bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Observational Study on the Mode of Action of Ferulic Acid on Common Dental Pathogens – An in Silico Approach
Authors: Nivethitha R. , Girija A. S. Smiline , Priyadharsini J. Vijayashree
Published: August 2020

In this study, the functional and virulent classes of proteins that are targeted by ferulic acid are identified from the most common dental pathogens like Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, Tannerella forsythia, Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis by an in silico approach. The target proteins were selected using STITCH tool, the functional class of proteins was predicted using VICMpred. The predicted virulent proteins were further subjected to BepiPred analysis, which returned the number of peptide epitopes present in the protein. Further, the subcellular location of the proteins was confirmed by the PSORTb tool. Ferulic acid was found to interact with virulence factors such as dihydrolipoyl dehydrogenase of Streptococcus mutans, putative lipoprotein of P. gingivalis and phosphogluconate dehydrogenase of T. forsythia. The findings of the study emphasize the promising interactive role of ferulic acid and their potential protein targets in common oro-dental pathogens which requires further experimental validation in-vivo and in-vitro.
Biogenic Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles from Aspartic Acid - A Preliminary Study
Authors: Kamath K. Ajith , Nasim Iffat , Rajesh S.
Published: August 2020

A nanoparticle is an ultra-fine particle with at least one dimension between 1-100 nanometers (nm). Metallic nanoparticles are considered as most promising as they contain remarkable antibacterial properties. Gold nanoparticles are of high importance in research. Aspartic acid is an alpha amino acid and contains one amino group and one carboxylic group. The aim of the current study was to bio synthesize gold nanoparticles using aspartic acid. Gold Chloride (AuCl3) and Aspartic acid (C₄H₇NO₄) were used for the study. AuCL3 solution (0.266 M) was slowly added to 250 aspartic acid with stirring at 45°C. The mixture of the solutions was kept in a long-necked borosilicate flask and continuously stirred on a magnetic stirrer. The formation of gold nanoparticles was confirmed by the change of the colorless solution to a reddish hue. Characterization of the newly formed nanoparticles was then done. After approximately 9 hour incubation and intermittent stirring with a magnetic stirrer the solution color changed from colorless to a reddish hue, which indicated the formation of AuNPs. The spectrometric reading was recorded at a scanning range of 400–700 nm. AuNPs nanoparticles at 24 hours showed an increased intensity and a Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) band at 575 nm. The gold nanoparticles by Transmission electron microscopy were confirmed to be spherical in shape and of 20 nm. A simple and efficient method for the synthesis of AuNPs from the aspartic acid was demonstrated. Nano particles were formed in approx. 9 hours with peak absorbance at 24 hours at 575nm. The synthesized nanoparticles were spherical in shape, with an average size of 20 nm. The synthesized nanoparticles showed excellent plasmon resonance and optical properties.
Knowledge and Awareness of Articaine Use among Dental Students - A Survey
Authors: David Debarun , Ganapathy Dhanraj
Published: August 2020

Articaine is an intermediate-potency, short-acting amide local anesthetic with a fast metabolism due to an ester group in its structure. It is effective with local infiltration or peripheral nerve block in dentistry, when administered as a spinal, epidural, ocular, or regional nerve block, or when injected intravenously for regional anesthesia. In comparative trials, its clinical effects were not generally significantly different from those of other short-acting local anesthetics like lidocaine, prilocaine, and chloroprocaine. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and awareness of Articaine use among dental students. A cross-sectional study was done to assess the knowledge and awareness of articaine use among dental students. The sample size of the study was about 100 participants and the survey instrument was a self-administered questionnaire administered online. The responses were collected and statistically analyzed. 59% of the students were aware of articaine use in dentistry. The study concluded that there is a moderate level of awareness about articaine use among dental students.
Arrangements of proteins at reconstituted synaptic vesicle fusion sites depend on membrane separation
Authors: Ginger Lucy , Malsam Joerg , Sonnen Andreas F.‐P. , Morado Dustin , Scheutzow Andrea , Söllner Thomas H. , Briggs John A. G.
Published: August 2020

Synaptic vesicle proteins, including N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs), Synaptotagmin‐1 and Complexin, are responsible for controlling the synchronised fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic plasma membrane in response to elevated cytosolic calcium levels. A range of structures of SNAREs and their regulatory proteins have been elucidated, but the exact organisation of these proteins at synaptic junction membranes remains elusive. Here, we have used cryoelectron tomography to investigate the arrangement of synaptic proteins in an in vitro reconstituted fusion system. We found that the separation between vesicle and target membranes strongly correlates with the organisation of protein complexes at junctions. At larger membrane separations, protein complexes assume a ‘clustered’ distribution at the docking site, inducing a protrusion in the target membrane. As the membrane separation decreases, protein complexes become displaced radially outwards and assume a ‘ring‐like’ arrangement. Our findings indicate that docked vesicles can possess a wide range of protein complex numbers and be heterogeneous in their protein arrangements.
Targeting glycosphingolipids for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Yu John , Hung Jung‐Tung , Wang Sheng‐Hung , Cheng Jing‐Yan , Yu Alice L.
Published: August 2020

