bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engineered synthetic cell penetrating peptide with intracellular anti‐inflammatory bioactivity: An in vitro and in vivo study
Authors: Lee Jue‐Yeon , Lee Dong Woo , Jo Beom Soo , Park Kwang‐Sook , Park Yoon Shin , Chung Chong Pyung , Park Yoon Jeong
Published: April 2021

Various biomaterials have been used for bone and cartilage regeneration, and inflammation associated with biomaterial implantation is also increased. A 15‐mer synthetic anti‐inflammatory peptide (SAP15) was designed from human β‐defensin 3 to penetrate cells and induce intracellular downregulation of inflammation. The downregulation of inflammation was achieved by the binding of SAP15 to intracellular histone deacetylase (HDAC5). SAP15‐mediated inhibition of inflammation was examined in vitro and in vivo using murine macrophages, human articular chondrocytes, and a collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) rat model. Surface plasmon resonance and immunoprecipitation assays indicated that SAP15 binds to HDAC5. SAP15 inhibited the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced phosphorylation of intracellular HDAC5 and NF‐κB p65 in murine macrophages. SAP15 treatment increased aggrecan and type II collagen expression and decreased osteocalcin expression in LPS‐induced chondrocytes. Subcutaneous injection of SAP15‐loaded sodium hyaluronic acid (HA) solution significantly decreased hind paw swelling, joint inflammation, and serum cytokine levels in CIA rats compared with the effects of sodium HA solution alone. The SAP15‐loaded HA group exhibited preservation of cartilage and bone structure in CIA rat joints. Moreover, a more robust anti‐inflammatory effect of the SAP15 loaded HA was observed than that of etanercept (an anti‐tumor necrosis factor‐alpha [TNF‐α] antibody)‐loaded HA. These findings suggest that SAP15 has an anti‐inflammatory effect that is not controlled by sodium HA and is mediated by inhibiting HDAC5, unlike the anti‐inflammatory mechanism of etanercept. These results demonstrate that SAP15 is useful as an inflammatory regulator of biomaterials and can be developed as a therapeutic for the treatment of inflammation.
Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy study of corrosion characteristics of palladium–silver dental alloys
Authors: Sun Desheng , Frankel Gerald S. , Brantley William A. , Heshmati Reza H. , Johnston William M.
Published: April 2021

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) has been used to obtain insight into corrosion processes for three Pd–Ag alloys, and compare their behavior with an Au–Pd alloy. Five specimens of each alloy received clinically‐appropriate simulated porcelain‐firing heat treatment. EIS testing was performed at ambient temperature, using 0.09% NaCl, 0.9% NaCl and Fusayama solutions. EIS data are presented as Bode plots. At the open‐circuit potential (OCP), the data fit a modified Randles equivalent electrical circuit with a constant phase element (CPE), and the charge‐transfer resistance (RCT) and the two CPE parameters (CPE‐T and CPE‐P) were determined. The area‐normalized capacitance of the double layer (Cdl) was also calculated. The EIS data at two relevant elevated potentials in the passive range were also found to fit well a modified Randles equivalent circuit with different values for the charge transfer resistance and CPE parameters. At the OCP no significant effect on RCT was found for the alloys and electrolytes, and both alloy and electrolyte significantly affected CPE‐P. In vitro corrosion was controlled by charge transfer and charge accumulation processes, and the behavior differed at the elevated potentials compared to the OCP. Significant effects were found for alloy, electrolyte, and alloy/electrolyte interaction on Cdl at the OCP. The EIS parameters at elevated potentials indicate that the Pd–Ag alloys should have satisfactory clinical corrosion resistance. The EIS analyses yielded information about in vitro corrosion of these alloys that cannot be obtained from potentiodynamic polarization testing.
MicroRNAs in childhood nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Dhandapani Mohanapriya C. , Venkatesan Vettriselvi , Pricilla Charmine
Published: April 2021

The discovery of microRNAs (miRNAs) has opened up new avenues of research to understand the molecular basis of a number of diseases. Because of their conservative feature in evolution and important role in the physiological function, microRNAs could be treated as predictors for disease classification and clinical process based on the specific expression. The identification of novel miRNAs and their target genes can be considered as potential targets for novel drugs. Furthermore, currently, the circulatory and urinary exosomal miRNAs are gaining increasing attention as their expression profiles are often associated with specific diseases, and they exhibit great potential as noninvasive or minimally invasive biomarkers for the diagnosis of various diseases. The remarkable stability of these extracellular miRNAs circulating in the blood or excreted in the urine underscored their key importance as biomarkers of certain diseases. There is voluminous literature concerning the role of microRNAs in other diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetic nephropathy, and so forth. However, little is known about their diagnostic ability for the pediatric nephrotic syndrome (NS). The present review article highlights the recent advances in the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis and molecular basis of NS with an aim to bring new insights into further research applications for the development of new therapeutic agents for NS.
Changes in gill and air‐breathing organ characteristics during the transition from water‐ to air‐breathing in juvenile Arapaima gigas
Authors: Frommel Andrea Y. , Kwan Garfield T. , Prime Kaelan J. , Tresguerres Martin , Lauridsen Henrik , Val Adalberto L. , Gonçalves Ligia U. , Brauner Colin J.
Published: April 2021

