bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of ectoine containing nasal spray and eye drops on symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis
Authors: Salapatek Anne M. , Werkhäuser Nina , Ismail Basma , Mösges Ralph , Raskopf Esther , Bilstein Andreas
Published: March 2021

Background

Patients are often dissatisfied with the symptom control obtained from available pharmacological treatments for seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (ARC). Therefore, patients seek for alternative, nonpharmacological options to treat their symptoms. Here, we assessed the efficacy of ectoine nasal spray and ectoine eye drops in comparison to placebo to prevent nasal and ocular symptoms following exposure to pollen in patients with ARC.

Methods

In this double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over study, 46 patients with ARC applied ectoine eye drops and nasal spray in immediate succession or placebo eye drops and nasal spray for 13 days before ARC symptoms were induced in an environmental exposure chamber. Primary endpoint was the baseline‐adjusted area under the curve (AUC) posttreatment total nasal symptom score (TNSS) and the total ocular symptom score (TOSS) using analysis of covariance. Secondary endpoints were, amongst others, total nonnasal symptoms score (TNNSS) and nasal patency (measured using acoustic rhinometry).

Results

Treatment with both ectoine and placebo reduced TNSS, TOSS, and TNNSS upon allergen exposure. The analysis of parameters at baseline and after allergen exposure demonstrated that ectoine induced a clinically relevant improvement in ARC symptoms compared to placebo: the least square mean difference for baseline‐adjusted AUC was ‒1.87 for TNSS, ‒1.45 for TOSS and ‒2.20 for TNNSS. The mean change from baseline AUC of TNNSS for ectoine was also significantly greater than for placebo (‒5.49 vs. ‒3.46; p = 0.011). Ectoine significantly improved the singular symptoms “sneezing,” “watery eyes” and “itchy eyes” (p ≤ 0.021) as well as “itchy ear/palate” (p = 0.036) in comparison to placebo. Mean cross sectional areas of the nasal cavity were reduced to a lesser extent after treatment with ectoine (‒0.020 ± 0.022) than with placebo (‒0.047 ± 0.029). The current study also demonstrated a very good safety profile of ectoine treatment. Few AEs with comparable numbers in both treatment groups were reported during the study, which were mild in severity and resolved without medical treatment.

Conclusion

The study suggests that ectoine is effective in reducing nasal and ocular symptoms associated with ARC. Being a natural, bacteria derived stress protection molecule functioning by a physical mode of action, it therefore represents an alternative nonpharmacological treatment option.
Ion Conductive Phytic Acid‐G Quadruplex Hydrogel as Electrolyte for Flexible Electrochromic Device
Authors: Thakur Neha , Chaudhary Anjali , Chakraborty Amrita , Kumar Rajesh , Sarma Tridib K.
Published: March 2021

Self‐healing and thermo‐reversible hydrogels derived from pristine biomolecules with potential ionic conductivity represent a promising class of functional and flexible materials for a range of applications such as bioelectronics, energy storage, and wearable and implantable devices. Herein, spontaneous formation of an ion conductive hydrogel through the reversible non‐covalent interaction of pristine biomolecules, phytic acid and guanosine‐5'‐monophosphate in aqueous medium is reported that shows excellent self‐healing and thermo‐reversible properties. The phytic acid biomolecule induces effective cross‐linking of the highly ordered G‐tetrad leading to gelation. The homogeneous and mechanically strong hydrogel is used as a gel electrolyte for flexible electrochromic devices taking advantage of the high ionic conductivity. The biocompatibility, robustness, good conductivity and multifunctional applicability of phytic acid induced G‐quadruplex hydrogel, makes it a prospective material for environmental and bioelectronics applications.
Supramolecular Control on the Optical Properties of a Dye‐Polyelectrolyte Assembly
Authors: Awasthi Ankur A. , Pandey Shrishti P. , Singh Prabhat K.
Published: March 2021

Control of fluorescent molecular assemblies is an exciting area of research with large potential for various important applications, such as, fluorescence sensing/probing, cell imaging and monitoring drug‐delivery. In the present contribution, we have demonstrated control on the extent of aggregation of a dye‐polyelectrolyte assembly using a macrocyclic host molecule, sulfobutylether‐β‐cyclodextrin (SBE‐β‐CD). Initially, a cationic molecular rotor based organic dye, Auramine‐O (AuO), undergoes aggregation in the presence of an anionic polyelectrolyte, polystyrene sulfonate (PSS), and displays a broad intense new emission band along with large variation in its absorption features and excited‐state lifetime. A manipulation of the monomer‐aggregate equilibrium of the dye‐polyelectrolyte assembly has been achieved by introducing a cyclodextrin based supramolecular host, SBE‐β‐CD, which leads to relocation of AuO molecules from polyelectrolyte (PSS) to supramolecular host cavity, owing to the formation of a host‐guest complex between AuO and SBE‐β‐CD. A reversible control on this manipulation of monomer‐aggregate equilibrium is further achieved by introducing a competitive guest for the host cavity i. e., 1‐Adamantanol. Thus, we have demonstrated an interesting control on the dye‐polyelectrolyte aggregate assembly using a supramolecular host molecule which open up exciting possibilities to construct responsive materials using a repertoire of various host‐specific guest molecules.
Platinum‐Based Electrocatalysts for Direct Alcohol Fuel Cells: Enhanced Performances toward Alcohol Oxidation Reactions
Authors: Zhao Guili , Fang Caihong , Hu Jinwu , Zhang Deliang
Published: March 2021

