bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immobilizing chromium in stainless steel slags with MnO addition
Authors: Wang Zhanjun , Sohn Il
Published: September 2020

This work investigates the stabilizing impact of MnO on the leaching behavior of hazardous Cr‐containing CaO‐SiO2‐Al2O3‐Cr2O3‐MnO stainless steel slags after equilibrating at various elevated temperatures and evaluates the potential immobilization of Cr into a MnCr2O4 spinel phase from the existing Cr2O3 phase. The MnCr2O4 spinel phase was found to be an excellent Cr‐stabilizer in stainless steel slags, where the leaching tendency of potentially hazardous Cr‐related ions decreased with higher MnO content and lower equilibration temperatures within the range of 0 to 15 mass pct. and 1500 to 1300°C, respectively. Thermodynamic calculations by conducting the phase stability diagram also showed that the MnCr2O4 spinel phase was relatively stable and the Ca3Si2O7 (Ca3‐xMnxSi2O7) phase was relatively unstable compared with other crystal phases in acid extractant with pH value of 3.2. Combined with the scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray powder diffraction results along with the thermodynamic calculations, the leached Cr‐related ions was predominantly originating from the unstable amorphous glass phase.
TNFSF15 facilitates human umbilical cord blood haematopoietic stem cell expansion by activating Notch signal pathway
Authors: Ding Yahui , Gao Shan , Shen Jian , Bai Tairan , Yang Ming , Xu Shiqi , Gao Yingdai , Zhang Zhisong , Li Luyuan
Published: September 2020

The lack of efficient ex vivo expansion methods restricts clinical use of haematopoietic stem cells (HSC) for the treatment of haematological malignancies and degenerative diseases. Umbilical cord blood (UCB) serves as an alternative haematopoietic stem cell source. However, currently what limits the use of UCB‐derived HSC is the very low numbers of haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells available for transplantation in a single umbilical cord blood unit. Here, we report that TNFSF15, a member of the tumour necrosis factor superfamily, promotes the expansion of human umbilical cord blood (UCB)‐derived HSC. TNFSF15‐treated UCB‐HSC is capable of bone marrow engraftment as demonstrated with NOD/SCID or NOD/Shi‐SCID/IL2Rgnull (NOG) mice in both primary and secondary transplantation. The frequency of repopulating cells occurring in the injected tibiae is markedly higher than that in vehicle‐treated group. Additionally, signal proteins of the Notch pathway are highly up‐regulated in TNFSF15‐treated UCB‐HSC. These findings indicate that TNFSF15 is useful for in vitro expansion of UCB‐HSC for clinical applications. Furthermore, TNFSF15 may be a hopeful selection for further UCB‐HSC application or study.
Proanthocyanidin B2 inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells by suppressing the PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Wu Xinbo , Yu Haiyang , Zhou Haichao , Li Zihua , Huang Hui , Xiao Fajiao , Xu Shaochen , Yang Yunfeng
Published: September 2020

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary malignant bone tumour in children and adolescents. The long‐term survival rate of OS patients is stubbornly low mainly due to the chemotherapy resistance. We therefore aimed to investigate the antitumoral effects and underlying mechanisms of proanthocyanidin B2 (PB2) on OS cells in the current study. The effect of PB2 on the proliferation and apoptosis of OS cell lines was assessed by CCK‐8, colony formation, and flow cytometry assays. The target gene and protein expression levels were measured by qRT‐PCR and Western blotting. A xenograft mouse model was established to assess the effects of PB2 on OS proliferation and apoptosis in vivo. Results from in vitro experiments showed that PB2 inhibited the proliferation and induced apoptosis of OS cells, and also increased the expression levels of apoptosis‐related proteins. Moreover, PB2 induced OS cell apoptosis through suppressing the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway. The in vivo experiments further confirmed that PB2 could inhibit OS tumour growth and induce its apoptosis. Taken together, these results suggested that PB2 inhibited the proliferation and induced apoptosis of OS cells through the suppression of the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway.
Doxorubicin cardiomyopathy is ameliorated by acacetin via Sirt1‐mediated activation of AMPK/Nrf2 signal molecules
Authors: Wu Wei‐Yin , Cui Yu‐Kai , Hong Yi‐Xiang , Li Yun‐Da , Wu Yao , Li Gang , Li Gui‐Rong , Wang Yan
Published: September 2020

Doxorubicin cardiotoxicity is frequently reported in patients undergoing chemotherapy. The present study investigates whether cardiomyopathy induced by doxorubicin can be improved by the natural flavone acacetin in a mouse model and uncovers the potential molecular mechanism using cultured rat cardiomyoblasts. It was found that the cardiac dysfunction and myocardial fibrosis induced by doxorubicin were significantly improved by acacetin in mice with impaired Nrf2/HO‐1 and Sirt1/pAMPK molecules, which is reversed by acacetin treatment. Doxorubicin decreased cell viability and increased ROS production in rat cardiomyoblasts; these effects are significantly countered by acacetin (0.3‐3 μM) in a concentration‐dependent manner via activating Sirt1/pAMPK signals and enhancing antioxidation (Nrf2/HO‐1 and SOD1/SOD2) and anti‐apoptosis. These protective effects were abolished in cells with silencing Sirt1. The results demonstrate for the first time that doxorubicin cardiotoxicity is antagonized by acacetin via Sirt1‐mediated activation of AMPK/Nrf2 signal molecules, indicating that acacetin may be a drug candidate used clinically for protecting against doxorubicin cardiomyopathy.
A Atractylodes lancea polysaccharide inhibits metastasis of human osteosarcoma U‐2 OS cells by blocking sialyl Lewis X (sLex)/E‐selectin binding
Authors: Zhong Kaihua , Fan Shuxin , Yao Shujun , Xu Haibin , Bai Suping
Published: September 2020