The obligate air‐breathing Amazonian fish, Arapaima gigas, hatch as water‐breathing larvae but with development, they modify their swim bladder to an air‐breathing organ (ABO) while reducing their gill filaments to avoid oxygen loss. Here, we show that significant changes already take place between 4 weeks (1.6 g) and 11 weeks (5 g) post hatch, with a reduction in gill lamellar surface area, increase in gill diffusion distance, and proliferation of the parenchyma in the ABO. By using a variety of methods, we quantified the surface area and diffusion distances of the gills and skin, and the swim bladder volume and anatomical complexity from hatch to 11‐week‐old juveniles. In addition, we identified the presence of two ionocyte types in the gills and show how these change with development. Until 1.6 g, A. gigas possess only the H+‐excreting/Na+‐absorbing type, while 5‐g fish and adults have an additional ionocyte which likely absorbs H+ and Cl− and excretes HCO3−. The ionocyte density on the gill filaments increased with age and is likely a compensatory mechanism for maintaining ion transport while reducing gill surface area. In the transition from water‐ to air‐breathing, A. gigas likely employs a trimodal respiration utilizing gills, skin, and ABO and thus avoid a respiratory–ion regulatory compromise at the gills.
From the individual to the colony: Marine invertebrates as models to understand levels of biological organization
Authors: Hiebert Laurel S. , Vieira Leandro M. , Tiozzo Stefano , Simpson Carl , Grosberg Richard K. , Migotto Alvaro E. , Morandini Andre C. , Brown Federico D.
Published: April 2021

The developmental and evolutionary principles of coloniality in marine animals remain largely unexplored. Although many common traits have evolved independently in different groups of colonial animals, questions about their significance for colonial life histories remain unanswered. In 2018 (Nov. 25 ‐ Dec. 8), the inaugural course on the Evolution of Coloniality and Modularity took place at the Center for Marine Biology of the University of São Paulo (CEBIMAR‐USP), Brazil. During the intensive two‐week graduate‐level course, we addressed some of the historical ideas about animal coloniality by focal studies in bryozoans, tunicates, cnidarians, and sponges. We discussed many historical hypotheses and ways to test these using both extant and paleontological data, and we carried direct observations of animal colonies in the different phyla to address questions about coloniality. We covered topics related to multi‐level selection theory and studied colonial traits, including modular miniaturization, polymorphism, brooding, and allorecognition. Course participants carried out short research projects using local species of animals to address questions on allorecognition and regeneration in ascidians and sponges, fusion and chimerism in anthoathecate hydrozoans, and evolution of polymorphism in bryozoans. Although many questions remain unanswered, this course served as a foundation to continue to develop a developmental and evolutionary synthesis of clonal and modular development in colonial marine organisms.
Synthesis and reactivity of thieno[2,3‐b]quinoline derivatives (Part II)
Authors: Salem Mohammed A. , Abu‐Hashem Ameen A. , Abdelgawad Ahmed A. M. , Gouda Moustafa A.
Published: April 2021

As a continuation of our previous review entitled “Vilsmeier‐Haack cyclisation as a facile synthetic route to thieno[2,3‐b]quinolines (Part I).” This review describes the methods of preparation and the chemical reactivity of thieno[2,3‐b]quinolines, which might show interesting biological activities.
Lasers for matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization
Authors: Murray Kermit K.
Published: April 2021

Matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) was introduced 35 years ago and has advanced from a general method for producing intact ions from large biomolecules to wide use in applications ranging from bacteria identification to tissue imaging. MALDI was enabled by the development of high energy pulsed lasers that create ions from solid samples for analysis by mass spectrometry. The original lasers used for MALDI were ultraviolet fixed‐wavelength nitrogen and Nd:YAG lasers, and a number of additional laser sources have been subsequently introduced with wavelengths ranging from the infrared to the ultraviolet and pulse widths from nanosecond to femtosecond. Wavelength tunable sources have been employed both in the IR and UV, and repetition rates have increased from tens of Hz to tens of kHz as MALDI has moved into mass spectrometry imaging. Dual‐pulse configurations have been implemented with two lasers directed at the target or with a second laser creating ions in the plume of desorbed material. This review provides a brief history of the use of lasers for ionization in mass spectrometry and describes the various types of lasers and configurations used for MALDI.
miRNA expression profiles in liver grafts of HCV and HIV/HCV‐infected recipients, 6 months after liver transplantation
Authors: Bulfoni Michela , Pravisani Riccardo , Dalla Emiliano , Cesselli Daniela , Hidaka Masaaki , Di Loreto Carla , Eguchi Susumu , Baccarani Umberto
Published: April 2021

