bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When is a hydrological model sufficiently calibrated to depict flow preferences of riverine species?
Authors: Kiesel Jens , Kakouei Karan , Guse Björn , Fohrer Nicola , Jähnig Sonja C.
Published: January 2020

Riverine species have adapted to their environment, particularly to the hydrological regime. Hydrological models and the knowledge of species preferences are used to predict the impact of hydrological changes on species. Inevitably, hydrological model performance impacts how species are simulated. From the example of macroinvertebrates in a lowland and a mountainous catchment, we investigate the impact of hydrological model performance and the choice of the objective function based on a set of 36 performance metrics for predicting species occurrences. Besides species abundance, we use the simulated community structure for an ecological assessment as applied for the Water Framework Directive. We investigate when a hydrological model is sufficiently calibrated to depict species abundance. For this, we postulate that performance is not sufficient when ecological assessments based on the simulated hydrology are significantly different (analysis of variance, p < .05) from the ecological assessments based on observations. The investigated range of hydrological model performance leads to considerable variability in species abundance in the two catchments. In the mountainous catchment, links between objective functions and the ecological assessment reveal a stronger dependency of the species on the discharge regime. In the lowland catchment, multiple stressors seem to mask the dependence of the species on discharge. The most suitable objective functions to calibrate the model for species assessments are the ones that incorporate hydrological indicators used for the species prediction.
Biomarkers in patients with heart failure and central sleep apnoea: findings from the SERVE‐HF trial
Authors: Ferreira João Pedro , Duarte Kévin , Woehrle Holger , Cowie Martin R. , Wegscheider Karl , Angermann Christiane , d'Ortho Marie‐Pia , Erdmann Erland , Levy Patrick , Simonds Anita K. , Somers Virend K. , Teschler Helmut , Rossignol Patrick , Koenig Wolfgang , Zannad Faiez
Published: January 2020

Aims

The Treatment of Sleep‐Disordered Breathing with Predominant Central Sleep Apnoea by Adaptive Servo Ventilation in Patients with Heart Failure trial investigated the effects of adaptive servo‐ventilation (ASV) (vs. control) on outcomes of 1325 patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and central sleep apnoea (CSA). The primary outcome (a composite of all‐cause death or unplanned HF hospitalization) did not differ between the two groups. However, all‐cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality were higher in the ASV group. Circulating biomarkers may help in better ascertain patients' risk, and this is the first study applying a large set of circulating biomarkers in patients with both HFrEF and CSA.

Methods and results

Circulating protein‐biomarkers (n = 276) ontologically involved in CV pathways, were studied in 749 (57% of the trial population) patients (biomarker substudy), to investigate their association with the study outcomes (primary outcome, CV death and all‐cause death). The mean age was 69 ± 10 years, and > 90% were male. The groups (ASV vs. control and biomarker substudy vs. no biomarker) were well balanced. The “best” clinical prognostic model included male sex, systolic blood pressure < 120 mmHg, diabetes, loop diuretic, cardiac device, 6‐min walking test distance, and N‐terminal pro BNP as the strongest prognosticators. On top of the “best” clinical prognostic model, the biomarkers that significantly improved both the discrimination (c‐index) and the net reclassification index (NRI) of the model were soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 for the primary outcome; neurogenic locus notch homolog protein 3 (Notch‐3) for CV‐death and all‐cause death; and growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF‐15) for all‐cause death only.

Conclusions

We studied 276 circulating biomarkers in patients with HFrEF and central sleep apnoea; of these biomarkers, three added significant prognostic information on top of the best clinical model: soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (primary outcome), Notch‐3 (CV and all‐cause death), and GDF‐15 (all‐cause death).
Effects of spironolactone on serum markers of fibrosis in people at high risk of developing heart failure: rationale, design and baseline characteristics of a proof‐of‐concept, randomised, precision‐medicine, prevention trial. The Heart OMics in AGing (HOMAGE) trial
Authors: Pellicori Pierpaolo , Ferreira João Pedro , Mariottoni Beatrice , Brunner‐La Rocca Hans‐Peter , Ahmed Fozia Z. , Verdonschot Job , Collier Tim , Cuthbert Joe J. , Petutschnigg Johannes , Mujaj Blerim , Girerd Nicolas , González Arantxa , Clark Andrew L. , Cosmi Franco , Staessen Jan A. , Heymans Stephane , Latini Roberto , Rossignol Patrick , Zannad Faiez , Cleland John G.F.
Published: January 2020

Aims

Asymptomatic patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), hypertension and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are at greater risk of developing heart failure (HF). Fibrosis, leading to myocardial and vascular dysfunction, might be an important pathway of progression. The Heart OMics in AGing (HOMAGE) trial aims to investigate the effects of spironolactone on serum markers of collagen metabolism and on cardiovascular structure and function in people at risk of developing HF and potential interactions with a marker of fibrogenic activity, galectin‐3.

