bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences in stressful life events between men and women experiencing homelessness
Authors: Rodriguez‐Moreno Sara , Vázquez José J. , Roca Pablo , Panadero Sonia
Published: November 2020

People experiencing homelessness are particularly vulnerable to experiencing stressful life events (SLEs) at some point in their lives; these SLEs are crucial for understanding the etiology and maintenance of homelessness. This study analyses the differences between men and women experiencing homelessness in the suffering of SLEs throughout their lives (childhood, adolescence, and adulthood). The sample consisted of a group of 293 people experiencing homelessness in Madrid (Spain): 156 men and 137 women. The results suggest that the number and type of SLEs experienced by men and women are different. In general, women experiencing homelessness suffer more SLEs than men in all periods of their lives. The differences in the level of sexual violence in childhood, sexual abuse in adulthood, and abuse by a spouse or partner are particularly striking. However, men experiencing homelessness score significantly higher than women for alcohol abuse, police complaints, arrest, and imprisonment throughout their lives. These findings have significant implications for the design of interventions and social policies that should be tailored to the specific needs of men and women who are homeless.
Influence of urban residents' life satisfaction on prosocial behavioral intentions in the community: A multiple mediation model
Authors: Zhang Heyun , Zhao Huanhuan
Published: November 2020

Prosocial behavior is a category of acts that benefits other people and society. However, previous researchers have paid little attention to the study of community prosocial behavior. Accordingly, the present study adopts multiple mediation analysis to investigate how urban residents' life satisfaction influences their prosocial behavioral intentions in the community. This study collects data from an online survey of Chinese urban residents (N = 765) using self‐administered questionnaires. Results show the following: (1) a positive association exists between urban residents' life satisfaction and their community prosocial behavioral intentions; (2) multiple mediation analysis reveals that orientation to meaning life, perception of virtuous humanity, and cognitive reappraisal mediated the relationship between urban residents' life satisfaction and prosocial behavioral intentions. These findings suggest that urban residents' life satisfaction may facilitate their community prosocial behavioral intentions via high levels of orientation to meaning life, perception of virtuous humanity, and cognitive reappraisal. This study also discusses certain contributions and limitations.
Ubiquitin‐specific protease 14 is a new therapeutic target for the treatment of diseases
Authors: Wang Dan , Ma Haichun , Zhao Yutong , Zhao Jing
Published: November 2020

Ubiquitin‐specific protease 14 (USP14) is a ubiquitin‐specific protease that is associated with the proteasome and plays important roles in cellular functions, viral infection, inflammatory responses, neurodegenerative diseases, and tumorigenesis. USP14 appears to have a dual function in regulating intracellular proteolytic degradation. USP14 impedes degradation of ubiquitinated proteins by removing ubiquitin chains from its substrates, while it could promote protein degradation via increasing proteasome activation. Increasing evidence has shown that USP14 is also involved in the regulation of autophagy. Thus, USP14 might act as a key regulator in two major intracellular proteolytic pathways: the ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) and autophagy. The important roles of USP14 in multiple diseases have encouraged the development of clinically viable USP14 antagonists. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge about the regulation of USP14 expression, activity, and its functions in physiological and pathological processes.
The momentous role of N6‐methyladenosine in lung cancer
Authors: Xu Ruiyao , Pang Gaozong , Zhao Qing , Yang Lin , Chen Shu , Jiang Long , Shen Yuxian , Shao Wei
Published: November 2020

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Although diagnostic methods and targeted drugs have been rapidly developed in recent years, the underlying molecular mechanisms in the pathogenesis of lung cancer remain enigmatic. The N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) modification is the most common modification of messenger RNA in eukaryotes and plays critical roles in many diseases, especially cancers. Ectopic m6A modification is associated with human carcinogenesis, including lung cancer. The m6A modification is mediated by methyltransferases (writers) and demethylases (erasers) and indirectly affects biological processes through the recruitment of specific reader proteins (readers). Many studies have shown that m6A writers, erasers, and readers serve as specific and sensitive biomarkers for lung cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy. This review summarizes recent studies on the biological functions of the m6A modification in lung cancer and discusses the potential application of m6A regulators in lung cancer diagnosis and therapeutics.
Prediction of Fracture Risk From Early‐Stage Bone Markers in Patients With Osteoporosis Treated With Once‐Yearly Administered Zoledronic Acid
Authors: Kasai Hidefumi , Mori Yoko , Ose Atsushi , Shiraki Masataka , Tanigawara Yusuke
Published: November 2020

The prevention of fractures is the ultimate goal of osteoporosis treatments. To achieve this objective, developing a method to predict fracture risk in the early stage of osteoporosis treatment would be clinically useful. This study aimed to develop a mathematical model quantifying the long‐term fracture risk after 2 annual doses of 5 mg of once‐yearly administered zoledronic acid or placebo based on the short‐term measurement of bone turnover markers or bone mineral density (BMD). The data used in this analysis were obtained from a randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, 2‐year study of zoledronic acid that included 656 patients with primary osteoporosis. Two‐year individual bone resorption marker (tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase 5b [TRACP‐5b]) and lumbar spine (L2‐L4) BMD profiles were simulated using baseline values and short‐term measurements (at 3 months for TRACP‐5b and 6 months for BMD) according to the pharmacodynamic model. A new parametric time‐to‐event model was developed to describe the risk of clinical fractures. Fracture risk was estimated using TRACP‐5b or BMD and the number of baseline vertebral fractures. As a result, the fracture risk during the 2 years was successfully predicted using TRACP‐5b or BMD. The 90% prediction intervals well covered the observed fracture profiles in both models. Therefore, TRACP‐5b or BMD is useful to predict the fracture risk of patients with osteoporosis, and TRACP‐5b would be more useful because it is an earlier marker. Importantly, the developed model allows clinicians to inform patients of their predicted response at the initial stage of zoledronic acid treatment.
Cellular and whole‐organism effects of prolonged versus acute heat stress in a montane, desert lizard
Authors: Refsnider Jeanine M. , Vazquez Tyara K. , Clifton Ian T. , Jayawardena Dileepa M. , Heckathorn Scott A.
Published: November 2020

Global climate change involves both prolonged periods of higher‐than‐normal temperatures and short but extreme heat waves. Both types of temperature increases are likely to be detrimental to ectotherms, and even if such temperature increases do not cause mortality directly, compensating for such temperature increases will likely entail costs to organisms. We tested the effects of prolonged periods of higher‐than‐average temperatures and short‐term, acute heat stress in wild populations of greater short‐horned lizards (Phrynosoma hernandesi), a temperate, montane lizard of the Colorado Plateau, UT, USA. We transplanted one group of lizards from a high‐ to a low‐elevation site, exposing them to a prolonged period of warmer temperatures. These lizards, exposed to prolonged periods of higher‐than‐average temperatures, experienced no change in sprint speed, endurance, or heat shock protein (HSP) production after treatment compared to baseline levels; however, they had lower water content after the transplant to a warmer climate compared to before the transplant. We exposed a second group of lizards to acute heat stress by exposing them to thermally stressful temperatures for 4 h. These lizards, exposed to a short period of acute heat stress, had no change in endurance, water content, or HSP production following acute heat stress; however, lizards exposed to acute heat stress had slower sprint speeds than control lizards. Our results demonstrate that both prolonged temperature increases and acute heat stress, each of which are predicted to occur with climate change, had different cellular and/or whole organismal‐level effects on lizards.
Sequential therapy from entecavir to tenofovir alafenamide versus continuous entecavir monotherapy for patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Itokawa Norio , Atsukawa Masanori , Tsubota Akihito , Takaguchi Koichi , Nakamuta Makoto , Hiraoka Atsushi , Kato Keizo , Abe Hiroshi , Mikami Shigeru , Shimada Noritomo , Chuma Makoto , Nozaki Akito , Uojima Haruki , Ogawa Chikara , Asano Toru , Tani Joji , Morishita Asahiro , Senoh Tomonori , Yamashita Naoki , Oikawa Tsunekazu , Matsumoto Yoshihiro , Koeda Mai , Yoshida Yuji , Tanabe Tomohide , Okubo Tomomi , Arai Taeang , Hayama Korenobu , Iwashita Ai‐Nakagawa , Kondo Chisa , Tada Toshifumi , Toyoda Hidenori , Kumada Takashi , Iwakiri Katsuhiko
Published: November 2020

Background and Aim

Although tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), as well as entecavir (ETV), is widely used as first‐line treatment for patients with chronic hepatitis B, there are only a few studies comparing sequential therapy from ETV to TAF and continuous ETV monotherapy in patients with maintained virologic response to ETV.

Methods

In a retrospective multicenter study, we investigated the efficacy and safety of sequential therapy from ETV to TAF (ETV‐TAF group) and compared them with continuous ETV monotherapy (ETV group), using propensity score matching, in chronic hepatitis B patients.

Results

From 442 patients, we analyzed 142 patients from each group comprising 71 patients matched for several data, including age, HBV genotype, hepatitis B envelope antigen, cirrhosis, alanine aminotransferase, platelet count, prior ETV monotherapy period, and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) change during prior ETV monotherapy. In the ETV‐TAF group, HBsAg levels significantly decreased from baseline to 48 weeks after switching to TAF (−0.02 log IU/mL, P = 0.038). HBcrAg levels also significantly decreased after switching to TAF (−0.1 log IU/mL, P = 0.004). However, there were no significant differences in the reduction of HBsAg and HBcrAg levels between the ETV‐TAF and ETV groups. There was no significant difference in the change of estimated glomerular filtration rate levels from baseline to 48 weeks between the two groups.

Conclusions

The present study indicated that the efficacy, especially of the HBsAg‐reducing action, and safety of sequential therapy from ETV to TAF were similar to those of continuous ETV monotherapy among chronic hepatitis B patients with maintained virologic response to ETV.
Analysis of right‐sided ligamentum teres: The novel anatomical findings and classification
Authors: Terasaki Fumihiro , Yamamoto Yusuke , Sugiura Teiichi , Okamura Yukiyasu , Ito Takaaki , Ashida Ryo , Ohgi Katsuhisa , Aramaki Takeshi , Uesaka Katsuhiko
Published: November 2020

Background

The true anatomy of right‐sided ligamentum teres (RSLT) has not been fully explained for a century. This study aimed to clarify the exact anatomy of RSLT.

Methods

The computed tomography data of 17 651 surgical patients were observed and 76 patients with RSLT, were classified into the bilateral ligamentum teres (LT) group (type A) and three RSLT groups, (B) bifurcation type, (C) trifurcation type, and (D) independent posterior branch type.

