bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Salmonella Serotypes Isolated from Beef Carcass Samples from Eswatini
Authors: Dlamini B. N. , Mudyanavana C. , Gadaga T. H. , Masarirambi M. T.
Published: February 2021

Aim: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of Salmonella serovars isolated in beef carcasses slaughtered in Eswatini from 2017 to 2020.

Methods: Data analysed was officially recorded microbiological data from 2017 to 2020. Sterile broth moistened swabs were used aseptically to obtain carcass swab samples by using the non-destructive carcass sampling method. The method required that bacteriological sampling of carcasses be undertaken in the slaughterhouse without obtaining pieces of tissue samples from the sampling sites.

Results: A total of 1095 swab samples were analysed for Salmonella spp. A total of 25 Salmonella serovar isolates were identified during the study period. The predominant serovar was Salmonella Shwarzengrund (N=14; 56%). The second most frequently detected serovar was Salmonella Heidelberg (N=5; 20%). In addition, six other serovars were isolated and identified on carcasses. Each with a mean frequency of occurrence on the carcasses of N=1(4%).

Conclusion: This preliminary study has shown that various Salmonella serovars are present on beef carcasses slaughtered in Eswatini. About 25 Salmonella serovars were detected during the study period with the most prevalent being S. shwarzengrund and S. heidelberg. It is recommended that further studies should be carried out to determine the antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella strains on beef carcasses in Eswatini.
Epidemiological Study of Salmonella typhi and Its Month-Wise Effect on Different Age Groups in Dehradun
Authors: Maurya Sandhya , Kalra Chetna , Mahto Rupesh Kumar , Singh Sandeep , Sharma Narotam , Semwal Shilpa
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Salmonella typhi is a bacterial disease caused by contaminated food and water, also known as foodborne and waterborne infection, it transmitted via faeco-oral route.

Materials and Methods: A total of 204 clinical isolates were considered for its proposed study. IgM/IgG rapid card test (CTK Biotech) was used for the detection and Widal test (BEACON) was also performed for the same.

Duration: March 2020 to November 2020.

Results: A total of 204 blood samples were analyzed with clinically suspected cases of typhoid fever, out of which, some cases showed reactiveness and 50.98% showed negative for Salmonella typhi. Widal test showed reactive result for O Ag (Somatic Antigen) and H Ag (flagellar antigen) and 8.82% IgG and 42.64% (monthly) IgM antibody showed positive result.

Conclusion: Typhoid IgM/IgG antibody rapid card test and Widal Antigen test, a simple and rapid method for the detection of Salmonella typhi bacterium in patient’s serum by serological techniques. Maximum number of positive cases were in the month of August, 2020 and September, 2020. The age group between 21-40 years were most infected by Salmonella typhi.
A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Structured Teaching Programme on Knowledge Regarding Basic Life Support among First Year Undergraduate Nursing Students
Authors: Ravivarman D. , Kamala K.
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Early initiation of Basic life support (BLS) with Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an important contributory factor in the survival of Cardiac arrest. Effective and timely CPR reduces the likelihood of death following sudden cardiac arrest. Adequate knowledge and skills regarding BLS and appropriate application of the same is an essential requisite for nursing students.

Aim: To assess the effectiveness of structured teaching programme on knowledge regarding Basic life support among first year undergraduate Nursing students.

Materials and Methods: Quantitative pre experimental research design was adopted for this present study. First year 59 undergraduate Nursing students were chosen by Purposive sampling technique. The data were collected by using demographic proforma and self structured knowledge questionnaire.

Results: Pre-test and post- test knowledge scores revealed that during pre-test, the mean score 8.6±3.07 (SD) which is 43% of the total mean score, whereas in post-test, the mean score was 15.13 ± 2.26(SD) which is 75.65% of the total mean score depicting difference of 32.65% increase in mean percentage of score. The calculated‘t’ value 24.89 which is higher than the P<0.05, stated that highly significant difference between the pre-test and post-test. It proved that the structured teaching programme was highly effective to improve the student’s knowledge.
Introducing a Novel Digital Elevation Model Using Artificial Neural Network Algorithm
Authors: Behzadi Saeed , Jalilzadeh Amin
Published: February 2021

Elevation is a basic information of the earth, and different elevation models are provided to better understanding the earth and its different functions. However, it is not always possible to conduct a comprehensive survey in big areas and calculate all surface points. The best way is survey some points, then the elevation estimation is done using these points in each part of study area. The purpose of this paper is to use interpolation methods to estimate elevation. In such cases, different methods are used to interpolate and estimate points with an uncertain height. In this paper, the three usual methods are chosen and introduced then their performance are compared. These methods including: Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW), the Krige method or Kriging, and Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The results show that Artificial Intelligence with RMS = 5.9m is better in compare to Kriging with RMS = 7.2 and IDW with RMS = 9. The obtained result presents that in despite of its convenience, ANN provides DEMs with minimum errors.
When we are worried, what are we thinking? Anxiety, lack of control, and conspiracy beliefs amidst the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Šrol Jakub , Ballová Mikušková Eva , Čavojová Vladimíra
Published: February 2021

