bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revisiting preeclampsia: a metabolic disorder of the placenta
Authors: Hu Mingyu , Li Ji , Baker Philip N. , Tong Chao
Published: February 2021

Preeclampsia (PE) is a leading cause of maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity worldwide, impacting the long‐term health of both mother and offspring. PE has long been characterized by deficient trophoblast invasion into the uterus and consequent placental hypoperfusion, yet the upstream causative factors and effective interventional targets for PE remain unknown. Alterations in the metabolism of preeclamptic placentas are thought to result from placental ischemia, while disturbances of the metabolism and of metabolites in PE pathogenesis are largely ignored. In fact, as one of the largest fetal organs at birth, the placenta consumes a considerable amount of glucose and fatty acid. Increasing evidence suggests glucose and fatty acid exist as energy substrates and regulate placental development through bioactive derivates. Moreover, recent findings have revealed that the placental metabolism adapts readily to environmental changes, altering its response to nutrients and endocrine signals; this adaptability optimizes pregnancy outcomes by diversifying available carbon sources for energy production, hormone synthesis, angiogenesis, immune activation, and tolerance, and fetoplacental growth. These observations raise the possibility that carbohydrate and lipid metabolism abnormalities play a role in both the etiology and clinical progression of PE, sparking a renewed interest in the interrelationship between PE and metabolic dysregulation. This review will focus on key metabolic substrates and regulatory molecules in the placenta and aim to provide novel insights with respect to the metabolism’s role in modulating placental development and functions. Further investigations from this perspective are poised to decipher the etiology of PE and suggest potential therapies.
Mechanism study of novel inducer combinations containing laver powder for Penicillium piceum lignocellulolytic enzyme production
Authors: Jia Wendi , Ge Mingyue , Zhang Zhaokun , Zhang Dongyuan , Gao Le
Published: February 2021

Inducers play an important role in fungus cellulase production. In this study, a combination of Avicel and laver powder, which contains cellulose, hemicellulose, other polysaccharides, and crude lipid, was used to induce lignocellulolytic enzyme production in Penicillium piceum H16. When Avicel was supplemented with various amounts of laver powder, cellulase activities or extracellular protein yields increased by 11.4%–102.5%, relative to those observed when Avicel alone was used. In particular, filter paper and cellobiohydrolase activities increased by as much as 39.3% and 102.5%, respectively, after supplementation with laver powder. Furthermore, laver powder supplementation enhanced the efficiency of cellulose and hemicellulose hydrolysis in crude corn stover by 39.3% and 22.2%, respectively. The results suggest that laver powder and Avicel synergistically induce lignocellulytic enzyme production and P. piceum H16 growth. iTRAQ‐based quantitative proteomics analysis results further demonstrate that laver powder supplementation optimized the synergistic lignocellulytic enzyme cocktail from P. piceum H16 by upregulating the production of cellulase‐enhancing factors and lignocellulolytic enzymes. The oligosaccharides released by laver powder may account for the synergistic induction, which may help reduce the cost of producing lignocellulytic enzymes by filamentous fungi.
5‐aza‐2’‐deoxycytidine may regulate the inflammatory response of human odontoblast‐like cells through the NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Feng Z. , Meng R. , Li Q. , Li D. , Xu Q.
Published: February 2021

Aim

To explore the role of DNA methylation in the innate immunity of the dental pulp, this study investigated the effect of 5‐aza‐2’‐deoxycytidine (AZA) on lipoteichoic acid (LTA)‐induced cytokine production and related intracellular signalling pathways in human odontoblast‐like cells (hOBs).

Methodology

hOBs were cultured and differentiated from human dental pulp tissue, and the odontoblastic phenotype of the cells was detected using immunofluorescence, qRT‐PCR and Western blotting. hOBs were pretreated with AZA and then stimulated with 10 μg mL−1 LTA. The levels of 42 cytokines related to immunity and inflammation were examined using a cytokine antibody array and verified using qRT‐PCR and ELISA. The effect of AZA on the LTA‐induced NF‐κB and MAPK signalling pathways was explored using Western blotting. The cells were treated with the specific NF‐κB inhibitor PDTC and MAPK inhibitors (the ERK inhibitor U0126, the p38 inhibitor SB203580, and the JNK inhibitor SP600125) to further confirm the role of the signalling pathways in LTA‐treated hOBs. DNA immunoprecipitation–PCR was used to examine the dynamic methylation status of the gene promoters of myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88) and tumour necrosis factor receptor‐associated factor 6 (TRAF6) in the LTA‐induced hOBs. Statistical analyses of the differences between two groups were performed using Student’s t‐test. One‐way analysis of variance (anova) or repeated‐measures anova with a post hoc Dunnett’s test was used to assess the differences between multiple sets of data. P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results

The odontoblastic markers were significantly higher in hOBs than those in human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) (P < 0.05). According to the cytokine antibody array results, hOBs pretreated with AZA had significantly increased production of several inflammatory cytokines (P < 0.05), in which the expression levels of IL‐6 and IL‐8 were the most dramatically increased upon LTA stimulation (P < 0.01). Furthermore, AZA resulted in the significant upregulation of p‐IKKα/β, p‐IκBα, p‐p65, p‐p38 and p‐ERK in LTA‐stimulated hOBs (P < 0.01). Treatment with the NF‐κB pathway inhibitor suppressed both IL‐6 and IL‐8 expression (P < 0.05), whereas inhibitors of the MAPK pathway (SB203580 and SP600125) did not. In LTA‐treated hOBs, AZA significantly increased the expression levels of TRAF6 and MyD88 (P < 0.05). AZA induced MyD88 promoter hypomethylation but did not affect TRAF6 methylation.

