bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Memantine, Donepezil, or Combination Therapy—What is the best therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease? A Network Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Guo Jiaxun , Wang Zhenyu , Liu Ruishu , Huang Yunxia , Zhang Nan , Zhang Ruihan
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a degenerative brain disease that progresses over time, heavily burdening patients, families, and aging societies worldwide. Memantine and donepezil are frequently used in its treatment, both as monotherapy and in combination. This multiple treatment comparison meta‐analysis assessed the efficacy of these regimens and placebo in the management of AD.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Wanfang Med Online and China National Knowledge Infrastructure for English and Chinese publications from the first records to 17 April 2020. Two investigators scanned articles for placebo‐controlled trials of memantine and donepezil alone and in combination. We extracted data on the following outcomes: cognition, global assessment, daily activities, neuropsychiatric symptoms, adverse events, and the acceptability and cost of these treatment regimens.

Results

Of 936 records screened, we included 54 trials in this analysis. The combination therapy was more effective in improving cognition (mean difference (MD)‐5.01, 95% credible interval (95% Crl) −10.73 to 0.86 in the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale‐Cognitive Subscale; MD 9.61, 95% Crl 2.29 to 16.97 in the Severe Impairment Battery), global assessment (MD −2.88, 95% Crl −6.04 to 0.40), daily activities (MD 13.06, 95% Crl −34.04 to 58.92), and neuropsychiatric symptoms (MD −6.84, 95% Crl −10.62 to –2.82) compared with placebo. Memantine was more acceptable than placebo (MD 0.93, 95% Crl 0.69 to 1.22).

Conclusions

Memantine plus donepezil showed superior outcomes for cognition, global assessment, daily activities, and neuropsychiatric symptoms, but lower acceptability than monotherapy and placebo. Combination therapy may be more cost‐effective, because memantine slows the progression of AD.
Inhibition of RNF6 alleviates traumatic brain injury by suppressing STAT3 signaling in rats
Authors: Liu Bin , Zhang Gang , Cui Shukun , Du Guoliang
Published: September 2020

Background

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has ranked as one of the leading causes of disability and death in the world. The neuroinflammation mediated by signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling during the progression of TBI leads to long‐term neurodegeneration. Ring finger protein 6 (RNF‐6) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase and can regulate the activity of STAT3 signaling pathway by targeting its inhibitors. However, the mechanism underlying this process in TBI remains poorly understood.

Methods

In this research, cortical impact injury was used to construct the TBI rat model. Western blot assay was performed to evaluate the protein levels of RNF6, Src homology 2 domain‐containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 1 (SHP‐1), and STAT3/pSTAT3. QRT‐PCR assay was performed to assess the RNA levels of RNF6 and other cytokines. The neural function of TBI rats was estimated by modified Neurological Severity Scores test.

Results

The expression of RNF‐6 was up‐regulated in the brain tissues of TBI rats. Down‐regulation of RNF6 alleviated the symptoms and improved the neural recovery postinjury in TBI rats. Inhibition of RNF6 suppressed the cerebral inflammation by up‐regulating the protein level of SHP‐1 and down‐regulating the phosphorylation level of STAT3.

Conclusion

Inhibition of RNF6 alleviated TBI by suppressing the STAT3 signaling in TBI rats.
Do audit committee attributes influence integrated reporting quality? An agency theory viewpoint
Authors: Raimo Nicola , Vitolla Filippo , Marrone Arcangelo , Rubino Michele
Published: September 2020

The limits of financial disclosure in meeting the investors' needs have led to the request for reporting frameworks capable of incorporating information of different nature. Integrated reporting (IR), which is the latest novelty in organisational reporting practice, promises to bring together material financial and non‐financial information. IR has received considerable academic attention in recent years. However, little attention has been paid to the role of the audit committee in IR processes, despite the influence that this body has on disclosure, thanks to its supervisory and monitoring functions. This study bridges this gap by analysing the effect of the audit committee attributes on integrated reporting quality (IRQ) from an agency theory perspective. The regression analysis, conducted on a sample of 125 international firms, demonstrated a positive effect of size, independence and meeting frequency of the audit committee on IRQ and a non‐significant effect of financial expertise.
Anatomical insights of the mylohyoid for clinical procedures in dentistry
Authors: Ryu Eun‐Jin , Kim Da‐Hye
Published: September 2020

Introduction

The purpose of this study is to provide useful data by conducting a comprehensive study of the mylohyoid muscle and its related structures.

Materials and methods

Fifty‐eight mandibles and 30 mylohyoid muscles from Korean adult cadavers were used. The shape and location of the mylohyoid line were analyzed by using digital calipers. The mylohyoid muscle and its herniation were observed using ultrasonography. After dissection, morphometric measurements of the muscle and herniation were conducted. The distribution pattern of the nerve to mylohyoid muscle was confirmed.

Results

The proportion of the distance between the cementoenamel junction and the mylohyoid line decreased from the mesiolingual cusp of the mandibular first molar (1:0.57) to the distolingual cusp of the mandibular second molar (1:0.41). The mylohyoid muscle was large, thick, and deep in men. Herniation was observed in 16 (53.3%) cases, and it was concentrated in the anterior one‐third (52.2%) of the muscle. The richest arborization of the nerve to mylohyoid muscle was in the middle one‐third (52.9%) of the muscle.

