bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐Throughput Automated Subcellular Localisation
Authors: Chalkley Alannah S , Kelly Suainibhe , Mysior Margaritha M , Simpson Jeremy C
Published: August 2020

Defining the subcellular localisation of the proteome for an organism of interest is a critical next step following genome sequencing. Knowledge of protein subcellular localisation provides insight into the functionality of the normal cell, as well during disease states. However, the presence of gene isoforms, alternative splicing and posttranslational modifications significantly increase the number of protein variants encoded by a single gene, making this a complex task. In the last 20 years, parallel approaches using fractionation and mass spectrometry, synthesis of large libraries of open reading frames fused to genes encoding fluorescent proteins, as well as production of thousands of antibodies have all contributed to the systematic analysis of protein localisation. Alongside these methods, improved bioinformatic predictors, machine learning and deep learning algorithms have also evolved as essential tools. A combinatorial approach of these methods now brings us close to systematically defining the subcellular proteome for many organisms.

Key Concepts

Subcellular localisation is a critical determinant in understanding protein function.

Data from genome sequencing projects provide the fundamental information from which approaches to understand protein localisation can be initiated.

Parallel approaches using fluorescence microscopy are being applied in a high‐throughput manner to systematically reveal the subcellular localisation of large numbers of proteins in different cells.

The primary techniques to determine protein localisation are mass spectrometry‐based proteomics, production of antibodies and expression of fluorescently tagged proteins.

There is increasing use of computational biology tools to aid the automated classification of subcellular localisation.

Large image datasets can be interrogated by machine learning software algorithms to automatically classify proteins to specific localisations.

Deep learning methods, which can work independently of training datasets, have become the newest tool to automatically assign protein localisation from image sets.

Automated approaches combining both experimental and computational methods are likely to become the primary means by which subcellular localisation is determined from new cell systems.
Isothermal Titration Calorimetry: Principles and Applications
Authors: Menéndez Margarita
Published: August 2020

Molecular recognition is a fundamental phenomenon underpinning almost all aspects of biological processes. Associated energy changes result in release or absorption of heat that can be measured, providing valuable information about the interaction specific features. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) is a label‐free binding assay which measures the affinity, stoichiometry, and thermodynamics of molecular interactions from the reaction heat. It is considered the gold‐standard technique owing to its unique capacity to provide a complete thermodynamic and even kinetic profile of the interaction in a single experiment, thus giving a detailed understanding of driving forces and underlying processes. Moreover, ITC can be used to characterise complex systems hardly amenable using other techniques and also enzyme‐catalysed reactions. Consequently, ITC is being used to study a wide range of interactions mediated by proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, oligosaccharides and other natural or synthetic molecules, and has become a key component of drug discovery platforms.

Key Concepts

Molecular recognition via noncovalent interactions is of fundamental importance to most processes occurring within living organisms.

ITC provides a general, quantitative approach to analyse the thermodynamics and kinetics of such recognition events, and to characterise enzyme‐mediated reactions.

Parsing of the free energy of binding (Δ
G
) in its two components (Δ
H
and Δ
S
) provides new insights into the molecular nature of molecular interactions being studied.

The thermodynamic signature provided by Δ
H
and Δ
S
is fundamental to not only understand naturally occurring binding interactions but is particularly useful in drug discovery studies.

The kinetics of binding events is also central to understand not only physiological processes but also drug efficacy since equilibrium states often may not be established
in vivo
.

Understanding the kinetic behaviour of enzymes is important to understand biochemical pathways and is also a yielding field for drug discovery and development, and biotechnology.
Asexual Queen Succession in Termites
Authors: Hellemans Simon , Roisin Yves
Published: August 2020

Termite species from phylogenetically distant lineages were shown to combine both sexual and parthenogenetic reproductions, in a breeding system dubbed as ‘asexual queen succession’. Queens of these species use sexual reproduction for the production of the workforce and dispersers, and thelytokous parthenogenesis for the production of nondispersing queens. These new queens, often produced in large numbers, will replace their mother upon her death and mate with the founding king. Replacement by these parthenogens maintains the colony's genetic diversity and enhances its growth rate, lifespan and reproductive potential. This breeding system also allows the efficient purging of recessive deleterious mutations from the genomes and contributes to shape the population sex ratio of these species. This conditional parthenogenesis evolved from a diverse cytological background, and in phylogenetically distant species with contrasted lifestyles, thereby highlighting the inherent evolutionary advantages of this strategy.

Key Concepts

The historical view of a lifelong monogamy between a primary queen and king in termites now appears obsolete.

Termite queens of some species combine the advantages of sexual and asexual reproductions in a breeding system called asexual queen succession (AQS).

AQS shapes the genomes of these species by the elimination of recessive deleterious mutations through parthenogenetically produced new queens.

AQS, along with the species' ecology and lifestyle, influences their population sex ratio.