Results

Type A had double LT that connected to both the right and left sides of the umbilical portion (UP). Types B‐D had a P3 + 4 rather than a left UP. Type D was anatomically different from types A‐C. Upon comparing types A‐C and type D, type D had a significantly smaller volume of segments 3 + 4 (P < .001), and the UP was more often on the left side. The position of the gallbladder fundus in type D was more commonly observed on the right side of the LT compared with that observed in the other types (P = .007).

Conclusions

The change in the volume of segments 3 + 4 and the extent of the RSLT shift create a false perception that the gallbladder changes the position.
Investigating knowledge regarding antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance among pharmacy students in Australian universities
Authors: Sakeena M. H. F. , Bennett Alexandra A. , McLachlan Andrew J.
Published: November 2020

Background

Inappropriate antibiotic use is a major contributor to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) globally. Pharmacists with appropriate skills and training can help address the challenge of AMR.

Aim

To investigate antibiotic use, knowledge of antibiotics and AMR among pharmacy students in Australian universities and to compare these outcomes between junior and senior pharmacy student groups.

Method

A survey regarding global knowledge on AMR was conducted at 14 Australian universities offering pharmacy programmes. All pharmacy students were invited to participate in a self‐administered online questionnaire with five major sections: demographic information, self‐reported antibiotic use, knowledge of antibiotic use in human health, knowledge of AMR and antibiotic use in agriculture. Descriptive data analysis and Chi‐square tests were used in the analysis.

Results

Five hundred and twenty‐five pharmacy students completed the questionnaire. The majority of participants (88%) reported antibiotic use in the past year. Senior pharmacy students (n = 274) reported significantly improved knowledge of appropriate antibiotic indications when compared to junior students (n = 251), p < 0.05. Junior pharmacy students were more likely to incorrectly recommend antibiotics for the management of cold and flu (p < 0.05). Overall,pharmacy students demonstrated a sound understanding of AMR and this knowledge increased among senior pharmacy students.

Conclusion

This study found that pharmacy students in Australian universities commonly report using antibiotics. Senior pharmacy students demonstrate an improved understanding of the appropriate use of antibiotics and AMR when compared to junior pharmacy students in Australia.
Content of toxic metals and As in marine and freshwater fish species available for sale in EU supermarkets and health risk associated with its consumption
Authors: Jarosz‐Krzemińska Elżbieta , Mikołajczyk Natalia , Adamiec Ewa
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

The present study investigated Pb, Cd and As concentrations in canned tuna, tuna steak, rainbow trout, smoked mackerel, and Baltic and Atlantic cod, as well as Atlantic salmon. The aim was to spot check the quality of the most commonly purchased types of fish that are available for sale in most common supermarket chains throughout the Poland, as well as to determine potentially less contaminated sources of fish available for retail. A dry ashing digestion protocol followed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis was employed to achieve a better recover of heavy metals and As from fish muscle tissues.

RESULTS

The cumulative concentration of metals and As in fish muscle tissue decreases in order: farmed Atlantic salmon > mackerel > Baltic cod > rainbow trout > canned tuna fish > Atlantic cod > yellowfin tuna steak. It was found that canned tuna from Central and Eastern Pacific Ocean were more contaminated than tuna from East and West Indian Ocean, Baltic cod was significantly more contaminated than cod from North‐East Atlantic. Smoked mackerel from North‐East Pacific Ocean is three times more contaminated than mackerel from Northern North Sea. All fish, except for yellowfin tuna steak, should not be intended for retail because they exceed maximum levels for Cd and Pb.

CONCLUSION

Consuming only one serving (140 g) of Baltic cod exposes one to 51% of the daily acceptable Cd intake, while the same portion of canned tuna and smoked mackerel from the Pacific Ocean deliver 69% and 72% of this element respectively. The most cadmium is consumed with smoked mackerel from the North Sea, comprising as much as 162% of the daily acceptable dosage . © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Patterns of Care and Survival Outcomes for Odontogenic Cancers
Authors: Rooney Michael K. , Korpics Mark C. , Turchan William Tyler , Callahan Nicholas , Koshy Matthew , Spiotto Michael T.
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Our understanding of odontogenic cancers is limited primarily to case studies given the rarity of these head and neck neoplasms. Using the National Cancer Database, we report the treatment patterns and survival outcomes for one of the largest cohorts of patients with odontogenic cancers.

Methods

Patients with odontogenic tumors who did not have metastatic disease and received at least part of their care at the reporting facility were included. Patient and treatment variables were assessed using logistic regression. Survival was assessed using Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

We identified 437 patients with odontogenic cancers, the majority of which had malignant ameloblastoma (n = 203) or odontogenic carcinoma (n = 217). Median follow‐up was 44.8 months. On multivariate analysis, improved survival was associated with age <57 years (Hazard ratios [HR] 0.44, P = .012), lower comorbidity scores (HR 0.40, P = .008), surgical resection (HR 0.08, P < .001) and absence of lymph node metastasis (HR 0.23, P < .001). The 5‐year overall survival was 87.1% for debulking surgery, 88.6% for radical resection and 26.6% for no surgical resection (P < .001). Lymph node metastases were associated with tumor size ≥5 cm (P = .006), malignant odontogenic histology (P = .025), and moderate/poor differentiation (P < .001).

Conclusion

In this large series of odontogenic cancers, any type of surgical resection was associated with improved survival. Lymph node metastases, although infrequent, were associated with significantly worse survival.