Conclusions

The results of the mylohyoid line can be applied in the reconstruction of the occlusal plane in edentulous patients. Differences between the sexes should be considered in the morphological characteristics of the mylohyoid muscle. Differential diagnosis of herniation is particularly important in the anterior one‐third of the muscle. In the case of treatment with botulinum toxin in the mylohyoid muscle, it is recommended to inject into the middle one‐third area considering the depth and thickness of the muscle in that area.
Know how to manage face‐mask branding in the time of COVID‐19
Authors: Faruque Zinnia
Published: September 2020

Whether displayed on a school sweatshirt, a baseball cap, or the increasingly ubiquitous staple of everyday wardrobe — a face mask — a school's name and logo are among its most valuable assets. The name and logo of a school and its athletic teams convey the school's brand, with the school's goodwill and reputation at stake. However, with mask sales now booming, there is an increased risk for the proliferation of the unauthorized sale of masks bearing a school's name or logo. Thus, even though colleges and universities across the country are in flux with their reopening plans, with many on‐campus activities, including collegiate sports, temporarily postponed, schools should remain vigilant about protecting their brands during the pandemic.
What's in a (building) name? Develop a plan for handling objections
Authors: Rooksby Jacob H.
Published: September 2020

More than just arbitrary demarcations, names convey meaning, conjure images, contextualize places, connote affiliations, and capture the imaginations of those who encounter them. In higher education, the presence of names is inescapable. Entire schools and colleges have been named for benefactors; endowed professorships and student scholarships often bear the name of donors; and residence halls, student centers, wellness centers, theaters, and sports complexes present naming opportunities.
The students doth protest too much? Manage campus protests during pandemic
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: September 2020

The pandemic has created challenges for campus leadership, ranging from the profound, such as transitions to virtual learning, to the routine, such as increasing access to hand sanitizer. Now that students have returned to campus, pandemic management issues will only grow in complexity, especially if a so‐called second wave swells across the country. If these concerns weren't complicated enough, administrators at many institutions face increased campus protest activity arising from students and employees, chiefly protests related to the Black Lives Matter movement and protests over institutional responses to the pandemic itself, including reopening policies.
Address key legal considerations for students with disabilities during pandemic
Authors: Charmatz Marc
Published: September 2020

Ensuring students with disabilities have a safe, healthy learning environment for both educational and noneducational programs and activities is an essential ingredient of a school's mission to provide quality services during this difficult period.
Prognostic significance for colorectal carcinoid tumors based on the 8th edition TNM staging system
Authors: Gong Piqing , Chen Chunhua , Wang Zhan , Zhang Xukun , Hu Wenxin , Hu Zhiqian , Li Xinxing
Published: September 2020

The aim of our study was to explore the value of the 8th edition TNM staging system on evaluating the prognosis of colorectal carcinoid. Colorectal carcinoid patients between 1988 and 2015 were selected in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER) database for analysis. About 4286 patients with colorectal carcinoid tumors were identified, of which were carcinoid tumor NOS (n = 1726), neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) (n = 1346) and other carcinoid tumor (OCT) (n = 591). Worsening 10‐year CSS rates with increasing N status, M status, and SEER historic stage were demonstrated across all three above groups (all P < .05). In carcinoid tumor NOS, significant differences in CSS were found with increasing combined 8th AJCC stages (P < .001), except for that between stage II and stage III (10‐year CSS rate: 82.6% vs 84.3%, P = .68). While combined 8th TNM stage in NEC and OTC exhibited greater separations in CSS despite on‐going overlaps between groups. For carcinoid tumor NOS, stage II (HR = 3.37; 95% CI: 0.97‐11.76), and stage III (HR = 2.09; 95% CI: 0.51‐8.66) conferred no significant difference in CSS compared with stage I, while stage IV had an increasing HR of 5.09 (95% CI: 1.08‐24.08). Although combined 8th AJCC stage had a good ability to distinguish 10‐year CSS of patients with NEC or OCT, detailed 8th AJCC stage did not seem to be applicable. Detailed 8th AJCC categories of advanced stages in all the three groups conferred increased HRs with overlapping CIs. However, in the early and middle status, HRs did not increase with the increase of stages, or there was no difference in HRs between adjacent stages. Combined 8th TNM stage was not practical for judging the survival outcomes of colorectal carcinoid tumor NOS, especially in patients with stages II and III, but it provided useful prognostic information for NEC and OCT. However, for all carcinoid tumors, the prognostic values of detailed 8th AJCC stage were not enough accurate in the clinic. More optimized staging methods should be developed and validated in the future.
Effect of Photocaged Isopropyl β‐d‐1‐thiogalactopyranoside Solubility on the Light Responsiveness of LacI‐controlled Expression Systems in Different Bacteria
Authors: Hogenkamp Fabian , Hilgers Fabienne , Knapp Andreas , Klaus Oliver , Bier Claus , Binder Dennis , Jaeger Karl‐Erich , Drepper Thomas , Pietruszka Jörg
Published: September 2020