Variations in the modalities of AQS indicate that its benefits are used in a species‐specific manner.
Glutamate as a Neurotransmitter
Authors: Lambert Peter , Mennerick Steven
Published: August 2020

Glutamate is an amino acid used in biochemical pathways of all cells, but it is also packaged and released as a neurotransmitter from many neurons in the vertebrate central nervous system (CNS). Glutamate is released at specific junctions, synapses, between a glutamate‐releasing neuron and target neurons that express surface receptors for glutamate. Most neurons in the vertebrate CNS, even if they themselves do not use glutamate as a neurotransmitter, have glutamate receptors. Glutamate receptors initiate electrical and biochemical signals in the target cell and can induce changes in strength of signalling that neuroscientists believe underlie the ability of thoughts and behaviours to change with experience. Glutamate receptors fall into two classes: ligand‐gated ion channels (ionotropic) and G protein coupled (metabotropic). In addition to propagating and modulating normal electrical signalling, glutamate receptors, activated excessively, can cause neurotoxicity in disease states.

Key Concepts

Glutamate is used as a neurotransmitter at the majority of synapses in the vertebrate CNS.

Glutamate typically has an excitatory action on target neurons, increasing the probability of electrical impulse firing in the target.

Glutamate acts through G protein‐coupled receptors and through ligand‐gated ion channels.

Glutamate synapses exhibit remarkable plasticity (malleability) that may play an important role in memory formation.

In excess glutamate can be neurotoxic, acting through the same glutamate receptors that mediate normal signalling.
Ephrins
Authors: Kilari Sreenivasulu , Alladi Sai Swetha , Kenche Harshavardhan
Published: August 2020

Ephrins are cell surface proteins that bind to the Eph family of receptor tyrosine kinases. Cell‐surface‐tethered ephrin‐A ligands principally activate EphA receptors, and transmembrane ephrin‐B ligands primarily activate EphB receptors. Ephs and ephrins influence many developmental processes, including compartmentalisation, cell migration, axon guidance and angiogenesis. These developmental functions arise as Ephrin–Eph interactions that shape cellular behaviours, including adhesion, migration and synaptic plasticity. Eph receptors communicate with the cytoskeleton through differential activation of small GTPases downstream of their tyrosine kinase activity. In addition to stimulating Eph receptors, ephrins signal within the cell which expresses them, a phenomenon termed ‘reverse signalling’. Ephrin‐B reverse signalling relies in part on phosphorylation of the cytoplasmic tail and recruitment of cytoplasmic proteins. Both ephrins and Ephs can modify internalisation and trafficking of other cell surface effector molecules.

Cell surface receptors and ligands involved in intracellular signalling.

Similar or identical molecular signals may observed in development and repair process.

Primordial cells differentiate into various cell types during development.

Tissue organisation and organ development from constituent cell types by compartmentalisation, cell–cell attraction and repulsion during the development.

Dysregulated or abnormal cell–cell signalling lead to pathogenesis.
With organization in a good place, Tieman will leave Caron in 2021
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: August 2020

With long‐range planning always having been a pivotal component of Doug Tieman's approach to leadership, it should come as no surprise that a retirement announcement released this month has been several years in the making. Tieman turned 65 this summer but tells ADAW that discussions to plan the transition from his leadership at Caron Treatment Centers began around the time of his 60th birthday.
‘Secret shopper’ study finds many barriers to OUD treatment
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: August 2020

Treatment programs that don't accept insurance, but only cash, create a barrier for opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment, according to a study by Stephen Patrick, M.D., and colleagues, many of whom are from the Vanderbilt Center for Child Health Policy at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. And despite the fact that pregnant women with OUD are a priority population for treatment due to the risks to the fetus of continued opioid abuse, nonpregnant women are more likely than pregnant women to be given an appointment for treatment with a buprenorphine‐waivered clinician.
Who Participates in Urban Agriculture? An Empirical Analysis†
Authors: Bellemare Marc F. , Dusoruth Vaneesha
Published: August 2020

A few highly publicized food supply chain disruptions early in the COVID‐19 pandemic were interpreted by some as evidence of a “broken” food system. One solution often brought in response to that perceived brokenness is urban agriculture. The literature, however, has sidestepped a key question: Who practices urban agriculture? Using survey data on 882 Montreal residents, we find that those who practice urban agriculture are more educated, and more likely to be homeowners and to report an income in the highest income bracket. This is consistent with urban agriculture being a luxury good.
Organic fertilizer abrasive grits increase soil available nitrogen, plant height, and biomass
Authors: Carlson Michael , Forcella Frank , Wortman Sam , Clay David , Clay Sharon A.
Published: August 2020

In organic cropping systems, air‐propelled abrasive grits can be used to control in‐row weeds. If the applied abrasive grit is an approved organic fertilizer, these applications may serve a dual purpose of weed control and crop fertility. Laboratory soil incubations examined the N mineralization rates of several grit types with differing C/N ratios (Agra Grit [crushed walnut shells, 170:1], corncob grit [91:1], Sustane [composted turkey litter, 5.0:1], Phytaboost Plant Food [crushed and pelletized soybean meal, 5.0:1]). A greenhouse study determined plant wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), kale (Brassica napus pabluaria DC), and velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medik.) growth response in soils amended with these grits. The N mineralization rates varied by grit type, soil, and application rate. The N mineralized from Phytaboost within 56 d was similar among the amounts of N a whereas the amount of N mineralized from Sustane was inversely related to the amount of N applied. Agra Grit and corncob grit immobilized soil N due to their high C/N ratios. In soils amended with Sustane, plant height and biomass were 15–43% and 34–83% greater than for plants grown in soils with Agra Grit, corncob grit, and the nontreated soil. Applications of organic fertilizer as air‐propelled grit may improve crop growth; however, if weed control is imperfect, these grits may increase weed growth. Grits with high C/N ratios may immobilize soil available N but not affect plant growth.
Effect of different factors on plant regeneration from leaf explants of Jatropha curcas L.
Authors: Liu Ying , Chen Jingye , Li Xiaohao , Xue Yingbin
Published: August 2020

