bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute kidney injury after MitraClip implantation in patients with severe mitral regurgitation
Authors: Tonchev Ivaylo , Heberman Dan , Peretz Alona , Medvedovsky Anna Turyan , Gotsman Israel , Rashi Yonatan , Poles Lion , Goland Sorel , Perlman Gidon Y. , Danenberg Haim D. , Beeri Ronen , Shuvy Mony
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Percutaneous mitral valve repair (PMVR), such as MitraClip, is performed on high‐risk patients and involves hemodynamic alternations that may cause acute kidney injury (AKI). We aimed to evaluate the incidence of AKI, predictors for developing AKI and the correlation with mortality after MitraClip.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of collected data from patients who underwent PMVR in two tertiary medical centers in Israel to identify factors associated with AKI.

Results

The study population included 163 patients. The median age was 77 years; 60.7% of patients were male. The median eGFR significantly decreased post‐procedure from 49 (35–72) to 47.8 (31–65.5) ml/min/1.73 m2 (p < .001). Forty‐seven patients (29%) developed AKI. None of the patients who developed AKI required hemodialysis. Predictors of AKI included: baseline eGFR ≤30 ml/min/1.73 m2, severity of residual MR, TMPG>5 mmHg, diuretic use, and re‐do procedures. Among the patients who developed AKI there was an improvement in kidney function during follow‐up, and creatinine levels significantly decreased from a peak mean creatinine of 179.5 (143–252) mmol/l to 136 (92–174) mmol/l (p < .001). However, 19% (9 out of 47) of patients experienced partial recovery and their creatinine level, when compared to their baseline, remained elevated. One‐year survival showed a trend for increased mortality among patients who developed AKI (86.2% vs. 80.9%, p = .4), and patients who developed AKI that persisted had increased 1‐year mortality compared with patients that had recovered their kidney function (86.8% vs. 55.6%, p = .01).

Conclusion

The incidence of AKI after MitraClip is high. AKI is reversible in most patients; however, the persistence of kidney injury is associated with increased 1‐year mortality.
Nutrient potential and mineral contents of some vegetable cluster bean genotypes
Authors: Akçura Mevlüt , Müftüoğlu Nuray Mücella , Kaplan Mahmut , Türkmen Cafer
Published: August 2020

Background and objectives

This study was conducted to determine nutritional traits and mineral contents of green pods of ten different vegetable cluster bean genotypes.

Findings

Except for N, Cu, and crude fiber contents, differences in the other parameters of the genotypes were found to be significant (p < .01). Crude ash contents varied between 5.29%–8.30%, crude oil contents between 0.60%–0.78%, crude fiber contents between 13.96%–16.04%, total phenolics between 1.45–2.16 mg GAE/100 g and antiradical capacities between 14.02%–21.50%. For macronutrients, nitrogen contents varied between 23.01–27.56 g/kg, phosphorus contents between 2.31–2.73 g/kg, potassium contents between 22.59–25.38 g/kg, calcium contents between 6.89–8.91 g/kg, magnesium contents between 5.26–6.38 g/kg and sodium contents between 30.80–60.91 g/kg; for micronutrients, iron contents varied between 88–124 µg/g, copper contents between 5.99–7.47 µg/g, zinc contents between 8.25–16.55 µg/g, manganese contents between 17.68–20.93 µg/g, and boron (B) contents between 24.13–26.78 µg/g.

Conclusions

The genotype‐by‐trait (GT) biplot method was used for visual assessment of the relationships among the investigated traits and to group the genotypes based on correlations among the studied traits. Investigated traits fell into four groups in the resultant GT biplot.

Significance and novelty

The nutritional attributes of green pods of vegetable cluster beans were investigated for the first time in the Mediterranean basin (Çanakkale ‐ Turkey), and quite valuable outcomes were achieved. The green pods of vegetable cluster beans had higher values for the majority of investigated minerals than several vegetables. Additionally, 100 g consumption of green pods of cluster beans provided quite high nutrient uptakes for the human body.
Acrocyanosis and digital necrosis are associated with poor prognosis in COVID‐19
Authors: Pourdowlat Guitti , Naderi Zohre , Seif Farhad , Mansouri Davood , Raji Hanieh
Published: August 2020

Acrocyanosis and digital necrosis, which caused by microangiopathic and immunothrombosis phenomenon, may accompanied by microvascular involvement of other organs. Therefore, this finding can play a prognostic role in covid‐19 outcome.
Necrobiosis lipoidica‐like lesions in a nondiabetic patient with systemic sarcoidosis: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Araghi Farnaz , Tabary Mohammadreza , Rakhshan Azadeh , Dadkhahfar Sahar , Robati Reza M.
Published: August 2020

Necrobiosis lipoidica‐like lesions, in known cases of sarcoidosis, can be considered as a member of the broad spectrum of histologic changes in sarcoidosis.
The Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Ca2+‐Containing DMSO: Reaction Mechanism, Electrode Surface Characterization, and Redox Mediation**
Authors: Bawol Pawel Peter , Reinsberg Philip Heinrich , Koellisch‐Mirbach Andreas , Bondue Christoph Johannes , Baltruschat Helmut
Published: August 2020

