bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing guidance templates and terminology to support multiple traceability objectives in the grain supply chain
Authors: Sharma Richa , Hurburgh Charles , Mosher Gretchen A.
Published: December 2020

Background and objectives

Grain traceability is a multifaceted activity that aims to streamline supply chain operations, from farm to fork. Traceability involves several supply chain participants and takes into account the nature of their business(s). Implementing traceability in a supply chain system requires efforts from several parties in documenting the necessary data from supply chain processes or events. Food regulations and standards such as ISO 22000:2018 and ISO 220005:2007 provide an architecture for implementing traceability in food and feed establishments, but it fails to develop a concrete stepwise methodological traceability framework. The primary objective of this study was to create guidance documents for the application of traceability in the grain supply chain.

Findings

The minimum traceability requirement is to document the record of “one step up, one step down” but to effectively trace and track grain, more information is necessary. Therefore, this study developed a methodological guidance on what and how information needs to be captured to consider traceability for an entire grain supply chain system.

Conclusions

In practice, the approach of defining and documenting information as a measure to trace and track processes in a supply chain has proven to be successful in achieving various traceability objectives such as chain of custody, grain safety, quality, documentation, comply with regulations, and brand protection. This paper presents an information‐based traceability system as a collaborative effort of various supply chain participants which keeps a record of both material and information flow, across and within the supply chain system.

Significance and novelty

Management of grain traceability in a bulk commodity handling system is challenging because of comingling, which can easily compromise grain safety and quality. Several regulatory agencies in the United States and worldwide have set rules and guidelines to improve supply chain management operations. Grain traceability is one of the important components of the rulemaking involved in managing the grain supply chain.
CO as a Probe Molecule to Study Surface Adsorbates during Electrochemical Oxidation of Propene
Authors: Winiwarter Anna , Boyd Michael J. , Scott Soren B. , Higgins Drew C. , Seger Brian , Chorkendorff Ib , Jaramillo Thomas F.
Published: December 2020

A major challenge in the electrochemical oxidation of hydrocarbons is understanding the formation of intermediate species, some of which continue to react, while others are non‐reactive or poisonous species that block adsorption of further reactants. Herein we investigate the identity and behavior of adsorbates formed during partial oxidation of propene. We employ two techniques: Electrochemistry‐Mass Spectrometry (EC‐MS) and Attenuated Total Reflection Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR). In both cases, we use CO as a probe molecule, to perturb the ad‐layer of propene intermediates. In the EC‐MS experiments, propene and its intermediates were quantified by triggering their desorption via displacement with CO. We show evidence for at least two distinct classes of propene adsorbates, via CO displacement and electrochemical stripping. A redshift in the ν(C−O) mode was observed, during IR spectroscopy, reflecting the chemical environment arising from strongly bound propene intermediates.
Voltammetry and Single‐Molecule In Situ Scanning Tunnelling Microscopy of the Redox Metalloenzyme Human Sulfite Oxidase
Authors: Yan Jiawei , Frøkjær Emil Egede , Engelbrekt Christian , Leimkühler Silke , Ulstrup Jens , Wollenberger Ulla , Xiao Xinxin , Zhang Jingdong
Published: December 2020

Human sulfite oxidase (hSO) is a homodimeric two‐domain enzyme central in the biological sulfur cycle. A pyranopterin molybdenum cofactor (Moco) is the catalytic site and a heme b5 group located in the N‐terminal domain. The two domains are connected by a flexible linker region. Electrons produced at the Moco in sulfite oxidation, are relayed via heme b5 to electron acceptors or an electrode surface. Inter‐domain conformational changes between an open and a closed enzyme conformation, allowing “gated” electron transfer has been suggested. We first recorded cyclic voltammetry (CV) of hSO on single‐crystal Au(111)‐electrode surfaces modified by self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) both of a short rigid thiol, cysteamine and of a longer structurally flexible thiol, ω‐amino‐octanethiol (AOT). hSO on cysteamine SAMs displays a well‐defined pair of voltammetric peaks around −0.207 V vs. SCE in the absence of sulfite substrate, but no electrocatalysis. hSO on AOT SAMs displays well‐defined electrocatalysis, but only “fair” quality voltammetry in the absence of sulfite. We recorded next in situ scanning tunnelling spectroscopy (STS) of hSO on AOT modified Au(111)‐electrodes, disclosing, a 2–5 % surface coverage of strong molecular scale contrasts, assigned to single hSO molecules, notably with no contrast difference in the absence and presence of sulfite. In situ STS corroborated this observation with a sigmoidal tunnelling current/overpotential correlation.
A Review on the Morphologically Controlled Synthesis of Polyphosphazenes for Electrochemical Applications
Authors: Ali Zahid , Basharat Majid , Wu Zhanpeng
Published: December 2020

