bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conformational Analysis of Acyclic α‐Fluoro Sulfur Motifs
Authors: Erdeljac Nathalie , Mück‐Lichtenfeld Christian , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Gilmour Ryan
Published: July 2020

Bioactive small molecules containing α‐fluoro sulfur motifs [RS(O)nCH2F] are appearing with increasing frequency in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical sectors. Prominent examples include the anti‐asthma drug Flovent® and the phenylpyrazole insecticide pyrafluprole. Given the popularity of these structural units in bioactive small molecule design, together with the varying oxidation states of sulfur, a conformational analysis of α‐fluoro sulfides, sulfoxides, and sulfones, would be instructive in order to delineate the non‐covalent interactions that manifest themselves in structure. A combined crystallographic and computational analysis demonstrates the importance of hyperconjugative donor‐acceptor interactions in achieving acyclic conformational control. The conformational disparity in the syn‐ and anti‐diastereoisomers of α‐fluorosulfoxides is particularly noteworthy.
Dictyostelium myosin 1F and myosin 1E inhibit actin waves in a lipid‐binding‐dependent and motor‐independent manner
Authors: Brzeska Hanna , Bagnoli Michael , Korn Edward D. , Titus Margaret A.
Published: July 2020

Actin waves are F‐actin‐rich entities traveling on the ventral plasma membrane by the treadmilling mechanism. Actin waves were first discovered and are best characterized in Dictyostelium. Class I myosins are unconventional monomeric myosins that bind lipids through their tails. Dictyostelium has seven class I myosins, six of these have tails (Myo1A‐F) while one has a very short tail (Myo1K), and three of them (Myo1D, Myo1E and Myo1F) bind PIP3 with high affinity. Localization of five Dictyostelium Class I myosins synchronizes with localization and propagation of actin waves. Myo1B and Myo1C colocalize with actin in actin waves, whereas Myo1D, E and F localize to the PIP3‐rich region surrounded by actin waves. Here, we studied the effect of overexpression of the three PIP3 specific Class I myosins on actin waves. We found that ectopic expression of the short‐tail Myo1F inhibits wave formation, short‐tail Myo1E has similar but weaker inhibitory effect, but long‐tail Myo1D does not affect waves. A study of Myo1F mutants shows that its membrane‐binding site is absolutely required for wave inhibition, but the head portion is not. The results suggest that PIP3 specificity and the presence of two membrane‐binding sites are required for inhibition of actin waves, and that inhibition may be caused by crosslinking of PIP3 heads groups.
Distance‐Dependent Electron Transfer Kinetics in Axially Connected Silicon Phthalocyanine‐Fullerene Conjugates
Authors: Martín‐Gomis Luis , Seetharaman Sairaman , Herrero David , Karr Paul A. , Fernández‐Lázaro Fernando , D'Souza Francis , Sastre‐Santos Ángela
Published: July 2020

The effect of donor‐acceptor distance in controlling the rate of electron transfer in axially linked silicon phthalocyanine‐C60 dyads has been investigated. For this, two C60‐SiPc‐C60 dyads, 1 and 2, varying in their donor‐acceptor distance, have been newly synthesized and characterized. In the case of C60‐SiPc‐C60 1 where the SiPc and C60 are separated by a phenyl spacer, faster electron transfer was observed with kcs equal to 2.7×109 s−1 in benzonitrile. However, in the case of C60‐SiPc‐C60 2, where SiPc and C60 are separated by a biphenyl spacer, a slower electron transfer rate constant, kcs=9.1×108 s−1, was recorded. The addition of an extra phenyl spacer in 2 increased the donor‐acceptor distance by ∼4.3 Å, and consequently, slowed down the electron transfer rate constant by a factor of ∼3.7. The charge separated state lasted over 3 ns, monitoring time window of our femtosecond transient spectrometer. Complimentary nanosecond transient absorption studies revealed formation of 3SiPc* as the end product and suggested the final lifetime of the charge separated state to be in the 3–20 ns range. Energy level diagrams established to comprehend these mechanistic details indicated that the comparatively high‐energy SiPc.+‐C60.− charge separated states (1.57 eV) populated the low‐lying 3SiPc* (1.26 eV) prior returning to the ground state.
Status and Potential of Single‐Cell Transcriptomics for Understanding Plant Development and Functional Biology
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Munir , Hurgobin Bhavna , Holme Andrea Lisa , Appels Rudi , Kaur Parwinder
Published: July 2020

The advent of modern “omics” technologies (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics) are attributed to innovative breakthroughs in genome sequencing, bioinformatics, and analytic tools. An organism's biological structure and function is the result of the concerted action of single cells in different tissues. Single cell genomics has emerged as a ground‐breaking technology that has greatly enhanced our understanding of the complexity of gene expression at a microscopic resolution and holds the potential to revolutionize the way we characterize complex cell assemblies and study their spatial organization, dynamics, clonal distribution, pathways, function, and networking. Mammalian systems have benefitted immensely from these approaches to dissect complex systems such as cancer, immunological disorders, epigenetic controls of diseases, and understanding of developmental biology. However, the applications of single‐cell omics in plant research are just starting. The potential to decipher the fundamentals of developmental and functional biology of large and complex plant species at the single‐cell resolution are now becoming important drivers of research. In this review, we present the status, challenges and potential of one important and most commonly used single‐cell omics technique in plants, namely single cell transcriptomics. © 2020 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Paint it black: Efficacy of increased wind turbine rotor blade visibility to reduce avian fatalities
Authors: May Roel , Nygård Torgeir , Falkdalen Ulla , Åström Jens , Hamre Øyvind , Stokke Bård G.
Published: July 2020