Level of Evidence

Level 3 Laryngoscope, 131:E1496–E1502, 2021
Prevascularized Tracheal Scaffolds Using the Platysma Flap for Enhanced Tracheal Regeneration
Authors: Lee Minhyung , Choi Ji Suk , Eom Min Rye , Jeong Eun Ji , Kim Jooyoung , Park Su A , Kwon Seong Keun
Published: November 2020

Objectives

One of the greatest hurdles in tracheal tissue engineering is insufficient vascularization, which leads to delayed mucosal regeneration, inflammation, and restenosis. This study investigated whether a prevascularized segmental tracheal substitute using platysma can enhance tracheal mucosal regeneration.

Methods

Three‐dimensional (3D) printed scaffolds with (group M) or without (group S) Matrigel coating were implanted under the feeding vessels of the platysma in New Zealand White rabbits (n = 3) to induce vascularization. After 1 or 2 weeks, tracheal defects were created and vascularized scaffolds with feeders of the platysma were transplanted as rotational flaps. As controls, scaffolds with or without Matrigel coating was transplanted into a tracheal defect without prevascularization. Airway patency and epithelization were examined using a rigid bronchoscope every 2 weeks. Surviving animals were euthanized at 24 weeks, and microcomputed tomography and histological evaluation were performed.

Results

Animals with 2 weeks of prevascularization showed longer survival than animals with 0 or 1 weeks of prevascularization regardless of the Matrigel coating. Wider airway patency was observed in group M than group S. Group M showed migration of epithelium over the scaffold from 4 weeks after transplantation and complete coverage with epithelium at 12 weeks, whereas group S showed migration of the epithelium from 14 weeks and incomplete coverage with epithelium even at 24 weeks.

Conclusion

This two‐step method, utilizing the platysma as an in vivo bioreactor, may be a promising approach to achieve long‐term survival and enhanced luminal patency. Matrigel coating on the scaffold had a synergistic effect on epithelial regeneration.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 131:1732–1740, 2021
Nonrandom species loss in phytoplankton communities and its effect on ecosystem functioning
Authors: Gerhard Miriam , Mori Corinna , Striebel Maren
Published: November 2020

The effects of species diversity on ecosystem functioning have been broadly studied, mostly considering random artificial assemblages. However, natural communities are shaped by ecological interactions and environmental conditions often leading to nonrandom species extinctions. Here, we manipulated a natural phytoplankton community by generating a taxonomic diversity gradient based on rare species exclusions and conducted a mesocosm experiment to investigate the diversity effects on ecosystem functioning (resource use efficiency and biomass) under two nutrient levels. We quantified two functional traits (size and photosynthetic pigments) to evaluate the relation of functional diversity and ecosystem functioning. In a second experimental phase we simulated temperature fluctuations to assess the role of diversity on temporal stability of ecosystem functioning. We did not find a significant effect of diversity on ecosystem functioning and the temporal stability of ecosystem functioning, regardless of nutrient level. These results indicated that loss of biomass caused by rare species extinctions was compensated by the species retained in the diversity gradient. Phytoplankton size diversity was positively related to diversity, but this was not transferred into a positive diversity effect on ecosystem functioning. Additionally, the loss of species did not result in a loss of pigment diversity. The lack of a biodiversity–ecosystem functioning (BEF) relationship in our study may be due to the weak coupling of functional and species diversity and a low manifestation of functional diversity under the evaluated conditions. We emphasize that more realistic biodiversity loss scenarios in experiments can yield different results from those in classical BEF research paradigms.
Further studies on the anaerobic corrosion of carbon steel in alkaline media in support of the Belgian supercontainer concept
Authors: Smart Nicholas R. , Rance Andrew P. , Fennell Paul A. H. , Gaggiano Roberto , Padovani Cristiano
Published: November 2020

In the Belgian supercontainer concept, a carbon steel overpack surrounds high‐level radioactive waste and spent fuel containers and is encased in a cementitious buffer material. Research has been carried out to characterise the anaerobic corrosion of carbon steel in an anoxic artificial alkaline porewater that simulates the cementitious buffer material and also in solid cement matrices, in the presence of chloride and the sulphur species expected in the groundwater. The current study focuses on recent results. Specifically, it provides an update on the long‐term corrosion rates obtained from gas generation measurements (including new data from higher‐sensitivity autoclaves) and weight loss measurements and provides results of postmortem analysis of dismantled cells. The behaviour of the system is discussed, focusing on the effects of the solution chemistry, precorrosion treatments and γ radiation on corrosion rates, the electrochemical response of the steel when irradiated, and the morphology of the corrosion product. The corrosion rate was lower in cement than in an aqueous system. Radiation affected the corrosion potential and the morphology of the corrosion product.
Automated Categorization of Parkinsonian Syndromes Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging in a Clinical Setting
Authors: Chougar Lydia , Faouzi Johann , Pyatigorskaya Nadya , Yahia‐Cherif Lydia , Gaurav Rahul , Biondetti Emma , Villotte Marie , Valabrègue Romain , Corvol Jean‐Christophe , Brice Alexis , Mariani Louise‐Laure , Cormier Florence , Vidailhet Marie , Dupont Gwendoline , Piot Ines , Grabli David , Payan Christine , Colliot Olivier , Degos Bertrand , Lehéricy Stéphane
Published: November 2020

Background

Machine learning algorithms using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data can accurately discriminate parkinsonian syndromes. Validation in patients recruited in routine clinical practice is missing.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of a machine learning algorithm trained on a research cohort and tested on an independent clinical replication cohort for the categorization of parkinsonian syndromes.