Aberrant expression of glycosphingolipids (GSLs) is a unique feature of cancer and stromal cells in tumor microenvironments. Although the impact of GSLs on tumor progression remains largely unclear, anticancer immunotherapies directed against GSLs are attracting growing attention. Here, we focus on GD2, a disialoganglioside expressed in tumors of neuroectodermal origin, and Globo H ceramide (GHCer), the most prevalent cancer‐associated GSL overexpressed in a variety of epithelial cancers. We first summarize recent advances on our understanding of GD2 and GHCer biology and then discuss the clinical development of the first immunotherapeutic agent targeting a glycolipid, the GD2‐specific antibody dinutuximab, its approved indications, and new strategies to improve its efficacy for neuroblastoma. Next, we review ongoing clinical trials on Globo H‐targeted immunotherapeutics. We end with highlighting how these studies provide sound scientific rationales for targeting GSLs in cancer and may facilitate a rational design of new GSL‐targeted anticancer therapeutics.
Molecular Mechanisms in the Circadian Rhythm
Authors: Huang Rong‐Chi
Published: August 2020

Circadian clocks evolved to allow organisms to anticipate and adjust their behaviours to the daily change in the external environment. The molecular mechanisms for generating the autonomous oscillation in the circadian clock with a period of ∼24 h, which is named as the transcriptional translational feedback loop (TTFL) model, have been established in the fruit fly
Drosophila
and are remarkably similar in mammals. The essence of the TTFL is a negative feedback loop with delay: transcription of the clock genes is inhibited by their own gene products (clock proteins). In mammals, circadian rhythms are orchestrated by the central circadian clock in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), which receives circadian light inputs from the retina. Light, as well as nonphotic inputs, can alter transcription of clock genes in the SCN and entrain the SCN to organise animal physiology and behaviours to be in sync with the environment.

Key Concepts

Circadian clocks allow organisms to anticipate the daily changing environment.

The free‐running period of circadian clocks in constant conditions is close to but not exactly 24 h.

The first clock gene was identified in 1984 by the three 2017 Nobel Laureates for Physiology or Medicine.

The autonomous oscillation in circadian clocks arises from ∼24 h oscillation of clock genes and clock proteins.

In circadian clocks transcription of the clock genes is inhibited by their own gene products (clock proteins).

The transcriptional translational feedback loop (TTFL) model is the dominant theory explaining the molecular mechanisms for the circadian clocks.

The molecular mechanisms for circadian clocks are very similar in fly and mammals.

The hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is the central circadian clock in mammals.

Light at night alters expression of clock genes in the SCN and entrains the SCN to synchronise animal behaviours.

Circadian disruption in humans is associated with many diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders.
Evolution of Intelligence in Cephalopods
Authors: Amodio Piero , Shigeno Shuichi , Ostojić Ljerka
Published: August 2020

Coleoids (octopus, cuttlefish and squid) are a group of shell‐less cephalopods and exhibit remarkable indicators of intelligence, namely complex nervous systems and flexible behavioural repertoires. In contrast to the most established model groups for studying intelligence (e.g. primates, corvids, cetaceans), coleoids do not appear to engage in enduring social bonds and have fast life histories (e.g. short life spans). Cephalopod cognitive evolution is hypothesized to have been shaped primarily by predatory and foraging pressures, but a challenging mating context may also have played a role. However, our current understanding of cephalopod cognition is still sparse. Future research will be essential to test the influence of different selective pressures in cephalopod cognitive evolution. In parallel, a systematic investigation of coleoid cognition is needed to quantify the cognitive complexity in these fascinating molluscs.

Key Concepts

Coleoid cephalopods (octopus, cuttlefish and squid) diverged from other molluscs by evolving a set of iconic traits, including highly mobile shell‐less bodies, manipulative appendages and complex nervous systems.

The brain has a kind of modality‐specific and topological somatosensory and somatomotor map comparable to mammalian brains, and recent molecular findings propose their deep homologies and specific novelty.

The remarkable behavioural flexibility reported in coleoids indicates that they may be endowed with complex cognitive abilities.

Cephalopod cognitive evolution may have been shaped primarily by predatory and foraging pressures, but challenging mating scenarios may have acted as an additional pressure.

The unusual co‐occurrence of enhanced cognition and fast life history in coleoids may have been influenced by high unavoidable mortality that followed the disappearance of the external shell.

Future research will be vital to investigate the complexity of cephalopod cognition and the influence of ecological and social pressures in the cognitive evolution of cephalopods.
Cellular RNAs: Varied Roles
Authors: Gu Jian , Xu Yifan
Published: August 2020

About 85% of the human genome is transcribed into RNA. RNAs play essential roles in numerous cellular processes. Less than 2% of all transcripts are coding RNAs (messenger RNA). The remaining vast majority of RNAs do not encode protein and are collectively referred as noncoding RNA (ncRNA). Based on their biological functions, ncRNAs can be grouped into two categories: infrastructural and regulatory ncRNAs. Infrastructural ncRNAs mainly include ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), transfer RNAs (tRNAs), small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs), small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) and telomerase RNAs. The best‐characterised regulatory ncRNAs are microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). Other regulatory ncRNAs include small inhibitory RNAs (siRNAs), Piwi‐interacting RNAs (piRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNA). This article will summarise the structure and function of major RNA categories.

Three RNA types are essential for protein synthesis: mRNA carries genetic code; tRNA transfers protein codon; and rRNA makes up the ribosomes in which translation takes place.