The in vitro regeneration frequency was commonly low, and the quality of adventitious buds was poor, when the traditional methods were used to induce adventitious buds from leaf explants of Jatropha curcas L. through the medium containing low concentration of thidiazuron (TDZ). When treated with high concentrations (6.5–104 mg/L) of TDZ for a certain time (7–120 min), the regeneration frequency and quality of adventitious buds were significantly increased. The best induction rate of adventitious buds (78.58%) and the average number of buds per explant (7.26) were obtained by soaking leaf explants in 26 mg/L TDZ solution for 30 min and then transferring them onto MS medium without hormone for 30 days. Furthermore, the adventitious bud regeneration was affected obviously by source of explants, sterilization time, illumination time and genotype. The subsequent elongation and rooting experiments showed that adventitious bud elongation could be improved by adding diethyl aminoethyl hexanoate (DA‐6) in the medium, and the best elongation effect could be gained when the concentration of DA‐6 was 1.2 mg/L. The elongated shoots induced the roots and developed into small intact plants on the MS medium with 1.5 mg/L sodium nitroprusside (SNP). After domestication, these small plants could be transplanted into the soil and growing normally. Therefore, the method established in this study was helpful to improve the plant regeneration efficiency of leaf explants in J. curcas.
Comparison of the perioperative outcomes of laparoscopic surgery, robotic surgery, open surgery, and transanal total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer: An overview of systematic reviews
Authors: Yamamoto Seiichiro
Published: August 2020

Regarding the surgical approaches for rectal cancer, many techniques have been reported in randomized controlled trials, meta‐analyses, and reviews of comparisons between two techniques, e.g. open surgery vs laparoscopic surgery, laparoscopic surgery vs robotic surgery, or laparoscopic surgery vs transanal total mesorectal excision. Since robotic surgery and transanal total mesorectal excision were developed after laparoscopic surgery had become an established minimally invasive technique, they have each been compared with laparoscopic surgery. Therefore, a review was performed to compare the surgical outcomes of robotic surgery and transanal total mesorectal excision, and to perform such comparisons among ≥3 of the above mentioned approaches, in the expectation that this review will serve as a reference for aiding treatment selection in future. The results of the current review suggest that all of the examined procedures have advantages and disadvantages, but that there are no decisive factors that could be used to select one procedure over any other. At the present time it cannot be demonstrated that laparoscopic surgery, robotic surgery, transanal total mesorectal excision, or open surgery is superior to the other techniques, and it is important to select the best technique for each patient from among those that a surgeon can perform. It is also important to maintain a flexible attitude that allows new techniques to be adopted as needed in the future.
A computational study of water in UiO‐66 Zr‐MOFs: Diffusion, hydrogen bonding network, and confinement effect
Authors: Wang Shanshan , Zhou Guobing , Sun Yunhao , Huang Liangliang
Published: August 2020

For chemical warfare agent removal, the humidity emerges as an unavoidable challenge that significantly affects the performance of metal–organic frameworks. In this work, via density functional theory calculations, ab initio molecular dynamics and classical molecular dynamics simulations, we investigate the structural and diffusion properties of water in the pristine defect‐free UiO‐66, one Zr‐based metal–organic framework. Through the detailed analyses of the distribution probability of water in two different cages of UiO‐66, the binding interaction between water and UiO‐66, the hydrogen bonding networks and resulted localized water clusters, we gain a fundamental understanding of structural and dynamics properties as well as the concentration dependence of water in UiO‐66. We anticipate those theoretical results could provide insight to the competitive adsorption of water and chemical warfare agents, which eventually shows the utmost importance for the design and development of the next generation porous materials with appropriate water properties in real‐life applications.
Construction of Highly Active Metal‐Containing Nanoparticles and FeCo‐N4 Composite Sites for the Acidic Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Yin Shu‐Hu , Yang Jian , Han Yu , Li Gen , Wan Li‐Yang , Chen You‐Hu , Chen Chi , Qu Xi‐Ming , Jiang Yan‐Xia , Sun Shi‐Gang
Published: August 2020

Metal‐containing nanoparticles (M‐NPs) in metal/nitrogen‐doped carbon (M‐N‐C) catalysts have been considered hostile to the acidic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The relation between M‐NPs and the active sites of metal coordinated with nitrogen (MNx) is hard to establish in acid medium owing to the poor stability of M‐NPs. Herein, we develop a strategy to successfully construct a new FeCo‐N‐C catalyst containing highly active M‐NPs and MN4 composite sites (M/FeCo‐SAs‐N‐C). Enhanced catalytic activity and stability of M/FeCo‐SAs‐N‐C is shown experimentally. Calculations reveal that there is a strong interaction between M‐NPs and FeN4 sites, which can favor ORR by activating the O−O bond, thus facilitating a direct 4 e− process. Those findings firstly shed light on the highly active M‐NPs and FeN4 composite sites for catalyzing acid oxygen reduction reaction, and the relevant reaction mechanism is suggested.
An Unusual Type II Polyketide Synthase System Involved in Cinnamoyl Lipid Biosynthesis
Authors: Deng Zirong , Liu Jing , Li Tong , Li Huayue , Liu Zengzhi , Dong Yujing , Li Wenli
Published: August 2020