Societal crises and stressful events are associated with an upsurge of conspiracy beliefs that may help people to tackle feelings of lack of control. In our study (N = 783), we examined whether people with higher feelings of anxiety and lack of control early in the COVID‐19 pandemic endorse more conspiracy theories. Our results show that a higher perception of risk of COVID‐19 and lower trust in institutions' response to the pandemic were related to feelings of anxiety and lack of control. Feeling the lack of control, but not anxiety, independently predicted COVID‐19 conspiracy theory endorsement. Importantly, COVID‐19 conspiracy beliefs were strongly correlated with generic conspiracy and pseudoscientific beliefs, which were likewise associated with the feeling of lack of control and lower trust in institutions. The results highlight that considering people's emotional responses to the COVID‐19 pandemic is crucial for our understanding of the spread of conspiracy and pseudoscientific beliefs.
History and emerging trends in chemotherapy for gastric cancer
Authors: Yamashita Keishi , Hosoda Kei , Niihara Masahiro , Hiki Naoki
Published: February 2021

Chemotherapy is indispensable for gastric cancer. For unresectable and/or recurrent gastric cancer, first‐line chemotherapy consists of multidrug regimens including oral 5‐FU agents such as S1/Xeloda and platinum preparations, as well as Trastuzumab, which is effective in HER2‐positive cases. Second‐ and third‐line chemotherapy regimens include taxanes, Ramucirumab (R‐mab), and Nivolumab (N‐mab), which have different mechanisms of action from first‐line chemotherapy. R‐mab is molecularly targeted to vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 in the host cells, but its indication is not conditional. For resectable gastric cancer, in Eastern countries, postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy has been successful, including S1, Docetaxel/S1 (DS), and Xeloda/Oxaliplatin (Xelox) regimens, whereas, in Western countries, the 5‐FU/Leucovorin/Oxaliplatin/Docetaxel (FLOT) regimen was recently shown to be effective in the perioperative chemotherapy setting. Most recently, however, in Eastern countries, perioperative SOX was demonstrated to be effective in specific advanced gastric cancer. For stage IV gastric cancer, new therapeutic strategies have been proposed such as neoadjuvant chemotherapy and conversion surgery, and cures can be conditionally obtained. Recent genomic understanding of gastric cancer proposed a diversity of molecular targets by molecular profiling. Such optimized chemotherapy regimens, according to the specific clinical situations, have been rigorously established for the best survival of advanced gastric cancer.
Integrated design and control of reactive distillation processes using the driving force approach
Authors: Iftakher Ashfaq , Mansouri Seyed Soheil , Nahid Ahaduzzaman , Tula Anjan K. , Choudhury M. A. A. Shoukat , Lee Jay Hyung , Gani Rafiqul
Published: February 2021

Superior controllability of reactive distillation (RD) systems, designed at the maximum driving force (design‐control solution) is demonstrated in this article. Binary or multielement single or double feed RD systems are considered. Reactive phase equilibrium data, needed for driving force analysis and design of the RD system, is generated through an in‐house property prediction tool. Rigorous steady‐state simulation is carried out in ASPEN plus in order to verify that the predefined design targets and dynamics are met. A multiobjective performance function is employed to evaluate the performance of the RD system in terms of energy consumption, sustainability metrics (total CO2 footprint), and control performance. Controllability of the designed system is evaluated using indices like the relative gain array (RGA) and Niederlinski index (NI), to evaluate the degree of loop interaction, as well as through dynamic simulations using proportional‐integral (PI) controllers and model predictive controllers (MPC). The design‐control of the RD systems corresponding to other alternative designs that do not take advantage of the maximum driving force is also investigated. The analysis shows that the RD designs at the maximum driving force exhibit enhanced controllability and lower carbon footprint than the alternative RD designs.
Systemic mastocytosis in adults: 2021 Update on diagnosis, risk stratification and management
Authors: Pardanani Animesh
Published: February 2021

Overview

Systemic mastocytosis (SM) results from a clonal proliferation of abnormal mast cells (MC) in extra‐cutaneous organs.

Diagnosis

The major criterion is presence of multifocal clusters of spindled MC in the bone marrow. Minor diagnostic criteria include elevated serum tryptase level, abnormal MC CD25 expression, and presence of KITD816V mutation.

Risk Stratification

Establishing SM subtype as per the World Health Organization classification system is an important first step. Broadly, patients either have indolent/smoldering SM (ISM/SSM) or advanced SM, the latter includes aggressive SM (ASM), SM with associated hematological neoplasm (SM‐AHN), and mast cell leukemia (MCL). Identification of poor‐risk mutations (ie, ASXL1, RUNX1, SRSF2, NRAS) further refines the risk stratification. Recently, clinical and hybrid clinical‐molecular risk models have been developed to more accurately assign prognosis in SM patients.

Management

Treatment goals for ISM patients are primarily directed towards anaphylaxis prevention/symptom control/osteoporosis treatment. Patients with advanced SM frequently need MC cytoreductive therapy to ameliorate disease‐related organ dysfunction. High response rates have been seen with small‐molecule inhibitors that target mutant‐KIT, including midostaurin (Food and Drug Administration approved) or avapritinib (investigational). Other options for MC cytoreduction include cladribine or interferon‐α, although head‐to‐head comparisons are lacking. Treatment of SM‐AHN primarily targets the AHN component, particularly if an aggressive disease such as acute myeloid leukemia is present. Allogeneic stem cell transplant can be considered in such patients, or in those with relapsed/refractory advanced SM. Imatinib has a limited therapeutic role in SM; effective cytoreduction is limited to those with imatinib‐sensitive KIT mutations.
Plasma β‐secretase1 concentrations correlate with basal forebrain atrophy and neurodegeneration in cognitively healthy individuals at risk for AD
Authors: Vergallo Andrea , Lemercier Pablo , Cavedo Enrica , Lista Simone , Vanmechelen Eugeen , De Vos Ann , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Habert Marie‐Odile , Potier Marie‐Claude , Dubois Bruno , Teipel Stefan , Hampel Harald ,   for the INSIGHT‐preAD study group, and the Alzheimer Precision Medicine Initiative (APMI)
Published: February 2021

Background

Increased β‐secretase 1 (BACE1) protein concentration, in body fluids, is a candidate biomarker of Alzheimer's disease (AD).We reported that plasma BACE1 protein concentrations are associated with the levels of brain amyloidβ (Αβ) accumulation in cognitively healthy individuals with subjective memory complaint (SMC).