About 85% of the human genome is transcribed into RNA. Only <2% of RNAs are coding RNAs (mRNAs) and the remaining RNAs are noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs).

Noncoding RNAs can be grouped into two categories: infrastructural and regulatory ncRNAs. Infrastructural ncRNAs mainly include rRNAs, tRNAs, snRNAs, and snoRNAs. The major regulatory ncRNAs include microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs).

SnRNAs are often rich in uridylic acid and a group of U‐snRNAs and associated proteins form spliceosome and are responsible for pre‐mRNA splicing.

SnoRNAs can be classified into two large subfamilies: C/D‐box (SNORA) and H/ACA‐box (SNORD). The main functions of snoRNAs are in the processing and maturation of pre‐rRNAs and posttranscriptional modification (methylation and pseudouridylation) of rRNA.

Three small ncRNAs, siRNA, miRNA and piRNA, form RNA‐induced silencing complex (RISC) to exert posttranscriptional gene regulation by binding to 3′ UTR of target mRNAs and either inducing mRNA degradation (perfect match) or impeding translation (imperfect match).

miRNAs are the major type of small ncRNAs. The biogenesis of miRNAs is a multistep process, from long primary miRNA transcripts (pri‐miRNAs) to pre‐miRNAs of ∼70 nucleotides long and to mature miRNA of ∼22 nucleotides.

piRNAs mainly function in the germ line of animals to silence transposons and other repetitive elements and maintain genomic stability.

lncRNAs are >200 nucleotides long. There are thousands of lncRNAs and the majority have not been functionally characterised. But many have been shown to posttranscriptionally regulate gene expression through various mechanisms.

Unlike the better‐known linear RNA, circRNAs is a type of single‐stranded RNA that are covalently closed with no 5′ end caps or 3′ poly(A) tails. Some circRNAs can serve as miRNA and protein sponges to sequester miRNA/protein and regulate gene expression.
Validation of differentially expressed brain‐enriched microRNAs in the plasma of PD patients
Authors: Ravanidis Stylianos , Bougea Anastasia , Papagiannakis Nikolaos , Koros Christos , Simitsi Athina Maria , Pachi Ioanna , Breza Marianthi , Stefanis Leonidas , Doxakis Epaminondas
Published: August 2020

Objective

There is a pressing need to identify and validate, minimally invasive, molecular biomarkers that will complement current practices and increase the diagnostic accuracy in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Brain‐enriched miRNAs regulate all aspects of neuron development and function; importantly, they are secreted by neurons in amounts that can be readily detected in the plasma. Τhe aim of the present study was to validate a set of previously identified brain‐enriched miRNAs with diagnostic potential for idiopathic PD and recognize the molecular pathways affected by these deregulated miRNAs.

Methods

RT‐qPCR was performed in the plasma of 92 healthy controls and 108 idiopathic PD subjects. Statistical and in silico analyses were used to validate deregulated miRNAs and pathways in PD, respectively.

Results

miR‐22‐3p, miR‐124‐3p, miR‐136‐3p, miR‐154‐5p, and miR‐323a‐3p levels were found to be differentially expressed between healthy controls and PD patients. miR‐330‐5p, miR‐433‐3p, and miR‐495‐3p levels were overall higher in male subjects. Most of these miRNAs are clustered at Chr14q32 displaying CREB1, CEBPB, and MAZ transcription factor binding sites. Gene Ontology annotation analysis of deregulated miRNA targets revealed that “Protein modification,” “Transcription factor activity,” and “Cell death” terms were over‐represented. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome analysis revealed that “Long‐term depression,” “TGF‐beta signaling,” and “FoxO signaling” pathways were significantly affected.

Interpretation

We validated a panel of brain‐enriched miRNAs that can be used along with other measures for the detection of PD, revealed molecular pathways targeted by these deregulated miRNAs, and identified upstream transcription factors that may be directly implicated in PD pathogenesis.
Measurement of Minimal Disease Activity in Psoriatic Arthritis Using the Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System–Physical Function or the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index
Authors: Chew Erin , Perin Jamie , Grader‐Beck Thomas , Orbai Ana‐Maria
Published: August 2020

Objective

To assess the interchangeability of the Health Assessment Questionnaire disability index (HAQ DI) with the Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System–Physical Function (PROMIS‐PF) in the calculation of minimal disease activity (MDA) in psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Methods

Comprehensive PsA disease activity was collected concomitantly with the HAQ DI and the PROMIS‐PF measures in a PsA cohort. The PROMIS‐PF–based MDA definitions were built using the existing cross‐walk between the scores: HAQ DI ≤0.5 equivalent to a PROMIS‐PF T score of ≥41.3. We assessed agreement between MDA (MDA HAQ DI) and the PROMIS‐PF MDA definitions (MDA PROMIS‐PF short form 4a and MDA PROMIS‐PF bank) at each visit and longitudinally (MDA state changes between consecutive visits) through the kappa statistic. The predictive value of the MDA PROMIS‐PF for the MDA HAQ DI was assessed using receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results

A total of 100 participants contributed 352 observations with up to 5 visits. The mean ± SD age was 52 ± 12 years, 60% were female, and 43% were in MDA at baseline. The kappa statistic for the PROMIS‐PF–based MDA reflected excellent agreement with the HAQ DI MDA: κ = 0.94 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.90–0.97) for MDA PROMIS‐PF bank, and κ = 0.90 (95% CI 0.80–0.95) for MDA PROMIS‐PF4a. Higher longitudinal agreement was seen between the MDA HAQ DI and the MDA PROMIS‐PF bank versus the MDA PROMIS‐PF4a between consecutive visits: κ values ranged between 0.81 and 0.94 versus a range between 0.72 and 0.84, respectively. The area under the ROC curve for predicting the MDA HAQ DI was 0.97 for the MDA PROMIS‐PF bank and 0.95 for the MDA PROMIS‐PF4a.