Methods

Three hundred twenty‐two subjects, including 94 healthy control subjects, 119 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), 51 patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) with Richardson's syndrome, 35 with multiple system atrophy (MSA) of the parkinsonian variant (MSA‐P), and 23 with MSA of the cerebellar variant (MSA‐C), were recruited. They were divided into a training cohort (n = 179) scanned in a research environment and a replication cohort (n = 143) examined in clinical practice on different MRI systems. Volumes and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics in 13 brain regions were used as input for a supervised machine learning algorithm. To harmonize data across scanners and reduce scanner‐dependent effects, we tested two types of normalizations using patient data or healthy control data.

Results

In the replication cohort, high accuracies were achieved using volumetry in the classification of PD–PSP, PD–MSA‐C, PSP–MSA‐C, and PD‐atypical parkinsonism (balanced accuracies: 0.840–0.983, area under the receiver operating characteristic curves: 0.907–0.995). Performances were lower for the classification of PD–MSA‐P, MSA‐C–MSA‐P (balanced accuracies: 0.765–0.784, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: 0.839–0.871) and PD–PSP–MSA (balanced accuracies: 0.773). Performance using DTI was improved when normalizing by controls, but remained lower than that using volumetry alone or combined with DTI.

Conclusions

A machine learning approach based on volumetry enabled accurate classification of subjects with early‐stage parkinsonism, examined on different MRI systems, as part of their clinical assessment. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Association of long noncoding RNA MALAT1 polymorphisms with gastric cancer risk in Korean individuals
Authors: Hong Jang Hee , Jin Eun‐Heui , Chang In Ae , Kang Hyojin , Lee Sang‐Il , Sung Jae Kyu
Published: November 2020

Background

Metastasis‐associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) drives tumorigenesis of various human cancers. However, the association between MALAT1 variants and gastric cancer (GC) risk is unknown. We performed a case‐control study to evaluate the possible association between rs619586 and rs3200401 SNPs in MALAT and GC risk.

Methods

Samples from 458 patients with GC and 381 controls were genotyped using the TaqMan genotyping assay.

Results

In stratified analyses, we observed that rs3200401 CT in the codominant model and CT+TT in the dominant model were associated with increased GC risk in male patients (CT: odds ratio [OR] = 1.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.09–3.01, p = 0.022; CT+TT: OR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.07–2.83, p = 0.026), and the differentiated (CT: OR =1.79, 95% CI = 1.18–2.73, p = 0.007; CT+TT: OR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.17–2.64, p = 0.007), and intestinal (CT: OR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.11–2.49, p = 0.013; CT+TT: OR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.14–2.47, p = 0.009) GC subgroups.

Conclusion

MALAT1 rs3200401 increases GC susceptibility and might affect GC development. Further studies are needed to validate our results in large populations and different ethnic groups.
SQSTM1 mutation: Description of the first Tunisian case and literature review
Authors: Akkari M. , Kraoua I. , Klaa H. , Benrhouma H. , Ben Younes T. , Rouissi A. , Chaabouni M. , Ben Youssef‐Turki I.
Published: November 2020

Background

Mutations in SQSTM1 gene have been recently identified as a rare cause of progressive childhood neurodegenerative disorder. So far, only 25 patients from 10 unrelated families were reported.

Methods and results

We report on the first Tunisian case of an 11‐year‐old girl with cerebellar ataxia, chorea and ophthalmoparesis. Brain MRI was normal. Whole‐exome sequencing revealed a homozygous mutation c.823_824del(p.Ser275Phefs*17) in SQSTM1 gene (GenBank: NM_003900.4).

Conclusion

By pooling our data to the data of literature, we delineated the phenotypic spectrum and stressed on genetic heterogeneity of this rare neurodegenerative disease.
High gain compact ultra‐wideband “antenna‐frequency selective surface” and its performance evaluation in proximity of soil surface
Authors: Kundu Surajit
Published: November 2020

High gain compact ultra‐wideband (UWB) antenna is essential for various UWB applications including impulse radar. U‐shaped UWB antenna is developed from the usual square shaped patch and cascaded with simply designed aperture like uniplanar frequency selective surface (FSS) that has 4 × 4 array of square slots inside metal patch in its unit cell. Compact unit cell of dimension 11 × 11 mm2 realizes bandwidth from 0.001 to 15.8 GHz. The compact UWB “antenna‐FSS” provides gain augmentation of 2.5 to 5.2 dBi in the 2.94 to 15.26 GHz (135%) band with highest gain augmentation of 5.2 dBi at 8.94 GHz. The “antenna‐FSS” offers stable omnidirectional radiation patterns and measured radiation efficiency variation from 76% to 84% in its bandwidth. Transient and frequency responses of this unique compact high gain UWB “antenna‐FSS” structure is also analyzed in environs of sandy soil. Linear transfer function (S21) and non‐varying group delay responses in the unaffected impedance band of “antenna‐FSS” ensure its non‐dispersive nature while used for ground penetrating radar application.
‘Getting them on board’: Musculoskeletal physiotherapists conceptions of management of persons with low back pain
Authors: Cosgrove Josh , Hebron Clair
Published: November 2020

Objective

Low back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of disability worldwide; however, the majority of LBP is non‐specific in nature with no clearly identifiable source of pain. Contemporary understanding of LBP highlights the multidimensional nature of LBP and as a result clinical practice and guidelines have evolved and advocate a multidimensional approach to managing persons with LBP. This change in understanding and practice provides challenges for physiotherapists and persons with LBP, many who have biomedical views. The aim of this study was to explore musculoskeletal physiotherapists conceptions towards the management of LBP.