Methods

In 302 individuals from the same cohort, we investigated the cross‐sectional and longitudinal association between plasma BACE1 protein concentrations and AD biomarkers of neurodegeneration (plasma t‐tau and Neurofilament light chain (NfL), fluorodeoxyglucose–positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET), brain volumes in the basal forebrain [BF], hippocampus, and entorhinal cortex).

Results

We report a positive longitudinal correlation of BACE1 with both NfL and t‐tau, as well as a correlation between annual BACE1 changes and bi‐annual reduction of BF volume. We show a positive association between BACE1 and FDG‐PET signal at baseline.

Conclusions

The association between plasma BACE1 protein concentrations and BF atrophy we found in cognitively healthy individuals with SMC corroborates translational studies, suggesting a role of BACE1 in neurodegeneration.
Functionalization of Magnetic Nanoparticles with Organic Ligands toward Biomedical Applications
Authors: Yang Hong Yu , Li Yi , Lee Doo Sung
Published: February 2021

Functionalization of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) with organic ligands to prepare personalized nanomedicine has attracted tremendous attention in biomedical applications. These organic/MNP nanohybrid platforms not only can exert the superparamagnetic property of MNPs for diagnosis imaging and treatment, but are also endowed with the merits of organic ligands for improved tumor‐targeting ability, blood circulation time, and cellular uptake. Flexibly manipulating the interactions between different inorganic ligands and MNPs to establish a single MNP matrix or multiple MNP assemblies presents advanced strategies in controlling their composition and chemical–physical and biological properties for various biomedical applications. Beginning with a brief introduction to a variety of strategies for the efficient functionalization of MNPs with various organic ligands, herein, the recent progress in the development and biomedical applications of the different types of nanoplatforms of organic ligand–mediated MNPs is briefly introduced, including diagnosis, therapy, imaging‐guided therapy, and drug delivery. Finally, the future opportunities and challenges for next‐generation high‐performance organic ligand–functionalized MNP nanoplatforms are also discussed.
Die reduzierten Nitridogermanate(III) Ca6[Ge2N6] und Sr6[Ge2N6] mit Ge‐Ge‐Bindungen
Authors: Link Lukas , Pathak Manisha , Jach Franziska , Koželj Primoz , Ormeci Alim , Höhn Peter , Niewa Rainer
Published: February 2021

Die ersten Nitridogermanate(III) wurden in Form der Verbindungen Ca6[Ge2N6] und Sr6[Ge2N6] mithilfe von Natrium als Flussmittel synthetisiert und durch Röntgenbeugung am Pulver beziehungsweise am Einkristall charakterisiert. Ca6[Ge2N6] und Sr6[Ge2N6] kristallisieren isostrukturell zueinander und homöotyp zu Ca6[Cr2N6]H in der Raumgruppe R
. Sie weisen neuartige, voneinander isolierte, Ethan‐analoge [GeIII2N6]12−‐Anionen in gestaffelter Konformation auf. Widerstandsmessungen und Berechnungen der elektronischen Struktur zufolge handelt es sich um Halbleiter mit Bandlücken von 1.1 eV für Ca6[Ge2N6] und 0.2 eV für Sr6[Ge2N6].
Free‐Standing Covalent Organic Framework Membrane for High‐Efficiency Salinity Gradient Energy Conversion
Authors: Hou Shuhua , Ji Wentao , Chen Jianjun , Teng Yunfei , Wen Liping , Jiang Lei
Published: February 2021

Both high ionic conductivity and selectivity of a membrane are required for efficient salinity gradient energy conversion. An efficient method to improve energy conversion is to align ionic transport along the membrane thickness to address low ionic conductivity in traditional membranes used for energy harvesting. We fabricated a free‐standing covalent organic framework membrane (TpPa‐SO3H) with excellent stability and mechanical properties. This membrane with one‐dimensional nanochannels and high charge density demonstrated high ionic conductivity and selectivity. Its power density reached up to 5.9 W m−2 by mixing artificial seawater and river water. Based on our results, we attribute the high energy conversion to the high ion conductivity through aligned one‐dimensional nanochannels and high ion selectivity via the size of the nanochannel at ≈1 nm in the membrane. This study paves the way for designing covalent organic framework membranes for high salinity gradient energy conversion.
Unprecedented Reactivity of γ‐Amino Cyclopentenone Enables Diversity‐Oriented Access to Functionalized Indoles and Indole‐Annulated Ring Structures
Authors: Jagadeesh Chenna , Mondal Biplab , Pramanik Sourav , Das Dinabandhu , Saha Jaideep
Published: February 2021

