bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pak1 and PP2A antagonize aPKC function to support cortical tension induced by the Crumbs-Yurt complex
Authors: Biehler Cornelia , Rothenberg Katheryn E , Jette Alexandra , Gaude Helori-Mael , Fernandez-Gonzalez Rodrigo , Laprise Patrick
Published: July 2021

The Drosophila polarity protein Crumbs is essential for the establishment and growth of the apical domain in epithelial cells. The protein Yurt limits the ability of Crumbs to promote apical membrane growth, thereby defining proper apical/lateral membrane ratio that is crucial for forming and maintaining complex epithelial structures such as tubes or acini. Here, we show that Yurt also increases Myosin-dependent cortical tension downstream of Crumbs. Yurt overexpression thus induces apical constriction in epithelial cells. The kinase aPKC phosphorylates Yurt, thereby dislodging the latter from the apical domain and releasing apical tension. In contrast, the kinase Pak1 promotes Yurt dephosphorylation through activation of the phosphatase PP2A. The Pak1–PP2A module thus opposes aPKC function and supports Yurt-induced apical constriction. Hence, the complex interplay between Yurt, aPKC, Pak1, and PP2A contributes to the functional plasticity of Crumbs. Overall, our data increase our understanding of how proteins sustaining epithelial cell polarization and Myosin-dependent cell contractility interact with one another to control epithelial tissue architecture.
Phosphate solubilizing rhizobacteria isolated from jujubeziziphus lotusplant stimulate wheat germination rate and seedlings growth
Authors: Fahsi Nidal , Mahdi Ismail , Mesfioui Abdelhalem , Biskri Latefa , Allaoui Abdelmounaaim
Published: July 2021

Jujube plant (Ziziphus lotus(L.) Desf.) can survive in arid climates and tolerates both biotic and abiotic stresses. Here, we isolated, for the first time in Morocco, nine phosphate solubilizing bacteria strains from jujube rhizosphere, designated J10 to J13, J15, & J153 to J156. Genotypic identification based on 16S rDNA sequencing, revealed six strains that belong toPseudomonas(J10, J12, J13, J15, J153 and J154), two toBacillus (J11 and J156),and one toPaenibacillusJ155.Siderophores were produced by all strains. Proteases activity was missing inPseudomonassp. J153 & J154, whereas cellulase was restricted only toPseudomonassp. J10,Paenibacillus xylanexedensJ155 andBacillus cereusJ156. Indole-3- acetic acid and ammonia were also produced by all strains, with a maxima of 204.28 µg mL−1inBacillus megateriumJ11 and 0.33 µmol mL−1inPseudomonassp. J153, respectively.Pseudomonassp. J10 andB. cereusJ156 grew on plates containing 1,500 µg mL−1of nickel nitrate, whilePseudomonassp. J153 withstood 1,500 µg mL−1of either copper sulfate or cadmium sulfate. Phenotypic analysis of the potential of the isolates to promote early plant growth showed that wheat seeds inoculated with eitherP. moraviensisJ12 orB. cereusJ156 remarkably increased germination rate and seedlings growth. Lastly, antibiotic resistance profiling revealed that except forPseudomonas sp. J11 andB. cereusJ156, remaining strains displayed resistance at least to one of tested antibiotics. Collectively,Pseudomonassp. J10,P. moraviensisJ12,Pseudomonassp. J153 andB. cereusJ156, represent potential biofertilizers suitable for soils that are poor in P, and/or heavy metals contaminated.
Cytological analysis of tracheal wash and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in health and respiratory disease in dromedary camels
Authors: Shawaf Turke , Almubarak Abdullah , Alhumam Naser , Almathen Faisal , Hussen Jamal
Published: July 2021

Background

Tracheal wash (TW) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) have proven to be useful tools for the identification of disease-associated changes in the respiratory tract in human and different animal species. In the dromedary camel, little is known about cytological analysis of TW and BAL in health and disease. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cytological composition of TW and BAL in health and respiratory disease in dromedary camels.

Methods

TW and BAL samples were collected from dromedary camels and cytological analysis was performed by microscopic examination of prepared smears. Camels with clinical respiratory disease (n = 18) were compared with apparently healthy (control) camels (n = 9).

Results

In the apparently healthy camels, differential cytological analysis of TW samples identified macrophages and neutrophils as the main cell populations with lesser proportions of lymphocytes and epithelial cells and very rare abundance of eosinophils and mast cells. In the TW of camels with respiratory disease, neutrophils were the most abundant cells followed by macrophages and lymphocytes. In the BAL of healthy camels, macrophages represented the main cell type followed by lymphocytes and neutrophils. In respiratory-diseased camels, BAL samples contained higher percentages of neutrophils with reduced percentages of macrophages and lymphocytes in comparison to camels from the control group. Collectively, the results of the current study revealed higher abundance of neutrophils in the TW and BAL from dromedary camels than many other veterinary species. The cytological patterns of TW and BAL from camels with respiratory diseases were characterized by increased proportion of neutrophils and decreased proportion of macrophages in comparison to healthy camels. The proportion of lymphocytes was also decreased in TW samples from diseased camels.
Crop Simulation Models: A Tool for Future Agricultural Research and Climate Change
Authors: Fayaz Asma , Kumar Y. Rajit , Lone Bilal Ahmad , Kumar Sandeep , Dar Z. A. , Rasool Faisal , Abidi Ishfaq , Nisar Fouzea , Kumar Anil
Published: July 2021