In this study, a new water and alkaline‐soluble polysaccharide (ALP), with an average molecular weight of 6.63 × 104 Da, was successfully purified from the rhizomes of Atractylodes lancea. GC analysis demonstrated that ALP was a kind of glucan. The effect of the ALP on the interaction between E‐selectin and sialyl Lewis X (sLex) was examined in human osteosarcoma U‐2 OS cells. It was obvious that the expression of sLex antigen on the surface of U‐2 OS cells was visible under fluorescence microscopy. The addition of ALP (0.5, 1 and 2 mg/mL) resulted in a marked inhibition on the adhesion, migration and invasion of U‐2 OS cells to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), which was achieved by the decreased sLex expression on U‐2 OS cells. Additionally, the induction of apoptosis can be observed in U‐2 OS cells following ALP treatment using TUNEL staining and Annexin V‐FITC/PI double‐staining analysis on flow cytometry. In conclusion, these results indicated that ALP exerted anti‐metastatic activity towards osteosarcoma cells via inhibition of sLex/E‐selectin binding, which suggested that ALP could be a potent agent for human osteosarcoma intervention.
Editorial Perspective: Prescribing measures: unintended negative consequences of mandating standardized mental health measurement
Authors: Patalay Praveetha , Fried Eiko I.
Published: September 2020

In July 2020, two of the largest funders of mental health research worldwide – the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the Wellcome Trust – announced plans to standardize mental health measurement. Specifically, obtaining funding for research related to depression and anxiety will be conditional on using four specific measures. While we agree that there are obvious benefits to standardizing mental health measurement, some of which are discussed in the announcement by NIMH and Wellcome, here we focus on potential unintended negative consequences of this initiative:

Lacking transferability across settings: scales were developed for specific settings (e.g. community, clinic) and purposes (e.g. intervention studies), and their properties might not be easily transferable between settings.

Narrowing the scope of inquiry: individuals experience mental health difficulties in wide‐ranging ways, and the narrow scope of the proposed scales risks limiting important insights for research and treatments.

Lowering the threshold for robust evidence: empirical findings limited to a specific imperfect measure are less robust than if such evidence is (re)produced across multiple scales.

Creating a two‐tiered mental health science: arbitrarily conferring gold standard status on some imperfect measures over others will create an artificial two‐tiered system leading to an impoverishment of mental health research.

Recommendations for mitigating these negative consequences include the following: mandating a wider set of measures that have been validated for specific populations and research purposes, funding research assessing the measurement properties of scales across settings and purposes, stressing the limitations of mandated measures to avoid en masse application and replacement of measures across studies and health systems and creating speed bumps to ensure that any widespread adoption of mandated measures does not result in impoverishment of mental health science.
Risk factors for abnormal postpartum glycemic states in women diagnosed with gestational diabetes by the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups criteria
Authors: Hung Tai‐Ho , Chuang Ya‐Chun , Chu Fu‐Chieh , Huang Lulu , Shaw Steven W , Hsieh T’sang‐T’ang , Chen Szu‐Fu
Published: September 2020

Aims/Introduction

To evaluate the rate of postpartum glycemic screening tests (PGST) in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and to investigate risk factors for abnormal PGST results.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the obstetric data of 1,648 women with GDM who gave birth after 28 completed weeks of gestation between 1 July 2011 and 31 December 2019 at Taipei Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan. GDM was diagnosed by the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups criteria. PGST was carried out at 6–12 weeks postpartum with a 75‐g, 2‐h oral glucose tolerance test, and the results were classified into normal, prediabetes and diabetes mellitus. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess the associations between various risk factors and abnormal PGST results.

Results

In total, 493 (29.9%) women underwent PGST and 162 (32.9%) had abnormal results, including 135 (27.4%) with prediabetes and 27 (5.5%) with diabetes mellitus. Significant risk factors for postpartum diabetes mellitus included insulin therapy during pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 10.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.07–28.58), birthweight >4,000 g (adjusted OR 10.22, 95% CI 1.74–59.89) and preterm birth <37 weeks’ gestation (adjusted OR 3.33, 95% CI 1.09–10.22); whereas prepregnancy body mass index >24.9 kg/m2 (adjusted OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.24–3.21) was the major risk factor for postpartum prediabetes.