In this study the fundamental understanding of the underlying reactions of a possible Ca−O2 battery using a DMSO‐based electrolyte was strengthened. Employing the rotating ring disc electrode, a transition from a mixed process of O2− and O22− formation to an exclusive O2− formation at gold electrodes is observed. It is shown that in this system Ca‐superoxide and Ca‐peroxide are formed as soluble species. However, there is a strongly adsorbed layer of products of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) s on the electrode surface, which is blocking the electrode. Surprisingly the blockade is only a partial blockade for the formation of peroxide while the formation of superoxide is maintained. During an anodic sweep, the ORR product layer is stripped from the electrode surface. With X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) the deposited ORR products were shown to be Ca(O2)2, CaO2, and CaO as well as side‐reaction products such as CO32− and other oxygen‐containing carbon species. It is shown that the strongly attached layer on the electrocatalyst, that was partially blocking the electrode, could be adsorbed CaO. The disproportionation reaction of O2− in presence of Ca2+ was demonstrated via mass spectrometry. Finally, the ORR mediated by 2,5‐di‐tert‐1,4‐benzoquinone (DBBQ) was investigated by differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS) and XPS. Similar products as without DBBQ are deposited on the electrode surface. The analysis of the DEMS experiments shows that DBBQ− reduces O2 to O2− and O22−, whereas in the presence of DBBQ2− O22− is formed. The mechanism of the ORR with and without DBBQ is discussed.
Utility of CD36 as a novel addition to the immunophenotypic signature of RAM‐phenotype acute myeloid leukemia and study of its clinicopathological characteristics
Authors: Panda Devasis , Chatterjee Gaurav , Sardana Rohan , Khanka Twinkle , Ghogale Sitaram , Deshpande Nilesh , Badrinath Yajamanam , Shetty Dhanalaxmi , Narula Gaurav , Banavali Shripad , Patkar Nikhil V. , Gujral Sumeet , Subramanian Papagudi G. , Tembhare Prashant R.
Published: August 2020

Introduction

In 2016, Children Oncology Group (COG) described a new high‐risk subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with a distinct immunophenotypic‐signature, RAM‐phenotype (RAM‐AML). Data on clinical and laboratory features of RAM‐AML are still limited to COG report only. Herein, we report the clinicopathological characteristics and detailed immunophenotypic features of RAM‐AML patients. In COG report, 38% of RAM‐AML belonged to acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (AMKL)‐subtype. Hence, we further compared the immunophenotypic features RAM‐AML with non‐RAM‐AMKL diagnosed during the same study period.

Methods

We included RAM‐AML and non‐RAM AMKL patients diagnosed between January 2017 and December 2019. We studied their morphological, cytochemical, immunophenotyping, cytogenetic, and molecular characteristics. Mean fluorescent intensity (MFI) and expression‐pattern of immunophenotypic markers of RAM‐AML were compared with non‐RAM AMKLs patients.

Results

We identified 11 RAM‐AML (1%) and 21 non‐RAM AMKL (1.9%) patients in 1102 pediatric‐AML patients. Seven of 11 (63.64%) patients belonged to FAB‐M7‐subtype. CD56, CD117, and CD33 demonstrated overexpression, whereas CD45 and CD38 showed under‐expression in RAM‐AML patients. CD36 was consistently negative in RAM‐AML, whereas moderate‐bright positive in non‐RAM AMKLs patients (p < 0.0001). On principle component analysis, addition of CD36 enhanced the visual‐separation between RAM‐AML and non‐RAM AMKL clusters. Cytogenetic and molecular studies did not show any recurrent abnormality; however, RNA‐sequencing study revealed CBFA2T3‐GLIS2‐fusion in three of seven (42.8%) RAM‐AML patients.

Conclusion

We report the clinicopathological characteristics and the detailed immunophenotypic profile in the world's second series of RAM‐AML patients. We further report a novel finding of CD36‐negative expression as an additional parameter to the multidimensional immunophenotypic signature of this entity.
Microplastic leachates induce species‐specific trait strengthening in intertidal mussels
Authors: Seuront Laurent , Nicastro Katy R. , McQuaid Christopher D. , Zardi Gerardo I.
Published: August 2020

Plastic pollution is ubiquitous with increasing recognition of its direct effects on species’ fitness. Little is known, however, about its more subtle effects, including the influence of plastic pollution on the morphological, functional and behavioral traits of organisms that are central to their ability to withstand disturbances. Among the least obvious but most pernicious forms of plastic‐associated pollution are the chemicals that leach from microplastics. Here, we investigate how such leachates influence species’ traits by assessing functional trait compensation across four species of intertidal mussels, through investigations of byssal thread production, movement and aggregation behavior for mussels held in natural seawater or seawater contaminated by microplastic leachates. We found no evidence for compensation of functional traits, but for each species, microplastic leachates reinforced one trait while others remained unaffected. Two species (Perna perna and Mytilus galloprovincialis), were characterized by a resistance strategy to disturbance; they produced more byssal threads in microplastic leachate seawater than in control seawater, while motility and aggregation remained essentially unaffected. In contrast, the other two species (M. edulis and Choromytilus meridionalis), showed a resilience strategy to disturbance through increased motility and aggregation in leachate seawater, while byssal thread production remained unaffected. These results suggest that the competitive abilities of intertidal mussels may be related to their sensitivity to microplastic leachates or other chemical disturbance. Importantly, the trait strengthening observed will affect the ability of these mussels to form spatially patterned beds, with implications for their quality as autogenic ecological engineers or foundation species. Thus, our findings have implications for the ability of mussel beds to tolerate disturbance, and hence for central ecosystem services, such as their ability to support biodiversity and enhance secondary and tertiary production. The results suggest that an inconspicuous aspect of plastic pollution has the potential to influence other communities and ecosystems in powerful ways.
Online imagery rescripting among young women at risk of developing an eating disorder: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhou Yuan , Pennesi Jamie‐Lee , Wade Tracey D.
Published: August 2020

Objective

This study compared the effectiveness of two approaches to imagery rescripting (body versus general) among young women with an elevated risk of developing an eating disorder.