A crop simulation model is a computerized program which is used to describe the process of growth and developmental stages of crop in relation to weather data, crop conditions and soil conditions to solve the real-world problems. Crop simulation models plays an important role in decision making process as these models can save time and resources. The prediction accuracy of simulation models is one of the most vital components in decision making process. Our review shows the prediction accuracy and efficiency of the simulation models like DSSAT and APSIM. We have compared the prediction accuracy of these models on various growth and development stages of crops along with yield prediction. Both the models have performed well while predicting various growth and developmental stages of crops. The present scenario of traditional research is site-specific, Resource consuming and time consuming. Hence the information obtained through traditional research by qualitative analysis has many limitations, Because of changing climate and weather parameters there is a need for computerized based statistical tool which can provide decision support system for more than 10-15 years. By this we strongly believe that Crop simulation models can be a vital tool in future agricultural research and climate change mitigation strategies.
Knowledge of Eclampsia among Pregnant Women Attending a Tertiary Antenatal Clinic in Ikenne LGA, Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Makinde Eniola D. , Akinboye Dora O.
Published: July 2021

Background: Eclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy; it is major global health problem and a common medical complication of pregnancy among pregnant women residing in low and middle income countries. It is the development of convulsions and or coma that is not related to other cerebral conditions during pregnancy or in the postpartum period in women with signs and symptoms of preeclampsia. It is responsible for the majority of poor maternal and fetal outcomes globally. In many developing countries such as Nigeria, eclampsia remains a significant contributor to adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes despite all measures to reduce its incidence and impact.

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge of eclampsia among pregnant women attending a tertiary antenatal clinic in Ikenne Remo, Ogun state, Nigeria.

Study Design: Quantitative cross-sectional descriptive survey design.

Methodology: Ninety four (94) pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at a tertiary hospital in Ikenne Remo, Ogun state participated in the study. The level of knowledge was assessed by administering a quantitative instrument developed in a structured close ended questionnaire form. The questionnaire had two (2) sections; Section A: Socio demographic and Section B: Knowledge.

Results: Findings indicated that majority of the pregnant women, 41.5% had fair level of knowledge of eclampsia while 33% had high level of knowledge and 25.5% had poor level of knowledge of eclampsia. The study identified that age, religion, ethnicity and parity were significantly related with level of knowledge of the pregnant women while educational level of the pregnant women wasn’t significantly related with their level of knowledge about eclampsia.

Conclusion: The study illustrates that knowledge of eclampsia are limited among pregnant women attending a tertiary antenatal clinic in Ogun state, Nigeria; there are gaps in knowledge regarding the causes, danger signs and risk factors of the condition. Therefore, health care providers should be equipped with appropriate skills and relevant materials to provide proper prenatal education and sensitization to improve maternal and perinatal health.
Antiparkinsonian Activity of Aqueous Extract of Agaricus Blazei Murill in Rotenone-induced Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Aslam Muhammad , Ahmed Hammad , Mumtaz Tayyaba , Hakani Gahzal
Published: July 2021

Background: Parkinsons disease is a chronic neurological disorder which may be due to reduction in the dopaminergic neurons in the brain. However, Agaricus blazei is a rich source of natural antioxidants.

Aim: In this study, antiparkinsonian activity of Agaricus blazei Murill was evaluated using different animal models.

Method: Antiparkinsonian activity was evaluated using two different doses (273 mg/kg and 819 mg/kg) of Agaricus blazei Murill. Rotenone and sunflower oil were used as positive and negative control, respectively. Catalepsy test, rotarod test, exploratory behavior test (rearing) and locomotor activity test were conducted to observe antiparkinsonian activity of the drug in rats.

Result: The results of the animal models were confirmed by determining the levels of reduced glutathione, total protein, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and nitric oxide in the animal brain. Pretreatment with Agaricus blazei Murill, showed marked reduction in rotenone-induced catalepsy and a significant increase in exploratory behavior, muscular activity, and locomotor activity in rats. Agaricus blazei Murill has also shown extremely significant effect in decreasing the oxidative stress in the animal brain by increasing the brain levels of reduced GSH and total proteins and decreasing the levels of nitrite and TBARS.

Conclusion: The results of rotenone-induced catalepsy, exploratory behavior, rotarod test and locomotor activity showed that Agaricus blazei Murill exerts a significant ameliorative effect on Parkinson’s disease in rats.
Patterns of Medication Use in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Kandane‐Rathnayake Rangi , Louthrenoo Worawit , Luo Shue‐Fen , Wu Yeong‐Jian J. , Chen Yi‐Hsing , Golder Vera , Lateef Aisha , Cho Jiacai , Navarra Sandra V. , Zamora Leonid , Hamijoyo Laniyati , Sockalingam Sargunan , An Yuan , Li Zhanguo , Montes Ricardo , Oon Shereen , Katsumata Yasuhiro , Harigai Masayoshi , Hao Yanjie , Zhang Zhuoli , Chan Madelynn , Kikuchi Jun , Takeuchi Tsutomu , Goldblatt Fiona , O'Neill Sean , Bae Sang‐Cheol , Lau Chak S. , Hoi Alberta , Karyekar Chetan S. , Nikpour Mandana , Morand Eric F. ,   for the Asia‐Pacific Lupus Collaboration
Published: July 2021

Objective

Evidence for the utility of medications in settings lacking randomized trial data can come from studies of treatment persistence. The present study was undertaken to examine patterns of medication use in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) using data from a large multicenter longitudinal cohort.