In the past few decades, Pt‐based electrocatalysts have attracted great interests due to their high catalytic performances toward the direct alcohol fuel cell (DAFC). However, the high cost, poor stability, and the scarcity of Pt have markedly hindered their large‐scale utilization in commerce. Therefore, enhancing the activity and durability of Pt‐based electrocatalysts, reducing the Pt amount and thus the cost of DAFC have become the keys for their practical applications. In this minireview, we summarized some basic concepts to evaluate the catalytic performances in electrocatalytic alcohol oxidation reaction (AOR) including electrochemical active surface area, activity and stability, the effective approaches for boosting the catalytic AOR performance involving size decrease, structure and morphology modulation, composition effect, catalyst supports, and assistance under other external energies. Furthermore, we also presented the remaining challenges of the Pt‐based electrocatalysts to achieve the fabrication of a real DAFC.
Influence of Positional Isomerism on the Chiroptical Properties of Functional Aromatic Oligoamide Foldamers
Authors: Moreno Kevin , Merlet Eric , McClenaghan Nathan , Buffeteau Thierry , Ferrand Yann , Olivier Céline
Published: March 2021

A series of functionalized quinoline‐based aromatic oligoamide foldamers were prepared in their two enantiomeric forms, comprising an enantiopure terminal camphanyl chiral inducer, which governed the adjacent (P‐/M‐) helical‐handedness. Hierarchical chirality transfer was further investigated in chromophore‐appended variants via a range of electronic and vibrational spectroscopic techniques, including circularly polarized luminescence, vibrational circular dichroism and fluorescence. Intense total and polarized photoluminescence (up to Φlum=0.39, glum=1.5×10−3) was observed in the visible region from these modular multicomponent architectures and a significant influence of positional isomerism was evidenced. The optimal position of a fluorophore substituent on the quinoline hexamers was determined as being position 2 over position 6, as stronger chiroptical features were systematically observed with the 2‐positioned derivatives.
Drugs in COVID‐19 Clinical Trials: Predicting Transporter‐Mediated Drug‐Drug Interactions Using In Vitro Assays and Real‐World Data
Authors: Yee Sook Wah , Vora Bianca , Oskotsky Tomiko , Zou Ling , Jakobsen Sebastian , Enogieru Osatohanmwen J. , Koleske Megan L. , Kosti Idit , Rödin Mattias , Sirota Marina , Giacomini Kathleen M.
Published: March 2021

Numerous drugs are currently under accelerated clinical investigation for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19); however, well‐established safety and efficacy data for these drugs are limited. The goal of this study was to predict the potential of 25 small molecule drugs in clinical trials for COVID‐19 to cause clinically relevant drug‐drug interactions (DDIs), which could lead to potential adverse drug reactions (ADRs) with the use of concomitant medications. We focused on 11 transporters, which are targets for DDIs. In vitro potency studies in membrane vesicles or HEK293 cells expressing the transporters coupled with DDI risk assessment methods revealed that 20 of the 25 drugs met the criteria from regulatory authorities to trigger consideration of a DDI clinical trial. Analyses of real‐world data from electronic health records, including a database representing nearly 120,000 patients with COVID‐19, were consistent with several of the drugs causing transporter‐mediated DDIs (e.g., sildenafil, chloroquine, and hydroxychloroquine). This study suggests that patients with COVID‐19, who are often older and on various concomitant medications, should be carefully monitored for ADRs. Future clinical studies are needed to determine whether the drugs that are predicted to inhibit transporters at clinically relevant concentrations, actually result in DDIs.
Synthesis, Single‐Crystal Structure, Dielectric Properties of a New Phosphate K3Bi6.5(PO4)7.5
Authors: Falah Chiraz , Ben Smida Youssef , Sdiri Nasr , Soltani Taoufik
Published: March 2021

New potassium bismuth phosphate K3Bi6.5(PO4)7.5 has been synthesized by solid‐state reaction and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. This compound crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group C2, with a = 17.637(8) Å, b = 6.9261(8) Å, c = 22.385(4)Å, β = 104.35(2)°, and Z = 4. The crystal structure model is supported by the two methods; the charge distribution (CHARDI) and bond valence sum (BVS). The crystal structure is made up of BiOn (n = 5, 6, 7, 8) polyhedra and PO4 tetrahedra sharing corners and edges to form a three‐dimensional anionic framework. The bond valence sum energy (BVSE) model of simulation shows that the potassium atoms move along [101] direction with a zigzag pathways form with an empirical activation energy of about 1.56 eV. The dielectric properties are carried out at room temperature and show high permittivity values with low dielectric loss.
Patients with head and neck cancer treated with radiotherapy: Their experiences after 6 months of prophylactic tooth extractions and temporary removable dentures
Authors: Brahm Carl‐Otto , Borg Carina , Malm Dan , Fridlund Bengt , Lewin Freddi , Zemar Ahmed , Nilsson Peter , Papias Apostolos , Henricson Maria
Published: March 2021

Objectives

The impact of dental occlusion on the experiences of head and neck cancer patients and their oral, social and psychological functioning has been sparsely investigated. There is a lack of knowledge regarding the experience of tooth loss and dentures among patients treated for head and neck cancer. The aim of this study was to describe the experiences of head and neck cancer patients of prophylactic tooth extractions and temporary removable dentures, 6 months after radiotherapy treatment.