Method

University students (N = 130 females) were randomly assigned to one of the four conditions: body or general imagery rescripting, psychoeducation, control. After initial brief laboratory training delivered online, participants in the imagery rescripting conditions were asked to practice imagery rescripting for 5 min each day for a week. Primary (global eating psychopathology, eating disorder behaviors, and body image acceptance) and secondary outcomes (self‐compassion, fear of self‐compassion, and dysfunctional attitudes) were measured at baseline and one‐week follow up.

Results

Completer analyses showed both imagery rescripting conditions and psychoeducation had significant impact on global eating psychopathology and body acceptance (d = 0.60–0.78). Psychoeducation did not impact secondary variables, whereas body imagery rescripting improved self‐compassion and fear of self‐compassion (d = 0.61–0.80) and general imagery rescripting improved dysfunctional attitudes (d = 0.82) compared to control. Intent to treat analyses had similar but slightly less robust results.

Discussion

While three active groups had significant impact on the primary variables, imagery rescripting approaches had impact on other variables that maintain disordered eating. Future research should investigate the impact of combining psychoeducation and imagery rescripting in terms of impact on disordered eating.
Magnesium and zinc stable isotopes as a new tool to understand Mg and Zn sources in stream food webs
Authors: Nitzsche Kai Nils , Shin Ki‐Cheol , Kato Yoshikazu , Kamauchi Hiromitsu , Takano Shotaro , Tayasu Ichiro
Published: August 2020

Non‐traditional stable isotopes of metals were recently shown as new dietary tracers in terrestrial and marine mammals. Whether these metal stable isotopes can be used to understand feeding habits in stream food webs is not known yet. In this study, we explored the potential of stable isotopes of essential Mg (δ26Mg) and Zn (δ66Zn) as a new tool in stream ecology. For this purpose, we determined δ26Mg and δ66Zn values of stream organisms and their potential metal sources in upper and lower reaches of two streams in the Lake Biwa catchment, Central Japan. Our goals were (1) to explore variations in δ26Mg and δ66Zn across organisms of different feeding habits and (2) to understand Mg and Zn sources to stream organisms. Overall, δ26Mg and δ66Zn values of organisms were neither related to each other, nor to δ13C and δ15N values, indicating different elemental sources and factors controlling isotopic fractionation depending on element and taxa. Low δ26Mg values in filter‐feeding caddisfly larvae and small gobies indicated aqueous Mg uptake. Higher δ26Mg values in leaf‐shredding crane fly and grazing mayfly larvae suggested Mg isotopic fractionation during Mg uptake from the diet. While the δ26Mg values of stonefly nymphs reflected those of caddisfly larvae as a potential prey, the highest δ26Mg values found in dobsonfly nymphs can be explained by 26Mg enrichment during maturing. δ66Zn values of caddisfly and mayfly larvae indicated Zn was a mixture of aqueous and dietary available Zn, while higher δ66Zn values in crane fly larvae pointed to Zn isotopic fractionation during Zn uptake from plant litter. δ66Zn values in stonefly and dobsonfly nymphs were often in the range of those of caddisfly larvae as their prey, while dragonfly nymphs and small goby were depleted in 66Zn relative to their dietary Zn sources. We conclude that δ26Mg is a promising indicator to assess Mg sources in stream ecology depending on taxa, while the use of δ66Zn is limited due to the complexity in Zn sources.
Wildfire severity and postfire salvage harvest effects on long‐term forest regeneration
Authors: Povak Nicholas A. , Churchill Derek J. , Cansler C. Alina , Hessburg Paul F. , Kane Van R. , Kane Jonathan T. , Lutz James A. , Larson Andrew J.
Published: August 2020

Following a wildfire, regeneration to forest can take decades to centuries and is no longer assured in many western U.S. environments given escalating wildfire severity and warming trends. After large fire years, managers prioritize where to allocate scarce planting resources, often with limited information on the factors that drive successful forest establishment. Where occurring, long‐term effects of postfire salvage operations can increase uncertainty of establishment. Here, we collected field data on postfire regeneration patterns within 13‐ to 28‐yr‐old burned patches in eastern Washington State. Across 248 plots, we sampled tree stems <4 m height using a factorial design that considered (1) fire severity, moderate vs. high severity; (2) salvage harvesting, salvaged vs. no management; and (3) potential vegetation type (PVT), sample resides in a dry, moist, or cold mixed‐conifer forest environment. We found that regeneration was abundant throughout the study region, with a median of 4414 (IQR 19,618) stems/ha across all plots. Only 15% of plots fell below minimum timber production stocking standards (350 trees/ha), and <2% of plots were unstocked. Densities were generally highest in high‐severity patches and following salvage harvesting, although high variability among plots and across sites led to variable significance for these factors. Post hoc analyses suggested that mild postfire weather conditions may have reduced water stress on tree establishment and early growth, contributing to overall high stem densities. Douglas fir was the most abundant species, particularly in moderate‐severity patches, followed by ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, western larch, and Engelmann spruce. Generalized additive models (GAMs) revealed species‐level climatic tolerances and seed dispersal limits that portend future challenges to regeneration with expected future climate warming and increased fire activity. Postfire regeneration will occur on sites with adequate seed sources within their climatic tolerances.
Spatial and temporal variation of forest net primary productivity components on contrasting soils in northwestern Amazon
Authors: Jiménez Eliana M. , Peñuela‐Mora María Cristina , Moreno Flavio , Sierra Carlos A.
Published: August 2020

