bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Governing a multilevel and cross‐sectoral climate policy implementation network
Authors: Wagner Paul M. , Torney Diarmuid , Ylä‐Anttila Tuomas
Published: May 2021

For national governments to meet their international climate change obligations they need to develop and implement plans that involve coordinating the actions of local, regional and national level actors from across multiple sectors. When this occurs, it can lead to the formation of a policy implementation network. Surprisingly, there is a limited understanding of the characteristics of the members of such networks, the structure of the multi‐level and cross‐sectoral ties among them, and about how they relate to how these networks are governed. This paper initiates the development of such knowledge by calculating a variety of network statistics to analyse the policy implementation network formed to carry out Ireland's signature climate policy—The Climate Action Plan 2019. Results show that national level actors dominate, and that cross‐level and cross‐sectoral collaboration are limited. The plan is governed by a network administrative organisation (NAO), with the Department of the Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) filling the role. How the network is structured and governed increases the likelihood that the network will be stable, have a unity of purpose and be able to meet its objectives. However, the dominance of national‐level actors and its centralized structure are likely to make it challenging for the NAO to gain the support of local‐level actors. This paper's methodological approach can be applied in other contexts to understand inter‐actor relations and how these affect the responsibilities, challenges and opportunities of the actors involved in the implementation of a national environmental policy.
Red‐to‐NIR Iridium(III) Emitters: Synthesis, Photophysical and Computational Study, the Effects of Cyclometallating and β‐Diketonate Ligands
Authors: Kuznetsov Kirill M. , Kritchenkov Ilya S. , Shakirova Julia R. , Gurzhiy Vladislav V. , Pavlovskiy Vladimir V. , Porsev Vitaly V. , Sokolov Viktor V. , Tunik Sergey P.
Published: May 2021

In this work nine novel heteroleptic Ir(III) complexes of general formulae [Ir(
#)2(
#)] containing four different cyclometallating and four β‐diketonate ligands were synthesized and fully characterized. Six of them display phosphorescence in the deep red and NIR regions with quantum yields reaching 24.6 % in degassed solution for one of the NIR emitters. Variation in the nature of orthometalating ligands results in dramatic changes in photophysical behavior: the compounds containing 2‐phenylpyridine (
1) and 2‐(benzo[b]thiophen‐2‐yl)pyridine (
2) ligands give non‐emissive complexes, whereas those with methyl 2‐phenylquinoline‐4‐carboxylate (
3) and 6‐(benzo[b]thiophen‐2‐yl)phenanthridine) (
4) are luminescent, but display different character of electronic transitions responsible for absorption and emission. Complexes with the
3 ligand luminesce from 3LC excited state and do not change their emission characteristics upon variations in the nature of β‐diketonates. On the contrary, the compounds based on the
4 cyclometalating ligand emit from the excited state with considerable contribution of 3MLCT character and show systematic bathochromic shift of absorption and emission bands upon increase in electron donicity of
# ligands. This conclusion was supported by DFT and TD‐DFT calculations and by the analysis of correlations between the 13C chemical shift of the diketonate C(H) carbon and emission maxima of the compounds under study.
Synthesis of New Heteroleptic Indium Complexes as Potential Precursors for Indium Oxide Thin Films
Authors: Yoo Dagyum , Han Seong Ho , Lee Sung Kwang , Eom Taeyong , Park Bo Keun , Kim Chang Gyoun , Son Seung Uk , Chung Taek‐Mo
Published: May 2021

New heteroleptic indium complexes, i. e., [MeIn(mdpa)(tmhd)]2 (2), [MeIn(mdpa)(acac)]2 (3), [MeIn(edpa)(tmhd)]2 (4), and [MeIn(edpa)(acac)]2 (5), with three different ligands, bearing N‐alkoxy carboxamide and β‐diketonate were designed and synthesized as indium precursors for indium oxide thin films by atomic layer deposition (ALD) using [Me2In(edpa)]2 and [Me2In(mdpa)]2 (1) as starting materials. The resulting complexes were characterized by NMR and FT‐IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis (EA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and single crystal X‐ray diffraction. TGA curves of all the complexes showed clear single‐step weight losses, with low residual masses of 7–13 %. Among them, complex 5 was volatile and thermally stable, and thus, it can be used as potential indium precursor for indium oxide‐based thin films.
Regioisomers of Organic Semiconducting Dumbbell‐Shaped Molecules: Synthesis and Structure‐Properties Relationship
Authors: Mahmoudi Chaima , Bulut Ibrahim , Jing Jiang , Fall Sadiara , Heinrich Benoît , Méry Stéphane , Heiser Thomas , Lévêque Patrick , Steveler Emilie , Majdoub Mustapha , Leclerc Nicolas
Published: May 2021

Two new dumbbell‐shaped molecules based on two solubilizing and structuring triazatruxene (TAT) units linked by a central chromophore were synthesized and studied. The central chromophore was an electro‐deficient fluorene‐malononitrile (FM) unit, that can be functionalized symmetrically on two different positions, giving rise to two positional isomers, called TAT‐pFM and TAT‐mFM, when the TATs are connected to the 2,7‐ and 3,6‐positions, respectively. The two isomers exhibited different electronic conjugation pathways that drastically affect their absorption properties and energy levels. Moreover, while TAT‐pFM was organized in a stable 3D mesomorphic structure from room‐temperature to the melting point, TAT‐mFM remained crystalline and decomposed before melting. Finally, despite a lower hole mobility, the TAT‐mFM exhibited the highest Power Conversion Efficiency (PCE) of about 2 % in organic solar cells. This higher PCE was attributed essentially to the pronounced internal charge transfer band contribution to the charge photogeneration observed in TAT‐mFM solar cells.
High‐Performance Graphene/GaInP Solar Cell Prepared by Interfacial Chemical Modification with Poly(3,4‐Ethylenedioxythiophene):Poly(styrenesulfonate)
Authors: Zhang Panpan , Lu Yanghua , Xu Chi , Yu Xutao , Gao Qiuyue , Sun Lijie , Lin Shisheng
Published: May 2021