Material and methods

An individual interview with 25 patients 6 months after radiotherapy was subjected to a qualitative content analysis.

Results

Two categories, Impaired oral function and Belief in the future, and seven subcategories described the patients' experiences of temporary removable dentures during the first 6 months after prophylactic tooth extractions. The temporary removable dentures affected the patients' ability to chew, swallow and speak, caused pain, and were experienced as an enemy. Despite that, the patients were hopeful and had a wish for recovery, which gave them the energy to live.

Conclusion

Prophylactic tooth extractions and temporary removable dentures 6 months after radiotherapy treatment affect head and neck cancer patients' recovery and everyday life. However, they have the will to take on these challenges, pertaining not only to themselves, but also to relatives and health professionals. At the individual level, the patient needs individualized professional support to get through the arduous procedure, from the acute situation until the end of the rehabilitation phase.
Emerging roles of the solute carrier family in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Wu Zijian , Xu Jin , Liang Chen , Meng Qingcai , Hua Jie , Wang Wei , Zhang Bo , Liu Jiang , Yu Xianjun , Shi Si
Published: March 2021

Pancreatic cancer is a gastrointestinal tumor with a high mortality rate, and advances in surgical procedures have only resulted in limited improvements in the prognosis of patients. Solute carriers (SLCs), which rank second among membrane transport proteins in terms of abundance, regulate cellular functions, including tumor biology. An increasing number of studies focusing on the role of SLCs in tumor biology have indicated their relationship with pancreatic cancer. The mechanism of SLC transporters in tumorigenesis has been explored to identify more effective therapies and improve survival outcomes. These transporters are significant biomarkers for pancreatic cancer, the functions of which include mainly proliferative signaling, cell death, angiogenesis, tumor invasion and metastasis, energy metabolism, chemotherapy sensitivity and other functions in tumor biology. In this review, we summarize the different roles of SLCs and explain their potential applications in pancreatic cancer treatment.
Activated factor X targeted stored in platelets as an effective gene therapy strategy for both hemophilia A and B
Authors: Wang Dawei , Shao Xiaohu , Wang Qiang , Pan Xiaohong , Dai Yujun , Yao Shuxian , Yin Tong , Wang Zhugang , Zhu Jiang , Xi Xiaodong , Chen Zhu , Chen Saijuan , Zhang Guowei
Published: March 2021

Background

Treatment of hemophiliacs with inhibitors remains challenging, and new treatments are in urgent need. Coagulation factor X plays a critical role in the downstream of blood coagulation cascade, which could serve as a bypassing agent for hemophilia therapy. Base on platelet‐targeted gene therapy for hemophilia by our and other groups, we hypothesized that activated factor X (FXa) targeted stored in platelets might be effective in treating hemophilia A (HA) and B (HB) with or without inhibitors.

Methods

To achieve the storage of FXa in platelets, we constructed a FXa precursor and used the integrin αIIb promoter to control the targeted expression of FXa precursor in platelets. The expression cassette (2bFXa) was carried by lentivirus and introduced into mouse hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), which were then transplanted into HA and HB mice. FXa expression and storage in platelets was examined in vitro and in vivo. We evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of platelet‐stored FXa by tail bleeding assays and the thrombelastography. In addition, thrombotic risk was assessed in the recipient mice and the lipopolysaccharide induced inflammation mice.

Results

By transplanting 2bFXa lentivirus‐transduced HSPCs into HA and HB mice, FXa was observed stably stored in platelet α‐granules, the stored FXa is releasable and functional upon platelet activation. The platelet‐stored FXa can significantly ameliorate bleeding phenotype in HA and HB mice as well as the mice with inhibitors. Meanwhile, no FXa leakage in plasma and no signs of increased risk of hypercoagulability were found in transplantation recipients and lipopolysaccharide induced septicemia recipients.

Conclusions

Our proof‐of‐principle data indicated that target expression of the FXa precursor to platelets can generate a storage pool of FXa in platelet α‐granules, the platelet‐stored FXa is effective in treating HA and HB with inhibitors, suggesting that this could be a novel choice for hemophilia patients with inhibitors.
A multi‐scale approach to laminated microbial deposits in non‐marine carbonate environments through examples of the Cenozoic, north‐east Iberian Peninsula, Spain
Authors: Arenas‐Abad Concha
Published: March 2021