Method

The research employed a phenomenographic inspired approach which aims to explore variations in conceptions, beliefs and understanding of a phenomenon. Six participants (physiotherapists) were interviewed via semi‐structured interviews to explore their experiences of managing persons with LBP and the data was analysed using a phenomenographic framework.

Results

Three main categories emerged from the participants descriptions: the perceived role of preferences and expectations, therapeutic alliance development and getting the person “on board”.

Conclusion

Participants descriptions implied a therapist centred view towards the care they provided for persons with LBP. The perceived role of expectations was a significant aspect within the participants descriptions of the management of LBP. Last, the participants described the perceived development of a therapeutic alliance. These categories suggest how the physiotherapists interviewed in this study conceive the management of LBP, and these findings will provide a greater understanding around the physiotherapy management of LBP.
Evaluating the effective diffusion coefficient of reactant gas in the catalyst layer of PEMFC using the fractal method considering the pore size distribution
Authors: Yin Yan , Wu Shiyu , Qin Yanzhou , Liu Yuwen , Zhang Junfeng
Published: November 2020

The pore size distribution of the catalyst layer (CL) significantly influences the effective diffusion coefficient (EDC) of the reactant gas due to the Knudsen diffusion effect in the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). In this study, a novel fractal method is proposed to evaluate the Knudsen diffusion based on the pore size distribution of the CL, which is then incorporated in the calculation of the EDC of oxygen in the CL. It suggests that the EDC of oxygen obtained from the proposed method considering the pore size distribution is greatly smaller than that obtained from the conventional Bruggeman correlation, hence resulting in much smaller maximum current density of PEMFC.
In the name of the stakeholder: An assessment of representation surpluses and deficits by nonprofit leaders
Authors: Schubert Peter , Willems Jurgen
Published: November 2020

Nonprofit leaders face the challenge of making decisions within a complex environment of heterogeneous and often competing stakeholder claims. In such a setting, leaders not only make judgments about the power of their organization's stakeholders but they also make conscious choices about which stakeholders they personally represent while making organizational decisions. This study uses insights from stakeholder theory and agency theory to investigate (1) how nonprofit leaders' perceptions of stakeholder power and stakeholder representation are interrelated across a wide range of stakeholder groups and organizations, and (2) how perceptions of power and representation differ between board members and executive managers. Drawing on data from 491 nonprofit leaders, we find evidence of stakeholder representation surpluses and deficits for several stakeholders, although perceptions of these deficits and surpluses differ considerably between board members and managers. Our study holds important implications for nonprofit governance, the practice of stakeholder analysis, and the use of stakeholder constructs in future empirical research.
Household Food Insecurity, Diet Quality, and Obesity: An Explanatory Model
Authors: Keenan Gregory S. , Christiansen Paul , Hardman Charlotte A.
Published: November 2020

Objective

Food insecurity (a lack of stable access to nutritious food) is reliably associated with poor diet, malnutrition, and obesity; however, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. In this study, the hypothesis that these relations are explained by higher levels of distress, which are due to the experience of food insecurity, and unhealthy coping behaviors (eating high‐calorie foods, drinking alcohol) was tested.

Methods

Adults from the United Kingdom (N = 604), who were recruited online and at food banks, completed questionnaire measures of household food insecurity, physical stress, psychological distress, eating to cope, drinking to cope, diet quality, and self‐reported height and weight to calculate BMI.

Results

Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesized relationships, including a multilevel structural model controlling for the effect of income. As predicted, food insecurity was indirectly associated with higher BMI via greater distress and eating to cope. Food insecurity was directly associated with poorer diet quality, but this relationship was not explained by distress and eating to cope

Conclusions

Our data provide novel insight into the psychological experience of being food‐insecure and how maladaptive coping mechanisms might play some role in the association between food insecurity, diet, and obesity.
pHsensitive phosphate crosslinked films of starch‐carboxymethyl cellulose
Authors: Cagnin Caroline , Simões Bruno Matheus , Yamashita Fábio , de Carvalho Gizilene Maria , Grossmann Maria Victória Eiras
Published: November 2020

This work aims to develop hydrogel films of starch and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) crosslinked with sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP) and to characterize some of their properties. Starch and STMP (S/T), starch and CMC (S/C), and mixed (S/T/C) films were prepared bycasting.The degree of substitution, morphology, swelling degree, FTIR, mechanical properties, and sorption isotherms were studied. Reticulated samples (S/T and S/T/C) showed the same degree of substitution (0.050 ± 0.001). All films presented homogeneous morphology, but the mixed film showed greater roughness. Crosslinking increased the swelling capacity of the mixed hydrogel at pH 7, although it remained decreased concerning the S/T hydrogel. However, this property was sensitive to pH variations. The mixed film (S/T/C) showed greater mechanical resistance. The casting process was efficient to produce hydrogel films of starch/CMC crosslinked with STMP and the general results demonstrated the advantages of the mixed hydrogel.
Elektronische Bauteile aus Einzelmolekülen
Authors: Wulfhekel Wulf , Evers Ferdinand
Published: November 2020