Methods and results

The HOMAGE trial is a prospective, randomised, open‐label, blinded endpoint (PROBE) study comparing spironolactone (up to 50 mg/day) and standard care over 9 months in people with clinical risk factors for developing HF, including hypertension, CAD and T2DM, and elevated plasma concentrations of N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP, 125 to 1000 ng/L) or B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP, 35 to 280 ng/L). Exclusion criteria included left ventricular ejection fraction < 45%, atrial fibrillation, severe renal dysfunction, or treatment with loop diuretics. The primary endpoint was the interaction between change in serum concentrations of procollagen type III N‐terminal propeptide (PIIINP) and treatment with spironolactone according to median plasma concentrations of galectin‐3 at baseline. For the 527 participants enrolled, median (interquartile range) age was 73 (69–79) years, 135 (26%) were women, 412 (78%) had hypertension, 377 (72%) CAD, and 212 (40%) T2DM. At baseline, medians (interquartile ranges) were for left ventricular ejection fraction 63 (58–67) %, for left atrial volume index 31 (26‐37) mL/m2, for plasma NT‐proBNP 214 (137–356) ng/L, for serum PIIINP 3.9 (3.1–5.0) ng/mL, and for galectin‐3 16.1 (13.5–19.7) ng/mL.

Conclusions

The HOMAGE trial will provide insights on the effect of spironolactone on pathways that might drive progression to HF.

Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02556450.
Synthesis of 1,2,3‐Triazolyl‐Based Ketoximes Using Calcium Carbide as an Acetylene Source
Authors: Lu Hao , Li Zheng
Published: January 2020

A novel method for the synthesis of 1,2,3‐triazolyl‐based ketoximes by directly using readily available calcium carbide as an acetylene source, (Z)‐2‐azido‐1‐arylethan‐1‐one oximes as starting materials, and copper(I) chloride as a catalyst is described. The method provides a simple route to (Z)‐1‐aryl‐2‐(1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl)ethan‐1‐one oximes in good to excellent yields through [3+2] cyclization. The salient features of this protocol are the direct use of easy‐to‐handle acetylene source, inexpensive catalyst, high yield and simple work‐up procedures.
Electroanalytical Method for Quantification of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells as Charge Transport Barriers in Culture Media
Authors: Jaiswal Juhi , Dhayal Marshal
Published: January 2020

Here we report a strategy in which electroanalytical method was used to quantify human hepatic carcinoma cell (HepG2) density in culture media and their interaction with biomolecules. The cyclic voltammogram response of vitamin and amino acids redox mediators containing culture media had shown distinct oxidation peak at −0.63 V along with a low intensity peak at +0.67 V. Both oxidation and reduction peak current of culture media were gradually decreased with an increase in cell number indicating their role as charge transport barrier at electrode surface. The difference between cathodic and anodic peak potential was also decreased with the addition of cells. The oxidation peak disappeared in CV response, with the addition of optimum cell number in culture media, indicating the adsorption of redox mediators at cell surface. CV response of fetal bovine serum (FBS) containing cell suspension showed presence of reduction and oxidation peaks of culture media in CV. This indicates stronger possibility of binding of serum proteins with cells and release of redox mediators in culture media. The chemical interactions of cells with FBS was further confirmed by the FTIR and UV‐Vis spectroscopy. The viability, adhesion and proliferation responses of the cells were found to be normal. The reported electroanalytical method may be applied in the future for rapid quantification of cell density and confirmation of interactions among cells and biomolecules.
An innovative process for dispersion of graphene nanoparticles and nickel spheres in A356 alloy using pressure infiltration technique
Authors: Das Sourav , Kordijazi Amir , Akbarzadeh Omid , Rohatgi Pradeep K.
Published: January 2020

In this paper, a unique, innovative liquid metal infiltration process for the dispersion of graphene in the aluminum (Al) matrix in the presence of nickel spheres is introduced. The nickel spheres impart a reaction that induces wettability with molten Al, hence facilitating the infiltration of Al encapsulating graphene. Raman spectroscopy shows the two‐dimensional bands, thereby confirming the presence of graphene in the infiltrated composite. The microstructure of the infiltrated composite shows the dispersion of graphene, Al‐silicon eutectic, and a reaction product between nickel and Al around nickel spheres. The sample of composite tested in this study exhibits a high contact angle and hydrophobicity, possibly due to the dispersion of graphene particles on the surface of the samples. This presence of graphene on the surface causes a reduction of wetting by water and a decrease in corrosion rate which is demonstrated by polarization testing results.
Study on pressure‐controlled sliding sleeve of jet breaking for natural gas hydrate mining based on throttle pressure drop principle
Authors: Tang Yang , Yao Jiaxin , He Yin , Sun Peng , Jin Xin
Published: January 2020

In order to reduce operating cost of deep‐sea natural gas hydrate (NGH) solid‐state fluidization mining (SSFM), a device for controlling opening and closing of jet nozzles is required. It is required to meet the specifications of work process and is not affected by changes in water depth and well depth. Therefore, a design scheme of a pressure‐controlled sliding sleeve (PCSS) based on the principle of throttling pressure drop is proposed. The nozzles opening and closing process is controlled by flow rate control and is not affected by environmental pressure. Using computational fluid dynamics software, the corresponding control equations are solved by finite volume method and the pressure drop and axial force generated by different flow rates of drilling fluid flowing through different structural sliding cores are obtained. According to simulation analysis results and actual working conditions, a relatively good set of sliding core structural parameters is preferred. According to structural parameters of this group, the prototype of PCSS was machined and throttle pressure drop principle verification experiment and section pressure difference principle exclusion experiment were carried out to verify the feasibility of the design of PCSS. Through this research, it can help to promote the application of the throttling pressure drop principle in controllable oil drilling and completion tools.
Electrode and symmetric supercapacitor device performance of boron‐incorporated reduced graphene oxide synthesized by electrochemical exfoliation
Authors: Muthu R. Naresh , Tatiparti Sankara Sarma V.
Published: January 2020