Conclusion

Excellent agreement was seen between the HAQ DI and the PROMIS‐based MDA definitions both cross‐sectionally and longitudinally. The PROMIS‐PF bank and PROMIS‐PF4a are accurate replacements for the HAQ DI in calculating MDA state in PsA.
Quality Improvement Intervention to Reduce Thirty‐Day Hospital Readmission Rates Among Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Bowers Emily , Griffith Melissa , Kolfenbach Jason , Pearson Duane , Hammes Andrew , Weinstein Elena
Published: August 2020

Objective

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has one of the highest 30‐day hospital readmission rates among chronic diseases in the US. This quality improvement initiative developed and assessed the feasibility of a multidisciplinary postdischarge intervention to reduce 30‐day readmission rates among SLE patients.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed using electronic health records of patients with SLE admitted to a university hospital prior to (nonintervention group) and after initiation of the study intervention (intervention group). The study population included patients with a diagnosis of SLE who were admitted to the hospital for any reason during an 8‐month time period. The intervention involved sending a templated message at the time of discharge to the rheumatology clinic nurses, which prompted the nurses to call the patient to coordinate future visits and provide education. The primary outcome was the 30‐day hospital readmission rate. Data were analyzed using a multivariate mixed binomial regression model.

Results

There were 59 hospitalizations in the nonintervention group and 73 hospitalizations in the intervention group during the 8‐month study period. The 30‐day readmission rate was 29% in the nonintervention group and 19% in the intervention group. The difference in readmission rates between the 2 groups was not statistically significant based on the multivariate model.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates the feasibility of implementing a multidisciplinary postdischarge intervention to reduce readmission rates for patients with SLE in a large academic medical center. Further investigation is warranted to determine if this approach reduces the unacceptably high hospital readmission rates among SLE patients.
Weed management strategies effect on glyphosate‐tolerant maize and soybean yields and quality
Authors: Smedbol Élise , Lucotte Marc , Tremblay Gilles , Moingt Matthieu , Paquet Serge , Bernier Brillon Jérôme , Samson‐Brais Émile
Published: August 2020

Weed management (WM) is necessary to prevent crop losses through competition with weeds and maintain high yields. However, in the case of glyphosate‐tolerant (GT) crops, phytotoxic effects can occur after glyphosate‐based herbicide (GBH) applications, which could impact yields and quality. In order to assess the agronomic performance of six WM strategies on GT soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and maize (Zea mays L.), field experiments were conducted in randomized blocks replicated four times (T1: Mechanical weeding; T2: Other herbicide application [Soybean: Chlorimuron ethyl + Imazethapyr] [Corn: Saflufenacil + Dimethenamid‐P]; T3: One GBH application; T4: One GBH + other herbicide application [Soybean: Imazethapyr] [Corn: S‐metolachlor + Mesotrione]; T5: Two GBH applications; T6: Two GBH applications + other herbicide application [Soybean: Chlorimuron ethyl + Imazethapyr] [Corn: S‐metolachlor + Mesotrione]). In soybean, T1 was the least productive treatment with an average yield of 2,652 kg ha−1, while T4, T5, and T6 produced significantly higher yields (4,315, 4,646, and 4,248 kg ha−1 respectively). However, the protein content was higher in T1 (42%) than in T3‐6 (40.85, 40.55, 40.68, and 40.65%), as well as the linolenic acid content whereas the total oil content was significantly lower. For maize, there were no significant differences in yields nor in nutritional content for all treatments. These findings question the systemic usage of GBHs in GT crops. If unnecessary, GBH applications could be reduced, which would relieve the selection pressure for glyphosate‐resistant weeds, especially in the case of GT soybean and maize crop rotation.
The advantage of one‐step nucleic acid amplification for the diagnosis of lymph node metastasis in colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Hiyoshi Yukiharu , Akiyoshi Takashi , Fukunaga Yosuke
Published: August 2020

Generally, the postoperative examination of lymph nodes (LNs) is based on a microscopic examination of one hematoxylin and eosin (HE)‐stained slide; however, an examination of only one part of the LN might lead to incorrect staging of the tumor due to tissue allocation bias. Although multilevel sectioning and the use of immunohistochemistry (IHC) have improved the detection of micrometastases in LNs, this approach is laborious, time‐consuming, and costly. A novel molecular technique for the detection of LN metastases of tumors, called one‐step nucleic acid amplification (OSNA), is a rapid and semi‐quantitative examination quantifying the number of cytokeratin 19 (CK‐19) mRNA copies derived from a tumor. OSNA is already in clinical use for the diagnosis of LN metastasis in breast cancer patients; however, the use of OSNA is under investigation with promising results for colorectal cancer (CRC). The present review assessed recent studies on OSNA vs a histopathological examination and its implications for CRC staging and treatment. A total of 16 studies of OSNA in CRC yielded by a PubMed search were reviewed. Among them, seven studies evaluating the diagnostic performance revealed that OSNA had a high specificity (96.8%), high concordance rate (96.0%), and negative predictive value (98.6%) in a pooled assessment. In addition, four studies examining the utility of OSNA in sentinel LNs (SLNs) and two studies focusing on upstaging in pathologically node‐negative CRC patients were also reviewed. Multicenter prospective studies with a large cohort of CRC patients are warranted to reveal the benefits of OSNA in the future.
Bisegmentectomy and venous reconstruction after portal vein embolization for the remnant hemiliver in a patient with recurrent colorectal liver metastases
Authors: Matsuki Ryota , Momose Hirokazu , Kogure Masaharu , Suzuki Yutaka , Sakamoto Yoshihiro
Published: August 2020

Repeat hepatectomy for recurrent colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) for the remnant hemiliver is sometimes challenging due to the insufficient future liver remnant (FLR) volume. We present an aggressive strategy for resection of the recurrent CRLM involving bisegmentectomy of the remnant right hemiliver with the aid of portal vein embolization (PVE) and venous reconstruction. The patient was a 50‐year‐old woman who had undergone left hemihepatectomy for a CRLM 10 months ago. Three metastatic tumors were found in the remnant segments 7 and 8 (S7&8) of the liver, and one of them involved the right hepatic vein (RHV). Conducting bisegmentectomy of S7&8 with resection of the RHV, the non‐congestive FLR volume was calculated as 34.9% of the remnant total liver volume, which was deemed insufficient considering the mild liver damage after repeated chemotherapy. After trans‐ileocecal PVE of the portal branches in S7&8 in a hybrid angio room, the non‐congestive FLR volume increased to 42.3%, which could be further advanced to 58.0% if the RHV was reconstructed. Segmentectomies of S7&8 with resection and reconstruction of the RHV using the right superficial femoral vein graft was performed. The patient was discharged without any complications, and the postoperative computed tomography (CT) scan showed the good patency of the reconstructed venous graft. Aggressive segmentectomies and venous reconstruction of the remnant hemiliver after PVE might be a new strategy to overcome the insufficient FLR volume.
Photocatalytic Advanced Oxidation Processes for Water Treatment: Recent Advances and Perspective
Authors: Liu Hang , Wang Chengyin , Wang Guoxiu
Published: August 2020

Nowadays, an ever‐increasing variety of organic contaminants in water has caused hazards to the ecological environment and human health. Many of them are persistent and non‐biodegradable. Various techniques have been studied for sewage treatment, including biological, physical and chemical methods. Photocatalytic advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have received increasing attention due to their fast reaction rates and strong oxidation capability, low cost compared with the non‐photolytic AOPs. This review is dedicated to summarizing up‐to‐date research progress in photocatalytic AOPs, such as Fenton or Fenton‐like reaction, ozonation and sulfate radical‐based advanced oxidation processes. Mechanisms and activation processes are discussed. Then, the paper summarizes photocatalytic materials and modification strategies, including defect chemistry, morphology control, heterostructure design, noble metal deposition. The future perspectives and challenges are also discussed.
Biomarkers in previous histologically negative prostate biopsies can be helpful in repeat biopsy decision‐making processes
Authors: Long Xingbo , Wu Longxiang , Zeng Xiting , Wu Zhijian , Hu Xiheng , Jiang Huichuan , Lv Zhengtong , Yang Changzhao , Cai Yi , Yang Keda , Li Yuan
Published: August 2020

To evaluate whether the addition of biomarkers to traditional clinicopathological parameters may help to increase the accurate prediction of prostate re‐biopsy outcome. A training cohort with 98 patients and a validation cohort with 72 patients were retrospectively recruited into our study. Immunohistochemical analysis was used to evaluate the immunoreactivity of a group of biomarkers in the initial negative biopsy normal‐looking tissues of the training and validation cohorts. p‐STAT3, Mcm2, and/or MSR1 were selected out of 10 biomarkers to construct a biomarker index for predicting cancer and high‐grade prostate cancer (HGPCa) in the training cohort based on the stepwise logistic regression analysis; these biomarkers were then validated in the validation cohort. In the training cohort study, we found that the biomarker index was independently associated with the re‐biopsy outcomes of cancer and HGPCa. Moreover supplementing the biomarker index with traditional clinical‐pathological parameters can improve the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the model from 0.722 to 0.842 and from 0.735 to 0.842, respectively, for predicting cancer and HGPCa at re‐biopsy. In the decision‐making analysis, we found the model supplemented with the biomarker index can improve patients’ net benefit. The application of the model to clinical practice, at a 10% risk threshold, would reduce the number of biopsies by 34.7% while delaying the diagnosis of 7.8% cancers and would reduce the number of biopsies by 73.5% while delaying the diagnosis of 17.8% HGPCas. Taken together, supplementing the biomarker index with clinicopathological parameters may help urologists in re‐biopsy decision‐making processes.
What is considered to be emotional suffering by psychotherapy patients and their therapists in Eastern versus Western Germany? A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Singer Susanne , Dietsch Lisa , Janke Julia , Linn Lisa‐Marie , Sievers Luisa , Negwer Verena
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This study examined what aspects of life in Eastern and Western Germany are considered by patients, therapists and society to cause (or indicate) emotional suffering so that outpatient psychotherapy is sought and warranted.