Polyphosphazenes (PPNs) belong to organic‐inorganic hybrid polymeric skeletal materials suitably fabricated via precipitation or condensation polymerization and self‐assembly approaches. Organic moieties with two and three −NH2or −OH functionalities inherit subsequent ordered 2D and 3D arrangements of the atoms and molecules to attain the morphologies such as nanotubes, nano/micro‐spheres, fibers, nanosheets, and covalent organic frameworks (COFs). Auto‐doping is a strategic feature of PPN materials to originate binary‐, ternary‐, and quaternary‐doped carbon frameworks and graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) upon direct pyrolysis in an inert environment. Hollow carbon spheres provides a good range of surface areas (ca. 755–3673 m2/g) with enormous active sites and hierarchical channels for the effective flow of electrolyte ions, which make them a good choice for solid‐state batteries and supercapacitors; structural irregularities and imperfections offer surface‐adsorbed breakdown of water and open new horizons for water splitting through hydrogen evolution, oxygen evolution and oxygen reduction with the lowest half‐wave (E1/2) potential when compared to Pt/C‐ and Pt/C+RuO2‐based electrocatalysts.
Theranostics Through the Synergistic Cooperation of Heterometallic Complexes
Authors: Redrado Marta , Fernández‐Moreira Vanesa , Gimeno M. Concepción
Published: December 2020

Heterometallic drugs are emerging as a great alternative to conventional metallodrugs. Careful selection of different metallic fragments makes possible to enhance not only the therapeutic potential by a synergistic effect, but also to incorpore key features like traceability. Drugs that integrate traceability and therapy in one system are known as theranostic agents. In cancer research, theranostic agents are becoming increasingly important. They deliver crucial information regarding their biological interplay that can ultimately be used for optimization. The well‐established therapeutic potential of PtII‐, RuII‐ and AuI‐based drugs combined with the outstanding optical properties of d6 transition metal complexes grant the delivery of traceable metallodrugs. These species can be easily fine‐tuned through modification of their respective ligands to provide a new generation of drugs.
Solvothermal Synthesis of Lanthanide‐doped NaYF4 Upconversion Crystals with Size and Shape Control: Particle Properties and Growth Mechanism
Authors: Sun Chunning , Schäferling Michael , Resch‐Genger Ute , Gradzielski Michael
Published: December 2020

Lanthanide‐doped NaYF4 upconversion nano‐ and microcrystals were synthesized via a facile solvothermal approach. Thereby, the influence of volume ratios of ethylene glycol (EG)/H2O, molar ratios of NH4F/RE3+ (RE3+ represents the total amount of Y3+ and rare‐earth dopant ions), Gd3+ ion contents, types of activator dopant ions, and different organic co‐solvents on the crystal phase, size, and morphology of the resulting particles were studied systematically. A possible formation mechanism for the growth of crystals of different morphology is discussed. Our results show that the transition from the α‐ to the β‐phase mainly depends on the volume ratio of EG/H2O and the molar ratio of NH4F/RE3+, while the morphology and size could be controlled by the type of organic co‐solvent and Gd3+ dopant ions. Furthermore, the reaction time has to be long enough to convert α‐NaYF4 into β‐NaYF4 during the growth process to optimize the upconversion luminescence. The formation of larger β‐NaYF4 crystals, which possess a higher upconversion luminescence than smaller particles, proceeds via intermediates of smaller crystals of cubic structure. In summary, our synthetic approach presents a facile route to tailor the size, crystal phase, morphology, and luminescence features of upconversion materials.
On the Method of Pulse‐Heated Analysis of Solid Reactions (PHASR) for Polyolefin Pyrolysis
Authors: Zolghadr Ali , Sidhu Nathan , Mastalski Isaac , Facas Greg , Maduskar Saurabh , Uppili Sundararajan , Go Tony , Neurock Matthew , Dauenhauer Paul J.
Published: December 2020

The continued need for plastics necessitates an effective solution for processing and recycling polymer wastes. While pyrolysis is a promising technology for polyolefin recycling, an experimental apparatus must be designed to measure the intrinsic kinetics and elucidate the chemistry of the plastics pyrolysis process. To resolve this issue, a modified Pulse‐Heated Analysis of Solid Reactions (PHASR) system was designed, constructed, and evaluated for the purposes of polyolefin pyrolysis. Experimental results demonstrated that the new PHASR system is capable of measuring the millisecond‐resolved evolution of plastic [e. g., low‐density polyethylene (LDPE)] pyrolysis products at a constant temperature. The PHASR system was shown to be capable of producing a repeatable, fast heating time (20 ms) and cooling time (130–150 ms), and of maintaining a stable temperature during reaction. A second, Visual PHASR system was developed to enable high‐speed photography and visualization of the real‐time pyrolysis of LDPE.
Regulation of the humoral type 2 immune response against allergens and helminths
Authors: Haase Paul , Voehringer David
Published: December 2020

The type 2 immune response is associated with helminth infections and allergic inflammation where antibody production of the IgG1 and IgE isotypes can elicit protective or proinflammatory functions. Studies over the past few years revealed important new insights regarding the regulatory mechanisms orchestrating the humoral type 2 immune response. This includes investigations on B‐cell extrinsic signals, such IL‐4 and IL‐21, derived from different T‐helper cell subsets or discovery of new follicular helper T cells with regulatory or IgE‐promoting activities. In addition, studies on B‐cell intrinsic factors required for germinal center formation and class switch recombination, including the transcription factors STAT3, STAT6, and BCL‐6, led to a better understanding of these processes in type 2 immune responses. Here, we review the current understanding of mechanisms controlling humoral type 2 immunity in vivo including the generation of IgE‐producing plasma cells and the memory IgE response.
Handling the COVID‐19 crisis in France: Paradoxes of a centralized state‐led health system
Authors: Hassenteufel Patrick
Published: December 2020