Graphene/semiconductor heterojunction based solar cell is realized as a promising candidate for high‐efficiency solar cells. However, the interface between graphene and the semiconductor should be further explored to enhance the performance of the solar cell. As graphene is impermeable to water and gases, encapsulating hole conducting organic material poly(3,4‐ethylene‐dioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) at the interface is possible and can improve the surface passivation, p‐dope graphene, increase the barrier height, and speed up the transfer of carriers. Herein, a novel graphene/PEDOT:PSS/GaInP organic/inorganic Schottky heterojunction solar cell is designed and assembled via interfacial chemical modification. The cell exhibits an open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.90 V under AM1.5 illumination, while the counterpart solar cell without PEDOT:PSS interlayer only gives a Voc of 0.49 V. In comparison with the PEDOT:PSS interlayer, indium tin oxide (ITO) film shows little effect on the improvement of Voc. The Voc of graphene/ITO/GaInP and ITO/PEDOT:PSS/GaInP solar cells is 0.11 and 0.37 V, respectively. As a result, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the Schottky junction solar cell with an interlayer reaches up to 4.55%, more than seven times that obtained without interlayer. The work has proven that integrating graphene/semiconductor heterostructure solar cells with organic conductive materials in the interface can achieve high PCE.
Evaluating the Ready Biodegradability of Biodegradable Plastics
Authors: Nabeoka Ryosuke , Suzuki Hisako , Akasaka Yuya , Ando Nanami , Yoshida Tomohiko
Published: May 2021

Reducing the environmental burden and assessing the safety of plastics are huge global challenges. However, standard test data on the ready biodegradability of plastics are limited. We evaluated the ready biodegradability of 8 biodegradable plastics using Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) test guideline 301F with nonspecific bacteria and examined the effects of prolonging the test duration to a maximum of 90 d. Cellulose used as a potential reference material for plastics was not comparable to the reference material of OECD test guideline 301, but it may be improved by using a test concentration lower than the typical test concentration (100 mg/L). Of the 8 plastics examined, polyamide 4, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate), polycaprolactone, and poly(butylene succinate adipate; PBSA) were biodegraded by >60% by day 28 and considered to show ready biodegradability. Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate; PHB), poly(3-hydroxybutyric acid-co-3-hydroxyvaleric acid; PHBV), and poly(butylene succinate; PBS) were biodegraded but did not fulfill the ready biodegradability criteria. Because the typical test concentration is considered to have negative effects on biodegradation and calculation of biodegradation percentage, using a lower concentration may result in PHB, PHBV, and PBS fulfilling the ready biodegradability criteria. Poly(d,l-lactide; PLA) was not biodegraded. The biodegradation of PBS and PBSA was noted to vary depending on the used inoculum and/or particle size. For the 7 plastics except PLA, the percentage biodegradation on day 60 was larger than that on day 28, indicating that a longer test period could be useful for evaluating the environmental persistence of plastics. In tests in which the plastics were not biodegraded by day 60, no marked biodegradation was observed by day 90. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2443–2449. © 2021 SETAC
Evolutionary mechanisms that determine which bacterial genes are carried on plasmids
Authors: Lehtinen Sonja , Huisman Jana S. , Bonhoeffer Sebastian
Published: May 2021

The evolutionary pressures that determine the location (chromosomal or plasmid-borne) of bacterial genes are not fully understood. We investigate these pressures through mathematical modeling in the context of antibiotic resistance, which is often found on plasmids. Our central finding is that gene location is under positive frequency-dependent selection: the higher the frequency of one form of resistance compared to the other, the higher its relative fitness. This can keep moderately beneficial genes on plasmids, despite occasional plasmid loss. For these genes, positive frequency dependence leads to a priority effect: whichever form is acquired first—through either mutation or horizontal gene transfer—has time to increase in frequency and thus becomes difficult to displace. Higher rates of horizontal transfer of plasmid-borne than chromosomal genes therefore predict moderately beneficial genes will be found on plasmids. Gene flow between plasmid and chromosome allows chromosomal forms to arise, but positive frequency-dependent selection prevents these from establishing. Further modeling shows that this effect is particularly pronounced when genes are shared across a large number of species, suggesting that antibiotic resistance genes are often found on plasmids because they are moderately beneficial across many species. We also revisit previous theoretical work—relating to the role of local adaptation in explaining gene location and to plasmid persistence—in light of our findings.
Trajectories of depression symptoms over time differ by APOE4 genotype in older adults with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Lavie Inbar , Beeri Michal Schnaider , Berman Yuval , Schwartz Yonathan , Soleimani Laili , Heymann Anthony , Ravona‐Springer Ramit
Published: May 2021

Objectives

The APOE‐ε4 genotype has been associated with old‐age depression, but this relationship has been rarely investigated in type 2 diabetes (T2D) older adults, who are at significantly increased risk for depression, a major contributor to T2D complications. We examined whether trajectories of depression symptoms over time differ by APOE‐ε4 genotype in older adults with T2D.