In hepatitis C virus (HCV)/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co‐infected patients, HIV enhances HCV replication and liver damage. Several microRNAs (miRNAs), active in pro‐fibrotic and inflammatory pathways, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of this phenomenon. However, these miRNAs have been tested only in explanted cirrhotic livers, when the liver damage has become chronic and irreversible. No data are available on the early phase of viral infection, such as early after liver transplantation (LT). In the present study, the expression of miR‐101, miR‐122, miR‐155, miR‐192, miR‐200c, miR‐338, and miR‐532 was determined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction in liver biopsies of HCV (n = 19) and HCV/HIV‐infected (n = 20) LT recipients, as well as in a control group (n = 18) of noninfected patients, transplanted for alcoholic cirrhosis. The timing of liver biopsy was 6 months post‐LT. None of the patients was treated with direct‐acting anti‐HCV drugs. All co‐infected recipients had suppressed HIV viral load. Grading and staging were assessed according to the Ishak Classification. HCV and HIV viral load were measured in the sera. miR‐101 (p = .03), miR‐122 (p = .012), and miR‐192 (p = .038) were significantly downregulated in HCV/HIV co‐infected and HCV mono‐infected recipients when compared with noninfected recipients, and such downregulation was more pronounced in co‐infected ones. Moreover, in co‐infected recipients but not in mono‐infected ones, miR‐101 inversely correlated with the peripheral HCV‐RNA levels (r = .41, p = .04) and miR‐122 inversely correlated with peripheral HCV‐RNA levels (r = .49, p = .03) and with the histological grading (r = .51, p = .02).  In conclusion, as early as 6 months after LT, the presence of HIV‐HCV co‐infection enhanced a significant downregulation of certain miRNAs that showed a direct correlation with HCV viral load and liver inflammation.
Rapid eye movement sleep deprivation impairs neuronal plasticity and reduces hippocampal neuronal arborization in male albino rats: Noradrenaline is involved in the process
Authors: Giri Shatrunjai , Ranjan Amit , Kumar Awanish , Amar Megha , Mallick Birendra Nath
Published: April 2021

Rapid eye movement sleep (REMS) favors brain development and memory, while it is decreased in neurodegenerative diseases. REMS deprivation (REMSD) affects several physiological processes including memory consolidation; however, its detailed mechanism(s) of action was unknown. REMS reduces, while REMSD elevates noradrenaline (NA) level in the brain; the latter induces several deficiencies and disorders, including changes in neuronal cytomorphology and apoptosis. Therefore, we proposed that REMS‐ and REMSD‐associated modulation of NA level might affect neuronal plasticity and affect brain functions. Male albino rats were REMS deprived by flower‐pot method for 6 days, and its effects were compared with home cage and large platform controls as well as post‐REMSD recovered and REMS‐deprived prazosin (α1‐adrenoceptor antagonist)‐treated rats. We observed that REMSD reduced CA1 and CA3 neuronal dendritic length, branching, arborization, and spine density, while length of active zone and expressions of pre‐ as well as post‐synaptic proteins were increased as compared to controls; interestingly, prazosin prevented most of the effectsin vivo. Studies on primary culture of neurons from chick embryo brain confirmed that NA at lower concentration(s) induced neuronal branching and arborization, while higher doses were destructive. The findings support our contention that REMSD adversely affects neuronal plasticity, branching, and synaptic scaffold, which explain the underlying cytoarchitectural basis of REMSD‐associated patho‐physio‐behavioral changes. Consolidation of findings of this study along with that of our previous reports suggest that the neuronal disintegration could be due to either withdrawal of direct protective and proliferative role of low dose of NA or indirect effect of high dose of NA or both.
Host country nationals' interaction adjustment as a social exchange: A theoretical model
Authors: Fee Anthony , Michailova Snejina
Published: April 2021

In this conceptual paper, we argue that host‐country nationals (HCNs), without crossing geographical and organizational boundaries, experience distinct and complex interaction adjustment processes in response to their social exchange relationships with expatriates. We develop a theoretical model that suggests that the perceived value of the relationships between HCNs and expatriates, the structure of these relationships, and the HCNs' alternative sources of exchange resources predict HCNs' learning‐rich interactions with expatriates and HCNs' extraneous stress, which, in turn, influence HCNs' interaction adjustment. Along with research implications, our theorizing points to features that can improve HCN and expatriate selection, preparation, and management.
Admission factors associated with nutritional status deterioration and prolonged pediatric intensive care unit stay in critically ill children: PICU‐ScREEN multicenter study
Authors: Ventura Julia Carvalho , Oliveira Luna Dias de Almeida , Silveira Taís Thomsen , Hauschild Daniela Barbieri , Mehta Nilesh M. , Moreno Yara Maria Franco ,   PICU‐ScREEN Study Group
Published: April 2021

Background

Early identification of patients in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at risk of nutritional status (NS) deterioration and poor outcomes is desirable.

We aimed to identify factors associated with NS deterioration and prolonged PICU stay.

Methods

Prospective cohort study in eight Brazilian PICUs with children <18 years with a PICU stay >72h. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify the clinical, laboratory, and nutrition variables at admission that were associated with outcomes. NS deterioration was defined as the reduction in weight‐for‐age, body mass index–for‐age or mid‐upper arm circumference–for‐age z‐score ≥1 during PICU stay. Prolonged PICU stay was defined as ≥13 days.

Results

We enrolled 363 eligible patients, median age 11.3 months (interquartile range:3.1–45.6) and 46% had at least one complex chronic condition (CCC). NS deterioration was observed in 23% of participants and was associated with CCC (odds ratio [OR]:2.71; 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.44–5.09), after adjusting for severity risk score, leukocyte count, obesity, and PICU site. Prolonged PICU stay was associated with age <2 years (OR:1.95; 95%CI:1.03–3.66), fluid overload (>10%) over the first 72h (OR:2.66; 95%CI:1.50–4.73), and hypoalbuminemia (<3.0 g/dL) (OR:2.05; 95%CI:1.12–3.76), after adjusting for CCC, severity risk score, undernutrition, early nutrition therapy, and PICU site.