Boron‐incorporated reduced graphene oxide (B‐rGO) is synthesized via novel single‐step potentiostatic exfoliation at 3 V vs Ag/AgCl employing (NH4)2SO4 + B(OH)3 electrolyte for supercapacitor applications. Structural characterization is performed by XRD, Raman, XPS, VB, SEM, TEM, and BET analysis. Eventually, B‐rGO synthesis scheme is proposed. The electron‐deficient B causes p‐doping in B‐rGO forming BCO2, BC2O, and BC3 (XPS), redshift of 2D band (Raman) and blue shifts in C 2p‐π peaks and Ef in VB. B‐rGO exhibits specific capacitances (Csp) of 446 F g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 and 284 F g−1 at 20 A g−1 in 6 M KOH. Upon 2000 charge/discharge cycles at 5 A g−1, 95.6% capacitance is retained. B‐rGO gives energy and power densities of 25.2 W h kg−1 and 8064 W kg−1 at 20 A g−1. The remarkably high energy density of B‐rGO is attributed to p‐doping effect. B‐rGO exhibits superior performance, compared with rGO synthesized from (NH4)2SO4. A symmetric B‐rGO supercapacitor device is fabricated and exhibits Csp of 120 F g−1 at 0.1 A g−1. At 20 A g−1 the energy and power densities are 6.45 W h kg−1 and 8000 W kg−1, respectively. The device retains 89.8% capacitance upon 2000 charge/discharge cycles.
Sensory attributes of coffee beverages and their relation to price and package information: A case study of Colombian customers’ preferences
Authors: Barahona Igor , Sanmiguel Jaimes Edis Mauricio , Yang Jian‐Bo
Published: January 2020

Sensory analysis is a powerful tool for creating profiles of food and beverages based on information perceived by the human senses. This paper investigates 18 of the most popular Colombian coffees. Individuals from nine different cities assessed products in two different ways: degree of presence (absence) of sensory properties and degree of acceptance (liking). The results focused on identifying variations in sensory evaluations due to the city, as well as classification of the products according to their degree of acceptance or rejection, and investigating associations between sensory attributes, price, and label–package information. A correspondence analysis allowed us to investigate the variation introduced by the factor city. The most preferred/rejected products were identified through preference mapping. The level of intensity of the smelling sensory attribute positively affects the price and the information presented at the product´s label–package. However, tasting attributes negatively affects price and perceptions of the product´s label–package information. We conclude that smelling sensory attributes has greater impact on purchase intentions than tasting attributes. Decision‐makers should manage scent, price, and label–package characteristics wisely because they are part of the first experience of the customer.
DNA Encoded Libraries: A Visitor's Guide
Authors: Flood Dillon T. , Kingston Cian , Vantourout Julien C. , Dawson Philip E. , Baran Phil S.
Published: January 2020

In 1992, Brenner and Lerner hypothesized that individual chemical transformations could be encoded in DNA, allowing the rapid synthesis and screening of large collections of small molecules. Since their report, huge investments into the development of the DNA encoded library (DEL) technology have enabled the acceleration of the drug discovery process especially early phase discovery undertakings such as target validation and hit identification. As DEL lies at the nexus between chemistry and biology, there is an increasing need to expand the toolboxes of both organic transformations and biological methods. However, the myriad of techniques and reactions already reported can be difficult to digest for practitioners whose expertise resides outside the realm of DEL. This review therefore focuses on a stepwise presentation of DEL from the basic concepts to newest developments. The presentation includes the history, fundamentals, and successes of DEL, different methods for DEL synthesis and affinity selection, the conventional transformations, and finally the latest developments from a synthetic organic perspective.
Computational characterization of the porous‐fibrous behavior of the soft tissues in the temporomandibular joint
Authors: Ortún‐Terrazas Javier , Cegoñino José , Pérez del Palomar Amaya
Published: January 2020

The prevalence and severity of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders have led to growing research interest in the development of new biomaterials and medical devices for TMJ implant designs. In computational designs, however, the time and stretch direction dependences of the TMJ soft tissues behavior are not considered and they are frequently based on measurements taken from non‐human species or from joints that differ markedly from the human TMJ. The aim of this study was to accurately characterize the porous‐fibrous properties of the TMJ soft tissues by simulating previously published experimental tests, to assist professionals in the design of new TMJ implants. To that end, material parameters were determined assuming a uniform fiber orientation throughout the entire sample. This assumption was then tested by comparing these results with those of considering multiple regions and distinct fiber orientations in each sample. Our findings validated the use of a transversely isotropic hyperelastic material model to characterize the direction dependent behavior of TMJ soft tissues and its combination with porous hyperfoam material models to mimic the compressive response of the TMJ disc. In conclusion, constitutive model proposed accurately reproduce the mechanical response of the TMJ soft tissues at different strain rates and stretch directions.
A ratiometric fluorescent probe with high sensitivity and selectivity for phosgene sensing in solution and gas
Authors: Zhou Wu , Chen Qian , Wu Aibin , Zhang Ying , Yu Weichu
Published: January 2020

