bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coinfection of Hepatitis B and C with Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Hemophilia: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Espósito T. S. , Paz T. M. M. , Rodrigues L. O. W. , Santos A. C. A. , Almeida R. D. M. , Santos O. F. , Medeiros R. L. , Lopes J. A. S. , Rodrigues D. O. W.
Published: September 2020

Aims: To identify coinfection by Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV) and Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Hemophiliacs.

Methodology: We included 107 hemophiliacs. For the current analysis, age, type, severity of Hemophilia and serum profile for Hepatitis B, C and HIV were included. The serological tests performed for Hepatitis and HIV were carried out using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method (ELISA) and the confirmatory tests for HIV and HCV were done by the Western Blot and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The results of positive and negative serology were compared using the Mann-Whitney test using the Fundação Hemominas reproducibility map of serological reactions, through the CUT-off of each test.

Study Design: A cross-sectional study was carried out on hemophilics to asses the prevalence of infections diseases transmitted by transfusion.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Hematology, public service on Coagulopathies at Fundação Hemominas Juiz de Fora Brazil, between January 2008 to December 2018.

Results: The average age was 32.77 years with standard deviation (SD)= 16.8 years. In regard to classification, 57.65% of patients with Hemophilia A were severe, and 57% of patients with Hemophilia B were moderate. Laboratory results demonstrated that 24.3% of the patients were HBV positive, and 40.2% were HCV positive, with 21.42% positive by PCR. The prevalence of HIV positive was 11.2%. In general analysis, 44.82% had at least one type of viral infection and 23.4% presented coinfections. HIV positive patients were all positive for HCV (11.2%) and 7.5% of patients were infected by HIV, HCV and HBV. The coexistence of hepatitis C and HIV was statistically relevant with (P = .001), considering the year of birth, most patients with HCV and HIV were born before 1980s (P = .001).

Conclusions: Infections by HBV, HCV and HIV are late complications in patients that received blood products before 1990s. Infection by a viral agent and the year of birth has a direct association, due to the standardization and implantation of tests for HIV and HCV in the 80s and 90s.
Serum Periostin Level in Asthmatic Children with Exercise Induced Bronchospasm
Authors: Soliman Reem M. , Hamza Mohamed B. , El-Shafiey Rasha M. , Elserogy Hesham A. , El-Esawy Nabil M
Published: September 2020

Background: There are few biomarkers that can be easily accessed in clinical settings and may reflect refractory Th2-eosinophlic inflammation and remodeling of the asthmatic airways. Serum periostin may be one such biomarker to aid our understanding of the patho-bio-physiology of asthma and exercise induced asthma. The aim of the study is to explore the relationship between serum periostin level and exercise induced bronchoconstriction in asthmatic children.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on (90) children both sexes aged from 6 to 15 years including, (60) children with bronchial asthma and (30) children were enrolled as control group in the period from January 2018 to January 2019. Patients were randomly classified into two groups: I) Patient group: divided into 2 groups according to standardized treadmill exercise challenge test: Group A: (30) asthmatic children with positive test. Group B: (30) asthmatic children with negative test. II-Control group: (30) children apparently healthy with no personal or family history of asthma. All children were subjected to the following Investigations: Chest x-ray, pulmonary functions tests (FEV1 & PEFR) except controls, Laboratory investigations as CBC and Serum periostin level.

Results: The mean values of both the percentage of PEFR and FEV1 after exercise in group A were significantly lower than those in group B and the percentage of PEFR and FEV1 after exercise in each group were significantly lower than the percentage before exercise in the same group. The mean value of eosinophilic count in group A was significantly higher than (group B and control group) and the mean value of eosinophilic count in group B was significantly higher than control group. The mean value of serum level of periostin in group A was significantly higher than (group B and control group), however, there was no significant difference between group B and control group as regard to serum level of periostin.

Chest tightness, cough and wheezes after exercise and eosinophilic count in patients with high serum periostin level were significantly higher than patients with low serum periostin level, and both PEFR and FEV1 after exercise in patients with high serum periostin level were significantly lower than patients with low serum periostin level. Also the normal serum periostin levels vary among different age groups.

Conclusion: Serum periostin level can be considered as a useful biomarker for diagnosis of Exercise induced bronchospasm (EIB) in asthmatic children especially when lung function test cannot be done However, cautious is required in evaluating serum periostin levels in children because it varies with age.
Storage of Terminalia superba Engl. & Diels. Seeds
Authors: Asomaning J. M.
Published: September 2020

Teminalia superba is one of the species receiving priority under the on-going Forest Investment Programme in Ghana. A more comprehensive look at the response of the seeds to storage is therefore important for their use in afforestation, reforestation activities, breeding programmes and long term conservation.  Seeds of T. superba were harvested in October, 2016 from Amantia in the Ashanti Region of Ghana and immediately processed. Drawn seed samples were dried over silica gel to reduce seed moisture content to 10% and 5% respectively. Moisture content of seeds was determined by drying in an oven at 103° C for 17 hours.  Seeds were placed in two types of storage containers namely, hermetic glass bottles and plastic bottles. These were placed at three different temperature conditions namely; ambient temperature (28-32°C), refrigerator temperature (4-5°C) and freezing temperature (-10°C) and stored for a period of 24 months with the conduction of germination tests every two months at the laboratory and plant house of the Forestry Research Institute of Ghana. Germination tests were conducted in a medium of heat sterilized river sand at the plant house with ambient temperature of 27-33°C. The statistical design used in the investigation was a completely randomized design in a 2 x 2 x 3 factorial (moisture levels × storage containers × storage temperatures). Storage of seeds in hermetic glass bottles was found to have maintained seeds at a higher viability level than storage in plastic bottles. Both freezing and refrigeration temperatures were found to be ideal storage conditions.  Storage at 5% moisture content resulted in higher viability of seeds. The electrical conductivity test was found to be an efficient test for distinguishing good quality seeds from poor seeds of the species.
Distribution of Aromatic Volatiles in Young, Recently Matured, Matured and Old Leaves of Ginger (Zingiber officinales) by Electronic Nose
Authors: Ravi Ramasamy , Sunil . , Pitchay Dharma
Published: September 2020