France was one of the European countries that was most severely affected by the COVID‐19 pandemic in the first half of 2020. Despite the effective capacity of crisis management often ascribed to majoritarian democracies, the French centralized state‐led health system is subject to rising critiques for the measures it has adopted and for the strategies it deployed to fight COVID‐19. The identified policy failures question the central government’ capacities in crisis management more generally. This article sheds light on the policy responses to COVID‐19 taken by the French executive and emphasizes that to understand the link between crisis and policy change, the policy trajectories prior to the crisis, the degree of politicization of the crisis, and the actor constellations existing throughout the crisis play a major role. National crisis reactions thus were far more driven by policy actors and political constellations, than by scientific advice or functionality.
Demand‐Side Management Evolution: New Roles and Models for Market Participation and Incentive Alignment
Authors: Kinaci Andrew , Engel Clay , Aweh Amanda
Published: December 2020

In the rapidly changing energy industry, distribution utilities and regional transmission operators (RTOs) are responding to several concurrent technological and operational trends that may alter their historical market roles and service delivery methods. As state decarbonization mandates and increased grid reliability and resiliency remain top priorities, the industry is trending away from traditional centrally managed grid assets and toward distributed energy resources (DERs). This is occurring at both transmission and distribution (T&D) grid levels. Much attention has been paid to the future operational impact of grid‐edge assets, such as rooftop solar or electric vehicles, on electricity supply and demand, with comparatively less focus given to the evolving function of demand‐side management (DSM) activities, including energy efficiency and demand response.
Where Are We and Where Are We Going?
Authors: Smead Richard G.
Published: December 2020

This year has just been wonderful in every imaginable way. An ongoing global pandemic, the resulting economic chaos, and an extraordinarily adversarial presidential election reflecting deep and difficult divisions among Americans have allowed 2020 to fully live up to its media‐inspired nickname as a “dumpster fire.”
CO2‐water‐rock interactions in undeformed and sheared claystone caprocks from Northern Europe
Authors: Vernooij Roland , Siqueira Tiago de Abreu , Hangx Suzanne , Spiers Christopher , Ketzer Marcelo , Iglesias Rodrigo Sebastian
Published: December 2020

One of the most promising, cost‐effective, and readily available technologies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere is the capture and separation of CO2 from large stationary sources and storage in geological formations. Storage security, especially in the early stages of operation, is mostly guaranteed by caprock formations with very low permeability overlying the reservoir, capable of containing the injected fluid. Chemical alterations of the formation brine, caused by CO2 injection may cause dissolution and precipitation of secondary minerals, potentially increasing the risks of leakage from the reservoir. In order to evaluate these processes and their potential to induce the formation of leakage pathways in ultrafine fault gouges, a series of batch experiments was performed on crushed and sheared samples from three different caprock formations from Northern Europe (Sollingen, Röt and Opalinus claystones). The experiments were supported by numerical models of the kinetics of mineral dissolution and precipitation simulating the same experimental conditions, and over a longer time (10 000 years). Minor mineral alterations were observed after the batch experiments, the most important being: illite dissolution for the Opalinus and Röt formation samples, and dolomite dissolution and the transformation of illite and chlorite into kaolinite for the Sollingen sample. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aeolian sand dunes alongside the Yarlung River in southern Tibet: A provenance perspective
Authors: Wang Bonuo , Gong Junfeng , Zuza Andrew V. , Liu Rui , Bian Shuang , Tian Yihong , Yang Xiaoping , Zhang Deguo , Chen Hanlin
Published: December 2020

The potential interactions between aeolian and fluvial systems are critical in understanding environmental change. Whether aeolian products originated from the river depends on the river characteristics and wind regimes. In southern Tibet, aeolian sand dunes are widespread along the Yarlung River, and thus provide an ideal example to explore the relationships between large fluvial systems and aeolian products. Although previous studies postulated that those aeolian products were originated from the Yarlung River, few empirical data actually exist to support this idea. We analysed the spatial pattern, sand transportation directions, and granulometric characteristics of the sand dunes to evaluate the potential influence of the Yarlung River on the aeolian processes. Comparison of the dune field distribution against channel width and longitudinal profile of the Yarlung River shows that sand dunes are clustered at the wide and flat segments of the river. Analyses of >4,600 sand dune orientations using Google Earth imagery show that the dunes located at the southern and northern sides of the Yarlung River demonstrate opposite sand transportation directions that generally point against the river. This suggests that the sand grains probably originated from the river. Grain size distributions from dune samples show unimodal or unimodal‐like patterns. This means that each sand dune field was dominantly fed by a simple transportation process rather than by compound processes from smaller‐level fluvial systems, which in turn implies that the Yarlung River was the most possible candidate for the provenance of these aeolian deposits. This study provides new constraints to demonstrate that the Yarlung River provides both accommodation space and sorted fluvial sand for the aeolian sand dunes along the river.
Refitting the Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease for the Eurotransplant Region
Authors: Goudsmit Ben F. J. , Putter Hein , Tushuizen Maarten E. , Vogelaar Serge , Pirenne Jacques , Alwayn Ian P. J. , van Hoek Bart , Braat Andries E.
Published: December 2020

Background and Aims

The United Network for Organ Sharing’s Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (UNOS‐MELD) score is the basis of liver allocation in the Eurotransplant region. It was constructed 20 years ago in a small US cohort and has remained unchanged ever since. The best boundaries and coefficients were never calculated for any region outside the United States. Therefore, this study refits the MELD (reMELD) for the Eurotransplant region.