Methods

Prospectively collected data from the Asia Pacific Lupus Collaboration cohort including disease activity (SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 [SLEDAI‐2K]) and medication details, captured at every visit from 2013–2018, were used. Medications were categorized as glucocorticoids (GCs), antimalarials (AM), and immunosuppressants (IS). Cox regression analyses were performed to determine the time‐to‐discontinuation of medications, stratified by SLE disease activity.

Results

Data from 19,804 visits of 2,860 patients were analyzed. Eight medication categories were observed: no treatment; GC, AM, or IS only; GC plus AM; GC plus IS; AM plus IS; and GC plus AM plus IS (triple therapy). Triple therapy was the most frequent pattern (31.4% of visits); single agents were used in 21% of visits, and biologics in only 3%. Time‐to‐discontinuation analysis indicated that medication persistence varied widely, with the highest treatment persistence for AM and lowest for IS. Patients with a time‐adjusted mean SLEDAI‐2K score of ≥10 had lower discontinuation of GCs and higher discontinuation of IS.

Conclusion

Most patients received combination treatment. GC persistence was high, while IS persistence was low. Patients with high disease activity received more medication combinations but had reduced IS persistence, consistent with limited utility. These data confirm unmet need for improved SLE treatments.
Gradient‐based recursive parameter estimation for a periodically nonuniformly sampled‐data Hammerstein–Wiener system based on the key‐term separation
Authors: Liu Qilin , Ding Feng
Published: July 2021

The identification of the Hammerstein–Wiener (H‐W) systems based on the nonuniform input–output dataset remains a challenging problem. This article studies the identification problem of a periodically nonuniformly sampled‐data H‐W system. In addition, the product terms of the parameters in the H‐W system are inevitable. In order to solve the problem, the key‐term separation is applied and two algorithms are proposed. One is the key‐term‐based forgetting factor stochastic gradient (KT‐FFSG) algorithm based on the gradient search. The other is the key‐term‐based hierarchical forgetting factor stochastic gradient (KT‐HFFSG) algorithm. Compared with the KT‐FFSG algorithm, the KT‐HFFSG algorithm gives more accurate estimates. The simulation results indicate that the proposed algorithms are effective.
Two‐strategy evolutionary games with stochastic adaptive control
Authors: Liang Haili , Cui Ying , Zhou Zhao , Ding Baogang
Published: July 2021

We investigate the stochastic stability of replicator dynamics for evolutionary games with multiplicative noises and time delay in this article. We study evolutionary games in infinite well‐mixed populations, among which each individual has two strategies, to cooperate or defect, each time when it is matched up with other individuals to play the two‐strategy game together. This article is concerned with the extension of the well‐known two‐strategy evolutionary games to the stochastic case with adaptive control. We analyze the stochastic replicator dynamics with time delays and provide conservative bounds on the strength of noise and the time delay for the almost sure exponential stability of stochastic systems. Finally, numerical simulations based on triple classical game models (snowdrift game, hunt stag game, and prisoner's dilemma game) are given to illustrate the preceding theoretical results.
Synergistical Starvation and Chemo‐Dynamic Therapy for Combating Multidrug‐Resistant Bacteria and Accelerating Diabetic Wound Healing
Authors: Li Danxia , Chen Tao , Zhang Yanfang , Xu Yuanhong , Niu Haitao
Published: July 2021

The application of the antibiotic drug has dramatically decreased the infection and promoted the development of surgery, but drug‐resistant bacteria appeared along with the abuse of antibiotics. Especially, wound in diabetic patients provides more glucose for bacteria resulting in poor wound healing. Therefore, it is imminent to explore advanced agents for combating multidrug‐resistant bacteria and accelerating diabetic wound healing. Herein, metal–organic frameworks based nanoreactors loaded with glucose oxidase (GOx) and peroxidase‐like bovine hemoglobin (BHb) are designed to construct an effective cascaded catalytic antibacterial system. Therein, GOx can cost the glucose, and release H2O2 simultaneously, which can then be transformed into hydroxyl radicals by BHb. As a result, the as‐prepared nanoreactors can play the roles of both starving and killing toward the multidrug‐resistant bacteria. Furthermore, the produced gluconic acid can reduce the pH of working condition, which is beneficial for both the enhancement of peroxidase activity and the inhibition of the bacteria growth. More importantly, the constructed nanoreactors can be degraded and excreted from the body in the form of feces, which render the as‐proposed nanoreactors qualified as effective and safe materials for both combating multidrug‐resistant bacteria in vitro and accelerating the diabetic wound healing in vivo of the mouse model.
A Straightforward Approach for High‐Level Anticounterfeiting and Antibacterial Applications Based on Photoluminescent Fibers/Yarns
Authors: Lyu Pei , Li Guoqing , Zhao Yuting , Chi Hao , Wang Xungai , Hurren Christopher , Chen Dongzhi , Xu Weilin , Liu Xin
Published: July 2021