As wind energy deployment increases and larger wind‐power plants are considered, bird fatalities through collision with moving turbine rotor blades are expected to increase. However, few (cost‐) effective deterrent or mitigation measures have so far been developed to reduce the risk of collision. Provision of “passive” visual cues may enhance the visibility of the rotor blades enabling birds to take evasive action in due time. Laboratory experiments have indicated that painting one of three rotor blades black minimizes motion smear (Hodos 2003, Minimization of motion smear: Reducing avian collisions with wind turbines). We tested the hypothesis that painting would increase the visibility of the blades, and that this would reduce fatality rates in situ, at the Smøla wind‐power plant in Norway, using a Before–After–Control–Impact approach employing fatality searches. The annual fatality rate was significantly reduced at the turbines with a painted blade by over 70%, relative to the neighboring control (i.e., unpainted) turbines. The treatment had the largest effect on reduction of raptor fatalities; no white‐tailed eagle carcasses were recorded after painting. Applying contrast painting to the rotor blades significantly reduced the collision risk for a range of birds. Painting the rotor blades at operational turbines was, however, resource demanding given that they had to be painted while in‐place. However, if implemented before construction, this cost will be minimized. It is recommended to repeat this experiment at other sites to ensure that the outcomes are generic at various settings.
Local adaptation to herbivory within tropical tree species along a rainfall gradient
Authors: Muehleisen Andrew J. , Engelbrecht Bettina M. J. , Jones Frank Andrew , Manzané‐Pinzón Eric , Comita Liza S.
Published: July 2020

In tropical forests, insect herbivores exert significant pressure on plant populations. Adaptation to such pressure is hypothesized to be a driver of high tropical diversity, but direct evidence for local adaptation to herbivory in tropical forests is sparse. At the same time, herbivore pressure has been hypothesized to increase with rainfall in the tropics, which could lead to differences among sites in the degree of local adaptation. To assess the presence of local adaptation and its interaction with rainfall, we compared herbivore damage on seedlings of local vs. nonlocal populations at sites differing in moisture availability in a reciprocal transplant experiment spanning a rainfall gradient in Panama. For 13 native tree species, seeds collected from multiple populations along the rainfall gradient were germinated in a shadehouse and then transplanted to experimental sites within the species range. We tracked the proportion of seedlings attacked over 1.5 yr and quantified the percentage of leaf area damaged at the end of the study. Seedlings originating from local populations were less likely to be attacked and experienced lower amounts of herbivore damage than those from nonlocal populations, but only on the wetter end of the rainfall gradient. However, overall herbivore damage was higher at the drier site compared to wetter sites, contrary to expectation. Taken together, these findings support the idea that herbivory can result in local adaptation within tropical tree species; however, the likelihood of local adaptation varies among sites because of environmentally driven differences in investment in defense or herbivore specialization or both.
iNKT cells with high PLZF expression are recruited into the lung via CCL21‐CCR7 signaling to facilitate the development of asthma tolerance in mice
Authors: Feng Xintong , Zhao Caiqi , Li Ling , Feng Jingjing , He Wei , Shi Tianyun , Li Na , Jie Zhijun , Su Xiao
Published: July 2020

Establishment of immune tolerance is crucial to protect humans against asthma. Promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (PLZF) is an emerging suppressor of inflammatory responses. CCL21‐CCR7 signaling mediates tolerance development. However, whether PLZF and CCL21‐CCR7 are required for the development of asthma tolerance is unknown. Here, we found that Zbtb16 (coding PLZF) and Ccl21 were upregulated in OVA‐induced asthma tolerance (OT) lungs by RNA‐seq. PLZF physically interacted with GATA3 and its expression was higher in GATA3+ Th2 cells and ILC2s in OT lungs. Zbtb16‐knockdown in lymphocytes promoted the differentiation of CD3e+CD4+ T cells, particularly those producing IL‐4 and IL‐5. Moreover, iNKT cells with high expression of PLZF were recruited into the lungs via draining lymph nodes during tolerance. Blockade of CCL21‐CCR7 signaling in OT mice decreased the PLZF+ cell population, abolished CCR7‐induced PLZF+ iNKT recruitment to the lungs, enhanced Th2responses and exacerbated lung pathology. In OT mice, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection impeded PLZF+ cell and CCR7+PLZF+ iNKT cellrecruitment to the lungs and increased airway resistance. Collectively, these results indicate that PLZF could interact with GATA3 and restrain differentiation of IL‐4‐ and IL‐5‐producing T cells, iNKT cells with high PLZF expression are recruited to the lungs via CCL21‐CCR7 signaling to facilitate the development of asthma tolerance.
Group evaluations as self‐group distancing: Ingroup typicality moderates evaluative intergroup bias in stigmatized groups
Authors: Essien Iniobong , Otten Sabine , Degner Juliane
Published: July 2020