Ein Anwendungsziel der molekularen Elektronik ist eine auf Molekülen basierende Informationsverarbeitung. Mittlerweile sind viele hierfür geeignete molekulare Mechanismen identifiziert und experimentell erfolgreich getestet worden. Dabei handelt es sich bislang um molekularelektronische Bauteile, in denen ein Molekül zwischen zwei Kontakten sitzt. Drei Kontakte, wie sie für Transistoren nötig sind, wurden bisher nur selten realisiert. Besonders interessante Perspektiven bietet die molekulare Spintronik, weil sie den Elektronenspin als Informationsträger einsetzt. Der Artikel stellt einen molekularen Magnetfeldsensor und einen molekularen Datenspeicher vor, die beide den Spin nutzen. Der Datenspeicher basiert auf Spin‐Übergangskomplex‐Molekülen, in denen der kollektive Spin die Information trägt. Sie stellen einen programmierbaren Widerstand, einen Memristor, in Molekülgröße dar. Ein Milligramm solcher Moleküle würde im Prinzip eine Speicherkapazität bieten, in der das heutige Internet zehnmal Platz fände. Noch ist das Gebiet reine Grundlagenforschung. Für eine industrielle Produktion muss vor allem die schnelle und zuverlässige Kontaktierung von sehr vielen Molekülen zugleich gelingen.
Miniexplosionen in der Küche
Authors: Schlichting Hans Joachim , Ucke Christian
Published: November 2020

Wenn Maiskörner stark erhitzt werden, verdampft ein kleiner Teil des in den Körnern enthaltenen Wassers. Die dadurch bedingte Druckerhöhung bremst zunächst ein weiteres Verdampfen, bis die Körner platzen. Das in den geschmolzenen Stärketeilchen enthaltene Wasser verdampft explosionsartig, was zu einem plötzlichen Aufschäumen der Stärke führt. Weil mit der Expansion des auch an anderen Stellen entstehenden Wasserdampfes eine starke Abkühlung verbunden ist, erstarrt der Stärkeschaum und nimmt die bekannte Konsistenz des gepoppten Popcorns an.
Die Erdrotationsachse in einem Netz aus Licht
Authors: Schreiber Ulrich , Igel Heiner
Published: November 2020

Die Rotation der Erde unterliegt vielfachen Einflüssen und ist deshalb keineswegs konstant. Die absolute Rotationsrate im Raum mit extremer Empfindlichkeit zu messen, stellt eine große Herausforderung dar. Geowissenschaftlern der TU und LMU München ist es kürzlich gelungen, in einem unterirdischen Labor in der Nähe von München mit einem vierkomponentigen, tetraedrischen Laserkreiselarray, das so groß wie ein fünfstöckiges Gebäude ist, den vollen Erdrotationsvektor mit einer Auflösung von unter einer Bogensekunde über einen Zeitraum von mehr als sechs Wochen zu messen.
Der Elektronikbaukasten Kosmos Easy Elektro – Start
Authors: Lipfert Helena , Lipfert Jan
Published: November 2020

Das Basteln mit einem Elektronikbaukasten gehört zu den Kindheitserinnerungen vieler Physikerinnen und Physiker. Durch das Homeschooling in der Corona‐Pandemie ist das Interesse an pädagogischen Spielsachen und Unterrichtsmaterialien für zu Hause gewachsen. Kosmos hat eine Reihe von Experimentierkästen im Angebot, zum Beispiel den Baukasten Start aus der Reihe Easy Elektro.
Ein trockenes Loch im Tröpfchenbelag
Authors: Schlichting Hans Joachim
Published: November 2020

Ein vor einer kalten Fensterscheibe befindliches Hindernis ermöglicht eine Visualisierung der Strömung wärmerer Luft.
Cover Image, Volume 76, Issue 12
Authors: Yang Mingyu , Wang Zhanchun , Wang Rui , Zhang Xiaoming , Li Mingyue , Xin Junjie , Qin Yushi , Zhang Chuan , Meng Fanli
Published: November 2020

The cover image is based on the Research Article Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of the mechanisms of overwintering diapause in soybean pod borer (Leguminivora glycinivorella) by Mingyu Yang et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.5989.

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Solvent‐Controlled Topological Evolution from Nanospheres to Superhelices
Authors: Qin Minggao , Li Yongfang , Zhang Yaqian , Xing Chao , Zhao Changli , Dou Xiaoqiu , Zhang Zhijun , Feng Chuanliang
Published: November 2020