Methods

In Germany, psychotherapy is covered by health insurance after patients submit an application accompanied by a written report from the therapist. We took a random sample of such applications and performed a qualitative text analysis of the reports, identifying all text units where some form of emotional suffering, distress or handicap was described. A coding system was developed based on the units, and all units were subsequently coded. The proportion of units per category was compared between reports from Western and Eastern Germany using chi‐square tests.

Results

Out of 500 randomly selected reports, 25 were from Eastern Germany. An age‐ and sex‐matched sample from Western Germany was added. From these 50 reports, a total of 716 text units describing some form of emotional suffering were extracted (359 units from reports from Eastern Germany and 357 from Western Germany). Thirteen categories of emotional suffering emerged. In Eastern Germany, emotional suffering was considerably more frequently described in terms of somatic symptoms and in feeling nervous and tense. Patients from Western Germany were more often described as feeling depressed and hopeless, helpless, anxious and without drive (ϕ = 0.19, p = .02).

Conclusion

There is evidence that there are differences between Eastern and Western Germany in how emotional suffering is expressed and/or described.
Short‐term outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement for pure native aortic regurgitation in the United States
Authors: Isogai Toshiaki , Saad Anas M. , Ahuja Keerat R. , Shekhar Shashank , Abdelfattah Omar M. , Gad Mohamed M. , Svensson Lars G. , Krishnaswamy Amar , Kapadia Samir R.
Published: August 2020

Objective

We aimed to compare short‐term outcomes between transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for pure aortic regurgitation (AR) and TAVR for aortic stenosis (AS).

Background

In patients with severe pure AR for whom surgical valve replacement is infeasible, TAVR is sometimes used off‐label.

Methods

Using the Nationwide Readmissions Database 2016–2017, we retrospectively identified patients without prior valve surgery who underwent endovascular TAVR. We compared in‐hospital and 30‐day outcomes according to the type of aortic valve disease.

Results

A total of 81,542 eligible patients were divided into the pure AR (n = 1,222, 1.50%), pure AS (n = 72,690, 89.1%), and AS + AR (n = 7,630, 9.36%) groups. In unadjusted analyses, the pure AR group, compared with the pure AS and AS + AR groups, showed a higher incidence of acute kidney injury (16.8% vs. 9.8% vs. 12.1%, respectively; p < .001) and need of surgical bailout (1.4% vs. 0.4% vs. 0.6%; p < .01). The pure AR group also showed higher in‐hospital mortality than the pure AS group (2.4% vs. 1.4%; p = .005). After multivariable adjustment, TAVR for pure AR was significantly associated with a higher risk of acute kidney injury (odds ratio [OR] = 1.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.33–2.02; p < .001), cardiac tamponade (OR = 1.98, 95% CI = 1.00–3.92; p = .0498), and prolonged hospital stay (OR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.29–1.95; p < .001) compared with TAVR for pure AS, whereas it was not significantly associated with in‐hospital mortality (OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 0.99–2.45; p = .058) and other outcomes.

Conclusions

TAVR may be a reasonable treatment option for selected patients with pure AR with regard to short‐term outcomes. However, additional techniques or devices may be necessary to reduce periprocedural risk.
A Promising Hard Carbon−Soft Carbon Composite Anode with Boosting Sodium Storage Performance
Authors: Xue Yanchun , Gao Mingyue , Wu Mengrong , Su Dongqin , Guo Xingmei , Shi Jing , Duan Mengting , Chen Jiale , Zhang Junhao , Kong Qinghong
Published: August 2020

Hard carbon anodes are the most promising candidates for sodium‐ion batteries due to lower sodium‐embedded platform and higher specific capacity. However, pure hard carbon carbons usually show very low initial coulombic efficiency, low electronic conductance, et al. Herein, hard carbon‐soft carbon (HC‐SC) composites composed of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) blooming on porous hard carbon, which were synthesized through thermal decomposition of zeolitic imidazolate framework‐67 (ZIF‐67) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite. This unique structure could greatly promote the sodium‐ion diffusion and electron transport due to the increased electrode/electrolyte contact area and enlarged pores. As expected, the HC‐SC delivers a high capacity (306.8 mAh g−1 at 500 mA g−1), impressive cycling stability (256.8 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles) and enhanced rate performance (144.9 mAh g−1 at 20 C), which are far superior to those of both individual hard carbon and soft carbon. This encouraging performance may benefit from the synergistic effect of the modified defect concentration and interlayer distance in hard carbon by soft carbon, as well as the unique hierarchical structure. This work provides an exemplary strategy to develop optimized carbon materials for sodium‐ion batteries.
Isolated Single‐Atom Ruthenium Anchored on Beta Zeolite as an Efficient Heterogeneous Catalyst for Styrene Epoxidation
Authors: Yang Hongling , Liu Qinggang , Li Yang , Sun Kaian , Chen Zhiqiang , Peng Qing , Chen Chen
Published: August 2020