Outgroup favoritism among members of stigmatized groups can be seen as a form of self‐group distancing. We examined how intergroup evaluations in stigmatized groups vary as a function of ingroup typicality. In Studies 1 and 2, Black participants (N = 125,915; N = 766) more strongly preferred light‐skinned or White relative to dark‐skinned or Black individuals the lighter their own skin tone. In Study 3, overweight participants (N = 147,540) more strongly preferred normal‐weight relative to overweight individuals the lower their own body weight. In Study 4, participants with disabilities (N = 35,058) more strongly preferred non‐disabled relative to disabled individuals the less visible they judged their own disability. Relationships between ingroup typicality and intergroup evaluations were at least partially mediated by ingroup identification (Studies 2 and 3). A meta‐analysis across studies yielded an average effect size of r = .12. Furthermore, higher ingroup typicality was related to both ingroup and outgroup evaluations. We discuss ingroup typicality as an individual constraint to self‐group distancing among stigmatized group members and its relation to intergroup evaluations.
Enhancement of Hydrogen Peroxide Reduction Current by an Electrode Modified with Hybrid Polymer/Silica Particles and N,N‐diethyl‐N‐(2‐methoxy‐ethyl)‐N‐methylammonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide
Authors: Takahashi Shigehiro , Sato Katsuhiko , Umeda Riho , Nishizawa Misaki , Kamijo Toshio , Morinaga Takashi , Suzuki Iwao , Sato Takaya
Published: July 2020

The electrochemical reaction of H2O2 was promoted by an electrode modified with N,N‐diethyl‐N‐(2‐methoxy‐ethyl)‐N‐methylammonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (DEME‐TFSI) and hybrid polymer/silica particles, which consisted of an ionic liquid‐type polymer brush decorated with silica particles (PSiP). The electrode was prepared by dropping an acetonitrile solution of homogeneously dispersed PSiPs and DEME‐TFSI on a glassy carbon (GC) electrode and drying. During cyclic voltammetry in the presence of 3.0 mM H2O2, the reduction current at −0.400 mV increased from 0.9 to 3.3 μA compared with the unmodified GC electrode, demonstrating that the electrochemical reduction of H2O2 was promoted on the PSiP/DEME‐TFSI‐modified electrode.
Influence of seismic strain rates on the co‐ and post‐seismic response of civil engineering buildings
Authors: Astorga Ariana , Guéguen Philippe
Published: July 2020

The elastic properties of buildings change during earthquakes. In particular, fundamental frequencies are observed to shift rapidly during the co‐seismic phase and to recover slowly once the strong motion has finished. Although the frequency shift is usually correlated with loading amplitude, the co‐seismic frequency variations observed in real structures are not only determined by the absolute amplitude of the strain value. In order to interpret the uncertainties of the prediction of engineering demand parameters for a given intensity measure, we analyze the influence of loading rates (i.e., strain rates) on resonance frequency variations in buildings with different structural states during the loading and unloading phases caused by seismic events. Our observations suggest the existence of a strain rate threshold that activates the nonlinear response of the structure, characterizing the activation of cracking and indicating a strong nexus between the elastic structural response, structural state, and the loading process.
Pressure reduction mechanism and effect of working face passing through abandoned roadway by roof presplit
Authors: Du Yunlou , Feng Guorui , Zhang Yujiang , Zhang Xihong , Zhai Yingda , Bai Jinwen
Published: July 2020

Due to the existence of abandoned roadways in the thick coal seam, the ground pressure would increase greatly due to the roof advanced breaking when the working face passed through the affected area of abandoned roadways. In order to solve this problem, a solution for roof presplit in the abandoned roadway was proposed. Based on the mining and geological conditions of Huasheng Hufeng coal mine, the roof vertical stress and vertical displacement with different roof presplit distance were analyzed by using FLAC3D numerical software. The research results indicated that the roof vertical stress and vertical displacement could be reduced effectively by roof presplit. When the roof presplit distance was 15 m, the maximum vertical stress and the maximum vertical displacement were both minimum. The maximum vertical stress was reduced by 14.55% and the maximum vertical displacement was reduced by 37.51% after roof presplit. The reasonable roof presplit distance of the working face was determined to be about 15 m by combining theoretical and numerical analysis. The engineering application results indicated that the maximum working resistance of the hydraulic support was reduced by 35.86% after roof presplit, and the engineering effect was good. The research results can provide technical guidance and theoretical support for the same type mines.
A new method for identifying fractures in tight sandstone of a gentle structural area using well logs
Authors: Guo Qing , Wang Xuanyi , Qu Le
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we conducted a systematic study on the development characteristics and logging prediction of fractures of the Upper Paleozoic tight gas sandstone reservoirs in the eastern Ordos Basin. A new fracture prediction method was proposed based on the variable scale fracture probabilistic model. The calculation steps of this method were as follows: First, the sensitivity of each conventional log series to the tight sandstone fractures was analyzed. It was found that acoustic time difference (AC), density (DEN), natural gamma ray (GR), and deep investigate double lateral resistivity (RD) have good log responses to fractures. Then, the ratio of the range (R) to the standard deviation (S) of the log data was obtained. Finally, the second derivatives of the log series AC, DEN, GR, and RD were calculated, and a new fracture index was constructed (integrated second derivative, FC) using the multiple regression method. The fracture recognition rates of this method are distributed in 64.3%‐85.7%. Therefore, the constructed integrated second derivative (FC) based on conventional logs is effective to quantitatively characterize the fracture development of tight sandstone.
Typification of two names of Psephellus (Asteraceae) species endemic to Turkey
Authors: Negaresh Kazem
Published: July 2020