Phosgene has attracted wide attention because of its important applications and value in modern industry, agriculture, and other fields, though it easily leaks and is difficult to detect. In this work, we designed and synthesized a naphthalimide‐based fluorescent probe, which is easy to prepare, stable, and able to discriminate between phosgene, acetyl chloride, oxalyl chloride, thionyl chloride, phosphorus oxychloride, and tosyl chloride. Our results indicate that the probe can react with phosgene selectively and sensitively, showing remarkable ratiometric fluorescence changes. Furthermore, the probe can be made into test strips, which can determine phosgene in air effectively. The present work provides a novel class of naphthalimide‐based derivatives with potential application in phosgene sensing in real time simply and safely with further optimization.
Critical roles of long noncoding RNAs in breast cancer
Authors: Abolghasemi Maryam , Tehrani Sadra S. , Yousefi Tooba , Karimian Ansar , Mahmoodpoor Ata , Ghamari Aliakbar , Jadidi‐Niaragh Farhad , Yousefi Mehdi , Kafil Hossein S. , Bastami Milad , Edalati Mahdi , Eyvazi Shirin , Naghizadeh Mohsen , Targhazeh Niloufar , Mihanfar Ainaz , Yousefi Bahman , Safa Amin , Majidinia Maryam , Rameshknia Vahid
Published: January 2020

Breast cancer is a major clinical challenge that affects a wide range of the female population and heavily burdens the health system. In the past few decades, attempts have been made to understand the etiology of breast cancer, possible environmental risk factors, and the genetic predispositions, pathogenesis, and molecular aberrations involved in the process. Studies have shown that breast cancer is a heterogeneous entity; each subtype has its specific set of aberrations in different cell signaling pathways, such as Notch, Wnt/β‐catenin, transforming growth factor‐β, and mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathways. One novel group of molecules that have been shown to be inducted in the regulation of multiple cell signaling pathways is the long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). These molecules have important implications in the regulation of multiple signaling pathways by interacting with various genes, affecting the transcription process, and finally, playing roles in posttranslational control of these genes. There is growing evidence that lncRNAs are involved in the process of breast cancer formation by effecting the aforementioned signaling pathways, and that this involvement can have significant diagnostic and prognostic values in clinical contexts. The present review aims to elicit the significance of lncRNAs in the regulation of cell signaling pathways, and the resulting changes in cell survival, proliferation, and invasion, which are the hallmarks of breast cancer.
Highly selective carbon nanotube‐coupled graphene oxide‐incorporated polydimethylsiloxane membrane for pervaporative membrane bioreactor ethanol production
Authors: Shafiei Amrei Shiva , Asghari Morteza , Esfahanian Mehri , Zahraei Zohreh
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

In this work, a pervaporation membrane bioreactor (PVMBR) with the novel ethanol permselective membrane was used to achieve ethanol production with high yield. For this purpose, ethanol produced by Saccharomyces cerevisiae from glucose and pervaporation was performed via dense hydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) having carbon nanotube‐graphene oxide (CNT‐GO) mixed matrix membrane. Different percentages of CNT‐GO (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1) were loaded in polymer matrix. Synthesized membranes were analyzed using FESEM, AFM, FTIR and XRD.

RESULTS

The bonding of groups in CNT‐GO, that was synthesized in this work, and membranes was characterized and confirmed using FTIR test. Considering the existence of 0.75 wt% of CNT‐GO in PDMS showed the highest ethanol selectivity of 22.5 in synthetic ethanol‐water solution, this incorporation was selected to use in PVMBR. The high ethanol selectivity was proved using XRD patterns. Also, FESEM indicated the optimum dispersion of nanoparticles at 0.75% of loading and AFM proofed the optimum surface roughness at this percentage.

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed that maximum ethanol production in PVMBR was achieved after 44 h with productivity of 0.5g.l−1.h−1 in feed side and 9.89 g.l−1.h−1 in permeate side. In fact, PVMBR enhanced the ethanol concentration up to 26 times. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
A comparison between Suzuki cross‐coupling reaction and direct arylation in the synthesis of new antibacterial imidazo‐pyrazines/pyridazines
Authors: Salek Soltani Siavash , F. Farnia S. Morteza , Foroumadi Alireza
Published: January 2020

Two efficient synthetic routes to preparation of 2,3‐diarylimidazo[1,2‐a]pyrazines and 2,3‐diarylimidazo[1,2‐b]pyridazines are described. The procedures involve a Suzuki cross‐coupling reaction and a palladium‐catalyzed direct arylation at position 3 and finally a comparative study is achieved. The antibacterial activities of the synthesized compounds in vitro were measured and the results showed that most products presented moderate to good antibacterial activities. Compounds 3a, 3c, 3j, 3k, 3l, and 3n revealed obvious potency against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Escherichia coli with minimum inhibitory concentration values of 32 μg/mL, which were better compared with the others.
Oxygen and nitrite reduction by heme‐deficient sulphite oxidase in a patient with mild sulphite oxidase deficiency
Authors: Bender Daniel , Kaczmarek Alexander T. , Kuester Sabina , Burlina Alberto B. , Schwarz Guenter
Published: January 2020