Recently, emergent luminescent fibers have attracted extensive attention due to their intriguing applications. However, developments of the luminescent fibers are severely limited by their high‐cost and low efficient manufacturing protocols including in situ growth, dry‐wet spinning, co‐electrospinning, and multistep dip‐coating. Herein, a cost‐efficient and large‐scalable approach (namely, one‐step dip‐coating) is proposed. In this work, the photoluminescent fibers/yarns are fabricated by one‐step dipping of pristine fibers/yarns in dispersions of hybrid dots (silicon/carbon). Subsequently, Janus fabrics with striking photoluminescent patterns are developed by weaving, knitting, and braiding, respectively. An innovative anticounterfeiting technique is further developed by combing the merits of the photoluminescent fibers/yarns with textile weaving methods. The designed photoluminescent patterns can endow the weaving fabrics with excellent concealment performance. As far as it is well known, it is the first time to achieve asymmetric photoluminescent patterns on two sides of the woven fabrics by this innovative technology. Additionally, the fabrics treated with hybrid dots exhibit excellent antibacterial ability against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. These findings can not only provide an unprecedented insight for realizing high‐level anticounterfeiting applications, but also guide to exploit versatile applications in medical care, fashion design, stage performances, trademark, and confidential documents in the future.
Atomic Imaging of Electrically Switchable Striped Domains in β′‐In2Se3
Authors: Chen Zhi , Fu Wei , Wang Lin , Yu Wei , Li Haohan , Tan Clement Kok Yong , Abdelwahab Ibrahim , Shao Yan , Su Chenliang , Sun Mingzi , Huang Bolong , Loh Kian Ping
Published: July 2021

2D ferroelectricity in van‐der‐Waals‐stacked materials such as indium selenide (In2Se3) has attracted interests because the ferroelectricity is robust even in ultrathin layers, which is useful for the miniaturization of ferroelectric field effect transistors. To implement In2Se3 in nanoscale ferroelectric devices, an understanding of the domain structure and switching dynamics in the 2D limit is essential. In this study, a biased scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) tip is used to locally switch polarized domains in β′‐In2Se3, and the reconfiguration of these domains are directly visualized using STM. The room‐temperature surface of β′‐In2Se3 breaks into 1D nanostriped domains, which changes into a zig‐zag striped domains of β″ phase at low temperatures. These two types of domains can coexist, and by applying a tip‐sample bias, they can be interchangeably switched locally, showing volatile or nonvolatile like behavior depending on the threshold voltage applied. An atomic model is proposed to explain the switching mechanism based on tip‐induced flexoelectric effect and the ferroelastic switching between β′ and β″ phases.
Replicability of leptin associations with testosterone, estradiol, follicle‐stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone in healthy Ache men of Paraguay: A multiple daily assessment
Authors: Harries Victoria , Bribiescas Richard G.
Published: July 2021

Objective

Associations between leptin and male reproductive hormone levels have been reported in men. However, few of these investigations have focused on associations in healthy men without obesity or overweight or nonindustrial societies.

Methods

We test hypotheses that leptin is associated with testosterone, estradiol, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) within healthy Ache men, an indigenous nonindustrialized South American community using archived data.

Results

Archived data of serum FSH, LH, leptin, and salivary testosterone and estradiol levels collected from healthy Ache men (n = 17, mean age = 37.1 ± 14.2) on two separate days revealed leptin was correlated with FSH (D1 p = .07, D2 p = .009) and PM testosterone (TsalPM, D1 p = .05, D2 p = .05). However, controlling for age, associations with FSH were not significant. Mean comparisons and linear regression of values over 2 days resulted in leptin (t = 0.08, p = .94, r2 = .58, p = .0009), LH (t = 1.16, p = .26, r2 = .11, p = .27), FSH (U = 131.5, p = .88, r2 = .63, p = .0002), AM testosterone (TsalAM, t = 4.0, p = .001, r2 = .02, p = 0.75), and TsalPM (t = 2.99, p = .01, r2 = .56, p = .01).

Conclusion

We conclude (a) FSH, TsalPM, and leptin levels within individual men are relatively invariant over a span of days; (b) despite small sample sizes, results suggest ecological and lifestyle variation can contribute to variation in leptin associations with male reproductive hormones.
An overview of microwave assisted cyanation reactions
Authors: Fairoosa Jaleel , Shamna Salahudeen , Neetha Mohan , Anilkumar Gopinathan
Published: July 2021

Cyano compounds are versatile intermediates in organic synthesis and have immense applications in diverse sectors including pharmaceuticals, industries, and agrochemicals. Microwave heating has enlightened synthetic chemistry due to its eco‐friendly nature ever since the first report. High product yield, shorter reaction time, less byproduct formation, selectivity, reproducibility and high product purity made this heating technique more acceptable. This review focuses on the diverse aspects of microwave assisted cyanation reactions. This is the first review on this topic and covers literature from 2000 to 2020.
An efficient nanoscale representative volume element simulation including graded interphase for tensile behavior of epoxy/silica nanocomposites
Authors: Zamanian Milad , Ashenai Ghasemi Faramarz , Mortezaei Mehrzad
Published: July 2021

