bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibodies Against Three Novel Peptides in Early Axial Spondyloarthritis Patients From Two Independent Cohorts
Authors: Quaden Dana , Vandormael Patrick , Ruytinx Pieter , Geusens Piet , Corten Kristoff , Vanhoof Johan , Liesenborgs Jori , van Reeth Frank , Agten Anouk , Vandenabeele Frank , de Vlam Kurt , Somers Veerle
Published: July 2020

Objective

This study was undertaken to identify novel autoantibodies in axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) and determine their diagnostic potential in patients with early axial SpA and controls from 2 independent cohorts.

Methods

An axial SpA complementary DNA phage display library was used to screen for novel IgG antibodies in plasma from patients with early axial SpA. The presence of these antibodies against novel peptides (i.e., peptides identified in an early axial SpA cohort from Hasselt University, designated UH‐axSpA) was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in 76 patients with early axial SpA, 75 controls with nonspecific chronic low back pain, 60 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and 94 healthy controls from the UH cohort. Antibody reactivity to these novel peptides was further validated in 174 patients with axial SpA (of whom 79 had early axial SpA) from the University Hospitals Leuven (Bio)SPAR (Spondyloarthritis [Biologics]) cohort.

Results

We identified antibodies to 9 novel UH‐axSpA peptides, corresponding to randomly formed peptides and to a novel axial SpA autoantigen, double homeobox protein 4. Antibodies to 3 UH‐axSpA peptides with the highest positive likelihood ratio (LR) for a diagnosis of axial SpA were present in significantly more patients with early axial SpA from the UH and (Bio)SPAR cohorts (14.2% [22/155]) compared to controls with chronic low back pain (5% [4/75]), resulting in 95% specificity. The positive LR for confirming axial SpA using antibodies to these 3 UH‐axSpA peptides was 2.7, which is higher than the LR obtained with the currently used laboratory marker C‐reactive protein. Testing for antibodies to these 3 UH‐axSpA peptides in patients with chronic low back pain increased the posttest probability of a diagnosis of axial SpA from 79% to 91%.

Conclusion

Antibodies to 3 UH‐axSpA peptides could provide a novel tool in the diagnosis of a subset of axial SpA patients.
Mimochrome, a metalloporphyrin‐based catalytic Swiss knife†
Authors: Leone Linda , Chino Marco , Nastri Flavia , Maglio Ornella , Pavone Vincenzo , Lombardi Angela
Published: July 2020

Over the years, mimochromes, a class of miniaturized porphyrin‐based metalloproteins, have proven to be reliable but still versatile scaffolds. After two decades from their birth, we retrospectively review our work in mimochrome design and engineering, which allowed us developing functional models. They act as electron‐transfer miniproteins or more elaborate artificial metalloenzymes, endowed with peroxidase, peroxygenase, and hydrogenase activities. Mimochromes represent simple yet functional synthetic models that respond to metal ion replacement and noncovalent modulation of the environment, similarly to natural heme‐proteins. More recently, we have demonstrated that the most active analogue retains its functionality when immobilized on nanomaterials and surfaces, thus affording bioconjugates, useful in sensing and catalysis. This review also briefly summarizes the most important contributions to heme‐protein design from leading groups in the field.
C. elegansACAT regulates lipolysis and its related lifespan in fasting through modulation of the genes in lipolysis and insulin/IGF‐1 signaling
Authors: Bai Juan , Farias‐Pereira Renalison , Zhang Yuan , Jang Miran , Park Yeonhwa , Kim Kee‐Hong
Published: July 2020

Overly active acyl‐coenzyme A: cholesterol acyltransferases (ACATs) are known to contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, cancer cell proliferation and de novo lipogenesis. However, the role of ACAT in systemic lipid metabolism and its consequence of aging is unknown. Using avasimibe, a clinically proven ACAT inhibitor, and mboa‐1 mutant strain, a homologous to mammalian ACAT, herein, we found that Ava treatment and mboa‐1 mutant exhibited a decreased fat accumulation during feeding and increased lipolysis with extended lifespan of C. elegans during fasting. Our study highlights the essential role of ACAT inhibitor and mboa‐1 in fat mobilization and the survival of C. elegans in fasting through the modulation of the genes involved in lipolysis and insulin/IGF‐1 signaling.
Resuming elective surgical activity after the COVID-19 wave: what the patients need to know
Authors: Bellini M I , Tortorici F , Capogni M
Published: July 2020

As COVID-19 outbreak enters its second phase of lockdown ease, healthcare plans involve elective surgery re-establishment to provide essential life-saving care. Patients are increasingly requesting information about their facility's readiness for safely performing surgery. This information should be open and transparent including patient's education with objective data regarding the state of the pandemic in the country and the control measures undertaken by the facility.
Novel primary literature‐based alternative to comprehensive final examination for undergraduate virology course
Authors: Sulzinski Michael A.
Published: July 2020

A novel approach is described using primary literature manuscripts for the final examination of an upper level undergraduate course in virology. This innovative technique was applied as an alternative to a core comprehensive final examination. A recent primary literature paper in virology was assigned several weeks before the end of the semester. Students were instructed to procure the electronic version of the manuscript, and to thoroughly read, highlight and outline the manuscript in advance. The examination was administered with an open book format and students were encouraged to bring laptops to access information as needed to answer questions. This primary literature‐based examination format is presented here as an alternative to a comprehensive final exam. By comparing student examination scores for both final examination formats over a period of 11 years, it was determined that student performance was strong and not statistically different when compared to conventional comprehensive final examinations. Thus, the examination format described here was a useful assessment tool that provided students with valuable exposure to the discipline specific primary literature. While this article describes an application to an undergraduate virology course, the same examination techniques could be successfully applied to examinations in undergraduate or graduate classes in any areas of biochemistry and molecular biology.
Peroxiredoxin 2 deficiency reduces white adipogenesis due to the excessive ROS generation
Authors: Kim Mi Hye , Kim Jae Yeop , Kim Jung‐Hak , Lee Hyun‐Shik , Huh Jae‐Won , Lee Dong‐Seok
Published: July 2020

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) act as signaling molecules to regulate various cell functions. Numerous studies have demonstrated ROS to be essential for the differentiation of adipocytes. Peroxiredoxins (Prxs) are a ubiquitous family of antioxidant enzymes in mammalian cells. Prx2 is present in the cytoplasm and cell membranes and demonstrates ROS scavenging activity. We focused on Prx2 involvement in regulating adipogenesis and lipid accumulation and demonstrated that Prx2 expression was upregulated during adipocyte differentiation. In addition, the silencing of Prx2 (shPrx2) inhibited adipogenesis by modulating adipogenic gene expression, and cell death was enhanced via increased ROS production in shPrx2‐3T3‐L1 cells. These results demonstrate that shPrx2 triggers adipocyte cell death and weakens adipocyte function via ROS production. Taken together, our data suggest the participation of Prx2 in adipocyte function and differentiation. Our results also imply that the downregulation of Prx2 activity could help prevent obesity. Overall, findings support the development of ROS‐based therapeutic solutions for the treatment of obesity and obesity‐related metabolic disorders.
Thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP) acts as a tumor suppressor in human prostate cancer
Authors: Xie Ming , Xie Ruiyan , Xie Sen , Wu Yiyi , Wang Wei , Li Xiang , Xu Yuanyu , Liu Bo , Zhou Yu , Wang Tao , Gao Lei , Pan Tiejun
Published: July 2020

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world. Thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP) is downregulated in a variety of human tumors and plays an important role in tumor suppression. However, the expression level and biological functions of TXNIP in PCa have not been identified yet. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the expression and biological functions of TXNIP in PCa. We reported that the expression of TXNIP was significantly decreased in PCa and associated with clinicopathological features. Overexpression of TXNIP could significantly inhibited PC‐3 cells proliferation, migration, invasion, and glucose uptake. Additionally, overexpression of TXNIP could remarkably block cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase and promoted cell apoptosis. Furthermore, TXNIP expression correlated inversely with GLUT1 expression in PCa. Taken together, our results for the first time revealed that TXNIP was decreased in PCa. Moreover, TXNIP might act as a tumor suppressor of PCa and correlated with tumor occurrence and development. Our findings cast a new light on better understanding the occurrence and development of PCa and indicated that TXNIP might be favorable for PCa molecular target therapy.
Gold(I)‐Thiolate Oligomers for Catalytic Hydrogenation of Nitroaromatics in Aqueous and Organic Medium
Authors: You Jyun‐Guo , Jin Dun‐Yuan , Tseng Wei‐Bin , Tseng Wei‐Lung , Lin Po‐Chiao
Published: July 2020

Thiolated gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) have been introduced to efficiently and selectively catalyze the hydrogenation of nitroaromatics due to the strong interaction of their S−Au‐S staple motifs with the nitro groups of nitroaromatics. However, without a gold core, gold(I)‐thiolate oligomers (AuSOs) with S−Au‐S staple motifs are rarely explored as catalysts for nitroaromatics. Here, we report a straightforward strategy for the synthesis of AuSOs through hydroxyl radical‐induced leaching of glutathione‐capped gold nanoparticles (GSH‐AuNPs). Raman spectroscopy and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐time of flight mass spectrometry demonstrated that hydroxyl radical‐triggered etching of the GSH‐AuNPs resulted in the production of AuSOs, including Au4(GSH)7 and Au7(GSH)9. The AuSOs were found to catalyze NaBH4‐mediated hydrogenation of 4‐nitrophenol to 4‐aminophenol with a chemoselectivity of ∼100 % and a normalized rate constant (Knor) of 4.8×105 s− g−1. In addition to the high affinity of the S−Au−S staple motifs for 4‐nitrophenol, the unusual catalytic activity of the AuSOs was attributable to the fact that they efficiently catalyzed the production of H2 from NaBH4 and the reaction of dissolved oxygen and NaBH4. The chemoselectivity and applicability of the AuSOs were further verified by performing the catalytic reaction of methyl 2‐(2‐nitrophenyl) acetate or methyl 4‐nitrobenzoate with NaBH4.
Phosphine‐oxide‐catalyzed Enantioselective Cross‐aldol Reactions of Aldehydes with Trichlorosilane as Lewis Acid Promoter
Authors: Kotani Shunsuke , Hanamure Takuya , Mori Yoshiki , Nakajima Makoto
Published: July 2020

A hypervalent silicon complex between trichlorosilane and a chiral phosphine oxide acts as an effective Lewis acid mediator that successfully promotes highly enantioselective cross‐aldol reactions between two aldehydes. The high yielding transformation is realized with the assistance of triisobutylamine, which does not decompose trichlorosilane but rather converts the aldol donor into the silyl enol ether that undergoes the enantioselective cross‐aldol reaction with a second aldehyde in combination with the chiral phosphine oxide catalyst.
Ru/CdS Quantum Dots Templated on Clay Nanotubes as Visible‐Light‐Active Photocatalysts: Optimization of S/Cd Ratio and Ru Content
Authors: Stavitskaya Anna V. , Kozlova Ekaterina A. , Kurenkova Anna Yu. , Glotov Aleksandr P. , Selischev Dmitry S. , Ivanov Evgenii V. , Kozlov Denis V. , Vinokurov Vladimir A. , Fakhrullin Rawil F. , Lvov Yuri M.
Published: July 2020

A nanoarchitectural approach based on in situ formation of quantum dots (QDs) within/outside clay nanotubes was developed. Efficient and stable photocatalysts active under visible light were achieved with ruthenium‐doped cadmium sulfide QDs templated on the surface of azine‐modified halloysite nanotubes. The catalytic activity was tested in the hydrogen evolution reaction in aqueous electrolyte solutions under visible light. Ru doping enhanced the photocatalytic activity of CdS QDs thanks to better light absorption and electron–hole pair separation due to formation of a metal/semiconductor heterojunction. The S/Cd ratio was the major factor for the formation of stable nanoparticles on the surface of the azine‐modified clay. A quantum yield of 9.3 % was reached by using Ru/CdS/halloysite containing 5.2 wt % of Cd doped with 0.1 wt % of Ru and an S/Cd ratio of unity. In vivo and in vitro studies on the CdS/halloysite hybrid demonstrated the absence of toxic effects in eukaryotic cells and nematodes in short‐term tests, and thus they are promising photosensitive materials for multiple applications.
Recent Advances in Heterogeneous Catalytic Systems Containing Metal Ions for Phosphate Ester Hydrolysis
Authors: Gomes Marco Antônio G. B. , Fernandes Christiane , Gahan Lawrence R. , Schenk Gerhard , Horn Adolfo
Published: July 2020

Organophosphates are a class of organic compounds that are important for living organisms, forming the building blocks for DNA, RNA, and some essential cofactors. Furthermore, non‐natural organophosphates are widely used in industrial applications, including as pesticides; in laundry detergents; and, unfortunately, as chemical weapons agents. In some cases, the natural degradation of organophosphates can take thousands of years; this longevity creates problems associated with handling and the storage of waste generated by such phosphate esters, in particular. Efforts to develop new catalysts for the cleavage of phosphate esters have progressed in recent decades, mainly in the area of homogeneous catalysis. In contrast, the development of heterogeneous catalysts for the hydrolysis of organophosphates has not been as prominent. Herein, examples of heterogeneous systems are described and the importance of the development of heterogeneous catalysts applicable to organophosphate hydrolysis is highlighted, shedding light on recent advances related to different solid matrices that have been employed.
Conservation of ultrafast photoprotective mechanisms with increasing molecular complexity in sinapoyl malate derivatives
Authors: Baker Lewis A. , Staniforth Michael , Flourat Amandine L. , Allais Florent , Stavros Vasilios G.
Published: July 2020

Sinapoyl malate is a natural plant sunscreen molecule which protects leaves from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Here, the ultrafast dynamics of three sinapoyl malate derivatives, sinapoyl L‐dimethyl malate, sinapoyl L‐diethyl malate and sinapoyl L‐di‐t‐butyl malate, have been studied using transient electronic absorption spectroscopy, in a dioxane and methanol solvent environment to investigate how well preserved these dynamics remain with increasing molecular complexity. In all cases it was found that, upon photoexcitation, deactivation occurs via a trans‐cis isomerisation pathway within ∼20–30 ps. This cis‐photoproduct, formed during photodeactivation, is stable and longed‐lived for all molecules in both solvents. The incredible levels of conservation of the isomerisation pathway with increased molecular complexity demonstrate the efficacy of these molecules as ultraviolet photoprotectors, even in strongly perturbing solvents. As such, we suggest these molecules might be well‐suited for augmentations to further improve their photoprotective efficacy or chemical compatibility with other components of sunscreen mixtures, whilst conserving their underlying photodynamic properties.
Corynebacterium diphtheriae Virulence Analyses Using a Caenorhabditis elegans Model
Authors: Chen Yi‐Wei , Ton‐That Hung
Published: July 2020

Corynebacterium diphtheriae is the leading cause of pharyngeal diphtheria, a respiratory disease characterized by formation of a pseudomembrane at the site of infection. Although outbreaks of C. diphtheriae infections are rare nowadays, the emergence of multidrug‐resistant C. diphtheriae strains is one of the most significant public health concerns worldwide. Although C. diphtheriae has been studied for more than a century and diphtheria toxin and pili have been identified as major virulence factors, little is known about factors involved in bacterial colonization and development of disease. Here, we describe the utilization of Caenorhabditis elegans as a cost‐effective, versatile model of infection to evaluate C. diphtheriae virulence. We provide detailed protocols for nematode synchronization and for evaluation of nematode survival and formation of a deformed anal region induced by C. diphtheriae infection. These protocols will permit future high‐throughput screenings of virulence factors in C. diphtheriae and advance our knowledge of C. diphtheriae pathogenesis. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Synchronization of nematodes

Basic Protocol 2: Assay for nematode survival following C. diphtheriae infection

Basic Protocol 3: Assays for bacterial colonization and formation of deformed anal region
Photon Upconverting Solid Films with Improved Efficiency for Endowing Perovskite Solar Cells with Near‐Infrared Sensitivity
Authors: Kinoshita Mika , Sasaki Yoichi , Amemori Shogo , Harada Naoyuki , Hu Zhanhao , Liu Zonghao , Ono Luis K. , Qi Yabing , Yanai Nobuhiro , Kimizuka Nobuo
Published: July 2020

Perovskite solar cells have emerged as the next‐generation high‐efficiency solar cell, but their absorption is mostly limited to the visible (vis) range. One possible solution is to integrate near‐infrared (NIR)‐to‐vis photon upconversion (UC). Herein, we show the first example of endowing perovskite solar cells with NIR sensitivity by using solid films showing NIR‐to‐vis UC based on triplet‐triplet annihilation (TTA). A high TTA‐UC efficiency of 4.1±0.3 % at an excitation intensity of 125 W/cm2 is achieved by sensitizing a rubrene (acceptor) triplet with an osmium (Os) complex donor having singlet‐to‐triplet (S−T) absorption in the NIR range, and by increasing the fluorescence quantum yield through energy harvesting to a highly fluorescent collector. In particular, our spectroscopic studies indicate that the upconverted acceptor singlet energy is almost selectively transferred to the collector rather than being quenched by the donor. By attaching the TTA‐UC film behind a semi‐transparent perovskite solar cell, a photocurrent generation is observed under excitation at 938 nm.
Doping control analysis of total arsenic in equine plasma
Authors: Chan George H.M. , Tang Wenlu , Curl Peter , Lin Yuanyuan , Wan Terence S.M. , Ho Emmie N.M.
Published: July 2020

Arsenic can be easily found in our surrounding environment. Because of its ubiquitous nature, horse urine and blood invariably contain low levels of arsenic. Nevertheless, inorganic arsenic, despite its general use as a tonic for horses, is an effective doping agent having a deleterious effect because of its ability to induce gastroenteritis. The misuse of arsenic in horseracing has been controlled by an international urinary threshold of total arsenic at 0.3 μg/mL. However, an equivalent threshold for total arsenic in plasma is yet to be established. In this study, an inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry method has been developed for quantifying total arsenic in equine plasma. Statistical analysis determined that the data from a population study of 1,552 post‐race and out‐of‐competition plasma samples fits a Gaussian mixture model with two Gaussian components. A rounded‐up provisional threshold for plasma total arsenic at 2.5 ng/mL was subsequently established. Results from administration trials with a sodium arsanilate‐containing supplement showed that both urinary and plasma arsenic was significantly elevated after administration. The maximum urinary detection time was around 22 h based on the international threshold. However, the maximum plasma detection time would be longer than 73 h if the provisional threshold of 2.5 ng/mL was adopted. In view of the high discrepancy between the urine and plasma detection times, a revised plasma threshold of 15 ng/mL is proposed to afford a comparable detection time in both matrices. The risk of a normal sample exceeding the proposed plasma total arsenic threshold is practically zero.
Extreme drought and adaptive resource selection by a desert mammal
Authors: Gedir Jay V. , Cain James W. , Swetnam Tyson L. , Krausman Paul R. , Morgart John R.
Published: July 2020

When animals select areas to occupy, decisions involve trade‐offs between the fitness benefits of obtaining critical resources and minimizing costs of biotic and abiotic factors that constrain their use. These processes can be more dynamic and complex for species inhabiting desert environments, where highly variable spatial and temporal distribution of precipitation can create high intra‐ and inter‐annual variability in forage conditions and water availability, and thermal constraints can differ significantly among seasons and diel periods. We examined resource selection in desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis mexicana) in Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona, USA, at multiple spatial and temporal scales to gain insight into how a desert mammal responds to variations in climatic conditions. We used resource selection functions to test topographic, forage, and environmental features among seasons and diel periods, and between non‐drought and drought conditions at the population and home‐range scale. When precipitation was average, sheep selected for topographic features that were beneficial for predator avoidance (i.e., escape terrain—steep, rugged areas with high visibility) and locations near perennial water. When drought occurred, they ranged further from preferred escape terrain and perennial water, perhaps seeking forage conditions suitable to meet their nutritional requirements. On early (April–June) and late (July–September) summer days, sheep selected for more northerly aspects and locations with lower solar radiation, and in some periods, selection for these cooler areas coincided with periods when forage covariates, proximity to perennial water, and several topographic features were uninformative in resource selection models. These choices may be necessary trade‐offs, foregoing good escape terrain and foraging areas, and access to water, for improved thermoregulation. This study highlights the importance of identifying resource selection at variable spatial and temporal scales when investigating the interrelationship between species and their environment. It provides insight into the dynamics of resource selection in desert mammals, and how they respond to constraints imposed on them by their environment. This work can serve to inform strategies for managing and conserving species living in arid environments when faced with climate change.
Windows of opportunity for salt marsh establishment: the importance for salt marsh restoration in the Yangtze Estuary
Authors: Yuan Lin , Chen Ya‐Hui , Wang Heng , Cao Hao‐Bing , Zhao Zhi‐Yuan , Tang Chen‐Dong , Zhang Li‐Quan
Published: July 2020

Restoration has been promoted as an important strategy to reverse the decline of salt marsh ecosystems. Physical and biological processes limiting the colonization of bare tidal flats by pioneer salt marsh species are commonly recognized. Recently, the window of opportunity (WoO) concept has been proposed as a framework to provide an explanation for the initial establishment of biogeomorphic ecosystems on tidal flats under high physical stress. Understanding the thresholds for early seedling establishment and colonization is critical for the successful restoration and management of this threatened ecosystem. In this study, we investigated the WoOs for the establishment and colonization of a Scirpus mariqueter salt marsh at a large‐scale restoration site in the Yangtze Estuary. A set of field monitoring and measurements were conducted to identify the potential physical and biological thresholds that could provide a mechanistic insight on the establishment and colonization of this pioneer marsh. The results showed that the successful colonization and expansion of the S. mariqueter marsh on the tidal flat required passing both physical and biological thresholds to open WoOs for establishment and colonization. The concurrence of WoOs, that is, propagule availability in the early growing season at a suitable tidal flat elevation with a benign sedimentary regime together with the removal of competition from invasive species, is presumed to be essential for the success of S. mariqueter marsh establishment and colonization. In applying such ecological insights, the seed‐sowing field experiment proved that by surpassing these thresholds, an S. mariqueter salt marsh can be successfully restored in a cost‐effective manner. We suggest that these WoO‐related establishment and colonization thresholds as well the cost‐effectiveness of using these WoOs should be considered in future large‐scale restorations of salt marshes.
Kinetic Investigation of the Reaction of Dioxygen with the Copper(I) Complex [Cu(PimiPr2)(CH3CN)]CF3SO3 {PimiPr2 = Tris[2‐(1,4‐diisopropylimidazolyl)]phosphine}
Authors: Lerch Markus , Weitzer Markus , Stumpf Tim‐Daniel J. , Laurini Larissa , Hoffmann Alexander , Becker Jonathan , Miska Andreas , Göttlich Richard , Herres‐Pawlis Sonja , Schindler Siegfried
Published: July 2020

Model complexes for copper proteins such as hemocyanin or tyrosinase have been investigated in detail during the last four decades due to their potential to become valuable catalysts for selective oxidations of organic substrates. However, so far most of these compounds can only be investigated in aprotic solvents at lower temperatures. Therefore, industrial applications on a larger scale are still missing. In contrast the copper(I) complex with the ligand tris[2‐(1,4‐diisopropylimidazolyl)]phosphine can form a quite stable dinuclear copper peroxido complex in the protic solvent methanol at room temperature. The kinetic analysis of the reaction of [Cu(PimiPr2)(CH3CN)]CF3SO3 with dioxygen in methanol is reported. The results allowed to obtain rate constants and activation parameters (ΔH# = 25 ± 2 kJ mol–1 and ΔS# = –121 ± 8 J mol–1 K–1) for the formation of the reactive intermediate, a mononuclear copper superoxido complex, prior to the consecutive reaction to a dinuclear peroxido complex.
ortho‐Phenylene‐Based Macrocyclic Hydrocarbons Assembled Using Olefin Metathesis
Authors: Kirinda Viraj C. , Schrage Briana R. , Ziegler Christopher J. , Hartley C. Scott
Published: July 2020

While many foldamer systems reliably fold into well‐defined secondary structures, higher order structure remains a challenge. A simple strategy for the organization of folded subunits in space is to link them together within a macrocycle. Previous work has shown that o‐phenylenes can be co‐assembled with rod‐shaped linkers into twisted macrocycles, showing an interesting synergy between folding and thermodynamically controlled macrocyclization. In these systems the foldamer units were largely decoupled from each other both conformationally and electronically. Here, we show that hydrocarbon macrocycles, with very short ethenylene linkers, can be assembled from o‐phenylenes using olefin metathesis. Characterization by NMR spectroscopy, X‐ray crystallography, and ab initio calculations shows that the products are approximately triangular trimer macrocycles with helical o‐phenylene corners in a heterochiral configuration. Their photophysics are dominated by the 4,4'‐diphenylstilbene moieties, the longest conjugated segments, with further conjugation broken by the twisting of the o‐phenylenes.
Effect of brewing conditions using a single‐serve coffee maker on black tea (Lapsang Souchong) quality
Authors: Ma Chunhua , Hung Yen‐Con
Published: July 2020

Black tea powder was used to make tea infusion using a Keuring coffee maker. Effect of tea particle size (0.30 or 0.60 mm), water volume for brewing (118, 177, or 236 ml), and the amount of tea powder (1.0, 1.5, or 2.0 g) on tea infusion quality were evaluated. The concentration of four chemical compounds (soluble sugars, total amino acids, polyphenols, and caffeine) in tea infusion was measured. In general, the concentration of the four compounds in tea infusion increased with the amount of tea powder used and decreased with increasing water volume and tea particle size. Using 2.0 g of 0.30 mm tea powder and 118 ml of water per brew, the concentration of the above four components was 412.3, 251.6, 208.9, and 205.3 μg/ml, respectively, and higher than tea infusion prepared by traditional method (312.4, 204.1, 211.6, and 175.9 μg/ml). The highest extraction efficiency (mg/cup.g) for the four chemical components per unit weight of tea powder was at using 1.0 g of 0.30 mm tea powder with 236 ml water for soluble sugars (32.3 μg/ml) and caffeine (16.3 μg/ml), at using 1.5 g tea powders for polyphenols (22.3 μg/ml) and at using 2.0 g tea powders for amino acid (13.6 μg/ml). This study suggested using a single‐serve coffee maker can be a convenient and effective way to prepare the tea infusion with high quality.
The effect of different starter cultures on biogenic amines and quality of fermented mutton sausages stored at 4 and 20°C temperatures
Authors: Sun Xueying , Du Bao , Zhao Lihua , Jin Ye , Su Lin , Tian Jianjun , Wu Jing
Published: July 2020

The biogenic amines (BAs), water activity, pH, thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS), and nitrite were, respectively, tested in dry fermented sausage with starter cultures (37x‐6 Lactobacillus plantarum, x3‐3b L. plantarum, 30x‐11 Staphylococcus pentosans, and 37x‐8 S. pentosans), during storage of room temperature (20°C) and refrigeration storage (4°C). Tryptamine (TRM), 2‐phenylethylamine (PHE), putrescine (PUT), cadaverine (CAD), histamine (HIM), and tyramine (TYM) contents of all samples were increased storage at 20°C, and the content of TRM, PUT, CAD, and HIM of all samples storage at 20°C was higher than that storage at 4°C after 42 days. The content of BA with 37x‐6, x3‐3b, and 37x‐8 was obviously decreased at 4°C storage. The storage temperature has a significant effect on BA content (p < .05) for TYM and other BAs tested. Finally, x3‐3b, 37x‐6, and 37x‐8 should be used to produce fermented sausages on the basis of the concentration of BAs.
Quality and timing of crowd‐based water level class observations
Authors: Etter Simon , Strobl Barbara , van Meerveld Ilja , Seibert Jan
Published: July 2020

Crowd‐based hydrological observations can supplement existing monitoring networks and allow data collection in regions where otherwise no data would be available. In the citizen science project CrowdWater, repeated water level observations using a virtual staff gauge approach result in time series of water level classes (WL‐classes). To investigate the quality of these observations, we compared the WL‐class data with “real” (i.e., measured) water levels from the same stream at a nearby gauging station. We did this for nine locations where citizen scientists reported multiple observations using a smartphone app and at 12 locations where signposts were set up to ask citizens to record observations on a paper form that could be left in a letterbox. The results indicate that the quality of the data collected with the app was better than for the forms. A possible explanation is that for each app location, a single person submitted the vast majority of the observations, whereas at the locations of the forms almost every observation was made by a different person. On average, there were more contributions between May and September than during the other months. Observations were submitted for a range of flow conditions, with a higher fraction of high flow observations for the locations were data were collected with the app. Overall, the results are encouraging for citizen science approaches in hydrology and demonstrate that the smartphone application and the virtual staff gauge are a promising approach for crowd‐based water level class observations.
A novel mesenchymal‐associated transcriptomic signature for risk‐stratification and therapeutic response prediction in colorectal cancer
Authors: Matsuyama Takatoshi , Kandimalla Raju , Ishikawa Toshiaki , Takahashi Naoki , Yamada Yasuhide , Yasuno Masamichi , Kinugasa Yusuke , Hansen Torben Frøstrup , Fakih Marwan , Uetake Hiroyuki , Győrffy Balázs , Goel Ajay
Published: July 2020

Risk stratification in Stage II and III colorectal cancer (CRC) patients is critical, as it allows patient selection for adjuvant chemotherapy. In view of the inadequacy of current clinicopathological features for risk‐stratification, we undertook a systematic and comprehensive biomarker discovery effort to develop a risk‐assessment signature in CRC patients. The biomarker discovery phase examined 853 CRC patients, and identified a gene signature for predicting recurrence‐free survival (RFS). This signature was validated in a meta‐analysis of 1212 patients from nine independent datasets, and its performance was compared against established prognostic signatures and consensus molecular subtypes (CMS). In addition, a risk‐prediction model was trained (n = 142), and subsequently validated in an independent clinical cohort (n = 286). As a result, this mesenchymal‐associated transcriptomic signature (MATS) identified high‐risk CRC patients with poor RFS in the discovery (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.79), and nine validation cohorts (HR: 1.86). In multivariate analysis, MATS was the most significant predictor of RFS compared to established prognostic signatures and CMS subtypes. Intriguingly, MATS robustly identified CMS4‐subtype in multiple CRC cohorts (AUC = 0.92‐0.99). In the two clinical cohorts, MATS stratified low and high‐risk groups with a 5‐year RFS in the training (HR: 4.11) and validation cohorts (HR: 2.55), as well as predicted response to adjuvant therapy in Stage II and III CRC patients. We report a novel prognostic and predictive biomarker signature in CRC, which is superior to currently used approaches and have the potential for clinical translation in near future.
Dietary fatty acids and colorectal cancer risk in men: A report from the Shanghai Men's Health Study and a meta‐analysis
Authors: Nguyen Sang , Li Honglan , Yu Danxia , Cai Hui , Gao Jing , Gao Yutang , Luu Hung N. , Tran Huong , Xiang Yong‐Bing , Zheng Wei , Shu Xiao‐Ou
Published: July 2020

Evidence from animal models suggests that dietary fatty acids have both anticancer and tumor‐promoting effects. Whether dietary fatty acids are associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) in humans remains inconclusive. We investigated associations between dietary fatty acids and risk of CRC among 59 986 men who participated in the Shanghai Men's Health Study (SMHS), an ongoing population‐based prospective cohort study. We identified 876 incident CRC cases in the SMHS during a mean follow‐up of 9.8 years. Associations between dietary fatty acid intake and CRC risk were evaluated by Cox proportional hazard regression analyses. Consumption of saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was not significantly associated with CRC risk. Multivariate hazard ratios (HRs) and respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for Quartile 4 vs Quartile 1 were 0.92 (0.74‐1.14; Ptrend = 0.47) for SFA, 0.95 (0.79‐1.16; Ptrend = 0.74) for MUFA and 1.18 (0.95‐1.46; Ptrend = 0.21) for PUFA. No significant associations were found for total n‐6 PUFA or total n‐3 PUFA. Additionally, we performed a meta‐analysis to summarize results from the present study and 28 reports from 26 additional cohorts, which supported the overall null association between dietary fatty acid intake and CRC risk among men. Docosahexanoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid were associated with 11% to 12% reduced risk, and linoleic acid a 19% increased risk, of CRC in the meta‐analysis of combined sexes. In conclusion, this population‐based prospective study and meta‐analysis of cohort studies found little evidence that dietary fatty acid intake was associated with risk of CRC in men.
Further examination of the treatment of multiply controlled inappropriate mealtime behavior
Authors: Kirkwood Caitlin A. , Bachmeyer‐Lee Melanie H. , Sheehan Connor M. , Mauzy Courtney R. , Gibson Logan A.
Published: July 2020

We systematically replicated Bachmeyer et al. (2009) by examining extinction procedures matched to each function, individually and in combination, to treat the food or liquid refusal of 4 children diagnosed with a feeding disorder whose inappropriate mealtime behavior was maintained by multiple functions (i.e., escape and attention). Previous research suggests that adding differential reinforcement to extinction procedures may result in better treatment outcomes. Therefore, we added differential reinforcement to extinction procedures matched to each function. Differential reinforcement and extinction matched only to escape or attention resulted in low rates of inappropriate mealtime behavior and high, stable levels of acceptance for only 1 child. Consistent with Bachmeyer et al., inappropriate mealtime behavior decreased, and acceptance increased for the remaining 3 children only after we matched differential reinforcement and extinction procedures to both escape and attention.
A review on the physiological and pathophysiological role of endothelial glycocalyx
Authors: Liu Huan‐qiu , Li Ji , Xuan Cheng‐luan , Ma Hai‐chun
Published: July 2020

The glycocalyx is a gel‐like layer covering the luminal surface of vascular endothelial cells. It comprises of membrane‐attached proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycan chains, glycoproteins, and adherent plasma proteins. The glycocalyx maintains homeostasis of the vasculature, which includes controlling vascular permeability and microvascular tone, preventing microvascular thrombosis, and regulating leukocyte adhesion. In the past decades, the number of studies on endothelial glycocalyx has steadily grown. Glycocalyx emerged as an essential part of blood vessels involved in multiple physiological functions. Damage to glycocalyx is associated with many types of diseases. The structure and physiology and pathophysiology of the glycocalyx, as well as the clinical effects of glycocalyx degradation, are addressed throughout this study. We strive in particular to define therapeutic approaches for the survival or reparation of the glycocalyx.
Time to positive culture can differentiate post‐neurosurgical coagulase‐negativeStaphylococciother thanS epidermidismeningitis from contamination: A case‐control observational study
Authors: Zheng Guanghui , Li Siwen , Zhao Minghui , Yang Xinrui , Zhang Yumeng , Deng Jia , Luo Yu , Lv Hong , Zhang Guojun
Published: July 2020

Objective

To explore the characteristics of coagulase‐negativeStaphylococciother thanStaphylococci epidermidis(Nse‐CoNS) meningitis and to apply cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) times to positivity culture (TTPC) for the precise differentiation of meningitis from contamination.

Methods

We conducted a case‐control study to accomplish the following: First, we retrospectively reviewed records of post‐neurosurgical patients’ CSF that yielded Nse‐CoNS from January to October 2019 at the Beijing Tiantan Hospital; 17 clinical and 12 laboratory characteristics were reviewed. Second, we investigated the TTPC of the Nse‐CoNS, the cutoffs, and corresponding parameters to differentiate Nse‐CoNS meningitis from contamination.

Results

In this study, a total of 146 patients with Nse‐CoNS CSF culture positive were enrolled. The average TTPC in the Nse‐CoNS meningitis group was significantly shorter than in the contamination group (20.2 ± 5.0 hours and 30.2 ± 12.6 hours, respectively,P < .05). The area under curve (AUC) of the model was 0.802. A TTPC of 20.0 hours had 94.3% sensitivity and a negative value of 90.2% for predicting Nse‐CoNS meningitis.

Conclusions

Nse‐CoNS meningitis often causes confusion in clinical diagnosis. In this study, we evaluated the clinical predictive factors of Nse‐CoNS meningitis and confirmed that the median TTPC in the Nse‐CoNS meningitis group was significantly shorter than in the contamination group. A TTPC shorter than 20.0 hours was associated with Nse‐CoNS meningitis, while a TTPC longer than 20.0 hours was associated with Nse‐CoNS contamination. This information will be helpful for the rapid diagnosis of Nse‐CoNS meningitis.
Weighted gene co‐expression network analysis can sort cancer‐associated fibroblast‐specific markers promoting bladder cancer progression
Authors: Liu Bitian , Zhan Yunhong , Chen Xiaonan , Hu Xiaoru , Wu Bin , Pan Shen
Published: July 2020

The role of cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) has been thoroughly investigated in tumour microenvironments but not in bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA). The cell fraction of CAFs gradually increased with BLCA progression. Weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA) revealed a specific gene expression module of CAFs that are relevant to cancer progression and survival status. Fifteen key genes of the module were consistent with a fibroblast signature in single‐cell RNA sequencing, functionally related to the extracellular matrix, and significant in survival analysis and tumour staging. A comparison of the luminal‐infiltrated versus luminal‐papillary subtypes and fibroblast versus urothelial carcinoma cell lines and immunohistochemical data analysis demonstrated that the key genes were specifically expressed in CAFs. Moreover, these genes are highly correlated with previously reported CAF markers. In summary, CAFs play a major role in the progression of BLCA, and the 15 key genes act as BLCA‐specific CAF markers and can predict CAF changes. WGCNA can, therefore, be used to sort CAF‐specific gene set in cancer tissues.
New and old adjuvants in allergen‐specific immunotherapy: With a focus on nanoparticles
Authors: Feng Zhongtao , Yi Xin , Hajavi Jafar
Published: July 2020

Allergic diseases have remarkably increased in recent years. Nowadays, efforts for curing and management of these disorders are an important concern worldwide. Allergen‐specific immunotherapy (ASIT) has recently gained more attention as a means for the management of allergic diseases. Adjuvants or helper agents are materials applied for better stimulating and shifting of protective responses, and these belong to an extremely diverse collection of complexes. The main function of adjuvants includes acting as depot foundations, transferring vehicles, and immunostimulators. Immunostimulatory adjuvants have gained increasing attention for ASIT. In this regard, the present study provides a review of old and new adjuvants used in allergen immunotherapy.
Genetic counseling student demographics: an empirical comparison of two cohorts
Authors: Stoddard Andrea , McCarthy Veach Pat , MacFarlane Ian M. , LeRoy Bonnie , Tryon Rebecca
Published: July 2020

Genetic counseling student characteristics may be evolving with the expansion and diversification of the genetic counseling field. We compared characteristics and previously accrued experiences of genetic counseling students enrolled in the 2018–2019 academic year with genetic counseling students surveyed by Lega et al. (Journal of Genetic Counseling, 14, 395; 2005). Four‐hundred thirty students completed a survey (60% response rate) assessing demographics, select application experiences, encouragement and discouragement to apply to genetic counseling programs, and career certainty and motivations. Data analyses comprised descriptive statistics, content analysis of open‐ended responses, and t tests and chi‐square tests to compare responses to variables also assessed by Lega et al. Similarities between the two cohorts included most students being female, White/Caucasian, and biology majors; they reported a similar amount and type of support and discouragement; and they had strong career certainty. Salient group differences included the current cohort having a larger proportion of males (8% versus 3%; p=.007), greater percentage of parent(s) with a high socioeconomic status (SES; 31% versus 17%; p=.005), a lower first application cycle acceptance rate (71% versus 80%; p<.001), and they were more strongly influenced to pursue genetic counseling by future income (p<.001), desire to help others (p=.002), the profession's prestige (p<.001), and programs’ 2‐year duration (p<.001). Students applied to an average of six programs during their first application cycle and paid, on average, $1,648 for all application and interview expenses in their acceptance year. A vast majority (99%) had advocacy experiences (most commonly crisis intervention) and shadowing opportunities (94%), and 26% worked as genetic counseling assistants prior to their acceptance. Most students were interested primarily in cancer genetics at the time of survey completion. The genetic counseling field should continue efforts to improve racial and gender diversity and identify ways to increase program accessibility/affordability for individuals at all SES levels.
RAB40C gene polymorphisms rs62030917 and rs2269556 are associated with an increased risk of lumbar disc herniation development in the Chinese Han population
Authors: Liu Kexun , Huo Hongjun , Jia Wenchao , Li Manglai , Xiong Zichao , Sun Yao , Wu Jiamin , Li Haiyue , Liu Jianfeng , Liu Yuanwei , Jin Tianbo , Li Bin , Zuo Yuan , Zhao Yan
Published: July 2020

Background

Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) places a serious burden on the daily lives and socioeconomics of people. Although the pathogenesis of LDH is complex, genetic factors such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may affect the risk of developing LDH. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the effect of RAB40C SNPs on the risk of LDH in the Chinese Han population.

Methods

We investigated 508 LDH cases and 508 healthy controls for this case–control study. Three tag SNPs in RAB40C were selected and genotyped using the Agena MassARRAY platform (Agena Bioscience, San Diego, CA, USA). After adjusting for age and gender, odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using unconditional logistic regression.

Results

In the allele model, we found rs62030917 and rs2269556 in RAB40C with a minor G allele significantly increased the risk of LDH (rs62030917: OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.00–1.50, p = 0.046; rs2269556: OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.02–1.45, p = 0.033). In genetic model analysis, rs2269556 was associated with an increased risk of LDH under both codominant (OR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.03–2.15, p = 0.035) and log‐additive models (OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.01–1.45, p = 0.035). rs62030917 of RAB40C was associated with an increased risk of LDH under codominant, recessive and log‐additive models (p < 0.05) only among individuals younger than 49 years after stratification by age.

Conclusions

For the first time, our results suggest that rs62030917 and rs2269556 in the RAB40C gene influence genetic susceptibility to LDH.
Guns, germs, and public history: A conversation with Jennifer Tucker
Authors: Serlin David
Published: July 2020

In this wide‐ranging conversation, historians David Serlin (UC San Diego) and Jennifer Tucker (Wesleyan University) discuss the role of material culture and visual media in shaping how museums communicate histories of science and technology. Tucker describes a recent public history project focused on 19th‐century histories of firearms and gun regulation in light of contemporary debates about the Second Amendment “right to bear arms.” Serlin and Tucker conclude by speculating about possible curatorial directions for a future public history exhibit focused on the social and cultural impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic during 2020.