Isolated sulphite oxidase deficiency (iSOD) is an autosomal recessive inborn error in metabolism characterised by accumulation of sulphite, which leads to death in early infancy. Sulphite oxidase (SO) is encoded by the SUOX gene and forms a heme‐ and molybdenum‐cofactor‐dependent enzyme localised in the intermembrane space of mitochondria. Within SO, both cofactors are embedded in two separated domains, which are linked via a flexible 11 residue tether. The two‐electron oxidation of sulphite to sulphate occurs at the molybdenum active site. From there, electrons are transferred via two intramolecular electron transfer steps (IETs) via the heme cofactor and to the physiologic electron acceptor cytochrome c. Previously, we reported nitrite and oxygen to serve as alternative electron acceptors at the Moco active site, thereby overcoming IET within SO. Here, we present evidence for these reactions to occur in an iSOD patient with an unusual mild disease representation. In the patient, a homozygous c.427C>A mutation within the SUOX gene leads to replacement of the highly conserved His143 to Asn. The affected His143 is one of two heme‐iron‐coordinating residues within SO. We demonstrate, that the H143N SO variant fails to bind heme in vivo leading to the elimination of SO‐dependent cytochrome c reduction in mitochondria. We show, that sulphite oxidation at the Moco domain is unaffected in His143Asn SO variant and demonstrate that nitrite and oxygen are able to serve as electron acceptors for sulphite‐derived electrons in cellulo. As result, the patient H143N SO variant retains residual sulphite oxidising activity thus ameliorating iSOD progression.
Obesity retunes turnover kinetics of tissue-resident macrophages in fat
Authors: Chen Qi , Ruedl Christiane
Published: January 2020

Adipose tissue-resident F4/80hi macrophages (ATMs) are the main leukocyte population found in the visceral adipose tissue (VAT). These macrophages comprise several phenotypically distinct subpopulations that rapidly shift in abundance during obesity-induced tissue remodeling. Here we used a fate-mapping approach in mouse models to determine the developmental origins and the differential turnover kinetics of ATMs in lean and obese adipose tissue. We found that in lean, murine VAT the majority of ATMs express T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain containing 4 receptor (Tim-4), lack the expression of CCR2 and can be further subdivided based on their expression of MHC class II and CD11c. We showed that both embryonic-derived Tim-4+MHCIIlow and Tim-4+MHCII+ ATM subsets are long-lived and only slowly replenished by monocytes over time. Only a minor Tim-4−MHCII+CD11c+ ATM fraction expresses CCR2 and is short-lived. In response to high-fat induced VAT remodeling, the majority of Tim-4+MHCIIlow ATMs maintain their fetal identity as they are moderately displaced by monocytes. Conversely, Tim-4+MHCII+ ATMs are quickly replaced in a CCR2-dependent manner by bone marrow-derived Tim-4−MHCII+ ATMs that have significantly higher turnover rates than those in lean mice. In addition, during high-fat diet, the subpopulation of CD11c+ macrophages invade the VAT with the fastest turnover kinetics of all three ATM subpopulations. Our results suggest that ATM subpopulation frequency is controlled by the VAT microenvironment and that obesity-induced tissue remodeling renders some of the ATM niches accessible and available for rapid monocyte replenishment. Specialized monocyte-derived macrophages, which are rapidly recruited may be contributing to control the excess of adipocyte-released lipids produced during obesity.
Detection of saliva morphine using surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy combined with immunochromatographic assay
Authors: Li Wei , Li Xiaozhou , Yang Tianyue , Guo Xingjia , Song Youtao
Published: January 2020

An immunochromatographic assay (ICA) based on surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) method was developed for the detection of morphine in this study. Indirect competitive immunoadsorption was adopted in the ICA due to the small molecular weight of morphine. Antibody modified gold nanoparticles in the ICA were labeled with Raman reporters and were used as the SERS enhancement substrate. By measuring the feature peaks of Raman reporter MBA at 1,078 cm−1, a quantitative estimation of morphine can be obtained. The limit of detection of this ICA‐SERS method was 2.4 × 10−4 ng/ml for morphine, which was four orders of magnitude lower than the visual method. This study demonstrated that the proposed ICA‐SERS method is a good candidate for the rapid and accurate detection of illicit drugs in saliva. All the analyses in this paper were carried out in a Microsoft (MS) Excel platform using embedded R functions through Excel BERT add‐in.
Cardiac protection of functional chicken‐liver hydrolysates on the high‐fat diet induced cardio‐renal damages via sustaining autophagy homeostasis
Authors: Wu Yi‐Hsieng Samuel , Lin Yi‐Ling , Huang Chien , Chiu Chih‐Hsien , Nakthong Sasitorn , Chen Yi‐Chen
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

Cardio‐renal syndrome (CRS) is an integrative problem related to chronic malnutrition, obesity, etc. Amino acids and peptides are regarded as protective and essential for tissues. Pepsin‐digested chicken liver hydrolysates (CLHs), which are made from the byproducts of the poultry industry, are amino‐acid based and of animal origin, and may be protective against the myocardial and renal damage induced by a high‐fat diet (HFD).