Methods

Participants (n = 754 [13.1% APOE‐ε4 carrier]s) were from the longitudinal Israel Diabetes and Cognitive Decline (IDCD) study. They were initially cognitively normal and underwent evaluations of depression approximately every 18 months using the 15‐item version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and the depression subscale of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). APOE was defined as a dichotomy of ε4 carriers and non‐carriers. We used Hierarchical Linear Mixed Models (HLMM) that modeled the effects of APOE status on repeated GDS and NPI‐depression scores in an unadjusted model (Model 1), adjusting for demographic factors (Model 2) and additionally adjusting for cardiovascular factors and global cognition (Model 3).

Results

Participants’ mean age was 71.37 (SD = 4.5); 38.2% female. In comparison to non‐carriers, APOE‐ε4 carriers had lower mean GDS scores (β = −0.46, p = 0.018) and lower NPI‐depression scores (β = −0.170, p = 0.038) throughout all study follow period. The groups did not differ in the slope of change over time in GDS (β = −0.005, p = 0.252) or NPI‐depression (β = −0.001, p = 0.994) scores. Additional adjustment for cardiovascular factors and global cognition did not alter these results.

Conclusions

In older adults with T2D, APOE‐ε4 carriers have less depressive symptoms in successive measurements suggesting they may be less susceptible to depression.
Als3‐Th‐cell‐epitopes plus the novel combined adjuvants of CpG, MDP, and FIA synergistically enhanced the immune response of recombinant TRAP derived from Staphylococcus aureus in mice
Authors: Ma Jinzhu , Liu Wei , Wang Beiyan , Yu Simiao , Yu Liquan , Song Baifen , Yu Yongzhong , Zhu Zhanbo , Cui Yudong
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a gram‐positive opportunistic pathogen, there are currently no high effective vaccine against S. aureus in humans and animals, the development of an efficient vaccine remains an important challenge to prevent S. aureus infection. Here, we prepared Als3‐Th‐cell‐epitope‐Target of RNAIII Activating Protein (TRAP) (ATT) proteins plus the novel combined adjuvants to develop a promising vaccine candidate against S. aureus.

Methods

The recombinant pET‐28a (+)‐att plasmids were constructed, and the ATT proteins were expressed and obtained, then, ATT plus Freund's adjuvant or the novel combined adjuvants of cytosine‐phosphate‐guanosine oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG), muramyl dipeptides (MDP), and FIA were immunized in mice. After booster immunization, the levels of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), interleukin‐4 (IL‐4), IL‐10 and IL‐17A cytokine were evaluated, the humoral immune responses against TRAP were detected in mice, and the survival rate of mice was confirmed by challenge assay.

Results

The mice immunized with ATT plus Freund's adjuvant exhibited significantly higher level of IFN‐γ, IL‐4, IL‐10, and IL‐17A, and displayed the stronger humoral immune response against TRAP than control groups, importantly, the survival rate of these mice was significantly higher than control groups. In addition, compared with the control groups, ATT + CpG + MDP + FIA group was elicited significantly higher level of IFN‐γ, IL‐4, IL‐10, and IL‐17A and was triggered the stronger humoral immune responses against TRAP, moreover, generated the higher survival rate of mice.

Conclusion

Als3 epitopes significantly enhanced TRAP immunogenicity. ATT plus the novel combined adjuvants of CpG, MDP, and FIA induced the strong immune response and protection against S. aureus, revealing the combination of CpG, MDP, and FIA adjuvant acts the synergistic effect.
When are intergroup attitudes judged as free speech and when as prejudice? A social identity analysis of attitudes towards immigrants
Authors: Wang Chris , Platow Michael J. , Bar‐Tal Daniel , Augoustinos Martha , Van Rooy Dirk , Spears Russell
Published: May 2021

Although anti‐immigrant attitudes continue to be expressed around the world, identifying these attitudes as prejudice, truth or free speech remains contested. This contestation occurs, in part, because of the absence of consensually agreed‐upon understandings of what prejudice is. In this context, the current study sought to answer the question, “what do people understand to be prejudice?” Participants read an intergroup attitude expressed by a member of their own group (an “in‐group” member) or another group (an “out‐group” member). This was followed by an interpretation of the attitude as either “prejudiced” or “free speech.” This interpretation was also made by in‐group or an out‐group member. Subsequent prejudice judgements were influenced only by the group membership of the person expressing the initial attitude: the in‐group member's attitude was judged to be less prejudiced than the identical attitude expressed by an out‐group member. Participants' judgements of free speech, however, were more complex: in‐group attitudes were seen more as free speech than out‐group attitudes, except when an in‐group member interpreted those attitudes as prejudice. These data are consistent with the Social Identity Approach to intergroup relations, and have implications for the processes by which intergroup attitudes become legitimised as free speech instead of prejudice.
Ambient temperature sulfonated carbon fiber reinforced PEEK with hydroxyapatite and reduced graphene oxide hydroxyapatite composite coating
Authors: Addai Asante Naomi , Wang Youfa , Bakhet Shahd , Kareem Shefiu , Owusu Kwadwo Asare , Hu Yuandi , Appiah Millicent
Published: May 2021