Conclusions

CCC at admission was associated with NS deterioration. Age <2 years, fluid overload, and hypoalbuminemia at PICU admission were associated with prolonged PICU stay. These factors must be further evaluated as part of an admission nutrition screening tool for critically ill children.
α‐Sulfo Fatty Methyl Ester Sulfonate: A Review on Chemistry, Processing Technologies, Performance, and Applications in Laundry Detergents
Authors: Siwayanan Parthiban , Ban Zhen Hong , Zhang Xinchi , Parthiban Anupreetha
Published: April 2021

α‐Sulfo fatty methyl ester sulfonate (α‐MES) is one of the anionic surfactants that is currently used commercially in the cleaning industry. Although the fundamental studies on α‐MES were initiated as far back as the 1950s, it was only recognized as a class of surfactant in the 1980s. In the initial stage of development, α‐MES has been associated with many technical impediments, which created a fear factor for the detergent industry to consider this oleo‐based anionic surfactant for commercial production. However, all the technical adversities have been resolved after five decades of continuous active research and development activities. This paper will review the history, chemistry, process development, processing technologies, performance, commercial production, and applications of oleo‐based based α‐MES with special emphasis on palm oil‐based α‐MES. The paper also will highlight the challenges and adversities faced by the technology developers and product formulators toward the commercialization of α‐MES as an active ingredient in the production of powder and liquid laundry detergents.
Suitability and benefits from intercropped sorghum–amaranth under partial root‐zone irrigation
Authors: Baghdadi Amirsaleh , Paknejad Farzad , Golzardi Farid , Hashemi Masoud , Ilkaee Mohammad Nabi
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

The production of sufficient animal feed in arid and semi‐arid regions plays a significant role in food security in these areas. The present study was conducted based on the hypothesis that intercropping of sorghum and amaranth, comprising relatively drought tolerant forages, will enhance the yield and quality of the feed under limited irrigation water availability.

RESULTS

Implementation of fixed alternate furrow irrigation (FFI) and alternate furrow irrigation (AFI) resulted in a saving of 22.5% and 19.7% of irrigation water, respectively. However, the water saving declined both yield and quality of forage. In conventional furrow irrigation (CFI), the highest dry matter (DM) yield was 15.5 Mg  ha−1, obtained from S50–A50 treatment. In FFI and AFI, sole sorghum produced the highest DM. However, their maximum yields (11.2 and 12.6 Mg ha‐1, respectively) were not significantly different from yields in S75–A25 intercropping ratios. Irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) was similar in CFI and AFI and considerably higher than FFI. Sorghum monoculture and the S75–A25 intercropping had the highest IWUE (3.4 and 3.3 kg m−3), whereas IWUE of the sole amaranth was 1.7 kg m−3. The partial land equivalent ratio and monetary advantage index of amaranth and sorghum indicated that sorghum would benefit from intercropping as long as its ratio in the intercropping is more than 25%.

CONCLUSION

When sufficient irrigation is available, intercropping of sorghum and amaranth can considerably improve yield and quality of emergency feed. However, the benefits from intercropping faded under the two partial root‐zone irrigation methods used in the present study. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Rapid photoacclimation during episodic deep mixing augments the biological carbon pump
Authors: Penta W. Bryce , Fox James , Halsey Kimberly H.
Published: April 2021

Episodic deep mixing events are one component of the biological carbon pump that physically transports organic carbon into the mesopelagic. Episodic deep mixing also disrupts summertime thermal stratification thereby changing the light field and nutrient concentrations available for phytoplankton growth. Phytoplankton survival and growth below the mixed layer following restratification depends on how rapidly cells can employ a variety of photoacclimation processes in response to the environmental changes. To compare the relative timescales of summertime episodic deep mixing events with the timescales of phytoplankton photoacclimation processes, we first analyzed autonomous float data to survey the frequency and magnitude of deep mixing events in the western North Atlantic Ocean. Next, we simulated a sustained deep mixing event in the laboratory and measured rates of acclimation processes ranging from light harvesting to growth in a model diatom and green alga. In both algae increases in chlorophyll (Chl) were coupled to growth, but growth of the green alga lagged the diatom by about a day. In float profiles, significant increases in Chl and phytoplankton carbon (Cphyto) were detected below the mixed layer following episodic deep mixing events. These events pose a previously unrecognized source of new production below the mixed layer that can significantly boost the amount of carbon available for export to the deep ocean.
The slow and steady salinization of Sparkling Lake, Wisconsin
Authors: Dugan Hilary A. , Rock Linnea A.
Published: April 2021