RESULTS

Our results showed that CLHs contain large quantities of anserine, taurine, and branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs), and supplementing the diet with CLHs reduced (P < 0.05) weight gain, liver weight, peri‐renal fat mass / adipocyte‐area sizes, serum total cholesterol (TC), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) levels in HFD‐fed mice but increased (P < 0.05) serum high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) levels. By histological analyses, CLHs alleviated (P < 0.05) renal lipid deposition and fibrosis, as well as cardiac fibrosis and inflammation of HFD‐fed mice. Meanwhile, increased (P < 0.05) inflammatory and fibrotic cytokines levels in the myocardia of the HFD‐fed mice were downregulated (P < 0.05) by CLH supplementation. Regarding autophagy‐related protein levels, protective effects of CLHs on the myocardia against HFD feeding may result from the early blockade of the autophagy pathway to prevent autophagosome accumulation.

CONCLUSION

Functional CLHs could be a novel food ingredient as a cardio‐renal protective agent against a high‐fat dietary habit in a niche market. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
A Systematic Review of DNA Methylation and Gene Expression Studies in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Posttraumatic Growth, and Resilience
Authors: Mehta Divya , Miller Olivia , Bruenig Dagmar , David Georgina , Shakespeare‐Finch Jane
Published: January 2020

Most people will experience a traumatic event within their lifetime. One commonly recognized response to trauma exposure is posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The biological underpinnings of PTSD, including epigenetic mechanisms of DNA methylation and gene expression, have been studied intensively. However, psychological posttrauma responses vary widely and can include positive outcomes, such as posttraumatic growth (PTG) and, more commonly, resilience. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the current DNA methylation and gene expression data with respect to three potential posttrauma responses: PTSD, PTG, and resilience. A literature search identified 486 studies, 51 of which were deemed eligible for inclusion (total N = 10,633). All included studies examined PTSD and consistently implicated DNA methylation and gene expression changes in hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and inflammatory genes. Ten studies acknowledged resilience as a posttrauma response, but only two studies examined epigenetics and gene expression using a scale to measure resilience. Low resilience was associated with gene expression patterns in immune and dopamine genes, and high resilience was associated with a blunted inflammatory response. No studies examined epigenetic or gene expression changes associated with PTG. These findings highlight a focus on pathogenic research, which has failed to adequately acknowledge and measure positive posttrauma outcomes of PTG and resilience. Future research should examine DNA methylation and gene expression changes associated with PTG and resilience in addition to PTSD in order to gain a more comprehensive picture of an individual's well‐being following exposure to trauma.
Phenotypic, Transcriptional, and Functional Analysis of Liver Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Their Immunomodulatory Properties
Authors: Taner Timucin , Abrol Nitin , Park Walter D. , Hansen Michael J. , Gustafson Michael P. , Lerman Lilach O. , van Wijnen Andre J. , Dietz Allan B. , Gores Gregory J. , Stegall Mark D.
Published: January 2020

The liver is an immunologically active organ with a tolerogenic microenvironment at a quiescent state. The immunoregulatory properties of the liver appear to be retained after transplantation because liver allografts can reduce alloresponses against other organs that are simultaneously transplanted. Mechanisms of this phenomenon remain unknown. Given the known immunomodulatory properties of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), we hypothesized that liver mesenchymal stromal cells (L‐MSCs) are superior immunomodulators and contribute to liver‐mediated tolerance. L‐MSCs, generated from human liver allograft biopsies, were compared with adipose mesenchymal stromal cells (A‐MSCs) and bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BM‐MSCs). Trilineage differentiation of L‐MSCs was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Comparative phenotypic analyses were done by flow cytometry and transcriptome analyses by RNA sequencing in unaltered cell cultures. The in vitro functional analyses were performed using alloreactive T cell proliferation assays. The transcriptome analysis showed that the L‐MSCs are different than the A‐MSCs and BM‐MSCs, with significant enrichment of genes and gene sets associated with immunoregulation. Compared with the others, L‐MSCs were found to express higher cell surface levels of several select immunomodulatory molecules. L‐MSCs (versus A‐MSCs/BM‐MSCs) inhibited alloreactive T cell proliferation (22.7% versus 56.4%/58.7%, respectively; P < 0.05) and reduced the frequency of interferon ɤ–producing T cells better than other MSCs (52.8% versus 94.4%/155.4%; P < 0.05). The antiproliferative impact of L‐MSCs was not dependent on cell‐to‐cell contact, could be reversed incompletely by blocking programmed death ligand 1, and required a higher concentration of the competitive inhibitor of indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase for complete reversal. In conclusion, L‐MSCs appear to be uniquely well‐equipped immunomodulatory cells, and they are more potent than A‐MSCs and BM‐MSCs in that capacity, which suggests that they may contribute to liver‐induced systemic tolerance.
Combined lymphovenous anastomosis and deep inferior epigastric perforator flap with lymphatic tissue preservation for defect reconstruction and lymphedema‐lymphocele prevention after medial thigh sarcoma resection: A case report
Authors: Scaglioni Mario F. , Meroni Matteo , Franchi Alberto , Fritsche Elmar
Published: January 2020

Soft tissue sarcomas are a rare group of malignant tumors that often require an extensive surgical resection to be safely treated. When they are localized in the upper medial thigh, this treatment inevitably leads to large defects frequently causing a series of early and late postoperative complications. Among these, lymphocele and lymphedema are rather common and should try to be avoided. Many solutions with a demonstrated efficacy have been described for this purpose after groin dissection procedure, ranging from lymphovenous anastomosis to pedicled or free flaps. Anyway, there is much less information regarding the medial thigh. Here we present a case of resected sarcoma involving the adductors compartment reconstructed using a pedicled deep inferior epigastric (DIEP) flap with lymphatic tissue transfer, combined with preventive lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) performed at the superior‐edge‐of‐the‐knee incision (SEKI) point. A 58‐year‐old patient presented a 10 cm × 12 cm soft tissue defect after margin free sarcoma removal. To fill this defect, we harvest a 24 × 9 cm pedicled DIEP flap conserving its lymphatic vessels running from the upper margin to the right groin lymphnodes. Then we rotated it maintaining the lymphnodes in their original site and moved it through an inguinal tunnel in the area of the defect. The distal part was de‐epithelized and folded down to cover the deeper region. The postoperative course was uneventful and at the 6 months follow up the patient showed a good outcome with no swelling and no signs of tumor relapse. This result therefore may suggest that this kind of combined treatment might be an effective technique to prevent all those complications linked to the impairment of lymphatic system drainage in the proximal medial thigh.
Camellia sinensis and Litsea coreana Ameliorate Intestinal Inflammation and Modulate Gut Microbiota in Dextran Sulfate Sodium‐Induced Colitis Mice
Authors: Liu Yan , Wang Xinghua , Chen Qiubing , Luo Liyong , Ma Mengjun , Xiao Bo , Zeng Liang
Published: January 2020

Scope

Polyphenol‐enriched herbal extracts have been proved as alternative therapeutic strategies for experimentally induced colitis. The in vivo and in vitro anti‐inflammatory effects of Camellia sinensis (green, white, yellow, oolong, black, and dark tea) and Litsea coreana (hawk tea) are comparatively explored.

Methods and results

HPLC analysis confirms dissimilarities among phytochemical compositions of these teas. The tea extracts (TEs) significantly decrease the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐6, IL‐12, and tumor necrosis factor‐α) and increase the anti‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐10) in LPS‐stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages and a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)‐induced colitis mouse model. The treatment of TEs in colitis mice can ameliorate colon inflammation, pro‐oxidative enzyme activity, colon integrity, and suppress the activation of nuclear factor‐κB. Of note, green TE significantly attenuates the DSS‐induced decrease in richness and diversity of gut microbiota. Moreover, TEs are capable of exerting a prebiotic effect on gut microbiota by increasing the abundance of potentially beneficial bacteria (e.g., Faecalibaculum, and Bifidobacterium), and decreasing the abundance of potentially harmful bacteria (e.g., Bacteroids, and Mucispirillum). TEs restore the decreased production of SCFAs in the feces of colitic mice.

Conclusion

The treatment of seven types of tea can alleviate DSS‐induced colitis in mice, and modulate the dysbiosis of gut microbiota in colitis mice.
High‐resolution imaging of the actin cytoskeleton and epithelial sodium channel, CFTR, and aquaporin‐9 localization in the vas deferens
Authors: Sharma Sachin , Kumaran Girishkumar K. , Hanukoglu Israel
Published: January 2020

Vas deferens is a conduit for sperm and fluid from the epididymis to the urethra. The duct is surrounded by a thick smooth muscle layer. To map the actin cytoskeleton of the duct and its epithelium, we reacted sections of the proximal and distal regions with fluorescent phalloidin. Confocal microscopic imaging showed that the cylinder‐shaped epithelium of the proximal region has a thick apical border of actin filaments that form microvilli. The epithelium of the distal region is covered with tall stereocilia (13–18 µm) that extend from the apical border into the lumen. In both regions, the lateral and basal cell borders showed a thin lining of actin cytoskeleton. The vas deferens epithelium contains various channels to regulate the fluid composition in the lumen. We mapped the localization of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), aquaporin‐9 (AQP9), and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in the rat and mouse vas deferens. ENaC and AQP9 immunofluorescence were localized on the luminal surface and stereocilia and also in the basal and smooth muscle layers. CFTR immunofluorescence appeared only on the luminal surface and in smooth muscle layers. The localization of all three channels on the apical surface of the columnar epithelial cells provides clear evidence that these channels are involved concurrently in the regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance in the lumen of the vas deferens. ENaC allows the flow of Na+ ions from the lumen into the cytoplasm, and the osmotic gradient generated provides the driving force for the passive flow of water through AQP channels.
Outcomes of ileal conduit urinary diversion in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Akakpo William , Chartier‐Kastler Emmanuel , Joussain Charles , Denys Pierre , Lubetzki Catherine , Phé Véronique
Published: January 2020

Aim

The objective of this study was to report the long‐term outcomes and complications of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) who underwent noncontinent urinary diversion to treat lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

Material and Methods

A retrospective study included all adult patients with MS who underwent an ileal conduit urinary diversion between 2000 and 2015. Early postoperative complications were reported as well as long‐term complications, reoperation rates, and renal function.

Results

Overall, 91 patients were included. The surgery was indicated for refractory urinary incontinence (n = 73), renal failure (n = 8), major perineal skin ulcer due to urinary incontinence (n = 6), and recurrent urinary tract infections (n = 4). The median follow‐up was 50 months (range, 3‐158 months). A significant reduction (P < .05) of postoperative nonobstructive pyelonephritis rate was observed. There was no significant difference between preoperative and postoperative renal function (P = .32). Early postoperative complications were reported in 24 patients (26%): 4 Clavien I, 6 Clavien II, 9 Clavien III, 4 Clavien IV, and 1 Clavien V. Nine patients required reoperation for these complications (9.9%). Late complications were reported in 28 patients (30.8%): 8 ureteral anastomosis stenosis, 2 stoma stenosis, 2 incisional hernias, 6 kidney or ureteral lithiasis, and 10 pyelonephritis. Among them, 15 patients (16.5%) required reoperation for late complications.