Conclusion

AZA regulated the LTA‐induced inflammatory response through the NF‐κB signal pathway in hOBs. This study highlights the important role of DNA methylation in the immunity defence of odontoblasts during the dental pulp immunity response to caries.
The role of astrocytes in generating circadian rhythmicity in health and disease
Authors: Costa Rodolfo , Montagnese Sara
Published: February 2021

Evidence is accumulating that the mammalian circadian clock system is considerably more complex than previously believed, also in terms of the cell types that actually contribute to generating the oscillation within the master clock, in the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the hypothalamus. Here we review the evidence that has lead to the identification of a bona fide astrocytic circadian clock, and that of the potential contribution of such clock to the generation of circadian and seasonal rhythmicity in health and in neurodegenerative disorders. Finally, we speculate on the role of the astrocytic clock in determining some of the clinical features of hepatic encephalopathy, a reversible neuropsychiatric syndrome associated with advanced liver disease, which is characterized by transient, profound morphological and functional astrocytic abnormalities, in the absence of significant, structural neuronal changes.

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Increase adapalene delivery using chemical and herbal enhancers
Authors: Salimi Anayatollah , Emam Monasadat , Mohammad Soleymani Saeed
Published: February 2021

Background

Acne is one of the skin diseases that include abnormalities in the production of sebum, changes in the microbial flora, abnormal keratinization, and inflammation. Adapalene is a good choice in the treatment of acne with fewer side effects and high effectiveness. However, the absorption of adapalene through human skin is low. We investigated the effect of several enhancers on the skin absorption of adapalene.

Methods

For the preparation of a topical formulation, this drug needs proper skin absorption. Therefore, to increase the effect of chemical absorption of the Adapalene skin permeability, it should first be put on the skin in a touch of some absorption like Eucalyptus, Urea, Clove oil, propylene glycol, and oleic acid for 1 and 2 hours and was then examined for the passing of the drug on the treated skin and for the effect of absorptions by calculating of the permeability parameters using DSC and FT‐IR techniques.

Result and Conclusion

The results show that the enhancers used increased the permeability of the drug adapalene to water. Several mechanisms including lipid liquefaction, degradation of the fat structure, as well as irreversible denaturation of intracellular creatine caused by Eucalyptus, urea clove oil, PG, and oleic acid are the main mechanisms of drug penetration. Based on the results, it was found that among the enhancers studied, eucalyptus and urea had the highest and the lowest absorption effect in 2‐ and 1‐hour pre‐contact, respectively.
Comparison of 2.5% agarose gel vs hyaluronic acid filler, for the correction of moderate to severe nasolabial folds
Authors: Scuderi Nicolò , Fanelli Benedetta , Fino Pasquale , Kinney Brian M.
Published: February 2021

Background

Agarose gel filler is a natural hydrocolloid with a three‐dimensional structure similar to the extracellular matrix, with gel formed by hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions rather than through chemical cross‐linking or polymerization.

Objective

To determine efficacy and safety of 2.5% agarose gel filler for the correction of nasolabial folds.

Methods

In this split‐face study, efficacy, safety, and usability of 2.5% agarose gel were compared to those of NASHA‐L. Assessments included the nasolabial fold (NLF) Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale (WSRS), Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS [blinded investigator]), subject satisfaction, safety (adverse events), and usability.

Results

Sixty‐six subjects were treated, and 46/66 (66.7%) were available for evaluation at 3 months, when mean change in WSRS was identical for both products (−1.1 ± 0.4 for 2.5% agarose; −1.1 ± 0.4 for NASHA‐L). Scores for each product remained similar across all time points and began to return to baseline between 7 and 8 months. GAIS score followed a similar pattern, rising between months 7 and 8 (2.7 ± 0.6 for 2.5% agarose at month 7‐3.3 ± 0.5 at month 8 and 2.7 ± 0.6 for NASHA‐L at month 7‐3.3 ± 0.5 at month 8). Ultrasound confirmed the longevity of both fillers between 7 and 8 months. All adverse events were transient in nature and resolved within 15 days. Most events were mild in nature, and the number of events was similar between the two fillers.

Conclusion

Treatment with 2.5% agarose gel resulted in improvement that persisted for between 7 and 8 months. The treatment effect was equivalent to NASHA‐L.
Effect of Cartridge Storage Time and Ambient Laboratory Conditions on the Stability of Mechanical Properties of Bis‐Acryl Interim Resin Materials
Authors: Niem Thomas , Heun Ulrich , Hübner Antje , Wöstmann Bernd
Published: February 2021

Purpose

To investigate the stability of mechanical properties during the entire shelf life of chemically‐activated bis‐acryl interim resin materials stored at ambient laboratory conditions.

