bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID‐19 testing decisions and behaviours in two Australian cities
Authors: Robinson Penelope A. , Levy David C. , Hooker Claire , Shaban Ramon Z. , Nahidi Shizar , Leask Julie , Wiley Kerrie E.
Published: March 2022

Issue addressed

High levels of testing are crucial for minimising the spread of COVID‐19. The aim of this study is to investigate what prevents people from getting a COVID‐19 test when they are experiencing respiratory symptoms.

Methods

Semi‐structured, qualitative interviews were conducted with 14 purposively sampled adults between 20 November 2020 and 3 March 2021 in two capital cities of Australia and analysed thematically. The analysis included people who reported having respiratory symptoms but who did not undergo a COVID‐19 test.

Results

Participants appraised risks of having COVID‐19, of infecting others or being infected whilst attending a testing site. They often weighed these appraisals against practical considerations of knowing where and how to get tested, inconvenience or financial loss.

Conclusions

Clear public health messages communicating the importance of testing, even when symptoms are minor, may improve testing rates. Increasing the accessibility of testing centres, such as having them at transport hubs is important, as is providing adequate information about testing locations and queue lengths.

So what?

The findings of our study suggest that more needs to be done to encourage people to get tested for COVID‐19, especially when symptoms are minor. Clear communication about the importance of testing, along with easily accessible testing clinics, and financial support for those concerned about financial impacts may improve testing rates.
Impact of time to initiation of postoperative radiotherapy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy on the prognosis of breast cancer: A retrospective cohort study in China
Authors: Xie Yuxin , Zhang Yingjie , Xie Keqi , Zhong Xiaorong , Zheng Hong , Gou Qiheng
Published: March 2022

The optimal time to the initiation of postoperative radiotherapy (TTR) in breast cancer patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and surgery is unclear. We explored the association between TTR and outcomes among breast cancer females to determine the optimal timing for radiotherapy. We included 1022 women with breast cancer who underwent NAC and surgery between 1997 and 2019. Patients were categorized into three groups based on the TTR: <8 weeks, 8 to 16 weeks and >16 weeks. We used Cox proportional hazards models and analyzed the hazard ratios (HRs) for breast cancer‐specific mortality (BCSM) and all‐cause mortality (ACM). The median TTR for the cohort was 97 days. Compared to patients with TTRs of 8 to 16 weeks, those with TTRs <8 weeks or >16 weeks had an increased risk of BCSM (HR, 2.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26‐5.36 and HR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.24‐3.28, respectively) and ACM (HR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.17‐4.56 and HR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.24‐2.98, respectively) after adjusting for the confounders. Furthermore, at TTR of >16 weeks, each additional week of TTR was associated with a 3% increase in BCSM risk and 2% increase in ACM risk. Our findings suggest that patients who have undergone NAC and surgery show lower BCSM and ACM risks at TTR of 8 to 16 weeks compared to <8 weeks or >16 weeks.
Managing placenta accreta spectrum in low‐resource settings using a novel dissection‐free aorta clamp: Operative technique
Authors: Paily Vakkanal Paily , Sidhik Afshana , Girijadevi Raji Raj , Sudhamma Ajithakumari , Neelankavil Joshy Joseph , Menon Usha Govindankutty , George Raymond , Ramakrishnan Soumya , Cheriyan Sara , John Teena Eliz , Pradeep Manu
Published: March 2022

Objective

Surgical management of Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is associated with profuse bleeding and increased risk of operative injury to the adherent pelvic structures. We propose using a novel aorta clamp that can occlude the abdominal aorta without retroperitoneal dissection, thereby making it easy for an obstetrician‐gynecologist to use it. The novel Paily aorta clamp (PAC) is applied just above the bifurcation of the abdominal aorta.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of 33 women with varying grades of histopathology‐confirmed PAS, who were managed as an elective or emergency procedure in a tertiary center in India.

Results

Twenty‐nine women with advanced grades of PAS underwent sub‐total/total hysterectomies, while four women with low‐grade PAS underwent a conservative procedure. The procedures were associated with median estimated intra‐operative blood loss of 1000 ± 1500 ml, with only 21.2% (n = 7) requiring a transfusion of four or more units packed red blood cells. PAC was applied for a median of 55 ± 20 min and was not associated with any perioperative aortic wall injury or distal thromboembolic phenomenon.

Conclusion

Our experience using the novel PAC, in the current series and across multiple centers in India, demonstrates that the sizeable abdominal aorta can be clamped safely and effectively without retroperitoneal dissection—with no incidence of vascular injury so far. However, we would urge only designated centers with experienced obstetrician‐gynecologists—backed by a urologist, adequate blood bank and intensive care facilities—to tackle PAS procedures using the PAC technique.
Global resilience and new strategies needed for antimicrobial stewardship during the COVID‐19 pandemic and beyond
Authors: Goff Debra A. , Gauthier Timothy P. , Langford Bradley J. , Prusakov Pavel , Ubaka Chukwuemka Michael , Nwomeh Benedict C. , Yunis Khalid A. , Saad Therese , van den Bergh Dena , Villegas Maria Virginia , Martinez Nela , Morris Andrew , Ashiru‐Oredope Diane , Howard Philip , Sanchez Pablo J.
Published: March 2022