30% carbon fiber reinforced polyetheretherketone (CFR‐PEEK) has in recent times, become significant in the orthopedic industry because its elastic modulus can be engineered to match that of the human bone. But it is bioinert and does not integrate well with the immediate bone tissue environment. In this study, a combined surface modification technique involving ambient temperature sulfonation and surface coating of (hydroxyapatite (HA), 5%reduced graphene oxide hydroxyapatite(5%RGO/HA) and 10%reduced graphene oxide hydroxyapatite(10%RGO/HA) composites) on 30%CFR‐PEEK was achieved with an appropriate temperature treatment at 345°C in nitrogen. The coatings adhered unto the surface of S30%CFR‐PEEK with an improved hydrophilicity and bioactivity. With the sample S30%CFR‐PEEK+HA, having the highest enhanced hydrophilicity from 112.5 ± 2.5° to 20 ± 2° and bioactivity. An improvement in hydrophilicity and bioactivity depicts a change in surface chemistry which will have a positive impact in the interaction of the materials surface with immediate bone environment for a successful application in the orthopedic industry.
Transcriptome‐based screening of ion channels and transporters in a migratory chondroprogenitor cell line isolated from late‐stage osteoarthritic cartilage
Authors: Matta Csaba , Lewis Rebecca , Fellows Christopher , Diszhazi Gyula , Almassy Janos , Miosge Nicolai , Dixon James , Uribe Marcos C. , May Sean , Poliska Szilard , Barrett‐Jolley Richard , Fodor Janos , Szentesi Peter , Hajdú Tibor , Keller‐Pinter Aniko , Henslee Erin , Labeed Fatima H. , Hughes Michael P. , Mobasheri Ali
Published: May 2021

Chondrogenic progenitor cells (CPCs) may be used as an alternative source of cells with potentially superior chondrogenic potential compared to mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and could be exploited for future regenerative therapies targeting articular cartilage in degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA). In this study, we hypothesised that CPCs derived from OA cartilage may be characterised by a distinct channelome. First, a global transcriptomic analysis using Affymetrix microarrays was performed. We studied the profiles of those ion channels and transporter families that may be relevant to chondroprogenitor cell physiology. Following validation of the microarray data with quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, we examined the role of calcium‐dependent potassium channels in CPCs and observed functional large‐conductance calcium‐activated potassium (BK) channels involved in the maintenance of the chondroprogenitor phenotype. In line with our very recent results, we found that the KCNMA1 gene was upregulated in CPCs and observed currents that could be attributed to the BK channel. The BK channel inhibitor paxilline significantly inhibited proliferation, increased the expression of the osteogenic transcription factor RUNX2, enhanced the migration parameters, and completely abolished spontaneous Ca2+ events in CPCs. Through characterisation of their channelome we demonstrate that CPCs are a distinct cell population but are highly similar to MSCs in many respects. This study adds key mechanistic data to the in‐depth characterisation of CPCs and their phenotype in the context of cartilage regeneration.
Activated mast cells in skeletal muscle can be a potential mediator for cancer‐associated cachexia
Authors: Widner D. Brooke , Liu Chun , Zhao Qingxia , Sharp Sarah , Eber Matthew R. , Park Sun H. , Files D. Clark , Shiozawa Yusuke
Published: May 2021

Background

Eighty per cent of United States advanced cancer patients faces a worsened prognosis due to cancer‐associated cachexia. Inflammation is one driver of muscle atrophy in cachexia, and skeletal muscle‐resident immune cells could be a source of inflammation. This study explores the efficacy of cancer activated skeletal muscle‐resident mast cells as a biomarker and mediator of cachexia.

Methods

Individual gene markers for immune cells were assessed in a publicly available colon carcinoma cohort of normal (n = 3), moderate cachexia (n = 3), and severe cachexia (n = 4) mice. Lewis lung carcinoma (LL/2) cells induced cachexia in C57BL/6 mice, and a combination of toluidine blue staining, immunofluorescence, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and western blots measured innate immune cell expression in hind limb muscles. In vitro measurements included C2C12 myotube diameter before and after treatment with media from primary murine mast cells activated with LL/2 conditioned media. To assess translational potential in human samples, innate immune cell signatures were assessed for correlation with skeletal muscle atrophy and apoptosis, dietary excess, and cachexia signatures in normal skeletal muscle tissue. Gene set enrichment analysis was performed with innate immune cell signatures in publicly available cohorts for upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancer and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients (accession: GSE34111 and GSE130563, respectively).

Results

Individual innate immunity genes (TPSAB1 and CD68) showed significant increases in severe cachexia (weight loss > 15%) mice in a C26 cohort (GSE24112). Induction of cachexia in C57BL/6 mice with LL/2 subcutaneous injection significantly increased the number of activated skeletal muscle‐resident degranulating mast cells. Murine mast cells activated with LL/2 conditioned media decreased C2C12 myotube diameter (P ≤ 0.05). Normal human skeletal muscle showed significant positive correlations between innate immune cell signatures and muscle apoptosis and atrophy, dietary excess, and cachexia signatures. The mast cell signature was up‐regulated (positive normalized enrichment score and false discovery rate ≤ 0.1) in upper GI cachectic patients (n = 12) compared with control (n = 6), as well as in cachectic PDAC patients (n = 17) compared with control patients (n = 16).