Photolabile protecting groups play a significant role in controlling biological functions and cellular processes in living cells and tissues, as light offers high spatiotemporal control, is non‐invasive as well as easily tuneable. In the recent past, photo‐responsive inducer molecules such as 6‐nitropiperonyl‐caged IPTG (NP‐cIPTG) have been used as optochemical tools for Lac repressor‐controlled microbial expression systems. To further expand the applicability of the versatile optochemical on‐switch, we have investigated whether the modulation of cIPTG water solubility can improve the light responsiveness of appropriate expression systems in bacteria. To this end, we developed two new cIPTG derivatives with different hydrophobicity and demonstrated both an easy applicability for the light‐mediated control of gene expression and a simple transferability of this optochemical toolbox to the biotechnologically relevant bacteria Pseudomonas putida and Bacillus subtilis. Notably, the more water‐soluble cIPTG derivative proved to be particularly suitable for light‐mediated gene expression in these alternative expression hosts.
Covalent Linkage and Macrocylization Preserve and Enhance Synergistic Interactions in Catalytic Amyloids
Authors: Lengyel‐Zhand Zsofia , Marshall Liam R. , Jung Maximilian , Jayachandran Megha , Kim Min‐Chul , Kriews Austin , Makhlynets Olga V. , Fry H. Christopher , Geyer Armin , Korendovych Ivan V.
Published: September 2020

The self‐assembly of short peptides into catalytic amyloid‐like nanomaterials has proven to be a powerful tool in both understanding the evolution of early proteins and identifying new catalysts for practically useful chemical reactions. Here we demonstrate that both parallel and antiparallel arrangements of β‐sheets can accommodate metal ions in catalytically productive coordination environments. Moreover, synergistic relationships, identified in catalytic amyloid mixtures, can be captured in macrocyclic and sheet‐loop‐sheet species, that offer faster rates of assembly and provide more complex asymmetric arrangements of functional groups, thus paving the way for future designs of amyloid‐like catalytic proteins. Our findings show how initial catalytic activity in amyloid assemblies can be propagated and improved in more‐complex molecules, providing another link in a complex evolutionary chain between short, potentially abiotically produced peptides and modern‐day enzymes.
A case report of a drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) caused by multiple antidepressants with causality established by the updated Roussel Uclaf causality assessment method (RUCAM) and in vitro testing
Authors: González‐Muñoz Miguel , Monserrat Villatoro Jaime , Marín‐Serrano Eva , Stewart Stefan , Bardón Rivera Belén , Marín Jesús , Martínez de Soto Lucía , Seco Meseguer Enrique , Ramírez Elena
Published: September 2020

A 56‐year‐old female patient was hospitalized because of a lack of response and poor tolerance to multiple antidepressants, which included an episode of DILI. During hospitalization, the patient suffered another episode of DILI. Causality was assessed both by RUCAM and Lymphocyte Transformation Test, allowing to identify a safer medication.
Mystery of the lost gallstone‐Part 2
Authors: Boulas Konstantinos A. , Paraskeva Aikaterini , Triantafyllidis Alexandros , Nathanailidou Maria , Chatzipourganis Konstantinos , Hatzigeorgiadis Anestis
Published: September 2020

If gallbladder perforation occurs during cholecystectomy, every spilled gallstone should be retrieved to minimize possible late gallstone‐related complications.
Recyclable Polyisobutylene‐Bound HMPA as an Organocatalyst in Recyclable Poly(α‐olefin) Solvents
Authors: Fu Ying‐Hua , Bergbreiter David E.
Published: September 2020

This work describes the synthesis of a PIB‐bound hexamethylphosphoramide (HMPA) analog and its applications as a recyclable catalyst in allylation of aldehydes and reduction of enones in a recyclable poly(α‐olefin) (PAO) polymeric solvent. Kinetic studies of the allylation reaction show that this PIB‐bound HMPA analog is as active as HMPA in dichloromethane and PAO and that this PIB‐bound catalyst is comparably reactive in heptane and in a PAO solvent. The PIB‐bound HMPA catalyst has high phase selective solubility in PAO versus a polar solvent. By using this catalyst in a nonvolatile separable PAO solvent, this catalyst recyclability can be coupled to solvent recyclability, something that is less feasible in a conventional heptane solvent. The result is good recycling of catalyst and solvent through at least 5 cycles using simple gravity‐based liquid/liquid extractions. This is in contrast to HMPA or conventional solvents which are less recyclable.
Li1.5Al0.5Ge1.5(PO4)3 Ceramic Based Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries with High Cycling Stability Enabled by a Dual Confinement Effect for Polysulfides
Authors: Wang Qing , Lu Yang , Jin Jun , Chen Chunhua , Wen Zhaoyin
Published: September 2020

Aimed at tackling the shuttle effect in lithium‐sulfur (Li−S) batteries, a Li1.5Al0.5Ge1.5(PO4)3 (LAGP) ceramic is adopted to block the migration of polysulfides. However, the LAGP‐based Li−S battery with liquid electrolyte wetting the interfaces still suffers from rapid capacity decay, as polysulfides tend to dissolve into liquid electrolyte and get firmly adsorbed by LAGP. In this work, a dual confinement effect for polysulfides is put forward, enabled by the LAGP ceramic and solvent‐in‐salt (SIS), wherein the SIS can greatly suppress the dissolution of polysulfides. Owing to the synergistic effect of SIS and LAGP, the semi‐solid‐state Li−S batteries show superior capacity retention and long cycling life. In particular, at a current density of 0.2 C, the Li−S battery with SIS‐modified LAGP ceramic electrolyte delivers a high initial reversible capacity of 1251.7 mAh g−1 and long cycle life of over 250 cycles with a decay rate of only 0.07 % per cycle.
Ball‐Milling Strategy for Fast and Stable Potassium‐Ion Storage in Antimony‐Carbon Composite Anodes
Authors: Ji Fengjun , Liu Tianqi , Li Yanzhao , Li Deping , Ci Lijie
Published: September 2020

Potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) have been considered as promising alternatives to lithium‐ion batteries in large‐scale energy storage systems owing to the high earth abundance and low cost of potassium resources. However, the large radius of the K ion hinders the development of suitable electrode materials. Herein, with commercial antimony (Sb) and mesoCarbon microbead (MCMB) powders as low‐cost raw materials, a facile ball‐milling strategy is developed for constructing high‐performance Sb−C composite electrodes. The as‐prepared Sb@MCMB‐3 electrode exhibits high reversible capacity (525.4 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1), superior rate capability (293.9 mAh g−1 at 5000 mA g−1) and stable cycling performance (497.5 mAh g−1 after 80 cycles at 100 mA g−1 and 300.1 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 1.0 A g−1). With consecutive CV measurements, the galvanostatic intermittent titration technique, and Randle‐Sevcik equation, the K‐ion diffusion kinetics are insightfully evaluated. Therefore, this work may broaden the pathways for the commercialization of PIBs.
PEO‐b‐PS Block Copolymer Templated Mesoporous Carbons: A Comparative Study of Nitrogen and Sulfur Doping in the Oxygen Reduction Reaction to Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Perazzolo Valentina , Daniel Giorgia , Brandiele Riccardo , Picelli Luca , Rizzi Gian Andrea , Isse Abdirisak Ahmed , Durante Christian
Published: September 2020

Carbon materials slightly doped with heteroatoms such as nitrogen (N‐RFC) or sulfur (S‐RFC) are investigated as active catalysts for the electrochemical bielectronic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) to H2O2. Mesoporous carbons with wide, accessible pores were prepared by pyrolysis of a resorcinol‐formaldehyde resin using a PEO‐b‐PS block copolymer as a sacrificial templating agent and the nitrogen and sulfur doping were accomplished in a second thermal treatment employing 1,10‐phenanthroline and dibenzothiophene as nitrogen and sulfur precursors, respectively. The synthetic strategy allowed to obtain carbon materials with very high surface area and mesopore volume without any further physicochemical post treatment. Voltammetric rotating ring‐disk measurements in combination with potentiostatic and galvanostatic bulk electrolysis measurements in 0.5 m H2SO4 demonstrated a pronounced effect of heteroatom doping and mesopores volume on the catalytic activity and selectivity for H2O2. N‐RFC electrode was employed as electrode material in a 45 h electrolysis showing a constant H2O2 production of 298 mmol g−1 h−1 (millimoles of H2O2 divided by mass of catalyst and electrolysis time), with a faradic efficiency (FE) up to 61 % and without any clear evidence of degradation. The undoped carbon RFC showed a lower production rate (218 mmol g−1 h−1) but a higher FE of 76 %, while the performances drastically dropped when S‐RFC (production rate 11 mmol g−1 h−1 and FE=39 %) was used.
Enhanced Energy Density of Coaxial Fiber Asymmetric Supercapacitor Based on MoS2@Fe2O3/Carbon Nanotube Paper and Ni(OH)2@NiCo2O4/Carbon Nanotube Fiber Electrodes
Authors: He Hang , Yang Xijia , Wang Liying , Zhang Xueyu , Li Xuesong , Lü Wei
Published: September 2020

Fiber supercapacitors are promising energy storage devices for potential application in wearable and miniaturized portable electronics, which currently suffer from difficulties in achieving high capacitance and energy density synchronously owing to the limited specific surface area of the electrode materials and material incompatibility between the two electrodes. Herein, a strategy is developed for the manufacture of coaxial asymmetric fiber supercapacitors by wrapping a core of PVA‐KOH gel electrolyte‐coated Ni(OH)2@NiCo2O4/CNT fibers with MoS2@Fe2O3/CNT paper. The as‐prepared coaxial fiber asymmetric supercapacitors exhibit a specific capacitance of 373 mF cm−2 (at a current density of 2 mA cm−2) and energy density of 0.13 mW h cm−2 (at a power density of 3.2 mW cm−2), and also show good rate capability, long cycle life, and excellent flexibility. This work provides the possibility for the practical application of fiber supercapacitors in wearable and portable energy storage equipment.
Vessel to shore data movement through the Internet of Floating Things: A microservice platform at the edge
Authors: Di Luccio Diana , Kosta Sokol , Castiglione Aniello , Maratea Antonio , Montella Raffaele
Published: September 2020

The rise of the Internet of Things has generated high expectations about the improvement in people's lifestyles. In the last decade, we saw several examples of instrumented cities where different types of data were gathered, processed, and made available to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. In this framework, sensors and actuators became leading actors of technologically pervasive urban environments. However, in coastal areas, marine data crowdsourcing is difficult to apply due to the challenging operational conditions, extremely unstable network connectivity, and security issues in data movement. To fill this gap, we present a novel version of our DYNAMO transfer protocol (DTP), a platform‐independent data mover framework where data collected on board of vessels are stored locally and then moved from the edge to the cloud when the operating conditions are favorable. We evaluate the performance of DTP in a controlled environment with a private cloud by measuring the time it takes for the clouds ide to process and store a fixed amount of data while varying the number of microservice instances. We show that the time decreases exponentially when the number of microservice instances goes from 1 to 16 and it remains constant above that number.
Towards general Internet of Vehicles networking: Routing protocols survey
Authors: Ksouri Chahrazed , Jemili Imen , Mosbah Mohamed , Belghith Abdelfettah
Published: September 2020