Resilience is having the ability to respond to adversity proactively and resourcefully. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic's profound impact on antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASP) requires clinicians to call on their own resilience to manage the demands of the pandemic and the disruption of ASP activities. This article provides examples of ASP resilience from pharmacists and physicians from seven countries with different resources and approaches to ASP—The United States, The United Kingdom, Canada, Nigeria, Lebanon, South Africa, and Colombia. The lessons learned pertain to providing ASP clinical services in the context of a global pandemic, developing new ASP paradigms in the face of COVID‐19, leveraging technology to extend the reach of ASP, and conducting international collaborative ASP research remotely. This article serves as an example of how resilience and global collaboration is sustaining our ASPs by sharing new “how to” do antimicrobial stewardship practices during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Baicalein inhibits cell proliferation and enhances apoptosis in human A549 cells and benzo(a)pyrene‐induced pulmonary carcinogenesis in mice
Authors: Chandrashekar Naveenkumar , Subramanian Raghunandhakumar , Thiruvengadam Devaki
Published: March 2022

Our current study is done to explore the possible mechanisms to elaborate on the growth inhibitory effect of baicalein (BE) in human lung carcinoma. Initially, BE (25 and 50 µM) treatment for 24 h, suppressed the viability and inhibited population growth in A549 cells. BE upholds the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) with concomitant replenishment of glutathione, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activity. The expression level of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 and heme oxygenase‐1 markedly increased after BE treatment will intimidate A549 cells proliferation by the ROS‐independent pathway via the antioxidant pathway. In vivo investigations were carried out on BE (12 mg/kg, oral) in benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P; 50 mg/kg, oral) induced lung carcinogenesis in mice. BE induces caspase‐dependent apoptosis by increasing the levels of cytosolic cytochrome c accompanied by upregulating the outflow of p53, Bax, and caspase‐3 with a concomitant abatement in the outflow of Bcl‐2 in both in vitro and in vivo. In the murine model, BE treatment hindered the countenance of proliferation‐related proteins (argyrophilic nucleolar organizing regions and proliferating cell nuclear antigen). Additionally, appraisal of the cell nucleus by transmission electron microscopic assessment uncovered that BE treatment adequately counteracts B(a)P‐induced lung cancer cell survival. During the transition of the G0/G1 phase, BE is arrested in the cell cycle process. This might be the cause of a substantial increase in the appearance of p21Cip1 with concomitant downregulating the expressions of CDK4, cyclin D, and cyclin E both in vitro and in vivo. Our results conclude that BE treatment induced apoptosis and repressed proliferation both in vitro and in vivo of human lung carcinoma.
Audit quality, corporate governance, firm characteristics and CSR disclosures—Evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Handayati Puji , Tham Yeut Hong , Yuningsih Yuni , Rochayatun Sulis , Meldona
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of Big 4 auditors, corporate governance and firm characteristics on CSR disclosure in large listed firms in Indonesia adopting the stakeholder theory. The financial and corporate governance data are collected via the Indonesian Stock Exchange for the top 80 firms from 2016 to 2020 while data for CSR disclosures are hand collected from the annual report/sustainability report using the latest Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) 2020 index based on the environmental and social categories. The results suggest that reputable firms, diligent boards and firms audited by Big 4 auditors have a positive and statistically significant relationship with CSR disclosures. The study also find that firms with diligent board audited by Big 4 auditors are positively associated with CSR disclosures. This is the first study that utilises the latest GRI Index (2020) assessing the social and environmental disclosures in large listed firms in Indonesia over a longitudinal period.
Folding molecular dynamics simulation of T‐peptide, a HIV viral entry inhibitor: Structure, dynamics, and comparison with the experimental data
Authors: Gkogka Ioanna , Glykos Nicholas M.
Published: March 2022

Peptide T is a synthetic octapeptide fragment, which corresponds to the region 185–192 of the gp120 HIV coat protein and functions as a viral entry inhibitor. In this work, a folding molecular dynamics simulation of peptide T in a membrane‐mimicking (DMSO) solution was performed with the aim of characterizing the peptide's structural and dynamical properties. We show that peptide T is highly flexible and dynamic. The main structural characteristics observed were rapidly interconverting short helical stretches and turns, with a notable preference for the formation of β‐turns. The simulation also indicated that the C‐terminal part appears to be more stable than the rest of the peptide, with the most preferred conformation for residues 5–8 being a β‐turn. In order to validate the accuracy of the simulations, we compared our results with the experimental NMR data obtained for the T‐peptide in the same solvent. In agreement with the simulation, the NMR data indicated the presence of a preferred structure in solution that was consistent with a β‐turn comprising the four C‐terminal residues. An additional comparison between the experimental and simulation‐derived chemical shifts also showed a reasonable agreement between experiment and simulation, further validating the simulation‐derived structural characterization of the T‐peptide. We conclude that peptide folding simulations produce physically relevant results even when performed with organic solvents that were not part of the force field parameterization procedure.
Exploratory assessment of serological tests to determine antibody titer against SARS‐CoV‐2: Appropriateness and limits
Authors: Colombini Alessandra , Viganò Marco , Tomaiuolo Rossella , Di Resta Chiara , Corea Francesca , Sabetta Eleonora , Ferrari Davide , De Vecchi Elena , Maria Spanò Sestina , Banfi Giuseppe
Published: March 2022

Background

Serological tests can be used to detect antibodies in the serum of subject's after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and vaccination. Currently, variability in antibody titers and the availability of a multiplicity of serological tests have made it necessary to highlight their appropriateness and limitations in various diagnostic settings.