Observation of an unexpected, Lewis acid promoted displacement of latent reactive γ‐amino group on cyclopentenone presented unparalleled opportunity for enone functionalization and annulations with indole derivatives, which is developed in the current study. Herein, a vast range of C3/N‐indolyl enones and indole alkaloid‐like compound were accessed in excellent yields (up to 99 %) and selectivity through a one‐pot operation. The mechanism most likely involves an unprecedented trait of Piancatelli‐type rearrangement where influence of the gem‐diaryl group appeared crucial.
The Reduced Nitridogermanates(III) Ca6[Ge2N6] and Sr6[Ge2N6] with Ge−Ge Bonds
Authors: Link Lukas , Pathak Manisha , Jach Franziska , Koželj Primoz , Ormeci Alim , Höhn Peter , Niewa Rainer
Published: February 2021

The first nitridogermanates(III) Ca6[Ge2N6] and Sr6[Ge2N6] were synthesized from sodium flux and structurally characterized by powder and single crystal X‐ray diffraction, respectively. They crystallize isostructurally to each other and homeotypic to Ca6[Cr2N6]H in space group R
. They feature unprecedented, mutually isolated, ethane‐like [GeIII2N6]12− anions in a staggered conformation. The compounds are semiconductors according to resistivity measurements and electronic structure calculations, yielding band gaps of 1.1 eV for Ca6[Ge2N6] and 0.2 eV for Sr6[Ge2N6].
The rise of single‐cell proteomics
Authors: Ctortecka Claudia , Mechtler Karl
Published: February 2021

Mass spectrometry‐based proteomics comprehensively defines proteome expression patterns in thousands of cells majorly contributing to our current understanding of many biological processes. More recently, single‐cell transcriptome and genome studies, however, have demonstrated overwhelming heterogeneity of tissues and cellular subpopulations. These studies have indicated different cellular functionality and identity, which are mainly driven by proteins and their posttranscriptional modifications. The rapidly emerging field of single‐cell proteomics aims at complementing transcriptome and genome data by generating comparative protein expression profiles from individual cells. Recent developments demonstrated tremendous improvements in sample preparation workflows and MS instrumentation, quantifying over 1000 proteins from a single cell. Efficient and reproducible sample processing in conjunction with sensitive MS acquisition strategies will allow to further increase the proteome coverage of tissues with single‐cell resolution. The required throughput and data reliability of such studies are still subject to further developments. Therefore, we herein discuss recent progress on specialized workflows and instrumentation next to advancements outside the field, which we expect to contribute to the development of comprehensive single‐cell proteomics.
Oil Quality and Yield of Different Carthamus tinctorius Cultivars: Promising Oilseeds for Biodiesel in Semi‐Arid Regions
Authors: da Silva Raimunda Adlany Dias , da Silva Filho Edmilson Matias , Costa Marta , Gracindo Ângela Patrícia Alves Coelho , de Aquino Pessoa Priscila Maria , Gondim Amanda Duarte , Rafael Medeiros Leonardo , Lichston Juliana Espada
Published: February 2021

In this study, seed productivity and oil content of three safflower genotypes (IMAMT 1750, IMAMT 946 and IMAMT 894) cultivated in the Brazilian semi‐arid region were evaluated to identify which genotype has the best in‐field performance. The acidity and saponification index were evaluated, as well as the efficiency of lipid extraction through thermal analysis, aiming to estimate the species' potential for biofuel production in semi‐arid regions. Field cultivation under semi‐arid conditions lasted for ~75 days and no herbivory were observed on the plants. The IMAMT 894 genotype presented higher seed yield than the other genotypes, IMAMT 1750 presented 34% oil, and IMAMT 946 and IMAMT 894 presented 32% oil with efficient extraction in the Soxhlet system and high oil content and quality; higher than traditionally used crops such as soybean and cotton. The IMAMT 894 genotype showed higher seed productivity, but all three genotypes presented good oil yield and quality for biodiesel production. Oil extraction in the Soxhlet system was efficient since the thermogravimetric analysis showed no oil in the residual biomass after oil extraction.
Neutron stars origins and masses
Authors: Horvath Jorge Ernesto , Rocha Lívia S. , Bernardo Antonio , Valientim Rodolfo , de Avellar Marcio Guilherme Bronzato
Published: February 2021

We present in this talk an overview of the neutron star origin events and masses. Using the existing sample of ∼80 measured neutron star masses, we show that the distribution requires more than one mass‐scale and that its highest value inferred from the sample is compatible with 2.5M⊙, suggesting that very heavy neutron stars may be present in Nature. The case of some “spider” systems and the enigmatic high‐mass object in the GW190408 event, as well as the highest measured values from other binaries may support a high Mmax. Finally, we review the connection of supernovae compact remnants with the observed masses and discuss some important features still unclear from simulations related to the former problem of the mass origins.
Stability of multistate configurations of fuzzy dark matter
Authors: Guzmán Francisco S.
Published: February 2021

We study the stability properties of multistate configurations of the Schrödinger‐Poisson system without self‐interaction, with monopolar and first dipolar components (1,0,0) + (2,1,0). We show that these studied configurations are stable using numerical simulations and using criteria of stationarity, unitarity, and time dependence consistency. The study covers a range of states with a monopolar to dipolar mass ratio of between 47 and 0.17. The astrophysical implication of this result is that this type of configurations is at least stable and can be considered physically sound in multistate ultralight bosonic dark matter.
Biological Effects of Exposure to a Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Field on the Placental Barrier in Pregnant Rats
Authors: Kim Hye Sun , Choi Hyung‐Do , Pack Jeong‐Ki , Kim Nam , Ahn Young Hwan
Published: February 2021