The concentrations of conservative solutes in seepage lakes are determined by the relative inputs of precipitation vs. groundwater. In areas of road salt application, seepage lakes may be at high risk of salinization depending on groundwater flow. Here, we revisit a 1992 analysis on the salinization of Sparkling Lake, a deep seepage lake in Northern Wisconsin. The original analysis predicted a rapid increase in chloride concentrations before reaching a steady steady of 8 mg L−1 by 2020. Forty years of monitoring Sparkling Lake show that rather than reaching a dynamic equilibrium, chloride concentrations have steadily increased. We update the original box model approach by adding a soil reservoir component that shows the slow steady rise in chloride is the result of terrestrial retention. For freshwater rivers and lakes, chloride retention on the landscape will both delay chloride impairment and prolong recovery and must be considered when modeling future chloride contamination risk.
Injectable Hydrogels as Local Depots at Tumor Sites for Antitumor Immunotherapy and Immune‐Based Combination Therapy
Authors: Ma Hongyu , He Chaoliang , Chen Xuesi
Published: April 2021

Despite the encouraging clinical responses of several human cancers to immunotherapy, the efficacy of this treatment remains limited by variable objective response rates and severe systemic immune‐related adverse events. To overcome these issues, injectable hydrogels have been developed as local depots that permit the sustained release of single or multiple immunotherapy agents, including traditional immunomodulatory factors, immune checkpoint blocking antibodies, and exogenous immune cells. The antitumor efficacy of immunotherapy can also be enhanced by its combination with other therapeutic approaches, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and phototherapy. Despite local treatment strategies, potent systemic antitumor immune responses with low systemic toxicity can be obtained, leading to significant local and abscopal tumor‐killing, reduced tumor metastasis, and the prevention of tumor recurrence. This review highlights recent progress in injectable hydrogel‐based local depots for tumor immunotherapy and immune‐based combination therapy. Moreover, the proposed mechanisms responsible for these antitumor effects are discussed.
Self‐Strengthening Dielectric Elastomer of Triblock Copolymer with Significantly Improved Electromechanical Performance under Low Voltage
Authors: Xiao Youhua , Chen Zheqi , Mao Jie , Cao Xunuo , He Jin , Yang Tao , Chen Liyuan , Yang Xuxu , Zhao Junjie , Li Tiefeng , Luo Yingwu
Published: April 2021

Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) are promising soft electromechanical transducers for soft robotics. Fabricating a high‐performance DEA actuated by sub‐kV voltage remains challenging. Here, a facile method not only to fabricate ultrathin dielectric elastomer films of triblock copolymers but also to enhance the dielectric breakdown strength and thus enhance the electromechanical performance is reported. A thick thermoplastic elastomer film of poly(styrene‐b‐butyl acrylate‐b‐styrene) from solution blading is symmetrically pre‐stretched and relaxed at 120 °C to fabricate a freestanding ultrathin DE film. Compared with the pristine DE film of the same thickness (12 µm), the thermally‐relaxed DE film with equally biaxial pre‐stretch ratio 3.5 × 3.5 exhibits increased electrical breakdown strength by a factor of 1.9 (from 43 to 82 V µm−1), maximum actuation area strain by a factor of 1.9 (from 11.7% to 22.4%), and highest energy density by a factor of 5.7 (from 4.5 to 25.8 kJ m−3). The enhancement may be ascribed to the self‐reinforcement of the dielectric breakdown strength due to the morphology change of polystyrene nanodomains from spheres to oblate spheroids. Thanks to the ultra‐thinness, the high electromechanical performance is achieved within sub‐kV driving voltage in all cases.
LINC00662 modulates cervical cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis via sponging miR‐103a‐3p and upregulating PDK4
Authors: Liu Yongli , Qiu Shuang , Zheng Xiaoli , Qiu Yingying , Yao Shenghui , Ge Yan , Zhou Caixia
Published: April 2021

Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the most common cancers among women with high recurrence rates all over the world. Recently, the molecular mechanism of CC has been gradually uncovered in accumulating reports. This study aimed to investigate the function and upstream regulation mechanism of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) in CC cells, which was verified as an oncogene in several cancers. Through RT‐qPCR assay, we discovered that PDK4 was highly expressed in CC cells. Then, it was demonstrated in function assays that PDK4 facilitated CC cell proliferation and invasion, but inhibited CC cell apoptosis. Next, we sought to determine the upstream genes of PDK4, and miR‐103a‐3p was identified to target PDK4. Then, through bioinformatics tools and a range of mechanism assays, long intergenic non‐protein coding RNA 662 (LINC00662) was verified as the sponge of miR‐103a‐3p. Moreover, LINC00662 positively modulated PDK4 expression via competitively binding to miR‐103a‐3p in CC cells. Subsequently, rescue assays demonstrated that LINC00662 accelerated CC cell proliferation and inhibited cell apoptosis through upregulating PDK4. Furthermore, forkhead box A1 (FOXA1) was verified to activate transcription of both LINC00662 and PDK4. Taken together, our study revealed a novel ceRNA pattern of LINC00662/miR‐103a‐3p/PDK4 with FOXA1 as a transcription factor of LINC00662 and PDK4 in CC cells.
Impact of pandemic COVID‐19 on global economies (a seven‐scenario analysis)
Authors: Jawad Muhammad , Maroof Zaib , Naz Munazza
Published: April 2021

Coronavirus (COVID‐19) has affected life expectancy and disturbed economic growth. In pursuance of a better understanding of the probable economic consequences, the present research evaluates seven diverse scenarios/situations to anticipate the possible progression of COVID‐19 using a global hybrid dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE)–computable general equilibrium (CGE) general equilibrium model and also investigates the macroeconomic outcomes.
Investigating the ACE2 polymorphisms in COVID‐19 susceptibility: An in silico analysis
Authors: Pouladi Nasser , Abdolahi Sepehr
Published: April 2021

Background

Novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) became an epidemic disease and lead to a pneumonia outbreak first in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. The symptoms related to coronavirus disease‐19 (COVID‐19) were different ranging from mild to severe lung injury and multi‐organ failure symptoms, eventually leading to death, especially in older patients with other co‐morbidities. The receptor of this virus in the human cell is angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2).

Methods

In this paper, we aimed to perform an in silico analysis of the frequently studied variants of the ACE2 gene and determine the effects of the variants in mRNA secondary structure and binding affinity of cellular factors. Fourteen single‐nucleotide polymorphisms were selected based on previous studies and investigated.

Results

All of the variants were analyzed in the RNAsnp database and three revealed a significant p‐value. The spliceAid2 database prediction showed that 7 out of 14 SNPs caused an alteration in a way that only the wild or mutated form was able to bind to proteins. The latter database also reported that three SNPs produces a dual form in which different specific proteins can bind to the sequence in a specific form (either wild or mutated form).

Conclusion

Altogether, these estimations revealed the potential of variants in manipulation of the final stable form of ACE2 that can lead to different COVID‐19 susceptibility.
Novel mutations in BMP1 result in a patient with autosomal recessive osteogenesis imperfecta
Authors: Xi Lei , Lv Shanshan , Zhang Hao , Zhang Zhen‐Lin
Published: April 2021

Background

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare heritable bone disorder that is characterised by increased bone fragility and recurrent fractures. To date, only 19 OI patients have been reported, as caused by BMP1 gene mutations, worldwide. Here, we report a patient with a BMP1 gene mutation to explore the relationship between genotype and phenotype, and the patient was followed up for 4 years.

Methods

Detailed clinical features were collected, and BMP1 mutational analysis was performed by next‐generation sequencing and Sanger sequencing.

Results

The patient had recurrent fractures, low bone mass, bone deformities and growth retardation but did not have hearing loss or dentinogenesis imperfecta. Next‐generation sequencing and Sanger sequencing revealed a heterozygous novel missense variant (c.362C>T in exon 3, p.Ala121Val) and a heterozygous novel deletion mutation (c.1252delA in exon 10, p.Ser418AlafsX22). The parents of the proband were heterozygous carriers of these mutations. The patient received regular weekly treatment of 70 mg oral alendronate for 3 years, and her BMD Z‐score for the femur significantly increased from −1.3 to 0.9 at L1‐4 and from −1.7 to −0.1. She had no fracture during 4 years of follow‐up.

Conclusion

We discovered two heterozygous novel mutations in an OI patient with BMP1 gene mutations, expanding the spectrum of gene mutations in OI.
Monomer Concentration in Polymer Particles in Emulsion Polymerization
Authors: Schork F. Joseph
Published: April 2021

The rate of an emulsion polymerization depends on the monomer concentration at the locus of polymerization in the polymer particles. This note suggests a shortcut method of specifying monomer concentration for new monomers, or monomers for which thermodynamic swelling data is unavailable. While the monomer concentration in a polymer particle in moles per liter varies widely, when described as volume fraction monomer, the variance is much smaller. In fact, for ten monomers for which experimental values are available, the volume fraction monomer in a polymer particle in equilibrium with an aqueous phase saturated with monomer of that polymer is 0.67 ± 0.04. Hence, if no other value is available, one could assume a monomer volume fraction monomer of 0.67 with a good degree of accuracy.
Mini Nutritional Assessment ‐ Short Form Is a Useful Malnutrition Screening Tool in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis, Using the Global Leadership Initiative for Malnutrition Criteria as the Gold Standard
Authors: Casas Deza Diego , Betoré Glaria María Elena , Sanz‐París Alejandro , Lafuente Blasco Miguel , Fernández Bonilla Eva María , Bernal Monterde Vanesa , Arbonés Mainar José Miguel , Fuentes Olmo Javier
Published: April 2021

Background

The use of nutrition‐screening tools in cirrhotic patients is not systematized. Recently, specific tools have been proposed for patients with cirrhosis, but their diagnostic capabilities have been scarcely studied.

Methods

This was a prospective study that includes outpatients with liver cirrhosis undergoing follow‐up in the hepatology consultations of a tertiary‐care university hospital. A trained gastroenterologist applied the screening tools: Liver Disease Universal Screening Tool (LDUST), Royal Free Hospital‐Nutrition Prioritizing Tool (RFH‐NPT), and Mini Nutritional Assessment‐Short Form (MNA‐SF). Subsequently, the diagnosis of malnutrition was made according to Global Leadership Initiative for Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria by an endocrinologist, who was blind to the results of the screening tools.