This contribution focusses on stromatolites and oncolites as tools to seek diverse environmental and climate information at different temporal scales. The scales are: (a) Low frequency, dealing with macroscopic and megascopic scales, and (b) high frequency, involving calendar and solar frequency bands. Two depositional environments are used for this purpose: (a) Fluvial and fluvial–lacustrine, which can develop under high to moderate gradients, and in low‐gradient conditions, and (b) lacustrine, subject to low‐gradient, hydrologically closed lake conditions. Several current and ancient examples in the Iberian Peninsula allow high‐frequency and low‐frequency analyses. Within the wedge‐shaped depositional units that fill the high‐ to moderate‐gradient, stepped fluvial systems, stromatolites form half domes and lenticular bodies, commonly at the wedge front. Oncolites are uncommon. These stromatolites developed in moderate to fast‐flowing water in stepped cascades and rapids. Their geometry and extent reflect the topography of the bedrock and later ongoing growth. In low‐gradient fluvial and fluvial‐(open) lacustrine systems the depositional units are tabular, low‐angle wedge‐shaped and lenticular and have great spatial facies variability. The dominant oncoid and coated‐stem limestones form gently lenticular stacked bodies, developed in wide, low to high‐sinuosity channels within wide tufaceous palustrine areas and small lakes. In the Ebro Basin saline carbonate lacustrine systems, stromatolites form thin planar to domed and stratiform bodies and are associated with muddy‐grainy laminated carbonates and very rare oncolites, together forming ramp‐shaped units that represent the inner fringes of high lake‐level deposits. This geometry reflects low‐gradient lake surface and shallow water conditions. Textural and structural features allow different ranks of laminae and types of lamination to be distinguished. Texture, together with the δ13C and δ18O values of consecutive laminae, are useful in distinguishing environmental and climate changes operating over different time spans. Periodicity analysis of lamination can help to discern any temporal significance in the lamination.
High‐throughput sequencing on preservative ethanol is effective at jointly examining infraspecific and taxonomic diversity, although bioinformatics pipelines do not perform equally
Authors: Couton Marjorie , Baud Aurélien , Daguin‐Thiébaut Claire , Corre Erwan , Comtet Thierry , Viard Frédérique
Published: March 2021

High‐throughput sequencing of amplicons (HTSA) has been proposed as an effective approach to evaluate taxonomic and genetic diversity at the same time. However, there are still uncertainties as to how the results produced by different bioinformatics treatments impact the conclusions drawn on biodiversity and population genetics indices.

We evaluated the ability of six bioinformatics pipelines to recover taxonomic and genetic diversity from HTSA data obtained from controlled assemblages. To that end, 20 assemblages were produced using 354 colonies of Botrylloides spp., sampled in the wild in ten marinas around Brittany (France). We used DNA extracted from preservative ethanol (ebDNA) after various time of storage (3, 6, and 12 months), and from a bulk of preserved specimens (bulkDNA). DNA was amplified with primers designed for targeting this ascidian genus. Results obtained from HTSA data were compared with Sanger sequencing on individual zooids (i.e., individual barcoding).

Species identification and relative abundance determined with HTSA data from either ebDNA or bulkDNA were similar to those obtained with traditional individual barcoding. However, after 12 months of storage, the correlation between HTSA and individual‐based data was lower than after shorter durations. The six bioinformatics pipelines were able to depict accurately the genetic diversity using standard population genetics indices (HS and FST), despite producing false positives and missing rare haplotypes. However, they did not perform equally and dada2 was the only pipeline able to retrieve all expected haplotypes.

This study showed that ebDNA is a nondestructive alternative for both species identification and haplotype recovery, providing storage does not last more than 6 months before DNA extraction. Choosing the bioinformatics pipeline is a matter of compromise, aiming to retrieve all true haplotypes while avoiding false positives. We here recommend to process HTSA data using dada2, including a chimera‐removal step. Even if the possibility to use multiplexed primer sets deserves further investigation to expand the taxonomic coverage in future similar studies, we showed that primers targeting a particular genus allowed to reliably analyze this genus within a complex community.
Regional variability in pregnancy and survival rates of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep
Authors: Proffitt Kelly M. , Courtemanch Alyson B. , Dewey Sarah R. , Lowrey Blake , McWhirter Douglas E. , Monteith Kevin.L. , Paterson J. Terrill , Rotella Jay , White Patrick J. , Garrott Robert A.
Published: March 2021

In the Rocky Mountains, bighorn sheep restoration has been only marginally effective; this iconic wilderness species currently exists at a fraction of their historic abundance and often in fragmented and small populations. To inform bighorn sheep conservation and restoration efforts, it is critical to understand sources of variation in key vital rates. Our objectives were to characterize the spatiotemporal variations and factors affecting survival and pregnancy rates of bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) using data from 19 bighorn sheep populations in Montana and Wyoming that occupied diverse landscapes ranging from the Northern Great Plains to the Rocky Mountains. We used a hierarchical modeling approach to estimate survival and pregnancy rates of adult females and identify the important intrinsic and environmental factors affecting these vital rates. Survival of prime‐aged animals was relatively high and stable, and pregnancy rates for prime‐aged animals showed more overall variation in response to intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Summer growing season, as indexed by integrated NDVI, positively influenced the probability of pregnancy and winter survival. This highlights the important relationship between summer growing season conditions and bighorn sheep physiological status. An index of mountain lion population abundance was related weakly to winter survival of bighorn sheep, with mountain lion abundance on winter ranges negatively affecting winter survival. Our results regarding the distribution of the estimated probabilities of pregnancy and survival, and the identification of factors associated with regional variability in these vital rates provide a foundation for understanding the dynamics of bighorn sheep populations in the Rocky Mountains. The importance of summer growing season conditions suggests management efforts should focus on maintaining and improving nutritional resources on bighorn sheep summer ranges, in efforts to enhance the condition of animals entering the breeding season and nutrient‐limited winter season. Although we document nontrivial changes in both pregnancy and winter survival rates associated with environmental variation, our results broadly support the dominant paradigm of ungulate demography insofar as survival rates of adult females were relatively higher and had less variation than pregnancy rates.
Multi‐year nest box occupancy and short‐term resilience to wildfire disturbance by barn owls in a vineyard agroecosystem
Authors: Huysman Allison E. , Johnson Matthew D.
Published: March 2021