Supramolecular assemblies with diverse morphologies are crucial in determining their biochemical or physical properties. However, the topological evolution and self‐assembly intermediates as well as the mechanism remain elusive. Herein, a dynamic morphological evolution from solid nanospheres to superhelical nanofibers is revealed via self‐assembly of a minimal l‐tryptophan‐based derivative (LPWM) with various mixed solvent combinations, including the formation of solid nanospheres, the fusion of nanospheres into pearling necklace, the disintegration of necklace into short nanofibers, the distortion of nanofibers into nanotwists, and the entanglement of nanotwists into superhelices. It is found that the breakage of intramolecular H‐bonds and reconstruction of intermolecular H‐bonds, as well as the variation of aromatic interactions and hydrophobic effects, are the key driving forces for topological transformation, especially the dimensional evolution. The nanospheres and nanofibers demonstrate discrepant behaviors towards mouse neural stem cell (NSC) differentiation that compared with negligible impact of nanospheres scaffold, the nanofibers scaffold is favorable for NSC differentiation into neurons. The remarkable dynamic regulation of assembly process, together with the NSC differentiation on twisted nanofibers are making this system an ideal model to interpret complex proteins fibrillation processes and investigate the structure–function relationship.
Atomic‐Thin ZnO Sheet for Visible‐Blind Ultraviolet Photodetection
Authors: Yu Huihui , Liao Qingliang , Kang Zhuo , Wang Zhenyu , Liu Baishan , Zhang Xiankun , Du Junli , Ou Yang , Hong Mengyu , Xiao Jiankun , Zhang Zheng , Zhang Yue
Published: November 2020

The atomic‐thin 2D semiconductors have emerged as plausible candidates for future optoelectronics with higher performance in terms of the scaling process. However, currently reported 2D photodetectors still have huge shortcomings in ultraviolet and especially visible‐blind wavelengths. Here, a simple and nontoxic surfactant‐assisted synthesis strategy is reported for the controllable growth of atomically thin (1.5 to 4 nm) ZnO nanosheets with size ranging from 3 to 30 µm. Benefit from the short carbon chains and the water‐soluble ability of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), the synthesized ZnO nanosheets possess high crystal quality and clean surface, leading to good compatibility with traditional micromanufacturing technology and high sensitivity to UV light. The photodetectors constructed with ZnO demonstrate the highest responsivity (up to 2.0 × 104 A W−1) and detectivity (D* = 6.83 × 1014 Jones) at a visible‐blind wavelength of 254 nm, and the photoresponse speed is optimized by the 400 °C annealing treatment (τR = 3.97 s, τD = 5.32 s), thus the 2D ZnO can serve as a promising material to fill in the gap for deep‐UV photodetection. The method developed here opens a new avenue to controllably synthesize 2D nonlayered materials and accelerates their applications in high‐performance optoelectronic devices.
Prenatal sonographic assessment of Sylvian fissure operculization (SFO): importance of distinguishing between screening and diagnostic tools and selecting precise anatomical landmarks
Authors: Quarello E. , Guibaud L.
Published: November 2020

Linked article: This Correspondence comments on Pooh et al. and on Poon et al.
Prenatal diagnosis of single‐gene disorders: the earlier, the better?
Authors: Li J. , Li D.‐Z.
Published: November 2020

Linked article: This Correspondence comments on Makrydimas et al. Click here to view the article.
Novel approach to improving wastewater treatment and sewage sludge combustion using pulverized coal‐activated sludge
Authors: Li Qian , Sun Xiaojie , Ouche Quanyi , Wang Chunlian , Zhang Hongxia , Guo Jinghan
Published: November 2020

Sewage and sludge are usually treated separately. Considering improving sludge treatment while improving sewage treatment is beneficial to the synergetic effect of sewage treatment and sludge treatment. The efficiency of pulverized coal‐activated sludge (PAS) on contaminant removal, sludge calorific value, and combustion characteristic was investigated in contrast to conventional activated sludge (CAS) using the laboratory‐scale sequencing batch reactor (SBR). Results indicated that the average chemical oxygen demand, ammonium nitrogen, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus removal efficiency of PAS were highest under a dosage of 0.4 g/L, which were 98.56%, 94.22%, 68.60%, and 95.96%, respectively. The average effluent concentration satisfied the Level A discharge standard of pollutants for municipal wastewater treatment plants (GB18918‐2002). The calorific value and maximum weight loss of PAS gradually increased adjusting the dosage of pulverized coal. At the pulverized coal dosage of 0.2 g/L, the calorific value of PAS with 70% water content is 3,824.07 kJ/kg, which can satisfy the requirement of self‐maintained combustion. Overall, the pulverized coal can simultaneously improve the treatment of wastewater in SBR and promote the sludge combustion by increasing calorific value. Therefore, PAS system is an innovation based on improving the sewage treatment sludge combustion.

Practitioner points

An innovative method to simultaneously improving wastewater treatment and sewage sludge combustion using pulverized coal‐activated sludge was developed.

The average COD, , TN, and TP removal efficiency of PAS‐0.4 is best.

The 70% moisture content sludge calorific values of 3,824.07 kJ/kg in PAS‐0.2 can satisfy the requirement of self‐maintained combustion.
Two‐dimensional metal organic frameworks for biomedical applications
Authors: Arun Kumar Shreedevi , Balasubramaniam Bhuvaneshwari , Bhunia Sukanya , Jaiswal Manish K. , Verma Kartikey , Prateek  , Khademhosseini Ali , Gupta Raju Kumar , Gaharwar Akhilesh K.
Published: November 2020

Two‐dimensional (2D) metal organic frameworks (MOFs), are an emerging class of layered nanomaterials with well‐defined structure and modular composition. The unique pore structure, high flexibility, tunability, and ability to introduce desired functionality within the structural framework, have led to potential use of MOFs in biomedical applications. This article critically reviews the application of 2D MOFs for therapeutic delivery, tissue engineering, bioimaging, and biosensing. Further, discussion on the challenges and strategies in next generation of 2D MOFs are also included.

This article is categorized under:

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology