bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combining point counts and autonomous recording units improves avian survey efficacy across elevational gradients on two continents
Authors: Drake Anna , de Zwaan Devin R. , Altamirano Tomás A. , Wilson Scott , Hick Kristina , Bravo Camila , Ibarra José Tomás , Martin Kathy
Published: June 2021

Accurate biodiversity and population monitoring is a requirement for effective conservation decision making. Survey method bias is therefore a concern, particularly when research programs face logistical and cost limitations.

We employed point counts (PCs) and autonomous recording units (ARUs) to survey avian biodiversity within comparable, high elevation, temperate mountain habitats at opposite ends of the Americas: nine mountains in British Columbia (BC), Canada, and 10 in southern Chile. We compared detected species richness against multiyear species inventories and examined method‐specific detection probability by family. By incorporating time costs, we assessed the performance and efficiency of single versus combined methods.

Species accumulation curves indicate ARUs can capture ~93% of species present in BC but only ~58% in Chile, despite Chilean mountain communities being less diverse. The avian community, rather than landscape composition, appears to drive this dramatic difference. Chilean communities contain less‐vocal species, which ARUs missed. Further, 6/13 families in BC were better detected by ARUs, while 11/11 families in Chile were better detected by PCs. Where survey conditions differentially impacted method performance, PCs mostly varied over the morning and with canopy cover in BC, while ARUs mostly varied seasonally in Chile. Within a single year of monitoring, neither method alone was predicted to capture the full avian community, with the exception of ARUs in the alpine and subalpine of BC. PCs contributed little to detected diversity in BC, but including this method resulted in negligible increases in total time costs. Combining PCs with ARUs in Chile significantly increased species detections, again, for little cost.

Combined methods were among the most efficient and accurate approaches to capturing diversity. We recommend conducting point counts, while ARUs are being deployed and retrieved in order to capture additional diversity with minimal additional effort and to flag methodological biases using a comparative framework.
High‐throughput identification of non‐marine Ostracoda from the Tibetan Plateau: Evaluating the success of various primers on sedimentary DNA samples
Authors: Echeverría‐Galindo Paula , Anslan Sten , Frenzel Peter , Künzel Sven , Vences Miguel , Pérez Liseth , Börner Nicole , Kang Wengang , Schwarz Anja , Wang Junbo , Peng Ping , Zhu Liping , Schwalb Antje
Published: June 2021

Dwelling in a variety of aquatic habitats, one of the most abundant groups of microcrustaceans, ostracodes, are widely used indicator organisms in paleolimnological research. Typically, they are identified via traditional methods using morphological features but this may be excessively time‐consuming and prone to inter‐investigator variation. DNA barcoding and metabarcoding have become important tools for specimen identification, with a great impact in the field of taxonomy, (paleo‐)ecology and evolution. Despite its potential, metabarcoding has been rarely used to analyze the community structure of ostracodes. Here, we evaluate the performance of a metabarcoding approach for ostracode identification in surface sediment samples collected from Lake Nam Co on the Tibetan Plateau. We tested six different primer pairs amplifying fragments of three different genes, and compared their success in inferring ostracode communities, coupled with morphological identification of ostracodes from the same sediment samples. In total, depending on the primer pair used, seven to nineteen ostracode amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were identified. Via microscopy, eight morphospecies were identified. We found considerable differences between primer pairs in yielding ostracode sequences via metabarcoding. In general, the highest proportions of ostracode reads and ASVs were found with primers amplifying fragments of the 18S rRNA gene, whereas primers for COI gene had the highest in silico amplification success and highest sequencing depth per sample but only contained <1% of ostracode sequences. As a consequence, the metabarcoding results with 18S rRNA gene were more consistent with the morphological data compared to those obtained with COI or mitochondrial 16S rRNA primers. No significant effects of treatment with different sediment quantities for DNA extraction (10 g vs. 0.5 g) were found on ostracode ASVs community composition. These results indicate that DNA metabarcoding can serve as an efficient tool for ostracode‐based environmental reconstructions but requires an informed decision on primers and target gene, as well as extending the barcoding database for improved accuracy.
Transformation of Undesired Li2CO3 into Lithiophilic Layer Via Double Replacement Reaction for Garnet Electrolyte Engineering
Authors: Zhang Jiaxu , Yu Ruohan , Li Jun , Zhai Huiyu , Tan Gangjian , Tang Xinfeng
Published: June 2021

Garnet‐type solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) are a remarkable Li‐ion electrolyte for the realization of next‐generation all‐solid‐state lithium batteries due to their excellent stability against Li metal as well as high ionic conductivities at room temperature. However, garnet electrolytes always contain undesired and hardly removable Li2CO3 contaminations that have persistently large resistance and unstable interface contact with Li metal. This is a critical bottleneck for the practical application of garnet electrolytes. Here, we design a novel strategy to completely root out Li2CO3 both inside and on the surface of garnet. This is achieved by a so‐called double replacement reaction between Li2CO3 and SiO2 during one‐step hot press process for garnet electrolyte densification. It leads to in‐situ transformation of LixSiOy (LSO) mostly locating around the grain boundaries of garnet. Due to the higher ion conductivity and better electrochemistry stability of LSO than Li2CO3, the modified garnet electrolyte shows much improved electrochemical performance. Moreover, the wettability between modified garnet electrolyte and lithium metals was significantly enhanced in the absence of surface Li2CO3. As a proof of concept, an assembled Li symmetric cell with modified garnet electrolyte displays a high critical current density (CCD) of 0.7 mA cm−2 and a low interfacial impedance (5 Ω cm2) at 25 °C. These results indicate that the upcycling of Li2CO3 is a promising strategy to well‐address the degradation and interfacial issue associated with garnet electrolytes.
Microwave‐Assisted 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition of Azomethine Ylides to [60]Fullerene: Thermodynamic Control of Bis‐Addition with Ionic Liquids Additives
Authors: Martinis Estefanía M. , Montellano Alejandro , Sartorel Andrea , Carraro Mauro , Prato Maurizio , Bonchio Marcella
Published: June 2021