The specific characteristics of vehicular ad hoc networks, such as high speed of nodes and frequent topology changes, impose challenges for the routing process. In addition, the advent of the Internet of Vehicles (IoV) concept along with the autonomous and connected cars contribute to the proliferation of new innovative applications with different quality of service requirements, rising new challenging issues for data transfer. In this article, we review the different taxonomies of vehicular routing protocols, while giving an insight into the design of geographical protocols. Then, we outline several optimization techniques and paradigms used to enhance the routing process. Moreover, in order to promote the deployment of robust IoV routing protocols at large scale, we provide some directions for future research work.
Fatigue‐Resistant, Notch‐Insensitive Zwitterionic Polymer Hydrogels with High Self‐Healing Ability
Authors: Yang Jianbo , Du Yongxu , Li Xuelin , Qiao Congde , Jiang Haihui , Zheng Jiyong , Lin Cunguo , Liu Libin
Published: September 2020

Introducing self‐healing properties into hydrogels can prolong their application lifetime. However, achieving mechanical strength without sacrificing self‐healing properties is still a major challenge. We prepared a series of zwitterionic polymer hydrogels by random copolymerization of zwitterionic ionic monomer (SBMA), cationic monomer (DAC) and hydrophilic monomer (HEMA). The ionic bonds and hydrogen bonds formed in the hydrogels can efficiently dissipate energy and rebuild the network. The resulting hydrogels show high mechanical strength (289–396 KPa of fracture stress, 433–864 % of fracture stress) and have great fatigue resistance. The hydrogel with a 1 : 1 molar ratio of SBMA:DAC possesses the best self‐healing properties (self‐healing efficiency up to 96.5 % at room temperature for 10 h). The self‐healing process is completely spontaneous and does not require external factors to assist. In addition, the hydrogel also possesses notch insensitivity with a fracture energy of 12000 J m−2. After combining the conductivity of RGO aerogel, the hydrogel/RGO composites show good strain sensitivity with high reliability and self‐healing ability, which has certain significance in broadening the application of these zwitterionic hydrogels.
Reprogramming Urine‐Derived Cells Using Commercially Available Self‐Replicative RNA and a Single Electroporation
Authors: Bouma Marga J. , Arendzen Christiaan H. , Mummery Christine L. , Mikkers Harald , Freund Christian
Published: September 2020

We describe a protocol for efficient generation of human‐induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) from urine‐derived cells (UDCs) obtained from adult donors using self‐replicative RNA containing the reprogramming factors OCT3/4, SOX2, KLF4, GLIS1, and c‐MYC (ReproRNA‐OKSGM). After electroporation, transfection efficiency is quantified by measuring OCT3/4‐expressing UDCs using flow cytometry and should be ≥0.1%. hiPSC colonies emerge within 3 weeks after transfection and express multiple pluripotency markers. Moreover, the UDC‐derived hiPSCs are able to differentiate into cells of all three germ layers and display normal karyotypes. ReproRNA‐OKSGM is available commercially and only requires a single transfection step so that the protocol is readily accessible, as well as straightforward. In addition to a detailed step‐by‐step description for generating clonal hiPSCs from UDCs using ReproRNA‐OKSGM, we provide guidance for basic pluripotency characterization of the hiPSC lines. © 2020 The Authors.

Basic Protocol: Reprogramming of urine‐derived cells using ReproRNA‐OKSGM

Support Protocol 1: Determination of the pluripotency status of hiPSCs by flow cytometry

Support Protocol 2: Characterization of functional pluripotency of hiPSCs
Simple Workflow and Comparison of Media for hPSC‐Cardiomyocyte Cryopreservation and Recovery
Authors: Miller Duncan C. , Genehr Carolin , Telugu Narasimha S. , Kurths Silke , Diecke Sebastian
Published: September 2020

Great progress has been made with protocols for the differentiation and functional application of hPSC‐cardiomyocytes (hPSC‐CMs) in recent years; however, the cryopreservation and recovery of hPSC‐CMs still presents challenges and few reports describe in detail the protocols and general workflow. In order to facilitate cryopreservation and recovery of hPSC‐CMs for a wide range of applications, we provide detailed information and step‐by‐step protocols. The protocols are simple and use common reagents. They are comprised of a fast dissociation, cryopreservation using standard equipment, and gentle recovery following thawing. We discuss various features of the protocols, as well as their utilization in the context of common hPSC‐CM differentiation and application workflows. Finally, we compare two proprietary and two common in‐house formulations of cryopreservation media used for hPSC‐CMs, and despite differences in their price and composition find broadly similar recovery rates and cellular function after thawing. © 2019 The Authors.