Methods

This study is part of Covidiagnostix, a multicenter project aimed at the assessment of the health technology used in SARS‐CoV‐2 serological tests. Based on data gained from the analysis of over 5000 subjects, a selected number of serum samples, representative of different diagnostic settings, were analyzed first by qualitative immunoassays (IgA, M, and G MILLIPLEX® SARS‐CoV‐2 tests based on Luminex®) to define the immunoglobulins serum composition and subsequently by four serological diagnostic tests (Elecsys Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 and Elecsys Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 S by Roche, SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG by Siemens Healthcare, and CHORUS SARS‐CoV‐2 “NEUTRALIZING” Ab by DIESSE). The first WHO International Standard for SARS‐CoV‐2 was also analyzed using the same methods.

Results

This study evaluated the antibody content and titer of the WHO Standard and serum of subjects with/without previous infection and before/after vaccination for SARS‐CoV‐2.

Conclusion

The definition of antibodies in the WHO standard and the analysis of serum samples allowed for the identification of the appropriateness of serological tests in each diagnostic setting, increasing the effectiveness of the resulting laboratory data. Furthermore, we found that it would be optimal to produce new international standards against the S1 domain and RBD of the SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein for a more effective serological monitoring of vaccination.
Circ_SAR1A regulates the malignant behavior of lung cancer cells via the miR‐21‐5p/TXNIP axis
Authors: Zhao Yi , Wan Ying , He Tianzhen
Published: March 2022

Background

Lung cancer is one of the most common malignancies globally and a significant component of cancer‐related deaths. The lack of early diagnosis accounts for detecting approximately 75% of cancer patients at an intermediate to an advanced stage, with a low 5‐year survival rate. Therefore, a more comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms of lung cancer development is necessary to find reliable and effective therapeutic and diagnostic biomarkers.

Methods

circ_SAR1A, miR‐21‐5p, and TXNIP in lung cancer tissues, animal xenografts, and cell lines were validated by qRT‐PCR and western blotting analyses. RNase R digestion and nuclear/cytoplasm fractionation experiments were utilized to determine the stability and localization of circ_SAR1A in lung cancer cells. The binding between miR‐21‐5p and circ_SAR1A or TXNIP was confirmed by luciferase reporter, RNA pull‐down, Spearman's correlation, and rescue assays. CCK‐8, colony formation, flow cytometry, Transwell, and western blotting were utilized to illustrate the malignant behavior of lung cancer cells.

Results

circ_SAR1A and TXNIP were down‐regulated while miR‐21‐5p was up‐regulated in lung cancer samples and cells. circ_SAR1A was located predominantly in the cytoplasm; it inhibited lung cancer growth in vitro and in vivo by sponging to miR‐21‐5p. miR‐21‐5p silencing suppressed lung cancer malignancy by targeting TXNIP.

Conclusions

circ_SAR1A is a critical negative regulator of lung carcinogenesis. circ_SAR1A/miR‐21‐5p/TXNIP attenuation inhibited lung cancer progression, presenting an ideal diagnostic and a potential therapeutic target.
Biomarkers of connective tissue disease‐associated interstitial lung disease in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid: A label‐free mass spectrometry‐based relative quantification study
Authors: Ye Jing , Liu Pengcheng , Li Renming , Liu Hui , Pei Wenjing , Ma Changxiu , Shen Bing , Zhao Dahai , Chen Xiaoyu
Published: March 2022

Background

The pathogenesis of connective tissue disease‐associated interstitial lung disease (CTD‐ILD) is unclear. This study aims to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in CTD‐ILD to determine the potential role of these DEPs that may play in the pathogenesis of CTD‐ILD and to offer potential therapeutic targets.

Methods

Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples were collected from four patients with CTD‐ILD and four patients without CTD‐ILD. Label‐free mass spectrometry‐based relative quantification was used to identify the DEPs. Bioinformatics were used to determine the potential biological processes and signaling pathways associated with these DEPs.

Results

We found 65 upregulated DEPs including SFTPD, CADM1, ACSL4, TSTD1, CD163, LUM, SIGLEC1, CPB2, TGFBI and HGD, and 67 downregulated DEPs including SGSH, WIPF1, SIL1, RAB20, OAS3, GMPR2, PLBD1, DNAJC3, RNASET2 and OAS2. The results of GO functional annotation for the DEPs showed that the DEPS were mainly enriched in the binding, cellular anatomical entity, cellular processes, and biological regulation GO terms. The results of KEGG analyses showed that the pathways most annotated with the DEPs were complement and coagulation cascades, metabolic pathways, pathways in cancer, and PPAR signaling pathway. COG analyses further informed the functions associated with these DEPs, with most focused on signal transduction mechanisms; posttranslational modification, protein turnover, chaperones; intracellular trafficking, secretion, and vesicular transport; amino acid transport and metabolism; and lipid transport and metabolism.

Conclusions

DEPs identified between patients with vs. without CTD‐ILD may play important roles in the development of CTD‐ILD and are potential new biomarkers for early diagnosis of CTD‐ILD.
microRNA‐126 inhibits vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 and interleukin‐1beta in human dental pulp cells
Authors: Jiang Long , Krongbaramee Tadkamol , Lin Xinhai , Zhu Min , Zhu Yaqin , Hong Liu
Published: March 2022

Background

Vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM‐1) mediates pulpitis via regulating interleukin (IL)‐1β. microRNA (miR)‐126 was reported to regulate the VCAM‐1 under many different pathophysiological circumstances. We investigated variations of miR‐126 and VCAM‐1 in inflamed patient pulp tissues and determined potential roles of miR‐126 in pulpitis using human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) in vitro.

Methods

We quantitatively measured the transcripts of miR‐126 and VCAM‐1 in inflamed human pulp tissues using qRT‐PCR and compared with those from healthy human pulp tissues. In addition, we transfected miR‐126 in hDPCs using plasmid DNA (pDNA)‐encoding miR‐126 delivered by polyethylenimine (PEI) nanoparticles.

Results

The irreversible pulpitis significantly reduced miR‐126 and increased the transcript of VCAM‐1 in pulp tissues (p < 0.05). pDNA‐encoding miR‐126 delivered PEI nanoparticles and effectively upregulated the expression of miR‐126 in hDPCs (p < 0.05). The overexpression of miR‐126 could effectively suppress the transcripts and protein levels of VCAM‐1 and IL‐1β induced by Pg‐LPS at 100ng/mL in DPCs (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

miR‐126 is involved in pulpitis and downregulated the VCAM‐1 and IL‐1β in DPCs. miR‐126 may be a potential target to attenuate the inflammation of pulpitis.
The contribution of skills to the effectiveness of dialectical behavioral therapy
Authors: Lee Rachael K. , Harms Craig A. , Jeffery Sian E.
Published: March 2022

Objective

The present study investigated the effectiveness of dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and the effect of improvement in DBT skills on clinical outcomes.

Method

Participants included 57 adults who attended a community mental health service and underwent one of two modes of DBT. Twenty‐six adults had been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and participated in comprehensive DBT (DBT‐C; including group skills training, individual therapy, and phone coaching). Thirty‐one adults had BPD traits and participated in DBT skills training (DBT‐S; group skills training only). In the present study, the DBT skills examined were mindfulness, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness; the clinical outcomes examined were borderline symptoms, psychological distress, and quality of life.

Results

Six 2 × 2 analysis of covariances indicated significant improvements in psychological distress, quality of life, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness (but not borderline symptoms and emotion regulation), over a 6‐month period. Mode of delivery of DBT did not impact on the improvement in DBT skills and clinical outcomes over the 6‐month period. Hierarchical multiple regression results indicated that improvement in DBT skills (mindfulness, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness) were associated with reductions in borderline symptoms and psychological distress, with emotion regulation the only skill uniquely associated with improvements in clinical outcomes.

Conclusions

The results of the present study support the effectiveness of DBT and the specific role of emotion regulation for favorable clinical outcomes over a 6‐month period, independent of the mode of delivery of DBT.
Patients' self‐perceived strengths increase during treatment and predict outcome in outpatient cognitive behavioral therapy
Authors: Schürmann‐Vengels Jan , Teismann Tobias , Margraf Jürgen , Willutzki Ulrike
Published: March 2022

Objective

Modern conceptualizations suggest the independence of positive and negative mental health constructs. Research of positive constructs in psychotherapy is scarce. This study analyzed the development of patients' strengths during psychotherapy and whether pre‐therapy strengths incrementally predict treatment outcome.

Methods

Two hundred and two patients (56.44% female, mean age = 42.49) treated by 54 therapists underwent cognitive behavioral therapy. Patients' strengths in different contexts as well as psychopathology, interpersonal problems, and self‐esteem were assessed at the beginning and end of therapy.

Results

Strengths increased in the contexts of everyday life (EvdayS; d = 0.44, p < 0.001) and current problems (ProbS; d = 0.70, p < 0.001). Strengths in the context of previous crises that were managed successfully (CrisesS) did not change. However, baseline scores of CrisesS were a significant incremental predictor of all outcomes.

Conclusion

A differentiated assessment of positive constructs is useful for outcome prediction and the implementation of strength‐based interventions.
The role of self‐compassion in the mental health of adults with ADHD
Authors: Beaton Danielle M. , Sirois Fuschia , Milne Elizabeth
Published: March 2022

Objective

Evidence suggests that the poorer mental health associated with attention deficit hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is partially explained by adverse psychosocial correlates of the condition. As recent studies show that self‐compassion is negatively associated with ADHD, this study investigates if levels of self‐compassion may explain the mental health outcomes in people with ADHD compared to people without ADHD.

Method

A total of 543 adults with ADHD (62.72% female, 18–67 years), and 313 adults without ADHD (66.45% female, 18–82 years) completed questionnaires online to measure levels of self‐compassion and mental health. A Structural Equation Model assessed the mediating effect of self‐compassion on the relationships between ADHD and well‐being (psychological, emotional, and social), and ADHD and ill‐being (depression, anxiety, and stress).

Results

Findings suggest that low self‐compassion contributes to poorer mental health in adults with ADHD compared to adults without ADHD.

Conclusions

Thus, self‐compassion may be a potential target to improve mental health in this population.