Two Turkish endemic species of the genus Psephellus are lectotypified, namely Psephellus bornmuelleri (Hausskn. ex Bornm.) Wagenitz and P. psephelloides (Freyn & Sint. ex Freyn) Wagenitz. Images of the lectotypes are provided.
POV remediation agents: α‐ketoglutarate salts and the treatment of citrus oils and citrus‐based model fragrances
Authors: Calandra Michael J. , Wang Ying
Published: July 2020

It is known that many terpenes can autoxidize under certain conditions to form terpene hydroperoxides, which have been reported to be contact allergens in dermatological clinics. The fragrance industry currently controls terpene hydroperoxide levels in many raw materials by iodometric titration (also known as the peroxide value or POV test) and rejects lots that exceed a specification limit. Previously, we have reported that pyruvic acid and its salts can be used to lower terpene hydroperoxide levels in citrus oils by an oxidative decarboxylation reaction, thus lowering the POV. However, both pyruvic acid and the by‐product acetic acid have strong aromas that are not compatible with citrus oils or other fragrances. For this reason, α‐ketoglutaric acid and its salts were tested. They were found to be highly effective and rapid at POV reduction in citrus oils and citrus‐based model fragrances. Both α‐ketoglutaric acid and the by‐product succinic acid are odourless; they are also both Krebs cycle intermediates, so there is practically no risk of systemic toxicity at relevant use levels.
Nonstereoselective dissipation of sulfoxaflor in different Puer tea processing
Authors: Liu Hongcheng , Jiang MingMing , Li Qiwan
Published: July 2020

The stereoisomer behavior of sulfoxaflor was investigated by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) during raw Puer tea, ripen Puer tea, and sun‐dry Puer tea processing. The persistence of sulfoxaflor stereoisomers was consistently prolonged with different Puer tea processing from sun‐dry Puer tea, ripen Puer tea to raw Puer tea with t1/2 4.0–4.2 hr (sun‐dry Puer tea) to 6.21–7.04 months (raw Puer tea). Three fermentation temperature in ripen Puer tea shown that the sulfoxaflor residue was easy to degrade under low fermentation temperature (37°C). It implied that enzyme catalysis may play an important role in degradation of sulfoxaflor. The no‐enantioselective dissipation of sulfoxaflor was found in different Puer tea processing.
Evaluation of the bioprotectivity of Lactobacillus binary/ternary cultures in yogurt
Authors: Fayyaz Nasrin , Shahidi Fakhri , Roshanak Sahar
Published: July 2020

The attempts toward addition of biocontrol agents in dairy products have gained popularity. Here, we worked on analysing the antifungal activity of binary and ternary combinations of three Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) against five spoilage yeasts in yogurt. The yogurt samples were characterized in terms of pH, acidity, WHC, textural parameters, viscosity, survivability and antifungal activity of LAB and sensorial properties during cold storage. The results showed that the inoculation of LAB in yogurt gave rise in significant reduction of pH throughout cold storage while titrable acidity and WHC decreased (p < .05). Inoculation of LAB resulted in significant increase in hardness and adhesiveness while springiness remained constant. On the other hand, apparent viscosity of all samples experienced a profound increase up to the 10th day of storage followed by a reduction trend for the rest of storage period. Analysis of inhibitory activity of LAB showed an efficient barrier against all five yeasts, in which the most activity was recorded for Lactobacillus reuteri followed by Lactobacillus acidophilus. On the other hand, the most resistance yeast was Kluyveromyces marxianus followed by Rhodotorula mucilaginosa. Sensorial analysis revealed that addition of LAB in yogurt brought about a profound improvement in textural quality of samples. Inoculation of LAB cultures in yogurt at 5% (v/v) not only could improve the physicochemical and sensorial properties of yogurt, but also could introduce a strategy toward substituting of chemical preservatives with biocontrol agents.
Constructal view of the long lots system
Authors: Périn Stephen
Published: July 2020

The long lots system, also known as the ribbons farming system, is a historical land use pattern, which can be encountered in some specific regions of the world, including in North America, both in the Nouvelle‐France, and in the New‐Mexico regions. In this paper, we show that, in the late 1990s, the first publications on Constructal Theory, which discussed topics such as urban street patterns or airport systems design, already contained the principles underlying the emergence of the man‐made long lots system, but had not yet been linked to land use patterns such as the ribbons farming system. We show that this farming pattern is driven by the Constructal Law. It leads to land use geometries similar, at a human scale, to computer cooling systems. In brief, like many natural designs, the long lots system emerges as a “urge to organize” under local and global constraints specific to the economy of agricultural products trade, and according to the Constructal Law of evolving flow systems. The design of long lots systems can thus be viewed as a historical precursor of the Constructal Design approach, an approach worth considering in the design of sustainable cities.
Practical two‐photon‐absorption cross sections and spectra of eosin and hematoxylin
Authors: Parravicini Jacopo , Tomaselli Alessandra , Hasani Elton , Tomassini Daniela , Manfredi Norberto , Tartara Luca
Published: July 2020

We experimentally investigate the two‐photon absorption cross sections and spectra of eosin and hematoxylin for applications in nonlinear microscopy. The experiments are carried out on pure samples of the two dyes in DI‐water solvent with different concentrations, in the typical range employed in standard staining procedures. Nonlinear fluorescence is excited by a line‐shaped beam emitted by a Ti:Sapphire mode‐locked laser in the wavelength range from 740 to 880 nm and is detected through a microscope setup. The two‐photon absorption spectral response is systematically analyzed and discussed. Finally, the staining is applied on biological tissue samples, which are imaged by two‐photon microscopy. Our results show that the employed dyes are fully suitable for applications in nonlinear imaging.
MAGI2‐AS3 inhibits breast cancer by downregulating DNA methylation of MAGI2
Authors: Xu Xiaolong , Yuan Xiaoning , Ni Jiali , Guo Jing , Gao Yang , Yin Weinan , Li Feng , Wei Lei , Zhang Jingwei
Published: July 2020