Basic Protocol 1: Dissociation and cryopreservation of hPSC‐CMs

Basic Protocol 2: Thawing and recovery of cryogenically frozen hPSC‐CMs
Advancing Stem Cell Technologies and Applications: A Special Collection from the PluriCore Network in the German Stem Cell Network (GSCN)
Authors: Besser Daniel
Published: September 2020

Current Protocols in Stem Cell Biology is publishing a special collection of eight articles from members of the PluriCore Network in the German Stem Cell Network. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Role of Drugs Used for Chronic Disease Management on Susceptibility and Severity of COVID‐19: A Large Case‐Control Study
Authors: Yan Huadong , Valdes Ana M. , Vijay Amrita , Wang Shanbo , Liang Lili , Yang Shiqing , Wang Hongxia , Tan Xiaoyan , Du Jingyuan , Jin Susu , Huang Kecheng , Jiang Fanrong , Zhang Shun , Zheng Nanhong , Hu Yaoren , Cai Ting , Aithal Guruprasad P.
Published: September 2020

This study aimed to investigate whether specific medications used in the treatment chronic diseases affected either the development and/ or severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in a cohort of 610 COVID‐19 cases and 48,667 population‐based controls from Zhejiang, China. Using a cohort of 578 COVID‐19 cases and 48,667 population‐based controls from Zhejiang, China, we tested the role of usage of cardiovascular, antidiabetic, and other medications on risk and severity of COVID‐19. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index and for presence of relevant comorbidities. Individuals with hypertension taking calcium channel blockers had significantly increased risk (odds ratio (OR) = 1.73, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2–2.3) of manifesting symptoms of COVID‐19, whereas those taking angiotensin receptor blockers and diuretics had significantly lower disease risk (OR = 0.22, 95% CI 0.15–0.30 and OR = 0.30, 95% CI 0.19–0.58, respectively). Among those with type 2 diabetes, dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors (OR = 6.02, 95% CI 2.3–15.5) and insulin (OR = 2.71, 95% CI 1.6–5.5) were more and glucosidase inhibitors were less prevalent (OR = 0.11, 95% CI 0.1–0.3) among with patients with COVID‐19. Drugs used in the treatment of hypertension and diabetes influence the risk of development of COVID‐19, but, not its severity.
Identification and diversity of tropical maize inbred lines with resistance to common rust (Puccinia sorghi Schwein)
Authors: Sserumaga Julius Pyton , Makumbi Dan , Assanga Silvano O. , Mageto Edna K. , Njeri Susan G. , Jumbo Bright M. , Bruce Anani Y.
Published: September 2020

Common rust (CR) caused by Puccinia sorghi Schwein is one of the major foliar diseases of maize (Zea mays L.) in Eastern and Southern Africa. This study was conducted to (i) evaluate the response of elite tropical adapted maize inbred lines to Puccinia sorghi and identify resistant lines (ii) examine associations between CR disease parameters and agronomic traits, and (iii) assess the genetic diversity of the inbred lines. Fifty inbred lines were evaluated in field trials for three seasons (2017–2019) in Uganda under artificial inoculation. Disease severity was rated on a 1–9 scale at 21 (Rust 1), 28 (Rust 2), and 35 (Rust 3) days after inoculation. Area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) was calculated. The genetic diversity of the lines was assessed using 44,975 single nucleotide polymorphism markers. Combined ANOVA across seasons showed significant (P < .001) line mean squares for the three rust scores and AUDPC. Heritability was high for Rust 2 (0.90), Rust 3 (0.83), and AUDPC (0.93). Of the 50 lines, 12 were highly resistant to CR. Inbred lines CKL1522, CKL05010, and CKL05017 had significantly lower Rust 3 scores and AUDPC compared to the resistant check CML444 and are potential donors of CR resistance alleles. The genetic correlations between CR disease resistance parameters were positive and strong. A neighbor‐joining (NJ) tree and STRUCTURE suggested the presence of three major groups among the lines, with lines highly resistant to CR spread across the three groups. The genetic diversity among the highly resistant lines can be exploited by recycling genetically distant lines to develop new multiple disease resistant inbred lines for hybrid development and deployment.
Knowledge and technology transfer in sustainability reports: Fomenting stakeholder engagement for sustainable development
Authors: Salvador Rodrigo , Barros Murillo Vetroni , do Prado Guilherme Francisco , Pagani Regina Negri , Piekarski Cassiano Moro , de Francisco Antonio Carlos
Published: September 2020

This article aimed to propose and test a model to assess the potential of sustainability reporting (SR) standards as facilitators for knowledge and technology transfer (KTT), the Sustainable Reporting Knowledge and Technology Transfer (SURKaTT) Model. The proposed model can be used mainly by researchers and public organizations that intend to or are currently conducting SR initiatives. It can be used to assess and compare SR standards, being a facilitator to KTT processes. GRI, a worldwide well‐known SR standard was assessed using the SURKaTT Model, and results show that GRI performed at only 58.8% of its potential to facilitate KTT processes. This pioneering approach can encourage researchers onto developing further criteria to assess the possibilities of KTT in SR, and it is a kick‐off start for SR to be considered a both purposeful and serendipitous source of KTT initiatives.
Impact of family involvement on internal and external corporate social responsibilities: Evidence from Chinese publicly listed firms
Authors: Ye Yan , Li Kongyue
Published: September 2020

This study differentiates between internal corporate social responsibility (CSR) and external CSR to investigate the impact of family involvement on different dimensions of CSR. Using a sample of 2,114 Chinese listed firms, we show that family involvement is positively related to the level of firms' participation in external CSR but negatively related to the level of firms' participation in internal CSR. We further explore the roles of internal ownership structure and external institutional environment in influencing the incentives of family firms to invest in internal and external CSR. Results show that high levels of ownership balance and regional institutional development attenuate the negative effect of family involvement on internal CSR while a high level of regional institutional development strengthens the positive effect of family involvement on external CSR. These findings contribute to our understanding on the internal and external CSR strategies in family firms in emerging markets.
Leaders pay it forward
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: September 2020