Conclusion

Noncontinent urinary diversion using ileal conduit appears to be an effective end‐stage solution in MS patients. The perioperative morbidity rate of 26% and the late complication rate of 31% should be considered to better inform patients before the surgery.
Facile and Direct Preparation of Ultrastable Mesoporous Silica with Silver Nanoclusters: High Surface Area
Authors: Aqeel Tariq , Bumajdad Ali
Published: January 2020

We report the successful direct synthesis of an ultrastable mesoporous silicon dioxide framework containing silver nanoclusters using a modified true liquid crystal templating method. Our modification produced an extraordinary material with a high average Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller specific surface area of 1785 m2 g−1 – the highest reported surface area to date – and an ultrastable mesoporous structure, which has been stable for nine years so far. This method eliminates the need for reduction of silver oxide into metallic silver and restricts the growth of silver clusters. The silver nanoclusters, with an average size of 1 nm, occupy the pores and walls of the framework. Analysis of the material using nitrogen adsorption/desorption method, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffractometry, energy‐dispersive X‐ray diffractometry, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy is discussed herein.
The Power of Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy in Supramolecular Chemistry: In situ Real‐time Imaging of Stimuli‐Responsive Multicomponent Supramolecular Hydrogels
Authors: Kubota Ryou , Nakamura Keisuke , Torigoe Shogo , Hamachi Itaru
Published: January 2020

Multicomponent supramolecular hydrogels are promising scaffolds for applications in biosensors and controlled drug release due to their designer stimulus responsiveness. To achieve rational construction of multicomponent supramolecular hydrogel systems, their in‐depth structural analysis is essential but still challenging. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) has emerged as a powerful tool for structural analysis of multicomponent supramolecular hydrogels. CLSM imaging enables real‐time observation of the hydrogels without the need of drying and/or freezing to elucidate their static and dynamic properties. Through multiple, selective fluorescent staining of materials of interest, multiple domains formed in supramolecular hydrogels (e. g. inorganic materials and self‐sorting nanofibers) can also be visualized. CLSM and the related microscopic techniques will be indispensable to investigate complex life‐inspired supramolecular chemical systems.
Understanding xenophobic hate crime in South Africa
Authors: Gordon Steven Lawrence
Published: January 2020

Hundreds of violent incidents of anti‐immigrant hate crimes have been recorded in South Africa over the past two decades. Understanding how the public views this issue helps us better understand how it can be resolved. The paper identifies determinants of public attitudes towards anti‐xenophobia strategies. Data from the South African Social Attitudes Survey for the period 2015–2018 were used for this study. Using these data, the link between anti‐immigrant sentiment and lay attributes of anti‐immigrant violence can be mapped. The results show that most citizens externalise the causes of this kind of hate crime and blame the victims (i.e., foreigners) for the conflict. What people believe about the etiology of an intergroup conflict was found to influence their desire for conflict resolution as well as the type of solutions preferred. Victim blaming was found to predict the adoption of prejudicial solutions to anti‐immigrant hate crime (such as the mass expulsion of foreign nationals). If an individual attributed the violence to the internal attributes (e.g., emotional factors or beliefs about foreign nationals) of the perpetrators, they were more likely to adopt progressive solutions (such as education and awareness campaigns).
Set‐shifting ability is specifically linked to high‐school science and math achievement in Chinese adolescents
Authors: Li Jingguang , Zhao Yajun , Zhou Shan , Pu Yuling , He Hongyu , Zhao Ming
Published: January 2020

Previous meta‐analytic studies have revealed that set‐shifting ability contributes to achievement in math and reading equally during childhood, but less is known about whether set‐shifting ability plays an equally important role in achievement in different school subjects during high‐school learning. To fill this research gap, the current study examined the association between set‐shifting ability and academic achievement among 10th‐grade Chinese adolescents who attended high school (N = 221). Meanwhile, we further explored the possible mechanisms underlying this association by testing the mediating role of math abilities (i.e., arithmetic and algebraic ability). Set‐shifting ability was measured through a task‐switching task in which participants continuously change task rules based on color and shape sets. Academic achievement was indexed by curriculum‐based examination scores. Based on exploratory factor analyses, the achievement scores could be classified into two categories: (a) science and math achievement, including math, physics, chemistry, biology, and geography scores; and (b) humanities achievement, comprising Chinese, English, history, and politics scores. Arithmetic ability and algebraic ability were measured by participants' ability to perform calculations and solve algebraic equations, respectively. Correlation and regression analyses found that set‐shifting ability was related to science and math achievement, but not to humanities achievement. Furthermore, the association between set‐shifting ability and science and math achievement is partly mediated by algebraic ability. Together, these results suggest that set‐shifting ability plays a domain‐specific role in achievement. That is, set‐shifting ability is specifically linked to science and math achievement in Chinese adolescents, and this specific link may be partly mediated by algebraic ability.