The behavior of interphase‐particle adhesion and interphase region around the nanoparticles can significantly affect the stress distribution and mechanical properties of polymeric nanocomposites. In this study, the elastic modulus of epoxy/silica nanocomposites is analyzed using the finite element method and different mathematical models. A nanoscale representative volume element including graded interphase, homogenous interphase, and no interphase model is implemented. Furthermore, the effect of interfacial adhesion is also considered. The final elastic modulus was clearly affected by the interphase modulus, especially at higher nanoparticle content. Under imperfect interfacial bonding, the existence of an interphase region leads to a slight increase in modulus, and in the absence of that area, the elastic modulus decreases to 3.28 GPa. In perfect bonding models, stress transferred from the matrix to interphase and, then, to nanoparticle, which led to a significant increase in elastic modulus. Unlike the imperfect bonding, the maximum stress was located in the elements along to the loading direction. A maximum 26% increase in elastic modulus for perfect bonding/graded interphase model with 6.54 vol% of nanosilica particles compared to bulk epoxy was achieved. Finally, on comparing the FEM analysis and theoretical results with the experimental data, good agreement between obtained results was found.
Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses to SARS–CoV‐2 Infection and Vaccination in Autoimmune Disease Patients With B Cell Depletion
Authors: Simon David , Tascilar Koray , Schmidt Katja , Manger Bernhard , Weckwerth Leonie , Sokolova Maria , Bucci Laura , Fagni Filippo , Manger Karin , Schuch Florian , Ronneberger Monika , Hueber Axel , Steffen Ulrike , Mielenz Dirk , Herrmann Martin , Harrer Thomas , Kleyer Arnd , Krönke Gerhard , Schett Georg
Published: July 2021

Objective

B cell depletion is an established therapeutic principle in a wide range of autoimmune diseases. However, B cells are also critical for inducing protective immunity after infection and vaccination. We undertook this study to assess humoral and cellular immune responses after infection with or vaccination against SARS–CoV‐2 in patients with B cell depletion and controls who are B cell–competent.

Methods

Antibody responses (tested using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay) and T cell responses (tested using interferon‐γ enzyme‐linked immunospot assay) against the SARS–CoV‐2 spike S1 and nucleocapsid proteins were assessed in a limited number of previously infected (n = 6) and vaccinated (n = 8) autoimmune disease patients with B cell depletion, as well as previously infected (n = 30) and vaccinated (n = 30) healthy controls.

Results

As expected, B cell and T cell responses to the nucleocapsid protein were observed only after infection, while respective responses to SARS–CoV‐2 spike S1 were found after both infection and vaccination. A SARS–CoV‐2 antibody response was observed in all vaccinated controls (30 of 30 [100%]) but in none of the vaccinated patients with B cell depletion (0 of 8). In contrast, after SARS–CoV‐2 infection, both the patients with B cell depletion (spike S1, 5 of 6 [83%]; nucleocapsid, 3 of 6 [50%]) and healthy controls (spike S1, 28 of 30 [93%]; nucleocapsid, 28 of 30 [93%]) developed antibodies. T cell responses against the spike S1 and nucleocapsid proteins were found in both infected and vaccinated patients with B cell depletion and in the controls.

Conclusion

These data show that B cell depletion completely blocks humoral but not T cell SARS–CoV‐2 vaccination response. Furthermore, limited humoral immune responses are found after SARS–CoV‐2 infection in patients with B cell depletion.
Contribution of rationality to vaccine attitudes: Testing two hypotheses
Authors: Tomljenovic Helena , Bubic Andreja , Erceg Nikola
Published: July 2021

Although previous studies have demonstrated an association between vaccine attitudes and cognitive biases, often resulting in vaccination hesitancy, the exact contribution of rationality has not been fully clarified. We tested two hypotheses regarding the impact of rationality on vaccine attitudes stemming from bounded and expressive rationality. We focused on parental vaccine attitudes operationalized by the affective, behavioral, and cognitive attitude components and investigated how these are influenced by disillusionment toward authorities and ability to engage in rational thinking operationalized using cognitive reflection and heuristics and biases tasks. The study was of a cross‐sectional correlational design with a non‐probabilistic sample of 823 volunteer participants surveyed online in April and May 2018 in Croatia. The results identified disillusionment toward authorities as a predictor of all components. Furthermore, performance on heuristics and biases tasks also predicted the affective and cognitive, but not the behavioral component, whereas cognitive reflection had no impact on vaccine attitudes. Next, a moderation effect of disillusionment toward authorities on the association between the omission bias task and all attitude components was identified. Parents with low disillusionment demonstrated positive vaccine attitudes regardless of their rationality, whereas for parents with high disillusionment a significant positive correlation between performance on the omission bias task as assessed with a vaccination vignette and attitudes was identified. This suggests that the ability to resist vaccine specific omission bias, that is, higher rationality, can decrease the negative effects of disillusionment, which supports the bounded rationality hypothesis.
Rapid self‐assembly of γPNA nanofibers at constant temperature
Authors: Kumar Sriram , Dhami Isha , Thadke Shivaji A. , Ly Danith H. , Taylor Rebecca E.
Published: July 2021

Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) have primarily been used to achieve therapeutic gene modulation through antisense strategies since their design in the 1990s. However, the application of PNAs as a functional nanomaterial has been more recent. We recently reported that γ‐modified peptide nucleic acids (γPNAs) could be used to enable formation of complex, self‐assembling nanofibers in select polar aprotic organic solvent mixtures. Here we demonstrate that distinct γPNA strands, each with a high density of γ‐modifications can form complex nanostructures at constant temperatures within 30 minutes. Additionally, we demonstrate DNA‐assisted isothermal growth of γPNA nanofibers, thereby overcoming a key hurdle for future scale‐up of applications related to nanofiber growth and micropatterning.
An engineered cellobiohydrolase I for sustainable degradation of lignocellulosic biomass
Authors: Pramanik Subrata , Semenova Margarita V. , M. Rozhkova Aleksandra , Zorov Ivan N. , Korotkova Olga , Sinitsyn Arkady P. , Davari Mehdi D.
Published: July 2021

This study provides computational‐assisted engineering of the cellobiohydrolase I (CBH‐I) from Penicillium verruculosum with simultaneous enhanced thermostability and tolerance in ionic liquids, deep eutectic solvent, and concentrated seawater without affecting its wild‐type activity. Engineered triple variant CBH‐I R1 (A65R‐G415R‐S181F) showed 2.48‐fold higher thermostability in terms of relative activity at 65°C after 1 h of incubation when compared with CBH‐I wild type. CBH‐I R1 exhibited 1.87‐fold, 1.36‐fold, and 1.57‐fold higher specific activities compared with CBH‐I wild type in [Bmim]Cl (50 g/L), [Ch]Cl (50 g/L), and two‐fold concentrated seawater, respectively. In the multicellulases mixture, CBH‐I R1 showed higher hydrolytic efficiency to hydrolyze aspen wood compared with CBH‐I wild type in the buffer, [Bmim]Cl (50 g/L), and two‐fold concentrated seawater, respectively. Structural analysis revealed a molecular basis for the higher stability of the CBH‐I structure in which A65R and G415R substitutions form salt bridges (D64 … R65, E411 … R415) and S181F forms π–π interaction (Y155 … F181), leading to stabilize surface‐exposed flexible α‐helixes and loop in the multidomain β‐jelly roll fold structure, respectively. In conclusion, the variant CBH‐I R1 could enable efficient lignocellulosic biomass degradation as a cost‐effective alternative for the sustainable production of biofuels and value‐added chemicals.
Connecting strategic orientation, innovation strategy, and corporate sustainability: A model for sustainable development through stakeholder engagement
Authors: van Lieshout Johannes W. F. C. , Nijhof Andre H. J. , Naarding Gijs J. W. , Blomme Robert J.
Published: July 2021

This paper aims to enhance our understanding of the relationship between organizations' strategic orientation (i.e., instrumental, equidistant, and stewardship) and their innovational strategy (i.e., organizational ambidexterity and open innovation), and this relationship's influence on their sustainability performance. We expected organizations' strategic orientation to influence their innovational strategy and exhibit better corporate sustainability. We focused on 12 different multinational organizations in the Eurozone and found that inbound open innovation acts as a driver for corporate sustainability while simultaneously positively enabling organizations to pursue both financial and social initiatives. After suggesting open innovation as a new corporate sustainability antecedent, we only found empirical evidence of inbound open innovation. However, we would suggest that if organizations incorporated outbound open innovation in their strategy, they could likely improve their corporate sustainability. Also, we found that achieving an equidistant or stewardship orientation paves the way for sustainability to become an integral part of an organization's innovational culture and actualizes the organization's strategic behavior. Our findings further contribute to a deeper understanding of organizations' characteristics as their sustainability commitment grows and as they move from an instrumental to a stewardship orientation and implement an open innovational strategy.
A Fixed Reconstruction of Partially Edentulous Patient With Systemic Scleroderma: A 4.8‐year Follow‐Up Case Report
Authors: Bayram Yeter Eylul , Eskan Mehmet Akif
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Systemic scleroderma (SSc) is a progressive autoimmune multisystem disease affecting several organs. In the oral cavity, its manifestations include enlarged periodontal ligament, xerostomia, microsomia, alveolar bone loss, and premature teeth loss. A removable prosthesis would not be a treatment option due to loss of hand dexterity, reduced chewing capacity, microsomia, and xerostomia in these patients. Alternatively, implant‐supported fixed restorations are a plausible treatment for these patients. However, there is very limited literature showing implant survival rate in patients with SSc for a long follow‐up.

Case Presentation

A 57‐year‐old female patient with SSc presented to our clinic. She was diagnosed with SSc 25 years ago. Initial clinical and radiological examination revealed that she showed slight to moderate chronic periodontitis, tooth cavities, remaining tooth tips, and a partial edentulism in the posterior areas. A total of seven implants were placed at different time points. The remaining upper teeth were crowned. At 4.8 years follow‐up, the placed implants showed no sign of peri‐implant disease.