Breast cancer is one of the most threatening diseases for women. Long noncoding RNAs were reported to be involved in breast cancer development. In this study, we analyzed The Cancer Genome Atlas breast cancer tissue high‐throughput sequencing data and screened and validated the low‐expressing long noncoding RNA named MAGI2‐AS3. Through gene coexpression analysis, we found that MAGI2‐AS3 has a good expression correlation with MAGI2. Overexpression of MAGI2‐AS3 or MAGI2 in breast cancer cells MCF‐7 would inhibit the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway and inhibit cell proliferation and migration. Gene structure and DNA methylation analysis results indicated that MAGI2‐AS3 may act as a cis‐acting regulatory element downregulating the DNA methylation level of the MAGI2 promoter region, and the DNA demethylase TET1 inhibitor can reverse MAGI2‐AS3 overexpression caused upregulation of MAGI2 and cellular effects. Our findings reveal the role of MAGI2‐AS3 in breast cancer and provide potential novel therapeutic targets for metastatic breast cancer intervention.
Site‐specific contribution of Toll‐like receptor 4 to intestinal homeostasis and inflammatory disease
Authors: Bruning Elise E. , Coller Janet K. , Wardill Hannah R. , Bowen Joanne M.
Published: July 2020

Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) is a highly conserved protein of innate immunity, responsible for the regulation and maintenance of homeostasis, as well as immune recognition of external and internal ligands. TLR4 is expressed on a variety of cell types throughout the gastrointestinal tract, including on epithelial and immune cell populations. In a healthy state, epithelial cell expression of TLR4 greatly assists in homeostasis by shaping the host microbiome, promoting immunoglobulin A production, and regulating follicle‐associated epithelium permeability. In contrast, immune cell expression of TLR4 in healthy states is primarily centred on the maturation of dendritic cells in response to stimuli, as well as adequately priming the adaptive immune system to fight infection and promote immune memory. Hence, in a healthy state, there is a clear distinction in the site‐specific roles of TLR4 expression. Similarly, recent research has indicated the importance of site‐specific TLR4 expression in inflammation and disease, particularly the impact of epithelial‐specific TLR4 on disease progression. However, the majority of evidence still remains ambiguous for cell‐specific observations, with many studies failing to provide the distinction of epithelial versus immune cell expression of TLR4, preventing specific mechanistic insight and greatly impacting the translation of results. The following review provides a critical overview of the current understanding of site‐specific TLR4 activity and its contribution to intestinal/immune homeostasis and inflammatory diseases.
Long‐term outcome of liver resection for colorectal metastases in the presence of extrahepatic disease: A multi‐institutional Japanese study
Authors: Sawada Yu , Sahara Kota , Endo Itaru , Sakamoto Katsunori , Honda Goro , Beppu Toru , Kotake Kenjiro , Yamamoto Masakazu , Takahashi Keiichi , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Itabashi Michio , Hashiguchi Yojiro , Kotera Yoshihito , Kobayashi Shin , Yamaguchi Tatsuro , Tabuchi Ken , Kobayashi Hirotoshi , Yamaguchi Kensei , Morita Satoshi , Natsume Soichiro , Miyazaki Masaru , Sugihara Kenichi
Published: July 2020

Background/Purpose

The purpose of the present study was to assess long‐term outcomes following liver resection for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) with concurrent extrahepatic disease and to identify the preoperative prognostic factors for selection of operative candidates.

Methods

In this retrospective, multi‐institutional study, 3820 patients diagnosed with CRLM during 2005–2007 were identified using nationwide survey data. Data of identified patients with concurrent extrahepatic lesions were analyzed to estimate the impact of liver resection on overall survival (OS) and to identify preoperative, prognostic indicators.

Results

Three‐ and 5‐year OS rates after liver resection in 251 CRLM patients with extrahepatic disease (lung, n = 116; lymph node, n = 51; peritoneal, n = 37; multiple sites, n = 23) were 50.2% and 32.0%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that a primary tumor in the right colon, lymph node metastasis from the primary tumor, serum carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19‐9 level >37 UI/mL, the site of extrahepatic disease, and residual liver tumor after hepatectomy were associated with higher mortality. We proposed a preoperative risk scoring system based on these factors that adequately discriminated 5‐year OS after liver resection in training and validation datasets.

Conclusions

Performing R0 liver resection for colorectal liver metastases with treatable extrahepatic disease may prolong survival. Our proposed scoring system may help select appropriate candidates for liver resection.
Postdischarge symptoms and rehabilitation needs in survivors of COVID‐19 infection: A cross‐sectional evaluation
Authors: Halpin Stephen J. , McIvor Claire , Whyatt Gemma , Adams Anastasia , Harvey Olivia , McLean Lyndsay , Walshaw Christopher , Kemp Steven , Corrado Joanna , Singh Rajinder , Collins Tamsin , O'Connor Rory J. , Sivan Manoj
Published: July 2020

Background

There is currently very limited information on the nature and prevalence of post‐COVID‐19 symptoms after hospital discharge.