Approach and Results

All adult patients listed for a first liver transplantation between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2018, were included. Data were randomly split in a training set (70%) and a validation set (30%). In the training data, generalized additive models with splines were plotted for each MELD parameter. The lower and upper bound combinations with the maximum log‐likelihood were chosen for the final models. The refit models were tested in the validation data with C‐indices and Brier scores. Through likelihood ratio tests the refit models were compared to UNOS‐MELD. The correlation between scores and survival of prioritized patients was calculated. A total of 6,684 patients were included. Based on training data, refit parameters were capped at creatinine 0.7‐2.5, bilirubin 0.3‐27, international normalized ratio 0.1‐2.6, and sodium 120‐139. ReMELD and reMELD‐Na showed C‐indices of 0.866 and 0.869, respectively. ReMELD‐Na prioritized patients with 1.6 times higher 90‐day mortality probabilities compared to UNOS‐MELD.

Conclusions

Refitting MELD resulted in new lower and upper bounds for each parameter. The predictive power of reMELD‐Na was significantly higher than UNOS‐MELD. ReMELD prioritized patients with higher 90‐day mortality rates. Thus, reMELD(‐Na) should replace UNOS‐MELD for liver graft allocation in the Eurotransplant region.
Acute Liver Injury With Therapeutic Doses of Acetaminophen: A Prospective Study
Authors: Louvet Alexandre , Ntandja Wandji Line Carolle , Lemaître Elise , Khaldi Marion , Lafforgue Claire , Artru Florent , Quesnel Benoît , Lassailly Guillaume , Dharancy Sébastien , Mathurin Philippe
Published: December 2020

Background and Aims

Because of the extensive use of this drug, further evaluation of acute liver injury (ALI) with therapeutic doses of acetaminophen (APAP; ≤6 g/d) is required. We characterize ALI with therapeutic doses of APAP and determine the host factors associated with disease severity and the predictors of outcome.

Approach and Results

All patients admitted with severe APAP‐related ALI in our center were included from 2002 to 2019, either attributable to therapeutic doses or overdose. ALI with therapeutic doses (ALITD) was defined as APAP intake <6 g/d. Overall, 311 of 400 patients with APAP‐related ALI had overdose and 89 had taken therapeutic doses. The host factors associated with ALITD were fasting ≥1 day (47.5% of ALITD patients vs. 26% in overdose; P = 0.001), excess drinking (93.3% vs. 48.5%; P < 0.0001), and repeated APAP use (4 vs. 1 day; P < 0.0001). Patients with ALITD were older (44 vs. 30.7 years; P < 0.0001) and had more severe liver injury. In the overall population, the independent predictors of disease severity were older age, longer duration of APAP, and excess drinking. Thirty‐day survival was lower in ALITD than in overdose (87.2 ± 3.6% vs. 94.6 ± 1.3%; P = 0.02). Age and the presence of at least one of the King’s College Hospital criteria were independent predictors of 30‐day survival whereas the pattern of drug intoxication, excess drinking, and bilirubin were not.

Conclusions

ALI with therapeutic doses of APAP is associated with more severe liver injury than overdose. It only occurs in patients with excess drinking and/or fasting. A warning should be issued about the repeated use of nontoxic doses of APAP in patients with those risk factors.
Cancer survivors’ experiences of an exercise program during treatment and while employed: A qualitative pilot study
Authors: Shaw Sally , Atkinson Katy , Jones Lynnette M.
Published: December 2020

Issue addressed

This study examined breast cancer survivors’ (BCS) views on the role of exercise therapy while they were working in employment during cancer treatment.

Methods

Research was undertaken with five participants who undertook an exercise programme as adjuvant care during treatment for breast cancer. Four female and one male client, the only clients who met the criteria for study in the clinic, were interviewed twice each during a two‐month period. Participants wrote diaries to supplement the interview data and provide prompts for the second interview. An interpretive paradigm was used to identify themes for analysis. A multiple coding approach was used to interpret the data. The study was conducted at a small breast cancer recovery clinic, situated at a university in the South Island of New Zealand.

Results

Participants reported that exercise was essential to their ability to work through the active treatment phase and provided positive effects on social, mental and emotional well‐being.

Conclusions

Exercise therapy is an important element of enabling to work during treatment, for physical, mental and social well‐being.

So what?

Future research is required on support for employers to enable exercise therapy for employees; the needs of self‐employed patients; tailoring exercise therapy for patients for whom social support is not a primary motivation; and the place of a clinic as a ‘middle‐ground’ between social and emotional support and an exercise clinic.
Hyperprogressive disease: A distinct pattern of progression to immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Toki Maria I. , Syrigos Nikos , Syrigos Kostas
Published: December 2020

Hyperprogressive disease (HPD) is a novel pattern of progression attributed to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment and characterized by a dramatic tumor surge and poor survival. The concept of HPD is still controversial, while the definition varies widely across studies. Although HPD has been associated with multiple clinicopathological and molecular features, there is no biomarker to predict this detrimental effect of immunotherapy and the underlying mechanism remains unknown. The aim of this comprehensive review is to summarize current data on HPD and present the controversies and clinical care management challenges for oncologists treating patients with ICIs.
Cystic fibrosis F508del carriers and cancer risk: Results from the UK Biobank
Authors: Shi Zhuqing , Wei Jun , Na Rong , Resurreccion W. Kyle , Zheng S. Lilly , Hulick Peter J. , Helfand Brian T. , Talamonti Mark S. , Xu Jianfeng
Published: December 2020