The placenta protects the fetus against excessive stress‐associated maternal cortisol during pregnancy. We studied whether exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF‐EMF) radiation during pregnancy can cause changes in dams and their placentas. Pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into cage‐control, sham‐exposed, and RF‐exposed groups. They were exposed to RF‐EMF signals at a whole‐body specific absorption rate of 4 W/kg for 8 h/day from gestational Day 1 to 19. Levels of cortisol in the blood, adrenal gland, and placenta were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone and corticotropin‐releasing hormone were monitored in maternal blood. Expression levels of placental 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β‐HSD2) messenger RNA (mRNA) were measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Morphological changes in the placenta were analyzed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Fetal parts of the placenta were measured using Zen 2.3 blue edition software. Maternal cortisol in circulating blood (RF: 230 ± 24.6 ng/ml and Sham: 156 ± 8.3 ng/ml) and the adrenal gland (RF: 58.3 ± 4.5 ng/ml and Sham: 30 ± 3.8 ng/ml) was significantly increased in the RF‐exposed group (P < 0.05). Placental cortisol was stably maintained, and the level of placental 11β‐HSD2 mRNA expression was not changed in the RF‐exposed group. RF‐EMF exposure during pregnancy caused a significant elevation of cortisol levels in circulating blood; however, no changes in the placental barrier were observed in pregnant rats. Bioelectromagnetics. © 2021 Bioelectromagnetics Society
Cytosolic delivery of nucleic acids: The case of ionizable lipid nanoparticles
Authors: Schlich Michele , Palomba Roberto , Costabile Gabriella , Mizrahy Shoshy , Pannuzzo Martina , Peer Dan , Decuzzi Paolo
Published: February 2021

Ionizable lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are the most clinically advanced nano‐delivery system for therapeutic nucleic acids. The great effort put in the development of ionizable lipids with increased in vivo potency brought LNPs from the laboratory benches to the FDA approval of patisiran in 2018 and the ongoing clinical trials for mRNA‐based vaccines against SARS‐CoV‐2. Despite these success stories, several challenges remain in RNA delivery, including what is known as “endosomal escape.” Reaching the cytosol is mandatory for unleashing the therapeutic activity of RNA molecules, as their accumulation in other intracellular compartments would simply result in efficacy loss. In LNPs, the ability of ionizable lipids to form destabilizing non‐bilayer structures at acidic pH is recognized as the key for endosomal escape and RNA cytosolic delivery. This is motivating a surge in studies aiming at designing novel ionizable lipids with improved biodegradation and safety profiles. In this work, we describe the journey of RNA‐loaded LNPs across multiple intracellular barriers, from the extracellular space to the cytosol. In silico molecular dynamics modeling, in vitro high‐resolution microscopy analyses, and in vivo imaging data are systematically reviewed to distill out the regulating mechanisms underlying the endosomal escape of RNA. Finally, a comparison with strategies employed by enveloped viruses to deliver their genetic material into cells is also presented. The combination of a multidisciplinary analytical toolkit for endosomal escape quantification and a nature‐inspired design could foster the development of future LNPs with improved cytosolic delivery of nucleic acids.
Exploring therapists' and psychology students' constructions of sexual refusal in heterosexual relationships: A qualitative story completion study
Authors: Shah‐Beckley Iduna , Clarke Victoria
Published: February 2021

Anxieties about sex and sexual problems are widespread and are often brought to counselling and psychotherapy. Research has found that even practitioners without specialist training often work with sexual difficulties because of the prevalence of such problems. Some of the most common concerns brought to therapy centre on desire discrepancies between male and female partners and a lack of sexual desire. In this paper, we ask the question what understandings of “heterosex” might await women and men bringing concerns about desire discrepancies and a lack of desire to the therapy room? We report the findings of a qualitative study exploring the discourses underpinning therapists' and psychology undergraduates' constructions of women and men repeatedly refusing sex in the context of an ongoing heterosexual relationship. Data were collected from 71 participants (33 therapists and 38 students) using the innovative story completion method, in which participants are presented with the opening sentences of a story centred on a hypothetical scenario and asked to complete it. The resulting stories were analysed with thematic analysis. Participants drew on heteronormative discourses of masculinity, femininity and heterosex to make sense of sexual refusal and its consequences. However, the stories written by male and, especially, female therapists included less problematisation of the absence of sex and more possibilities for overcoming sexual and relational problems. The data potentially raise questions about whether professional training allows therapists to access discourses that subvert dominant understandings of heterosex, as we argue it ideally should.
Genome‐wide hypermethylation is closely associated with abnormal expression of genes involved in neural development in induced pluripotent stem cells derived from a Down syndrome mouse model
Authors: Xi Jiao‐jiao , Yang Guan‐heng , Liu Yan‐na , Qiu Jia‐jun , Gong Xiu‐li , Yan Jing‐bin , Zeng Fanyi
Published: February 2021

Mental retardation is the main clinical manifestation of Down syndrome (DS), and neural abnormalities occur during the early embryonic period and continue throughout life. Tc1, a model mouse for DS, carries the majority part of the human chromosome 21 and has multiple neuropathy phenotypes similar to patients with DS. To explore the mechanism of early neural abnormalities of Tc1 mouse, induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells from Tc1 mice were obtained, and genome‐wide gene expression and methylation analysis were performed for Tc1 and wild‐type iPS cells. Our results showed hypermethylation profiles for Tc1 iPS cells, and the abnormal genes were shown to be related to neurodevelopment and distributed on multiple chromosomes. In addition, important genes involved in neurogenesis and neurodevelopment were shown to be downregulated in Tc1 iPS cells. In short, our study indicated that genome‐wide hypermethylation leads to the disordered expression of genes associated with neurodevelopment in Tc1 mice during early development. Overall, our work provided a useful reference for the study of the molecular mechanism of nervous system abnormalities in DS.
Thermoelectric Response of Ion‐Selective Membranes: Modelling and Experimental Studies
Authors: Yang Rongjie , Liu Shanshan , Zhou Lin , Lin Xingyu , Su Bin
Published: February 2021

Thermoelectricity of ion‐selective membrane refers to the phenomenon that the membrane potential is generated in the presence of a temperature gradient, which plays a crucial role in low‐grade heat energy harvesting. Here, a new thermoelectric model is proposed, in which the entire membrane is divided into the intra‐membrane region and two diffusion boundaries. Simulated results suggest the thermally inducted membrane potential is composed of the diffusion potential inside membrane and two Donnan potentials at the membrane boundaries. The effects of the membrane charge density, electrolyte concentration, and solution temperature are theoretically explored in detail. This model is confirmed experimentally with cation‐selective hybrid nanochannels and a commercial cation‐selective polymer membrane. We believe the new thermoelectric model is beneficial to understanding the mechanism of thermoelectric response and promoting practical applications of thermal energy conversion.
Tunable Light‐Emission Properties of Solution‐Processable N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Cyclometalated Gold(III) Complexes for Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Malmberg Robert , von Arx Tobias , Hasan Monirul , Blacque Olivier , Shukla Atul , McGregor Sarah K. M. , Lo Shih‐Chun , Namdas Ebinazar B. , Venkatesan Koushik
Published: February 2021

N‐Heterocyclic carbene (NHC) cyclometalated gold(III) complexes remain very scarce and therefore their photophysical properties remain currently underexplored. Moreover, gold(III) complexes emitting in the blue region of the electromagnetic spectrum are rare. In this work, a series of four phosphorescent gold(III) complexes was investigated bearing four different NHC monocyclometalated (C^C*)‐type ligands and a dianionic (N^N)‐type ancillary ligand ((N^N)=5,5’‐(propane‐2,2‐diyl)bis(3‐(trifluoromethyl)‐1 H‐pyrazole) (mepzH2)). The complexes exhibit strong phosphorescence when doped in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) at room temperature, which were systematically tuned from sky‐blue [λPL=456 nm, CIE coordinates: (0.20, 034)] to green [λPL=516 nm, CIE coordinates: (0.31, 0.54)] by varying the monocyclometalated (C^C*) ligand framework. The complexes revealed high quantum efficiencies (ϕPL) of up to 43 % and excited‐state lifetimes (τ0) between 15–266 μs. The radiative rate constant values found for these complexes (kr=103–104 s−1) are the highest found in comparison to previously known best‐performing monocyclometalated gold(III) complexes. Density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT (TD‐DFT) calculations of these complexes further lend support to the excited‐state nature of these complexes. The calculations showed a significant contribution of the gold(III) metal center in the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMOs) of up to 18 %, which was found to be unique for this class of cyclometalated gold(III) complexes. Additionally, organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) were fabricated by using a solution process to provide the first insight into the electroluminescent (EL) properties of this new class of gold(III) complexes.
Infective endocarditis complicated by embolic events: Pathogenesis and predictors
Authors: Hu Wangling , Wang Xindi , Su Guanhua
Published: February 2021

Background

Infective endocarditis (IE) continues to be associated with great challenges. Embolic events (EE) are frequent and life‐threatening complications in IE patients. It remains challenging to predict and assess the embolic risk in individual patients with IE accurately.

Hypothesis

Accurate prediction of embolization is critical in the early identification and treatment of risky and potentially embolic lesions in patients with IE.

Methods

We searched the PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases using a range of related search terms, and reviewed the literatures about the pathogenesis and embolic predictors of IE.

Results

The development of IE and its complications is widely accepted as the result of complex interactions between microorganisms, valve endothelium, and host immune responses. The predictive value of echocardiographic characteristics is the most powerful for EE. In addition, both easily obtained blood biomarkers such as C‐reactive protein, mean platelet volume, neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, anti‐β2‐glycoprotein I antibodies, D‐Dimer, troponin I, matrix metalloproteinases, and several microbiological or clinical characteristics might be promising as potential predictors of EE.

Conclusion

Our review provides a synthesis of current knowledge regarding the pathogenesis and predictors of embolism in IE along with a review of potentially emerging biomarkers.
Basics of macro to microlevel corporate social responsibility and advancement in triple bottom line theory
Authors: Farooq Qamar , Fu Peihua , Liu Xuan , Hao Yunhong
Published: February 2021

The accounting framework of businesses massively expanded in the 1990s to triple bottom line (TBL) with consideration of social and environmental performance in addition to financial performance. To meet the challenges of expressing care to the environment as well as to internal and external stakeholders associated with society, research on investment of resources through corporate volunteering (CV) programs is accelerated in the current decade. Researchers have started using the philosophy of epistemology with the positioning of interpretivism explaining how the people participate in cultural and social life. Reintegrating the important fundamental and scattered concepts of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and TBL, this article highlights the motivational facet of employees of socially responsible companies, being termed as “Internal People‐Line” theory as the significant and nonidentical subset of TBL. With the ingredients of self‐determination theory, the internal people line (IPL) by relational, moral, and instrumental motivations would be useful for recognition, repeated participation in community programs, and managerial support. This research has two major contributions to the literature of society: (a) Identification of seventh P for the bottom line and (b) Development of IPL theory. It is found that effective utilization of the resources in CV programs largely depends upon the intrinsic motivation of IPL (employees). This article is the first to accumulate and interpret the strewn basic concepts of CSR (macro to microlevel) using holistic approach to advance the research model of TBL with the introduction of IPL theory.
A novel potential target of IL‐35‐regulated JAK/STAT signaling pathway in lupus nephritis
Authors: Cai Zhe , Zhang Song , Wu Ping , Ren Qi , Wei Ping , Hong Ming , Feng Yu , Wong Chun Kwok , Tang Hong , Zeng Huasong
Published: February 2021

Background

In this study, we have investigated the potential regulatory mechanisms of IL‐35 to relieve lupus nephritis (LN) through regulating Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway in mesangial cells.

Results

Among 105 significant differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) patients with LN and healthy controls, LAIR1, PDGFRβ, VTN, EPHB4, and EPHA4 were downregulated in JSLE‐LN. They consist of an interactive network with PTPN11 and FN1, which involved in IL‐35‐related JAK/STAT signaling pathway. Besides, urinary LAIR1 was significantly correlated with JSLE‐LN clinical parameters such as SLEDAI‐2K, %CD19+ B, and %CD3+ T cells. Through bioinformatics analysis of co‐immunoprecipitation with mass spectrometry results, including GO, KEGG, and STRING, five genes interacted with Lair1 were upregulated by IL‐35, but only Myh10 was downregulated. Therefore, we presumed an interactive network among these DEPs, JAK/STAT, and IL‐35. Moreover, the downregulated phosphorylated (p)‐STAT3, p‐p38 MAPK, and p‐ERK, and the upregulated p‐JAK2/p‐STAT1/4 in IL‐35 overexpressed mesangial cells, and RNA‐sequencing results validated the potential regulatory mechanisms of IL‐35 in alleviating JSLE‐LN disease. Moreover, the relieved histopathological features of nephritis including urine protein and leukocyte scores, a decreased %CD90+αSMA+ mesangial cells and pro‐inflammatory cytokines, the inactivated JAK/STAT signals and the significant upregulated Tregs in spleen, thymus and peripheral blood were validated in Tregs and IL‐35 overexpression plasmid‐treated lupus mice.

Conclusions

Our study provided a reference proteomic map of urinary biomarkers for JSLE‐LN and elucidated evidence that IL‐35 may regulate the interactive network of LAIR1‐PTPN11‐JAK‐STAT‐FN1 to affect JAK/STAT and MAPK signaling pathways to alleviate inflammation in JSLE‐LN. This finding may provide a further prospective mechanism for JSLE‐LN clinical treatment.
Diabetes prevention interventions for women after gestational diabetes mellitus: an overview of reviews
Authors: Hedeager Momsen Anne‐Mette , Høtoft Diana , Ørtenblad Lisbeth , Friis Lauszus Finn , Krogh Rubab Hassan Agha , Lynggaard Vibeke , Juel Christiansen Jens , Terkildsen Maindal Helle , Vinther Nielsen Claus
Published: February 2021

Aims

To present an overview of reviews of interventions for the prevention of diabetes in women after gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) with the overall aim of gaining information in order to establish local interventions.

Methods

Six databases were searched for quantitative, qualitative or mixed‐methods systematic reviews. All types of interventions or screening programmes were eligible. The outcomes were effectiveness of reducing diabetes incidence, encouraging healthy behavioural changes and enhancing women's perceptions of their increased risks of developing type 2 diabetes following GDM.

Results

Eighteen reviews were included: three on screening programmes and seven on participation and risk perceptions. Interventions promoting physical activity, healthy diet, breastfeeding and antidiabetic medicine reported significantly decreased incidence of postpartum diabetes, up to 34% reduction after any breastfeeding compared to none. Effects were larger if the intervention began early after birth and lasted longer. Participation in screening rose up to 40% with face‐to‐face recruitment in a GDM healthcare setting. Interventions were mainly based in healthcare settings and involved up to nine health professions, councillors and peer educators, mostly dieticians. Women reported a lack of postpartum care and demonstrated a low knowledge of risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes. Typical barriers to participation were lack of awareness of increased risk and low levels of support from family.