Public Health Significance

This study shows that self‐compassion is an important factor in the mental health of adults with ADHD and provides preliminary evidence for the use of self‐compassion interventions to improve mental health outcomes in adults with ADHD.
A small nucleolar RNA, SNORD126, promotes adipogenesis in cells and rats by activating the PI3K–AKT pathway
Authors: He Yi , Wu Yu , Mei Bin , Fang Xianlong , Cai Guangzhen , Cai Ning , Wu Qiqi , Huang Zhao , Ge Chang , Liang Huifang , Zhang Bixiang , Chen Xiaoping , Chu Liang
Published: March 2022

Small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA) plays important role in various histogenesis. Whether snoRNA plays a role in adipogenesis is unknown. SNORD126 is a C/D box snoRNA. We previously demonstrated that SNORD126 promoted hepatocellular carcinoma cell growth by activating the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase–protein kinase B (Akt) pathway through upregulating fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 expression. In the present study, we found that the expression of SNORD126 was downregulated in the obesity‐related tissues in high‐fat diet‐fed rats. Overexpression of SNORD126 in 3T3‐L1 cells promoted adipocytes differentiation. SNORD126 significantly increased the expression of CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein α, fatty acid‐binding protein 4, peroxisome proliferative‐activated receptor‐γ, and the phosphorylation of Akt and p70S6K. Overexpression of SNORD126 in human adipose‐derived stem cells stimulated adipogenesis and increased phosphorylation of Akt. Meanwhile, SNORD126 increased the messenger RNA and protein levels of cyclin D1 and cyclin‐dependent kinase 2, which promoted mitotic clonal expansion progression during the early stage of 3T3‐L1 cell differentiation. We further found that SNORD126 accelerated the growth of the groin fat pad and increased phosphorylation of Akt and p70S6K in rats. Overall, our results suggested that SNORD126 promoted adipocyte differentiation through increasing phosphorylation of Akt and p70S6K both in vitro and in vivo.
Superior polysulfide adsorption ability by using Ti3C2 nanosheets as effective reservoirs for high electrochemical performance
Authors: Luo Jie , Zheng Jianming
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

A large amount of research has improved electrochemical performance by strengthening the chemical affinity by using polar materials in lithium–sulfur batteries. However, only some of this research has focused on the relationship between structure and polysulfide adsorption ability.

RESULTS

In this work, a Ti3C2 nanosheet structure has been applied as sulfur host matrix to improve electrochemical performance. Due to the nanosheet structure, the polysulfide was able to diffuse between the Ti3C2 layers, therefore improving the catalytic effect of the polysulfide. Moreover, the space between the Ti3C2 layers can store the soluble polysulfide as an effective reservoir. As a result, the traditional shuttle effect of the polysulfide could be efficiently inhibited.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, the as‐prepared Ti3C2/S composites exhibited high specific capacity, high rate performance, and stable cycle performance. All these superior electrochemical performances are attributed to the presence of the Ti3C2 nanosheet. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
No effects of siblings and twin testosterone transfer on autistic traits
Authors: de Wit Melanie M. , Begeer Sander , Nivard Michel G. , van Bergen Elsje
Published: March 2022

Background

Having twin and non‐twin siblings might influence autistic traits both prenatally and postnatally. The twin testosterone transfer hypothesis suggests that girls with a twin brother are exposed to higher levels of prenatal testosterone than girls with a twin sister, and that increased testosterone exposure masculinizes neural development and increases autistic traits. Postnatally, siblings may provide example behaviour, which could reduce autistic traits.

Methods

We studied pre‐ and postnatal influences of twin and non‐twin siblings on mother and teacher‐reported autistic traits in 7714 dizygotic twins. We examined the effect of sex of the proband child and of the siblings. We fitted regression models (for boys and girls separately) with sex of co‐twin and having older and/or younger siblings of each sex as predictors.

Results

Girls' mother‐reported autistic traits were slightly lower for those with a twin brother than those with a twin sister (β = −.08, p = .001, Cohen's d = −.13). This difference was not replicated in teacher‐reported autistic traits (β = .01, p = .734). Boys' (mother and teacher‐reported) autistic traits were not related to the sex of their co‐twin (ps > 0.50). Teacher‐reported autistic traits were slightly higher if girls had an older brother (β = .07, p = .013, Cohen's d = .12). Other than this small effect, we found no effect of non‐twin siblings on autistic traits in either girls or boys (ps > .18).

Conclusions

We did not find increased autistic traits in girls with a twin brother compared to girls with a twin sister. This finding contributes to a body of literature that rejects the twin testosterone transfer hypothesis. In addition, we found little evidence for pre‐ and postnatal sibling influences. Our findings align with high heritability and absence of shared‐environmental influences in ASD.
Dextromethorphan reduces prenatal lipopolysaccharide exposure‐induced dopaminergic neuronal loss and cytokine changes in offspring
Authors: Huang Chia‐Yu , Wang Sabrina
Published: March 2022