Landscape composition can strongly affect the delivery of ecosystem services in agroecosystems. Conserving uncultivated habitats can support ecosystem services, but in Mediterranean biomes, these lands can also increase the area susceptible to wildfires. In the world‐renowned wine‐producing region of Napa Valley, California, wine grape growers install nest boxes to attract American barn owls (Tyto furcata), which may reduce rodent crop damage. Annual monitoring of 273 nest boxes began in 2015, and devastating wildfires burned approximately 60,000 ha in the region in 2017, including homes and businesses, as well as some vineyards and uncultivated land. The goal of this study was to determine whether changes in nest box occupancy were attributed to wildfires, nest box design, land cover type, or some combination of these variables. Occupancy surveys before and after these wildfires revealed changes in habitat selection at the nest scale. Occupancy increased during the study, reaching its highest point after the fires. Owls were found breeding in recently burned areas that were previously unoccupied and modeling results showed that nest box occupancy had a positive relationship with burned areas, particularly with edges of the fire perimeter. Barn owls also consistently showed a strong preference for taller nest boxes that were surrounded by more grassland than other land cover types and a moderate selection for wooden over plastic boxes. These results illustrate an incentive for the conservation of uncultivated habitat, particularly grassland, in vineyard ecosystems, and they provide an example of a mobile pest predator’s response to wildfire disturbance. In this case, results suggest an agroecosystem service made resilient to wildfire by the owls’ selection of burned and uncultivated habitats.
Retaining eucalyptus harvest residues promotes different pathways for particulate and mineral‐associated organic matter
Authors: Ferreira Gabriel W. D. , Oliveira Fernanda C. C. , Soares Emanuelle M. B. , Schnecker Jörg , Silva Ivo R. , Grandy A. Stuart
Published: March 2021

Eucalyptus plantations have replaced other (agro)ecosystems over 5.6 Mha in Brazil. While these plantations rapidly accumulate carbon (C) in their biomass, the C storage in living forest biomass is transient, and thus, longer‐term sustainability relies on sustaining soil organic matter (SOM) stocks. A significant amount of harvest residues (HR) is generated every rotation and can yield SOM if retained in the field. Yet, there is little information on how managing eucalyptus HR changes SOM dynamics. We used isotopic and molecular approaches in a 3‐yr field decomposition experiment where a native grassland has been replaced by eucalyptus plantations to assess how HR management practices influence content and chemistry of two distinct SOM fractions [particulate (POM) and mineral‐associated organic matter (MAOM)] at two soil depths (0–1 and 1–5 cm). The management practices investigated were HR removal (−R), only bark removal (−B), and retention of all HR (including bark, +B), combined with two levels of nitrogen (N) fertilization [0 (−N) and 200 (+N) kg/ha]. N fertilization inhibited HR decomposition (P = 0.0409), while bark retention had little effect (P = 0.1164). Retaining HR, especially with bark, increased POM‐C and MAOM‐C content (2.1‐ and 1.2‐fold, respectively), decreased POM‐δ13C (1.2‐fold), and increased inorganic N retention (1.7‐fold) compared with plots where HR had been removed. Inorganic N applications, however, diminished the positive impacts of bark retention. Although the influence of HR management was most pronounced in POM, retaining HR reduced potential soil C mineralization by up to 20%. POM and MAOM chemistry shifted over time and revealed distinct influence of HR on the formation of these fractions. We demonstrate that HR management alters SOM dynamics and that retaining HR, particularly including bark, enhances SOM retention. With continuing conversion of native grassland ecosystems to eucalyptus, long‐term sustainability will require careful HR and fertilizer management to balance total biomass harvest with sustaining belowground SOM concentrations.
Consumer roles of small mammals within fragmented native tallgrass prairie
Authors: Hope Andrew G. , Gragg Sabrina F. , Nippert Jesse B. , Combe Fraser J.
Published: March 2021

Grassland ecosystems globally are being negatively impacted by changes in climate, disturbance regimes, nutrient flux, and consumer guilds. Changes in the trophic ecology of consumers can substantially influence local resources, contributing to shifting diversity, community turnover, and other processes of ecosystem change. Small mammals are diverse and abundant within grasslands and yet the impact of changing ecosystems on small mammals and the role of these mammals as consumers are still both under‐studied. We assessed small mammal resource use within grassland and woodland vegetation types that have resulted from landscape‐scale experimental disturbance through fire treatments within the tallgrass prairie ecoregion of the North American Great Plains. We predicted that resource use would vary significantly among grassland vs. woodland communities, in turn reducing the role of small mammals in contributing to future maintenance of native prairies. We sampled five dominant species of rodents across three years and multiple habitats. Using stable isotope analysis, we investigated isotopic niche area and overlap to infer variation in diet, both within and among species. Resource use shifted in bivariate isotopic space seasonally but not across years when combining all species and habitats. Inferred spring diet (based on fur samples) was highly diverse and overlapping. Summer isotopic values (based on liver tissue) in woody habitat treatments were narrower and overlapped less than within grassland habitats. Consumers generally shifted from C4herbivory to C3herbivory, or greater omnivory, when analyzing grassland, shrubland, and woodland habitats respectively. Within the tallgrass prairie ecosystem, small mammal populations in herbaceous‐dominated habitats use a broader variety of resources than small mammals in proximate woody‐dominated habitats. As native grasslands experience woody encroachment, small mammal assemblages experience turnover of dominant species and associated changes in diet. Ecosystem changes such as cessation of frequent fire resulting in more woody habitats may include reduced roles by native small mammals as consumers/dispersers/propagators of native grassland plants.
Efficacy of shear wave elastography for assessment of liver function in patients with heart failure
Authors: Nakayama Rie , Takaya Yoichi , Nakamura Kazufumi , Toh Norihisa , Ito Hiroshi
Published: March 2021