Methods

A purposive sample of 100 survivors discharged from a large University hospital were assessed 4 to 8 weeks after discharge by a multidisciplinary team of rehabilitation professionals using a specialist telephone screening tool designed to capture symptoms and impact on daily life. EQ‐5D‐5L telephone version was also completed.

Results

Participants were between 29 and 71 days (mean 48 days) postdischarge from hospital. Thirty‐two participants required treatment in intensive care unit (ICU group) and 68 were managed in hospital wards without needing ICU care (ward group). New illness‐related fatigue was the most common reported symptom by 72% participants in ICU group and 60.3% in ward group. The next most common symptoms were breathlessness (65.6% in ICU group and 42.6% in ward group) and psychological distress (46.9% in ICU group and 23.5% in ward group). There was a clinically significant drop in EQ5D in 68.8% in ICU group and in 45.6% in ward group.

Conclusions

This is the first study from the United Kingdom reporting on postdischarge symptoms. We recommend planning rehabilitation services to manage these symptoms appropriately and maximize the functional return of COVID‐19 survivors.
Precipitation in peninsular Spain: Influence of teleconnection indices and spatial regionalisation
Authors: Martinez‐Artigas Joan , Lemus‐Canovas Marc , Lopez‐Bustins Joan Albert
Published: July 2020

Precipitation constitutes a particularly variable climatic element in Spain. Study of teleconnection indices, closely related to precipitation, enables us to establish to a greater or lesser degree the mechanisms regulating pluviometric variability; these are vital for planning and managing water resources in semiarid regions. In the present article we attempt to identify the low‐frequency patterns that present the closest statistical relationship with rainfall for each of the points on the MOPREDAS pluviometric data grid, covering the whole area of peninsular Spain. The results obtained reveal the clear dominance of Mediterranean Basin patterns, specifically of the Mediterranean Oscillation (MO) and of its version in the mid‐levels of the troposphere (ULMO). Results, however, show a significant dominance of the Western Mediterranean Oscillation (WeMO) in the east of the Iberian Peninsula and the eastern part of the Cantabrian façade. Also noteworthy is the control exerted by the NAO over much of the centre and southwest of Spain, as well as the surprising dominance of an index that heretofore has not been used much, known as the Paris‐London Westerly Index. Finally, we performed a regionalisation based upon the correlations between the teleconnection and precipitation indices by means of a principal components analysis, which revealed the existence of three differentiated pluviometric regions in peninsular Spain: Atlantic (centre and south), Mediterranean (east) and Cantabrian (north).
Glycemic Response to a Renal‐Specific Oral Nutritional Supplement in Patients With Diabetes Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Randomized Crossover Trial
Authors: Patel Vishal Nainesh , Dijk Giulia , Malarkey Bridget , Brooke Jennifer R. , Whelan Kevin , MacLaughlin Helen L.
Published: July 2020

Background

Diabetes and malnutrition are common in patients with kidney failure. We aimed to evaluate the postprandial glucose response to oral nutritional supplement drinks (ONSs) in patients with diabetes undergoing hemodialysis treatment.

Methods

A randomized, single‐blind crossover study was conducted in patients with diabetes, and requiring chronic hemodialysis. Patients consumed either a renal‐specific ONS, macronutrient‐matched ONS, or standard ONS on 3 separate study days, during dialysis, following an overnight fast. Blood was collected before and 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, and 180 minutes post ingestion. Mean net incremental area under the curve (iAUC) and peak incremental blood glucose concentration were compared across conditions, using analyses of variance.

Results

Consumption of the renal‐specific ONS resulted in the lowest mean net iAUC (87.9 ± 169.0 mmol/L per 3 hours) compared with macronutrient‐matched (188.0 ± 127.5 mmol/L per 3 hours) and standard ONS (199.5 ± 169.2 mmol/L per 3 hours) (F2,30 = 5.115, P = 0.012, partial n2 = 0.254). Pairwise comparisons demonstrated a mean difference of 100.1 mmol/L per 3 hours (95% CI, −2.8 to 202.9) in mean iAUC between the renal‐specific ONS and macronutrient‐matched ONS (P = 0.058). Peak blood glucose concentration, corrected for baseline, was significantly lower after the renal‐specific ONS (1.40 ± 1.0 mmol/L) compared with both macronutrient‐matched (2.02 ± 0.71 mmol/L, P = 0.036) and standard ONS (2.3 ± 1.06 mmol/L, P = 0.017).

Conclusion

A renal‐specific ONS elicits a lower postprandial glucose response than either macronutrient‐matched ONS or standard ONS in patients with diabetes during hemodialysis.
Rejuvenating a Versatile Photonic Material: Thin‐Film Lithium Niobate
Authors: Honardoost Amirmahdi , Abdelsalam Kamal , Fathpour Sasan
Published: July 2020

The excellent optical and unique material properties of lithium niobate have long established it as a prevailing photonic material, especially for the long‐haul telecom modulator and wavelength‐converter applications. However, conventional lithium niobate optical waveguides are bulky, hence large‐scale photonic circuit implementations are impeded and high power requirements are imposed. To address these shortcomings, thin‐film lithium niobate technology has been a topic of intense research in the last few years and a plethora of ultracompact devices with significantly superior performances than the conventional counterparts have been demonstrated. These efforts have rejuvenated lithium niobate for novel electro‐, nonlinear‐, and quantum‐optic applications. Herein, the most recent advancements of this booming field are summarized and a perspective for future directions is given.
Clinical characteristics and genotype‐phenotype correlations of 130 Chinese children in a high‐homogeneity single‐center cohort with 5α‐reductase 2 deficiency
Authors: Fan Lijun , Song Yanning , Polak Michel , Li Lele , Ren Xiaoya , Zhang Beibei , Wu Di , Gong Chunxiu
Published: July 2020

Background

Patients with steroid 5α‐reductase 2 deficiency (5α‐RD) caused by SRD5A2 (OMIM #607306) variants present variable genotypes and phenotypes. The genotype‐phenotype correlations remain unclear.