Cystic fibrosis (CF) carriers carrying one defective copy of a CFTR germline mutation are common in the general population. A recent study reported associations of CF carriers with risk for cancers of digestive organs and pancreatic cancer. In the current study, we assessed associations of CFTR F508del carriers with the risk for 54 types of cancers in the UK Biobank, a large population‐based study. In Caucasians, compared to the carrier rate of 3.15% (12 357/392274) in noncancer subjects, the rate was significantly higher in cancer patients overall (2621/79619 = 3.29%), especially in patients with colorectal cancer (247/6667 = 3.70%), cancers of gallbladder and biliary tract (21/351 = 5.98%), thyroid cancer (30/665 = 4.51%) and unspecified non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (74/1805 = 4.10%), all P ≤ .05. In contrast, the carrier rate in patients with cancers of lung and bronchus was significantly lower (89/3463 = 2.57%), P = .05. The association of CFTR F508del carriers with these types of cancer remained significant after adjusting for respective cancer‐specific risk factors. For pancreatic cancer, although a higher carrier rate (38/1004 = 3.78%) was found in patients with this cancer, the difference was not statistically significant (P = .26). This null association was unlikely due to lack of statistical power; the large sample size of our study had >80% power, at a significance level of .05, to detect an association of >1.5‐fold increased risk. In conclusion, the identified associations of CFTR F508del carriers with multiple types of cancer may have potential biological and clinical implications if confirmed in independent study populations.
Impact of COVID‐19 on psychosocial functioning of peripartum women: A qualitative study comprising focus group discussions and in‐depth interviews
Authors: Kumari Archana , Ranjan Piyush , Sharma K. Aparna , Sahu Anamika , Bharti Juhi , Zangmo Rinchen , Bhatla Neerja
Published: December 2020

Objective

Peripartum is a period of profound hormonal changes in the body and COVID‐19 seems to have an additional impact on these women's psychosocial functioning. This calls for a need to address the psychosocial and behavioural impact of COVID‐19 on peripartum women's lives.

Methods

Three focus group discussions and ten in‐depth interviews were conducted. A format to guide discussions and interviews was made to bring uniformity across groups and participants. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling. In verbatim transcription was done, followed by thematic analysis to extract key conceptual themes.

Results

Fourteen pregnant and eleven postpartum women were included. The mean age was 28.5 years. Two major domains were identified: 1) the psychological domain including the categories of thoughts, emotions, and behaviour, and 2) the social domain comprising categories of relationships with family members and friends, perceived loss of social support, doctor‐patient relationship, and social determinants of health.

Conclusion

The pandemic has indeed affected the psychosocial functioning of peripartum women. The study results might prove to be helpful for clinicians and mental health specialists who can suggest and develop different coping strategies for peripartum women during this pandemic.
Chronic Kidney Disease–Induced Vascular Calcification Impairs Bone Metabolism
Authors: Mace Maria L , Gravesen Eva , Nordholm Anders , Egstrand Soeren , Morevati Marya , Nielsen Carsten , Kjaer Andreas , Behets Geert , D'Haese Patrick , Olgaard Klaus , Lewin Ewa
Published: December 2020

An association between lower bone mineral density (BMD) and presence of vascular calcification (VC) has been reported in several studies. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) causes detrimental disturbances in the mineral balance, bone turnover, and development of severe VC. Our group has previously demonstrated expression of Wnt inhibitors in calcified arteries of CKD rats. Therefore, we hypothesized that the CKD-induced VC via this pathway signals to bone and induces bone loss. To address this novel hypothesis, we developed a new animal model using isogenic aorta transplantation (ATx). Severely calcified aortas from uremic rats were transplanted into healthy rats (uremic ATx). Transplantation of normal aortas into healthy rats (normal ATx) and age-matched rats (control) served as control groups. Trabecular tissue mineral density, as measured by μCT, was significantly lower in uremic ATx rats compared with both control groups. Uremic ATx rats showed a significant upregulation of the mineralization inhibitors osteopontin and progressive ankylosis protein homolog in bone. In addition, we found significant changes in bone mRNA levels of several genes related to extracellular matrix, bone turnover, and Wnt signaling in uremic ATx rats, with no difference between normal ATx and control. The bone histomorphometry analysis showed significant lower osteoid area in uremic ATx compared with normal ATx along with a trend toward fewer osteoblasts as well as more osteoclasts in the erosion lacunae. Uremic ATx and normal ATx had similar trabecular number and thickness. The bone formation rate did not differ between the three groups. Plasma biochemistry, including sclerostin, kidney, and mineral parameters, were similar between all three groups. ex vivo cultures of aorta from uremic rats showed high secretion of the Wnt inhibitor sclerostin. In conclusion, the presence of VC lowers BMD, impairs bone metabolism, and affects several pathways in bone. The present results prove the existence of a vasculature to bone tissue cross-talk. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Christian Counselors and Affirmative Counseling of Lesbian and Gay Clients
Authors: Bayne Hannah B. , Harness Luke , Kane Brianna , Warfield Myranda
Published: December 2020