Maternal infection during pregnancy may affect fetal brain development and increase the risk of developing neurological and mental disorders later in life in offspring. In this study, we used low‐dose lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection to mimic mild maternal infection at a critical time window for fetal dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5‐HT) neuron development. The affected offspring exhibited reduction of dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons and anxiety‐ and depression‐related behaviors in adulthood. In the current study, we evaluated whether dextromethorphan (DM, 30 mg/kg), an over‐the‐counter antitussive drug with anti‐inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, could reduce the adverse effects of maternal infection mimicked by LPS exposure. We discovered that DM application did not change the baseline serum interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) levels in the LPS‐exposed offspring. However, DM treatment could reduce the heightened immune responses induced by a postnatal LPS challenge test in prenatal LPS‐exposed offspring. The neuroprotective effect of DM was only seen in DA neurons but not in 5‐HT neurons. We concluded that DM treatment can partially protect the offspring against the adverse effects of LPS‐induced maternal immune activation. The reduction in heightened immune responses and dopaminergic neuronal loss in LPS‐exposed offspring could potentially reduce the risk of DA‐related neurological and psychiatric disorders later in life.
Evolution of modular and pleiotropic enhancers
Authors: Murugesan Suriya N. , Monteiro Antónia
Published: March 2022

Cis‐regulatory elements (CREs), or enhancers, are segments of noncoding DNA that regulate the spatial and temporal expression of nearby genes. Sometimes, genes are expressed in more than one tissue, and this can be driven by two main types of CREs: tissue‐specific “modular” CREs, where different CREs drive expression of the gene in the different tissues, or by “pleiotropic” CREs, where the same CRE drives expression in the different tissues. In this perspective, we will discuss some of the ways (i) modular and pleiotropic CREs might originate; (ii) propose that modular CREs might derive from pleiotropic CREs via a process of duplication, degeneration, and complementation (the CRE‐DDC model); and (iii) propose that hotspot loci of evolution are associated with the origin of modular CREs belonging to any gene in a regulatory network.
A stability theorem for maximal C2k+1 ${C}_{2k+1}$‐free graphs
Authors: Wang Jian , Wang Shipeng , Yang Weihua , Yuan Xiaoli
Published: March 2022

For any positive integer , we show that every maximal ‐free graph with at least edges contains an induced complete bipartite subgraph on vertices. We also show that this is the best possible.
Graph colorings with restricted bicolored subgraphs: I. Acyclic, star, and treewidth colorings
Authors: Bradshaw Peter
Published: March 2022

We show that for any fixed integer , a graph of maximum defiggree has a coloring with colors in which every connected bicolored subgraph contains at most edges. This result unifies previously known upper bounds on the number of colors sufficient for certain types of graph colorings, including star colorings, for which colors suffice, and acyclic colorings, for which colors suffice. Our proof uses a probabilistic method of Alon, McDiarmid, and Reed. This result also gives previously unknown upper bounds, including the fact that a graph of maximum degree has a proper coloring with colors in which every bicolored subgraph is planar, as well as a proper coloring with colors in which every bicolored subgraph has treewidth at most 3.
How is aid used to exert power? Gender equality promotion and migration control in Senegal
Authors: Olivié Iliana
Published: March 2022

This article describes how aid‐influence mechanisms previously identified by academic literature (aid conditionality, tied aid, consultants, people‐to‐people exchanges and the support of like‐minded donors) are triggered in a selection of six aid projects implemented by Spain and Germany and involving the EU in Senegal, in the domains of gender equity and migration control. Aid‐influence nexuses might prove ineffective if there is a lack of political will on the part of the partner, an insufficient involvement of its Administration or local actors, a mis‐selection of people involved in the aid‐influence link, or if the scale of the project is too small.
Identification of aroma‐active compounds responsible for the floral and sweet odors of Congou black teas using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry/olfactometry, odor activity value, and chemometrics
Authors: Xue Jinjin , Guo Guiyi , Liu Panpan , Chen Lin , Wang Weiwei , Zhang Jianyong , Yin Junfeng , Ni Dejiang , Engelhardt Ulrich H. , Jiang Heyuan
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

Floral and sweet odors are two typical characteristic aromas of Congou black tea, but their aroma‐active compounds are still unclear. Characterizing the key aroma‐active compounds can provide a theoretical foundation for the practical aroma quality evaluation of Congou black tea and directional processing technology of high‐quality black tea with floral or sweet odors. Gas chromatography–olfactometry (GC‐O) combined with odor activity value (OAV) is often used to screen key aroma‐active substances, but the interaction between aroma components and their impact on the overall sensory quality is ignored. Therefore, in this study, OAV combined with variable importance in projection (VIP) and Spearman correlation analysis (SCA) were used to characterize the aroma‐active components of Congou black teas with floral and sweet odors.

RESULTS

Eighty‐five volatiles were identified in these samples using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). Twenty‐three compounds were identified as potential markers for the floral and sweet odors of Congou black teas from orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS‐DA). Eighteen compounds were selected as candidate aroma compounds based on GC‐O analysis and OAV calculations. In addition, 26 compounds were screened as crucial aroma compounds based on SCA. Finally, 19 compounds were evaluated as key aroma compounds by the comprehensive evaluation of VIP, OAV, and SCA. Terpenoids are the main active compounds that contribute to the floral odor of Congou black tea, whereas aldehydes are the key compounds for the sweet odor.