As a unique structural moiety in natural products, cinnamoyl lipids (CLs), are proposed to be assembled by unusual type II polyketide synthases (PKSs). Herein, we demonstrate that the assembly of the CL compounds youssoufenes is accomplished by a PKS system that uniquely harbors three phylogenetically different ketosynthase/chain length factor (KS/CLF) complexes (YsfB/C, YsfD/E, and YsfJ/K). Through in vivo gene inactivation and in vitro reconstitution, as well as an intracellular tagged carrier‐protein tracking (ITCT) strategy developed in this study, we successfully elucidated the isomerase‐dependent ACP‐tethered polyunsaturated chain elongation process. The three KS/CLFs were revealed to modularly assemble different parts of the youssoufene skeleton, during which benzene ring closure happens right after the formation of an ACP‐tethered C18 polyene. Of note, the ITCT strategy could significantly contribute to the elucidation of other carrier‐protein‐dependent biosynthetic machineries.
Dry Fractionation of Cupuassu (Theobroma grandiflorum) Fat: Physical–Chemical Properties and Polymorphic Behavior
Authors: Rodríguez‐Negrette Ana Carolina , Rodríguez‐Batiller María José , García‐Londoño Victor Alonso , Borroni Virginia , Candal Roberto Jorge , Herrera María Lidia
Published: September 2020

Physical chemical properties of cupuassu fat were modified by dry fractionation. Stearin and olein fractions were obtained at 29, 26, and 24 °C. Polymorphic behavior of unfractionated cupuassu fat (UCF) and its fractions were studied in situ by small‐angle (SAXS) and wide‐angle (WAXS) X‐ray scattering using synchrotron light. Polymorphic transitions were followed in real time tempering samples with a thermal cycle. For UCF, the main polymorphic form crystallized under selected conditions was the β’2. α and β’1‐forms appeared in trace amounts. β2‐form was obtained after storage at 25 °C for 3 months. Stearins obtained at 26 (S‐26) and 24 °C (S‐24) showed a similar polymorphic behavior. However, S‐26 with improved physical properties might be more suitable for chocolate production or as a trans‐fat alternative than UCF. Stearin fraction obtained at 29 °C (S‐29) had a complex polymorphic behavior. The α‐form was the first polymorphic form detected followed by β’2‐form. There was a polymorphic transition from α to β’1‐form but no transition between β’‐forms. They were independent to each other showing fractionation in two different solid solutions. Increased contents of the triacylglycerols (TAG) SOA and SOB together with lower contents of SOO compared to UCF led to co‐crystallization because there was no complete compatibility among all TAG present in S‐29. β1‐form crystallized after storage forming crystals with a double‐layer arrangement and a characteristic morphology. This form could be useful for accelerating crystallization process in melted liquid systems.
Sex Differences in Salience Network Connectivity and its Relationship to Sensory Over‐Responsivity in Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Cummings Kaitlin K. , Lawrence Katherine E. , Hernandez Leanna M. , Wood Emily T. , Bookheimer Susan Y. , Dapretto Mirella , Green Shulamite A.
Published: August 2020

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are significantly more likely to experience sensory over‐responsivity (SOR) compared to neurotypical controls. SOR in autism has been shown to be related to atypical functional connectivity in the salience network (SN), a brain network thought to help direct attention to the most relevant stimuli in one's environment. However, all studies to date which have examined the neurobiological basis of sensory processing in ASD have used primarily male samples so little is known about sex differences in the neural processing of sensory information. This study examined the relationship between SOR and resting‐state functional connectivity in the SN for 37 males and 16 females with autism, ages 8–17 years. While there were no sex differences in parent‐rated SOR symptoms, there were significant sex differences in how SOR related to SN connectivity. Relative to females with ASD, males with ASD showed a stronger association between SOR and increased connectivity between the salience and primary sensory networks, suggesting increased allocation to sensory information. Conversely, for females with ASD, SOR was more strongly related to increased connectivity between the SN and prefrontal cortex. Results suggest that the underlying mechanisms of SOR in ASD are sex specific, providing insight into the differences seen in the diagnosis rate and symptom profiles of males and females with ASD.

Lay Summary

Sensory over‐responsivity (SOR) is common in autism. Most research on the neural basis of SOR has focused on males, so little is known about SOR or its neurobiology in females with autism spectrum disorder. Here despite no sex differences in SOR symptoms, we found sex differences in how SOR related to intrinsic connectivity in a salience detection network. Results show sex differences in the neural mechanisms underlying SOR and inform sex differences seen in diagnosis rates and symptom profiles in autism. Autism Res 2020, 13: 1489–1500. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Surgical resection of symptomatic brain metastases improves the clinical status and facilitates further treatment
Authors: Schödel Petra , Jünger Stephanie T. , Wittersheim Maike , Reinhardt Hans Christian , Schmidt Nils‐Ole , Goldbrunner Roland , Proescholdt Martin , Grau Stefan
Published: August 2020

Background

Brain metastases (BM) frequently cause focal neurological deficits leading to a reduced Karnofsky performance score (KPS). Since KPS is routinely used to guide the choice of adjuvant therapy, we hypothesized that improving KPS by surgical resection may improve the chance for adjuvant treatment and ultimately result in better survival. We therefore analyzed the course of a large cohort undergoing resection of symptomatic brain metastases in the context of further treatment and clinical outcome.