Methods

We investigated genotype‐phenotype correlations of SRD5A2 variants in a large Chinese single‐center cohort. Phenotypes were categorized using the external masculinization score (EMS), urethral meatus and gonad position, and penile length‐standard deviation score.

Results

Of the 130 included patients, 113 had hypospadias, and 17 had a normal urethral meatus position. Testosterone/dihydrotestosterone (T/DHT) values were not significantly associated with phenotypic severity (p = 0.539–0.989). Of the 31 SRD5A2 variants, including 10 novel variants, p.R227Q was the most prevalent (39.62%), followed by p.Q6* (16.92%), p.R246Q (13.46%), and p.G203S (10.38%). Compared to biallelic missense mutations, biallelic nonsense mutations were associated with a lower EMS and urethral meatus score (p = 0.009 and p = 0.024, respectively). Patients homozygous for p.R227Q exhibited mild and variable phenotypes, while those homozygous for p.Q6*, p.R246Q, or p.G203S showed consistently severe phenotypes. The phenotypes were variable and milder in patients with compound heterozygosity for p.R227Q and these mutations.

Conclusion

T/DHT does not predict phenotype severity. The most prevalent SRD5A2 variant in Han Chinese is p.R227Q, which is associated with milder phenotypes and greater phenotypic variability. SRD5A2 variants may significantly influence phenotypic variation.
Long‐Term Intake of Pork Meat Proteins Altered the Composition of Gut Microbiota and Host‐Derived Proteins in the Gut Contents of Mice
Authors: Xie Yunting , Wang Chao , Zhao Di , Zhou Changyu , Li Chunbao
Published: July 2020

Scope

This study is to investigate the effects of long‐term intake of pork protein on the composition of gut microbiota and proteins in mice.

Methods and results

C57BL/6J mice are fed pork meat protein diets for 240 days, and the composition of gut microbiota and proteins in luminal contents from the duodenum to the colon are analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and LC‐MS/MS. The stewed pork protein diet group has a highly similar microbiota composition to that of the cooked pork protein diet group, but different from the pork emulsion sausage or dry‐cured pork protein diet groups. Lachnospiraceae NK4A136, Odoribacter, Defluviitaleaceae UCG‐011, Ruminiclostridium 9, Blautia, Lachnoclostridium, and Ruminococcaceae UCG‐010 play an important role in response to changes in gut luminal proteins. Specific microbes are significantly correlated with the Cela3b and Cpa1 that are derived from the host and involve protein digestion and absorption.

Conclusions

Pork meat protein diets alter the gut microbiota composition and specific gut microbes may have a great impact on protein digestion and absorption by regulating the secretion of digestive proteins from the host. These findings provide a new insight into the associations of long‐term intake of meat protein diet with gut microbiota and host.
Effects of nursing power and organizational trust on nurse’s responsiveness and orientation to patient needs
Authors: Ko YuKyung , Yu Soyoung , Jeong Seok Hee
Published: July 2020

Aim

To assess the relationship among perceived nursing group power, organizational trust and patient orientation and identify patient orientation predictors.

Background

Nurses and nursing organizations should use all resources to give care.

Methods

Survey data were collected from 193 nurses at six acute care hospitals in South Korea. Characteristics of hospitals and nurses were analysed using t tests, one‐way ANOVAs and regression models.

Results

The means for perceived nursing group power, organizational trust and patient orientation were 3.71 (SD± 0.58), 3.22 (SD± 0.83) and 3.94 (SD± 0.53), respectively. Multiple regression analysis revealed that 40% of the variance in patient orientation was explained by perceived nursing group power, organizational trust and work experience.

Conclusion

Hospitals should increase nursing group power and improve organizational trust to enhance patient orientation. Hospital executives and nurse managers should work to enhance nursing group power and positive perceptions of organizational trust, which could contribute to patient orientation.
Nutritional habits among nursing students using Moore Index for Nutrition Self Care: A cross‐sectional study from the nursing school Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Bashatah Adel
Published: July 2020

Background

The topics of under‐nutrition and over‐nutrition are important and have significant roles in adolescent life. These concepts must be explored in adolescents owing to the undesirable effects that being underweight or overweight causes.

Purpose

To evaluate the nutrition habits among adolescents from King Saud University nursing school in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia using the Arabic Version of Moore Index for Nutrition Self Care.

Method

This was a cross‐sectional study carried out at a King Saud University nursing school campus to evaluate the Nutrition habits among adolescents. Self‐care practises related to nutrition were assessed by using a self‐report questionnaire that consisted of 50 items assessed on a five‐point Likert scale. Data were collected between January to March 2019.

Findings

The study results revealed that most students 120 (85.7%) had fair nutritional habits, while 11 (7.9%) had good nutritional habits and 9 (7.9%) had poor nutritional habits. There was a significant difference between those who exercised regularly (mean 53.42) and those who did not exercise regularly (mean 46.83; p = .002). In addition, simple linear regression revealed that working out regularly was associated with the score on the nutritional questionnaire (β = −6.41; SE 2.5, p = .01). Results revealed no significant associations between gender or age and (p = .8; p = .9) nutritional score.