Exploring high‐performance styrene epoxidation catalysts is of great significance. However, it still remains a challenge to synthesize heterogeneous catalysts that simultaneously possess excellent styrene activity and styrene oxide selectivity. Herein, we report a heterogeneous isolated single‐atom Ru supported on microporous Beta zeolite (Ru1/Beta) catalyst fabricated by a wet impregnation method. We reveal that the extraframework AlOH groups on Beta zeolite are responsible for anchoring Ru species, which is determined by 27Al MAS NMR analyses. The abundant AlOH on microporous Beta zeolite can lead to single‐atom ruthenium dispersion, thereby resulting in marked enhanced catalytic performance in styrene epoxidation than Ru cluster on Beta zeolite. The turnover frequency (TOF) value of Ru1/Beta reaches 353 h−1, 3.8 times over Ru cluster. The unique styrene oxide selectivity is attributed to the isolated single‐atom Ru anchoring on the Lewis acid site (AlOH) of Beta zeolite, which hinders the further ring opening of styrene oxide to phenylacetaldehyde and cleavage of the double bond of styrene to benzaldehyde.
Medicago sativa species complex: Revisiting the century‐old problem in the light of molecular tools
Authors: Şakiroğlu Muhammet , İlhan Doğan
Published: August 2020

The genus Medicago is an important component of legumes and includes the model legume barrel‐clover (Medicago truncatula Gaertn.) and widely cultivated forage crop alfalfa (M. sativa L.). The complex taxonomic group known as the M. sativa species complex, or M. sativa–falcata species complex, includes a number of taxa along with cultivated alfalfa that naturally distributed throughout northern Eurasia. Largely because of the millennia‐long economic importance, the taxa have been in the center of attention. In the context of the efforts to understand taxonomic units included in the complex, a wide range of tools have been exploited. The early tools available were morphological traits such as flower color, pod shape, and pollen shape. The large conflict and discrepancy among researchers regarding the statue of the taxa sourced from the fact that a few genes controlled each of the morphological traits used. Thus, the morphology‐based classification was proved to be contradictory. As the molecular tools became available and the research intensified, the initial species status generously granted to the taxa was questioned, and all the taxa denoted as species earlier were relegated to subspecific level. We are aiming to provide an up‐to‐date comprehensive picture for the complex in the light of recent molecular studies.
Fall‐armyworm invasion, control practices and resistance breeding in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Matova Prince M. , Kamutando Casper N. , Magorokosho Cosmos , Kutywayo Dumisani , Gutsa Freeman , Labuschagne Maryke
Published: August 2020

Fall armyworm [Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith); FAW] invasion has exacerbated maize (Zea mays L.) crop yield losses in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), already threatened by other stresses, especially those that are climate‐change induced. The FAW is difficult to control, manage, or eradicate, because it is polyphagous and trans‐boundary, multiplies fast, has a short life cycle and migrates easily, and lacks the diapause growth phase. In this study, FAW and its impact in Africa was reviewed, as well as past and present control strategies for this pest. Pesticides, cultural practices, natural enemies, host‐plant resistance, integrated pest management (IPM), and plant breeding approaches were examined as possible control strategies. It was concluded that an IPM control strategy, guided by cultural approaches already being used by farmers, and what can be adopted from the Americas, coupled with an insect‐resistance management strategy, is the best option to manage this pest in Africa. These strategies will be strengthened by breeding for multi‐trait host‐plant resistance through stacking of genes for different modes of control of the pest.
Intraspecific variability in fluctuating environments: mechanisms of impact on species diversity
Authors: Steinmetz Bnaya , Kalyuzhny Michael , Shnerb Nadav M.
Published: August 2020

Recent studies have found considerable trait variations within species. The effect of such intraspecific trait variability (ITV) on the stability, coexistence, and diversity of ecological communities received considerable attention and in many models it was shown to impede coexistence and decrease species diversity. Here we present a numerical study of the effect of genetically inherited ITV on species persistence and diversity in a temporally fluctuating environment. Two mechanisms are identified. First, ITV buffers populations against varying environmental conditions (portfolio effect) and reduces variation in abundances. Second, the interplay between ITV and environmental variations tends to increase the mean fitness of diverse populations. The first mechanism promotes persistence and tends to increase species richness, while the second reduces the chance of a rare species population (which is usually homogeneous) to invade, thus decreasing species richness. We show that for large communities the portfolio effect is dominant, leading to ITV promoting species persistence and richness.
Eruptive dynamics are common in managed mammal populations
Authors: Duncan Richard P. , Dexter Nick , Wayne Adrian , Hone Jim
Published: August 2020

Successful conservation management is often based on the principle that small or declining populations can recover if we identify and remove the factors that caused them to decline in the first place. But what form will that recovery take? Theory tells us that when a strong limiting factor is removed, a population should increase in size to where it becomes limited by some other factor. However, if the subsequent limitation involves feedbacks between the density of a consumer and its resource, there is potential for the consumer population to undergo substantial fluctuations in size that we would characterize as boom‐bust or eruptive dynamics. We analysed long‐term (7.6–29 yr) data documenting changes in the abundance of 169 populations of 20 mammal species released from a strong limiting factor (fox predation) in Australia. We show that many populations (44) exhibited eruptive dynamics, with exponential increase to a peak and subsequent population decline. Of 51 populations showing eruptive dynamics (the Australian populations plus seven translocated ungulate populations), the time taken for erupting populations to reach a peak before declining was related negatively to the intrinsic rate of population growth and positively to body mass, such that larger‐bodied species with slow rates of population growth had a longer period of population increase before declining. Our results suggest that a substantial proportion of populations recovering after removal of a threatening process are likely to exhibit eruptive dynamics, and that managers of recovering or translocated populations should anticipate this outcome in conservation planning.
Computational Insights into Charge Storage Mechanisms of Supercapacitors
Authors: Xu Kui , Shao Hui , Lin Zifeng , Merlet Céline , Feng Guang , Zhu Jixin , Simon Patrice
Published: August 2020

Computational modeling methods, including molecular dynamics (MD) and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations, and density functional theory (DFT), are receiving booming interests for exploring charge storage mechanisms of electrochemical energy storage devices. These methods can effectively be used to obtain molecular scale local information or provide clear explanations for novel experimental findings that cannot be directly interpreted through experimental investigations. This short review is dedicated to emphasizing recent advances in computational simulation methods for exploring the charge storage mechanisms in typical nanoscale materials, such as nanoporous carbon materials, 2D MXene materials, and metal‐organic framework electrodes. Beyond a better understanding of charge storage mechanisms and experimental observations, fast and accurate enough models would be helpful to provide theoretical guidance and experimental basis for the design of new high‐performance electrochemical energy storage devices.
Platinum Nanoparticles/Poly(isoleucine) Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode for the Simultaneous Determination of Hydroquinone and Catechol
Authors: Koçak Süleyman
Published: August 2020

A new electrochemical sensor based on Poly(Isoleucine) modified glassy carbon electrode decorated with platinum nanoparticles (Pt/Poly(Isoleucine)/GCE) was developed for sensitive individual and simultaneous determination of hydroquinone (HQ) and catechol (CC). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) were performed in order to characterize the Pt/Poly(Isoleucine)/GCE nanocomposite. For simultaneous determination of HQ and CC, Pt/Poly(Isoleucine)/GCE showed wide linear range between the 0.01–100.0 μM. The detection limits were 0.006 μM for HQ and 0.005 μM for CC. The Pt/Poly(Isoleucine)/GC electrode exhibited good sensitivity and reliability in the simultaneous electroanalysis of two isomers in PBS of pH 7.5. The modified electrode was used to detect the isomers in naturel samples.
A Photoelectrochemical Immunosensor for Prostate Specific Antigen Detection Based on Graphdiyne Oxide Conjugated with Horseradish Peroxidase
Authors: Wang Hao , Xiao Jing , Li Chunxiang , Li Xiaofang , Deng Keqin
Published: August 2020

Graphdiyne (GDY) was a novel flat material with sp and sp2 hybridized carbon atoms. It exhibited good biocompatibility. The application of GDY in PEC immunosensor was very limited. Thus, a novel photoelectrochemical sensor for the sensitive detection of prostate specific antigen (PSA) was proposed by using GDY oxide (GDYO) conjugated with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and secondary antibody for photocurrent signal inhibition. GDYO was prepared by oxidation of honeycomb‐like nanotubes composed of numerous GDY nanosheets. It showed high loading capacity for HRP and the catalytic activity of HRP could be remained. With reduced graphene oxide‐CdS (rGO‐CdS) as photoelectrochemical sensing platform, a sandwich‐type photoelectrochemical (PEC) immunosensor was thus fabricated. The immunosensor presented a wide linear concentration range of 10 fg mL−1–20.0 ng mL−1 with a detection limit (LOD) of 3.5 fg mL−1. Moreover, the PEC immunosensor displayed ideal reproducibility, stability, and selectivity, which was a promising platform for the detection of other important tumor targets.
Seismic performance of dual systems coupling moment‐resisting and buckling‐restrained braced frames
Authors: Freddi Fabio , Tubaldi Enrico , Zona Alessandro , Dall'Asta Andrea
Published: August 2020

Buckling‐restrained braces (BRBs) have proven to be very effective in improving the seismic performance of existing and new structures. They provide strength, stiffness and add energy dissipation to the structure. However, being BRBs characterized by a low post‐elastic stiffness, their use may lead to residual deformations hindering the building's reparability and to excessive cumulative ductility demand possibly compromising the residual capacity of BRBs. To overcome these drawbacks, BRB frames (BRBFs) can be coupled with moment‐resisting frames (MRFs) to form dual systems. If properly designed, MRFs acting as back‐up frames allow the control of the residual drifts and the optimization of the performance of the BRBs. The contribution of this study is to provide insights into the performance and residual capacity of BRBFs‐MRFs dual systems and to shed light on the influence of the main BRB's design parameters. To this end, a nondimensional formulation of the equation of motion is introduced for a single degree of freedom system, and an extensive parametric study is performed for a set of natural ground motion records with different characteristics and scaled to various intensity levels. This allows the investigation of a wide range of configurations, considering different levels of the relative strength and ductility demand of BRBFs and MRFs, and obtains useful information for their design. Finally, two case study frames, modeled as two‐dimensional nonlinear multi‐degree of freedom systems, are analyzed, and the results were compared to those obtained from the nondimensional formulation to show the capabilities and the limitations of the adopted methodology and of the SDOF approximation.