Patients and methods

In a bi‐centric retrospective analysis we retrieved baseline, clinical, and treatment‐related parameters of patients operated on BM between 2010 and 2019. Survival was calculated using Kaplan‐Meier estimates; prognostic factors for survival were analyzed by Log‐rank test and Cox proportional hazards.

Results

We included 750 patients with a median age of 61 (19‐87) years. The functional status was significantly improved by surgical resection, with a median preoperative (KPS) of 80 (10‐100) increasing to 90 (0‐100) after surgery (P < .0001). Moreover, surgery improved the RTOG recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) class from III to I/II in 82 patients. Postoperative local radiotherapy and systemic treatment were associated with significantly longer survival (P < .0001 for each). Systemic treatment was provided significantly more frequently in patients with a fair postoperative clinical status (KPS ≥ 70; P < .0001). The postoperative clinical status, postoperative radiotherapy, systemic treatment, controlled systemic disease and < 4 BM were independent predictors for survival.

Conclusion

The resection of symptomatic BM may restore clinical status, so enhancing the likelihood of receiving adjuvant treatment, and therefore leading to improved overall survival.
Patient‐reported tolerability of veliparib combined with cisplatin and etoposide for treatment of extensive stage small cell lung cancer: Neurotoxicity and adherence data from the ECOG ACRIN cancer research group E2511 phase II randomized trial
Authors: Steffen McLouth Laurie E. , Zhao Fengmin , Owonikoko Taofeek K. , Feliciano Josephine L. , Mohindra Nisha A. , Dahlberg Suzanne E. , Wade James L. , Srkalovic Gordan , Lash Bradley W. , Leach Joseph W. , Leal Ticiana A. , Aggarwal Charu , Cella David , Ramalingam Suresh S. , Wagner Lynne I.
Published: August 2020

Objectives

The ECOG‐ACRIN Cancer Research Group trial E2511 recently demonstrated a potential benefit for the addition of veliparib to cisplatin‐etoposide (CE) in patients with extensive stage small cell lung cancer (ES‐SCLC) in a phase II randomized controlled trial. Secondary trial endpoints included comparison of the incidence and severity of neurotoxicity, hypothesized to be lower in the veliparib arm, and tolerability of the addition of veliparib to CE. Physician‐rated and patient‐reported neurotoxicity was also compared.

Materials and Methods

Patients randomized to veliparib plus CE (n = 64) or placebo plus CE (n = 64) completed the 11‐item Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Gynecologic Oncology Group Neurotoxicity (questionnaire pre‐treatment, end of cycle 4 [ie 3 months after randomization] and 3 months post‐treatment [ie 6‐months]). Adherence analysis was based on treatment forms.

Results and Conclusion

No significant differences in mean or magnitude of change in neurotoxicity scores were observed between treatment arms at any time point. However, patients in the placebo arm reported worsening neurotoxicity from baseline to 3‐months (M difference = −1.5, P = .045), compared to stable neurotoxicity in the veliparib arm (M difference = −0.2, P = .778). Weakness was the most common treatment‐emergent (>50%) and moderate to severe (>16%) symptom reported, but did not differ between treatment arms. The proportion of adherence to oral therapy in the overall sample was 75%. Three percent of patients reported clinically significant neurotoxicity that was not captured by physician assessment. Neurotoxicity scores were not different between treatment arms. The addition of veliparib to CE appeared tolerable, though weakness should be monitored.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier

NCT01642251.
Comprehensive Phytochemical Characterization of Herbal Parts from Kidney Vetch (Anthyllis vulnerariaL.) by LC/MSnand GC/MS
Authors: Lorenz Peter , Bunse Marek , Klaiber Iris , Conrad Jürgen , Laumann‐Lipp Tino , Stintzing Florian C. , Kammerer Dietmar R.
Published: August 2020

Extracts of kidney vetch (Anthyllis vulnerariaL.) are becoming increasingly interesting as ingredients for the health and cosmetics industry. However, comprehensive phytochemical investigations of this plant are scant in the literature. Thus, the aim of the present work was an in‐depth characterization of semi‐polar constituents fromA. vulneraria. To capture a broad spectrum of compounds, the aerial parts ofA. vulnerariawere extracted with EtOH/water and the resulting crude extracts fractionated by partition between AcOEt and BuOH. Secondary plant metabolites were analyzed by HPLC‐ESI‐MSnand GC/MS. In a fraction obtained from the BuOH extractvia Amberlite® XAD‐7 purification glycosides of kaempferol, quercetin, isorhamnetin and rhamnocitrin were detected by LC/MSn, besides flavonoids acylated with meglutol (3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaric acid), acetic and ferulic acids. Moreover, aglycons were analyzed in extracts after 1 N HCl hydrolysis and derivatization with BSTFA. GC/MS analysis of the hydrolysates revealed the incidence of compounds like meglutol, OH/OMe‐substituted benzoic acids, ferulic and fatty acids, flavonoids, sugars and the triterpenoid medicagenic acid. Furthermore, a hemolytic activity was detected in the AcOEt extract using a blood‐agar assay, and this was ascribed to the occurrence of saponins. In a saponin fraction, obtained from the AcOEt extract by chromatographic purification, two main saponins were characterized by LC/MSnand HR‐ESI‐MSn. A pure sapogenin could be isolatedviaVLC and CC purification upon acid hydrolysis of the saponins and assigned to saikogenin D by NMR analysis.
Predicting need for pacemaker implantation early and late after transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Mazzella Anthony J. , Sanders Mason , Yang Hannan , Li Quefeng , Vavalle John P. , Gehi Anil
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To identify associations with either early or late permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in order to develop an easily interpretable management algorithm.