Aims: Ginger aromatic volatiles generally extracted and quantified by various laboratory techniques analysis and instruments. Possibility of few highly volatiles loss coupled with the formation of different compounds during various extraction process due to changes in the natural chemical profiles of the ginger tissue samples. Thus, a study was carried out to explore and quantify the distribution of various natural volatiles present in young, recently matured, matured and old leaves of ginger.

Study Design: Ginger seedlings and plants were grown in 100% biochar substrate and fertigated with 50 mg.L-1 of 20% N:4.3% P:16.6% K water soluble fertilizer. Five months old ginger plant leaves were harvested and washed with distilled water and separated by various physiological leaf stages.

Place and Duration of Study: Tennessee State University, Nashville, USA.

Methodology: Aromatic volatiles were analyzed and quantified by using Alpha Soft V14 electronic nose. Volatiles with more than 1% concentration by fresh mass were 20, 21, 20, and 29 in young, recently matured, matured and old leaves respectively.

Results: Young, recently matured, matured and old leaves of ginger showed major volatiles  like benzaldehyde, 1, 8- cineole, myrcene, butane-2, 3-dione, 1 S-α- pinene, Z-3-Hexen-1-ol acetate, butanol and 1-Propanal, 2-methyl- volatiles were identified. A significant variation in the composition, quantity and distribution of volatiles was found across the various leaf tissue samples of ginger.

Conclusion: The distribution of aromatic volatiles in this study would provide better insight and guidance to the consumers for maximum utilization ginger plant tissues beside rhizome; as a source of aromatic volatiles. Utilization of other plant tissues especially could be considered as an important byproduct will definitely contribute to the sustainability of ginger production and marketing in the near future.
Challenges in Approaching Management of Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Hayfani Manar Khaled Al- , Kawy Hala Salah Abdel , Kamel Fatemah Omar
Published: September 2020

Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition defined as a recurrent and progressive interstitial fibrotic disease and is considered to be terminated by interstitial lung disease disorders. Accumulating evidence indicates that epigenetic alterations, including histone acetylation, play a pivotal role in this process. Histone acetylation is governed by histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs). Vorinostat is a member of a larger class of compounds that inhibit histone deacetylases. Even though the pathogenesis of lung fibrosis is complicated, hypotheses have been proposed in recent years that include inflammation, epithelial degradation, differentiated fibroblast, angiogenesis, and oxidative stress. Emerging evidence from several preclinical studies has shown that Vorinostat has beneficial effects in preventing or reversing fibrogenesis. In this review, we summarize the latest findings of the roles of HDACs in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis and highlight the potential antifibrotic mechanism of Vorinostat in this diseases.
Response Surface Method in Evaluating the Extrusion Effects on Molecular Degradation and Physical Properties of Sago Starch
Authors: Ansharullah Ansharullah , Wahyuni Sri , Tamrin . , Natsir Muhammad
Published: September 2020

This study was aimed to measure the effect of extrusion on the molecular degradation and physical characteristics of the sago starch by employing response surface method. The starch was extruded in a twin screw extruder with moisture contents of 25, 32.5, and 40%; melt temperature of 86, 95 and 104oC; and screw speed of 100, 150, and 200 rpm. The extruded products were then analyzed for degree of molecular degradation, reducing sugars of the water soluble materials, water solubility index (WSI), water absorption index (WAI), enzyme susceptibility, gelatinization endothermic energy (∆H), and specific mechanical energy (SME). Increased mechanical and thermal energy input received by the products in the extruder gave rise to a significant degradation of the molecular weight of the macromolecules. It was believed that granule structures of the extruded starch have been reshaped. The extrusion process conditions did not significantly affect the WSI, WAI, reducing sugar content, and ∆H. All extruded samples had a much lower gelatinization endothermic energy than native starch.
Immune Responses: Primary and Secondary
Authors: Riddell Natalie E
Published: September 2020

Immune responses to antigens may be categorised as primary or secondary responses. The primary immune response to antigen occurs on the first occasion it is encountered. This response can take up to 14 days to resolve and leads to the generation of memory cells with a high specificity for the inducing antigen. The humoral response, mediated by B cells with the help of T cells, produces high‐affinity and antigen‐specific antibodies. In contrast, the CD8 T‐cell response leads to the generation of large numbers of antigen‐specific cells that are capable of directly killing infected cells. Antigen‐specific CD4 T cells, which provide help to B cells, can also be expanded upon antigenic stimulation.

The secondary response of B‐ and T cells following subsequent encounter with the same antigen is more rapid due to the activation of previously generated memory cells. This has quantitative and qualitative differences from the primary response.

Key Concepts

The innate immune system is the first line of defence against infectious agents. When this is breached, the adaptive immune system provides a more efficient response to clearing pathogens.

The adaptive immune system has the capacity to ‘remember’ previous antigens, a process termed immunological memory.

Antigen‐specific T cells are selected during a primary immune response and expand to produce clones of T cells with high specificity for the activating antigen.

In a B cell primary response to a thymus‐dependent antigen, the immune system selects B cells with a high affinity and specificity for the antigen and these become memory cells.

The selection of B cells with a high affinity for a given antigen occurs in the germinal centres of secondary lymphoid follicles and requires the enzyme activation‐induced cytidine deaminase (AID) and interactions with other immune cells.

The ability to change the isotype of antibody produced (class switching) by a B cell also occurs in germinal centres and requires AID.

In a secondary response to the same antigen, memory cells are rapidly activated. This process is quicker and more effective than the primary response.
Luteovirids
Authors: Boissinot Sylvaine , Brault Véronique , Herrbach Etienne
Published: September 2020

Members of the
Luteoviridae
family, or luteovirids, are plant viruses that can infect a wide range of host plants, including many important crops such as cereals, potato, sugar beet, cucurbits, legumes and sugarcane. Their icosahedral virions contain a single positive‐sense ribonucleic acid genome in a capsid composed of two structural proteins. They are limited to phloem cells in host plants and are only transmitted by aphids in a circulative and nonpropagative mode with high specificity.

More data are accumulating on plant–luteovirid relationships and in particular on the mechanism developed by the virus to overcome plant defence. The tight interaction between luteovirids, their aphid vector and their host plant are also extensively studied. Information from these studies together with a better understanding of the epidemiology of luteovirids will help to combat their detrimental effects on crops.

Key Concepts

Luteovirids have a highly compacted genome and use a diversity of translation mechanisms to express viral proteins.

Function of the viral gene products is known, but their plant and aphid partners have not been fully identified.

Luteovirids are confined to phloem tissue, but the causes of their phloem restriction are not completely deciphered.

Luteovirids circulate in the vector aphid's body, without any replication, by crossing the gut and the accessory salivary gland epithelia.

Epidemiology of luteovirids reveals a high complexity of mutual ecological interactions between virus, plant and vector, influenced by multiple biotic and abiotic factors.

Control of luteoviral diseases includes cultural practices, insecticidal measures, natural and biotechnological plant resistance, and epidemiology‐based forecasting systems.
Aging and immunotherapies: New horizons for the golden ages
Authors: Hamilton Jamie A.G. , Henry Curtis J.
Published: September 2020

The life expectancy of the world's elderly population (65 and older) continues to reach new milestones with older individuals currently comprising greater than 8.5% (617 million) of the world's population. This percentage is predicted to approach 20% of the world's population by 2050 (representing 1.6 billion people). Despite this amazing feat, many healthcare systems are not equipped to handle the multitude of diseases that commonly manifest with age, including most types of cancers. As the world's aging population grows, cancer treatments continue to evolve. Immunotherapies are a new drug class that has revolutionized our ability to treat previously intractable cancers; however, their efficacy in patients with compromised immune systems remains unclear. In this review, we will discuss how aging‐associated losses in immune homeostasis impact the efficacy and safety of immunotherapy treatment in preclinical models of aging. We will also discuss how these findings translate to elderly patients receiving immunotherapy treatment for refractory and relapsed cancers, as well as, strategies that could be explored to improve the efficacy of immunotherapies in aged patients.
Nanoporous Anodic Alumina Platforms for Drug Delivery Applications: Recent Advances and Perspective
Authors: Kapruwan Pankaj , Ferré‐Borrull Josep , Marsal Lluis F.
Published: September 2020

For several decades, nanoporous anodic alumina (NAA) has been prepared through inexpensive electrochemical anodization of aluminum to prepare diversified periodically ordered nanostructures. It acts as an excellent drug reservoir due to its excellent physical and chemical properties hence minimizing the drug loss and increasing bioavailability to the target site. A rapid increase in exploiting different NAA structures as a drug carrier has been published recently, justifying its potential use in localized drug delivery. In this review, advanced drug releasing structures based on NAA, in vivo and in vitro studies based on their chemical modification, biocompatibility, drug loading, and release kinetics with main focus on recent advances, its progress, and future outlook toward biomedical applications are discussed.
Multicomponent Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Nanosheets for Imaging‐Guided Photothermal and Chemodynamic Therapy
Authors: Zhu Yu , Wang Yingjie , Williams Gareth R. , Fu Liyang , Wu Jingjing , Wang Hui , Liang Ruizheng , Weng Xisheng , Wei Min
Published: September 2020

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have received considerable attention due to their strong absorption in the near‐infrared (NIR) region, strong spin‐orbit coupling, and excellent photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE). Herein, CoFeMn dichalcogenide nanosheets (CFMS NSs) are prepared via facile vulcanization of a lamellar CoFeMn‐layered double hydroxide (LDH) precursor followed by polyvinyl pyrrolidone modification (to give CFMS‐PVP NSs), and found to show excellent photoacoustic (PA) imaging and synergistic photothermal/chemodynamic therapy (PTT/CDT) performance. The as‐prepared CFMS‐PVP NSs inherit the ultrathin morphology of the CoFeMn‐LDH precursor and exhibit an outstanding photothermal performance with a η of 89.0%, the highest PCE reported to date for 2D TMD materials. Moreover, 50% of maximum catalytic activity (Michaelis–Menten constant, Km) is attained by CFMS‐PVP NSs with 0.26 × 10−3 m H2O2 at 318 K, markedly lower than the endogenous concentration of H2O2 inside tumor cells. In addition, complete apoptosis of HepG2 cancer cells and complete tumor elimination in vivo are observed after treatment with CFMS‐PVP NSs at a low dose, substantiating the NSs’ remarkable PTT/CDT efficacy. This work provides a new and facile approach for the synthesis of high‐quality multicomponent TMD nanosheets with precise process control, the potential for mass production, and outstanding performance, providing great promise in cancer theranostics.
MYSM1 Suppresses Cellular Senescence and the Aging Process to Prolong Lifespan
Authors: Tian Mingfu , Huang Yuqing , Song Yunting , Li Wen , Zhao Peiyi , Liu Weiyong , Wu Kailang , Wu Jianguo
Published: September 2020

Aging is a universal feature of life that is a major focus of scientific research and a risk factor in many diseases. A comprehensive understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of aging are critical to the prevention of diseases associated with the aging process. Here, it is shown that MYSM1 is a key suppressor of aging and aging‐related pathologies. MYSM1 functionally represses cellular senescence and the aging process in human and mice primary cells and in mice organs. MYSM1 mechanistically attenuates the aging process by promoting DNA repair processes. Remarkably, MYSM1 deficiency facilitates the aging process and reduces lifespan, whereas MYSM1 over‐expression attenuates the aging process and increases lifespan in mice. The functional role of MYSM1 is demonstrated in suppressing the aging process and prolonging lifespan. MYSM1 is a key suppressor of aging and may act as a potential agent for the prevention of aging and aging‐associated diseases.
Polymeric Nano‐Blue‐Energy Generator Based on Anion‐Selective Ionomers with 3D Pores and pH‐Driving Gating
Authors: Zhu Xuanbo , Zhong Jundong , Hao Junran , Wang Yuzhang , Zhou Jiajia , Liao Jingwen , Dong Yujie , Pang Jinhui , Zhang Haibo , Wang Zizhun , Zhang Wei , Zheng Weitao , Jiang Zhenhua , Zhou Yahong , Jiang Lei
Published: September 2020

Blue energy as a renewable, substantial energy resource has attracted scientists who are interested in discovering abundant membrane materials to achieve high power density. For decades, ionomers have been used as ion‐exchange membrane to harvest this energy. Though extensive studies have been conducted, the underlying mechanism of ionic transmembrane behavior is still under debate. Here, the ionic transmembrane properties through membranes with 3D pores prepared by ionomers (polyphenylsulphone with pyridine pendants (PPSU‐Py)) are systematically studied. A series of PPSU‐Py with tunable porosities and surface charge densities is obtained simply by adjusting the percentages of the pendant. Nanoscale morphologies of the ionomers are simulated with the dissipative particle dynamic method, which is in agreement with the experimental data. Then, nanofluidic behaviors of as‐prepared porous membranes are studied, which exhibit anion selectivity, pH gating, and modulated transmembrane conductance. Furthermore, a series of salinity gradient power harvesters based on the ionomers are constructed, of which the output power density is improved by tuning the charge density with the maximum output power density that reaches up to 1.44 W m‐2. The impact of the ionomer on nanofluidic behavior is systematically discussed, and it is believed this work will shed light on nanofluidic materials and blue energy generator design.
Causal Associations Between Modifiable Risk Factors and the Alzheimer's Phenome
Authors: Andrews Shea J. , Fulton‐Howard Brian , O'Reilly Paul , Marcora Edoardo , Goate Alison M. ,   collaborators of the Alzheimer's Disease Genetics Consortium
Published: September 2020

Objective

The purpose of this study was to infer causal relationships between 22 previously reported risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the “AD phenome”: AD, AD age of onset (AAOS), hippocampal volume, cortical surface area and thickness, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of amyloid‐β (Aβ42), tau, and ptau181, and the neuropathological burden of neuritic plaques, neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), and vascular brain injury (VBI).

Methods

Polygenic risk scores (PRS) for the 22 risk factors were computed in 26,431 AD cases/controls and the association with AD was evaluated using logistic regression. Two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) was used to infer the causal effect of risk factors on the AD phenome.

Results

PRS for increased education and diastolic blood pressure were associated with reduced risk for AD. MR indicated that only education was causally associated with reduced risk of AD, delayed AAOS, and increased cortical surface area and thickness. Total‐ and LDL‐cholesterol levels were causally associated with increased neuritic plaque burden, although the effects were driven by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the APOE locus. Diastolic blood pressure and pulse pressure are causally associated with increased risk of VBI. Furthermore, total cholesterol was associated with decreased hippocampal volume; smoking initiation with decreased cortical thickness; type 2 diabetes with an earlier AAOS; and sleep duration with increased cortical thickness.

Interpretation

Our comprehensive examination of the genetic evidence for the causal relationships between previously reported risk factors in AD using PRS and MR supports a causal role for education, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, smoking, and diabetes with the AD phenome. ANN NEUROL 2021;89:54–65
A Stearoyl–Coenzyme A Desaturase Inhibitor Prevents Multiple Parkinson Disease Phenotypes in α‐Synuclein Mice
Authors: Nuber Silke , Nam Alice Y. , Rajsombath Molly M. , Cirka Haley , Hronowski Xiaoping , Wang Junmin , Hodgetts Kevin , Kalinichenko Liubov S. , Müller Christian P. , Lambrecht Vera , Winkler Jürgen , Weihofen Andreas , Imberdis Thibaut , Dettmer Ulf , Fanning Saranna , Selkoe Dennis J.
Published: September 2020

Objective

Parkinson disease (PD) has useful symptomatic treatments that do not slow the neurodegenerative process, and no significant disease‐modifying treatments are approved. A key therapeutic target in PD is α‐synuclein (αS), which is both genetically implicated and accumulates in Lewy bodies rich in vesicles and other lipid membranes. Reestablishing αS homeostasis is a central goal in PD. Based on previous lipidomic analyses, we conducted a mouse trial of a stearoyl–coenzyme A desaturase (SCD) inhibitor (“5b”) that prevented αS‐positive vesicular inclusions and cytotoxicity in cultured human neurons.

Methods

Oral dosing and brain activity of 5b were established in nontransgenic mice. 5b in drinking water was given to mice expressing wild‐type human αS (WT) or an amplified familial PD αS mutation (E35K + E46K + E61K ["3K"]) beginning near the onset of nigral and cortical neurodegeneration and the robust PD‐like motor syndrome in 3K. Motor phenotypes, brain cytopathology, and SCD‐related lipid changes were quantified in 5b‐ versus placebo‐treated mice. Outcomes were compared to effects of crossing 3K to SCD1−/− mice.

Results

5b treatment reduced αS hyperphosphorylation in E46K‐expressing human neurons, in 3K neural cultures, and in both WT and 3K αS mice. 5b prevented subtle gait deficits in WT αS mice and the PD‐like resting tremor and progressive motor decline of 3K αS mice. 5b also increased αS tetramers and reduced proteinase K‐resistant lipid‐rich aggregates. Similar benefits accrued from genetically deleting 1 SCD allele, providing target validation.

Interpretation

Prolonged reduction of brain SCD activity prevented PD‐like neuropathology in multiple PD models. Thus, an orally available SCD inhibitor potently ameliorates PD phenotypes, positioning this approach to treat human α‐synucleinopathies. ANN NEUROL 2021;89:74–90
Synthesis, characterization and α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase inhibition studies of novel vanadyl chalcone complexes
Authors: Kaur Mandeep , Kaushal Raj
Published: September 2020

A series of chalcone ligands and their corresponding vanadyl complexes of composition [VO (LI–IV)2(H2O)2]SO4 (where LI = 1,3‐Diphenylprop‐2‐en‐1‐one, LII = 3‐(2‐Hydroxy‐phenyl)‐1‐phenyl‐propenone, LIII = 3‐(3‐Nitro‐phenyl)‐1‐phenyl‐propenone, LIV = 3‐(4‐Methoxy‐phenyl)‐1‐phenyl‐propenone) have been synthesized and characterized using various spectroscopic (Fourier‐transform infrared, electrospray ionization mass, nuclear magnetic resonance, electron paramagnetic resonance, thermogravimetric analysis, vibrating sample magnetometer) and physico‐analytic techniques. Antidiabetic activities of synthesized complexes along with chalcones were evaluated by performing in vitro and in silico α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase inhibition studies. The obtained results displayed moderate to significant inhibition activity against both the enzymes by vanadyl chalcone complexes. The most potent complexes were further investigated for the enzyme kinetic studies and displayed the mixed inhibition for both the enzymes. Further, antioxidant activity of vanadyl chalcone complexes was evaluated for their efficiency to release oxidative stress using 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picryl‐hydrazyl‐hydrate assay, and two complexes (Complexes 2 and 4) have demonstrated remarkable antioxidant activity. All the complexes were found to possess promising antidiabetic and antioxidant potential.
Studies of composite films of polyethylene oxide doped with potassium hexachloroplatinate
Authors: AL‐Akhras M‐Ali , Alzoubi Shorooq E. , Ahmad Ahmad A. , Ababneh Riad , Telfah Ahmad
Published: September 2020

The permittivity and conductivity relaxation processes of polyethylene oxide (PEO) composite along with potassium hexachloroplatinate (K2PtCl6) electrolytes additive forming PEO/K2PtCl6 complex composite have been investigated. The complex composite has been used as a model for dry‐polymer electrolytes (PEs) due to the fact that, the anion is large enough for mimicking the immobilized anion in real dry‐polymer electrolytes. Stand‐free composite films with 0%, 1%, 3%, and 5% concentrations of K2PtCl6 have been studied using broadband dielectric spectroscopy in the temperatures range from 150 K until 345 K. The microstructural dynamics revealed the α‐, β‐, and σ‐relaxations and their salient spectral characteristics at various concentrations of K2PtCl6 in PEO. The experimental ε” master curves were fitted to HN function for one and/or two relaxation peaks with and without the electrical conductivity contribution in order to investigate the relaxation time (τ), dielectric strengths (Δε), modulus formalism (M”) and the electrical conductivitie (σ). The translational and reorientational degrees of freedom of PEO/K2PtCl6 complex composites are responsible for the relaxation behavior which is predicted to be correlated to the relaxation behavior of the polymer electrolyte below and above the glass transition temperature (Tg). The relaxation time (τ) deduced from β‐relaxation follows Arrhenius‐like behavior while that deduced from α‐relaxation process follows Vogel–Tamman–Fulcher (VTF) behavior.
Comparing methods for controlled capture and quantification of pollen in Cannabis sativa
Authors: Wizenberg Sydney B. , Weis Arthur E. , Campbell Lesley G.
Published: September 2020

Premise

Precise pollen collection methods are necessary for crop breeding, but anemophilous pollen is notoriously difficult to capture and control. Here we compared a variety of methods for the controlled capture of cannabis pollen, intended to ease the process of cross‐fertilization for breeding this wind‐pollinated plant, and measured the utility of light spectroscopy for quantifying relative pollen yield.

Methods and Results

In two independent trials, we compared a control method of pollen collection (hand collection) to either vacuum‐, water‐, or bag‐collection methods. We used visible light spectroscopy to quantify relative pollen yield, and validated this approach using microscopic pollen counts. We determined that pollen yield was highest when using hand collection or vacuum collection, but efficiency did not differ significantly among methods.

Conclusions

To maximize yield, pollen should be collected by hand or vacuum, but all collection methods were equally efficient in a relative sense because yield increased with collection time. We also found that light spectroscopy is an accurate and rapid method of quantifying pollen abundance (R2 = 0.86) in a liquid suspension.
Discovering underlying sensations of human emotions based on social media
Authors: Lee Jun , Jatowt Adam , Kim Kyoung‐Sook
Published: September 2020

Analyzing social media has become a common way for capturing and understanding people's opinions, sentiments, interests, and reactions to ongoing events. Social media has thus become a rich and real‐time source for various kinds of public opinion and sentiment studies. According to psychology and neuroscience, human emotions are known to be strongly dependent on sensory perceptions. Although sensation is the most fundamental antecedent of human emotions, prior works have not looked into their relation to emotions based on social media texts. In this paper, we report the results of our study on sensation effects that underlie human emotions as revealed in social media. We focus on the key five types of sensations: sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste. We first establish a correlation between emotion and sensation in terms of linguistic expressions. Then, in the second part of the paper, we define novel features useful for extracting sensation information from social media. Finally, we design a method to classify texts into ones associated with different types of sensations. The sensation dataset resulting from this research is opened to the public to foster further studies.
TFA‐Catalyzed [3+2] Spiroannulation of Cyclobutanols: A Route to Spiro[cyclobuta[a]indene‐7,1′‐cyclobutane] Skeletons
Authors: An Zhenyu , Liu Yafeng , Sun Yanwei , Yan Rulong
Published: September 2020

A straightforward method for the synthesis of spiro[cyclobuta[a]indene‐7,1′‐cyclobutane] derivatives from cyclobutanols has been developed via one‐pot [3+2] spiroannulation. A series of new spiro[cyclobuta[a]indene‐7,1′‐cyclobutane] derivatives are facilely synthesized in good yields under mild reaction conditions.
Is variation in posterior tibial veins a risk factor for deep‐vein thrombosis?
Authors: Yi Kyu‐Ho , Kim Hee‐Jin
Published: September 2020

Introduction

This study proposes variations in the posterior tibial vein as one of the risk factors for deep‐vein thrombosis. Understanding the anatomical classification of the posterior tibial vein would guide the antegrade approach of catheter‐directed thrombolysis.

Materials and methods

One hundred thirty‐four legs from Korean and Thai cadavers were dissected. The posterior tibial veins were classified into four types according to the number of proximal and distal veins.

Results

The most common type was type Ia (64/134), followed by type IIa (28/134), type Ib (24/134), and type IIb (16/134).

Conclusions

The anterior tibial and fibular veins had exactly two paired veins; however, the posterior tibial vein had many variations. We assume that patients with type IIb and IIa have a higher risk of thrombosis and hidden symptoms due to collateral formation. Additionally, the classification of the posterior tibial vein and dividing into proximal and distal posterior tibial vein would help practitioners predict the course and guide the application of catheter‐directed thrombolysis.
Oncogenic gene TRIM10 confers resistance to cisplatin in osteosarcoma cells and activates the NF‐κB signaling pathway
Authors: Xi Xinhua , Bao Yongzheng , Zhou Yangfan , Chen Yu , Zhong Xueren , Liao Junjian , Zhou Jun , Xu Sitao , Cao Ziye , Hu Konghe , Hu Yongyu , He Xiaolong , Zhou Longze , Lin Hongsheng , Wu Qiang
Published: September 2020

Deregulation of tripartite motif (TRIM) family proteins contribute to multiple biological processes such as neurodegeneration, development, inflammation, cell survival, apoptosis, and carcinogenesis. However, the biological function and molecular mechanism of TRIM family proteins in osteosarcoma chemoresistance remain unclear. In the current study, we found the protein expression of TRIM10 was markedly overexpressed in cisplatin resistance's osteosarcoma tissues and TRIM10 overexpression was inversely correlated with osteosarcoma patient survival. Furthermore, overexpression of TRIM10 confers cisplatin resistance on osteosarcoma cells; however, repressing TRIM10 sensitized osteosarcoma cell lines to cisplatin cytotoxicity in vitro. Mechanically, TRIM10 upregulated the nuclear levels of p65, thereby activating canonical NF‐κB signaling. Taken together, our results suggest that TRIM10 contributed to cisplatin resistance in osteosarcoma cells, and targeting the TRIM10/p65 axis may represent a promising strategy to enhance cisplatin response in osteosarcoma patients with chemoresistance.
Impact of 23‐valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccination on the frequency of pneumonia‐related hospitalization and survival in elderly patients with prostate cancer: A seven‐year nationwide matched cohort study
Authors: Li Chung‐Yi , Chen Liang‐Cheng , Lin Hon‐Yi , Lee Moon‐Sing , Hung Shih‐Kai , Lai Chun‐Liang , Huang Li‐Wen , Yu Ben‐Hui , Hsu Feng‐Chun , Chiou Wen‐Yen
Published: September 2020

Background

The 23‐valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) is indicated for adults who have a high risk of pneumonia; however, its effectiveness in patients with prostate cancer who are at a risk of pneumonia because of age and cancer treatments, including androgen‐deprivation therapy, is unknown.

Methods

Between 2000 and 2010, 38,735 patients with prostate cancer were diagnosed in Taiwan. After exclusions and exact matching for age, previous pneumonia, and influenza vaccination, 2188 vaccinated patients and 2188 unvaccinated patients were recruited. The incidence density of all‐cause bacterial pneumonia hospitalizations was analyzed.

Results

Over 7 years of follow‐up, patients who received the PPSV23 had a significantly lower incidence density, with 142.8 per 1000 person‐years versus 162.0 per 1000 person‐years for unvaccinated patients. More patients in the vaccinated cohort were never hospitalized for pneumonia compared with those in the unvaccinated cohort (64.2% vs 62.2%, respectively). After adjusting for the Charlson comorbidity index, cancer treatment modalities, and socioeconomic levels, the risk of pneumonia‐related hospitalization in the PPSV23 vaccination cohort was 0.48 times lower than that in the unvaccinated cohort (adjusted incidence rate ratio, 0.48; P = .046). For patients who received the influenza vaccination, subgroup analysis demonstrated that PPSV23 vaccination significantly decreased the risk (adjusted incidence rate ratio, 0.45; P < .001). Compared with unvaccinated controls, PPSV23‐vaccinated patients had a lower cumulative incidence for the first occurrence of pneumonia‐related hospitalization (34.49% vs 36.36%; P = .178) and higher overall survival (47.5% and 42.3%, respectively; P < .001).

Conclusions

Vaccination of elderly patients who have prostate cancer with the relatively common and inexpensive PPSV23 can decrease the risk of pneumonia and prolong survival.
A Dendrite‐Structured RbX (X=Br, I) Interlayer for CsPbI2Br Perovskite Solar Cells with Over 15 % Stabilized Efficiency
Authors: He Jingjing , Ge Bing , Hou Yu , Yang Shuang , Yang Hua Gui
Published: September 2020

Invited for this month′s cover is the group of Shuang Yang at the East China University of Science and Technology. The image shows a dendrite‐structured interlayer for CsPbI2Br perovskite solar cells. The Full Paper itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.202001629.
A Comprehensive Modeling Analysis of Formate‐Mediated Microbial Electrosynthesis**
Authors: Abel Anthony J. , Clark Douglas S.
Published: September 2020

Mediated microbial electrosynthesis (MES) represents a promising strategy for the capture and conversion of CO2 into carbon‐based products. We describe the development and application of a comprehensive multiphysics model to analyze a formate‐mediated MES reactor. The model shows that this system can achieve a biomass productivity of ∼1.7 g L−1 h−1 but is limited by a competitive trade‐off between O2 gas/liquid mass transfer and CO2 transport to the cathode. Synthetic metabolic strategies are evaluated for formatotrophic growth, which can enable an energy efficiency of ∼21 %, a 30 % improvement over the Calvin cycle. However, carbon utilization efficiency is only ∼10 % in the best cases due to a futile CO2 cycle, so gas recycling will be necessary for greater efficiency. Finally, separating electrochemical and microbial processes into separate reactors enables a higher biomass productivity of ∼2.4 g L−1 h−1. The mediated MES model and analysis presented here can guide process design for conversion of CO2 into renewable chemical feedstocks.
The next generation of synthetic cannabinoids: Detection, activity, and potential toxicity of pent‐4en and but‐3en analogues including MDMB‐4en‐PINACA
Authors: Krotulski Alex J. , Cannaert Annelies , Stove Christophe , Logan Barry K.
Published: September 2020

A new class of synthetic cannabinoids has emerged as new psychoactive substances (NPS). Similar in structure to JWH‐022, these substances contain alkene modifications to the tail region of the synthetic cannabinoid core structure, and nomenclature denotes these new analogues as pent‐4en or but‐3en species. Internationally, two analogues from this new series recently emerged: MDMB‐4en‐PINACA and MMB‐4en‐PICA. Previously, data regarding activity and potential toxicity were not available. In vitro assessment of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) activation via the β‐arrestin 2 recruitment was studied for three (3) pent‐4en analogues, one (1) but‐3en analogue, and one (1) principal metabolite. MDMB‐4en‐PINACA (2.47 nM, 239%), MDMB‐4en‐PICA (11.5 nM, 302%), and MDMB‐3en‐BINACA (14.3 nM, 286%) were highly potent and efficacious (comparison: JWH‐018, 25.3 nM, 100%), while the potencies of MMB‐4en‐PICA and MDMB‐4en‐PINACA 3,3‐dimethylbutanoic acid were markedly lower. Modifications to core and tail structural features (i.e., indole vs. indazole) led to relatively small differences in potency, while changes among the head region led to larger differences. Sample‐mining and data‐mining conducted on toxicology samples led to the identification of MDMB‐4en‐PINACA in 25 forensic toxicology cases, including postmortem and impaired driving investigations, with case details and limited histories described herein. Moderate geographical distribution of MDMB‐4en‐PINACA was noted in the United States with emergence in the Northeast, Midwest, South, and West regions. Results from toxicology testing paired with case history show the potential for MDMB‐4en‐PINACA to cause or contribute to impairment or death. Forensic scientists, public health and public safety officials, law enforcement, clinicians, medical examiners, and coroners should consider involvement of emergent synthetic cannabinoids in their work and that new analogues containing an alkene tail can retain similar or increased potency and toxicity.
SDMtune: An R package to tune and evaluate species distribution models
Authors: Vignali Sergio , Barras Arnaud G. , Arlettaz Raphaël , Braunisch Veronika
Published: September 2020

Balancing model complexity is a key challenge of modern computational ecology, particularly so since the spread of machine learning algorithms. Species distribution models are often implemented using a wide variety of machine learning algorithms that can be fine‐tuned to achieve the best model prediction while avoiding overfitting. We have released SDMtune, a new R package that aims to facilitate training, tuning, and evaluation of species distribution models in a unified framework. The main innovations of this package are its functions to perform data‐driven variable selection, and a novel genetic algorithm to tune model hyperparameters. Real‐time and interactive charts are displayed during the execution of several functions to help users understand the effect of removing a variable or varying model hyperparameters on model performance. SDMtune supports three different metrics to evaluate model performance: the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, the true skill statistic, and Akaike's information criterion corrected for small sample sizes. It implements four statistical methods: artificial neural networks, boosted regression trees, maximum entropy modeling, and random forest. Moreover, it includes functions to display the outputs and create a final report. SDMtune therefore represents a new, unified and user‐friendly framework for the still‐growing field of species distribution modeling.
Genotype‐by‐environment interactions for precopulatory mate guarding in a lek‐mating insect
Authors: Vellnow Nikolas , Schindler Sonja , Schmoll Tim
Published: September 2020

In sexually reproducing species, males often experience strong pre‐ and postcopulatory sexual selection leading to a wide variety of male adaptations. One example is mate guarding, where males prevent females from mating with other males either before or after they (will) have mated themselves. In case social conditions vary short term and in an unpredictable manner and if there is genetic variation in plasticity of mate guarding (i.e., genotype‐by‐environment interaction, G × E), adaptive behavioral plasticity in mate guarding may evolve.

Here, we test for genetic variation in the plasticity of precopulatory mate‐guarding behavior in the lek‐mating lesser wax moth Achroia grisella. When offered two females in rapid succession, virgin males of this species usually copulate around 10–20 min with the first female. With the second female, however, they engage in copulation posture for many hours until they have produced another spermatophore, an unusual behavior among insects possibly functioning as precopulatory mate guarding. Previous studies showed the mating latency with the second female to be shorter under higher perceived sperm competition risk. We accordingly measured the mate‐guarding behavior of males from six inbred lines under either elevated perceived male–male competition risk or under control conditions allowing us to test for G × E interactions.

We found significant inbred line‐by‐competitor treatment interactions on mating latency and copulation duration with the second female suggesting genetic variation in the degree of behavioral plasticity. However, we found no significant G × E interaction on the sum of mating latency and copulation duration. Our results suggest a potential for adaptive evolution of mate‐guarding plasticity in natural populations of lek‐mating species. Future studies using selection experiments and experimental evolution approaches in laboratory populations, or comparisons of multiple natural populations will be helpful to study under which conditions plasticity in male mate‐guarding behavior evolves.
Impact of lockdown on patients with congestive heart failure during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic
Authors: Chagué Frédéric , Boulin Mathieu , Eicher Jean‐Christophe , Bichat Florence , Saint Jalmes Maïlis , Cransac‐Miet Amélie , Soudry‐Faure Agnès , Danchin Nicolas , Cottin Yves , Zeller Marianne
Published: September 2020

Aims

Cardiovascular co‐morbidities like congestive heart failure (CHF) alter the course of coronavirus disease 2019. Factors associated with the outbreak and lockdown can exacerbate CHF.

Methods and results

We analysed the answers of 124 randomly selected CHF outpatients (mean age 71.0 ± 14.0 years, 60.5% male) interviewed by phone during the sixth and seventh weeks of the lockdown. Most patients were treated for New York Heart Association class II (38.7%) and reduced ejection fraction HF (70.2%). Psychological distress (Kessler 6 score ≥ 5) was common (18.5%), and 21.8% felt worse than before the lockdown. Few patients (n = 10) adjusted their intake of HF medications, always on medical prescription. Decreased physical activity was common (41.9%) and more frequent in women (P = 0.025) and urban dwellers (P = 0.009). Almost half of respondents (46.0%) declared increased screen time, but only few declared more alcohol intake (4.0%). Weight gain was common (27.4%), and 44.4% of current smokers increased tobacco consumption. Adherence to recommended salt or fluid intake restrictions was reduced in 14.5%. Increase in HF symptoms was commonly reported (21.8%) and tended to be higher in women than in men (P = 0.074). Of the 23 patients who had a phone teleconsultation during the pandemic, 16 had initially planned an in‐person consultation that they switched for teleconsultation.

Conclusions

During the lockdown, psychological distress and decreased well‐being were common in CHF outpatients, and there was an increase in unhealthy lifestyle behaviours. These changes may negatively impact short‐term and long‐term prognoses. Medication adherence was maintained, and limitations in access to care were partly counterbalanced by use of telehealth.