Conclusion

This case report indicated that 4.8 years of follow‐up revealed good oral hygiene and clinically or radiologically no sign of peri‐implant disease around the implants in a patient with SSc. Implant‐supported fixed restoration could be a viable treatment approach in these patients.
A “fully upper extremity” bailout of direct transaxillary large bore arterial access: A refinement within arm's reach?
Authors: Mathur Moses , Zack Chad J. , Heatley Ashley , Rhodes Denise , Yamane Kentaro , Gilchrist Ian C. , Kozak Mark
Published: July 2021

Contemporary direct (“fully percutaneous”) transaxillary (TAx) large‐bore arterial access technique advocates for a 0.018” wire to be passed from femoral arterial access to axillary artery to serve percutaneous bailout options. However, in certain patients, avoiding femoral arterial access entirely may be desired. We describe the merits of a “fully upper extremity” (FUE) bailout approach, as a refinement to previously described direct TAx technique.
Forecasting hydropower generation byGFDL‐CM3climate model and hybrid hydrological‐Elman neural network model based on Improved Sparrow Search Algorithm (ISSA)
Authors: Wang Haizhen , Wu Xuerui , Gholinia Fatemeh
Published: July 2021

One of the most sensitive factors affecting hydropower generation is climate change. The objective of this study is to forecast the hydropower generation under the influence of climate change for the next 50 years. For this purpose, the GFDL‐CM3 model is used under three scenarios: RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5 to predict precipitation and temperature. Any change in the inlet flow to the turbine will cause changes in the hydropower output. Therefore, the more accurately the flow is estimated, the hydropower generation is forecasted more accurately. In this research, a hydrological‐neural network hybrid model for flow prediction is presented in which the Improved Sparrow Search Algorithm (ISSA) has been used. The results forecasting climate parameters showed that the average annual rainfall, runoff, and evaporation have a downward trend compared to the control period. The minimum and maximum annual temperatures have an increasing trend compared to the control period. To evaluate the hydropower generation Aras dam, the HEC‐Ressim reservoir model is utilized. By comparing the average annual hydropower with the control period, it is known that the power generation will decrease in future years. The average annual electricity generated by hydropower under the scenario RCP2.6 and RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 in the next 50 years will decrease by approximately 3.36, 4.62, and 6.64 MW.
Utilizing Large Electronic Medical Record Data Sets to Identify Novel Drug–Gene Interactions for Commonly Used Drugs
Authors: Malki Mustafa Adnan , Dawed Adem Y. , Hayward Caroline , Doney Alex , Pearson Ewan R.
Published: July 2021

Real‐world prescribing of drugs differs from the experimental systems, physiological‐pharmacokinetic models, and clinical trials used in drug development and licensing, with drugs often used in patients with multiple comorbidities with resultant polypharmacy. The increasing availability of large biobanks linked to electronic healthcare records enables the potential to identify novel drug–gene interactions in large populations of patients. In this study we used three Scottish cohorts and UK Biobank to identify drug–gene interactions for the 50 most commonly used drugs and 162 variants in genes involved in drug pharmacokinetics. We defined two phenotypes based upon prescribing behavior—drug‐stop or dose‐decrease. Using this approach, we replicate 11 known drug–gene interactions including, for example, CYP2C9/CYP2C8 variants and sulfonylurea/thiazolidinedione prescribing and ABCB1/ABCG2 variants and statin prescribing. We identify eight novel associations after Bonferroni correction, three of which are replicated or validated in the UK Biobank or have other supporting results: The C‐allele at rs4918758 in CYP2C9 was associated with a 25% (15–44%) lower odds of dose reduction of quinine, P = 1.6 × 10−5; the A‐allele at rs9895420 in ABCC3 was associated with a 46% (24–62%) reduction in odds of dose reduction with doxazosin, P = 1.2 × 10−4, and altered blood pressure response in the UK Biobank; the CYP2D6*2 variant was associated with a 30% (18–40%) reduction in odds of stopping ramipril treatment, P = 1.01 × 10−5, with similar results seen for enalapril and lisinopril and with other CYP2D6 variants. This study highlights the scope of using large population bioresources linked to medical record data to explore drug–gene interactions at scale.
Opportunities for free play and young children's autonomic regulation
Authors: Gleason Tracy R. , Tarsha Mary S. , Kurth Angela M. , Narvaez Darcia
Published: July 2021

Aspects of the social environment have been linked to the physiological mechanisms underlying behavioral self‐regulation. Play, a behavior connected to regulatory behaviors such as delay of gratification and regulation of emotions, might be an aspect of social environments that is supportive of healthy physiological adaptation. We examined whether opportunities for social free play with peers, as reported by mothers, would predict children's autonomic regulation (via respiratory sinus arrhythmia; RSA) in a sample of 78 five‐year‐old children. As a proxy for play experience generally, frequency of social free play in the past week predicted higher levels of RSA functioning across both baseline and stress conditions, but did not account for physiological rate of change between conditions. Thus, frequent social free play opportunities might be a general positive influence on children's autonomic regulation by supporting increased parasympathetic activation but not a significant influence on children's response to stress in the moment. Attention to the role of play in autonomic regulation is critical, as children's free play opportunities might be declining.
Effects of the administration of miconazole by different routes on the biomarkers of the “steroidal module” of the Athlete Biological Passport
Authors: Mazzarino Monica , Comunità Fabio , de la Torre Xavier , Molaioni Francesco , Botrè Francesco
Published: July 2021