Climate is a strong determinant of tropical forest productivity; therefore, it is often assumed that Amazonian forest growing on the same local rainfall regime responds similarly to fluctuations in rainfall, independently of soil differences among them. We evaluated intra‐ and inter‐annual variation of net primary productivity (NPP) components, and forest dynamics during 2004–2012 yr in five forests on clay, clay‐loam, sandy‐clay‐loam, sandy‐loam and loamy‐sand soils, and the same local rainfall regime in northwestern Amazonia (Colombia). The questions were as follows: (1) Do NPP components and forest dynamics respond synchronously to temporal rainfall fluctuations? (2) Are the responses between above and belowground components and forest dynamics similar for different forest stands? A slight and complex synchronicity among different NPP components in their response to temporal rainfall fluctuations were found; few plots showed that aboveground biomass (AGB) and stem growth were susceptible to rainfall fluctuations, while belowground components (fine roots) showed correlation with one‐month lagged rainfall. Furthermore, despite that northwestern Amazonia is considered relatively aseasonal, litterfall showed high seasonality in the loam‐soil forest group, as well as the fine‐root mass, particularly during the 2005 drought. Litterfall correlation with rainfall of sandy‐loam terra‐firme forest was time lagged as well as fine‐root mass of the loamy‐sand forest. The correlation between mortality and rainfall was weak, except for the loamy‐sand forest (white‐sand forest, 77%). High mortality rates occurred in the non‐flooded forests for the censuses that included the dry years (2004–2005, 2005–2006). Interestingly, litterfall, AGB increment, and recruitment showed high correlation among forests, particularly within the loam‐soil forest group. Nonetheless, leaf area index (LAI) measured in the most contrasting forests (clay and loamy‐sand soil) was poorly correlated with rainfall, but highly correlated among them, which could be indicating a phenotypic response to the incident radiation in these sites; also, LAI did not reflect the differences in NPP components and their response to rainfall. Overall, the different temporal behavior of NPP components among forests in relation to rainfall fluctuations suggests the important role that soil exerts on the responses of plant species in each site, besides their effect on forest dynamics and community composition.
Body size plasticity in North American black and brown bears
Authors: Cameron Matthew D. , Hilderbrand Grant V. , Joly Kyle , Schmidt Joshua H. , Gustine David D. , Mangipane Lindsey S. , Mangipane Buck , Sorum Mathew S.
Published: August 2020

Body size reflects realized physiological niche width at the population level and provides insights into the potential resiliency of a species to natural and anthropogenic perturbations to ecosystems. We analyzed patterns of American black and brown bear body size through a meta‐analysis of data from 18 studies conducted across North America, to evaluate the effects of species, sex, latitude, sympatry, and harvest. We used a bootstrap model selection procedure, which accounted for differences in sample size and population variation between studies, to investigate patterns in body mass. As expected, we found that brown bears were generally larger than black bears and both species were sexually dimorphic (i.e., males were generally larger than females). Black bear body size was not related to latitude, whereas brown bear body size was greatest at intermediate latitudes, possibly due to the presence of salmon. Neither sympatry nor harvest was associated with body size for either species at the geographic scale of our meta‐analyses, but both may warrant consideration at the local scale. Body size, as an index of population health, reflects phenotypic plasticity within species and populations and may serve as a useful indicator of niche utilization. Indeed, understanding large‐scale physiological patterns such as these can assist in understanding past, present, and future changes to realized niches and subsequent resiliency of species and populations.
What distinguish patients with compulsory treatment for severely undernourished anorexia nervosa
Authors: Di Lodovico Laura , Duquesnoy Maeva , Dicembre Marika , Ringuenet Damien , Godart Nathalie , Gorwood Philip , Melchior Jean‐Claude , Hanachi Mouna
Published: August 2020

Objective

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a mental disorder potentially leading to severe malnutrition and life‐threatening complications, with high mortality rates and dropouts from treatment. In the most severe cases, treatment refusal associated with acute nutritional disorders may require compulsory admission in specialised units. The aim of this study was to investigate clinical and nutritional parameters associated with the use of compulsory treatment for severely ill AN patients requiring intensive nutritional care.

Methods

This retrospective, single‐centre study performed in a unit of specialised nutritional care compared severely undernourished inpatients, compulsorily admitted for AN, with a population of sex‐ and age‐matched voluntarily admitted patients. Socio‐demographic and clinical variables were collected for univariate comparison and logistic regression.