Conclusions

Less than one‐third of women with GDM underwent PGST, and nearly one‐third of these women had abnormal results. Future efforts should focus on reducing the barriers to PGST in women with GDM.
Clinical and genetic determinants of urinary glucose excretion in patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Monobe Keisuke , Noso Shinsuke , Babaya Naru , Hiromine Yoshihisa , Taketomo Yasunori , Niwano Fumimaru , Yoshida Sawa , Yasutake Sara , Minohara Tatsuro , Kawabata Yumiko , Ikegami Hiroshi
Published: September 2020

Aims/Introduction

Glucosuria is a representative symptom in diabetes patients with poor glycemic control and in those treated with sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors. Renal threshold levels of glucose excretion are known to vary among individuals, but factors contributing to glucosuria are not well characterized. The present study aimed to clarify clinical and genetic determinants of glucosuria in individuals with diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods

The 24‐h urinary glucose excretion was measured in 135 hospitalized patients on admission, with continuous measurement for five consecutive days in 75 patients. Genetic and clinical factors contributing to glucosuria were studied. As a genetic factor, SLC5A2 polymorphism was genotyped. A total of 476 participants (266 participants with type 2 diabetes and 210 healthy controls) were additionally genotyped for the association study of SLC5A2 with type 2 diabetes. A meta‐analysis was carried out with the present study and previous association studies.

Results

Multiple regression analysis showed that the independent variables of average blood glucose (β = 0.41, P = 1.4 × 10−7), estimated glomerular filtration rate (β = 0.28, P = 6.0 × 10−5), sex (β = 0.28, P = 5.7 × 10−5) and SLC5A2 rs9934336 polymorphism (β = 0.17, P = 0.02) were significantly correlated with urinary glucose excretion. The frequency of the A allele of rs9934336 tended to be lower in participants with type 2 diabetes than in controls (odds ratio 0.78, 95% confidence interval 0.53–1.13, not significant), and meta‐analysis showed a significant association between the A allele and type 2 diabetes (summary odds ratio for minor allele [A] 0.86, 95% confidence interval 0.78–0.94, P < 0.002).

Conclusions

Blood glucose, estimated glomerular filtration rate, sex and SLC5A2 polymorphism were independent determinants of glucosuria in diabetes mellitus.
How to contextualize training on guideline‐uptake for your setting
Authors: Stander Jessica , Grimmer Karen , Brink Yolandi
Published: September 2020

One knowledge translation method, of putting evidence into practice, is the use of clinical practice guidelines (CPG). The purpose of this brief report is to describe an 8‐step process of “how to” contextualize a training programme to increase CPG‐uptake for a targeted audience in a clearly defined setting. This process may assist implementation practitioners to fast‐track the development of contextualized training to improve CPG‐uptake.
Presence of pregnant females of the Gorgona guitarfish, Pseudobatos prahli, in the Mexican tropical Pacific
Authors: Díaz‐Carballido Pedro Luis , Gutiérrez‐Coria Adair Adolfo , Carrasco‐Bautista Perla Elizabeth , Ramírez‐Chávez Eduardo Juventino , Torres‐Huerta Ana María
Published: September 2020

Five specimens (four females and one male) of the Gorgona guitarfish, Pseudobatos prahli, were sighted during two dives carried out off the western Gulf of Tehuantepec. This document describes the reproductive condition of three adult females captured, two of which had uterine eggs, whereas one had embryos. The sighting and capture of specimens occurred during two Tehuano wind events; the authors, therefore, believe that variations in temperature and dissolved oxygen could have affected P. prahli, leading it to carry out temporal migrations towards coastal shallow waters.
Evidence of artificial habitat use by a recovering marine predator in southern California
Authors: Burns Echelle S. , Clevenstine Alyssa J. , Logan Ryan K. , Lowe Christopher G.
Published: September 2020

The giant sea bassStereolepis gigasAyres 1859 (GSB) is a critically endangered top marine predator in California. Since protection in 1982 and 1994, the population has appeared to increase, and individuals within a growing population may expand their ranges to new habitats to reduce intraspecific competition and increase foraging opportunities. In 2016–2018, two GSB tagged with acoustic transmitters were detected at artificial reefs for periods of up to 3 months during October–March, and one individual travelled 53 km from an offshore island to mainland California in 56 h. Artificial reefs may provide important foraging opportunities for these protected marine predators as they recover from exploitation.
Lethal concentration of Cymbopogon citratus (Poaceae) essential oil for Dolops discoidalis and Argulus sp. (Crustacea: Argulidae)
Authors: Pereira Elcimara Cardoso , Oliveira Elzamara Castro , Sousa Elen Monique Oliveira , Silva Hugo Napoleão Pereira , Corrêa Lincoln Lima , Mourão Rosa Helena Veras , Tavares‐Dias Marcos , Silva Lenise Vargas Flores
Published: September 2020

This study investigated the acute toxicity (LC50‐24 hr) effects of the essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus for adult Argulus sp. and Dolops discoidalis, before and during oviposition. In vitro acute toxicity (LC50‐24 hr) was tested using 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 140 and 160 μg/L of C. citratus essential oil, and two control groups (one with cultivation tank water and one with cultivation tank water + alcohol) were used. Specimens of Argulus sp. and D. discoidalis submitted to acute toxicity were evaluated using histological procedures. The major chemical compounds of C. citratus essential oil were geranial (47.5%), neral (35.6%) and myrcene (6.7%). The LC50‐24 hr for Argulus sp. adults was 67.97 μg/L, while for D. discoidalis it was 59.55 µg/L. In the oviposition of both species of argulids, maximum mortality began with treatments of 140 μg/L, while the LC50‐24 hr for Argulus sp. and D. discoidalis was 83.98 μg/L and 82.48 μg/L, respectively. In both argulid species exposed to C. citratus essential oil, morphological alterations were observed only in the eyes, and they occurred in the ommatidium and rhabdomeres and were dependent on the concentration of C. citratus essential oil and the parasite species.
Comparative performance analysis of enzyme inactivation of soy milk by using RSM and ANN
Authors: Kumar Rahul , Rao P. Srinivasa , Rana Sandeep Singh , Ghosh Payel
Published: September 2020