Background

Injury to the conduction system after TAVR occasionally requires PPM. There is limited data on how to identify which patients will require PPM, particularly after discharge from index hospitalization after TAVR.

Methods

All patients having undergone TAVR at the University of North Carolina through August 2019 were identified and records were manually reviewed. Multivariable analyses were performed to identify associations with post‐TAVR PPM due to high‐degree atrioventricular block (HAVB). Comparisons were made between patients with no PPM (n = 304) and PPM required, stratified into early (during index hospitalization, n = 32) and late (during subsequent hospitalization, n = 11) PPM cohorts.

Results

Of the 347 patents included for analysis, 43 (12.4%) underwent post‐TAVR PPM. In multivariable regression models, early PPM was associated with baseline bifascicular block (OR: 42.16; p < .001), requiring any pacing on first post‐TAVR electrocardiogram (ECG) (OR: 31.55; p < .001), and valve oversizing >15% (OR: 3.61; p < .05). Late PPM was associated with baseline right bundle branch block (RBBB) (OR 12.62; p < .001) and history of atrial fibrillation/flutter (OR 4.83; p < .05).

Conclusions

Bifascicular block, any pacing on first post‐TAVR ECG, and >15% valve oversizing are associated with early PPM, while RBBB and history of atrial fibrillation/flutter are associated with late PPM. We suggest a management strategy for post‐TAVR surveillance and management of HAVB.
On the Yau‐Tian‐Donaldson Conjecture for Singular Fano Varieties
Authors: Li Chi , Tian Gang , Wang Feng
Published: August 2020

We prove the Yau‐Tian‐Donaldson conjecture for any ℚ‐Fano variety that has a log smooth resolution of singularities such that a negative linear combination of exceptional divisors is relatively ample and the discrepancies of all exceptional divisors are nonpositive. In other words, if such a Fano variety is K‐polystable, then it admits a Kähler‐Einstein metric. This extends the previous result for smooth Fano varieties to this class of singular ℚ‐Fano varieties, which includes all ℚ‐factorial ℚ‐Fano varieties that admit crepant log resolutions. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Are Seniors Dependent on Benzodiazepines? A National Clinical Survey of Substance Use Disorder
Authors: Victorri‐Vigneau Caroline , Laforgue Edouard‐Jules , Grall‐Bronnec Marie , Guillou‐Landreat Morgane , Rousselet Morgane , Guerlais Marylène ,   FAN‐Network, Feuillet Fanny , Jolliet Pascale
Published: August 2020

Benzodiazepines and Z‐drugs, zolpidem and zopiclone, (BZD/Z) are used longer than recommended in the elderly population. However, to date, very few attempts have been made to evaluate dependence on BDZ/Z among the elderly population. We conducted a national multicentric observational prospective study aimed at evaluating the prevalence of and risk factors for dependence among elderly adults. Patients aged 65 or older who were treated with BZD/Z for at least 3 months were evaluated through clinical interviews that conformed to official Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) dependence criteria. Among the 1,024 patients included in the survey, 442 of 976 (45.3%) met the dependence criteria. In the multivariate logistic regression model, dependent patients were categorized as follows: younger (odds ratio (OR) = 0.97), living mostly alone (OR = 1.45), showing psychiatric problems (OR = 2.22), having additional treatments (other than BZD/Z; OR = 1.37), having long‐lasting treatment (OR = 1.04), exhibiting significant relationship difficulties (OR = 1.96), committing transgressional behaviors to procure BZD/Z (OR = 2.70), and wanting to stop their consumption of BZD/Z (OR = 7.60). A latent class analysis, which was applied to sort out subgroups within dependent patients, identified two profiles according to the prevalence of dependence items: profile 1 (73%), “withdrawal syndrome when BZD/Z is stopped” (100%) and “previous unsuccessful attempts to stop consumption” (82%); and profile 2 (27%), “tolerance” (76%) and “intake in larger amounts or over a longer period than intended” (86%). BZD/Z dependence is frequent in the elderly population, and among dependent patients, we found two profiles corresponding to positive and negative conditioning of the psychoactive effects of BZD/Z. This study is registered as NCT01920581.
Strategies for the utilization of the USDA mung bean germplasm collection for breeding outcomes
Authors: Sandhu Kulbir , Singh Arti
Published: September 2020