Materials and methods

Four bis‐acryl interim resin materials with no explicit recommendation for refrigerator storage were selected (Luxatemp Plus, Visalys Temp, Structur 3, Structur Premium). Following cartridge storage at ambient laboratory conditions in 6‐month intervals, 30 specimens (2.0 × 2.0 × 25.0 mm3) were prepared in each case and stored in distilled water (37.0 ± 1.0 °C) with 3 different water storage times (2 hours, 24 hours, 7 days). Flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, modulus of toughness, and elastic recovery were determined (3‐point bend test). Data were subjected to a three‐way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) to determine overall significance, followed by a series of separate one‐way ANOVAs after data were split, using Tukey and Games‐Howell post hoc tests to identify significant differences between groups (α = 0.05).

Results

While Luxatemp Plus showed no significant decrease for all mechanical properties during the investigated shelf life of 21 months (p > 0.05), Visalys Temp exhibited a continuous decline of the corresponding values (p < 0.05), irrespective of the water storage time. Structur 3 and Structur Premium properties remained almost unchanged during the first 6 months of the examination period. Subsequently, a progressive decrease was observed for flexural strength and modulus of elasticity, while most modulus of toughness and elastic recovery results revealed little alteration.

Conclusion

Depending on the bis‐acryl interim resin material, mechanical properties appeared to be susceptible to continuous degradation processes during cartridge storage at ambient conditions, especially towards the end of the material shelf life. For some materials, the chemical stabilization and recommended storage conditions should be revised by the manufacturers to prevent premature aging during shelf life.
Household factors and gestational age predict diet quality of pregnant women
Authors: Bukari Mohammed , Saaka Mahama , Masahudu Azaratu , Ali Zakari , Abubakari Abdul‐Latif , Danquah Lillian Owusuwaa , Abdulai Ayishetu Napari , Abizari Abdul‐Razak
Published: February 2021

Adequate diet during pregnancy has positive effects on the mother and pregnancy outcome. Assessment of diet quality during pregnancy is particularly important in areas where household food security is suboptimal, to enable appropriate targeting and intervention. This study assessed diet quality and identified predicting factors among pregnant women in northern Ghana. A cross‐sectional study involving 403 pregnant women was conducted in May 2018. Pregnant women attending antenatal care clinics (ANC) were selected using simple random sampling technique. We assessed socio‐demographic characteristics, 24‐h recall and household food security. The minimum dietary diversity for women (MDD‐W) was used as a proxy measure for diet quality based on Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) guidelines. Logistic regression models were fitted to determine the predictors of diet quality. The mean dietary diversity score (DDS) of 10 food groups was 4.4 ± 1.1 (95% CI: 4.3–4.5). Logistic regression showed that women of high educational level (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.42; 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.21–4.84];P= 0.01), women of high household wealth index (AOR = 1.78; 95% CI [1.14–2.77];P= 0.01], none/mild household hunger (AOR = 2.71; 95% CI [1.26–5.82];P= 0.01), medium household size (6–15 members) (AOR = 1.66; 95% CI [1.04–2.66];P= 0.03) and women of gestational age 20–35 weeks (AOR = 1.89; 95% CI [1.05–3.40];P= 0.03) were more likely to have quality diets after adjusting for potential confounding variables. Diet quality among pregnant women was low and was predicted by educational level, household wealth, gestational age and food security. Women education and improvements in household food security could impact diets of pregnant women in northern Ghana.
Guideline: Vulvovaginal candidosis (AWMF 015/072, level S2k)
Authors: Farr Alex , Effendy Isaak , Frey Tirri Brigitte , Hof Herbert , Mayser Peter , Petricevic Ljubomir , Ruhnke Markus , Schaller Martin , Schaefer Axel P. A. , Sustr Valentina , Willinger Birgit , Mendling Werner
Published: February 2021

Approximately 70‐75% of women will have vulvovaginal candidosis (VVC) at least once in their lifetime. In premenopausal, pregnant, asymptomatic and healthy women and women with acute VVC, Candida albicans is the predominant species. The diagnosis of VVC should be based on clinical symptoms and microscopic detection of pseudohyphae. Symptoms alone do not allow reliable differentiation of the causes of vaginitis. In recurrent or complicated cases, diagnostics should involve fungal culture with species identification. Serological determination of antibody titres has no role in VVC. Before the induction of therapy, VVC should always be medically confirmed. Acute VVC can be treated with local imidazoles, polyenes or ciclopirox olamine, using vaginal tablets, ovules or creams. Triazoles can also be prescribed orally, together with antifungal creams, for the treatment of the vulva. Commonly available antimycotics are generally well tolerated, and the different regimens show similarly good results. Antiseptics are potentially effective but act against the physiological vaginal flora. Neither a woman with asymptomatic colonisation nor an asymptomatic sexual partner should be treated. Women with chronic recurrent Candida albicans vulvovaginitis should undergo dose‐reducing maintenance therapy with oral triazoles. Unnecessary antimycotic therapies should always be avoided, and non‐albicans vaginitis should be treated with alternative antifungal agents. In the last 6 weeks of pregnancy, women should receive antifungal treatment to reduce the risk of vertical transmission, oral thrush and diaper dermatitis of the newborn. Local treatment is preferred during pregnancy.
Epidemiology and clinical features of demyelinating disorders in India
Authors: Pandit Lekha , Mustafa Sharik
Published: February 2021

Epidemiological and clinical features of demyelinating disorders in the Indian context have been sparsely reported. This paper aims to provide a review of literature from the past decade on the same. PubMed, Google scholar, and PubMed search databases were searched using subject headings and key words for data from the past 10 years (1999‐2019). Data from studies that collected Incidence and prevalence of demyelinating disorders were prioritized. In addition, clinical and demographic features of demyelinating disorders were obtained from hospital‐based studies published from different regions within India. The sole epidemiological study from India showed a prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) among Indians to be 8.3/100 000 and that of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) to be 2.7/100 000. Clinical features of MS obtained from hospital‐based studies showed female predominance, an onset of disease predominantly in the second decade of life and pyramidal dysfunction as a common initial attack. Aquaporin 4‐IgG‐associated NMOSD were predominantly in woman with myelitis as the most common initial attack. In contrast, MOG‐IgG‐associated disorders showed no gender bias and presented often with optic neuritis. There is growing awareness of demyelinating disorders in India, and the availability of imaging and serological tests has allowed for accurate and early diagnosis. In the absence of large epidemiological studies at the national level, there is likely to be a significant underestimation of prevalence and incidence of these diseases.
No gas source, no problem: Proximity to pre‐existing embolism and segmentation affect embolism spreading in angiosperm xylem by gas diffusion
Authors: Guan Xinyi , Pereira Luciano , McAdam Scott A. M. , Cao Kun‐Fang , Jansen Steven
Published: February 2021

Embolism spreading in dehydrating angiosperm xylem is driven by gas movement between embolized and sap‐filled conduits. Here we examine how the proximity to pre‐existing embolism and hydraulic segmentation affect embolism propagation. Based on the optical method, we compare xylem embolism resistance between detached leaves and leaves attached to branches, and between intact leaves and leaves with cut minor veins, for six species. Embolism resistance of detached leaves was significantly lower than that of leaves attached to stems, except for two species, with all vessels ending in their petioles. Cutting of minor veins showed limited embolism spreading in minor veins near the cuts prior to major veins. Moreover, despite strong agreement in the overall embolism resistance of detached leaves between the optical and pneumatic method, minor differences were observed during early stages of embolism formation. We conclude that embolism resistance may represent a relative trait due to an open‐xylem artefact, with embolism spreading possibly affected by the proximity and connectivity to pre‐existing embolism as a gas source, while hydraulic segmentation prevents such artefact. Since embolism formation may not rely on a certain pressure difference threshold between functional and embolized conduits, we speculate that embolism is facilitated by pressure‐driven gas diffusion across pit membranes.
Ozone Generation by Ultraviolet Lamps†
Authors: Claus Holger
Published: February 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has generated a great deal of interest in ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) as an important means to disinfect air and surfaces. The traditional lamp employed for UVGI has been the low‐pressure mercury‐discharge lamp that emits primarily at 254 nm in the ultraviolet photobiological band UV‐C (100–280 nm). The recent development of even shorter‐wavelength UV‐C lamps, such as the Krypton–Chloride, 222‐nm lamp, has led to greater concerns about the UV‐C generation of ozone. It is well known that wavelengths below 240 nm more readily generate ozone. However, there is a great misunderstanding with regard to the actual generation and dissipation of ozone molecules by UV‐C lamps. A review of this subject is much warranted. An overview of the ozone generation of various UV‐C light sources is presented to give users a better understanding of risk and how to assure control of ozone when employing UV‐C lamps.
The Impact of Contract Farming on Agricultural Product Supply in Developing Economies
Authors: Chen Jiguang , Chen Ying‐Ju
Published: February 2021

Motivated by “company+farmer” farming operations of Wens, New Hope Liuhe, and Huiren, this study formalizes the impact of production‐management and resource‐providing types of contract farming, in which the buying firm commits to an ex ante procurement price and promises to buy the high‐value agricultural product (HVA) from contract farmers. We analyze the buyer's cost reduction effort and its impact on farmer participation to characterize the effect of contract farming on the agricultural product supply and all stakeholders. Additionally, we explore the impact of the HVA's production cost. We analytically show that all contract and non‐contract farmers are better off after an introduction of contract farming for HVA. Hence, contract farming can improve the farmers’ income and alleviate poverty. However, if HVA is costly to produce, there will be an inequality‐widening type of contract farming in which contract farmers are more efficient than non‐contract farmers, and the income disparity among farmers will widen. Otherwise, there will be an inequality‐reducing type in which contract farmers are less efficient than non‐contract farmers such that the income disparity among farmers will decrease. More importantly, the buyer benefits from a lower HVA's production cost, but this can hurt all contract and non‐contract farmers for a given equilibrium type. Moreover, reducing the HVA's production cost can increase the supply of a substitutable traditional product along with the switch of equilibrium from the inequality‐widening type to the inequality‐reducing one.
Waiting in the wings: RUNX3 reveals hidden depths of immune regulation with potential implications for inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Dybska Emilia , Adams Alex T. , Duclaux‐Loras Rémi , Walkowiak Jarosław , Nowak Jan K.
Published: February 2021

Background

Complex interactions between the environment and the mucosal immune system underlie inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The involved cytokine signalling pathways are modulated by a number of transcription factors, one of which is runt‐related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3).

Objective

To systematically review the immune roles of RUNX3 in immune regulation, with a focus on the context of IBD.