In this phenomenological study, we interviewed 12 counselors who identified as both religious and able to provide ethical and competent counseling to lesbian and gay clients. Participants discussed their lived experiences providing counseling. Our analysis revealed three primary themes: seeking congruence, responding to lesbian and gay clients, and cultivating competency. We discuss these findings and identify implications for counselor training and practice.
Revisiting the effect of f‐functions in predicting the right reaction mechanism for hypervalent iodine reagents
Authors: Sun Tian‐Yu , Chen Kai , Zhou Huakang , You Tingting , Yin Penggang , Wang Xiao
Published: December 2020

To understand the effect of f‐functions in predicting the right reaction mechanism for hypervalent iodine reagents, we adopt the Ahlrichs basis set family def2‐SVP and def2‐TZVP to revisit the potential energy surfaces of IBX‐mediated oxidation and Togni I's isomerisation. Our results further prove that f‐functions (in either Pople, Dunning, or Ahlrichs basis set series) are indispensable to predict the correct rate‐determining step of hypervalent iodine reagents. The f‐functions have a significant impact on the predicted reaction barriers for processes involving the IX (X = O, OH, CF3, etc.) bond cleavage and formation, for example, in the reductive elimination step or the hypervalent twist step. We furthermore explore two hypervalent twist modes that account for the different influences of f‐functions for IBX and Togni I. Our findings may be helpful for theoretical chemists to appropriately study the reaction mechanism of hypervalent iodine reagents.
Strength training protects against prostate injury in alcoholic rats
Authors: Teixeira Giovana Rampazzo , Chuffa Luiz Gustavo Almeida , Mendes Leonardo Oliveira , Veras Allice Santos Cruz , McCabe James , Favaro Wagner José , Pinheiro Patricia Fernanda Felipe , Amorim João Paulo Arruda , Martins Otávio Augusto , Mello‐Junior Wilson , Martinez Francisco Eduardo
Published: December 2020

Alcoholic injury can alter the hormonal signaling pathway and lead to glucose and lipid metabolism disorders. In this study, we investigated whether the strength training could exert protective effects against the alterations caused by ethanol consumption on prostatic metabolism. A UChB, ethanol‐preferring rats were used in this study. Strength training was conducted for 3 days per week for 13 weeks, rats performed jumps in water carrying a weight load strapped to their chests as part of a strength training protocol. The reduced alcohol consumption by strength training was accompanied by increased glucose, serum lipid profile, total protein levels, and reduced hormonal levels. The results of protein expression of prostatic tissues in the ethanol‐ and strength training‐treated groups indicated that “steroidal hormone receptors,” “fatty acid translocation,” and “cell regulation” were significantly different between ethanol‐ and strength training‐treated groups. Taken together, these findings show that strength training effectively ameliorated prostatic injuries in alcoholic rats at least partially by acting on lipids receptors and steroidal hormone receptors pathway, suggesting the strength training as a potential novel therapeutic strategy for treating prostate injuries caused by ethanol.
Zika virus infection of first trimester trophoblast cells affects cell migration, metabolism and immune homeostasis control
Authors: Vota Daiana , Torti María , Paparini Daniel , Giovannoni Federico , Merech Fátima , Hauk Vanesa , Calo Guillermina , Ramhorst Rosanna , Garcia Cybele , Pérez Leirós Claudia
Published: December 2020

Zika virus (ZIKV) re‐emerged after circulating almost undetected for many years and the last spread in 2015 was the major outbreak reported. ZIKV infection was associated with congenital fetal growth anomalies such as microcephaly, brain calcifications, and low birth weight related to fetal growth restriction. In this study, we investigated the effect of ZIKV infection on first trimester trophoblast cell function and metabolism. We also studied the interaction of trophoblast cells with decidual immune populations. Results presented here demonstrate that ZIKV infection triggered a strong antiviral response in first trimester cytotrophoblast‐derived cells, impaired cell migration, increased glucose uptake and GLUT3 expression, and reduced brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression. ZIKV infection also conditioned trophoblast cells to favor a tolerogenic response since an increased recruitment of CD14+ monocytes bearing an anti‐inflammatory profile, increased CD4+ T cells and NK CD56Dim and NK CD56Bright populations and an increment in the population CD4+ FOXP3+ IL‐10+ cells was observed. Interestingly, when ZIKV infection of trophoblast cells occurred in the presence of the vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) there was lower detection of viral RNA and reduced toll‐like receptor‐3 and viperin messenger RNA expression, along with reduced CD56Dim cells trafficking to trophoblast conditioned media. The effects of ZIKV infection on trophoblast cell function and immune‐trophoblast interaction shown here could contribute to defective placentation and ZIKV persistence at the fetal‐maternal interface. The inhibitory effect of VIP on ZIKV infection of trophoblast cells highlights its potential as a candidate molecule to interfere ZIKV infection during early pregnancy.
Renewable fuels from different carbonaceous feedstocks: a sustainable route through Fischer–Tropsch synthesis
Authors: Gupta Pavan K , Kumar Vineet , Maity Sudip
Published: December 2020