“Paying it forward” is not a new concept. It's probably as old as time. But in the past few years, the phrase has gained popularity. The meaning is simple. Paying it forward is to return a kindness to someone else rather than the original benefactor, and thus expand its reach.
Memorandum outlines how administrators can encourage voter turnout
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: September 2020

While the rate of college students voting is on the rise in recent years, the turnout of college students at the polls remains significantly lower than college students who register to vote. For the 2020 presidential election, occurring in the midst of the COVID‐19 pandemic, voting may be even more difficult. The Institute for Democracy and Higher Education at Tufts University has put together a memorandum of best practices, designed to help higher education administrators encourage and help students to exercise their civic duty to vote. “Absent interventions, the removal of barriers to voting by mail, and education, voting rates for students will be low in 2020,” according to the writers of the memorandum.
Even in global city, extra effort needed to attract international students
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: September 2020

Washington, D.C.’s prominence as a global community carries clear advantages for Andrea Felder, Ed.D., in her role of attracting international students to attend American University. Still, Felder has worked to mobilize any resources at her disposal to help communicate that the campus will be a welcoming place for those who arrive.
An increase in inflammation and islet dysfunction is a feature of prediabetes
Authors: Weaver Jessica R. , Odanga Justin J. , Breathwaite Erick K. , Treadwell Michelle L. , Murchinson Angela C. , Walters Gary , Fuentes Danette P. , Lee Jung Bok
Published: September 2020

Aims

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a global health problem that will be diagnosed in almost 300 million people by 2025 according to the World Health Organization. Before being diagnosed with T2D, individuals may have glucose levels above normal but below the diabetic range. This condition is known as prediabetes. Studies showed that people with prediabetes had an increase in several pro‐inflammatory cytokines in their serum and in their fasting glucose levels. The answer remains unclear when inflammation begins in the pancreas and islets, and what is the extent of this inflammation.

Methods

Subjects with haemoglobin A1c levels from 5.7% to 6.4% were classified as pre‐diabetic. Sections of pancreas and isolated islets from normal donors and donors with prediabetes were tested for markers of inflammation and glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS).

Results

Gene and protein expression of the inflammatory markers resistin, interleukin‐1 beta, tumour necrosis factor‐alpha, interleukin‐6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 increased in donors with prediabetes compared to normal donors. GSIS response was significantly decreased in pre‐diabetic islets compared to normal islets. Donors with prediabetes also had decreased expression of CD163+ cells but not CD68+ cells.

Conclusions

Based on our findings, inflammation and islet dysfunction may be more significant than originally thought in people with prediabetes. Rather than being in a normal state before diabetes occurs, it appears that subjects are already in an early diabetic condition resembling more closely T2D.
Hematological adaptations and detection of recombinant human erythropoietin combined with chronic hypoxia
Authors: Bejder Jacob , Breenfeldt Andersen Andreas , Bonne Thomas Christian , Linkis Jesper , Olsen Niels Vidiendal , Huertas Jesús Rodríguez , Nordsborg Nikolai Baastrup
Published: September 2020

This study evaluated whether recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEpo) treatment combined with chronic hypoxia provided an additive erythropoietic response and whether the athlete biological passport (ABP) sensitivity improved with hypoxia.

Two interventions were completed, each containing 4 weeks baseline, 4 weeks exposure at sea level or 2,320 m of altitude, and 4 weeks follow‐up. Participants were randomly assigned to 20 IU·kg bw−1 rhEpo or placebo injections every second day for 3 weeks during the exposure period at sea level (rhEpo n = 25, placebo n = 9) or at altitude (rhEpo n = 12, placebo n = 27). Venous blood was analyzed weekly.

Combining rhEpo and hypoxia induced larger changes compared with rhEpo or hypoxia alone for [Hb] (p < 0.001 and p > 0.05, respectively), reticulocyte percentage (p < 0.001), and OFF‐hr score (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). The most pronounced effect was observed for reticulocyte percentage with up to ~35% (p < 0.001) and ~45% (p < 0.001) higher levels compared with rhEpo or hypoxia only, respectively. The ABP sensitivity for the combined treatment was 54 and 35 percentage points higher for [Hb] (p < 0.05) and reticulocyte percentage (p < 0.05), respectively, but similar for OFF‐hr score, compared with rhEpo at sea level. Across any time point, [Hb] and OFF‐hr score combined identified 14 unique true‐positive participants (56%) at sea level and 12 unique true‐positive participants (100%) at altitude. However, a concurrent reduction in specificity existed at altitude.