Methods

Relevant articles and reviews were identified through a Scopus search in April 2020. Information was categorized by immune cell types, analysed and synthesized. IBD transcriptome data sets and FANTOM5 regulatory networks were processed in order to complement the literature review.

Results

The available evidence on the immune roles of RUNX3 allowed for its description in twelve cell types: intraepithelial lymphocyte, Th1, Th2, Th17, Treg, double‐positive T, cytotoxic T, B, dendritic, innate lymphoid, natural killer and macrophages. In the gut, the activity of RUNX3 is multifaceted and context‐dependent: it may promote homeostasis or exacerbated reactions via cytokine signalling and regulation of receptor expression. RUNX3 is mostly engaged in pathways involving ThPOK, T‐bet, IFN‐γ, TGF‐β/IL‐2Rβ, GATA/CBF‐β, SMAD/p300 and a number of miRNAs. RUNX3 targets relevant to IBD may include RAG1, OSM and IL‐17B. Moreover, in IBD RUNX3 expression correlates positively with GZMM, and negatively with IFNAR1, whereas in controls, it strongly associates with TGFBR3.

Conclusions

Dysregulation of RUNX3, mostly in the form of deficiency, likely contributes to IBD pathogenesis. More clinical research is needed to examine RUNX3 in IBD.
It’s (Almost) All About Desert: On the Source of Disagreements in Responsibility Studies
Authors: Rudy‐Hiller Fernando
Published: February 2021

In this article I discuss David Shoemaker’s recently published piece “Responsibility: The State of the Question. Fault Lines in the Foundations.” While agreeing with Shoemaker on many points, I argue for a more unified diagnosis of the seemingly intractable debates that plague (what I call) “responsibility studies.” I claim that, of the five fault lines Shoemaker identifies, the most basic one is about the role that the notion of deserved harm should play in the theory of moral responsibility. I argue that the deep divide between those theorists who affirm and those who deny that moral responsibility is essentially about the justification of desert thus understood can be traced to the disagreement about whether the focus on the reactive attitudesby itselfentails that moral responsibility has nothing to do with traditional questions about desert and free will. I then show that the seeming intractableness of the other four fault lines Shoemaker identifies is expectable and explicable in light of this more basic disagreement. After this diagnostic work, I conclude by suggesting a solution to the “morass” that has taken over responsibility studies: theorists working in the field should acknowledge that it has effectively bifurcated into two discrete subareas, which I suggest calling “retribution studies” and “interpersonal studies.”
After Trump? Radical Selfishness versus the Ethic of Care
Authors: Ferree Myra M.
Published: February 2021

This article reviews predictions made in an earlier piece entitled “The Crisis of Masculinity for Gendered Democracies: Before, During and After Trump” (Marx Ferree 2020).
A social identity perspective on conformity to cyber aggression among early adolescents on WhatsApp
Authors: Bleize Daniëlle N. M. , Tanis Martin , Anschütz Doeschka J. , Buijzen Moniek
Published: February 2021

Cyber aggressive behaviors such as nonconsensual image sharing, nasty comments, and social exclusion frequently take place on WhatsApp. These behaviors often involve group processes, where adolescents conform to peers’ behaviors. WhatsApp is pre‐eminently suited for group‐communication among adolescents, and, thus, may facilitate conformity to such behaviors. However, research on conformity on WhatsApp is scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine if and how the social identity perspective on group behavior may explain cyber aggression on WhatsApp. Specifically, we examined how social identification relates to conformity to cyber aggression on WhatsApp. In a preregistered survey, 647 early adolescents answered questions about social identification with group members and conformity to behavior of a WhatsApp group. Hierarchical multiple regression and moderated mediation analyses point toward an indirect, positive relation between the centrality component of social identification and conformity to cyber aggression, mediated by perceived social pressure to conform. These findings contribute to the literature by extending the social identity perspective to conformity on WhatsApp. Further exploration of this research line within the field of cyber aggression is warranted, because this can help improve applied interventions to reduce conformity to cyber aggression.
Overview of HIV treatment failure in Africa using the WHO Pharmacovigilance data
Authors: Miantezila Basilua Joe , Mesia Kahunu Gauthier , Pochart Philippe , Tona Lutete Gaston
Published: February 2021

Objective

To characterise the factors associated with HIV treatment failure (HIVTF) from reported pharmacovigilance data in Africa.

Materials and Methods

This is an observational pharmacovigilance analysis of the safety data of HIVTF available in the WHO International Pharmacovigilance database ‘VigiBase®’. We used the Standardised MedDRA Queries (SMQ) to identify all the terms corresponding to HIVTF. To identify all relevant molecules and classes of antiretroviral therapy, we used the anatomic, therapeutic, and chemical classification. We presented results as a percentage or an adjusted Reporting Odds Ratio (aROR) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI).

Results

HIVTF was more reported in Africa compared with the rest of the world with 19.1% (18.1%–20.1%) corresponding to 1206 of all 6304 HIVTF reports. Among all the 37 WHO country members in Africa, South Africa was the main source of origin for these HIVTF reports with 86.8% (84.9%–88.7%). Compared to adults, children and adolescents were the most population groups affected by HIVTF, aROR = 2.7, (95% CI) 1.7–4.2 and aROR = 7.9, (95% CI) 4.5–13.9, respectively.