This article reports the results obtained from the investigation of the influence of miconazole administration on the physiological fluctuation of the markers of the steroid profile included in the “steroidal module” of the Athlete Biological Passport. Urines collected from male Caucasian subjects before, during, and after either systemic (i.e., oral and buccal) or topical (i.e., dermal) treatment with miconazole were analyzed according to validated procedures based on gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS) (to determine the markers of the steroid profile) or liquid chromatography coupled to MS/MS (LC–MS/MS) (to determine miconazole urinary levels). The results indicate that only after systemic administration, the markers of the steroid profile were significantly altered. After oral and buccal administration, we have registered (i) a significant increase of the 5α‐androstane‐3α,17β‐diol/5β‐androstane‐3α,17β‐diol ratio and (ii) a significant decrease of the concentration of androsterone, etiocholanolone, 5β‐androstane‐3α,17β‐diol, and 5α‐androstane‐3α,17β‐diol and of the androsterone/etiocholanolone, androsterone/testosterone, and 5α‐androstane‐3α,17β‐diol/epitestosterone ratios. Limited effects were instead measured after dermal intake. Indeed, the levels of miconazole after systemic administration were in the range of 0.1–12.5 μg/ml, whereas after dermal administration were below the limit of quantification (50 ng/ml). Significant alteration started to be registered at concentrations of miconazole higher than 0.5 μg/ml. These findings were primarily explained by the ability of miconazole in altering the kinetic/efficacy of deglucuronidation of the endogenous steroids by the enzyme β‐glucuronidase during the sample preparation process. The increase of both incubation time and amount of β‐glucuronidase was demonstrated to be effective countermeasures in the presence of miconazole to reduce the risk of uncorrected interpretation of the results.
Functional assembly of tropical montane tree islands in the Atlantic Forest is shaped by stress tolerance, bamboo presence, and facilitation
Authors: Christmann Tina , Rosado Bruno H. P. , Delhaye Guillaume , Matos Ilaíne S. , Drummond Julia S. , Roland Helena L. , Moraes Yan C. , Oliveras Menor Imma
Published: July 2021

Aims

Amidst the Campos de Altitude (Highland Grasslands) in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, woody communities grow either clustered in tree islands or interspersed within the herbaceous matrix. The functional ecology, diversity, and biotic processes shaping these plant communities are largely unstudied. We characterized the functional assembly and diversity of these tropical montane woody communities and investigated how they fit within Grime's CSR (C—competitor, S—stress‐tolerant, R—ruderal) scheme, what functional trade‐offs they exhibit, and how traits and functional diversity vary in response to bamboo presence/absence.

Methods

To characterize the functional composition of the community, we sampled five leaf traits and wood density along transects covering the woody communities both inside tree islands and outside (i.e., isolated woody plants in the grasslands community). Then, we used Mann–Whitney test, t test, and variation partitioning to determine the effects of inside versus outside tree island and bamboo presence on community‐weighted means, woody species diversity, and functional diversity.

Results

We found a general SC/S strategy with drought‐related functional trade‐offs. Woody plants in tree islands had more acquisitive traits than those within the grasslands. Trait variation was mostly taxonomically than spatially driven, and species composition varied between inside and outside tree islands. Leaf thickness, wood density, and foliar water uptake were unrelated to CSR strategies, suggesting independent trait dimensions and multiple drought‐coping strategies within the predominant S strategy. Islands with bamboo presence showed lower Simpson diversity, lower functional dispersion, lower foliar water uptake, and greater leaf thickness than in tree islands without bamboo.

Conclusions

The observed functional assembly hints toward large‐scale environmental abiotic filtering shaping a stress‐tolerant community strategy, and small‐scale biotic interactions driving small‐scale trait variation. We recommend experimental studies with fire, facilitation treatments, ecophysiological and recruitment traits to elucidate on future tree island expansion and community response to climate change.
Graphene oxide‐octadecylsilane incorporated monolithic nano‐columns with 50 μm id and 100 μm id for small molecule and protein separation by nano‐liquid chromatography
Authors: Aydoğan Cemil , Aslan Hakiye , Günyel Zeynep , Demir Nurullah , Erdoğan İbrahim Y. , Alharthi Sarah , El Rassi Ziad
Published: July 2021

In this study, graphene oxide‐octadecylsilane incorporated monolithic nano‐columns were developed for protein analysis by nano liquid chromatography (nano LC). The monolithic column with 100 μm id was first prepared by an in situ polymerization using ethylene dimethacrylate (EDMA), 3‐chloro‐2‐hydroxypropylmethacrylate (HPMA‐Cl), and methacryloyl graphene oxide nanoparticles (MGONPs). MGONPs were synthesized by the treatment of 3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propylmethacrylate (TMSPM) and GO. Tetrahydrofuran (THF) and dodecanol were used as the porogenic solvent. The resulting column was functionalized by dimethyloctadecylch lorosilane (DODCS) for the enhancement of hydrophobicity. The functionalization greatly improved the baseline separation of hydrophobic compounds such as polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The optimized monolith with respect to total polymerization mixture was characterized by using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and chromatographic analyses. The blank monoliths without functionalization exhibited poor separation while a good separation performance of MGONPs functionalized monoliths was achieved. The monolith with 100 μm id was evaluated in protein separation in nano LC using RNase A, Cytochrome C, Lysozyme, Trypsin, and Ca isozyme II as the test proteins. It was shown that protein separation mechanism was based on large π‐system of GO and hydrophobicity of the monolithic structure. Theoretical plates number up to 57 600 plates were achieved. The nano‐column with 50 μm id was also prepared using the same polymerization mixture under the same chemical conditions. These nano‐columns were employed for protein separation by nano LC, and the dependence of both nano‐column performance on the internal diameter was also discussed.