Results

Compulsory treatment in AN was mainly associated with lower socio‐economic status (p < 0.01), history of lower weight (p < 0.05), more frequently prescribed psychotropic medication (p = 0.02), more previous admissions for AN, longer hospitalisations (p < 0.01) and binge eating/purging subtype (p = 0.02). Binge eating/purging subtype and the number of past admissions showed the strongest odds of compulsory treatment in multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

The knowledge of factors associated with compulsory treatment may help practitioners of all fields to better evaluate its pertinence and indications in AN.
Trends and Patterns of Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Blood Plasma Samples of Bald Eagle Nestlings in Wisconsin and Minnesota, USA
Authors: Dykstra Cheryl R. , Route William T. , Williams Kelly A.
Published: August 2020

We analyzed concentrations and trends of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in blood plasma samples of bald eagle (Haliaeetus  leucocephalus) nestlings at 6 study areas in the upper Midwest of the United States, 2006 to 2015, and long-term trends at 2 Lake Superior (USA/Canada) sites, 1995 to 2015. Nestling blood plasma concentrations of the sum of 15 PFAS analytes (∑PFAS) differed among study areas and were highest at the 3 industrialized river sites: pools 3 and 4 of the Mississippi River (pools 3 + 4; geometric mean [GM] = 754 μg/L; range = 633–2930), the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (GM = 687 μg/L; range = 24–7371), and the lower St. Croix National Scenic Riverway (GM = 546 μg/L; range = 20–2400). Temporal trends in ∑PFAS in nestling plasma differed among study areas; concentrations decreased at pools 3 + 4, Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, and lower St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, but not at the most remote sites, the upper St. Croix River and Lake Superior. Overall, perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) was the most abundant analyte at all study areas, and perfluorodecanesulfonate (PFDS) the second most abundant at industrialized river sites although not at Lake Superior; concentrations of both these analytes declined from 2006 to 2015 over the study area. In addition, nestling age significantly influenced plasma concentrations of ∑PFAS and 7 of the 12 analytes. For these analytes, concentrations increased by 1 to 2%/d as nestlings grew, indicating that age should be considered when using nestling plasma to assess PFAS. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:754–766. © 2020 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Abstract

Concentrations of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in blood plasma of bald eagle nestlings declined at 3 industrialized river sites, but not at a remote river site or Lake Superior. Nestling age significantly influenced plasma concentrations of total PFAS and most analytes.
Characterization of pomegranate peel extracts obtained using different solvents and their effects on cell cycle and apoptosis in leukemia cells
Authors: Tamborlin Leticia , Sumere Beatriz Rocchetti , de Souza Mariana Corrêa , Pestana Nathalie Fortes , Aguiar Ana Carolina , Eberlin Marcos Nogueira , Simabuco Fernando Moreira , Rostagno Maurício Ariel , Luchessi Augusto Ducati
Published: August 2020

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) has been used in traditional herbal medicine by several cultures as an anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, and for treatment and prevention of cancer and other diseases. Different parts of the fruit, extraction methods, and solvents can define the chemical profile of the obtained extracts and their biological activities. This study aimed to characterize the chemical profile of peel extracts collected using different extraction solvents and their biological effects on the cell cycle and apoptosis of THP‐1 leukemic cells. Aqueous extract presented the highest content of punicalagins (α pun = 562.26 ± 47.14 mg/L and β pun = 1,251.13 ± 22.21 mg/L) and the lowest content of ellagic acid (66.38 ± 0.21 mg/L), and it promoted a significant impairment of the cell cycle S phase. In fact, punicalagin‐enriched fraction, but not an ellagic acid‐enriched fraction, caused an S phase cell cycle arrest. All extracts increased the number of apoptotic cells. Punicalagin‐enriched fraction increased the percentage of cells with fragmented DNA, which was intensified by ellagic acid combination. The treatment combining punicalagin and ellagic acid fractions increased the apoptotic cleaved PARP1 protein and reduced the activation of the growth‐related mTOR pathway. Thus, these results evidence that solvent choice is critical for the phenolic compounds profile of pomegranate peel extracts and their biological activities.
HPO iron chelator, CP655, causes the G1/S phase cell cycle block via p21 upregulation
Authors: Tewari Damini , Lloyd‐Jones Katie , Hider Robert C. , Collins Helen
Published: August 2020

Iron is known not only for its importance in cellular and metabolic pathways but also for its role in causing cellular toxicities such as production of reactive oxygen species and growth of pathogens. The inability of the human body to physiologically excrete excess iron highlights the need to develop a cheap yet effective iron chelator. This study provides initial evidence of the therapeutic and prophylactic properties of 3‐hydroxypyridin‐4‐one (HPO) chelators in murine collagen‐induced arthritis. To determine whether these chelators would be effective on human cells, we tested a panel of different HPO chelators and identified 7‐diethylamino‐N‐((5‐hydroxy‐6‐methyl‐4‐oxo‐1,4‐dihydropyridin‐3‐yl)methyl)‐N‐methyl‐2‐oxo‐chromen‐3‐carboxamide (CP655) as the most effective compound targeting human CD4+ T cells. Treatment with CP655 causes significant inhibition of cell proliferation and production of inflammatory cytokines such as interferon‐γ and interleukin‐17. Microarray analysis revealed dysregulation in cell cycle‐related genes following CP655 treatment. This was validated by flow cytometry demonstrating a G1/S phase block caused by CP655. Finally, mechanistic experiments revealed that the chelator may be causing an upregulation of the cell cycle inhibitor protein CDKN1A (p21) as a possible mechanism of action. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that HPO chelators could prove to have therapeutic potential for diseases driven by excessive T cell proliferation.
Analyzing the Portrayal of Characters With Reading Difficulties in Realistic Fiction
Authors: Jozwik Sara L. , Rice Nancy E.
Published: August 2020