The presence of antinutritional factors as trypsin inhibitors (TIA) and lipoxygenase (LOX) in soy milk produces indigestion and off‐flavor due to oxidation of linoleic acid to hyperoxide. The objective of the study was to determine the prediction capacity of response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) for enzyme inactivation of soy milk. The microwave and thermo‐sonication method were used to prepare and treat the sample. Statistical parameters like NRMSE and %MAE were used to compare and evaluate the final result. NRMSE value had shown five times better results in the case of ANN (0.015) compared to RSM (0.082). Similarly, the % MAE value was also fivefold better in the case of ANN. In the case of RSM, Chi‐square values for TIA and LOX were 317.32 and 146.73, respectively. Whereas for ANN, the value was 4.68 and 2.69, respectively. So, it can be concluded that the prediction capacity of ANN is better than RSM.

Practical Applications

This modeling has a tremendous potential contributing to prediction of enzymes inactivation without real‐time experiments with great accuracy. Moreover, a number of industries are producing soy milk nowadays, and it could be helpful in elimination of beany flavor with desirable inactivation of lipoxygenase and enhancing the digestibility by removing trypsin inhibitors with appropriate environmental conditions. In addition, it can also pave the way for a number of food processing technology in which enzymatic inactivation is prominent and the prediction of percentage inactivation is crucial. This technique could be applied to predict the yield of any process after maintaining a certain treatment and process condition. Process engineering of any industry and biochemical processes are very sensitive to small changes in parameters and their effects could be predicted by using the modern approach of artificial neural network with more preciseness without running the actual experiments.
Influence of pulsed vacuum drying on drying kinetics and nutritional value of corn kernels
Authors: Wang Jie , Dai Jian‐Wu , Yang Sheng‐Lin , Wen Meng‐Da , Fu Qi‐Qi , Huang Huan , Qin Wen , Li Ying‐Lu , Liu Yao‐Wen , Yin Peng‐Fei , Zhang Qing , Xu Li‐Jia
Published: September 2020

Effects of different drying temperature (45, 50, 55, 60, and 65°C), vacuum duration time (VDT; 7, 11, 15, and 19 min) and pulsating cyclic time (PCT; 7:2, 11:3, 15:4 and 19:5 min min−1) on the drying characteristics and quality of corn kernels were investigated. Reduce the PCT could enhance the whole drying process. Weibull distribution function has high fitting precision for describing the pulsed vacuum drying (PVD) kinetics of corn kernels (R2>.99). The Ea value under PVD was calculated as 36.9 kJmol−1. Meanwhile, the main nutritional components of corn showed declining trend with the increase of temperature and PCT, while it oscillated with the prolonged VDT. The total score decreased with the heightening of drying temperature and fluctuated with the extension of VDT and PCT parameters. Considering the total drying time and quality comprehensive score of corn, the optimal drying parameters was confirmed at 50°C with the pulsing ratio of 7:2 min min−1.

Practical Applications

Corn is treated as an important crop because of its various nutritional ingredients and has been commonly cultivated all over the world. Due to its water‐rich characteristics, fresh maize kernels would subject to various deterioration reactions during storage and hence reduce the content of nutrients. However, the samples have high compactness and tough epidermal structure, which limited the water diffusion efficiency during processing. Pulsed vacuum drying technique has been widely applied to agricultural products drying in China benefiting from its high heating efficiency. Currently this technology is successfully used in lemon, wolfberry, Chinese ginger, and seedless grape. This study will help in revealing the impact of PVD parameters on drying characteristics and quality of maize kernels, which is of great significance to optimize the processing efficiency through the alternative pressure circulation and consumer acceptance of dried products.
Race, APOL1 Risk Variants, and Clinical Outcomes among Older Adults: The ARIC Study
Authors: Chen Teresa K. , Coresh Josef , Daya Natalie , Ballew Shoshana H. , Tin Adrienne , Crews Deidra C. , Grams Morgan E.
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

APOL1 high‐risk genotypes confer an increased risk for kidney disease, but their clinical significance among older adults remains unclear. We aimed to determine whether APOL1 genotype status (high risk = 2 risk alleles; low risk = 0–1 risk alleles) and self‐reported race (Black; White) are associated with number of hospitalizations, incident chronic kidney disease (CKD), end‐stage renal disease (ESRD), and mortality among older adults participating in a community‐based cohort study.

DESIGN

Observational longitudinal cohort study.

SETTING

The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study.

PARTICIPANTS

Community‐dwelling older adults (mean age = 75.8 years; range = 66–90 years).

RESULTS

Among 5,564 ARIC participants (78.2% White, 19.1% APOL1 low‐risk Black, and 2.7% APOL1 high‐risk Black), the proportion with creatinine and cystatin C–based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFRCrCys) below 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 at baseline was 40.6%, 34.8%, and 43.2%, respectively. Over a mean follow‐up of 5.1 years, APOL1 high‐risk Blacks had a 2.67‐fold higher risk for ESRD compared with low‐risk Blacks (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05–6.79) in models adjusted for age and sex. This association was no longer significant upon further adjustment for baseline eGFRCrCys and albuminuria (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.08; 95% CI = .39–2.96). Rate of hospitalizations and risks of mortality and incident CKD did not differ significantly by APOL1 genotype status. Compared with Whites, Blacks had 1.85‐fold and 3.45‐fold higher risks for incident CKD and ESRD, respectively, in models adjusted for age, sex, eGFRCrCys, and albuminuria. These associations persisted after additional adjustments for clinical/socioeconomic factors and APOL1 genotype (incident CKD: HR = 1.38; 95% CI = 1.06–1.81; ESRD: HR = 3.20; 95% CI = 1.16–8.86).

CONCLUSION

Among older Black adults, APOL1 high‐risk genotypes were associated with lower kidney function and therefore higher risk of ESRD. Racial disparities in incident kidney disease persisted in older age and were not fully explained by APOL1.
The Association of Spanish Language Preference with Advance Directive Completion
Authors: Gonzalez Ruben , Lyon Liisa , Rabbani Juleon , Conell Carol , Postlethwaite Debbie , Spaulding Mira , Mason Michael
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Hispanics have lower advance directive (AD) completion than non‐Hispanic Whites. Few studies have assessed the role of language preference in end‐of‐life planning. We investigated whether language preference and needing an interpreter affected AD completion among older adults in an integrated health system.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort investigation of electronic medical records.

SETTING

Northern California integrated health system.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 620,948 Hispanic and non‐Hispanic White patients, aged 55 years and older, between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2017.

MEASUREMENTS

Descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis were performed to compare AD completion among non‐Hispanic Whites, Hispanics, and Hispanic subgroups by language preference (English speaking, Spanish speaking, and needed interpreter). We conducted multivariable logistic regression to determine the relationship between language preference and having an AD while controlling for demographic, clinical, and utilization factors.

RESULTS

We found 20.3% of non‐Hispanic Whites (n = 512,577) and 10.9% of Hispanics (n = 108,371) had completed an AD. Among Hispanics, after controlling for demographic, clinical, and utilization factors, compared with Spanish speakers requiring an interpreter, English speakers had nearly two‐fold increased odds of completing an AD (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.6; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.4–2.9), whereas Spanish speakers not requiring an interpreter had 20% increased odds (aOR = 1.2; 95% CI = 1.1–1.3). Additional predictors of successful AD completion were being female, being older, having more comorbidities, having more hospital and emergency department visits, and having higher socioeconomic status. There were no differences associated with primary care provider characteristics.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate the need for a tailored outreach to Hispanics, particularly among those subgroups who require the need of an interpreter, to reduce AD completion disparities.
The N‐glycan profile in cortex and hippocampus is altered in Alzheimer disease
Authors: Gaunitz Stefan , Tjernberg Lars O. , Schedin‐Weiss Sophia
Published: September 2020

Protein glycosylation is crucial for the central nervous system and brain functions, including processes that are defective in Alzheimer disease (AD) such as neurogenesis, synaptic function, and memory formation. Still, the roles of glycans in the development of AD are relatively unexplored. Glycomics studies of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) have previously shown altered glycosylation pattern in patients with different stages of cognitive impairment, including AD, compared to healthy controls. As a consequence, we hypothesized that the glycan profile is altered in the brain of patients with AD and analyzed the asparagine‐linked (N‐linked) glycan profile in hippocampus and cortex in AD and control brain. Glycans were enzymatically liberated from brain glycoproteins and analyzed by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). Eleven glycans showed significantly different levels in hippocampus compared to cortex in both control and AD brain. Two glycans in cortex and four in hippocampus showed different levels in AD compared to control brain. All glycans that differed between controls and AD brain had similar structures with one sialic acid, at least one fucose and a confirmed or potential bisecting N‐acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc). The glycans that were altered in AD brain differed from those that were altered in AD CSF. One glycan found to be present in significantly lower levels in both hippocampus and cortex in AD compared to control contained a structurally and functionally interesting epitope that we assign as a terminal galactose decorated with fucose and sialic acid. Altogether, these studies suggest that protein glycosylation is an important component in the development of AD and warrants further studies.

image
Association between blastocyst morphology and live birth rate following frozen–thawed single blastocyst transfer: Results from a 5‐year retrospective analysis of 2593 cryopreserved blastocysts
Authors: Guo Na , Deng Taoran , Jiang Huahua , Gong Yanhong , Yin Li , Ren Xinling , Jin Lei , Li Yufeng
Published: September 2020

Aim

Our aim was to investigate associations between blastocyst morphology parameters and live birth outcome and to make possible additional recommendations for existing embryo selection strategies.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 2593 frozen–thawed single blastocyst transfers (SBT) cycles from 2012 to 2016. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to analyze the independent predictive effectiveness of blastocyst parameters for live birth rate (LBR).

Results

The participants enrolled in the present study were 32 (28–35) years old with a median body mass index of 21.20 (19.60–23.40) kg/m2, among whom 1058 (40.8%) women had live births. Among the three blastocyst morphology parameters, we found only inner cell mass grade and trophectoderm cell grade had significant effects on LBR (P < 0.001). When adjusting for potential confounders in a multivariable logistic regression model, the expansion and hatching (EH) stage of blastocoel also showed obvious correlation with LBR. Blastocysts at EH stage 4–5 had a significantly higher LBR than that at stage 3 (P < 0.05). Additionally, the timing of blastulation was also an important predictor of LBR. Blastocysts vitrified on day 6 and day 7 yielded a lower LBR than that vitrified on day 5 (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The timing of blastulation and all blastocyst morphology parameters were associated with LBR independently. Although the most important parameter for predicting clinical outcomes remains undetermined, the timing of blastulation was a stable predictor of live birth for frozen–thawed SBT.
Detection of Carotid Webs by CT Angiography, High‐Resolution MRI, and Ultrasound
Authors: Zhu Cuiting , Li Zhaoxia , Ju Yi , Zhao Xingquan
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

We sought to examine carotid webs (intimal variant fibromuscular dysplasia) by studying their clinical features and imaging profiles.

METHODS

All patients (n = 893) of the Department of Neurology at Beijing Tiantan Hospital between January and December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed for computed tomography angiography (CTA), high‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI), and Doppler ultrasound data. Carotid webs were identified by two experienced neuroimaging experts according to the characteristics of a thin intraluminal filling defect along the posterior wall of the carotid bulb on sagittal CTA and a septum structure in arteries on axial CTA.

RESULTS

We found eight carotid web patients by CTA and Doppler ultrasound. Four of eight (50%) carotid webs were observed in the bilateral carotid arteries and other four of eight (50%) were ipsilateral. The mean age of the 8 patients was 50.75 (range 38‐65) years; two were in women. Six of 8 patients (75%) with carotid webs had acute ischemic stroke. Two‐thirds of patients with ischemic stroke were treated with carotid revascularization. Doppler ultrasound indicated that the septum projected into the carotid arteries in all patients. Half of the carotid web patients underwent HRMRI, showing features consistent with CTA findings. The Cohen's kappa coefficient for interobserver agreement in diagnosing carotid webs was .76.

CONCLUSIONS

Doppler ultrasound combined with CTA and HRMRI is effective and reliable method to identifying carotid webs, which may be associated with stroke.
Looking Ahead and Working Hard: How School Experiences Foster Adolescents’ Future Orientation and Perseverance
Authors: Shubert Jennifer , Wray‐Lake Laura , McKay Brigham
Published: September 2020

The current study examined developmental change in future orientation and perseverance across childhood and adolescence. Drawing from stage–environment fit theory, the study examined how adolescents’ perceptions of key school experiences (teacher support, school climate, high‐quality organized activities, school transitions) and socioemotional competencies covaried across time. Using an accelerated longitudinal design, a diverse sample of 4,055 youth in grades 6–12 completed assessments at 4 time points. Latent growth curve analyses revealed future orientation and perseverance both followed a quadratic trajectory marked by growth in early adolescence, followed by a leveling off in later adolescence. School experiences positively covaried with socioemotional competencies. Findings provide insight into patterns of age‐related change and offer implications for practices aimed at promoting future orientation and perseverance.
Incidence of type 1 diabetes by socio‐demographic characteristics among South Australian children: Whole‐of‐population study
Authors: Begum Mumtaz , Chittleborough Catherine , Pilkington Rhiannon , Mittinty Murthy , Lynch John , Penno Megan , Smithers Lisa
Published: September 2020

Aim

To describe and compare the incidence of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in South Australia by individual and area‐level socio‐economic characteristics among children aged ≤11 years.

Methods

This is a whole‐of‐population, data linkage study (n = 231 685) conducted in South Australia, and included children born from 2002 to 2013, hospitalisation followed from 2002 to 2014. The study used de‐identified, linked administrative hospitalisation, birth and perinatal data from the South Australian Early Childhood Data Project. Incidence was calculated by identifying T1D cases from T1D‐related hospitalisations using International Classification of Disease, 10th Revision, Australian Modification diagnosis codes (E10, E101–E109).

Results

Overall, 333 children aged ≤11 years (173 boys) were identified as having T1D. The T1D incidence rate was 23.0 per 100 000 person‐years (95% confidence interval (CI): 20.7–25.7), with no sex difference. T1D incidence was higher among children whose mothers were Caucasian, private patients and whose parents were employed. For example, T1D incidence was 26.0 per 100 000 (95% CI: 22.8–29.5) among children with both parents employed, compared to 20.0 per 100 000 (95% CI: 12.3–30.6) among children with both parents unemployed. There was no clear gradient in the association between area‐level socio‐economic position and T1D, with highest incidence for the fourth quintile (26.5 per 100 000 (95% CI: 20.9–33.1)). The most advantaged area (19.4 per 100 000 (95% CI: 13.8–26.5)) had lower incidence than the most disadvantaged area (23.5 per 100 000 (95% CI: 18.9–28.9)).

Conclusion

T1D incidence rates differed depending on the measures of socio‐economic characteristics. Individual‐level indicators showed higher incidence among more advantaged children; however, there was no clear area‐level socio‐economic patterning of T1D.
Testing the theory of Differential Susceptibility to nightmares: The interaction of Sensory Processing Sensitivity with the relationship of low mental wellbeing to nightmare frequency and nightmare distress
Authors: Carr Michelle , Matthews Eve , Williams Jessica , Blagrove Mark
Published: September 2020

Propensity to have nightmares has been theorised in terms of diathesis–stress models, with this propensity being seen as negative or even pathological. In contrast, a recent model proposes that nightmare propensity is due to Differential Susceptibility to stimuli, where high susceptibility can be beneficial in positive environments but detrimental in negative environments. This susceptibility to stimuli is assessed as the biobehavioural trait Sensory Processing Sensitivity, which refers to a greater responsivity to internal and external stimuli, and an increased depth of cognitive and emotional processing. To test the Differential Susceptibility Framework for nightmares, 137 participants (females = 104, males = 33; mean age = 33.66 years), recruited from a student population and social media sites, were divided into high (n = 39), medium (n = 59) and low (n = 39) Sensory Processing Sensitivity categories based on their score on the Highly Sensitive Person Scale. Low mental wellbeing and the presence of minor psychiatric problems, measured by the General Health Questionnaire, was found to be significantly correlated with nightmare frequency for the high and medium SPS groups (rs = .29 and .28, respectively), but not for the low Sensory Processing Sensitivity group (r = .19). General Health Questionnaire score was also significantly correlated with trait nightmare distress, for the high Sensory Processing Sensitivity group only (r = .32). These findings in favour of the Differential Susceptibility Framework have aetiology and treatment implications for nightmares that differ from diathesis–stress models.
Effect of understocking density of channel catfish fingerlings in intensively aerated multiple‐batch production
Authors: Kumar Ganesh , Wise David , Li Menghe , Aarattuthodiyil Suja , Hegde Shraddha , Rutland Billy , Pruitt Sean , Griffin Matt , Khoo Lester
Published: September 2020

Multiple‐batch production is the most widely practiced method of raising channel catfish. Producers are increasingly adopting intensified production practices in multiple‐batch systems by increasing stocking density and aeration rates as a means to improve cost efficiencies. Proven stocking recommendations are required for the efficient implementation of recent developments in multiple‐batch production. Twelve 0.4‐ha ponds were understocked with 17,484, 20,612, and 26,124 fingerlings/ha (mean weight = 40 g/fish) over equal weights of carryover fish (0.46 kg/fish @ 4,589 kg/ha). Fish were fed once daily to apparent satiation with a 28% protein floating feed and aerated with a single 7.4‐kW electric paddlewheel aerator. Density‐dependent significant differences were absent for gross, net, daily net yields, marketable yields (≥0.54 kg), growth (g/day), and survival. Sub‐marketable yield (<0.54 kg) and feeding rate increased significantly with increased understocking density. Economic analysis revealed increased breakeven prices and diminished net returns with increased stocking density when sub‐marketable fish were not considered as revenue. These differences in production costs and profits among the three treatments became minimal when sub‐marketable fish were included as revenue. All three density treatments attained positive annual net cash flows. This study validates channel catfish understocking densities of 17,000–26,000 fish/ha to improve cost efficiency in intensively aerated, multiple‐batch production systems.
Revisiting Perception–Production Relationships: Exploring a New Approach to Investigate Perception as a Time‐Varying Predictor
Authors: Nagle Charles L.
Published: September 2020

Models of L2 pronunciation learning have hypothesized that accurate speech perception promotes accurate speech production. This claim can be evaluated longitudinally by examining the extent to which changes in stop consonant perception predict changes in stop consonant production. Taking a time‐sensitive view of the perception–production link, this study used longitudinal data to analyze perception as a time‐varying predictor of production accuracy. Mixed‐effects models were fit to oddity, delayed word repetition, and picture description tasks to examine how participants’ perception and production changed over time. Oddity task perception data were then decomposed into their between‐ and within‐subjects components and integrated into the delayed repetition and picture description production models. Surprisingly, only the between‐subjects predictors reached significance, and the strength of the perception–production link varied across production tasks and target phones. The methods used have implications for future research on perception–production links.
Normal liver stiffness and influencing factors in healthy children: An individual participant data meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Darrick K. , Khan Muhammad Rehan , Wang Zhen , Chongsrisawat Voranush , Swangsak Panida , Teufel‐Schäfer Ulrike , Engelmann Guido , Goldschmidt Imeke , Baumann Ulrich , Tokuhara Daisuke , Cho Yuki , Rowland Marion , Mjelle Anders B. , Ramm Grant A. , Lewindon Peter J. , Witters Peter , Cassiman David , Ciuca Ioana M. , Prokop Larry D. , Haffar Samir , Corey Kathleen E. , Murad M.H. , Furuya Katryn N. , Bazerbachi Fateh
Published: September 2020

Background & Aims

Although transient elastography (TE) is used to determine liver stiffness as a surrogate to hepatic fibrosis, the normal range in children is not well defined. We performed a systematic review and individual participant data (IPD) meta‐analysis to determine the range of liver stiffness in healthy children and evaluate the influence of important biological parameters.

Methods

We pooled data from 10 studies that examined healthy children using TE. We divided 1702 children into two groups: ≥3 years (older group) and < 3 years of age (younger group). Univariate and multivariate linear regression models predicting liver stiffness were conducted.

Results

After excluding children with obesity, diabetes, or abnormal liver tests, 652 children were analysed. Among older children, mean liver stiffness was 4.45 kPa (95% confidence interval 4.34‐4.56), and increased liver stiffness was associated with age, sedation status, and S probe use. In the younger group, the mean liver stiffness was 4.79 kPa (95% confidence interval 4.46‐5.12), and increased liver stiffness was associated with sedation status and Caucasian race. In a subgroup analysis, hepatic steatosis on ultrasound was significantly associated with increased liver stiffness. We define a reference range for normal liver stiffness in healthy children as 2.45‐5.56 kPa.

Conclusions

We have established TE‐derived liver stiffness ranges for healthy children and propose an upper limit of liver stiffness in healthy children to be 5.56 kPa. We have identified increasing age, use of sedation, probe size, and presence of steatosis on ultrasound as factors that can significantly increase liver stiffness.
A review of ecological factors promoting road use by mammals
Authors: Hill Jacob E. , DeVault Travis L. , Belant Jerrold L.
Published: September 2020

Roads have numerous negative impacts for mammals, but may also serve as attractants due to altered vegetation or provisioning of resources.

We reviewed the use of roads and their associated features by mammals, in order to understand the ecological factors contributing to road use.

We documented 129 studies that recorded road use by 116 mammalian species, spanning 15 orders and 35 families, in six continents. Carnivora was the most common order (40 species, 34% of all 116 species), followed by Artiodactyla (24 species, 20%) and Rodentia (21 species, 18%). The species were placed in the IUCN categories Least Concern (88 species, 76% of all 116 species), Vulnerable (11 species, 9%), Near Threatened (9 species, 8%), Endangered (6 species, 5%), and Critically Endangered (2 species, 2%).

We assigned road use to five ecological categories, reflecting the reason for it, with subcategories where appropriate: (1) communication; (2) foraging (subcategories: anthropogenic food, herbivory, predation, salt, scavenging, water); (3) movement (subcategories: bridges, environmental alterations, habitat connectivity); (4) refuge (subcategories: avoidance, burrowing and denning, cover, roosting); and (5) thermoregulation. Foraging, movement, and refuge were the most common uses.

Roads provide a variety of resources to mammals, but road use is highly dynamic in time and space. We suggest that the use of roads by mammals is extensive, both geographically and taxonomically. Road use is likely to influence mammalian ecology while contributing to the risk of collisions with vehicles.
Monetary policy and long‐term interest rates: Evidence from the U.S. economy
Authors: Deleidi Matteo , Levrero Enrico Sergio
Published: September 2020

This paper addresses the ability of central banks to affect the structure of interest rates. We assess the causal relationship between the short‐term Effective Federal Funds Rate (FF) and long‐term interest rates associated with both public and private bonds and specifically, the 10‐Year Treasury Bond (GB10Y) and the Moody's Aaa Corporate Bond (AAA). To do this, we apply Structural Vector Autoregressive models to U.S. monthly data for the 1954–2018 period. Based on results derived from impulse response functions and forecast error variance decomposition, we find: a bidirectional relationship whenGB10Yis considered as the long‐term rate and a unidirectional relationship that moves from short‐ to long‐term interest rates whenAAAis considered. These conclusions show that monetary policy is able to permanently affect long‐term interest rates and the central bank has a certain degree of freedom in setting the levels of the short‐term policy rate.
Increasing vegetable consumption out‐of‐home: VeggiEAT and Veg+projects
Authors: Hartwell H. , Bray J. , Lavrushkina N. , Rodrigues V. , Saulais L. , Giboreau A. , Perez‐Cueto F. J. A. , Monteleone E. , Depezay L. , Appleton K. M.
Published: September 2020

Adequate vegetable consumption is fundamental to a healthy, balanced diet; however, global compliance with recommendations to increase consumption is poor. There is a growing interest in the sustainability of current dietary patterns in light of expected climate change and an expanding global population where part of the response is increasing vegetable intake. Two international projects, VeggiEAT and Veg+, explored the determinants of vegetable liking and consumption in different age groups and countries and the effect of a nudging strategy on vegetable consumption in an out‐of‐home setting. The projects found that the importance given by consumers to natural or healthy ingredients, social norms, female gender and positive attitudes towards nudging all influenced vegetable consumption. Some sensory factors, such as bitterness and sourness, had a negative loading, while others, such as sweetness, had a positive effect on liking for vegetables. ‘Dish of the day’, as a nudging strategy in a workplace canteen setting, increased vegetable dish selection for some of the sample (adolescent females) but not for males or older people. Globally, there is a strong need to promote the consumption of vegetables as a public health issue but also to improve their availability and uptake, especially within out‐of‐home foodservice.
Mental filing
Authors: Goodman Rachel , Gray Aidan
Published: September 2020

We offer an interpretation of the mental files framework that eliminates the metaphor of files, information being contained in files, etc. The guiding question is whether, once we move beyond the metaphors, there is any theoretical role for files. We claim not. We replace the file‐metaphor with two theses: the semantic thesis that there are irreducibly relational representational facts (viz. facts about the coordination of representations); and the metasemantic thesis that processes tied to information‐relations ground those facts. In its canonical statement, the ‘file’‐theory makes reference to a certain kind of relational representational feature, and a certain kind of mental activity. Mental files need not come into it. In short, we posit mental filing without mental files. Our interpretation avoids awkward problems that arise on the standard interpretation and clarifies the explanatory commitments of the theory.