Conclusion

South Africa was the leading country of the reporting of HIVTF in Africa. The proportion of HIVTF was higher in both HIV‐infected children and adolescents than in adults. There is a need for the improvement of medical care for children and adolescents with HIV infection in Africa.
Degradation of STOP1 mediated by the F‐box proteins RAH1 and RAE1 balances aluminum resistance and plant growth in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Fang Qiu , Zhou Fanglin , Zhang Yang , Singh Somesh , Huang Chao‐Feng
Published: February 2021

The C2H2‐type zinc finger transcription factor sensitive to proton rhizotoxicity 1 (STOP1) is crucial for aluminum (Al) resistance in Arabidopsis. The F‐box protein Regulation of AtALMT1 Expression 1 (RAE1) was recently reported to regulate the stability of STOP1. There is a unique homolog of RAE1, RAH1 (RAE1 homolog 1), in Arabidopsis, but the biological function of RAH1 is still not known. In this study, we characterize the role of RAH1 and/or RAE1 in the regulation of Al resistance and plant growth. We demonstrate that RAH1 can directly interact with STOP1 and promote its ubiquitination and degradation. RAH1 is preferentially expressed in root caps and various vascular tissues, and its expression is induced by Al and controlled by STOP1. Mutation of RAH1 in rae1 but not the wild‐type (WT) background increases the level of STOP1 protein, leading to increased expression of STOP1‐regulated genes and enhanced Al resistance. Interestingly, the rah1rae1 double mutant shows reduced plant growth compared with the WT and single mutants under normal conditions, and introduction of stop1 mutation into the double mutant background can rescue its reduced plant growth phenotype. Our results thus reveal that RAH1 plays an unequally redundant role with RAE1 in the modulation of STOP1 stability and plant growth, and dynamic regulation of the STOP1 level is critical for the balance of Al resistance and normal plant growth.
Ex vivo comparison of the bursting strength of an equine ventral midline celiotomy covered by two standard abdominal bandages
Authors: Weatherall Kathleen M. , Boone Lindsey H. , Munsterman Amelia , Hanson R. Reid
Published: February 2021

Objective

To determine the compressive effect of abdominal bandages after ventral midline celiotomy closure in horses.

Study design

Ex vivo, experimental study.

Animals

Equine cadavers (n = 18), six per group.

Methods

A 20‐cm ventral midline celiotomy was created in each of 18 equine cadavers. A 200‐L inflatable bladder was placed in the abdomen, and the linea alba was apposed. Horses were randomly assigned to no bandage (C), elastic (E), or Velcro inelastic (I) bandage groups for testing. Circumferential bandages were placed with a subbandage pressure monitoring system over the incision. The bladder was insufflated until construct failure, which was determined by a decrease in pressure reading. Bursting pressure, location of body wall or bandage failure, and subbandage pressures were recorded.

Results

Maximum bursting pressure was different between groups E and C (P = .004), with no difference between groups E and I (P = .146) or I and C (P = .085). Group I achieved higher subbandage pressure compared with group E (P = .036). Abdominal compliance was not different between groups (P = .099). Location of failure differed between groups (P = .011), with failure at the diaphragm more common in group I (6/6, 100%) compared with groups E (3/6 [50%]) and C (1/6 [16.7%]).

Conclusion

Elastic abdominal bandages had higher abdominal bursting pressures compared with unbandaged incisions.
The localization theorem for framed motivic spaces
Authors: Hoyois Marc
Published: February 2021

We prove the analog of the Morel–Voevodsky localization theorem for framed motivic spaces. We deduce that framed motivic spectra are equivalent to motivic spectra over arbitrary schemes, and we give a new construction of the motivic cohomology of arbitrary schemes.
Design of a Xenia Coral Robot Using a High-Stroke Compliant Linear Electromagnetic Actuator
Authors: Kohls Noah , Abdeally Ibrahim , Ruddy Bryan P. , Mazumdar Yi Chen
Published: February 2021

Electromagnetic actuators provide fast speed, large forces, high strokes, and wide bandwidths. Most designs, however, are constructed from rigid components, making these benefits inaccessible for many soft robotics applications. In this work, we develop a new soft electromagnetic linear actuator using liquid gallium–indium for the conductor and neodymium–iron–boron and polymer composites for the permanent magnet. When combined in a solenoid configuration, high strokes can be generated using entirely soft components. To emulate the pulsing motion of Xenia coral arms, we develop an additional soft flexure system that converts the linear translation to rotary motion. The design and fabrication of the electromagnetic actuator and compliant flexure are first described. Models for the magnetic forces and the joint kinematics are then developed and compared with the experimental results. Finally, the robot dynamics are analyzed using stochastic system identification techniques. Results show that the compliant actuator is able to achieve an 18 mm stroke, allowing the soft arms to bend up to 120 deg. This further enables the tips of the arms to traverse an arc length of 42 mm. Bandwidths up to 30 Hz were also observed. While this article focuses on emulating a biological system, this highly deformable actuator design can also be utilized for fully soft grasping or wearables applications.
Collision-Free Robot Coordination and Visualization Tools for Robust Cycle Time Optimization
Authors: Spensieri Domenico , Åblad Edvin , Kressin Jonas , Carlson Johan S. , Andersson Alf
Published: February 2021

This paper presents novel algorithms and visualization tools for avoiding collisions and minimizing cycle time in multi-robot stations by velocity tuning of robot motions. These tools have the potential to support product/manufacturing engineers in the practical task of adding synchronization instructions to robot programs to overcome the challenges in terms of product design, cycle time, quality control, and maintenance including re-usability of coordination schemes. We propose a range of techniques to achieve that, when additional requirements make the best coordination strategy hard to be chosen. Indeed, our main contributions are (i) considering and minimizing delays introduced by limitation in hardware synchronization mechanisms, (ii) highlighting insights on the relationship between a 3D working space and a path coordination space, and (iii) a computational tool for visualization of shared areas in both work space and path coordination space. Different strategies based on the developed algorithms are evaluated by successfully automatically solving industrial test cases from inspection measurement applications in the automotive industry. A study about how cycle time robustness is significantly influenced by variation in the robot motion execution times is also given.
Testing the State of Internal Load and Strength of the Facade Mesh Wire Subjected to the Corrugation Process
Authors: Gawronska Elzbieta , Śpiewak Szczepan
Published: February 2021

The article presents an example of a structural solution of a mesh facade installed on a public building. The types of loads that can affect the structure of such a mesh have been characterized. The course of the wire shaping process used to produce the described mesh was reported. A finite element method (FEM) model was developed to simulate mechanical phenomena occurring during the technological process of crimping stainless-steel wire. Material model parameters have been defined. The developed model was verified in production conditions. Relations between wire-forming loads and tensile limit loads, as well as the distribution of equivalent tensile stress forced by the crimping process and internal stresses after crimping, were determined. The description of the technological process was presented in a form of a graph. The work contains the results of strength tests of wire materials and shaping tools.
Experimental and Numerical Analysis on the Influences of Direct Fuel Injection Into Oxygen-Depleted Environment of a Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition Engine
Authors: Sok Ratnak , Yoshimura Kei , Nakama Kenjiro , Kusaka Jin
Published: February 2021

The oxygen-depleted environment in the recompression stroke can convert gasoline fuel into light hydrocarbons due to thermal cracking, partial oxidation, and water-gas shift reactions. These reformate species can influence the combustion characteristics of gasoline direct injection homogeneous charge compression ignition (GDI-HCCI) engines. In this work, the combustion phenomena are investigated using a single-cylinder research engine under a medium load. The main combustion phases are experimentally advanced by direct fuel injection into the negative valve overlap (NVO) compared with that of intake stroke under single/double-pulse injections. NVO peak in-cylinder pressures are lower than that of motoring due to the limited O2 concentration, emphasizing that endothermic reactions occur during the overlap. This phenomenon limits the oxidation reactions, and the thermal effect is not pronounced. The zero-dimensional chemical kinetics results present the same increasing tendencies of classical reformed species of rich mixture such as C3H6, C2H4, CH4, CO, and H2 as functions of injection timings. Predicted ignition delays are shortened due to the additions of these reformed species. The influences of the reformates on the main combustion are confirmed by three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) calculations, and the results show that OH radicals are advanced under NVO injections relative to intake stroke injections. Consequently, earlier heat release and cylinder pressure are noticeable. Parametric studies on the effects of injection pressure, double-pulse injection, and equivalence ratio on the combustion and emissions are also discussed experimentally.
Mathematical Modeling and Computational Tool That Consider the Thermal Behavior of Inverters in the Forecast of Energy Yield in Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems
Authors: Figueiredo Gilberto , Mares Fabrício M. , Manito Alex A. , Torres Pedro F. , Macêdo Wilson N.
Published: February 2021

The evaluation of the DC/AC conversion process of inverters on photovoltaic (PV) systems can be performed through experimental monitoring or computer simulations. In general, the basis of the simulation tools is the mathematical models capable of describing the dynamics of the system components. This article presents the results of energy simulations of deterministic mathematical models implemented to estimate the energy processing steps of grid-connected photovoltaic systems (GCPVS) considering the thermal behavior of inverters under power limitation by temperature. Operational data of GCPVS with different configurations were used to validate the simulations, and the results in terms of annual energy presented relative error lower than ±2%.
Numerical analysis of pattern shape deformation in UV imprint considering thermal deformation with UV shrinkage and curing
Authors: Onishi Yuki , Yamashita Ryunosuke , Amaya Kenji , Hirai Yoshihiko
Published: February 2021

A novel numerical method for analyzing the deformation of molding patterns on UV imprint with soft molds considering thermal deformation in addition to UV shrinkage and curing is presented. In the case of UV imprint using an easily deformable mold-like PDMS, transfer error on UV resin is caused by thermal expansion/contraction arising from UV reaction heat and by UV shrinkage. Specifically, when a UV resin with high reaction heat such as cation polymerization-type UV resin is used, thermal deformation has a nonnegligible effect on pattern shape deformation. Therefore, it is necessary to consider thermal deformation caused by UV reaction heat in the numerical deformation analysis of UV imprint requiring high surface accuracy, such as optical devices. The present method newly adopts the theory of reaction rate to consider the temperature-dependent UV reaction rate and introduces an advanced idea of virtual temperature as a measure of UV reaction progress. By defining the time histories of thermal deformation and UV shrinkage as a function of virtual temperature, the effects of both are considered simultaneously. In order to apply the present method to actual imprints, temperature measurement experiments and various rheometry experiments are conducted on a target UV resin to identify its model parameters. A validation analysis of the present method is performed on an actual micromirror array imprint and shows that the simulation accuracy of transfer error can be significantly improved by considering thermal deformation.
Glucose Metabolism and Acetate Switch in Archaea: the Enzymes in Haloferax volcanii
Authors: Kuprat Tom , Ortjohann Marius , Johnsen Ulrike , Schönheit Peter
Published: February 2021