Global and midwestern U.S. agriculture requires diversification and new sources of protein for sustainable crop production. Mung bean [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek] as a legume crop has a long cultivation history in Asia; however, its potential lays hitherto underexplored in the United States. As a first step towards exploring mung bean for crop diversification in northern latitudes, crop germplasm centers that harbor worldwide crop resources need to be used. This study explores the potential of mung bean in the U.S. northern latitudes through the utilization of the USDA germplasm resources. Complete collection of USDA mung bean germplasm was screened under Iowa field conditions in 2017, to shortlist 482 accessions to create an Iowa mung bean panel. The Iowa mung bean panel was further characterized for field adaptability traits in 2018 and 2019 and genotyped using genotype‐by‐sequencing (GBS) to conduct association mapping of important traits. Genetic markers were identified for both quantitative trait (days to flowering [DTF], plant height [PHT], leaf drop at maturity [LDMS], 100‐seed weight [SDWT], and Fusarium wilt score [WS]) and qualitative traits (seed color [SC], seed‐coat texture [ST], hypocotyl color [HC], and pod color [PC]). We report FERONIA, a known flowering‐pathway gene, as the candidate gene for the quantitative trait locus (QTL) with largest effect on DTF. In addition, important epistatic interactions were also uncovered for WS and SDWT. Further, accessions with desirable magnitude of traits were identified as potential parents. Diversity analyses and field phenotypic data indicate potential for mung bean improvement to suit midwestern U.S. cultivation.
Environmental DNA metabarcoding for biodiversity monitoring of a highly diverse tropical fish community in a coral reef lagoon: Estimation of species richness and detection of habitat segregation
Authors: Oka Shin‐ichiro , Doi Hideyuki , Miyamoto Kei , Hanahara Nozomi , Sado Tetsuya , Miya Masaki
Published: August 2020

An environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding approach has been widely used for biodiversity monitoring of fishes, although it has rarely been applied to tropical and subtropical aquatic ecosystems, where species diversity is remarkably high. This study examined the extent to which species richness can be estimated in a small coral reef lagoon (1,500 × 900 m) near Okinawa Island, southern Japan, where the surrounding waters are likely to harbor more than 1,500 species of fish. During 2015–2017, a total of 16 capture‐based surveys were conducted to create a faunal list of fish species, followed by eDNA metabarcoding based on seawater samples taken from 11 sites in the lagoon on a day in May 2019. We also tested whether eDNA metabarcoding could detect differences between adjacent fish communities inhabiting the offshore reef edge and shore‐side seagrass beds within the lagoon. A total of 217 fish species were confirmed by the capture‐based samplings, while 291 fish species were detected by eDNA metabarcoding, identifying a total of 410 species distributed across 119 families and 193 genera. Of these 410 species, only 96 (24% of the total) were commonly identified by both methods, indicating that capture‐based surveys failed to collect a number of species detected by eDNA metabarcoding. Interestingly, two different approaches to estimate species richness based on eDNA data yielded values close to the 410 species, including one that suggested an additional three or more eDNA surveys from 11 sites (36 samples) would detect 90% of the 410 species. In addition, nonmetric multidimensional scaling for fish assemblages clearly distinguished between the fish communities of the offshore reef edge and those of the shore‐side seagrass beds. This study demonstrates that an eDNA metabarcoding approach is useful for estimating species richness and detection of habitat segregation even in ecosystems with remarkably high species diversity.
An Efficient Simultaneous Electrochemical Detection of Nanomolar Epinephrine and Uric Acid using Low Temperature Synthesized Nano‐sized Copper Telluride
Authors: Pradhan Susmita , Bhattacharyya Banerjee Mahuya , Biswas Sudip , Aliya Hamizi Nor , Das Dipak K. , Bhar Radhaballabh , Bandyopadhyay Rajib , Pramanik Panchanan
Published: August 2020

Herein we developed a simple, cost effective, electrochemical sensor based on nanosized copper telluride (nps‐CuTe) for simultaneous detection of epinephrine (EP) and uric acid (UA). Voltammetric responses suggests dramatical improvement of electrocatalytic properties of both molecules by incorporating CuTe nps into unmodified graphite paste electrode (bare GP). Differential pulse voltammetric (DPV) measurement depicts large potential separation of 128 mV between EP and UA, allows their simultaneous determination from binary mixture. Under optimized condition, CuTe modified graphite paste electrode (CuTe/GP) manifested linear relationships of EP and UA in the range of 5–60 μM and 5–120 μM with detection limit (S/N=3) of 18 nM and 32 nM respectively. Moreover, CuTe/GP showed satisfactory response towards pharmaceutical and clinical samples for determining EP and UA concentrations.
Precore and Basal Core Promoter Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Variants Are Present From a Young Age and Differ Across HBV Genotypes
Authors: Lau Daryl T.Y. , Ganova‐Raeva Lilia , Wang Junyao , Mogul Douglas , Chung Raymond T. , Lisker‐Melman Mauricio , Chang Kyong‐Mi , Shaikh Obaid S. , Janssen Harry L.A. , Wahed Abdus S. , Lok Anna S. ,   for the Hepatitis B Research Network
Published: August 2020

Background and Aims

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) precore (PC) and dual basal core promoter (BCP) mutations halt and down‐regulate hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) production respectively. PC mutation is rarely associated with HBV genotype A. We sought to examine the association of these variants with HBV genotypes, age, and HBeAg status in a racially diverse population in North America. Prospective study included 1,036 (808 adults, 228 children) participants in the Hepatitis B Research Network. PC and BCP variants were determined by Sanger sequencing, and dominant HBV species (>50%) were reported.

Approach and Results

Median age was 36.3 years (range, 2‐80), 44.6% HBeAg(+), 74.2% Asians, 13.3% black, and 9.7% white. The dominant PC variant was present in 29.4% participants, including 20 with subgenotype A1 or A2. Seventeen of 20 participants with genotype A and PC had a compensatory C1858T mutation. In the HBeAg(+) cohort, the prevalence of PC and/or BCP variants increased from 14.4% in the first two decades to 51% after 40 years of age. Among those aged 2‐18, 52% and 83% with dominant PC and BCP variants were HBeAg(+) compared to 3.8% and 29% in the >40 years age group. HBeAg clearance rates were significantly higher for those with dominant PC or BCP variants: 24.4 and 15.0 per 100 person‐years compared to 6.0 in wild‐type HBV (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

PC variants can be present in HBV genotype A and are usually associated with C1858T, which preserves the pregenome encapsidation sequence. Selection of PC and BCP variants occurred at a young age, with increasing prevalence across age groups. HBeAg(+) participants with dominant PC and BCP variants progressed to the HBeAg(−) phase of chronic HBV infection significantly faster. This finding has potential clinical and therapeutic implications.
The feasibility of a Pet Support Program in an Australian university setting
Authors: Cooke Emily , Henderson‐Wilson Claire , Warner Elyse
Published: September 2020

Issue addressed

Internationally, universities have recognised the benefits of Pet Support Programs (PSPs). However, existing literature has predominately focused on quantitatively measuring health outcomes associated with a PSP amongst student populations. This research aimed to explore the feasibility of a PSP within an Australian university, as there is a need to explore practical considerations involved in implementation.

Methods

This research used a qualitative descriptive approach. Participants were recruited via purposive snowball sampling. The sample included 17 participants across eight administrative divisions within an Australian university. Semi‐structured individual interviews were used to collect data. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Three main themes emerged from the data: Organisational Change, Program Management and Perceived Outcomes. Findings suggest several considerations from both an organisational and program level that need to be addressed prior to implementation, including the university's policies, the location and animal welfare. The main perceived outcomes were stress relief and social support. Ways to minimise risks to those who may have an aversion towards animals were also discussed.

Conclusions

Participants believed implementing a PSP would be feasible in the university setting, provided all aforementioned considerations were adequately addressed. Considerations identified have the potential to act as a barrier or a facilitator depending on how they are managed.

So what?

Where feasible and later implemented, a PSP could provide Australian university students and staff with an alternative means of improving mental health, providing stress relief and contributing towards the Health Promoting University framework.
Development of a composite indicator to prioritize districts for implementation of human immunodeficiency virus programmes in Maharashtra, India
Authors: Acharya Shrikala , Setia Maninder Singh , Palkar Amol , Chandra Sekar Reddy Dandu , Keskar Padmaja , Deoraj Pramod , Ramien Parthasarthy Mugundu , Narayan Padum , Rajan Shobhini , Saxena Alok
Published: August 2020

A key recommendation of the National AIDS Control Programme‐IV of India was to develop new strategies for geo‐prioritization of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic. We conducted this study to categorize the districts in Maharashtra (India) based on a multidimensional framework for geo‐prioritization of services. Programmatic data on trends of HIV prevalence, coverage of marginalized populations and vulnerability factors were included. A composite indicator based on these was developed, and the cumulative score was calculated for each district. HIV prevalence among general population has declined steadily from 0.60% in 2007 to 0.33% in 2017. The programme coverage was stable but inadequate for men who have sex with men (MSM). The coverage for female sex workers (FSWs) was inadequate and reduced over time. Nine districts were categorized as high priority, 13 as moderate priority and 11 were classified as low‐priority districts based on burden and vulnerability for HIV. The high‐priority districts were Pune, Solapur and Yavatmal for FSW interventions and Pune, Thane and Latur for MSM interventions. This multidimensional indicator is based on existing programmatic data, dynamic and can be made state‐specific. It is useful to categorize and prioritize districts for allocation of resources and geo‐prioritization of services in resource limited settings.
Depression moderates maternal response to preschoolers' positive affect
Authors: Morgan Judith K. , Silk Jennifer S. , Olino Thomas M. , Forbes Erika E.
Published: September 2020

Maternal depression is associated with disrupted responsiveness during mother–infant dyadic interactions. Less research has evaluated whether responsivity between mother and offspring is altered in interactions during the preschool years, a period of vast socio‐emotional development. In the current study, 72 mothers and preschoolers engaged in a positive emotion‐eliciting task, in which they drew and talked about a recent fun experience, and independent coders separately rated mother and child emotion in 10‐s intervals. Lagged multilevel models demonstrated that for dyads with currently depressed mothers, but not for healthy mothers or mothers with a past history of depression, greater child positive affect was associated with lower frequency and intensity of mother positive affect 10 s later. The effect of mother positive affect on child response was not significant. Findings suggest that the ability to acknowledge, imitate, and elaborate children's positive emotion during early childhood is altered in the context of depression, but that this altered responsiveness may improve with recovery from depression.