Conclusions

Activated skeletal muscle‐resident mast cells are enriched in cachectic muscles, suggesting skeletal‐muscle resident mast cells may serve as a biomarker and mediator for cachexia development to improve patient diagnosis and prognosis.
Predictors of early mortality among patients with acute‐on‐chronic liver failure
Authors: Valantine Bershic , Sundaray Nabakishore , Mishra Debakanta , Sahu Samir , Narayan Jimmy , Panda Baikuntha N , Singh Ayaskanta
Published: May 2021

Background and Aim

Acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a transpiring entity, which possesses high short‐term/early mortality (28 days). Several mortality predictors have been studied, but none were proved reliable. Serum ferritin, an acute phase reactant and marker of hepatic necro‐inflammation, is found to predict mortality in multiple liver diseases. We aimed to evaluate the role of serum ferritin and other clinical features, biochemical parameters and conventional scoring systems in predicting early mortality among ACLF.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was done from October 2017 to March 2019 at a tertiary care (non‐transplant) center in eastern India. A total of consecutive 50 ACLF patients diagnosed, based on Asia Pacific Association for the Study of liver disease definition, were investigated for ferritin and other laboratory parameters on day‐0, day‐7, and followed up for 28 days.

Results

Although the majority did not have organ failure (ACLF grade 0) according to European Association for Study of Liver‐chronic liver failure sequential organ failure assessment criteria, early mortality was high (56%). On undergoing univariate analysis, multiple variables (ascites, HE, creatinine, total leucocyte count (TLC), bilirubin, albumin) predicted mortality. However, on multivariate analysis, only total bilirubin independently predicted. None of the scores on day‐0 were predictive, while model for end‐stage liver disease [area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROC)‐0.703, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.535–0.859] and Child–Turcotte–Pugh (AUROC‐0.697, 95% CI: 0.550–0.855) on day‐7 did.

Conclusion

ACLF is a dynamic process; day‐7 assessment with above predictors, to be considered a milestone for prognostication and opting treatment modalities. Serum ferritin does not predict early mortality in ACLF.
Dasatinib‐induced chylothorax: An unusual presentation of a common adverse event—A case report with literature review
Authors: Paul Theresa , Ellahie Anil Yousaf , Almohtasib Yazan Salah , Sinha Urshita , El Omri Halima
Published: May 2021

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the key agents for treating CML and BCR–ABL+ B‐ALL. Dasatinib is a potent second‐generation TKI. Here, we have discussed the case of a 51‐year‐old gentleman diagnosed with B‐myeloid mixed‐phenotype acute leukemia with t(9;22)(q34.1;q11.2); BCR–ABL1p210, in complete hematological, cytogenetic, and molecular remission, who developed chylothorax. Though pleural effusion is a commonly observed adverse effect of dasatinib therapy, chylothorax is rare. The ability of Dasatinib to inhibit multiple families of tyrosine kinases could be considered the etiology. Discontinuation of the drug resolved the symptom, but pleural effusion recurred once Dasatinib was resumed. Chylothorax induced by Dasatinib is a differential to be kept in mind, owing to the limited number of cases being reported.
Genome‐wide screening of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection‐related genes based on the blood leukocytes sequencing data set of patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Gao Xin , Liu Yuan , Zou Shaohui , Liu Pengqin , Zhao Jing , Yang Changshun , Liang Mingxing , Yang Jinlian
Published: May 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is a global epidemic disease caused by a novel virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), causing serious adverse effects on human health. In this study, we obtained a blood leukocytes sequencing data set of COVID‐19 patients from the GEO database and obtained differentially expressed genes (DEGs). We further analyzed these DEGs by protein–protein interaction analysis and Gene Ontology enrichment analysis and identified the DEGs closely related to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Then, we constructed a six‐gene model (comprising IFIT3, OASL, USP18, XAF1, IFI27, and EPSTI1) by logistic regression analysis and calculated the area under the ROC curve (AUC) for the diagnosis of COVID‐19. The AUC values of the training group, testing group, and entire group were 0.930, 0.914, and 0.921, respectively. The six genes were highly expressed in patients with COVID‐19 and positively correlated with the expression of SARS‐CoV‐2 invasion‐related genes (ACE2, TMPRSS2, CTSB, and CTSL). The risk score calculated by this model was also positively correlated with the expression of TMPRSS2, CTSB, and CTSL, indicating that the six genes were closely related to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. In conclusion, we comprehensively analyzed the functions of DEGs in the blood leukocytes of patients with COVID‐19 and constructed a six‐gene model that may contribute to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic ideas for COVID‐19. Moreover, these six genes may be therapeutic targets for COVID‐19.
Development of cress seed gum hydrogel and investigation of its potential application in the delivery of curcumin
Authors: Shahbazizadeh Saeedeh , Naji‐Tabasi Sara , Shahidi‐Noghabi Mostafa , Pourfarzad Amir
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Bioactive compound delivery systems must provide stability against severe food processing and environmental conditions. Cress seed gum (CSG) with high thermal stability can be a promising polysaccharide for preparing physically cross‐linked hydrogel as a curcumin delivery system. In the present study, CSG (0.05, 0.10 and 0.15 g kg−1) and calcium chloride (CaCl2) (0.00, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06 and 0.10 g kg−1) solutions were used for hydrogel fabrication.