Aims

Liver dysfunction is important for prognosis in heart failure (HF). Shear wave elastography (SWE), which is a novel ultrasound technique for charactering tissues, has been used in liver diseases. However, clinical implication of SWE, including dispersion slope, remains unknown in heart diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of SWE assessing liver function in the severity of HF.

Methods and results

We enrolled 316 consecutive patients with or suspected heart diseases, who were classified according to the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association stage of HF, including 37 with Stage A, 139 with Stage B, 114 with Stage C, and 26 with Stage D, and 45 normal subjects. Elasticity and dispersion slope of shear wave were assessed according to the HF stage. Elasticity and dispersion slope were not elevated in normal subjects and patients with Stage A. Elasticity was slightly increased from Stage A to Stage C and was remarkably elevated in Stage D (normal: 5.2 ± 1.1 kPa, Stage A: 5.4 ± 1.2 kPa, Stage B: 6.4 ± 1.8 kPa, Stage C: 7.8 ± 3.5 kPa, and Stage D: 17.7 ± 12.7 kPa), whereas dispersion slope was gradually increased from Stage A to Stage D (normal: 9.7 ± 1.7m/s/kHz, Stage A: 10.4 ± 1.6m/s/kHz, Stage B: 11.7 ± 2.4m/s/kHz, Stage C: 13.2 ± 3.4m/s/kHz, and Stage D: 17.6 ± 5.6 m/s/kHz). In the early HF stage, dispersion slope was elevated. In the advanced HF stage, both elasticity and dispersion slope were elevated. Liver function test abnormalities were observed only from Stage C or Stage D.

Conclusions

Dispersion slope could detect early liver damage, and the combination of elasticity and dispersion slope could clarify the progression of liver dysfunction in HF. SWE may be valuable to manage therapeutic strategies in patients with HF.
Non‐adherence to heart failure medications predicts clinical outcomes: assessment in a single spot urine sample by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (results of a prospective multicentre study)
Authors: Gupta Pankaj , Voors Adriaan A. , Patel Prashanth , Lane Dan , Anker Stefan D. , Cleland John G.F. , Dickstein Kenneth , Filippatos Gerasimos , Lang Chim C. , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Metra Marco , Zannad Faiez , Samani Nilesh J. , Jones Don J.L. , Squire Iain B. , Ng Leong L.
Published: March 2021

Aims

Liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) is an objective new technique to assess non‐adherence to medications. We used this method to study the prevalence, predictors and outcomes of non‐adherence in patients with heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Methods and results

This study included 1296 patients with HFrEF from BIOSTAT‐CHF, a study that aimed to optimise guideline‐recommended therapies. Angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, β‐blockers and loop diuretics were measured in a single spot urine sample at 9 months using LC‐MS/MS. The relationship between medication non‐adherence and the composite endpoint of all‐cause death or heart failure hospitalisation, over a median follow‐up of 21 months, was evaluated. Non‐adherence to at least one prescribed medication was observed in 45.9% of patients. The strongest predictor of non‐adherence was non‐adherence to any of the other medication classes (P < 0.0005). Regional differences within Europe were observed. On multivariable analyses, non‐adherence to ACEi/ARBs and β‐blockers was associated with an increased risk of the composite endpoint [hazard ratio (HR) 1.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09–1.95, P = 0.008 and HR 1.48, 95% CI 1.12–1.96, P = 0.006, respectively). Non‐adherence to β‐blockers was also associated with an increased risk of death (HR 2.48, 95% CI 1.67–3.68, P < 0.0005). Patients who were non‐adherent to loop diuretics were healthier and had a decreased risk of the composite endpoint (HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.51–0.93, P = 0.014). Non‐adherence to mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists was not related to any clinical outcome.

Conclusion

Non‐adherence to medications, assessed by a single urine test, is common and predicts clinical outcomes in patients with HFrEF.
Centre procedural volume and adverse in‐hospital outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous transvenous edge‐to‐edge mitral valve repair using MitraClip® in Germany
Authors: Keller Karsten , Hobohm Lukas , Schmidtmann Irene , Münzel Thomas , Baldus Stephan , von Bardeleben Ralph Stephan
Published: March 2021

Aims

The number of transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) procedures has increased substantially during the last years. A better understanding of the relationship between hospital volume of transcatheter transvenous mitral valve repairs using MitraClip® and patient outcomes may provide information for future policy decisions to improve patient management.

Methods and results

We analysed patient characteristics and in‐hospital outcomes for all TMVr procedures using MitraClip® performed in Germany from 2011 to 2017. Hospitals were stratified according to centre volumes and patients were compared for baseline characteristics and adverse in‐hospital events. Overall, 24 709 inpatients were treated during the observational period. Patients treated in centres with a volume of ≤10 procedures annually developed more often pulmonary embolism (odds ratio 2.22, 95% confidence interval 1.19–4.13; P = 0.012) compared to those treated in centres with a volume of >10 procedures annually, whereas no association of centre volume (≤10 or >10) was found with in‐hospital mortality (P = 0.728). Although patients treated in centres with an annual volume >25 TMVr procedures had higher numbers of comorbidities compared to those treated in centres with an annual volume of ≤25 TMVr procedures, in‐hospital mortality did not differ (3.6% vs. 3.5%, P = 0.485). Similarly, when centre volumes were stratified for ≤50 vs. >50 procedural volumes, no association with in‐hospital mortality was recorded (P = 0.792). A lower rate of mitral valve surgery after MitraClip® was observed over time, particularly in high‐volume centres.

Conclusion

Annual numbers of MitraClip® implantations increased from 2011 to 2017 in Germany, whereas in‐hospital mortality remained stable. Although patients treated in high‐volume centres had a more unfavourable risk profile, in‐hospital mortality was comparable to that of low‐volume centres.
Understanding Optical Absorption Spectra and Magnetic Behavior of a Wide Range of Samarium(III) Oxo‐Compounds: Analysis of the Ligand‐Field Effects
Authors: Kannengießer Nils , Jähnig Maximilian , Kremer Reinhard K. , Glaum Robert
Published: March 2021

In this study powder reflectance spectra as well as temperature dependent magnetic susceptibilities of eight different samarium(III) oxo‐compounds (SmP5O14, SmPO4, SmVO4, SmNbO4, SmTaO4, Sm2Ti2O7, SmAsO4, B‐type Sm2O3 and C‐type Sm2O3) have been measured. In addition, high‐resolution electronic absorption spectra in the near infrared of single crystals of seven of these compounds are reported. Comparing our experimental data to the results of ligand field analyses (angular overlap model AOM allowing for decomposition of the global ligand field into the contributions of the individual ligands; computer program BonnMag) shows reasonable agreement of electronic transition energies in optical spectra and a good fit of the temperature dependent Bohr magneton numbers μeff/μB. Analysis of the ‘best fit’ AOM parameters reveals a significant variation in the nephelauxetic effect with F2=379 cm−1 for SmP5O14 and F2=356 cm−1 for KSmO2. A trend in the variation of the AOM parameter eσ with the optical basicity Λ is discussed. The values for eσ(Sm−O), normalized to d(Sm−O)=2.38 Å, range from 337 cm−1 for SmP5O14 to 573 cm−1 for KSmO2. For the ratio eπ/eσ only a negligible influence on the match between calculated and experimental data is observed. For the relation of eσ(Sm−O) to the interatomic distance d(Sm−O) the correlation eσ(Sm−O) ∼1/d7(Sm−O) was found to reproduce in AOM the observed ligand field splitting well. For SmPO4 a high resolution, low temperature (110 K) spectrum allows the assignment of hot bands.
Synthesis, Cytotoxicity, and Leishmanicidal Evaluation of Ent‐beyerene and Ent‐kaurene Derivatives
Authors: Murillo Jilmar. A. , Echeverri Fernando , Quinones Winston , Torres Fernando , Isaza Laura , Robledo Sara M. , Pineda Tatiana , Olivo Horacio F. , Escobar Gustavo A.
Published: March 2021

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is an infectious disease endemic of tropical and subtropical countries, for which current pharmacologic treatments have serious drawbacks. Therefore, new and improved medical treatments are required. On the other side, natural products have been a valuable source of bioactive molecules, but unlike other products of natural origin, diterpenoids are molecules with only a few studies as antiparasitic drugs. Continuing our work on syntheses of beyerenes, and focusing on obtaining more compounds with antiparasitic activity, we describe in this work the syntheses and activity of several ent‐beyerene and ent‐kaurene type of compounds against CL, and also their toxicity. Utilizing classical reactions such as Grignard, Mitsunobu, and Williamson, among others, it was possible to modify rings A and D of ent‐beyerenes, specifically C‐19 on ring A, and C‐15 and C‐16 on ring D. A total of 40 new compounds were obtained, 21 of them being active against Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis with median effective concentration (EC50) values less than 25.0 μg/mL and of these with EC50 values ranging from 1.8 to 7.1 μg/mL and Selectivity Index (SI) varying from 1.1 to 5.1. All compounds showed to be highly cytotoxic at concentrations less than 100 μg/mL, except compound 37 that was cytotoxic at 279.7 μg/mL and moderately active against L. braziliensis (EC50=33.5 μg/mL and an SI of 8.4. All active compounds were ent‐beyerene type.
Nitroenynes as Electrophiles in Organocatalysis and their Application in the Synthesis of Chiral Heterocycles
Authors: Vila Carlos , Cernicharo‐Toledo Francisco , Blay Gonzalo , Pedro José R.
Published: March 2021

Nitroenynes are a particular class of nitroalkenes, that have been recently used in organocatalysis. This review covers the recent examples in asymmetric catalysis using nitroenynes as electrophiles. The majority of the examples are enantioselective Michael additions, that have been categorized depending on the nucleophile, with representative examples providing insightful mechanistic details. Moreover, their applications to the synthesis of chiral heterocylces has also been discussed.
Development of a Temperature‐pulse Enhanced Electrochemical Glucose Biosensor and Characterization of its Stability via Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy
Authors: Wert Stefan , Iken Heiko , Schöning Michael J. , Matysik Frank‐Michael
Published: March 2021

