bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbial Biotransformation of Iridoid Glycosides from Gentiana Rigescens by Penicillium Brasilianum
Authors: Xu Li‐Li , Liu Chang , Han Zhu‐Zhen , Han Han , Yang Li , Wang Zheng‐Tao
Published: October 2020

This study aimed to investigate the metabolic effects of endophytic fungi in Gentiana rigescens. From the 100 selected morphospecies, strain 7‐2 (Penicillium brasilianum) showed a remarkable biocatalytic activity for gentiopicroside and swertiamarin, yielding seven products, including one new compound, 5‐ethylidene‐8‐hydroxy‐4,5,6,8‐tetrahydropyrano[3,4‐c]pyran‐1‐one (M04), alongside six known compounds. Gentianine (M01) was the only metabolite of swertiamarin in this study, while the remaining ones were all gentiopicroside metabolites. Among these, five compounds: gentianine (M01), (5S,6S)‐5‐(hydroxymethyl)‐6‐methyl‐5,6‐dihydro‐1H,3H‐pyrano[3,4‐c]pyran‐1‐one (M02), (5R,6S)‐5‐(hydroxymethyl)‐6‐methyl‐5,6‐dihydro‐1H,3H‐pyrano[3,4‐c]pyran‐1‐one (M03), 2‐(3‐formyl‐2‐oxo‐3,6‐dihydro‐2H‐pyran‐4‐yl)but‐3‐enoic acid (M06), and 2‐oxo‐4‐(1‐oxobut‐3‐en‐2‐yl)‐3,6‐dihydro‐2H‐pyran‐3‐carboxylic acid (M07) were similar to gentiopicroside metabolites in humans. Screening the metabolic potential of endophytic fungi in Gentiana rigescens provides an outstanding source for assessing the bioactive metabolites of iridoid glycosides. The above findings suggested that the endophytic fungi of G. rigescens possess multi‐enzyme systems that mimic metabolic reactions in mammalian organisms.
Competency‐based learning (CBL): Developing a competency‐based geometry methods course
Authors: Lee Joohi , Pant Mohan
Published: October 2020

Objectives

This study aims to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of competencybased course (Conceptual Geometry). In addition, this paper presents the procedures of developing competency‐based course which include mapping out competencies of the course, developing a set of assessment instruments (e.g., diagonal, pre‐and post‐unit assessments, CBL comprehensive pre‐and post‐assessments).

Methods

One hundred seventy‐nine graduate students who enrolled in a 5‐week Conceptual Geometry online course participated in this study. During the session, three sets of assessments were administered to assess the baseline of student knowledge (diagonal assessment), effectiveness (comprehensive pre‐and post‐assessments, and student content knowledge (5 sets of pre‐and post‐unit assessments).

Results

The results of this study showed that implementing an online CBL course is feasible and effective at a course level. Students showed higher scores on all of the post‐unit assessments (M = 95.45, SD = 4.62) than on the pre‐unit assessments (M = 69.42, SD = 7.77). This result supports the increase of student knowledge associated with geometry contents and pedagogy. The post‐comprehensive assessment results show an increase of student efficacy in geometry knowledge and skills using CBL course (pre‐assessment: M = 4.49, SD = 0.86; and post‐assessment: M = 5.14, SD = 0.40) which supports the increase of student efficacy of both content and pedagogical knowledge.
Potential effects of transdermal nitric oxide donor on fetal growth restriction and oligohydramnios: A case report
Authors: Murata Tsuyoshi , Fukuda Toma , Sato Tetsu , Kanno Aya , Kyozuka Hyo , Yasuda Shun , Yamaguchi Akiko , Kin Shogo , Fujimori Keiya
Published: October 2020

Transdermal nitric oxide donor may be a relatively safe treatment strategy for fetal growth restriction and oligohydramnios due to placental insufficiency.
Plasmonic Materials: Opportunities and Challenges on Reticular Chemistry for Photocatalytic Applications
Authors: Becerra Jorge , Gopalakrishnan Vishnu Nair , Quach Toan‐Anh , Do Trong‐On
Published: October 2020

Solar‐light harvesting materials currently represent a hot topic in catalysis due to the several applications where they can be used. Among the recent strategies to enhance the photocatalytic performance of semiconductor materials, plasmonic metals are trending. Coupling plasmonic metal nanoparticles with a semiconductor material can give unique synergistic effects and properties. Especially when reticular materials, like metal organic frameworks, are used to generate these plasmonic nanocomposites. Herein, a brief introduction to the localized surface plasmon resonance and reticular materials design and fabrication is given. Also, the advantages of plasmonic with reticular nanostructures are discussed. The following highlights summarize recent advances in sunlight‐driven plasmonic reactions (CO2 photoreduction, water depollution, gas sensing, and optical reactions). Theoretical and experimental approaches are discussed, regarding mechanistic phenomena of nanocomposites with reticular materials and surface plasmon metals. A proper discussion and perspective of the remaining challenges and future opportunities for plasmonic metals with reticular materials in the field of photocatalysis is given in the overview and conclusion.
In Situ Depositing Ag NPs on PDA/SiW11V Co‐encapsulated Fe3O4@TiO2 Magnetic Microspheres as Highly Efficient and Durable Visible‐light‐driven Photocatalysts
Authors: Wu Panfeng , Xue Qi , Liu Jiquan , Wang Tianyu , Feng Caiting , Liu Bin , Hu Huaiming , Xue Ganglin
Published: October 2020

The design and preparation of highly efficient and durable visible‐light‐driven photocatalysts remain a great challenge in the environment remediation. In this paper, a new multi‐component composite, Fe3O4@TiO2@PDA/SiW11V−Ag, is successfully fabricated by in situ assembling Ag nanoparticles (NPs) onto polydopamine (PDA) and mono‐vanadium substituted silicotungstate (SiW11VO406−, simplified as SiW11V) co‐encapsulated Fe3O4@TiO2 magnetic microspheres. In the photodegradation of methyl orange (MO) and photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) under visible light, the multi‐component composite displays the enhanced catalytic efficiency in comparison with other catalysts with less‐components. Structure‐reactivity relationship is established based on the correlation between photocatalytic efficiency and transient photocurrent intensity. Notably, the multi‐component composite exhibits high stability and durability in wide range of pH aqueous solutions and most of organic solvents. The successful preparation of this novel type of materials provides a promising approach for constructing stable photocatalysts with multi‐components, where poor compatibility of each component can be well bridged via PDA as an efficient linker and charge transport.
Surface analysis of polymer films for wettability and ink adhesion
Authors: Aydemir Cem , Altay Bilge Nazli , Akyol Merve
Published: October 2020

The interaction between inks and substrates is critical during printing. Adhesion of the ink film is determined by the reciprocal interactions of polar and nonpolar (dispersive) components between polymer films and inks. The greater the similarity between the polar and dispersive components of inks, coating and substrates, the better the wetting and adhesion on the surface of printing substrate. Various liquid materials in printing such as inks, varnishes, lacquers, and adhesives contain high ratios of water. The highly polar nature of water makes the interaction of these materials unsuitable with predominantly disperse polymer surfaces. Some films with polyolefin structure, especially polypropylene, and polyethylene, are nonpolar and cannot form strong bonds with ink, varnish, or lacquer coatings due to their chemical structure. Increasing surface energy components overcomes the poor wetting and adhesion on polymer surfaces. In this review, the topics of water contact angle measurement and determination of surface energy, surface tension, and using sessile drop method for the wettability and ink adhesion of polymer films are surveyed. Information on structural and chemical processes was given that assists in obtaining wettable film surfaces. Recommendations were made for good adhesion and printability based on surface treatment methods and ink modification.
Designed Single Atom Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Overall Water Splitting: 3d Transition Metal Atoms Doped Borophene Nanosheets
Authors: Xu Mingxia , Zhang Xiuyun , Liu Yaqi , Zhao Xinli , Liu Yongjun , Wu Ruchun , Wang Jinlan
Published: October 2020

Single atom catalysts (SAC) for water splitting hold the promise of producing H2 in a highly efficient and economical way. As the performance of SACs depends on the interaction between the adsorbate atom and supporting substrate, developing more efficient SACs with suitable substrates is of significance. In this work, inspired by the successful fabrications of borophene in experiments, we systematically study the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activities of a series of 3d transition metal‐based SACs supported by various borophene monolayers (BMs=α_sheet, α1_sheet, and β1_sheet borophene), TM/BMs, using density functional theory calculations and kinetic simulations. All of the TM/BMs systems exhibit superior HER performance compared to Pt with close to zero thermoneutral Gibbs free energy (ΔGH*) of H adsorption. Furthermore, three Ni‐deposited systems, namely, Ni/α_BM, Ni/α1_BM and Ni/β1_BM, were identified to be superior OER catalysts with remarkably reduced overpotentials. Based on these results, Ni/BMs can be expected to serve as stunning bifunctional electrocatalysts for water splitting. This work provides a guideline for developing efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts.
Commercial recreational pharmacology as the next drug problem
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: October 2020

Robert L. DuPont, M.D., president of the Institute for Behavior and Health Inc. in Rockville, Maryland, and Sharon Levy, M.D., M.P.H., director of the Adolescent Substance Use and Addiction Program at Boston Children's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, and associate professor in pediatrics with Harvard Medical School, shared an important message with us last month. It's about what they call “commercial recreational pharmacology,” which they define as “the personally controlled use of psychoactive drugs that super‐stimulate brain reward for pleasure.” There are few of these in the United States now, but young people use them: nicotine, cannabis (legal in some places), and, of course, alcohol.
Walking the talk in family firms. An empirical investigation of CSR communication and practices
Authors: Venturelli Andrea , Principale Salvatore , Ligorio Lorenzo , Cosma Simona
Published: October 2020

Family firms are embarking on a virtuous path increasingly oriented toward sustainable development. The corporate social responsibility (CSR), more and more regarded as a positive driver for the reputation and preservation in the medium to long term for the company, is now an element that falls within the credit valuations of banking firms. Our research investigates CSR communication and practices in small and medium‐sized family businesses. Using the socioemotional wealth perspective, we analyze the effect of family control and influence on CSR behavior. We perform a Poisson regression on an Italian regional sample of 200 family businesses. Our study reveals a greater propensity of family businesses to practices rather than CSR communication. Family control has a positive effect on CSR practices, while family involvement has an adverse effect on CSR communication. Besides, strong control and involvement have a negative effect on CSR communication.
Design and control of a reconfigurable high‐gain battery integrated dc‐dc boost converter for time‐varying loads
Authors: Saxena Anmol Ratna , Kumar Deepak
Published: October 2020

In this paper, a reconfigurable, low component count high‐gain battery integrated dc‐dc boost converter (HGBIBC) is proposed for power management of time‐varying loads (TVLs). The battery is integrated between the two switches and the two diodes, which provides an inherent feature of pulse‐charging and pulse‐discharging of the battery, thereby increasing its lifetime. The converter operation, in various modes, is explained, and the steady‐state and time‐domain analyses are performed to establish the high‐voltage gain feature of the converter, which makes it suitable for interfacing sources with low output voltages. The guidelines for the design of converter parameters and selection of switching devices are presented. Small‐signal models are derived, and the relative gain array (RGA) analysis is performed, which revealed that the control loops are of decoupled nature and hence the controllers, for each loop, can be designed independently, as in the case of a single‐input single‐output (SISO) converter. The PID controllers are designed to simultaneously regulate the load voltage and source current. The theoretical concepts developed in the paper are validated experimentally using the laboratory prototype of the converter. The experimental results, demonstrating power management, at load voltages of 60 and 48 V are presented, which are found to be in close correlation with the theoretical and simulation studies.
Influenza‐specific IgG1+ memory B‐cell numbers increase upon booster vaccination in healthy adults but not in patients with predominantly antibody deficiency
Authors: Hartley Gemma E , Edwards Emily S J , Bosco Julian J , Ojaimi Samar , Stirling Robert G , Cameron Paul U , Flanagan Katie , Plebanski Magdalena , Hogarth Philip Mark , O’Hehir Robyn E , van Zelm Menno C
Published: October 2020

Background

Annual influenza vaccination is recommended to all individuals over 6 months of age, including predominantly antibody deficiency (PAD) patients. Vaccination responses are typically evaluated by serology, and because PAD patients are by definition impaired in generating IgG and receive immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IgRT), it remains unclear whether they can mount an antigen‐specific response.

Objective

To quantify and characterise the antigen‐specific memory B (Bmem) cell compartment in healthy controls and PAD patients following an influenza booster vaccination.

Methods

Recombinant hemagglutinin (HA) from the A/Michigan/2015 H1N1 (AM15) strain with an AviTag was generated in a mammalian cell line, and following targeted biotinylation, was tetramerised with BUV395 or BUV737 streptavidin conjugates. Multicolour flow cytometry was applied on blood samples before and 28 days after booster influenza vaccination in 16 healthy controls and five PAD patients with circulating Bmem cells.

Results

Recombinant HA tetramers were specifically recognised by 0.5–1% of B cells in previously vaccinated healthy adults. HA‐specific Bmem cell numbers were significantly increased following booster vaccination and predominantly expressed IgG1. Similarly, PAD patients carried HA‐specific Bmem cells, predominantly expressing IgG1. However, these numbers were lower than in controls and did not increase following booster vaccination.

Conclusion

We have successfully identified AM15‐specific Bmem cells in healthy controls and PAD patients. The presence of antigen‐specific Bmem cells could offer an additional diagnostic tool to aid in the clinical diagnosis of PAD. Furthermore, alterations in the number or immunophenotype of HA‐specific Bmem cells post‐booster vaccination could assist in the evaluation of immune responses in individuals receiving IgRT.
Tracking rates of postfire conifer regeneration vs. deciduous vegetation recovery across the western United States
Authors: Vanderhoof Melanie K. , Hawbaker Todd J. , Ku Andrea , Merriam Kyle , Berryman Erin , Cattau Megan
Published: October 2020

Postfire shifts in vegetation composition will have broad ecological impacts. However, information characterizing postfire recovery patterns and their drivers are lacking over large spatial extents. In this analysis, we used Landsat imagery collected when snow cover (SCS) was present, in combination with growing season (GS) imagery, to distinguish evergreen vegetation from deciduous vegetation. We sought to (1) characterize patterns in the rate of postfire, dual‐season Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) across the region, (2) relate remotely sensed patterns to field‐measured patterns of re‐vegetation, and (3) identify seasonally specific drivers of postfire rates of NDVI recovery. Rates of postfire NDVI recovery were calculated for both the GS and SCS for more than 12,500 burned points across the western United States. Points were partitioned into faster and slower rates of NDVI recovery using thresholds derived from field plot data (n = 230) and their associated rates of NDVI recovery. We found plots with conifer saplings had significantly higher SCS NDVI recovery rates relative to plots without conifer saplings, while plots with ≥50% grass/forbs/shrubs cover had significantly higher GS NDVI recovery rates relative to plots with <50%. GS rates of NDVI recovery were best predicted by burn severity and anomalies in postfire maximum temperature. SCS NDVI recovery rates were best explained by aridity and growing degree days. This study is the most extensive effort, to date, to track postfire forest recovery across the western United States. Isolating patterns and drivers of evergreen recovery from deciduous recovery will enable improved characterization of forest ecological condition across large spatial scales.
Channel network structure determines genetic connectivity of landward–seaward Avicennia marina populations in a tropical bay
Authors: Triest Ludwig , Van der Stocken Tom , Allela Akinyi Abbie , Sierens Tim , Kairo James , Koedam Nico
Published: October 2020

Mangrove ecosystems along the East African coast are often characterized by a disjunct zonation pattern of seaward and landward Avicennia marina trees. This disjunct zonation may be maintained through different positions in the tidal frame, yielding different dispersal settings. The spatial configuration of the landscape and coastal processes such as tides and waves is expected to largely influence the extent of propagule transport and subsequent regeneration. We hypothesized that landward sites would keep a stronger genetic structure over short distances in comparison with enhanced gene flow among regularly flooded seaward fringes. We tested this hypothesis from densely vegetated A. marina transects of a well‐documented mangrove system (Gazi Bay, Kenya) and estimated local gene flow and kinship‐based fine‐scale genetic structure. Ten polymorphic microsatellite markers in 457 A. marina trees revealed no overall significant difference in levels of allele or gene diversities between sites that differ in hydrological proximity. Genetic structure and connectivity of A. marina populations however indicated an overall effect of geographic distance and revealed a pronounced distinction between channels and topographic setting. Migration models allowed to infer gene flow directionality among channels, and indicated a bidirectional steppingstone between seaward and nearest located landward stands. Admixed gene pools without any fine‐scale structure were found within the wider and more exposed Kidogoweni channel, suggesting open systems. Elevated kinship values and structure over 5 to 20 m distance were only detected in two distant landward and seaward transects near the mouth of the Mkurumuji River, indicating local retention and establishment. Overall, our findings show that patterns of A. marina connectivity are explained by hydrological proximity, channel network structure, and hydrokinetic energy, rather than just their positioning as disjunct landward or seaward zones.
Endless forms most stupid, icky, and small: The preponderance of noncharismatic invertebrates as integral to a biologically sound view of life
Authors: Czekanski‐Moir Jesse E. , Rundell Rebecca J.
Published: October 2020

Big, beautiful organisms are useful for biological education, increasing evolution literacy, and biodiversity conservation. But if educators gloss over the ubiquity of streamlined and miniaturized organisms, they unwittingly leave students and the public vulnerable to the idea that the primary evolutionary plot of every metazoan lineage is “progressive” and "favors" complexity. We show that simple, small, and intriguingly repulsive invertebrate animals provide a counterpoint to misconceptions about evolution. Our examples can be immediately deployed in biology courses and outreach. This context emphasizes that chordates are not the pinnacle of evolution. Rather, in the evolution of animals, miniaturization, trait loss, and lack of perfection are at least as frequent as their opposites. Teaching about invertebrate animals in a “tree thinking” context uproots evolution misconceptions (for students and the public alike), provides a mental scaffold for understanding all animals, and helps to cultivate future ambassadors and experts on these little‐known, weird, and fascinating taxa.
The promise and the perils of resurveying to understand global change impacts
Authors: Stuble Katharine L. , Bewick Sharon , Fisher Mark , Forister Matthew L. , Harrison Susan P. , Shapiro Arthur M. , Latimer Andrew M. , Fox Laurel R.
Published: October 2020

Historical data sets can be useful tools to aid in understanding the impacts of global change on natural ecosystems. Resampling of historically sampled sites (“snapshot resampling”) has often been used to detect long‐term shifts in ecological populations and communities, because it allows researchers to avoid long‐term monitoring costs and investigate a large number of potential trends. But recent simulation‐based research has called the reliability of resampling into question, and its utility has not been comprehensively evaluated. Here we combine long‐term empirical data sets with novel community‐level simulations to explore the accuracy of snapshot resampling of both population‐ and community‐level metrics under a variety of conditions. We show that snapshot resampling often yields spurious conclusions, but the accuracy of results increases when inter‐annual variability in the response variable is low or the magnitude of change through time is high. Snapshot resampling also generally performs better for community‐level metrics (e.g., species richness) as opposed to population‐level metrics pertaining to a single species (e.g., abundance). Finally, we evaluate strategies to improve the accuracy of snapshot resampling, including sampling multiple years at the end of the study, but these produce mixed results. Ultimately, we find that snapshot resampling should be used with caution, but under certain circumstances, can be a useful for understanding long‐term global change impacts.
Population neighborhood density at different scales between grazed and ungrazed communities
Authors: Wang Xinting , Jiang Chao , Yonghong Li Frank , Tai Yang , Liang Cunzhu , Hou Yali , Zhang Weihua
Published: October 2020

It is well recognized that ecological processes are scale‐dependent. Despite this recognition, the influence of scale on population density has still not been explored in detail. While the relationship between population density and overall sampling area is well known, understanding how neighborhood density varies with scale is a persistent challenge. Here, neighborhood density refers to the density of individuals occurring within a ring of radiusrand widthwlocated at distancerfrom the typical individual. In this study, we examined the relationship between population neighborhood density and scale. We then compared the results from the O‐ring analysis between grazed and ungrazed communities in a temperate steppe ecosystem in China. The primary grazers in this ecosystem are domesticated sheep. Our results show that (1) the relationship between neighborhood density and scale can be well described by the O‐ring function; (2) grazing has a substantial impact on neighborhood density and the impact is dependent on spatial scale; specifically, grazing increases the rate of change in neighborhood density across scales and increases plant aggregation at small scales (<0.5 m); and (3) the greater aggregation in grazed communities at larger scales can be attributed to habitat heterogeneity, while the greater aggregation at small scales is likely a result of facilitation between individuals. Together, our results demonstrate that understanding neighborhood density across scales is useful for detecting ecological phenomena and for answering important questions in community ecology, while studies without considering scale dependency of neighborhood density will result in spurious or biased conclusions.
Metabolomics in chronic pain research
Authors: Teckchandani Shweta , Nagana Gowda G. A. , Raftery Daniel , Curatolo Michele
Published: October 2020

Background and Objective

Metabolomics deals with the identification and quantification of small molecules (metabolites) in biological samples. As metabolite levels can reflect normal or altered metabolic pathways, their measurement provides information to improve the understanding, diagnosis and management of diseases. Despite its immense potential, metabolomics applications to pain research have been sparse. This paper describes current metabolomics techniques, reviews published human metabolomics pain research and compares successful metabolomics research in other areas of medicine with the goal of highlighting opportunities offered by metabolomics to advance pain medicine.

Databases and Data Treatment

Non‐systematic review.

Results

Our search identified 19 studies that adopted a metabolomics approach in: fibromyalgia (7), chronic widespread pain (4), other musculoskeletal pain conditions (5), neuropathic pain (1), complex regional pain syndrome (1) and pelvic pain (1). The studies used either mass spectrometry or nuclear magnetic resonance. Most are characterized by small sample sizes. Some consistency has been found for alterations in glutamate and testosterone metabolism, and metabolic imbalances caused by the gut microbiome.

Conclusions

Metabolomics research in chronic pain is in its infancy. Most studies are at the pilot stage. Metabolomics research has been successful in other areas of medicine. These achievements should motivate investigators to expand metabolomics research to improve the understanding of the basic mechanisms of human pain, as well as provide tools to diagnose, predict and monitor chronic pain conditions. Metabolomics research can lead to the identification of biomarkers to support the development and testing of treatments, thereby facilitating personalized pain medicine.
Evidence‐based treatment recommendations for neck and low back pain across Europe: A systematic review of guidelines
Authors: Corp Nadia , Mansell Gemma , Stynes Siobhán , Wynne‐Jones Gwenllian , Morsø Lars , Hill Jonathan C. , van der Windt Danielle A.
Published: October 2020

Background and objective

This systematic review synthesized evidence from European neck and low back pain (NLBP) clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) to identify recommended treatment options for use across Europe.

Databases and Data Treatment

Comprehensive searches of thirteen databases were conducted, from 1st January 2013 to 4th May 2020 to identify up‐to‐date evidence‐based European CPGs for primary care management of NLBP, issued by professional bodies/organizations. Data extracted included; aim and target population, methods for development and implementation and treatment recommendations. The AGREE II checklist was used to critically appraise guidelines. Criteria were devised to summarize and synthesize the direction and strength of recommendations across guidelines.

Results

Seventeen CPGs (11 low back; 5 neck; 1 both) from eight European countries were identified, of which seven were high quality. For neck pain, there were consistent weak or moderate strength recommendations for: reassurance, advice and education, manual therapy, referral for exercise therapy/programme, oral analgesics and topical medications, plus psychological therapies or multidisciplinary treatment for specific subgroups. Notable recommendation differences between back and neck pain included, i) analgesics for neck pain (not for back pain); ii) options for back pain‐specific subgroups—work‐based interventions, return to work advice/programmes and surgical interventions (but not for neck pain) and iii) a greater strength of recommendations (generally moderate or strong) for back pain than those for neck pain.

Conclusions

This review of European CPGs identified a range of mainly non‐pharmacological recommended treatment options for NLBP that have broad consensus for use across Europe.

Significance

Consensus regarding evidence‐based treatment recommendations for patients with neck and low back pain (NLBP) from recent European clinical practice guidelines identifies a wide range of predominantly non‐pharmacological treatment options. This includes options potentially applicable to all patients with NLBP and those applicable to only specific patient subgroups. Future work within our Back‐UP research team will transfer these evidence‐based treatment options to an accessible clinician decision support tool for first contact clinicians.
The impact of paradigm and stringent analysis parameters on measuring a net conditioned pain modulation effect: A test, retest, control study
Authors: Cummins Tatum M. , McMahon Stephen B. , Bannister Kirsty
Published: October 2020

Background

Reporting in conditioned pain modulation (CPM) studies is not standardised. Here, two CPM protocols were performed in populations of healthy human subjects in order to investigate the influence of the CPM paradigm and stringent analyses parameters on the identification of a net CPM effect.

Methods

A standard thermal or mechanical CPM protocol was carried out on 25 and 17 subjects, respectively. The standard error of measurement (SEM) of the CPM effect was calculated in order to determine a change in pain thresholds greater than that due to measurement error or ‘real’ change in test scores. In addition, each individual underwent a minimum of two control CPM sessions, which were paired with the CPM test sessions. To quantify a net CPM effect, the intrasession difference between baseline and conditioning was subtracted from the difference calculated at the same time points during the control session.

Results

For both protocols, excellent reliability for intrasession repeats of the test stimulus at baseline was demonstrated for thermal and mechanical stimulation (ICC > 0.9). Test‐retest subject responses (in terms of experimental Session 1 versus. Session 2) showed excellent reliability for mechanical (ICC > 0.8), compared to thermal stimulation, which ranged from poor to moderate (ICC < 0.4‐>0.75). However, calculating the net CPM effect using control session data demonstrated poor‐fair reliability for both protocols (ICC < 0.4–0.59).

Conclusion

Calculating the net CPM effect should be optimised and standardised for comparison of CPM data collected from global research groups. Recommendation is made for the performance of a multicentre, test‐retest study.
Increasing the predictive validity of identity fusion in leading to sacrifice by considering the extremity of the situation
Authors: Paredes Borja , Briñol Pablo , Petty Richard E. , Gómez Ángel
Published: October 2020

Identity fusion is a strong feeling of connectedness that is capable of predicting willingness to self‐sacrifice. The current research explores whether considering the extremity of the situation improves the ability of identity fusion to predict willingness to engage in life self‐sacrifice. Participants first reported their level of identity fusion with a value (Study 1) or with their country (Study 2). Then, participants were randomly assigned to engage in an extreme versus non‐extreme situation of sacrifice for the value (Study 1) or for their country (Study 2). These two variables (identity fusion and situation extremity) were used to predict willingness to self‐sacrifice. Situation extremity moderated the effects of fusion on willingness to self‐sacrifice, with greater consistency between fusion and sacrifice obtained for extreme versus non‐extreme situations. In conclusion, taking into consideration the extremity of the situation can be useful to predict the association between identity fusion and willingness to self‐sacrifice.
Evaluating young fluvial terrace riser degradation using a nonlinear transport model: Application to the Kongur Normal Fault in the Pamir, northwest China
Authors: Xu Jianhong , Arrowsmith J Ramón , Chen Jie , Schoenbohm Lindsay M. , Li Tao , Yuan Zhaode , Owen Lewis A.
Published: October 2020

Selecting an appropriate hillslope transport model and calibrating model parameters are essential for morphological dating of fault and fluvial scarps. In this paper, we refine the method of profile‐based morphologic dating by updating the representation of nonlinearity in sediment flux dependence on the hillslope gradient. We apply this revised method to fluvial scarps bounding fluvial terraces offset along the Kongur Normal Fault in the semi‐arid high‐altitude Pamir mountains, northwestern China. One of these terraces, the T3 surface, is dated to 7.0+1.9/−1.6 kyr using 10Be cosmogenic depth profile analysis. Well‐preserved, dated terraces make this an ideal site to test the utility of morphological modelling in constraining ages of the young terrace risers. To do this, 35 topographic swath profiles across the terrace risers are extracted from a 0.2 m‐resolution digital elevation model produced using structure from motion from photos collected by an unmanned aerial vehicle. The best estimates of morphological age are 13.9 ± 1.3 m2 for the riser T3/T4 and 11.9 ± 1.3 m2 for T2/T3 using a linear diffusion approach. These two morphological ages overlap within uncertainty and fail to distinguish between two young terrace risers. Alternatively, we employed a nonlinear diffusion model, calibrated with transport constant k = 1 m2 kyr−1, nonlinearity n = 2, and critical gradient Sc = tan(33°). This nonlinear model produces ages of 7.3 ± 0.5 kyr for T3/T4 and 4.0 ± 0.2 kyr for T2/T3; these ages are consistent with terrace surface ages deduced by using vertical offset divided by independently determining average throw rate. This comparison shows the advantage of a nonlinear model in defining ages of young scarps. Furthermore, we explored the minor effect of heterogeneous degradation along steep sections of the scarp profiles. The nonlinear scarp modelling scheme we develop in this paper is suitable for studying scarp degradation in other regions. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early Cretaceous (Albian) intra‐oceanic subduction in northern branch of Neotethys in NW Iran: Zircon U–Pb geochronology and geochemistry of ophiolitic metagabbros from the Chaldoran area
Authors: Moazzen Mohssen , Rezaei Bargoshadi Mahleqa , Yang Tian‐Nan
Published: October 2020

The Chaldoran ophiolite in NW Iran and at the Turkish border is a part of the larger Khoy ophiolite. Serpentinized peridotites, pillow basalt, cumulate and isotropic gabbro, pelagic limestone, and radiolarite along with volcano‐sedimentary units are the main rock types in the area. These rocks are mixed together in some places as tectonic and “coloured” mélanges. The gabbro consituent of this ophiolite is either fresh or is metamorphosed up to upper greenschist facies. These meta‐basic rocks contain relatively large crystals of plagioclase and clinopyroxene, partially changed to amphibole. Metamorphic epidote is formed in some samples. Whole‐rock chemistry of these rocks shows a basaltic magmatic composition. Low SiO2 contents along with relatively high MgO and FeOtotal contents testify for a mantle source for the parental magma of the studied samples, intermediate between tholeiitic and calc‐alkaline series. LREE and HFSE are slightly depleted and LILE show enrichment in the studied samples and Ta, Nb, Ti show negative anomalies with respect to MORBs. All chemical features are compatible with a supra‐subduction zone setting for the rocks. The studied rocks are similar to primitive arc and less evolved rocks, geochemically. Also the samples show both MORB‐like magmas, formed at the initial stage of a subduction and IAT chemical features. U–Pb dating of zircons on the gabbro sample gave 107.5 ± 1.3 Ma (Albian) crystallization age. The metabasites from the Chaldoran ophiolite are similar to intra‐oceanic ophiolite‐related igneous rocks from the Zagros suture zone in Iran and NE Iraq and equivalent rocks from the Neotethyan sutures in east Turkey and Armenia and basic rocks from the Late Cretaceous ophiolites of the outer Zagros and Taurus, which are related to the subduction initiation (SI) stage.
Liver Injury in Patients Hospitalized with Coronavirus Disease 2019 Correlates with Hyperinflammatory Response and Elevated Interleukin-6
Authors: Da Ben L. , Kushner Tatyana , El Halabi Maan , Paka Pavan , Khalid Mian , Uberoi Angad , Lee Brian T. , Perumalswami Ponni V. , Rutledge Stephanie M. , Schiano Thomas D. , Friedman Scott L. , Saberi Behnam
Published: October 2020

Liver injury is commonly seen in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); however, the mechanism behind liver injury, particularly in patients with severe and critical COVID-19, remains unclear, and the clinical course is poorly described. We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients hospitalized with severe and critical COVID-19 with or without liver injury and who underwent immunologic testing (interleukin [IL]-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α], and IL-1β). Liver injury was defined as peak aminotransferases ≥3 times the upper limit of normal (40 U/L) or ≥120 U/L. Patients with liver injury were compared to those who had normal aminotransferases throughout the hospital course. We studied 176 patients: 109 with liver injury and 67 controls. Patients with liver injury were more likely to be men (71.6% vs. 37.3%, P < 0.001). Peak inflammatory markers and IL-6 were higher in the liver injury group: C-reactive protein (CRP), 247 vs. 168 mg/L, P < 0.001; lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), 706 vs. 421 U/L; ferritin, 2,973 vs. 751 ng/mL, P < 0.001; IL-6, 121.0 vs. 71.8 pg/mL, P < 0.001. There was no difference in the levels of IL-8, TNF-α, and IL-1β. The liver injury group had a longer length of stay in the hospital and more severe COVID-19 despite having less diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Conclusion: An exaggerated hyperinflammatory response (cytokine storm) characterized by significantly elevated CRP, LDH, ferritin, and IL-6 levels and increasing severity of COVID-19 appears to be associated with the occurrence of liver injury in patients with severe/critical COVID-19.
Molecular mechanisms within the dentate gyrus and the perirhinal cortex interact during discrimination of similar nonspatial memories
Authors: Miranda Magdalena , Morici Juan Facundo , Gallo Francisco , Piromalli Girado Dinka , Weisstaub Noelia V. , Bekinschtein Pedro
Published: October 2020

Differentiating between similar memories is a crucial cognitive function that enables correct episodic memory formation. The ability to separate the components of memories into distinct representations is thought to rely on a computational process known as pattern separation, by which differences are amplified to disambiguate similar events. Although pattern separation has been localized to the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus and shown to occur in a spatial domain, this cognitive function takes place also during processing of other types of information. In particular, there is some debate on whether the DG participates in pattern separation of nonspatial representations. Considering the classic role of the Prh in the acquisition and storage of object memories in general and tasks with similar features in particular, this cognitive function could rely more heavily on perirhinal regions when object‐related information is processed. Here we show that two plasticity‐related proteins, BDNF, and Arc, are required in the DG for nonspatial mnemonic differentiation. Moreover, we found that the crucial role of the DG is transient since activity of AMPAR is only required in the Prh but not the DG during differentiated object memory retrieval. Additionally, this memory is not modifiable by postacquisition rhBDNF infusions in the DG that are known to improve memory when given in the Prh. This highlights a differential role of Prh and DG during differentiated object memory consolidation. Additionally, we found that these molecular mechanisms actively interact in the DG and Prh for the formation of distinguishable memories, with infusions of rhBDNF in the Prh being able to rescue mnemonic deficits caused by reduced Arc expression in the DG. These results reveal a complex interaction between plasticity mechanisms in the Prh and DG for nonspatial pattern separation and posit the Prh as the key structure where unique object representations are stored.
GABC: A comprehensive resource and Genome Atlas for Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhang Yunpeng , Wang Peng , Li Xin , Ning Shangwei , Li Xia , Cao Yan , Chen Steven Xi
Published: October 2020

We developed the Genome Atlas of Breast Cancer (GABC), a global map of noncoding events in the human genome associated with breast cancer that provides a valuable reference resource for users to investigate the underlying genome abnormalities in breast cancer patients. Although significant progress has been made in breast cancer treatment, its morbidity and recurrence rates in women are still high worldwide. Curation and integration of breast cancer‐related dysregulations from multiple aspects is essential for disease prevention and diagnosis. In this study, we developed the GABC, which contains 10 172 aberrant noncoding events occurring at multiomics levels, including the genome (single nucleotide polymorphism and somatic mutation), transcriptome (long noncoding RNA and microRNA) and epigenome (DNA methylation, enhancer and superenhancer). Each event entry provides descriptions of detailed biological mechanisms specific to the region or element. Users can also check the genome locations and relationships of functional regulators. The GABC provides a flexible and user‐friendly interface for users to search, browse and download data. In addition, the GABC provides an interface to submit newly discovered noncoding events that can be included in the database. Therefore, the GABC aims to constantly enhance our understanding of noncoding genomic events in breast cancer.
A comparative study between preoperative rectal misoprostol and intraoperative intrauterine administration in the reduction of blood loss during and after cesarean delivery: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: El‐Sherbini Moutaz M. , Maged Ahmed M. , Helal Omneya M. , Awad Mirna O. , El‐Attar Sally A. , Sadek Jehan A. , ElKomy Rasha , Dawoud Mariam A.
Published: October 2020

Objective

To compare the efficacy and safety of rectal misoprostol with intrauterine misoprostol in the reduction of blood loss during and after cesarean delivery.

Methods

Ninety‐eight pregnant women, all candidates for elective cesarean delivery, were equally randomized into two groups: the rectal group (received preoperative misoprostol rectally) and the intrauterine group (received intrauterine misoprostol after the delivery of the placenta). The primary outcome was the estimated blood loss (EBL) during cesarean delivery. Secondary outcomes included the occurrence of excessive blood loss (>1000 mL) within the first 24 hours postoperatively and the occurrence of any maternal or fetal side effects.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups regarding either the EBL (693.12 ± 139.09 vs 692.39 ± 132.83; P=0.979) or the occurrence of postpartum hemorrhage (>1000 mL) (6.1% vs 4.1%; P=0.99. Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes were significantly higher in the intrauterine group compared to the rectal group.

Conclusion

Insertion of intrauterine misoprostol is as effective as rectal insertion in reducing blood loss during and after cesarean delivery; however, it has a safer neonatal outcome and is more convenient when administered during cesarean delivery.

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03723031.
Predictive study of succinic acid transport via nanofiltration membranes using a Maxwell–Stefan approach
Authors: Diaz Paola Andrea Borda , de Araujo Kronemberger Frederico , Habert Alberto Claudio
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

Transport of organic acids through nanofiltration membranes varies considerably under different conditions. In the present work, a Maxwell–Stefan approach coupled to the Henderson–Hasselbach equation was applied to describe succinic acid permeation through nanofiltration membranes in binary and ternary solutions. Permeate flux and solute rejection were evaluated under several test conditions, by modifying variables such as pH, gauge pressure, succinic acid concentration and presence of other solute (glucose, as a neutral solute).

RESULTS

The model performed well in describing all experimental results for succinic acid/water binary solutions, except for pH values close to the isoelectric point of the membranes, due to electroviscous effect changes. It was also noticed that other effects, such as solvation, are important and it is necessary to include them into the model for ternary solutions.

CONCLUSIONS

The Maxwell–Stefan model was able to describe the succinic acid binary solution nanofiltration performance. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
Melittin recovery with efficient phospholipase A2 removal of apitoxin from cross‐flow ultrafiltration process
Authors: Brandão Evelin CV , da Silva Rafael I , Brito Júlio CM , Figueiredo Kátia CS
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

Bee venom (apitoxin) is a complex mixture of enzymes, peptides, amines, and other chemicals that presents diverse pharmaceutical activities. Melittin, a small peptide with 2.84 kDa, represents about 50% of this venom, on a dry basis. However, allergenic compounds, such as phospholipase A2 and hyaluronidase (enzymes with a molecular weight of 19 and 38 kDa, respectively), impair the direct use of apitoxin. The membrane separation process can be considered a potential approach for the fractionation of those components. Therefore, the cross‐flow ultrafiltration with a 10 kDa regenerated cellulose membrane was used to separate melittin from apitoxin, leading to lower fouling in the membrane.

RESULTS

The strategy was divided into two steps: a 22 factorial design was conducted to evaluate apitoxin concentration and transmembrane pressure, followed by the study of flux decline and fouling mechanisms using the modified Hermia model. The best experimental condition led to 70% of melittin recovery and 99% of rejection of phospholipase A2. Membrane cleaning depicted a recovery of around 92% of flux and reduced 94% of transport resistance. The fouling mechanism revealed three mechanisms acting together in the process.

CONCLUSION

The results show significant values regarding the recovery of melittin and the removal of phospholipase A2, indicating that the cross‐flow ultrafiltration of apitoxin is an attractive option for the isolation of melittin, which has a high market value. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)