In conclusion, rhEpo treatment combined with hypoxic exposure provided an additive erythropoietic response compared with rhEpo or hypoxic exposure alone. Correspondingly, ABP was more sensitive to rhEpo at altitude than at sea level, but a compromised specificity existed with hypoxic exposure.
Enhancing dietary specialization metrics in observational studies of wild animal populations
Authors: Andrews Caitlin E. , Ewen John G. , Thorogood Rose
Published: September 2020

Studies of intraspecific dietary variation can greatly enrich our view of a species’ niche and role in the ecosystem, particularly when species with broad diets are found to be composed of generalist and specialist individuals. However, the current framework for quantifying dietary specialization leaves certain standards unformalized and is susceptible to overestimating specialization when there are few repeated observations per individual, as is often the case in observational studies of wild populations. Here, we use the hihi (Notiomystis cincta), a threatened New Zealand passerine, as a case study for demonstrating how existing statistical tools can be applied to strengthen the dietary specialization framework. First, we assess whether the reliability of common dietary measures can be improved through Bayesian adjustments and by using rarefaction to compare uncertainty levels of metrics calculated from different sample sizes. As diet links closely to environmental factors, we also demonstrate how adding phenological data and habitat assessments to standard protocols can help validate our dietary measures as evidence for resource selection rather than random foraging. Finally, in light of our finding that diet predicts survival in hihi, we discuss the utility of dietary specialization for elucidating broader behavioral syndromes.
Stress gradients and biodiversity: monoculture vulnerability drives stronger biodiversity effects during drought years
Authors: Wright A.J. , Mommer L. , Barry K. , van Ruijven J.
Published: September 2020

Climate change will increase the likelihood and severity of droughts into the future. Although diversity may buffer plant communities against the negative effects of drought, the mechanisms underlying this pattern remain unclear. Higher‐diversity plant communities may have a higher likelihood of including more drought‐resistant species that can compensate for drought‐sensitive species (“insurance effects”). Alternatively, higher‐diversity communities may alter environmental conditions and improve performance of even drought‐sensitive species. Here we planted nonleguminous forbs and grasses into monocultures and four‐ and eight‐species mixtures, and measured species and plot productivity every year from 2000 to 2010. We found that six of our eight species were suppressed when growing in monoculture during dry years. These same species were unaffected by drought when growing in higher‐diversity mixtures. Because of this poor performance in monoculture (not insurance effects), the biodiversity productivity relationship was strongest during the driest years. If biodiversity ameliorates hot/dry conditions and therefore improves performance of drought‐sensitive species during periods of low rainfall, this may mean biodiversity can be used as a tool to protect individual species from drought conditions.
Factors associated with physician consultation and medication use in children and adolescents with chronic pain: A scoping review and original data
Authors: Könning Anna , Rosenthal Nicola , Friese Michelle , Hirschfeld Gerrit , Brown Donnamay , Wager Julia
Published: September 2020

Background

Although paediatric chronic pain is common, it is not yet clear which individuals with chronic pain are likely to seek health care for their pain. The aims of this study were to summarize the current evidence of the characteristics of children and adolescents with chronic pain who consult a physician or use medication for their pain. Additionally, we aimed to expand knowledge by further investigating key and promising, factors in a large community sample of adolescents.

Methods

First, using scoping review methodology, studies on health care utilisation in paediatric chronic pain were identified by the systematic literature search. Out of 1,158 articles, 12 were included for data extraction. Second, in a population‐based cross‐sectional survey, data of N = 2,280 adolescents (10–18 years) and their parents (N = 1,464), were analysed. Univariable logistic and multivariable LASSO regression models were calculated for adolescents with chronic pain (n = 749) to identify predictors of physician visits or analgesics intake due to pain, controlling for acute illness and injury.

Results

The scoping review identified higher pain intensity, frequency, severity and pain‐related disability as significant individual factors associated with physician consultation. Female sex and higher pain intensity were associated with medication consumption. Multivariable analyses with cross‐sectional data revealed only pain‐related school absence to be associated with physician consultation; analgesic medication use was associated with school absence and higher pain intensity.

Conclusion

Original data from this study support prior findings. School absence and pain intensity, plausible surrogates for pain severity, are the most relevant factors in health care utilisation due to chronic pain.

Significance

A scoping summary of existing research on predictors for physician consultation and medication use in children and adolescents with chronic pain is provided. Furthermore, the role of potential predictors for health care utilisation—sociodemographic, pain, school, psychological and parent‐related characteristics—is analysed in a population‐based cross‐sectional survey. Controlling for illness and injuries, and using a strict chronic pain definition, the cross‐sectional survey allows conclusions on healthcare utilisation specific to chronic pain in adolescents.
Embrace transparency, use student voices for inclusive admissions marketing materials
Authors: Pavlik Amelia
Published: September 2020

Because students value it — that's why Christie Harper thinks taking an inclusive approach when creating admissions marketing materials is important.
Event analysis and real‐time validation of doubly fed induction generator‐based wind energy system with grid reactive power exchange under sub‐synchronous and super‐synchronous modes
Authors: Thomas Tomson , Asok Prince
Published: September 2020

The insertion of renewable power generators into the power system network has been promoted by the environment protection aspects. Doubly fed induction generator (DFIG)‐based wind energy system is one of the most viable technologies for sustained power generation. This paper focuses on the operational analysis of DFIG‐based wind energy conversion systems (WECS) with real‐time experimental validation. An event analysis is executed under sub‐synchronous and super‐synchronous speeds with the variation in wind velocity and reactive power exchange by controlling the rotor side converter and grid side converter under MATLAB/Simulink platform. The results of the analysis with reactive power exchange can be utilized for the enhanced control of power electronic converters of DFIG‐based WECS for better support to the grid. The validation of results is accomplished by emulation of 2 MW DFIG‐based three blade wind turbine system in the laboratory under a real‐time hardware‐in‐the‐loop platform.