The halophilic archaeon Haloferax volcanii has been proposed to degrade glucose via the semiphosphorylative Entner-Doudoroff (spED) pathway. Following our previous studies on key enzymes of this pathway, we now focus on the characterization of enzymes involved in 3-phosphoglycerate conversion to pyruvate, in anaplerosis, and in acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) formation from pyruvate. These enzymes include phosphoglycerate mutase, enolase, pyruvate kinase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase, and pyruvate-ferredoxin oxidoreductase. The essential function of these enzymes were shown by transcript analyses and growth experiments with respective deletion mutants. Furthermore, we show that H. volcanii—during aerobic growth on glucose—excreted significant amounts of acetate, which was consumed in the stationary phase (acetate switch). The enzyme catalyzing the conversion of acetyl-CoA to acetate as part of the acetate overflow mechanism, an ADP-forming acetyl-CoA synthetase (ACD), was characterized. The functional involvement of ACD in acetate formation and of AMP-forming acetyl-CoA synthetases (ACSs) in activation of excreted acetate was proven by using respective deletion mutants. Together, the data provide a comprehensive analysis of enzymes of the spED pathway and of anaplerosis and report the first genetic evidence of the functional involvement of enzymes of the acetate switch in archaea.

IMPORTANCE In this work, we provide a comprehensive analysis of glucose degradation via the semiphosphorylative Entner-Doudoroff pathway in the haloarchaeal model organism Haloferax volcanii. The study includes transcriptional analyses, growth experiments with deletion mutants. and characterization of all enzymes involved in the conversion of 3-phosphoglycerate to acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) and in anaplerosis. Phylogenetic analyses of several enzymes indicate various lateral gene transfer events from bacteria to haloarchaea. Furthermore, we analyzed the key players involved in the acetate switch, i.e., in the formation (overflow) and subsequent consumption of acetate during aerobic growth on glucose. Together, the data provide novel aspects of glucose degradation, anaplerosis, and acetate switch in H. volcanii and thus expand our understanding of the unusual sugar metabolism in archaea.
Novel Roles of the N1 Loop and N4 Alpha-Helical Region of the Nipah Virus Fusion Glycoprotein in Modulating Early and Late Steps of the Membrane Fusion Cascade
Authors: Zamora J. Lizbeth Reyes , Ortega Victoria , Johnston Gunner P. , Li Jenny , Aguilar Hector C.
Published: February 2021

Henipaviruses infect bats, agriculturally important animals, and humans, with high mortality rates approaching ∼75% in humans. Known human outbreaks have been concentrated in Southeast Asia and Australia.
Porcine Complement Regulatory Protein CD46 Is a Major Receptor for Atypical Porcine Pestivirus but Not for Classical Swine Fever Virus
Authors: Cagatay Gökce Nur , Antos Aleksandra , Suckstorff Oliver , Isken Olaf , Tautz Norbert , Becher Paul , Postel Alexander
Published: February 2021

Pestiviruses comprise animal pathogens such as classical swine fever virus (CSFV) and bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) that cause notifiable diseases with great economic impact. Several additional pestivirus species affecting animal health were recently identified, including atypical porcine pestivirus (APPV).
Phosphorylation Sites in the Hypervariable Domain in Chikungunya Virus nsP3 Are Crucial for Viral Replication
Authors: Teppor Mona , Žusinaite Eva , Merits Andres
Published: February 2021

CHIKV outbreaks have affected millions of people, creating a need for the development of antiviral approaches. nsP3 is a component of the CHIKV RNA replicase and is involved in interactions with host proteins and signaling cascades. Phosphorylation of the HVD in nsP3 is important for the virulent alphavirus phenotype.
Delayed diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis in an elderly patient presenting with weakness and desolation
Authors: Stiebitz Sebastian , von Streng Tasslem , Strickler Moritz
Published: February 2021

We describe the case of an 81-year-old man who presented with unspecific symptoms of desolation and general weakness, which led to a delayed diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The patient had not received any previous treatment as he had not been in contact with medical services for several years prior to hospital admission. This enabled advanced disease manifestations to develop, including peripheral neuropathy with distal paraparesis, lethargy and weight loss. These signs and symptoms were later recognised as extra-articular manifestations of RA and classical features of RA were less pronounced. Following extensive diagnostic testing ruling out other possible causes for the presenting symptoms, an anti-inflammatory therapy with oral glucocorticoids and methotrexate was started.
Importance of thorough investigation in a patient presenting with recurrent collapse and ST elevation
Authors: Connolly Georgia May , Sammut Eva , Carpenter Alexander , Nisbet Ashley
Published: February 2021

There is increasing literature to suggest numerous subgroups of Brugada syndrome (BrS), including those with ST elevation in the lateral or inferior leads. We present a case of a patient presenting with recurrent collapse and inferior ST elevation degenerating to ventricular fibrillation and ultimately leading to a diagnosis of BrS.