The cycloaddition of azomethine ylides to [60]fullerene (C60) has been studied in ortho‐dichlorobenzene (o‐DCB) by evaluating the impact of an ionic liquid (IL) additive. The solvent effect has been addressed by evaluating the activation parameters of the cycloaddition and the boosting effect of the microwave (MW) induced dielectric heating. The IL additive plays a twofold role of stabilizing the dipolar ylide intermediate and favoring the retro‐cycloaddition at high temperature regime. Under the conditions explored, a combined kinetic and thermodynamic preference favors the selective formation of trans bis‐fulleropyrrolidine regioisomers, in agreement with the DFT computational analysis.
Organoids: A new approach in toxicity testing of nanotherapeutics
Authors: Nabi Showkat Ul , Ali Sofi Imtiyaz , Rather Muzafar Ahmad , Sheikh Wajid Mohammad , Altaf Mehvish , Singh Hemant , Mumtaz Peerzada Tajamul , Mishra Narayan Chandra , Nazir Sheikh Uzma , Bashir Showkeen Muzamil
Published: June 2021

Nanotechnology has revolutionized diverse fields, which include agriculture, the consumer market, medicine, and other fields. Widespread use of nanotechnology‐based products has led to increased prevalence of these novel formulations in the environment, which has raised concerns regarding their deleterious effects. The application of nanotechnology‐based formulations into clinical use is hampered by the lack of the availability of effective in vitro systems, which could accurately assess their in vivo toxic effects. A plethora of studies has shown the hazardous effects of nanoparticle‐based formulations in two‐dimensional in vitro cell cultures and animal models. These have some associated disadvantages when used for the evaluation of nano‐toxicity. Organoid technology fills the space between existing two‐dimensional cell line culture and in vivo models. The uniqueness of organoids over other systems for evaluating toxicity caused by nano‐drug formulation includes them being a co‐culture of diverse cell types, dynamic flow within them that simulates the actual flow of nanoparticles within biological systems, extensive cell–cell, cell–matrix interactions, and a tissue‐like morphology. Thus, it mimics the actual tissue microenvironment and, subsequently, provides an opportunity to study drug metabolism and toxico‐dynamics of nanotechnology‐based novel formulations. The use of organoids in the evaluation of nano‐drug toxicity is in its infancy. A limited number of studies conducted so far have shown good predictive value and efficiently significant data correlation with the clinical trials. In this review, we attempt to introduce organoids of the liver, lungs, brain, kidney intestine, and potential applications to evaluate toxicity caused by nanoparticles.
Engaging Latino parents: An outcome evaluation of the Academia de Cultura Latina Para Padres
Authors: Ciro Dianne , Moreno Tanya , Ramos Arely , Wilson Jarilyn , Samayoa Grisel , Barragan Silvia , Rodriguez Yolanda , Chilapa Yolanda , Morales Veronica , Pintor Esther , Robles Carmen
Published: June 2021

Social capital interventions have been linked to various health and well‐being outcomes in children and families. This study evaluated the Academia de Cultura Latina Para Padres (ACLP), a grass roots women‐led parent engagement program that aimed to increase its participants' understanding and access to information about their children's education to support their academic success. Cross‐sectional data were collected from 100 Latino caregivers who were on average 40.3 (SD = 12.12) years old, participated in the ACLP program between September and November 2019, and had at least one child or grandchild who attended Rosa Parks Elementary School in San Diego, California. A paired t test and multiple linear regression were conducted to compare the participants' scores on a pretest and posttest. A thematic analysis approach was also used to code participant responses to open‐ended workshop satisfaction questionnaires. Participants scored significantly higher on the posttest after participating in the ACLP program, and although we did not find a significant relationship between the participants' attendance and posttests, we found a significant relationship between their positive ratings of the workshops and posttest scores. Findings from this study can inform future parent involvement programs, strategies for community engagement and practice with Latino caregivers, and research.
Age‐related alterations in muscle architecture are a signature of sarcopenia: the ultrasound sarcopenia index
Authors: Narici Marco , McPhee Jamie , Conte Maria , Franchi Martino V. , Mitchell Kyle , Tagliaferri Sara , Monti Elena , Marcolin Giuseppe , Atherton Philip J. , Smith Kenneth , Phillips Bethan , Lund Jonathan , Franceschi Claudio , Maggio Marcello , Butler‐Browne Gillian S.
Published: June 2021

Background

The assessment of muscle mass is a key determinant of the diagnosis of sarcopenia. We introduce for the first time an ultrasound imaging method for diagnosing sarcopenia based on changes in muscle geometric proportions.