CONCLUSION

The proposed method can effectively screen the aroma‐active compounds and can be used for comprehensive quality control of products. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Mechanistic modeling and simulation of a complex low and high loading elution behavior of a polypeptide in cation exchange chromatography
Authors: Koch Jonas , Scheps Daniel , Gunne Matthias , Boscheinen Oliver , Hafner Mathias , Frech Christian
Published: March 2022

The mechanistic modeling of preparative liquid chromatography is still a challenging task. Nonideal thermodynamic conditions may require activity coefficients for the mechanistic description of preparative chromatography. In this work, a chromatographic cation exchange step with a polypeptide having a complex elution behavior in low and high loading situations is modeled. Model calibration in the linear range of the isotherm is done by applying counterion‐induced linear gradient elution experiments between pH 3.3 and 4.3. Inverse fitting with column loads up to 25 mg/mLCV is performed for parameter estimation in the nonlinear range. The polypeptide elution peak shows an anti‐Langmuirian behavior with fronting under low loading conditions and a switch to a Langmuirian behavior with increasing load. This unusual elution behavior could be described with an extended version of the sigmoidal Self‐Association isotherm including two activity coefficients for the polypeptide and counterion in solution. The activity coefficient of the solute polypeptide shows a strong influence on the model parameters and is crucial in the linear and nonlinear range of the isotherm. The modeling procedure results in a unique and robust model parameter set that is sufficient to describe the complex elution behavior and allows modeling over the full isotherm range.
The role of sensory marketing and brand experience in building emotional attachment and brand loyalty in luxury retail stores
Authors: Shahid Shadma , Paul Justin , Gilal Faheem Gul , Ansari Shiveen
Published: March 2022

Prior studies on the in‐store experience focus on the impact of store atmosphere. Sensory marketing and brand experience, on the other hand, have been found to be significant in providing a better consumer experience in recent studies. Thus, the goal of this paper is to broaden the scope of this study by examining the causal effect of sensory marketing cues and brand experience on emotional attachment, and subsequent brand loyalty in a luxury retail store setting. We also studied the moderating role of store image in the relationships. To this end, the three separate but related studies (Study 1, N = 409, Study 2, N = 294, Study 3, N = 139) were conducted. Study 1 shows that sensory marketing cues positively contribute to enhancing the luxury retail brand experiences. Both sensory marketing and brand experiences appeared promising in increasing emotional attachment and subsequent brand loyalty. Study 2 findings further suggest that sensory marketing cues and brand experience interact significantly with store image to improve consumers' emotional attachment with luxury brands. Study 3 replicated the pattern observed in Studies 1 and 2 and further suggested that consumers in the luxury store setting expressed stronger emotional attachment and brand loyalty than consumers in the nonluxury store environment.
Pseudo Polyampholytes with Sensitively Ion‐Responsive Conformational Transition Based on Positively Charged Host–Guest Complexes
Authors: Qin Hai‐Yue , Liu Zhuang , Yang Xue‐Dan , Liu Yu‐Qiong , Xie Rui , Ju Xiao‐Jie , Wang Wei , Chu Liang‐Yin
Published: March 2022

Biological polyampholytes are ubiquitous in living organisms with primary functions including serving as transporters for moving chemical molecular species across the cell membranes. Synthetic amphoteric macromolecules that can change their phase states depending on the environment to simulate some properties of natural polyampholytes are of great interest. Here, the implementation of synthetic pseudo polymeric ampholytes is explored with ion‐recognition‐triggered conformational change. The phase transition behaviors of the ion‐recognition‐creative polyampholytes that contain deprotonated carboxylic acid groups as negative charges and 18‐crown‐6 units for forming positively charged host–guest complexes are systematically investigated. The ion‐recognition‐triggered phase transition behaviors of pseudo polyampholytes significantly depend on cation species and concentrations. Only those specific ions such as K+, Ba2+, Sr2+ and Pb2+ ions that can form 1:1 host–guest complexes with 18‐crown‐6 units in polymers enable control over conformational change like that of traditional pH‐dependent polyampholytes. By regulating the content of carboxylic acid groups to match the content of ion‐recognized positive charges provided by the host–guest complexes, the pseudo polyampholytes are more sensitive to the recognizable cations. Such ion‐recognition‐triggered amphoteric characteristics make the pseudo polyampholytes act like biological proteins, nucleic acids, and enzymes as molecular transporters, genetic code storage, and biocatalysts in artificial systems.
Population‐based screening of Uruguayan Ashkenazi Jews for recurrent BRCA1 and BRCA2 pathogenic sequence variants
Authors: Castillo Cecilia , Artagaveytia Nora , Brignoni Lucia , Laitman Yael , Camejo Natalia , Hernández Ana Laura , Krygier Gabriel , Cayota Alfonso , Delgado Lucia , Friedman Eitan
Published: March 2022

In Ashkenazi Jews (AJ) three recurring pathogenic sequence variants (PSVs) are detected in ~2.5% of the general population in the BRCA1 (c.68_69del = 185delAG, c.5266dup = 5382insC), and BRCA2 (c.5946del = 6174delT). Population‐based screening for these PSVs in AJ women is part of the health basket in Israel. To assess the feasibility and outcome of BRCA genotyping in the Jewish population of Uruguay, AJ in the greater Montevideo area were recruited using ethically approved protocol and without pretest counseling were genotyped for the three predominant AJ PSVs in the BRCA genes. Independently confirmed PSV carriers were counseled, and genetic testing was offered to additional family members. Overall, 327 participants were enrolled: 312 (95%) female, 261 (80%) had all four grandparents AJ, and 14 (4%) women were breast cancer survivors with a mean age ± standard deviation (SD) 50 ± 11.5 years. The BRCA1 c.68_69del PSV was detected in three cancer free participants (0.92%, CI 95% 0.31–2.6), all with a suggestive family history. No carriers of the other two recurrent PSVs were detected. Online oncogenetic counseling was provided for all carriers. In conclusion, the rate of the BRCA1 c.68_69del PSV was similar with the rate in other AJ communities. AJ population BRCA genotyping screens in Uruguay seem feasible and should be promoted.
Population Dynamics and Harvest Management of the Bonneville Cutthroat Trout Fishery in Bear Lake, Idaho–Utah
Authors: Heller Megan R. , Dillon Jeffrey C. , Tolentino Scott A. , Watkins Carson J. , Quist Michael C.
Published: March 2022