The Fischer–Tropsch (FT) process is an alternative route to produce petroleum crude equivalent, as this process converts carbonaceous feedstock‐derived (e.g. coal, biomass, natural gas) syngas to synthetic liquid fuels and chemicals. The technology also is known as gas‐to‐liquid (GTL), coal‐to‐liquid (CTL) and biomass‐to‐liquid (BTL) depending on the source of the syngas. Global demand for clean transportation fuels, volatile oil prices, unstable market scenarios and dwindling reserves of petroleum crude are the major drivers for fostering the FT process. FT‐derived synthetic liquid fuel has enormous potential to replace petroleum crude‐based transportation fuels. There is a possibility that individual countries can produce significant shares of their fuel using CTL, GTL and BTL technologies which help during shortages/peak oil circumstances. The present article summarizes the development of conversion of the different carbonaceous feedstock to liquid fuel including syngas generation, as well as catalytic conversion to liquid fuel via the FT route. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Diagnosis of a giant left atrial appendage aneurysm by contrast‐enhanced echocardiography: Case report and literature review
Authors: Yanli Zhang , Xiaocong Wang , Liping Pei , Yan Ma , Wei Yu , Shu Jiang
Published: December 2020

Left atrial appendage aneurysm (LAAA) is a rare pathologic entity that can be congenital or, more frequently, acquired. Its complications include arrhythmias and thromboembolic events, palpitations, hiccups, chest pain, dyspnea, and myocardial infarction. LAAA can be isolated or associated with other congenital anomalies such as atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, anomalous renal artery, Noonan syndrome, and Hurler‐Scheie syndrome. We report a rare case of giant LAA with intra‐aneurysmal thrombus diagnosed by contrast‐enhanced echocardiography.
Phosphorus mobilization from intact soil monoliths flooded under simulated summer versus spring snowmelt with intermittent freeze–thaw conditions
Authors: Weerasekara Chamara , Kumaragamage Darshani , Akinremi Wole , Indraratne Srimathie , Goltz Doug
Published: December 2020

Enhanced phosphorus (P) release from flooded, anaerobic soils has been extensively studied under summer temperatures but not under cold temperatures with intermittent freeze–thaw events. We investigated the temperature and freeze–thaw effects during flooding on the release of P to floodwater from soil monoliths (15‐cm depth) collected from eight agricultural fields in Manitoba. Soil monoliths were flooded with reverse osmosis water and incubated for 56 d under simulated summer flooding (SSF; 22 ± 1 °C) or snowmelt flooding with intermittent freeze–thaw (IFT; 4 ± 1 °C with intermittent freezing) in triplicates. Redox potential (Eh), pore water and floodwater dissolved reactive P (DRP) concentrations, pH, and concentrations of Ca, Mg, Fe, and Mn were determined weekly. In seven soils, Eh decreased rapidly with days after flooding (DAF) under SSF to values <200 mV but not under IFT. Both pore water and floodwater DRP concentrations significantly increased with DAF in all soils under SSF and in seven soils under IFT. Although DRP concentrations were consistently greater under SSF than IFT in four soils, other soils had similar concentrations at certain DAF. Significant relationships between ion concentrations and redox status that fitted both IFT and SSF data in most soils suggest that similar redox‐driven mechanisms are responsible for the P release; however, less P was released under IFT than under SSF because soils were not severely reduced under IFT. Substantial P release in a few soils under IFT appeared to be unrelated to redox status, suggesting other P release mechanisms that are not redox driven.
Thymus development in the zebrafish (Danio rerio) from an ecoimmunology perspective
Authors: Kernen Larissa , Rieder Jessica , Duus Annette , Holbech Henrik , Segner Helmut , Bailey Christyn
Published: December 2020

The thymus is present in all gnathostome vertebrates and is an essential organ for the adaptive immune system via the generation of functional mature T‐cells. Over the life span of mammals, the thymus undergoes morphological and functional alterations, including an age‐related involution, which in humans starts in early life. Life history tradeoffs have been suggested as possible reasons for thymus involution. While in teleost fish, only a few studies have investigated alterations of thymus structure and function over different life stages, resulting in a fragmented database. Here, we investigated the thymus growth of zebrafish (Danio rerio) from early life, throughout puberty and reproductive stage, up to 1‐year‐old. We assessed thymus growth by histological and morphometric analyses and thymocyte numbers. Thymus function was assessed by measuring the transcripts of the thymocyte marker genes,ikaros,tcrα, andtcrδ. Additionally, we analyzed gonad maturity and tail homogenate vitellogenin concentrations to align thymus status with the status of the reproductive system. Our results showed that the zebrafish thymus, in contrast to the human thymus, grew strongly during early life and puberty but started to undergo involution when the fish reached the reproductive age. The involution was characterized by reduced thymus area and thymocyte number, altered histoarchitecture, and decreasing thymocyte marker gene transcript levels. Our findings suggest that age‐related changes of the zebrafish thymus do exist and could be partly explained in terms of resource tradeoffs, but also in terms of the ontogenetically late development of a functional adaptive immune system in teleosts.
Single‐stage revision of MRSA orthopedic device‐related infection in sheep with an antibiotic‐loaded hydrogel
Authors: Foster Andrew L. , Boot Willemijn , Stenger Valentina , D'Este Matteo , Jaiprakash Anjali , Eglin David , Zeiter Stephan , Richards Robert G. , Moriarty Thomas F.
Published: December 2020