Conclusion

To increase levels of good nutritional habits and awareness, it may be useful to adopt educational programs for dietary consumption and physical training promotion.
Predictors of hospital‐based registered nurses' engagement in on‐the‐job policy activities
Authors: Bar Yosef Alexandra , Weiss‐Gal Idit , Kagan Ilya
Published: July 2020

Nurses have been urged to participate in public policy‐formulation processes as an integral part of their professional role through collective and personal policy activities. However, there is only limited empirical data on this participation. This cross‐sectional study examined the level and the predictors of the personal policy activities of 200 Israeli hospital‐based registered nurses undertaken in their work setting and aimed at furthering hospital, local or national policies. The nurses completed questionnaires that examined policy activities, policy skills, political interest, political efficacy, political and professional network involvement, and organizational support for policy activities. The overall engagement of nurses in on‐the‐job policy activities was limited and focused primarily on their immediate surroundings, their departments and their hospitals, and much less on local or national policies. The most common policy activities were internal and indirect and included receiving feedback from patients to improve nursing care policy and calling colleagues' attention to policy issues. Positive significant correlations emerged between motivational and organizational factors and personal policy activities, and these contributed 55% to the explained variance. The findings enhance the relevance of integrating motivational and organizational factors in understanding the policy activity of nurses. As such, increasing personal involvement of hospital nurses in policy formulation processes requires professional training that seeks to improve nurses' policy skills, to enhance their political interest and efficacy, and to encourage their involvement in political and professional networks. In addition, hospitals need to cultivate an organizational culture that supports personal policy activities by nurses.
A technology‐based information and coaching/support program and self‐efficacy of Asian American breast cancer survivors
Authors: Im Eun‐Ok , Yi Jee‐Seon , Kim Hyeoneui , Chee Wonshik
Published: July 2020

Women's self‐efficacy for coping with breast cancer is one of the key factors that lead to successful breast cancer survivorship. Due to the cultural stigma linked to breast cancer (e.g., breast cancer is a genetic disease), Asian Americans are known as a high‐risk group within breast cancer survivors. However, healthcare providers are challenged to promote women's self‐efficacy while considering their cultural beliefs and attitudes. In this study, the efficacy of a technology‐based information and coaching/support program was examined in improving self‐efficacy for coping with breast cancer among Asian American survivors. A randomized repeated measures control group study was conducted with 67 Asian American breast cancer survivors. The questions on background characteristics, the Personal Resource Questionnaire, the Perceived Isolation Scale, the Supportive Care Needs Survey Short Form 34, and the Cancer Behavior Inventory were used. The data were analyzed using repeated measurement analyses, χ2 tests, and decision tree analyses. There were significant increases in the self‐efficacy scores of both control and intervention groups over time (p = .017). However, the increase in the control group's self‐efficacy scores was only up to post 1 month, and there was a decrease in the scores by post 3 months. When the participants were divided into high and low‐change groups based on the changes in their self‐efficacy scores for 3 months, the intervention group had more participants who belonged to the high‐change group (p = .036). The technology‐based intervention was effective in improving self‐efficacy for coping with breast cancer among Asian American breast cancer survivors.
Risk factors for postoperative pulmonary complications in children with severely compromised pulmonary function secondary to severe scoliosis
Authors: AL‐Iede Montaha M. , Al‐Zayadneh Enas , Bridge Corinne , Alqutawneh Basim , Waters Karen
Published: July 2020

Objectives

After corrective surgery for scoliosis, postoperative pulmonary complications lead to increases in morbidity, length of hospital stay (LOS) and mortality. This study aimed to identify associations with such respiratory complications, and to assess the utility of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in children with severe scoliosis

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included all children aged ≤17 years who underwent spinal surgery for scoliosis between January 2009 and January 2012 at a quaternary pediatric hospital. Data were collated regarding polysomnography (PSG) and NIV use, before and after corrective surgery. Factors associated with severely compromised pulmonary function (SCPF) were established and correlations with the occurrence of postoperative pulmonary complications and LOS were identified.

Results

Altogether, 133 children had corrective surgery for scoliosis, aged 12.7 (range: 2‐17) years at operation. Scoliosis causes were identified as: idiopathic (39.8%), neuromuscular disease (32.2%), syndrome (15.7%), and congenital (12%). Correlates with SCPF (forced vital capacity [FVC] <40% predicted, n = 10) included markers of sleep hypoventilation, including serum bicarbonate ≥29 mmol/L, morning pCO2 > 50mm Hg (P = .003), and overnight, episodic CO2 retention of >7 mm Hg. Using these parameters an additional eight children with SCPF were identified making a total of 18 out of 133 (13.5%) of the patients. Postoperative pulmonary complications were seen in 24 children (18%) and their occurrence correlated with higher Cobb angle (>90°), lower pulmonary function (FVC), higher serum bicarbonate and underlying neuromuscular disease. Amongst the 18 children with SCPF, regular use of NIV preoperatively was associated with reduced rate of postoperative pulmonary complications (P = .02) and reduced LOS by 6.4 days (P = .01).

Conclusion

Nocturnal hypoventilation on PSG identifies children with SCPF. Use of NIV in children with SCPF was linked to fewer postoperative pulmonary complications and reduced duration of hospital stay.