Methods

Vastus lateralis muscle fascicle length (Lf) and thickness (Tm) were measured at 35% distal femur length by ultrasonography in a population of 279 individuals classified as moderately active elderly (MAE), sedentary elderly (SE) (n = 109), mobility impaired elderly (MIE) (n = 43), and in adult young controls (YC) (n = 60). The ratio of Lf/Tm was calculated to obtain an ultrasound index of the loss of muscle mass associated with sarcopenia (USI). In a subsample of elderly male individuals (n = 76) in which corresponding DXA measurements were available (MAE, n = 52 and SE, n = 24), DXA‐derived skeletal muscle index (SMI, appendicular limb mass/height2) was compared with corresponding USI values.

Results

For both young and older participants, USI values were found to be independent of sex, height and body mass. USI values were 3.70 ± 0.52 for YC, 4.50 ± 0.72 for the MAE, 5.05 ± 1.11 for the SE and 6.31 ± 1.38 for the MIE, all significantly different between each other (P < 0.0001). Based on the USI Z‐scores, with reference to the YC population, the 219 elderly participants were stratified according to their muscle sarcopenic status. Individuals with USI values within a range of 3.70 < USI ≥ 4.23 were classified as non‐sarcopenic (prevalence 23.7%), those with USI values within 4.23 < USI ≥ 4.76 were classified as pre‐sarcopenic (prevalence 23.7%), those with USI values within 4.76 < USI ≥ 5.29 were classified as moderately sarcopenic (prevalence 15.1%), those with USI values within range 5.29 < USI ≥ 5.82 were classified as sarcopenic (prevalence 27.9%), and those with USI values >5.82 were classified as severely sarcopenic (prevalence 9.6%). The DXA‐derived SMI was found to be significantly correlated with USI (r = 0.61, P < 0.0001). Notably, the USI cut‐off value for moderate sarcopenia (4.76 a.u.) was found to coincide with the DXA cut‐off value of sarcopenia (7.26 kg/m2).

Conclusions

We propose a novel, practical, and inexpensive imaging marker of the loss of muscle mass associated with sarcopenia, called the ultrasound sarcopenic index (USI), based on changes in muscle geometric proportions. These changes provide a useful ‘signature of sarcopenia’ and allow the stratification of individuals according to the presence and severity of muscle sarcopenia. We are convinced that the USI will be a useful clinical tool for confirming the diagnosis of sarcopenia, of which the assessment of muscle mass is a key‐component.
Comparative analysis of different PCR‐based strategies for HPV detection and genotyping from cervical samples
Authors: Santos Fernanda L. S. G. , Invenção Maria C. V. , Araújo Edilaine D. , Barros Gerlane S. , Batista Marcus V. A.
Published: June 2021

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based techniques are associated with accurate results with respect to HPV detection and genotyping, being able to identify viral DNA at low levels. However, differences in primer design influence their sensibility and specificity, depending on the HPV type assessed.

Objective

The aim of the study was to comparatively evaluate the effectiveness of three different PCR‐based strategies for HPV detection and genotyping from cervical samples.

Study Design

The procedures were based on different primer design strategies, using MY09/MY11, EntroA, and type specific multiplex PCR primers.

Results

Out of 411 samples of cervical scrapings, 45 (10.9%), 50 (12.2%), and 117 (28.5%) were positive for MY09/MY11, EntroA, and multiplex PCR, respectively. For MY09/MY11 positive samples, 36 were negative for EntroA and 23 for multiplex PCR. For EntroA positive samples, 40 were negative for MY09/MY11 and 26 for multiplex PCR. For multiplex PCR positive samples, 96 were negative for MY09/MY11 and 94 for EntroA. MY09/MY11 identified 12 different HPV types, EntroA detected eight types and multiplex PCR detected 11 HPV types. EntroA primers were able to detect HPV in more samples than MY09/MY11, while multiplex PCR, despite the limited targeted HPV types, presented higher sensibility than the other methods.

Conclusions

The three methods presented different advantages and disadvantages, and the present study reinforces the need to use more than one molecular strategy for HPV detection and genotyping, and the development of novel methods which could overcome the limitations of the existing tests.
The relative contribution of bone microarchitecture and matrix composition to implant fixation strength in rats
Authors: Anderson Kyle D. , Ko Frank C. , Fullam Spencer , Virdi Amarjit S. , Wimmer Markus A. , Sumner Dale R. , Ross Ryan D.
Published: June 2021

Bone microarchitectural parameters significantly contribute to implant fixation strength but the role of bone matrix composition is not well understood. To determine the relative contribution of microarchitecture and bone matrix composition to implant fixation strength, we placed titanium implants in 12‐week‐old intact Sprague–Dawley rats, ovariectomized‐Sprague–Dawley rats, and Zucker diabetic fatty rats. We assessed bone microarchitecture by microcomputed tomography, bone matrix composition by Raman spectroscopy, and implant fixation strength at 2, 6, and 10 weeks postimplantation. A stepwise linear regression model accounted for 83.3% of the variance in implant fixation strength with osteointegration volume/total volume (50.4%), peri‐implant trabecular bone volume fraction (14.2%), cortical thickness (9.3%), peri‐implant trabecular crystallinity (6.7%), and cortical area (2.8%) as the independent variables. Group comparisons indicated that osseointegration volume/total volume was significantly reduced in the ovariectomy group at Week 2 (~28%) and Week 10 (~21%) as well as in the diabetic group at Week 10 (~34%) as compared with the age matched Sprague–Dawley group. The crystallinity of the trabecular bone was significantly elevated in the ovariectomy group at Week 2 (~4%) but decreased in the diabetic group at Week 10 (~3%) with respect to the Sprague–Dawley group. Our study is the first to show that bone microarchitecture explains most of the variance in implant fixation strength, but that matrix composition is also a contributing factor. Therefore, treatment strategies aimed at improving bone‐implant contact and peri‐implant bone volume without compromising matrix quality should be prioritized.
Exploring Australian pharmacists’ perceptions and attitudes towards dispensing HIV medicines in the community setting
Authors: Singleton Judith A. , Lau Esther T.L. , Nissen Lisa M.
Published: June 2021

Background

Involving community pharmacists in the provision of care to people living with HIV has the potential to improve health outcomes.

Aim

To explore community pharmacists’ perceptions and attitudes regarding the supply of HIV medicines following the Australian Government’s decision to list antiretroviral drugs (ARTs) on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in 2016.

Methods

A purposive sample of community pharmacists around Australia was invited to participate in an anonymous, online questionnaire that collected demographic information, and pharmacists’ perceptions and attitudes towards dispensing and counselling HIV antiretroviral medicines.

Results

Of the 91 participants, the majority had not dispensed an HIV medicine. Most participants reported feeling comfortable when counselling people living with HIV about their medicines. However, most reported a lack of confidence in knowledge of HIV and HIV medicines, and a lack of confidence in counselling these patients about their medicines and managing the complex issues they experience. There was a statistically significant difference in genders with females reporting less confidence compared with males. Unsurprisingly, confidence in knowledge of HIV and HIV medicines was associated with confidence in counselling people living with HIV.

Conclusion

Increased accessibility to HIV antiretroviral medicines through community pharmacies for Australians living with HIV has potentially improved patient health outcomes. However, community pharmacists need to be both confident and comfortable in talking to these patients. This study has identified that Australian community pharmacists would benefit from continuing professional education on this topic. These findings could also be relevant for improving outcomes of patients taking other high‐cost drugs.
Role of thermal and non‐thermal drying techniques on drying kinetics and the physicochemical properties of shiitake mushroom
Authors: Zhang Jin , Yagoub Abu ElGasim A , Sun Yanhui , Arun Mujumdar S , Ma Haile , Zhou Cunshan
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Fresh shiitake mushrooms are rich in nutrients, but have high water content, a fast metabolism after harvest, and deteriorate extremely easily. Therefore, the drying of shiitake mushrooms has become a research direction. However, the role of different drying techniques on shiitake mushroom quality is limited. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of thermal and non‐thermal drying on the drying kinetics, and the physicochemical properties of the end product.

RESULTS

Results showed that shiitake mushroom treated with non‐thermal drying (vacuum freeze‐drying) had an attractive color, low shrinkage, and uniform honeycomb structure, while the drying time was the longest and not conducive to the formation of shiitake mushroom aroma. But shiitake mushroom treated with thermal drying presents an attractive fragrance. In thermal processing technology, compared with hot air convection drying (HAD), infrared hot air convection drying (IRHAD) shortens the drying time by 37.5%, and had the highest oxidation resistance, polysaccharide content and the lowest color change. Relative‐humidity drying (RHD) samples had the lowest shrinkage compared with other thermal processing technology. The five polysaccharides exhibited similar preliminary structural characteristics, but the polysaccharides obtained by IRHAD have the highest antioxidant properties.

CONCLUSION

These results showed that compared with thermal drying technology, non‐thermal drying technology is not suitable for shiitake mushroom processing. In thermal processing technology, IRHAD is a potential drying method to obtain high‐quality dried shiitake mushrooms and shiitake mushroom polysaccharide (SMP). However, it is necessary to increase the pretreatment technology to achieve the attractive appearance of non‐thermal drying technology. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Is rapid scientific publication also high quality? Bibliometric analysis of highly disseminated COVID‐19 research papers
Authors: Khatter Amandeep , Naughton Michael , Dambha‐Miller Hajira , Redmond Patrick
Published: June 2021

The impact of COVID‐19 has underlined the need for reliable information to guide clinical practice and policy. This urgency has to be balanced against disruption to journal handling capacity and the continued need to ensure scientific rigour. We examined the reporting quality of highly disseminated COVID‐19 research papers using a bibliometric analysis examining reporting quality and risk of bias (RoB) amongst 250 top scoring Altmetric Attention Score (AAS) COVID‐19 research papers between January and April 2020. Method‐specific RoB tools were used to assess quality. After exclusions, 84 studies from 44 journals were included. Forty‐three (51%) were case series/studies, and only one was an randomized controlled trial. Most authors were from institutions based in China (n = 44, 52%). The median AAS and impact factor was 2015 (interquartile range [IQR] 1,105–4,051.5) and 12.8 (IQR 5–44.2) respectively. Nine studies (11%) utilized a formal reporting framework, 62 (74%) included a funding statement, and 41 (49%) were at high RoB. This review of the most widely disseminated COVID‐19 studies highlights a preponderance of low‐quality case series with few research papers adhering to good standards of reporting. It emphasizes the need for cautious interpretation of research and the increasingly vital responsibility that journals have in ensuring high‐quality publications.
Infrared Microspectroscopy With Multivariate Analysis to Differentiate Oral Hyperplasia From Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Proof of Concept for Early Diagnosis
Authors: Kuhar Nikki , Nazeer Shaiju S. , Kumar Rekha V. , Mukherjee Geetashree , Umapathy Siva
Published: June 2021

Background and Objectives

Despite having numerous advances in therapeutics, mortality and morbidity due to oral cancer incidence are still very high. Early detection can improve the chances of survival in most patients. However, diagnosis at early stages can be challenging as premalignant conditions are usually asymptomatic. Currently, histological assessment remains the gold standard for diagnosis. Early diagnosis poses challenges to pathologists due to less severe morphological changes associated with early stages. Therefore, a fast and robust method of detection based on molecular changes is needed for early diagnosis. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Study Design/Material and Methods

In the present study, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic imaging has been used to differentiate early‐stage oral hyperplasia from adjacent normal (AN) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Hyperplasia is often considered as an initial event in the pathogenesis of oral cancer and OSCC is the most common advanced stage of malignancy. Differentiating normal versus hyperplasia and hyperplasia versus OSCC can remain quite challenging on occasion using conventional staining as the histological assessment is based on morphological changes.

Results

Unsupervised hierarchical cluster analysis (UHCA) has been performed on FTIR images of multiple tissues together that provided some degree of classification among tissue groups. The AN epithelium clustered distinctively using UHCA from both hyperplasia and grades 1 and 2 of OSCC. An increase in the content of DNA, denaturation of protein, and altered lipid structures were more clearly elucidated with spectral analysis.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates a simple strategy to differentiate early‐stage oral hyperplasia from AN and OSCC using UHCA. This study also proposes a future alternative method where FTIR imaging can be used as a diagnostic tool for cancer at early stages.
Identification of 1,2,4‐Triazolylthioethanone Scaffold for the Design of New Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors
Authors: Fatiha Muhammad Erma , Kumar Ashutosh , Wahab Habibah A. , Zhang Kam Y.J.
Published: June 2021

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors are the most effective drugs for Alzheimer's disease treatment. However, considering the potential and failure rates of AChE inhibitors, chemical scaffolds targeting cholinesterase specifically are still very limited. Herein, we report a new class of AChE inhibitors identified by employing a virtual screening approach that combines shape similarity with molecular docking calculations. Virtual screening followed by the evaluation of AChE inhibitory activity allowed us to identify 1,2,4‐triazolylthioethanones as a novel class of AChE inhibitors. Thirteen compounds with 1,2,4‐triazolylthiothanone core and IC50 values in the range of 0.15±0.07 to 3.32±0.92 μM have been reported here. Our findings shed light into a class of AChE inhibitors that could be useful starting point for the development of novel therapeutics to tackle Alzheimer's disease.
Machine Learning Boosted Docking (HASTEN): An Open‐source Tool To Accelerate Structure‐based Virtual Screening Campaigns
Authors: Kalliokoski Tuomo
Published: June 2021

The software macHine leArning booSTEd dockiNg (HASTEN) was developed to accelerate structure‐based virtual screening using machine learning models. It has been validated using datasets both from literature (12 datasets, each containing three million molecules docked with FRED) and in‐house sources (one dataset of four million compounds docked with Glide). HASTEN showed reasonable performance by having the mean recall value of 0.78 of the top one percent scoring molecules after docking 10 % of the dataset for the literature data, whereas excellent recall value of 0.95 was achieved for the in‐house data. The program can be used with any docking‐ and machine learning methodology, and is freely available from https://github.com/TuomoKalliokoski/HASTEN.
Structure‐Specific Fermentation of Galacto‐Oligosaccharides, Isomalto‐Oligosaccharides and Isomalto/Malto‐Polysaccharides by Infant Fecal Microbiota and Impact on Dendritic Cell Cytokine Responses
Authors: Logtenberg Madelon J. , Akkerman Renate , Hobé Rosan G. , Donners Kristel M. H. , Van Leeuwen Sander S. , Hermes Gerben D. A. , de Haan Bart J. , Faas Marijke M. , Buwalda Piet L. , Zoetendal Erwin G. , de Vos Paul , Schols Henk A.
Published: June 2021

Scope

Next to galacto‐oligosaccharides (GOS), starch‐derived isomalto‐oligosaccharide preparation (IMO) and isomalto/malto‐polysaccharides (IMMP) could potentially be used as prebiotics in infant formulas. However, it remains largely unknown how the specific molecular structures of these non‐digestible carbohydrates (NDCs) impact fermentability and immune responses in infants.

Methods and Results

In vitro fermentation of GOS, IMO and IMMP using infant fecal inoculum of 2‐ and 8‐week‐old infants shows that only GOS and IMO are fermented by infant fecal microbiota. The degradation of GOS and IMO coincides with an increase in Bifidobacterium and production of acetate and lactate, which is more pronounced with GOS. Individual isomers with an (1↔1)‐linkage or di‐substituted reducing terminal glucose residue are more resistant to fermentation. GOS, IMO, and IMMP fermentation digesta attenuates cytokine profiles in immature dendritic cells (DCs), but the extent is dependent on the infants age and NDC structure.

Conclusion

The IMO preparation, containing reducing and non‐reducing isomers, shows similar fermentation patterns as GOS in fecal microbiota of 2‐week‐old infants. Knowledge obtained on the substrate specificities of infant fecal microbiota and the subsequent regulatory effects of GOS, IMO and IMMP on DC responses might contribute to the design of tailored NDC mixtures for infants of different age groups.
Contra: E‐Fuels
Authors: Kreysa Gerhard
Published: June 2021

Weil Wasserstoff ein hervorragender Treibstoff ist, werden synthetische Kraftstoffe, auch E‐Fuels genannt, bestenfalls Nischenanwendungen erobern.
Completeness of exercise reporting among randomized controlled trials on pelvic floor muscle training for women with pelvic organ prolapse: A systematic review
Authors: Giagio Silvia , Innocenti Tiziano , Salvioli Stefano , Lami Alessandra , Meriggiola Maria Cristina , Pillastrini Paolo , Gava Giulia
Published: June 2021

Aims

This systematic review aimed to assess the completeness of exercise reporting in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) for women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

Methods

MEDLINE, Cochrane Central, CINHAL, Embase, SCOPUS, and PEDro databases were searched up to October 2020. Full‐text RCTs comparing PFMT to any type of intervention among women with any type and stage of POP were eligible for inclusion. Completeness of intervention was evaluated with t20he template for intervention description and replication (TIDieR) and the consensus on exercise reporting template (CERT). Inter‐rater agreement for each item of the tools was calculated.

Results

Twenty‐six RCTs were included. None of the studies completely reported all intervention descriptors. On average 57.1% (6.8 ± 2.4; out of 12) of the overall TIDieR items and 35.3% (6.7 ± 2.9; out of 19) of the CERT were well described. In particular, 7 and 5 items were completely reported more than 50% of the time for the TIDieR and CERT, respectively. Frequent shortcomings were the undetailed reporting of information regarding tailoring and modifications of exercises and their adherence. Detailed descriptions of exercise repetitions to enable replication were missing in 53.8%. According to the CERT, only 11.5% of the RCTs sufficiently described the main providers' characteristics.

Conclusion

The completeness of PFMT reporting for women with POP is still below desirable standards and it is insufficient to ensure transferability into practice. The present results may add relevant knowledge and contribute to improving adequate reporting of exercise.
Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors by BMI and Age in United States Firefighters
Authors: Bode Emilie D. , Mathias Kevin C. , Stewart Donald F. , Moffatt Steven M. , Jack Kepra , Smith Denise L.
Published: June 2021

Objective

This study examined cardiovascular disease risk factors by BMI category in firefighters, the association of BMI and age with risk factor prevalence, and the prevalence of risk factors by BMI category within age groups.

Methods

Cardiovascular measures from the medical evaluations of 4,453 firefighters, performed between 2015 and 2018 at four occupational health clinics in the United States (South‐West Cohort, Mid‐Atlantic Cohort, South‐East Cohort, and Mid‐West Cohort), were analyzed cross‐sectionally by BMI and age categories.

Results

Among female firefighters with normal weight, 25% had high blood pressure, 8% had low high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and 0% had high glucose, whereas the prevalence in female firefighters with obesity was 57%, 45%, and 11%, respectively. Among male firefighters, there were independent and significant associations of BMI and age for the prevalence of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, and high glucose. Higher BMI category was associated with a higher prevalence of high blood pressure, high triglycerides, and low high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol within all age groups and with a higher prevalence of high glucose and high cholesterol within ages 40 to 49 and 50 to 59 years.

Conclusions

An increasing prevalence of risk factors with older age and higher BMI suggests that preventive strategies should be initiated in younger firefighters and aggressively promoted or mandated throughout firefighters’ careers.
A density functional theory study of the hydride shift in the Eschweiler–Clarke reaction
Authors: Yamabe Shinichi , Tsuchida Noriko , Yamazaki Shoko
Published: June 2021

The Eschweiler–Clarke (the amine methylation) reaction was investigated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. First, a reaction model of H3CNH2 + HC(O)OH + CH2O + (H2O)3 → (H3C)2NH + CO2 + (H2O)4 was employed for geometry optimizations. Geometries and activation free energies of transition states (TSs) by eight DFTs, B2PLYP‐D3, B3LYP, B3LYP‐D, BP86‐D, PBE0‐D, M06‐2X, wB97X‐D, and APF‐D, along with MP2 were compared. Four elementary processes were obtained. The rate‐determining step is of the hydride‐transfer TS, H3CN+HCH2 + HCO2− → H3CNHCH3 + CO2. Whereas BP86‐D and APF‐D gave underestimated energies, M06‐2X was found to be a reasonable DFT to trace the present reaction. Second, by the use of M06‐2X/6‐311++G**, hydride‐shift TSs were examined for various sizes of the water cluster (H2O)n, and the controversial two mechanisms were evaluated. It was suggested that the first formic acid contributes to formation of the iminium ion H3CN+HCH2 and the second formic acid works for the hydride transfer. The Eschweiler–Clarke reaction was described by the scheme, R1R2NH + H2CO + (HCOOH)2 + (H2O)n → R1R2NCH3 + CO2 + HCO2− + H3O+(H2O)n.
Population pharmacokinetics and exposure–response analyses of varenicline in adolescent smokers
Authors: Fediuk Daryl J. , Sweeney Kevin , Sahasrabudhe Vaishali , McRae Thomas , Byon Wonkyung
Published: June 2021

Varenicline is an approved smoking cessation aid in adults. Population pharmacokinetics (popPK) and exposure–response (ER) (continuous abstinence rates [CAR] weeks 9‒12 and nausea/vomiting incidence) for varenicline in adolescent smokers were characterized using data from two phase 1 and one phase 4 studies. A one‐compartment popPK model with first‐order absorption and elimination adequately fitted the observed data. The effect of female sex on apparent clearance was significant. Apparent volume of distribution increased with body weight and decreased by 24%, 15%, and 14% for black race, “other” race, and female sex, respectively. The observed range of exposure in the phase 4 study was consistent with that expected for each dose and body‐weight group from the results obtained in adolescent PK studies, supporting that varenicline dose and administration were appropriate in the study. The relationship between CAR9‒12 and varenicline area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) from 0 to 24 hours (AUC24) was nonsignificant (p = 0.303). Nausea/vomiting incidence increased with AUC24 (p < 0.001) and was higher in females. Varenicline PK and ER for tolerability in adolescent smokers were comparable with adults, while ER for efficacy confirmed the negative results reported in the phase 4 study.
Effects of orange juice intake on cardiovascular risk factors: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials
Authors: Motallaei Maryam , Ramezani‐Jolfaie Nahid , Mohammadi Mohammad , Shams‐Rad Shamim , Jahanlou Alireza Shahab , Salehi‐Abargouei Amin
Published: June 2021

Previous investigations exploring the effects of orange juice (OJ) as a nutrient‐dense beverage on cardiovascular risk factors were inconsistent. We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials to determine the effectiveness of OJ intake on major cardiometabolic markers including anthropometric indices, blood pressure, lipid profile, inflammation, and glycemic control markers. PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science were searched from inception until January 2021. Fifteen eligible trials with 639 participants were included in the present study. The meta‐analysis showed that OJ intake significantly reduces circulating total cholesterol levels (10 trials; weighted mean difference [WMD] = −6.84 mg/dl; 95% CI: −12.38 to −1.29; p = .01) and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (four trials; WMD = −0.39, 95% CI: −0.77 to −0.006; p = .04) compared to control group. The analyses failed to reveal a significant effect of OJ intake on other cardiometabolic risk factors (p > .05). This review suggests that the intake of OJ might be associated with improved serum total cholesterol and insulin sensitivity. Due to low‐to‐moderate quality of meta‐evidence, our results must be interpreted with caution and more well‐designed studies are still needed to confirm the current findings.
Evaluation of how users interface with holographic augmented reality surgical scenes: Interactive planning MR‐Guided prostate biopsies
Authors: Velazco‐Garcia Jose D. , Navkar Nikhil V. , Balakrishnan Shidin , Younes Georges , Abi‐Nahed Julien , Al‐Rumaihi Khalid , Darweesh Adham , Elakkad Mohamed S. M. , Al‐Ansari Abdulla , Christoforou Eftychios G. , Karkoub Mansour , Leiss Ernst L. , Tsiamyrtzis Panagiotis , Tsekos Nikolaos V.
Published: June 2021

Background

User interfaces play a vital role in the planning and execution of an interventional procedure. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of using different user interfaces for planning transrectal robot‐assisted MR‐guided prostate biopsy (MRgPBx) in an augmented reality (AR) environment.

Method

End‐user studies were conducted by simulating an MRgPBx system with end‐ and side‐firing modes. The information from the system to the operator was rendered on HoloLens as an output interface. Joystick, mouse/keyboard, and holographic menus were used as input interfaces to the system.

Results

The studies indicated that using a joystick improved the interactive capacity and enabled operator to plan MRgPBx in less time. It efficiently captures the operator's commands to manipulate the augmented environment representing the state of MRgPBx system.

Conclusions

The study demonstrates an alternative to conventional input interfaces to interact and manipulate an AR environment within the context of MRgPBx planning.
“You could like science and not be a science person”: Black girls' negotiation of space and identity in science
Authors: Wade‐Jaimes Katherine , King Natalie S. , Schwartz Reneé
Published: June 2021

Building on previous research that has described the underrepresentation of women of color in science fields, this paper presents case studies of Black middle school girls to examine how their science identities developed over space and time. Data were collected over the course of their seventh‐grade year in both in school (science classroom) and out‐of‐school (afterschool club) contexts. The Multidimensionality of Black Girls' STEM Learning framework was used to explore the role of the afterschool club as a counterspace and how students made sense of science, science people, and their current and future selves based on their experiences in school and after school science contexts. All three participants struggled to see their future selves as scientists and made distinctions amongst being a science person, a person who likes science, or a scientist. They also negotiated views of science as active and hands‐on in the afterschool setting while experiencing more passive and decontextualized forms of science in the formal school setting. Implications include a need to disrupt the culture of science and reimagine formal science education by learning from out‐of‐school time science programs that function as counterspaces to support Black girls' science identity. We conclude that there remains a need to draw attention to and understand the role of race and racism in science education so that Black girls' science identities are affirmed beyond counterspaces.
Value creation mechanism through carbon asset for the sustainability of the automobile sector
Authors: Zhang Caiping , Yu Ning , Tan Deming , Yin Xiangxiang , Randhir Timothy O.
Published: June 2021

A low carbon economy gives a new connotation to enterprise value and developing carbon assets is an effective way to enhance enterprise low carbon value. Using the theory of stakeholders, sustainable development and value chain, and taking the low carbon practice of Toyota Motor Company as the research object, this paper explores and constructs the value creation mechanism of carbon assets using a single case study method. There is a positive interaction between carbon assets and enterprise value creation. The low‐carbon value creation of enterprises should first balance the stakeholders' carbon assets to meet stakeholders' low‐carbon requirements, thus providing the necessary conditions for enterprises' low‐carbon value creation. Carbon assets can be fully and effectively developed using a low‐carbon value chain. Value‐addition and value realization in low‐carbon basic value activities and auxiliary value activities can create long‐term and synergistic economic value and environmental value for enterprises and promote sustainable development.
Decorating Flower‐Like Ni(OH)2 Microspheres on Biomass‐Derived Porous Carbons for Solid‐State Asymmetric Supercapacitors
Authors: Yang Yanfang , Li Long , Luosang Baxi , Shao Menglin , Fu Xiaoqi
Published: June 2021

In this work, flower‐like Ni(OH)2 microspheres decorated on biomass‐derived porous carbons (Ni/PC) were fabricated via a facile two‐step approach for high performance supercapacitor. The as‐prepared Ni/PC offered an outstanding specific capacitance of 1960 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 current density. The Ni/PC electrode showed well capacitance retention of 85 % after 5000 cycles in alkaline electrolyte. In addition, the home‐assembled Ni‐0.3/PC//activated carbon solid‐state asymmetric device exhibited 40 Wh kg−1 high‐energy density at 800 W kg−1 power density with superior cycle stability. The superior electrochemical performances can be attributed to two aspects that the large surface of Ni/PC exposes more active sites for rapid faradic reactions, and the incorporation of N/S‐doped PC accelerates the charge transfer efficiency and improves electrical conductivity. This study provides an efficient and convenient method for the preparation of electrochemical materials combining transition metal hydroxides and biomass carbon, which can be used as electrode materials for energy storage and energy conversion.
Structural and Physicochemical Properties of Starch Isolated from the Rhizome of Drynaria roosii: A Novel Source
Authors: Ran Liping , Luo Jiaoyan , Wang Yiqing , Zou Jiuchun , Yao Huihui , Zhang Rong , Chen Xinyu , Xiong Fei
Published: June 2021

Drynaria roosii, a traditional Chinese medicine, is a large epiphytic fern that belongs to the family Polypodiaceae. It is a novel starch plant resource with commercial value. The physicochemical properties of starch isolated from the rhizome of D. roosii are investigated for the first time and compared with those of other commercial starches, including Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn, Triticum aestivum L., and Manihot esculenta Crantz. The rhizome of D. roosii contains total starch and apparent amylose contents of 17.26% and 30.01%, respectively. The starch from D. roosii has a unimodal distribution, large particles with elliptical or spherical to irregular shape, CB‐type crystal pattern, and no single‐helix structure. The swelling power, solubility, pasting temperature, and breakdown and setback viscosities are the lowest, and the resistant starch contents in native, gelatinized, and retrograded starches are the highest. The amylopectin of the starch from D. roosii exhibits lower proportions of short chains with DP 6–24, higher proportions of longer chains with DP 25–100, and average chain length than those of the other three starches. These findings have great significance to broaden the understanding of Polypodiaceae starch, which has great potential for utilization in food industries.
Examining the interdependence in the growth of students' language and argument competencies in replicative and generative learning environments
Authors: Cikmaz Ali , Fulmer Gavin , Yaman Fatma , Hand Brian
Published: June 2021

Language and argument are epistemic tools that learners can use to help them generate and validate knowledge for themselves, as emphasized in NGSS and previous NRC reports. Not all learning environments elicit or support the use of these epistemic tools equally, thus affecting how students grow in competence in relation to their use. The present study examined growth in students' competencies in language and argument during one semester, with a comparison of two learning environments—replicative versus generative—using students' lab reports. It also examined interdependence between these growth patterns. The participants (n = 30) were simultaneously enrolled in two required introductory‐level science lab courses—Chemistry‐I Lab (generative) and Physics‐I Lab (replicative)—taken during the first fall semester at the university. The students' written reports for each weekly lab (n = 490) were collected at the end of the semester and scored to quantify students' quality of argument (as holistic argument) and language use (as multimodal representation). This growth was modeled using linear mixed‐effects regression for each competence and each environment. Quadratic modeling was also used to show whether the trend of the growth demonstrated constant increase or a leveling off. Findings provide evidence that students showed higher growth in language and argument competencies in their lab reports for the generative learning environment than in their lab reports for the replicative learning environment. The findings also suggest that there is marked interdependence between the growth patterns of the argument and language competencies. Implications are discussed for learning environments to promote language and argument development. The interdependence of argument and language growth highlights that encouraging language use in a generative manner can be a promising direction for improving argumentation and, by extension, science learning in science classrooms.