan Wui Ling
Published: November 2021

Background

Transdermal glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) has potential beneficial properties in acute stroke including intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and possible clinical benefits suggested in ultra‐early stroke (≤6 h). Our meta‐analysis updated the evidence on its safety and benefits in acute stroke.

Methods

We searched major electronic databases for randomized trials comparing transdermal GTN versus placebo/control in acute stroke. Primary outcomes were mortality, 90‐day modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and blood pressure (BP) effects. Secondary outcomes included early, late, resource utilization, and surrogate outcomes. Safety outcomes were adverse events. Reviewers identified studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias (RoB) using a modified Cochrane RoB instrument and quality of evidence (QoE) using GRADE. We also performed a priori subgroup and trial sequential analyses (TSA) on primary outcomes. These subgroup analyses were ICH versus ischemic stroke, minor (NIHSS ≤5) versus major (NIHSS >5) ischemic stroke, ischemic stroke with versus without thrombolysis, prehospital versus non prehospital settings, time from stroke to randomization ≤6 h versus >6 h, and high versus low overall RoB studies.

Results

Seven eligible primary trials enrolled 5363 patients. GTN reduced BP (mean difference [MD] = –4.74 mm Hg, 95% confidence interval [CI] = –6.03 to –3.45 mm Hg] and diastolic BP (MD = –2.94 mm Hg, 95% CI = –3.74 to −2.13 mm Hg) 24 h posttreatment but did not affect 4‐ to 10‐day mortality (relative risk [RR] = 1.11, 95% CI = 0.82 to 1.49), 90‐day mortality (RR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.77 to 1.19), and 90‐day mRS >2 (RR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.93 to 1.03) compared to control/placebo. The QoE was high for primary outcomes with no subgroup effects detected. GTN did not affect secondary outcomes and increased risk of headache and hypotension. TSA generally supported our conclusions regarding primary outcomes.

Conclusions

Transdermal GTN reduces BP in acute stroke but does not alter clinical outcomes even in ultra‐early stroke (≤6 h).
Take‐Pause: Efficacy of mindfulness‐based virtual reality as an intervention in the pediatric emergency department
Authors: Butt Mahlaqa , Kabariti Sarah , Likourezos Antonios , Drapkin Jefferson , Hossain Rukhsana , Brazg Jared , Motov Sergey
Published: November 2021

Background

Emergency department (ED) visits are known to be anxiety‐ridden and stress‐provoking experiences especially in the pediatric population. Distraction techniques have been used as a means to reduce anxiety and stress thereby facilitating care in the ED and making the visit less unpleasant. Our study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an active and immersive distraction technique, using a mindfulness‐based virtual reality (VR) program (Take‐Pause), to alleviate anxiety in pediatric ED patients.

Methods

A prospective, randomized, single‐blinded study, evaluating ED patients aged 13–17 years with a chief complaint of acute pain was conducted. Patients were randomized either to the active distraction intervention (VR group), utilizing the VR headset for 5 min, or to the passive distraction intervention (iPad group), playing on an iPad for 5 min. The primary outcome was a difference in the change in anxiety scores on the Spielberger State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory between the two groups. Secondary outcomes included a difference in pain scores, respiratory rate, and heart rate between the groups.

Results

A total of 110 subjects were enrolled. At 15 min, the mean anxiety score for the VR group improved by 10 points versus 6 points in the iPad group (p < 0.001; 95% confidence interval = 0.44 to 7.6). There was no statistical significance in the reduction of pain scores (p = 0.953) and respiratory rates (p = 0.776) between the groups. Patients enrolled in both groups did not experience any adverse effects.

Conclusion

Take‐Pause, offering an active and immersive distraction technique, is more effective than a passive distraction approach to lower anxiety levels in adolescent ED patients.
Anatomical description of the origin and distribution of the brachial plexus to the antebrachium in one puma (Puma concolor) (Linnaeus, 1771)
Authors: Barreto‐Mejía Ricardo , Ceballos Claudia P. , Tamayo‐Arango Lynda J.
Published: November 2021

The knowledge of the anatomy of the brachial plexus in animals is of great importance due to its applicability in clinical, diagnostic and surgical procedures. The objective of the present study was to describe the anatomy of the brachial plexus in the puma. The results demonstrate a broad anatomical similarity with other felines; however, some differences were found. The formation of the brachial plexus in the puma occurred from the ventral interconnections of the last three cervical nerve segments and the first thoracic (C6, C7, C8 and T1). The N. suprascapularis emerges from C6, innervating the M. supraspinatus, the M. infraspinatus, and also the M. cleidobrachialis, the latter by a smaller branch. We found an independent branch emerging from C6 that innervates the M. serratus ventralis cervicis, not reported in other species. The innervation territory of the N. axillary includes the M. cleidobrachialis. The M. teres major was not innervated by the axillary nerve, but by an entirely independent branch that came from C6 and C7, and that also innervated the most caudal part of the M. subscapularis.
Successful implantation of leadless pacemaker in a patient with giant right atrium and tricuspid valve stenosis
Authors: Xiong Qinmei , Hu Jinzhu , Zhou Qiongqiong , Huang Lin , Yu Jianhua , Li Juxiang , Chen Qi , Hong Kui
Published: November 2021

With the steadily increasing amount of leadless pacemaker implantations performed worldwide, it has called attention to the delivery difficulty in patients with severe large right heart. Nevertheless, limited studies have reported leadless pacemaker implantation in patients with tricuspid stenosis. Here, we report the successful implantation of leadless pacemaker in a 60‐year‐old female patient with giant right atrium and tricuspid valve stenosis. It is highlighted that leadless pacemaker should not be discouraged even if there are tricuspid valve stenosis and giant right atrium.
Automated assessment of Ki‐67 proliferation index in neuroendocrine tumors by deep learning
Authors: Vesterinen Tiina , Säilä Jenni , Blom Sami , Pennanen Mirkka , Leijon Helena , Arola Johanna
Published: November 2021

The Ki‐67 proliferation index (PI) is a prognostic factor in neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and defines tumor grade. Analysis of Ki‐67 PI requires calculation of Ki‐67‐positive and Ki‐67‐negative tumor cells, which is highly subjective. To overcome this, we developed a deep learning‐based Ki‐67 PI algorithm (KAI) that objectively calculates Ki‐67 PI. Our study material consisted of NETs divided into training (n = 39), testing (n = 124), and validation (n = 60) series. All slides were digitized and processed in the Aiforia® Create (Aiforia Technologies, Helsinki, Finland) platform. The ICC between the pathologists and the KAI was 0.89. In 46% of the tumors, the Ki‐67 PIs calculated by the pathologists and the KAI were the same. In 12% of the tumors, the Ki‐67 PI calculated by the KAI was 1% lower and in 42% of the tumors on average 3% higher. The DL‐based Ki‐67 PI algorithm yields results similar to human observers. While the algorithm cannot replace the pathologist, it can assist in the laborious Ki‐67 PI assessment of NETs. In the future, this approach could be useful in, for example, multi‐center clinical trials where objective estimation of Ki‐67 PI is crucial.
Editorial: biomarkers for alcohol‐related liver fibrosis—almost there?
Authors: Chokshi Shilpa , Mehta Gautam
Published: November 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Thiele et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16567 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16672
Editorial: risk of pneumonia in IBD—reading between the lines!
Authors: Meserve Joseph , Singh Siddharth
Published: November 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Khan et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16610
Letter: a randomised clinical trial comparing the effects of pregabalin with those of placebo on functional dyspepsia. Authors’ reply
Authors: Thinrungroj Nithi , Kotikula Isariyaphong , Pinyopornpanish Kanokwan
Published: November 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Chen et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16612 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16650
Investigating working adults' intentions to participate in microlearning using the decomposed theory of planned behaviour
Authors: Puah Shermain , Bin Mohmad Khalid Muhammad Iskandar Shah , Looi Chee Kit , Khor Ean Teng
Published: November 2021

The current work validated the decomposed theory of planned behaviour (DTPB) with working adults to assess its ability to predict intentions to participate in microlearning and also identify the significant factors that drive microlearning usage decisions. We found that positive attitudes towards microlearning (Attitude), stronger beliefs in others' opinions regarding microlearning use (SN), and stronger perceptions about one's capability to engage in microlearning (PBC), are associated with stronger intentions to participate in microlearning. All decomposed constructs were found to be significant predictors of the respective factors, except superior influence (SI) and resource facilitating conditions. We discuss potential targeted interventions focused on what works best to encourage microlearning adoption. For instance, while reporting superiors have no significant influence over one's microlearning use decisions, the opinions of peers and colleagues positively influence microlearning use. Hence, focusing on embedding community‐related aspects into a microlearning design may effectively encourage the use of microlearning.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

The decomposed theory of planned behaviour (DTPB) is reported to be suited for studying e‐Learning adoption due to its robustness and high explanatory power.

The DTPB allows for a deeper and more detailed explanation of behavioural intentions compared to other models.

However, the DTPB has not been explored for learning innovation such as microlearning.

What this paper adds

The DTPB was found to be theoretically sufficient for predicting intentions to participate in microlearning.

Attitudes towards microlearning was found as the strongest determinant of intentions, followed by one's beliefs in others' opinions regarding microlearning use, and lastly, perceptions about one's capability to engage in microlearning.

Contrary to expectations, only the influence of peers in one's social circle was significantly predictive of subjective norm, while the influence of those in positions of authority in the workplace (e.g., one's reporting manager or superior) was not.

Additionally, while self‐efficacy and technology‐related facilitating conditions (e.g., technical compatibility, technical support) were significant predictors of perceived behavioural control, the availability of resources required to perform microlearning was not.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Factors identified as strongly influential for behavioural intentions may aid in facilitating and accelerating microlearning adoption in the workforce.
Approximately counting and sampling knowledge states
Authors: Matayoshi Jeffrey
Published: November 2021

Approximately counting and sampling knowledge states from a knowledge space is a problem that is of interest for both applied and theoretical reasons. However, many knowledge spaces used in practice are far too large for standard statistical counting and estimation techniques to be useful. Thus, in this work we use an alternative technique for counting and sampling knowledge states from a knowledge space. This technique is based on a procedure variously known as subset simulation, the Holmes–Diaconis–Ross method, or multilevel splitting. We make extensive use of Markov chain Monte Carlo methods and, in particular, Gibbs sampling, and we analyse and test the accuracy of our results in numerical experiments.
Use of transcortical miniscrews for alveolar ridge preservation following tooth extraction: A pilot study
Authors: Joseph Surya , Oh Se‐Lim , Pae Eung‐Kwon , Joshi Shashank
Published: November 2021

Objectives

The purpose of this split‐mouth pilot study was to investigate the effects of a transcortical miniscrew placed over the buccal plate of an extraction socket for alveolar ridge preservation in humans.

Methods

One week after the extraction of bilateral maxillary premolars, cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) and intraoral digital imaging were performed (T0). A transcortical miniscrew was placed over the buccal plate of the extraction socket on one side (experiment), and the extraction socket on the contralateral side was left untreated (control). Follow‐up CBCT and intraoral digital imaging were performed at 8 months immediately after miniscrew removal (T8). Changes in the width of the alveolar bone and ridge were measured by superimposing T0 and T8 of CBCTs and intraoral digital scans.

Results

Six participants completed the study protocol. Overall, the experimental side with the miniscrew demonstrated less bone loss and less alveolar ridge reduction than the control side. Bone loss on the experimental side (0.7 ± 0.2 mm) was significantly less than that on the control side (1.3 ± 0.7 mm) at the apical level of the socket on axial CBCT imaging (Wilcoxon signed rank test, p = .031). The experimental side (−18 ± 8%) exhibited less reduction in the alveolar ridge width than the control side (−21 ± 12%) at the crestal level on coronal superimposition of the intraoral digital scans.

Conclusions

Transcortical miniscrew placement over the buccal plate of the extraction socket resulted in less resorption of the alveolar ridge and bone 8 months after tooth extraction.

Clinical trial registration

NCT03205800: Temporary Anchorage Devices for Ridge Preservation (TAD).