Conclusions

Lifestyle interventions or pharmacological treatment postpartum was effective in decreasing diabetes incidence following GDM. Women's knowledge of the risk of diabetes and importance of physical activity was insufficient. Early face‐to‐face recruitment increased participation in screening. Programmes aimed at women following a diagnosis of GDM ought to provide professional and social support, promote screening, breastfeeding, knowledge of risk factors, be long‐lasting and offered early after birth, preferably by face‐to‐face recruitment.
Use of biomarkers to diagnose and manage cardiac amyloidosis
Authors: Castiglione Vincenzo , Franzini Maria , Aimo Alberto , Carecci Alessandro , Lombardi Carlo Mario , Passino Claudio , Rapezzi Claudio , Emdin Michele , Vergaro Giuseppe
Published: February 2021

Amyloidoses are characterized by the tissue accumulation of misfolded proteins into insoluble fibrils. The two most common types of systemic amyloidosis result from the deposition of immunoglobulin light chains (AL) and wild‐type or variant transthyretin (ATTRwt/ATTRv). Cardiac involvement is the main determinant of outcome in both AL and ATTR, and cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is increasingly recognized as a cause of heart failure. In CA, circulating biomarkers are important diagnostic tools, allow to refine risk stratification at baseline and during follow‐up, help to tailor the therapeutic strategy and monitor the response to treatment. Among amyloid precursors, free light chains are established biomarkers in AL amyloidosis, while the plasma transthyretin assay is currently being investigated as a tool for supporting the diagnosis of ATTRv amyloidosis, predicting outcome and monitor response to novel tetramer stabilizers or small interfering RNA drugs in ATTR CA. Natriuretic peptides (NPs) and troponins are consistently elevated in patients with AL and ATTR CA. Plasma NPs, troponins and free light chains hold prognostic significance in AL amyloidosis, and are evaluated for therapy decision‐making and follow‐up, while the value of NPs and troponins in ATTR is less well established. Biomarkers can be usefully integrated with clinical and imaging variables at all levels of the clinical algorithm of systemic amyloidosis, from screening to diagnosis and prognosis, and treatment tailoring.
Role of cementation and compaction in controlling the reservoir quality of the Middle to Late Jurassic Sandstones, Jara dome, Kachchh Basin, western India
Authors: Quasim Mohammad Adnan , Khan Shaista , Srivastava Vineet Kumar , Ghaznavi Asma Amjad , Ahmad Abul Hasnat Masood
Published: February 2021

Thin‐section petrography, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analyses are applied to investigate the various diagenetic controls on the reservoir quality of the Ridge and Athleta Sandstone members (Chari Formation) of the Jara dome, Kachchh Basin, western India. The results show that the sandstones of Jara dome are quartz‐arenite to sub‐arkose, medium‐ to coarse‐grained, sub‐angular to sub‐rounded, poorly to moderately well‐sorted and having low‐ to medium‐sphericity. Diagenetic features such as mechanical compaction, pressure solution, cementation, and dissolution of unstable framework grains are analysed to synthesize the reservoir characteristics. The principal cementing materials are carbonates, iron oxides, silica overgrowth, and authigenic clays, mainly chlorite and kaolinite. Compaction and cementation are the controlling factors for the reduction in porosity and permeability of the sandstones. Dissolution of detrital feldspars is the main cause of porosity enhancement in these sandstones. The relationship between the intergranular volume (IGV) and cement volume indicates that cementation had played a more important role in the destruction of primary porosity than that of compaction. On the one hand, the ubiquitous development of carbonate cement advocates the loss in primary porosity at the early stage of diagenesis, while on the other hand it also prevented the further compaction of sandstone, thus preserving unfilled voids as primary porosity. Precipitation of carbonate cement is followed by development of pore‐lining and pore‐filling clayey cements. The pore‐filling kaolinite resulted in a considerable loss of porosity while the pore‐lining chlorite has helped in retaining the porosity by preventing syntaxial silica overgrowths. The reservoir quality of the studied sandstone is reduced by the authigenic clay cements, early carbonate precipitation and silica overgrowths, nonetheless, it is improved by the dissolution and alteration of unstable grains, in addition to partial dissolution of carbonate cements. The potential of the studied sandstone to act as a reservoir is strongly related to sandstone diagenesis.
Quantifying the contribution of climate and underlying surface changes to alpine runoff alterations associated with glacier melting
Authors: Xin Jiali , Sun Xiaoyu , Liu Liu , Li Hao , Liu Xingcai , Li Xiuping , Cheng Lei , Xu Zongxue
Published: February 2021

Climate variability and underlying surface changes are strongly associated with runoff alterations. The Yarlung Zangbo River Basin (YZRB) is a typical alpine region located in the southeast Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, where runoff is particularly sensitive and vulnerable to climate and environmental changes. Here, we conducted a quantitative assessment of the contributions of climate variability and underlying surface changes to runoff alterations from 1966 to 2015 in the upper, middle, and lower regions of the YZRB. The year 1997 was identified as the runoff breakpoint in all three sub‐regions, which divided the runoff time series into the baseline period (1966–1997) and change period (1998–2015). An adjusted Budyko framework accounting for glacier runoff was developed to conduct a runoff alteration attribution analysis. The results indicated that the increase in runoff in the upper region was dominated by changes in the underlying surface and glacier runoff, whose contribution accounted for 59.61 and 49.18%, respectively. The runoff increase in the middle and lower regions was mainly attributed to the increase in precipitation, accounting for 39.36 and 129.21% of the total runoff alteration, respectively. Moreover, due to the little variation in vegetation and degradation of permafrost in the upper region, increases in runoff might be largely attributed to increases in subsurface runoff caused by the melting of permafrost. In the middle region, in addition to increased precipitation, vegetation degradation had positive effects on runoff increases. The lower region exhibited far higher water consumption rates due to its extensive and dense vegetation coverage accompanied by rising temperature, which resulted in a negative contribution (−58.74%) to runoff alteration. Our findings may therefore have important implications for water resource security and sustainable development in alpine regions.