RESULTS

Physicochemical properties of hydrogels were evaluated by entrapment efficiency, loading capacity and swelling degree, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, in vitro release and free radical scavenging capacity assessments. Accordingly, 0.15 g kg−1 CSG‐0.02 g kg−1 CaCl2 hydrogel was revealed to have high entrapment efficiency (93.6 ± 1.59%), loading capacity (0.92 ± 0.00%) and swelling degree (105.96 ± 12.99%), as well as heat stability above 103 °C. CSG hydrogel significantly (P < 0.05) protected the antioxidant activity of curcumin against thermal process. The curcumin release in the acidic stomach medium was negligible, although it increased significantly in the simulated intestinal environment (42.5 ± 0.75%), which followed the Peppas model.

CONCLUSION

As a result, CSG hydrogel can protect curcumin during food thermal processing and digestion time. Therefore, CSG hydrogel can play a valued role in modern‐day food formulations with an increasing consumer preference for plant‐derived materials. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Absolute protein assay for the simultaneous quantification of two epoxide hydrolases in rats by mass spectrometry–based targeted proteomics
Authors: Wu Ting , Xi Xiaoyun , Chen Ying , Jiang Chao , Zhang Qian , Dai Guoliang , Bai Yongtao , Zhang Weidong , Ni Ting , Zou Jiandong , Ju Wenzheng , Xu Meijuan
Published: May 2021

Epoxide hydrolases catalyze the hydrolysis of both exogenous and endogenous epoxides to the corresponding vicinal diols by adding water. Microsomal and soluble epoxide hydrolase are two main mammalian enzymes that have been intensely characterized. The purpose of this investigation was to develop and validate a proteomics assay allowing the simultaneous quantification of microsomal and soluble epoxide hydrolase in rats. Protein quantification was realized through targeted proteomics using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry for the determination of trypsin‐specific surrogate peptides after digestion. Stable isotope‐labeled peptides were used as the internal standards. The chromatography of the surrogate peptides was performed on an Agilent SB C18 column (100 mm × 4.6 mm, 1.8 µm) with gradient elution. Acetonitrile containing 0.1% formic acid and 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution were used as mobile phases. A multiple reaction monitoring method in a positive ionization mode was used for the simultaneous detection of the peptides. The method was validated concerning the specificity, linearity, within‐day and between‐day accuracy and precision, matrix effect, stability, and digestion efficiency. The developed assay was successfully used to quantify the protein levels of microsomal and soluble epoxide hydrolase in rat liver, kidney, and heart S9 samples.
Can Medialization of Acetabular Rim Be a Prognostic Factor in Treatment of Developmental Dysplasia of Hip?
Authors: Koşar Pınar Nercis , Ergün Elif , Gökharman Dilek
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To investigate if acetabular rim medialization (ARM) can be used as a new parameter in determining the treatment choice and duration in Graf type III and IV hips.

Methods

Among the 12,300 infants who underwent hip ultrasound (US) according to Graf's method between 2015 and 2019, 26 infants (9 had bilateral pathology hence 35 hips) with type III and IV hips, whose follow‐up data could be obtained were included in the study. Age of the infants at the initial diagnosis, ARM measurement, the duration of harness treatment, and the treatment results were noted. To determine the extent of ARM, distance between a line that is drawn tangential to the iliac wing and acetabular rim was measured.

Results

In cases with poor prognosis, ARM measurement was 6 to 8.5 mm on the right hip and 4 to 9 mm on the left hip. Bilaterality or unilaterality, left or right pathology, and gender did not have a significant effect on the prognosis (P >.05). Age at the initial diagnosis and ARM had significant effects on treatment success (P = .04, P = .00, respectively). In predicting the prognosis, ARM was found to be more successful than age (AUC = 0.95 versus AUC = 0.68). When these two variables were evaluated together, the success in predicting the prognosis significantly increased (AUC = 0.98).

Conclusions

ARM measurement may have an important role in determining the treatment method and duration in Graf type III and IV hips. It can be used as a prognostic factor alone or in combination with treatment initiation time. When the two factors are combined, prognostic value significantly increases.
Long non‐coding RNA‐H19 promotes ovarian cancer cell proliferation and migration via the microRNA‐140/Wnt1 axis
Authors: Wang Ye , Gao Wei‐Jiao
Published: May 2021

To explore the effect and underlying molecular mechanism of long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA)‐H19 on ovarian cancer (OC) cells, a total of 41 cases of OC and adjacent normal tissues were collected. H19 and microRNA (miR)‐140 expressions in OC tissues and cells were detected using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐RCR). The correlation between H19 expression and prognosis of OC patient was analyzed. siRNA (si)‐H19 and si‐negative control (NC) were transfected into OC cells. Cell proliferation was checked by cell counting kit‐8 assay and colony formation assay, and cell migration and invasion were analyzed via Transwell assay. The targeted binding relationship between H19 and miR‐140 was predicted and verified, miR‐140 downstream gene was predicted and Wnt1 was screened out. The impact of in‐miR‐140 on the si‐H19‐induced decreased OC cell proliferation and migration was evaluated. H19 expression was upregulated in OC tissues and cells, and its overexpression was associated with a poor prognosis of OC. si‐H19 remarkably reduced OC cell proliferation and migration. H19 upregulated Wnt1 expression through targeting miR‐140 in OC cells. Altogether, miR‐140 was notably downregulated in OC, and in‐miR‐140 partially inhibited the si‐H19‐induced decrease of OC cell proliferation and migration. H19 competitively bound to miR‐140 to upregulate Wnt1, thereby promoting OC cell proliferation and migration.
Toward Activatable Collagen Mimics: Combining DEPSI “Switch” Defects and Template‐Guided Self‐Organization to Control Collagen Mimetic Peptides
Authors: Röber Matthias , Scheibel Thomas , Börner Hans G.
Published: May 2021