Glucose oxidase (GOx) is an enzyme frequently used in glucose biosensors. As increased temperatures can enhance the performance of electrochemical sensors, we investigated the impact of temperature pulses on GOx that was drop‐coated on flattened Pt microwires. The wires were heated by an alternating current. The sensitivity towards glucose and the temperature stability of GOx was investigated by amperometry. An up to 22‐fold increase of sensitivity was observed. Spatially resolved enzyme activity changes were investigated via scanning electrochemical microscopy. The application of short (<100 ms) heat pulses was associated with less thermal inactivation of the immobilized GOx than long‐term heating.
Thermodynamic Guiding Principles for Designing Nonstoichiometric Redox Materials for Solar Thermochemical Fuel Production: Ceria, Perovskites, and Beyond
Authors: Li Sha , Wheeler Vincent M. , Kumar Apurv , Venkataraman Mahesh B. , Muhich Christopher L. , Hao Yong , Lipiński Wojciech
Published: March 2021

Two‐step solar thermochemical water splitting is a promising pathway for renewable fuel production due to its potential for high thermal efficiency via full‐spectrum sunlight utilization. Such a promise critically relies on simultaneous innovation in the redox materials and the reactor systems. Most prior efforts on material design are focused on improving the fuel yield at lower reduction temperatures. However, developing materials with both high fuel output and efficiency remains a key challenge, requiring a rigorous understanding of the effects of material thermodynamic properties. Herein, a generic thermodynamic framework is described to decipher the material effects by studying both the state‐of‐the‐art and hypothetical materials within a counterflow reactor system. A global efficiency map is presented for redox materials, revealing inevitable tradeoffs among competing factors such as thermal losses, sweep gas and oxidizer demand, solid preheating, and reduction enthalpy. The choice of the most efficient material is closely linked to the system conditions. Ceria‐based materials outperform perovskites under most scenarios, and the optimal hypothetical materials tend to favor higher reduction enthalpies and entropies than existing materials. This work offers a valuable material design roadmap to identify solutions toward efficient solar fuel production.
A Simple and Rapid Ultra–High-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method for the Quantitation of Pharmaceuticals and Related Compounds in Mussels and Oysters
Authors: Maskrey Benjamin H. , Dean Karl , Morrell Nadine , Turner Andrew D.
Published: March 2021

A simple, rapid ultra–high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS) method has been developed and optimized for the quantitation of a range of pharmaceuticals, metabolites, and related bioactive compounds in the bivalve mollusc species mussels (Mytilus edulis) and Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas). Shellfish tissues were extracted using a simple solvent-based extraction method prior to concentration and purification by pass-through solid-phase extraction and quantified using stable isotope dilution MS/MS. The analytes covered a range of therapeutic classes including antidepressants, anticonvulsants, beta-blockers, and antiplatelets. Of the 34 compounds included in the present study initially, 28 compounds were found to demonstrate acceptable performance. Performance was assessed by examining extraction efficiencies, matrix effects, sensitivity, and within- and between-batch precision. The results show that as indicated by acceptable HorRat and accuracy values, the method is fit for purpose. Application of this method to environmental mussel and oyster samples revealed the presence of 12 compounds at quantifiable concentrations, with the antidepressant sertraline being present at the highest level, reaching a concentration of 6.12 ng/g in mussel tissue. © 2021 Crown copyright. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 2021;40:3263–3274. © 2021 SETAC. This article is published with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and the Queen's Printer for Scotland.
From scales to armor: Scale losses and trunk bony plate gains in ray-finned fishes
Authors: Lemopoulos Alexandre , Montoya-Burgos Juan I.
Published: March 2021

Actinopterygians (ray-finned fishes) are the most diversified group of vertebrates and are characterized by a variety of protective structures covering their integument, the evolution of which has intrigued biologists for decades. Paleontological records showed that the first mineralized vertebrate skeleton was composed of dermal bony plates covering the body, including odontogenic and skeletogenic components. Later in evolution, the exoskeleton of actinopterygian's trunk was composed of scale structures. Although scales are nowadays a widespread integument cover, some contemporary lineages do not have scales but bony plates covering their trunk, whereas other lineages are devoid of any such structures. To understand the evolution of the integument coverage and particularly the transition between different structures, we investigated the pattern of scale loss events along with actinopterygian evolution and addressed the functional relationship between the scaleless phenotype and the ecology of fishes. Furthermore, we examined whether the emergence of trunk bony plates was dependent over the presence or absence of scales. To this aim, we used two recently published actinopterygian phylogenies, one including >11,600 species, and by using stochastic mapping and Bayesian methods, we inferred scale loss events and trunk bony plate acquisitions. Our results reveal that a scaled integument is the most frequent state in actinopterygians, but multiple independent scale loss events occurred along their phylogeny with essentially no scale re-acquisition. Based on linear mixed models, we found evidence supporting that after a scale loss event, fishes tend to change their ecology and adopt a benthic lifestyle. Furthermore, we show that trunk bony plates appeared independently multiple times along the phylogeny. By using fitted likelihood models for character evolution, we show that trunk bony plate acquisitions were dependent on a previous scale loss event. Overall, our findings support the hypothesis that integument cover is a key evolutionary trait underlying actinopterygian radiation.