Results

Sixty‐three patients (38.1% women, mean age 63.1 ± 9.9 years) with cirrhosis (60.3% Child‐Pugh A, 34.9% Child‐Pugh B, and 4.8% Child‐Pugh C) were evaluated. The prevalence of malnutrition was 38.1% (15.9% moderate, 22.2% severe). Advanced stages of cirrhosis were associated with a higher prevalence of malnutrition (P = .021). MNA‐SF was the most accurate screening tool, being superior to RFH‐NPT and LDUST. It presented better sensitivity than RFH‐NPT (88% [0.68–0.97] vs 67% [0.45–0.84], P = .031) and better specificity than both LDUST (97% [0.87–0.99] vs 62% [0.45–0.77], P < .001) and RFH‐NPT (97% [0.87–0.99] vs 82% [0.67–0.93], P = .016).

Conclusions

According to the GLIM criteria, malnutrition affected 38.1% of patients with cirrhosis, being severe in 22% of the patients. MNA‐SF is the most accurate screening test, superior even to tools specifically designed for cirrhotic patients (LDUST).
An efficient and locking‐free material point method for three‐dimensional analysis with simplex elements
Authors: Wang Lei , Coombs William M. , Augarde Charles E. , Cortis Michael , Brown Michael J. , Brennan Andrew J. , Knappett Jonathan A. , Davidson Craig , Richards David , White David J. , Blake Anthony P.
Published: April 2021

The Material Point Method is a relative newcomer to the world of solid mechanics modelling. Its key advantage is the ability to model problems having large deformations while being relatively close to standard finite element methods, however its use for realistic engineering applications will happen only if the material point can be shown to be both efficient and accurate (compared to standard finite element methods), when modelling complex geometries with a range of material models. In this paper we present developments of the standard material point method aimed at realizing these goals. The key contribution provided here is the development of a material point method that avoids volumetric locking (arising from elastic or elasto‐plastic material behavior) while using low‐order tetrahedral finite elements for the background computational mesh, hence allowing unstructured background grids to be used for complex geometries. We also show that these developments can be effectively parallelized to improve computational efficiency.
Identification of metallic objects using spectral magnetic polarizability tensor signatures: Object characterisation and invariants
Authors: Ledger Paul D. , Wilson Ben A. , Amad Alan A. S. , Lionheart William R. B.
Published: April 2021

The early detection of terrorist threat objects, such as guns and knives, through improved metal detection, has the potential to reduce the number of attacks and improve public safety and security. To achieve this, there is considerable potential to use the fields applied and measured by a metal detector to discriminate between different shapes and different metals since, hidden within the field perturbation, is object characterisation information. The magnetic polarizability tensor (MPT) offers an economical characterisation of metallic objects that can be computed for different threat and non‐threat objects and has an established theoretical background, which shows that the induced voltage is a function of the hidden object's MPT coefficients. In this article, we describe the additional characterisation information that measurements of the induced voltage over a range of frequencies offer compared with measurements at a single frequency. We call such object characterisations its MPT spectral signature. Then, we present a series of alternative rotational invariants for the purpose of classifying hidden objects using MPT spectral signatures. Finally, we include examples of computed MPT spectral signature characterisations of realistic threat and non‐threat objects that can be used to train machine learning algorithms for classification purposes.
COVID‐19 as a nonprofit workplace crisis: Seeking insights from the nonprofit workers' perspective
Authors: Kuenzi Kerry , Stewart Amanda J. , Walk Marlene
Published: April 2021

Due to the COVID‐19 pandemic, nonprofit organizations face increased demands for services alongside decreased revenues and must make tough choices on how to weather these stressors. Alongside these organizational changes, COVID‐19 impacts nonprofit workers and could be a career shock for these individuals, potentially altering how they think of their work and career intentions, even jeopardizing their commitment to the sector. Therefore, this paper outlines a research agenda to understand how the pandemic impacts nonprofit workers and their commitment to working in the sector. Several areas for future research are identified including human resource policy, leadership development, generational differences, gender effects, nonprofit graduate education, and mission‐specific work effects.
Improving the effectiveness of prosocial advertising campaigns: Message strategies to increase support from less empathic individuals
Authors: Bünzli Fabienne
Published: April 2021

Individuals with low levels of trait empathy are hesitant when it comes to helping people in need. This makes it difficult for nonprofit organizations to gain their support for prosocial advertising campaigns. An experimental study among 214 Swiss students examines what message strategies nonprofit organizations should use to increase support from less empathic people. We investigate the effects of depicting daily life situations where people in need are happy versus sad (visual message strategies) and the effects of presenting statistical versus anecdotal evidence (verbal message strategies). The results show that less empathic individuals hold more favorable attitudes toward prosocial advertising campaigns when exposed to sad daily life images and anecdotal evidence. Moreover, attitudes mediate message effects on less empathic individuals' intentions to comply with a prosocial advocacy. Overall, the study suggests that nonprofit organizations should prefer sad over happy daily life images and anecdotal over statistical evidence in prosocial advertising campaigns.
A systematic review of agouti (Dasyproctidae: Dasyprocta) records from the pre‐1492 Lesser Antilles: New perspectives on an introduced commensal
Authors: Rabinow Sophie , Giovas Christina
Published: April 2021