Land-use disturbances and associated losses in habitat quantity and quality negatively affected the Bonneville Cutthroat Trout (BCT) Oncorhynchus clarkii utah population in Bear Lake, Idaho–Utah, in the early 1900s. Bear Lake BCT follow an adfluvial life history strategy, and without access to suitable spawning habitat, the population of wild BCT was nearly extirpated by the early 1950s. In response to this decline, supplementation of the population with hatchery BCT began in 1973. Production of wild BCT was minimal until conservation efforts shifted towards improving fish habitat and access to spawning tributaries. In 2002, only 5% of the population consisted of wild fish; by 2017, nearly 70% of BCT in annual population surveys were wild. As a result, rule changes have been proposed to allow for regulated harvest of wild BCT. However, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the population dynamics of BCT in Bear Lake is critical before changes are made to management of the fishery. The objectives of this study were to describe the population dynamics of wild and hatchery BCT in Bear Lake and evaluate different management options. We evaluated population demographics of hatchery and wild BCT in Bear Lake and used age-structured population models to assess a variety of management scenarios associated with wild fish harvest regulations (e.g., bag limits). Bonneville Cutthroat Trout grew at relatively fast rates, and females began to mature at age 5. We observed considerable differences in the length and age structure of the hatchery population (i.e., exploited) versus the wild population (i.e., unexploited) of BCT. In general, BCT in Bear Lake were larger and older than Cutthroat Trout O. clarkii in other systems. The current rate of exploitation for hatchery BCT was estimated as 0.27 (i.e., two-fish daily limit). If the limit were changed to a six-fish daily limit, the rate of exploitation would be approximately 0.47. A yield-per-recruit model evaluating spawning potential ratio indicated that a limit of two wild fish would be a sustainable level of exploitation, whereas a six-wild-fish limit would result in recruitment overfishing. This research has provided baseline population dynamics of BCT in Bear Lake that will provide insight for future monitoring efforts. Under current conditions, allowing harvest of either origin BCT in Bear Lake would satisfy angler values while ensuring the persistence of an ecologically and recreationally important population.
General analytical solutions for the equal‐strain consolidation of prefabricated vertical drain foundation in unsaturated soils under time‐dependent loading
Authors: Qin Aifang , Li Xinhao , Li Tianyi , Jiang Lianghua
Published: March 2022

External disturbances were scarcely considered in the consolidation of unsaturated vertical drain foundation, in which the ideally permeable or impermeable boundary conditions were always adopted to investigated the consolidation patterns. In view of this, by taking the flows along the vertical and radial orientations simultaneously, this study proposes the general analytical solutions for the axisymmetric consolidation of prefabricated vertical drain foundations in unsaturated soils which consider drain resistance, smear effect, and time‐dependent loading under the equal‐strain assumption. Through theories related to consolidation in unsaturated soils, the governing equations of air and water phases in the matrix form are proposed. Subsequently, Fourier series expansion, matrix analysis and decoupling method are used to acquire the analytical solutions. The separate expressions of smear coefficient and drain resistance factors, which can represent the potential influence of the external boundaries more obviously, are included in the solutions. Degradation validity method is used to verify the credibility of the current solutions, and the vertical flow is found to promote the consolidation process under external conditions. Finally, the solutions obtained in this paper can provide guidance for more complicated consolidation problems in unsaturated soils.
Delivering patient‐centered care through shared decision making in overactive bladder
Authors: Paudel Roshan , Lane Giulia I.
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Men and women living with overactive bladder (OAB) face many treatment decisions as they progress through the treatment pathway. Decisions to pursue specific therapies are highly preference sensitive and ideal for shared decision making (SDM). The aim of this narrative review is to provide urologists with a practical summary of methods to elicit preferences and facilitate SDM to promote patient‐centered care for OAB.

Methods

We explore OAB as a preference sensitive condition through a review of treatment outcomes and present available data on prediction tools, patient preferences, and decision aids. We propose a paradigm for applyingEveryday SDMto OAB care.

Results

Clinical outcome data points to equipoise (balanced outcomes) between options for first‐, second‐, and third‐line OAB therapies, making OAB preference sensitive and appropriate for SDM. Methods to personalize care through individualized outcome prediction calculators and tools to elicit patient preferences are emerging. While patient information about OAB is readily available, we identified few OAB decision aids that facilitate patient preference elicitation and SDM.

Conclusions

OAB is a preference sensitive condition, where treatment is largely based on the patient's preferences and values. SDM is an ideal approach to supporting patients through these treatment decisions. We propose the application ofEveryday SDM, a personalized, clinically efficient methodology as a method to support patient‐centered OAB care.