Young adult literature that features respectful representations of fictional characters with reading difficulties can play a role in building classroom communities and helping readers understand more about themselves and their worlds. Furthermore, language arts teachers and special education teachers can use texts that feature positive portrayals of characters with reading difficulties to build students’ competencies for critically reading and participating in discussions on topics such as challenging the usefulness of disability labels. In this article, the authors highlight the positive and dynamic portrayals of main characters with reading difficulties featured in 14 realistic fiction books for readers in grades 6–8. The processes for locating and analyzing texts are shared so they can be replicated by middle school teachers and students who seek to analyze the portrayal of characters with reading difficulties in other texts or genres.
Niosome‐encapsulated tobramycin reduced antibiotic resistance and enhanced antibacterial activity against multidrug‐resistant clinical strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Hedayati Ch Mojtaba , Abolhassani Targhi Arefeh , Shamsi Farzaneh , Heidari Fatemeh , Salehi Moghadam Zahra , Mirzaie Amir , Behdad Reyhaneh , Moghtaderi Maryam , Akbarzadeh Iman
Published: August 2020

In the current study, niosome‐encapsulated tobramycin based on Span 60 and Tween 60 was synthesized and its biological efficacies including anti‐bacterial, anti‐efflux, and anti‐biofilm activities were investigated against multidrug resistant (MDR) clinical strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The niosomal formulations were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering measurement. The encapsulation efficiency was found to be 69.54% ±; 0.67. The prepared niosomal formulations had a high storage stability to 60 days with small changes in size and drug entrapment, which indicates that it is a suitable candidate for pharmaceutical applications. The results of biological study showed the anti‐bacterial activity via reduction of antibiotic resistance, enhanced anti‐efflux and anti‐biofilm activities by more folds in comparison to free tobramycin. In addition, niosome encapsulated tobramycin down‐regulated the MexAB‐OprM efflux genes, pslA and pelA biofilm related genes in MDR P. aeruginosa strains. The anti‐proliferative activity of formulation was evaluated against HEK293 cell lines, which exhibited negligible cytotoxicity against HEK293 cells. The finding of our study shows that encapsulation of tobramycin in niosome enhanced the antibacterial activity and reduced antibiotic resistance in MDR strains of P. aeruginosa comparing to free tobramycin and it can be considered as a favorable drug delivery system.
Evaluation of silk‐based bioink during pre and post 3D bioprinting: A review
Authors: Gupta Sharda , Alrabaiah Hussam , Christophe Marquette , Rahimi‐Gorji Mohammad , Nadeem Sohail , Bit Arindam
Published: August 2020

During past few decades, the demand for the replacement of damaged organs is increasing consistently. This is due to the advancement in tissue engineering, which opens the possibility of regeneration of damaged organs or tissues into functional parts with the help of 3D bioprinting. Bioprinting technology presents an excellent potential to develop complex structures with precise control over cell suspension and structure. A brief description of different types of 3D bioprinting techniques, including inkjet‐based, laser‐based, and extrusion‐based bioprinting is presented here. Due to innate advantageous features like tunable biodegradability, biocompatibility, elasticity and mechanical robustness, silk has carved a niche in the realm of tissue engineering. In this review article, the focus is to highlight the possible approach of exploring silk as bioink for fabrication of bioprinted implants using 3D bioprinting. This review discusses different type of degumming, dissolution techniques for extraction of proteins from different sources of silk. Different recently reported 3D bioprinting techniques suitable for silk‐based bioink are further elaborated. Postprinting characterization of resultant scaffolds are also describe here. However, there is an astounding progress in 3D bioprinting technology, still there is a need to develop further the current bioprinting technology to make it suitable for generation of heterogeneous tissue construct. The possibility of utilizing the adhesive property of sericin to consider it as bioink is elaborated.
Loss of Adenylyl Cyclase 6 in Leptin Receptor‐Expressing Stromal Cells Attenuates Loading‐Induced Endosteal Bone Formation
Authors: Riffault Mathieu , Johnson Gillian P , Owen Madeline M , Javaheri Behzad , Pitsillides Andrew A , Hoey David A
Published: August 2020

Bone marrow stromal/stem cells represent a quiescent cell population that replenish the osteoblast bone‐forming cell pool with age and in response to injury, maintaining bone mass and repair. A potent mediator of stromal/stem cell differentiation in vitro and bone formation in vivo is physical loading, yet it still remains unclear whether loading‐induced bone formation requires the osteogenic differentiation of these resident stromal/stem cells. Therefore, in this study, we utilized the leptin receptor (LepR) to identify and trace the contribution of bone marrow stromal cells to mechanoadaptation of bone in vivo. Twelve‐week‐old Lepr‐cre;tdTomato mice were subjected to compressive tibia loading with an 11 N peak load for 40 cycles, every other day for 2 weeks. Histological analysis revealed that Lepr‐cre;tdTomato+ cells arise perinatally around blood vessels and populate bone surfaces as lining cells or osteoblasts before a percentage undergo osteocytogenesis. Lepr‐cre;tdTomato+ stromal cells within the marrow increase in abundance with age, but not following the application of tibial compressive loading. Mechanical loading induces an increase in bone mass and bone formation parameters, yet does not evoke an increase in Lepr‐cre;tdTomato+ osteoblasts or osteocytes. To investigate whether adenylyl cyclase‐6 (AC6) in LepR cells contributes to this mechanoadaptive response, Lepr‐cre;tdTomato mice were further crossed with AC6fl/fl mice to generate a LepR+ cell‐specific knockout of AC6. These Lepr‐cre;tdTomato;AC6fl/fl animals have an attenuated response to compressive tibia loading, characterized by a deficient load‐induced osteogenic response on the endosteal bone surface. This, therefore, shows that Lepr‐cre;tdTomato+ cells contribute to short‐term bone mechanoadaptation. © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Smoking Alters Inflammation and Skeletal Stem and Progenitor Cell Activity During Fracture Healing in Different Murine Strains
Authors: Hao Zichen , Li Jun , Li Bo , Alder Kareme D , Cahill Sean V , Munger Alana M , Lee Inkyu , Kwon Hyuk-Kwon , Back JungHo , Xu Shuogui , Kang Min-Jong , Lee Francis Y
Published: August 2020

Smokers are at a higher risk of delayed union or nonunion after fracture repair. Few specific interventions are available for prevention because the molecular mechanisms that result in these negative sequelae are poorly understood. Murine models that mimic fracture healing in smokers are crucial in further understanding the local cellular and molecular alterations during fracture healing caused by smoking. We exposed three murine strains, C57BL/6J, 129X1/SvJ, and BALB/cJ, to cigarette smoke for 3 months before the induction of a midshaft transverse femoral osteotomy. We evaluated fracture healing 4 weeks after the osteotomy using radiography, micro-computed tomography (μCT), and biomechanical testing. Radiographic analysis demonstrated a significant decrease in the fracture healing capacity of smoking 129X1/SvJ mice. μCT results showed delayed remodeling of fracture calluses in all three strains after cigarette smoke exposure. Biomechanical testing indicated the most significant impairment in the functional properties of 129X1/SvJ in comparison with C57BL/6J and BALB/cJ mice after cigarette smoke exposure. Thus, the 129X1/SvJ strain is most suitable in simulating smoking-induced impaired fracture healing. Furthermore, in smoking 129X1/SvJ murine models, we investigated the molecular and cellular alterations in fracture healing caused by cigarette smoking using histology, flow cytometry, and multiplex cytokine/chemokine analysis. Histological analysis showed impaired chondrogenesis in cigarette smoking. In addition, the important reparative cell populations, including skeletal stem cells and their downstream progenitors, demonstrated decreased expansion after injury as a result of cigarette smoking. Moreover, significantly increased pro-inflammatory mediators and the recruitment of immune cells in fracture hematomas were demonstrated in smoking mice. Collectively, our findings demonstrate the significant cellular and molecular alterations during fracture healing impaired by smoking, including disrupted chondrogenesis, aberrant skeletal stem and progenitor cell activity, and a pronounced initial inflammatory response. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
The difference between karyotype analysis and chromosome microarray for mosaicism of aneuploid chromosomes in prenatal diagnosis
Authors: Hao MengZhe , Li LeiLei , Zhang Han , Li LinLin , Liu Ruizhi , Yu Yang
Published: August 2020

Objective

To compare karyotype and chromosomal microarray (CMA) analysis of aneuploid chromosome mosaicism in amniocentesis samples.

Materials and methods

A total of 2091 amniocentesis samples from pregnant women were collected from March 1, 2019, to January 31, 2020. Karyotype analysis was performed using G‐banding and CMA analysis used the Affymetrix CytoScan 750K SNP microarray.

Result

Thirteen cases with aneuploid chromosome mosaicism were detected and compared between the karyotype and CMA methods. Seven of these cases were trisomic mosaicism, and the levels of mosaicism calculated from CMA were higher than those detected from karyotype analysis; noting three cases of trisomy mosaicism were not detected by karyotype analysis. Four cases exhibited monomeric mosaicism, and the levels of mosaicism detected in three of these cases were higher in karyotype compared with CMA analysis; one case had equivalent levels of monomeric mosaicism from both karyotype and CMA analysis. Two other cases from karyotype analysis were a mix of monosomic and trisomic mosaicism, whereas the CMA result was restricted to monosomic mosaicism for these cases.

Conclusion

Both karyotype and CMA analysis can be used to detect aneuploid chromosome mosaicism. However, the two methods produced different results. CMA and karyotype analysis have their own advantages in detecting aneuploid mosaicism, and the combination of these methods provides a more rigorous diagnosis.
Dorsoventral inversion of the air‐filled organ (lungs, gas bladder) in vertebrates: RNAsequencing of laser capture microdissected embryonic tissue
Authors: Funk Emily , Lencer Ezra , McCune Amy
Published: August 2020

How modification of gene expression generates novel traits is key to understanding the evolutionary process. We investigated the genetic basis for the origin of the piscine gas bladder from lungs of ancestral bony vertebrates. Distinguishing these homologous organs is the direction of budding from the foregut during development; lungs bud ventrally and the gas bladder buds dorsally.
Broad targeted analysis of neurochemicals in rat serum using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry with chemical derivatization
Authors: Meng Xianshuang , Bai Hua , Ma Qiang , Zhang Peng , Ma Hong , Deng Yulin
Published: August 2020

In this study, an efficient and sensitive assay for the detection of 42 polar neurochemicals, including neurotransmitters, amino acids, and biogenic amines, was established by combining reversed‐phase liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry with chemical derivatization. An optimally designed benzoyl chloride derivatization was easily conducted in a one‐pot reaction and stable neurochemical derivatives were obtained under mild conditions within 5 min (except for acetylcholine and melatonin). Derivatization also enabled the introduction of heavy labeling of the analytes through the use of labeled derivatization agents. Chromatography separation was performed on an HSS T3 column within 15 min by gradient elution. Multiple reaction monitoring acquisition mode enabled quantitation of neurochemicals with limits of detection of 0.05 to 11.63 nM and lower limits of quantitation of 0.09 to 46.50 nM in rat serum. The assay was well validated in terms of linearity and extraction recovery. Furthermore, the instrumental precision, specificity, matrix effect, accuracy, precision, stability, dilution effect, and carry‐over effect were also validated. Finally, the overall efficacy of the assay was experimentally tested using serum from six Sprague–Dawley rats. The results demonstrated that the developed method is effective for broad targeted analysis of 42 neurochemicals in serum.
Intellectual connections in food tourism literature: A co‐citation approach
Authors: Okumus Bendegul , Mehraliyev Fuad , Ma Forest , Köseoglu Mehmet Ali
Published: August 2020

This study critically examines, using a co‐citation approach, the evolution of food and culinary tourism research in the field of hospitality and tourism (H&T) from 1976 to 2019. A bibliometric study of publications indexed in the top 16 H&T journal databases was conducted, and a total of 523 food and culinary tourism‐related documents were identified and analyzed. The research findings revealed that food and culinary tourism publication numbers in H&T journals increased after 1999 yet somehow decreased after 2017. In terms of methodological approaches and data analysis, behavioral studies frequently used structural equation modeling, while advanced methodological approaches in other domains were deemed insufficient. The study findings further reveal that most of the influential works are relatively old and that no groundbreaking or game‐changing studies have occurred in recent years in food and culinary tourism research.
Plasticity in the grazing ecophysiology of Florenciella (Dichtyochophyceae), a mixotrophic nanoflagellate that consumes Prochlorococcus and other bacteria
Authors: Li Qian , Edwards Kyle F. , Schvarcz Christopher R. , Selph Karen E. , Steward Grieg F.
Published: August 2020

Mixotrophic nanoflagellates can account for more than half of the bacterivory in the sunlit ocean, yet very little is known about their ecophysiology. Here, we characterize the grazing ecology of an open‐ocean mixotroph in the genus Florenciella (class Dictyochophyceae). Members of this class were indirectly implicated as major consumers of Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus in the oligotrophic North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, but their phagotrophic capabilities have never been investigated. Our studies showed that Florenciella readily consumed Prochlorococcus, Synechococcus, and heterotrophic bacteria, and that the ingested prey relieved nutrient limitations on growth. Florenciella grew faster (3 d−1) in nitrogen‐deplete medium given sufficient live Synechococcus, than in nitrogen‐replete K medium (2 d−1), but it did not grow in continuous darkness. Grazing rates were substantially higher under nutrient limitation and showed a hint of diel variability, with rates tending to be highest near the end of the light period. An apparent trade‐off between the maximum clearance rate (5 nL Florenciella−1 h−1) and the maximum ingestion rate (up to ∼ 10 prey cells Florenciella−1 h−1) across experiments suggests that grazing behavior may also vary in response to prey concentration. If the observed grazing rates are representative of other open‐ocean mixotrophs, their collective activity could account for a significant fraction of the daily cyanobacterial mortality. This study provides essential parameters for understanding the grazing ecology of a common marine mixotroph and the first characterization of mixotrophic nanoflagellate functional responses when feeding on unicellular cyanobacteria, the dominant marine primary producers in the oligotrophic ocean.
The kinetics of copper corrosion in nitric acid
Authors: Turnbull Joseph , Szukalo Ryan , Zagidulin Dmitrij , Biesinger Mark , Shoesmith David
Published: August 2020

The strategy for the permanent disposal of high‐level nuclear waste in Canada involves sealing it in a copper‐coated steel container and burying it in a deep geologic repository. During the early emplacement period, the container could be exposed to warm humid air, which could result in the condensation of nitric acid, produced by the radiolysis of the humid air, on the copper surface. Previous studies have suggested that both nitrate and oxygen reduction will drive copper corrosion, with the nitrate reduction kinetics being dependent on the concentration of soluble copper(I) produced by the anodic dissolution of copper in the reaction with oxygen. This study focused on determining the kinetics of nitrate and oxygen reduction and elucidating the synergistic relationship between the two processes. This was investigated using corrosion potential and polarization measurements in conjunction with scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Oxygen reduction was shown to be the dominant cathodic reaction with the oxidation of copper(I) to copper(II) by nitrate, promoting the catalytic cycle involving the reaction of copper(II) with copper to reproduce copper(I).