The agouti (Dasyprocta sp.), a medium‐sized neotropical rodent, was introduced by indigenous peoples to the Caribbean islands over a millennium ago and is recorded at archeological sites throughout the Lesser Antilles and southern Caribbean. Like many commensal fauna, these mammals are valuable proxies for deciphering ancient human practices and mobility. However, unsystematic reporting and ambiguous data hinder determination of the agouti's timing of entry, paths of dissemination, distribution, ecological impact, and cultural significance. Here, we present the first systematic review of all published records of which we are aware for pre‐1492 agouti skeletal remains in the Caribbean, totaling 63 sites on 24 islands. On the basis of these data, we address the issue of archeological species attributions in relation to unresolved phylogenetic and taxonomic issues for Dasyprocta spp. In addition, we synthesize findings for agouti distribution, abundance, and chronology of occurrence. Data are consistent with an initial introduction to the northern Lesser Antilles by ca. AD 35 and perhaps as early as ca. 500 BC. While the midden contexts in which agoutis are almost always found affirm their use as food, ethnohistoric records point to the utilization of skeletal remains in ritual and artifact manufacture. This study provides the first region‐wide synthesis of archeological agoutis and highlights the important insights to be gained from such systematic reviews. It is particularly significant for informing the potential ecological impacts of indigenous faunal introductions prior to Columbus's arrival.
The Relationship Between Internalized Weight Stigma During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: A Prospective Longitudinal Study
Authors: Dieterich Rachel , Chang Judy , Danford Cynthia , Scott Paul W. , Wend Caroline , Demirci Jill
Published: April 2021

Objective

This study aimed to examine the relationship between internalized weight stigma during pregnancy and breastfeeding outcomes at 1 month post partum among individuals with prepregnancy overweight or obesity. Secondarily, the study explored the temporal stability of internalized weight stigma from the third trimester to 1 month post partum via the Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS).

Methods

A total of 103 pregnant individuals with overweight or obesity were recruited for this study. Participants completed the WBIS during the third trimester and self‐reported breastfeeding initiation, continuation, and exclusivity outcomes at 1 month post partum. A paired t test and binomial logistic regression were conducted with covariates hierarchically added to the model.

Results

The average prepregnancy BMI was 33.53 (SD 7.17) kg/m2 (range = 25.4‐62), and average prenatal WBIS scores were 25.95 (SD 11.83). No difference was found in mean prenatal and postpartum scores (25.95 [SD 11.83]; 26.86 [SD 13.03], respectively; t94 = −0.83, P = 0.41), evidencing temporal stability in WBIS scores from pre to post partum. Prenatal WBIS scores did not predict breastfeeding initiation, continuation, or exclusivity at 1 month post partum in either unadjusted or adjusted models.

Conclusions

Collectively, this sample displayed low weight bias internalization, which was not predictive of breastfeeding initiation, continuation, or exclusivity at 1 month post partum. Future research is needed to develop a pregnancy‐specific weight stigma measure.
Pharmacotherapies for Post‐Bariatric Weight Regain: Real‐World Comparative Outcomes
Authors: Gazda Chellse L. , Clark John D. , Lingvay Ildiko , Almandoz Jaime P.
Published: April 2021

Objective

This study aimed to compare outcomes of treatment strategies for weight regain after bariatric surgery.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of 207 individuals treated for post‐bariatric weight regain at an academic center from January 1, 2014, through November 25, 2019. Percentage body weight loss was compared after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of treatment among an intensive lifestyle modification (ILM) group, a non–glucagon‐like‐1 receptor agonist (GLP‐1‐RA)‐based weight‐loss pharmacotherapy (WLP) group, and a GLP‐1‐RA‐based WLP group (the latter two groups in conjunction with ILM).

Results

The percentage body weight loss was significantly different between groups after 3 months (1.4% vs. 2.2% vs. 4.5% [P < 0.001] for ILM, non–GLP‐1‐RA‐based WLP, and GLP‐1‐RA‐based WLP groups, respectively), 6 months (0.8% vs. 2.9% vs. 6.7% [P < 0.001]), and 9 months (−1.6% vs. 5.6% vs. 6.9% [P = 0.007]). There was a significant difference in the percentage of individuals achieving ≥5% weight loss after 3, 6, and 9 months, with most occurring in the GLP‐1‐RA‐based WLP group. In a multiple regression analysis including bariatric surgery type, treatment group was the only significant predictor of percentage weight change.

Conclusions

GLP‐1‐RA‐based WLP therapies were found to be more effective for treating post‐bariatric weight regain than non–GLP‐1‐RA‐based WLP or ILM, regardless of surgery type.
Factors influencing the use of technology in higher education in Saudi Arabia: A conceptual framework and future research directions
Authors: Al‐Mamary Yaser Hasan , Abdulrab Mohammed , Jazim Fawaz , Khan Imran , Al‐Ghurbani Abdullah Mohammed
Published: April 2021

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are drastically changing the norm in today's society, economy and culture. The acceptance and successful adoption of new technologies is as important as their introduction. This matter is particularly relevant to the current health crisis, especially for the aspect of education. The implementation of ICTs is changing the practice of learning institutions. Thus, this study aims to review academic publications on the use of technology in the education sector in Saudi Arabia. From the review of the literature, we determine six main factors influencing the successful adoption of ICTs. Using these factors, we develop a conceptual framework on the basis of the analysis and knowledge obtained from relevant literature. The proposed conceptual model helps identify the main factors that affect the successful adoption of innovative technologies in the education sector. We also provide potential research directions concerning the use of technology in the education sector in Saudi Arabia.