Collagen mimetic peptides (CMPs), which imitate various structural or functional features of natural collagen, constitute advanced models illuminating the folding aspects of the collagen triple helix (CTH) motif. In this study, the CMPs of repeating Gly–Pro–Pro (GPP) triplets are tethered to an organic scaffold based on a tris(2‐aminoethyl) amine (TREN) derivative (TREN(sucOH)3). These three templated peptide strands are further expanded via native chemical ligation to increase the number of GPP triplets and lead to a TREN(sucGPPGPPG(Ψ)SPGPPCPP[GPP]4)3 construct. The incorporation of an ester switch segment, G(Ψ)S, as a positional O‐acyl isopeptide (DEPSI) defect into the peptide strands allows the pH‐controlled acceleration of CTH formation. The strand assembly process is monitored by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. The results of pH jump experiments and thermal denaturation studies provide new insights into the contributions of structural DEPSI defects to the template‐guided self‐assembly of the CTH motif. While the organic scaffold drives the CTH formation, the switch defects act as temporary opponents and slow down the folding. CD spectroscopy data confirm that the switch defects contribute to the formation of a more stable CTH motif by enhancing the structural dynamics at the early stage of the folding process.
The combined impacts of fiscal and credit policies on green firm's investment opportunity: Evidences from Chinese firm‐level analysis
Authors: Chang Kai , Lu Ning , Li Ze Sheng , Wang Yi Ran
Published: May 2021

This article investigates the combined impact of fiscal and credit policies on green‐firm investment opportunities using firm‐level panel data of green industries in China. Our empirical results demonstrate that subsidies, tax rebates, and green credit loans have significantly U‐shaped nexuses with green‐firm investment opportunities: Subsidies, tax rebates, and green credit policies generate significant interactions on green‐firm investment opportunities. External financing constraints may weaken the incentive of subsidies, tax rebates, and green credit loans on green‐firm investment opportunities.
Dual transformations and quaternions
Authors: Yüca Gülsüm , Yaylı Yusuf
Published: May 2021

In this study, we are interested in the way quaternions to represent 3D and 4D rotations in Lorentzian space. We give a new method for obtaining a rotation matrix in Lorentzian space with the help of a unit quaternion. Furthermore, we prove that rotation matrices correspond to a quaternion leave invariant the same axis in Euclidean and Lorentzian space. Then, we introduce a semi‐orthogonal matrix representation of a quaternion curve in 4D space. Moreover, we provide applications and draw their figures to explore visual representations. Finally, due to the importance of the dual space in kinematics, robotics, and other areas related, we carry this work into their dual spaces by using a dual quaternion.
Canine induced pluripotent stem cell maintenance under feeder‐free and chemically‐defined conditions
Authors: Kimura Kazuto , Tsukamoto Masaya , Yoshida Takumi , Tanaka Miyuu , Kuwamura Mitsuru , Ohtaka Manami , Nishimura Ken , Nakanishi Mahito , Sugiura Kikuya , Hatoya Shingo
Published: May 2021

Canine induced pluripotent stem cells (ciPSCs) provide a platform for regenerative veterinary medicine, disease modeling, and drug discovery. However, in the conventional method, ciPSCs are maintained using chemically‐undefined media containing unknown animal components under on‐murine embryonic fibroblast feeder conditions, which were reported to modify cell surface of iPSCs and increases the risk of immune rejection when the cells are transplanted into patients. Moreover, in the conventional method, ciPSCs are mechanically passaged, which requires much time and effort. Therefore, the large‐scale expansion of ciPSCs is difficult, which should be resolved for using ciPSCs in clinical application and research. Here, it was shown that StemFit® AK02N and iMatrix‐511 could maintain the pluripotency of ciPSCs using conventional culture method. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the feeder‐free and chemically‐defined ciPSC culture systems using StemFit® AK02N and iMatrix‐511 could stably maintain and allow the easy expansion of ciPSCs generated using N2B27 and StemFit® AK02N, without causing karyotype abnormalities. ciPSCs expressed several pluripotency markers and formed teratomas, including cells derived from three germ layers.
Measuring treatment response to chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy in clinical practice: More than just asking
Authors: Allen Jeffrey A.
Published: May 2021

See article on pages 37–42 in this issue.
Cortical excitability threshold can be increased by the AMPA blocker Perampanel in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Oskarsson Björn , Mauricio Elizabeth A. , Shah Jaimin S. , Li Zhuo , Rogawski Michael A.
Published: May 2021

Introduction/Aims

Cortical hyperexcitability is a feature of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and cortical excitability can be measured using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Resting motor threshold (MT) is a measure of cortical excitability, largely driven by glutamate. Perampanel, a glutamate α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor blocker, is predicted to increase the cortical excitability threshold. This study aimed to evaluate TMS to functionally assess target engagement in a study of perampanel in ALS.

Method

We studied the MT of ALS patients randomized to a single dose of perampanel or placebo 5:1 hourly for 4 h. Twelve patients participated at 4 mg and 7 returned for dosing and retesting at 8 mg. The study was terminated in April 2020 due to coronavirus disease 2019‐related restrictions, after 7 out of 12 planned patients had received the 8 mg dose. Serum concentrations were also measured.

Results

Ten patients received the 4 mg dose (2 received placebo) and 5 received the 8 mg dose (2 received placebo). Motor Threshold increased at 2 h after dosing in the combined treatment group +7% of maximal stimulator output (P < .01). Change could be detected in the larger 4 mg group (P = .02), but not in the smaller 8 mg dose group (P = .1). No side effects were reported after single dose exposure.

Discussion

This study shows that perampanel effects the physiology of upper motor neurons. Studies aiming at gauging the effect of perampanel on ALS disease progression are already ongoing. Motor threshold may serve as a marker of biological target engagement.
Luminescence and sensitivity enhancement of oxygen sensors through tuning the spectral overlap between luminescent dyes and SiO2@Ag nanoparticles
Authors: Yin Wenwen , Chen Jinxing , Sui Jiajie , Dabiri Dana , Cao Guozhong
Published: May 2021

We utilized a seeded growth method to synthesize SiO2@Ag NPs with tunable plasmonic resonance peak to investigate the effect of spectral overlap between the SiO2@Ag plasmonic resonance spectrum and the PtTFPP‐based oxygen sensors’ absorbance spectra on luminescence enhancement and performance optimization. An organic silicate was used as the matrix. Oxygen‐sensors were produced by directly casting the mixture of NPs and dyes with silicate gels onto glass slides. Oxygen‐induced spectral response of the PtTFPP was obtained as the analytical signal. Our results show that when the plasmonic resonance spectrum of SiO2@Ag has a maximum wavelength overlap with the absorbance spectra of dyes, the Stern‐Volmer slopes were enhanced by almost an order of magnitude. At 21% O2, the Stern‐Volmer plot achieved a maximum seven‐fold increase over the oxygen sensor without the metal‐enhanced luminescence. Our results also show that 10% wt NPs is the optimal amount for the PtTFPP‐SiO2@Ag based oxygen sensors that can eliminate self‐quenching and the NRET process. These data confirm that the spectral overlap between the dyes and noble metal NPs and how to eliminate self‐quenching and the NRET process are vital to high‐sensitive oxygen sensors. We have also shown that our fabrication process of these oxygen sensors is repeatable.
Bibliotherapy for improving caregiving appraisal of informal caregivers of people with dementia: A pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wang Shanshan , Cheung Daphne Sze Ki , Leung Angela Yee Man , Davidson Patricia M.
Published: May 2021

Caregiving appraisal is a key driver to moderating caregiving outcomes. The caregiving appraisal of informal caregivers of people with dementia requires increased attention. This study aimed to explore the feasibility and acceptability of an evidence‐based bibliotherapy protocol, and test the efficacy on improving caregiving appraisal. A two‐arm pilot randomized controlled trial was adopted. Sixty informal caregivers were randomized to either the intervention group, receiving eight weekly professional‐guided bibliotherapy sessions in addition to usual care; or the usual care group. The professional‐guided bibliotherapy sessions were weekly sessions in which caregivers self‐read the designated chapter and then received telephone coaching. Caregiving appraisal, coping, psychological well‐being, positive aspects of caregiving, knowledge of dementia, and attitude toward dementia were assessed both at baseline and immediately after the intervention. Assessors were blinded to group allocation. Individual interviews among 10 participants from the intervention group were conducted to explorecaregivers' acceptance of the intervention. Descriptive statistics,χ2test, Mann–WhitneyUtest, independentttest, generalized estimating equation, and content analysis were used for data analysis. This study pioneered the use of bibliotherapy among informal caregivers of people with dementia. The participant recruitment rate was 69.8%. The attrition rate of the intervention group was 20%. Bibliotherapy had a significant time‐by‐group interaction effect on caregiving appraisal (p < 0.001), coping (p = 0.003), positive aspects of caregiving (p = 0.001), knowledge of dementia (p = 0.017), and attitude toward dementia (p < 0.001). The effect on psychological well‐being, however, was only significant on the personal growth subscale (p = 0.025). The acceptability was also confirmed. No adverse event was documented.
Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on initial weight loss in a digital weight management program: A natural experiment
Authors: Bullard Tiffany , Medcalf Adam , Rethorst Chad , Foster Gary D.
Published: May 2021

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic on initial weight loss during a digital weight management program.

Methods

Participants (n= 866,192; BMI 33.6 [SD 7.4] kg/m2) who joined a digital weight management program (WW) in the first 30 weeks of 2020 (COVID‐19 cohort) were compared with participants (n= 624,043; BMI 33.1 [SD 7.2] kg/m2) who joined the same program during the same time period in 2019 (control cohort). Weight change (percentage) and self‐monitoring over the first 4 weeks of enrollment were compared between the cohorts. Significance was defined as meeting the criteria for a small effect (d≥ 0.2).

Results

Over the 30‐week enrollment period, the COVID‐19 cohort experienced significantly less weight loss than the control cohort but only for 7 weeks of enrollments. The COVID‐19 cohort also had fewer days of food tracking but only for 3 weeks of enrollments. There were no differences in the self‐monitoring of weight and activity at any time between the two cohorts.

Conclusions

Over a 30‐week enrollment period, COVID‐19 had negative effects on both weight loss and food self‐monitoring, but the effects were short‐lived. Those participating in evidence‐based weight management programs can expect similar levels of initial weight loss as those experienced before the pandemic.