Local antimicrobial therapy is an integral aspect of treating orthopedic device‐related infection (ODRI), which is conventionally administered via polymethyl‐methacrylate (PMMA) bone cement. PMMA, however, is limited by a suboptimal antibiotic release profile and a lack of biodegradability. In this study, we compare the efficacy of PMMA versus an antibiotic‐loaded hydrogel in a single‐stage revision for chronic methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ODRI in sheep. Antibiofilm activity of the antibiotic combination (gentamicin and vancomycin) was determined in vitro. Swiss alpine sheep underwent a single‐stage revision of a tibial intramedullary nail with MRSA infection. Local gentamicin and vancomycin therapy was delivered via hydrogel or PMMA (n = 5 per group), in conjunction with systemic antibiotic therapy. In vivo observations included: local antibiotic tissue concentration, renal and liver function tests, and quantitative microbiology on tissues and hardware post‐mortem. There was a nonsignificant reduction in biofilm with an increasing antibiotic concentration in vitro (p = 0.12), confirming the antibiotic tolerance of the MRSA biofilm. In the in vivo study, four out of five sheep from each treatment group were culture‐negative. Antibiotic delivery via hydrogel resulted in 10–100 times greater local concentrations for the first 2–3 days compared with PMMA and were comparable thereafter. Systemic concentrations of gentamicin were minimal or undetectable in both groups, while renal and liver function tests were within normal limits. This study shows that a single‐stage revision with hydrogel or PMMA is equally effective, although the hydrogel offers certain practical benefits over PMMA, which make it an attractive proposition for clinical use.
Safety Findings in Pediatric Patients During Long‐Term Treatment With Teduglutide for Short‐Bowel Syndrome–Associated Intestinal Failure: Pooled Analysis of 4 Clinical Studies
Authors: Hill Susan , Carter Beth A. , Cohran Valeria , Horslen Simon , Kaufman Stuart S. , Kocoshis Samuel A. , Mercer David F. , Merritt Russell J. , Pakarinen Mikko P. , Protheroe Susan , Thompson John F. , Vanderpool Charles P. B. , Venick Robert S. , Wales Paul W. , Smith Sharon E. , Yoon MinJung , Grimm Andrew A.
Published: December 2020

Background

This analysis assessed combined safety data from 4 clinical studies of teduglutide in pediatric patients with short‐bowel syndrome–associated intestinal failure (SBS–IF).

Methods

Safety data from teduglutide‐treated patients in 4 clinical trials were pooled. The completed 12‐week and 24‐week phase 3 core studies (NCT01952080/EudraCT 2013‐004588‐30 and NCT02682381/EudraCT 2015‐002252‐27) enrolled children aged 1–17 years with SBS–IF. Patients could elect to enroll in ongoing open‐label extensions (NCT02949362/EudraCT 2016‐000863‐17 and NCT02954458/EudraCT 2016‐000849‐30). Interim data from ongoing studies were included.

Results

Safety data are reported for 89 pediatric patients treated with teduglutide for a median (range) of 51.7 (5.0–94.7) weeks. Adverse events (AEs) were reported in all patients; the most common were vomiting (51.7%), pyrexia (43.8%), upper respiratory tract infection (41.6%), and cough (33.7%). Thirty‐five patients (39.3%) had AEs considered related to teduglutide treatment; abdominal pain and vomiting were most frequent (5.6% each). Three serious AEs in 3 patients (3.4%) were considered related to teduglutide treatment: ileus, d‐lactic acidosis, and gastrointestinal obstruction due to hard stools. All 3 events resolved. One cecal polyp was detected, which was not biopsied or found on repeat colonoscopy. No cases of neoplasia occurred.

Conclusion

Based on integrated data from 4 clinical studies, including long‐term follow‐up for ≤161 weeks, teduglutide had a safety profile consistent with the individual core pediatric studies and as expected for pediatric patients with SBS–IF who never received teduglutide. The most frequent AEs reflected treatment with teduglutide, complications of the underlying disease, and typical childhood illnesses.
Optimized pulsed electric field‐assisted extraction of biosurfactants from Chubak (Acanthophyllum squarrosum) root and application in ice cream
Authors: Khosrow Shahi Sara , Didar Zohreh , Hesarinejad Mohammad Ali , Vazifedoost Mohsen
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

In this study, a face‐centered central composite design was applied to optimize pulsed electric field parameters (voltage: 1, 4, 7 kV cm−1; pulse number: 10, 65, 120) for the extraction of natural saponins from Chubak root. Data analysis showed that increasing the voltage from 1 to 4 kV cm−1 and pulse number from 10 to 65 increased foaming ability (FA) and emulsion stability, and decreased foam density (FD), foam stability (FS) and lightness, due to the improved extraction of saponins.

RESULTS

Whereas, an opposite trend was observed for FA, FD and FS on increasing the voltage from 4 to 7 kV cm−1 as a result of more impurities being extracted. Furthermore, the Chubak root extract (CRE) (0, 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 g kg−1) obtained under the optimized conditions (voltage of 6.4 kV cm−1 and pulse number of 80) was used in ice cream formulation because of its ability to reduce surface tension. Based on the results, the samples containing higher amounts of CRE showed higher viscosity, consistency coefficient, overrun, melting resistance and creaminess, as well as lower values of flow behavior index, hardness, adhesiveness, coarseness and coldness. This could be related to the increased water retention, improved whipping ability, greater fat destabilization and smaller ice crystals. Although more bitterness was perceived as a result of an increase in the level of CRE, it had no negative effect on the overall acceptance assessed by trained sensory panelists.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study briefly support the conclusion that CRE has a very high potential for use as a foaming, emulsifying and stabilizing agent to improve the quality of ice cream. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry