bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ending the silo effect: A test of the relational domain spillover model
Authors: Manvelian Atina , Fivecoat Hayley , Milek Anne , Lawrence Erika
Published: October 2021

Couple interventions are limited in their effectiveness for reducing marital distress and dissolution. One explanation for this may be the narrow focus on conflict management and a limited understanding of how other domains in marriage influence one another over time. We present the first test of the relational domain spillover model (RDSM) to understand the extent to which poor functioning in either positive or negative areas of the relationship spill over into other aspects of relationship functioning across time. Husbands and wives reported annually on the quality of five relationship domains (emotional intimacy, sex, support, power/control, and conflict) over the first seven years of marriage. Longitudinal dyadic multilevel modeling techniques were used to examine how domains change over time and how earlier declines in positive areas of couple functioning predict later problems in negative areas of couple functioning and vice versa. We found support for both directions of the RDSM model. Earlier declines in sexuality and support predicted later declines in conflict, and, for wives, earlier declines in couple sexuality were linked to later control issues. Earlier declines in conflict communication and control predicted later problems with emotional intimacy. For men, longitudinal associations between sexuality and conflict, and control, were bidirectional. These findings point to the need to move toward a multi‐dimensional, dynamic conceptualization of relationship functioning across time and the importance of focusing on different relational domains as targets for couple interventions.
Inactive pseudoenzyme subunits in heterotetrameric BbsCD, a novel short‐chain alcohol dehydrogenase involved in anaerobic toluene degradation
Authors: von Horsten Silke , Lippert Marie‐Luise , Geisselbrecht Yann , Schühle Karola , Schall Iris , Essen Lars‐Oliver , Heider Johann
Published: October 2021

Anaerobic toluene degradation proceeds by fumarate addition to produce (R)‐benzylsuccinate as first intermediate, which is further degraded via β‐oxidation by five enzymes encoded in the conserved bbs operon. This study characterizes two enzymes of this pathway, (E)‐benzylidenesuccinyl‐CoA hydratase (BbsH), and (S,R)‐2‐(α‐hydroxybenzyl)succinyl‐CoA dehydrogenase (BbsCD) from Thauera aromatica. BbsH, a member of the enoyl‐CoA hydratase family, converts (E)‐benzylidenesuccinyl‐CoA to 2‐(α‐hydroxybenzyl)succinyl‐CoA and was subsequently used in a coupled enzyme assay with BbsCD, which belongs to the short‐chain dehydrogenases/reductase (SDR) family. The BbsCD crystal structure shows a C2‐symmetric heterotetramer consisting of BbsC2 and BbsD2 dimers. BbsD subunits are catalytically active and capable of binding NAD+ and substrate, whereas BbsC subunits represent built‐in pseudoenzyme moieties lacking all motifs of the SDR family required for substrate binding or catalysis. Molecular modeling studies predict that the active site of BbsD is specific for conversion of the (S,R)‐diastereomer of 2‐(α‐hydroxybenzyl)succinyl‐CoA to (S)‐2‐benzoylsuccinyl‐CoA by hydride transfer to the re‐face of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)+. Furthermore, BbsC subunits are not engaged in substrate binding and merely serve as scaffold for the BbsD dimer. BbsCD represents a novel clade of related enzymes within the SDR family, which adopt a heterotetrameric architecture and catalyze the β‐oxidation of aromatic succinate adducts.
Monitored Natural Attenuation to Manage PFAS Impacts to Groundwater: Scientific Basis
Authors: Newell Charles J. , Adamson David T. , Kulkarni Poonam R. , Nzeribe Blossom N. , Connor John A. , Popovic Jovan , Stroo Hans F.
Published: October 2021

Sites impacted by per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pose significant challenges to investigation and remediation, including very low cleanup objectives, limited information on natural PFAS degradation processes in the subsurface, and the apparent mobility and persistence of PFAS. Consequently, monitored natural attenuation (MNA) may be considered less applicable to PFAS compared to biodegradable classes of chemicals such as petroleum hydrocarbons and chlorinated solvents that can completely biodegrade to innocuous end products. However, MNA has proven effective for certain non‐degrading metals, metalloids, and radionuclides (e.g., chromium, arsenic, and uranium). To assess the applicability of MNA to PFAS, this paper reviews the fate and transport properties of PFAS in conjunction with the various physiochemical factors that control the subsurface movement of chemicals. This analysis demonstrates that two important retention processes: (1) chemical retention in the form of PFAS precursors, and (2) geochemical retention in the form of sorption and matrix diffusion to mitigate the movement and potential impacts of PFAS in groundwater that may form the scientific basis for applying MNA to PFAS contamination. This paper describes the scientific and regulatory basis for using MNA to manage PFAS‐impacted groundwater.
What COVID‐19 taught us: New opportunities and pathways from telemedicine and novel antiseptics in wound healing
Authors: Scalise Alessandro , Falcone Marco , Avruscio Giampiero , Brocco Enrico , Ciacco Eugenio , Parodi Aurora , Tasinato Rolando , Ricci Elia
Published: October 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic deeply impacted the capacity of the health systems to maintain preventive and curative services, especially for the most vulnerable populations. During the pandemic, the wound healing centres in Italy assisted a significant reduction of the frequency of their hospital admission, since only urgencies, such as severe infections or wound haemorrhagic complications, were allowed to the hospital. The aim of this multidisciplinary work is to highlight the importance of a new pathway of wound care with patient‐based therapeutic approach, tailored treatments based on the characteristics of the wound and fast tracks focused on the outpatient management, reserving hospital assessment only for patients with complicated or complex wounds. This analysis highlights the point that patients with chronic wounds need to be critically evaluated in order to find the best and most appropriate care pathway, which should vary according to the patient and, especially, to the characteristics of the wound. Moreover, the most adequate topic antiseptic should be started as soon as possible. An appropriate and correct management of the wound care will allow to link the knowledge based on years of clinical practice with the new challenges and the need to visit patients remotely, when possible.
Investigation into the phase structures and temperature stability of BiScO3‐PbTiO3‐based piezoelectric ceramics
Authors: Dong Yazhu , Zhou Zhiyong , Liang Ruihong , Dong Xianlin
Published: October 2021

Phase structure has a strong influence on the temperature stability of ceramics; however, their influence on BiScO3‐xPbTiO3 has been neglected. To meet the requirements for practical applications, (0.98‐x)BiScO3‐xPbTiO3‐0.02Bi(Sn1/3Nb2/3)O3 (BS‐xPT‐BSN, 0.59 ≤ x ≤ 0.65) polycrystalline ferroelectrics with rhombohedral phase, morphotropic phase boundary (Cm and P4mm coexisting), and tetragonal phase has been prepared and studied. The relationship between the phase structures and temperature stability is established from the macro properties as well as the underlying domain behaviors. The results show that the tetragonal phase is not sensitive to temperature because of its stable domains, which is a positive motivator for improving the temperature stability of ceramics. This work provides a new strategy for the design of high‐temperature piezoelectric ceramics in the future.
Genomic analysis and characterization of Scenedesmus glucoliberatum PABB004: An unconventional sugar-secreting green alga
Authors: Calixto Mancipe Natalia , McLaughlin Evelyn M. , Barney Brett M.
Published: October 2021

Aims

In this report, we present Scenedesmus glucoliberatum PABB004, a microalga that was isolated from an association with Paramecium bursaria with the potential for application in fermentative processes and co-culture schemes due to its advantageous high sugar secretion phenotype.

Methods and Results

We sequenced, assembled and annotated the draft genome and transcriptome for this newly reported strain. The nuclear genome has an exceptionally high GC content of 78%. Our results revealed significant sugar accumulation over a range from 6.2 to 7.8 pH units. The predicted proteome was compared with other green algae that show different sugar secretion phenotypes aiming to help uncover their common features for simple sugar secretion and those unique to S. glucoliberatum PABB004.

Conclusions

The evolutionary history of this organism, inferred from its genomic traits, expands our current understanding of algal mutualistic relationships involving photosynthate exchanges. S. glucoliberatum PABB004 secreted ready-to-use fermentable sugars (glucose and maltose) directly to the extracellular media achieving concentrations greater than 2.7 g/L of free glucose and 1.2 g/L of maltose in batch cultures.

Significance and Impact of the Study

A draft genome is provided for a new member of an important class of green algae. Scenedesmus glucoliberatum PABB004 secretes high levels of simple sugars over a broad pH range.
Novel colorimetric sensor array for Chinese rice wine evaluation based on color reactions of flavor compounds
Authors: Wang Yu , Huang Xing‐yi , Aheto Joshua , Ren Yi , Zhang Xiaorui , Wang Li
Published: October 2021

In this study, a 3 × 3 comprehensive colorimetric sensor array (CSA) was constructed for the quality evaluation of Chinese rice wine based on three different action principles (pH change principle, indicators displacement assay principle, and ethanol fading principle). First, China national standard was used to determine the total acid, reducing sugar, and alcoholic strength of six kinds of rice wine, which forms the basis for the selection of the CSA sensitive points. Then, CSA was combined with pattern recognition technologies to qualitatively distinguish rice wine. The results showed that the when PCs = 3, the linear discriminant analysis model can achieve a recognition rate of 100%, which shows strong prediction ability compared with K‐nearest neighbor and back‐propagation artificial neural network models. Finally, CSA was combined with partial least squares (PLS) and support vector regression (SVR) to quantitatively analyze the three components in rice wine. The correlation coefficients of the training set and predictions are more than 85% in the SVR model, which is superior to the PLS model. Based on these findings, it is possible to conclude that the CSA can be used to rapidly evaluate the quality of rice wine.

Practical Applications

Established the 3 × 3 colorimetric sensor array (CSA) for the quality evaluation of Chinese rice wine based on three different action principles (pH change principle, indicators displacement assay principle, and ethanol fading principle).

The CSA was combined with pattern recognition technologies to qualitatively distinguish different kinds of rice wine. The performance of linear discriminant analysis shows strong prediction ability compared with K‐nearest neighbor and back‐propagation artificial neural network.

The CSA was combined with partial least squares (PLS) and support vector regression (SVR) to quantitatively analyze the three components in rice wine. The correlation coefficients of the training set and predictions are more than 85% in the SVR model, which is superior to the PLS model.
Skilled home healthcare clinicians' experiences in communicating with physicians: A national survey
Authors: Leff Bruce , Boyd Cynthia M. , Norton Jonathan D. , Arbaje Alicia I. , Pierotti Danielle M. , Carl Kimberly , Roth David L. , Nkodo Amelie , Nangunuri Bhavana , Sheehan Orla C.
Published: October 2021

Background

Effective communication between skilled home healthcare (SHHC) clinicians and physicians is critical to care coordination. No studies have examined this from the point of view of SHHC clinicians at the national level. The objective is to determine in national sample issues related to how SHHC agency clinicians communicate with physicians.

Design

Mailed survey.

Methods

Mailed survey to a national representative random sample of SHHC agencies. The survey measured the experiences of SHHC clinicians in communicating with physicians. Multilevel logistic regression models examining odds of adverse patient outcomes associated with communication failures.

Results

A total of 265 surveys from 168 SHHC agencies were returned for a response rate of 13.3% at the individual respondent level and 16.8% at the SHHC agency level. Agency‐level characteristics were similar between responding and nonresponding agencies. The most common method of contacting physicians during routine SHHC visits was telephone; communication via the electronic health record was uncommon. Nearly 40% of SHHC clinicians report never or rarely being able to reach a physician. SHHC clinicians rate the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Home Health Certification and Plan of Care (CMS‐485) as a useful means of communication 6.3 (SD, 2.5) scale of 1 (least useful) to 10 (most useful); only 14% could have SHHC orders signed electronically. In multilevel logistic models, compared to SHHC clinicians who could reach a physician nearly every time or always, the odds of an SHHC clinician sending someone to the emergency department were 3.66 (95% confidence interval 1.16–11.5) for SHHC clinicians who were sometimes or often able to reach a physician and 5.43 (95% CI 1.56–18.9) for those who never or rarely reached a physician.

Conclusions

In this exploratory study, SHHC clinicians experience significant communication barriers with physicians who order SHHC services. Strategies to enhance meaningful communication between SHHC clinicians and physicians must be developed.
Seasonal changes in the physiological features of healthy and sensitive skin
Authors: Jiang Wencai , Wang Jing , Zhang Hui , Xu Yafei , Jiang Changqing , Yang Jingwen , Liu Wei , Tan Yimei
Published: October 2021

Background

The effects of seasonal factors on sensitive skin (SS) have been reported intensively, but the mechanisms still remain poorly understood.

Objective

To investigate the effects of seasonal factors on SS, by comparing the physiological changes in the healthy skin and different subgroups of SS with seasonal variation.

Methods

Through a questionnaire survey, lactic acid sting test, and capsaicin test, qualified subjects were classified into four groups: healthy skin, only lactic acid sting test positive (LAST(+)/CAT(−)), only capsaicin test positive (LAST(−)/CAT(+)), and both positive (LAST(+)/CAT(+)). Skin physiological parameters were measured in winter and summer.

Results

A total of 140 subjects completed the study. Significant differences were found in transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin pH, and cutaneous blood flow (CBF) between winter and summer in the four groups. There were significant differences in stratum corneum hydration (SCH) of the LAST(+)/CAP(−) and LAST(+)/CAP(+) groups, current perception threshold (CPT) at 250 Hz of the LAST(+)/CAT(+) group, and epidermal density of the healthy skin group between the two seasons. Sum of the scores of sting (SSS) showed a close correlation with TEWL, SCH, pH, CPT at 250 Hz, and epidermal density. Sum of the scores of burning (SSB) showed a strong correlation with TEWL, pH, CPT at 250 Hz and 5 Hz, and epidermal density.

Conclusions

Seasonal variation influences the skin barrier function of different types of sensitive skin at different levels. We therefore strongly suggest that, with seasonal variation, different treatments will be undertaken for different subgroups of sensitive skin.
Possible enigmatic link between serum leptin and vitiligo with its metabolic derangements: A comparative controlled study
Authors: El‐Hawary Marwa , El‐Tahlawi Samar , Ibrahim Sarah , El Ansary Mervat , Mogawer Rania M.
Published: October 2021

Objective

Serum leptin, an adipocytokine of interleukin‐6 family, has been linked to vitiligo‐associated metabolic derangements. Additionally, it has been proposed as an inflammatory mediator with possible influence on vitiligo pathogenesis. This study aimed at assessing serum leptin in vitiligo patients compared to controls and whether different vitiligo characteristics have an influence on serum leptin levels.

Methods

In this hospital‐based, cross‐sectional case‐control study, 70 vitiligo (35 segmental vitiligo (SV) and 35 Non‐segmental vitiligo (NSV)) and 70 age‐ and sex‐matched controls were assessed for different anthropometric measurements including waist circumference (WC), index of central obesity (ICO), and body mass index (BMI) as well as serum leptin levels.

Results

Central obesity as per ICO showed no significant difference between patients and controls. Additionally, patients of SV and NSV collectively showed significant higher incidence of +ve serum leptin than their controls (41.4% vs. 22.9%%, P: 0.019). Mere presence of vitiligo and ICO >0.5 were highlighted as independent predictors of +ve serum leptin (P: 0.009 and <0.001, respectively).

Limitation

Inability to determine a cause/effect relationship based on a cross‐sectional study. Larger scale studies are needed to affirm our findings.

Conclusion

Mere presence of vitiligo being an independent predictor for high serum leptin could be either a contributor to pathogenesis of vitiligo or a sequel to accumulating evidence of metabolic nature of vitiligo. This is likely to influence the investigative panel and treatment protocol for vitiligo patients.
Complications of tattoos and permanent makeup: overview and analysis of 308 cases
Authors: van der Bent S.A.S. , Rauwerdink D. , Oyen E.M.M. , Maijer K.I. , Rustemeyer T. , Wolkerstorfer A.
Published: October 2021

Background

Worldwide 10–20% of the population is tattooed. However, tattoo complications can occur, such as allergic tattoo reactions, infections, and manifestations of autoimmune dermatoses. Despite the growing popularity of tattoos and changes in tattoo ink composition over the last decades, little is known about these complications, its clinical aspects, pathomechanism, and relative occurrence.

Objective

The aim of this article is to describe the types and clinical aspects of dermatological tattoo complications, its relative occurrence and underlying conditions.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study enrolling all patients with tattoo complications from the Tattoo Clinic. Tattoo complications were categorized into infections, inflammatory tattoo reactions, neoplasms, or miscellaneous reactions and correlated to clinical data.

Results

Of the total of 326 patients, 301 patients were included with 308 complications. The majority of the complications were chronic: 91.9%. Allergic red tattoo reactions and chronic inflammatory black tattoo reactions (CIBTR) accounted for 50.2% and 18.2%, respectively, of all tattoo complications. Of these CIBTR reactions, extracutaneous involvement was found in 21.4%, including tattoo‐associated uveitis (7.1%) and systemic sarcoidosis (14.2%). Of all black tattoo reactions, systemic sarcoidosis was found in 7.8%.

Conclusion

Tattoos can cause a wide range in complications that may start years after getting the tattoo. The most frequent tattoo reactions are allergic red tattoo reactions and chronic inflammatory black tattoo reactions, making these the most relevant for the dermatologist. CIBTR have a high percentage of multi‐organ involvement, and therefore, screening for sarcoidosis, including ocular involvement, is advised.
Surgically confirmed adnexal torsion during pregnancy: Does the trimester make a difference?
Authors: Meller Nir , Levin Gabriel , Cohen Adiel , Abu‐Bandora Eiman , Amitai Komem Daphna , Mashiach Roy , Meyer Raanan
Published: October 2021

Aim

To investigate the clinical and the sonographic characteristics of adnexal torsion (AT) during pregnancy and to underline differences in AT manifestation between pregnancy trimesters.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study in a tertiary medical center. The study included all pregnant women with surgically confirmed AT between March 2011 and April 2020. The patients were divided into three groups according to pregnancy trimesters, and the clinical and sonographic characteristics were compared between the groups.

Results

The study cohort included 140 cases of AT. Ninety‐nine (70.7%) of the cases occurred during the 1st trimester, and 31 (22.1%) and 10 (7.1%) occurred during the 2nd and the 3rd trimesters, respectively. Conception by assisted‐reproductive technologies (ART), nausea, and finding of enlarged ovary on ultrasound scan were all more common among patients in the 1st trimester group as compared to the 3rd trimester group (p = 0.001, 0.015, and 0.024, respectively). The mean time from admission to surgery was significantly shorter in the 1st trimester group as compared to late pregnancy (p = 0.001). The majority of cases were right‐sided. There was a significant difference in the organs involved in every trimester of pregnancy—ovary only, ovary and fallopian tube, and fallopian tube only (p = 0.023).

Conclusions

Most AT cases during pregnancy occurred during the 1st trimester. Conception by ART and enlarged ovary on ultrasound scan were also more common in AT cases during early pregnancy. Time from admission to surgery was longer as pregnancy progressed and organs involved differed between trimesters. Understanding the difference in manifestation of AT in every trimester might improve the preoperative evaluation of AT in pregnancy.
Sleep during COVID‐19‐related school lockdown, a longitudinal study among high school students
Authors: Saxvig Ingvild West , Pallesen Ståle , Sivertsen Børge , Hysing Mari , Evanger Linn Nyjordet , Bjorvatn Bjørn
Published: October 2021

There has been great concern about the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19)‐related school lockdown on adolescent health. The aim of the present study was to compare sleep patterns before and during COVID‐19‐related school lockdown, in a large sample of high school students. The present study is based a prospective, longitudinal survey on adolescent sleep health. Phase 1 was conducted in 2019, whereas phase 2 was conducted in 2020 (response rate 60.2%), during the last 10 days of a 60‐day long school lockdown. Main outcomes comprised sleep parameters from the Munich ChronoType Questionnaire (MCTQ). A total of 2,022 students provided valid responses to MCTQ in both survey phases. Results showed later sleep timing on schooldays in 2020 compared to 2019 (36 min later bedtimes, Cohen’s d = 0.56; 1:35 hr later rise times, Cohen’s d = 1.44). Time spent in bed on schooldays increased from 8:20 to 9:19 hr (Cohen’s d = 0.78), and sleep duration increased by 45 min (Cohen’s d = 0.49). The proportion of adolescents obtaining the recommended ≥8 hr of sleep on schooldays increased from 13.4% (2019) to 37.5% during the lockdown. Social jetlag was reduced from 2:37 hr (2019) to 1:53 hr (2020, Cohen’s d = 0.59). Results points to a potential advantageous effect of school lockdown in terms of increased school day sleep duration and reduced social jetlag. As sleep is important for mental and somatic health, it is conceivable that increased sleep duration offered some protection against harmful aspects of the COVID‐19 pandemic and associated social restrictions. Future studies should address possible associations between sleep changes and health during COVID‐19‐related school lockdown.
Quantitative Risk Assessments of Hepatitis A Virus and Hepatitis E Virus from Raw Oyster Consumption
Authors: Ruchusatsawat Kriangsak , Nuengjamnong Chackrit , Tawatsin Apiwat , Thiemsing Laddawan , Kawidam Chonthicha , Somboonna Naraporn , Nuanualsuwan Suphachai
Published: October 2021

A quantitative risk assessment of hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) from raw oyster consumption from farm and retail was evaluated over three seasons. This risk assessment comprises four steps: hazard identification, dose–response assessment, exposure assessment, and risk characterization. We used probabilistic models for prevalence, concentration, and oyster consumption. HEV dose–response (DR) model based on HEV dosing in chimpanzees and used to perform a dose–response assessment of HEV was proposed. Both HAV and HEV were simultaneously enumerated by real‐time PCR to determine viral doses. The probabilistic prevalences of HAV and HEV were in the ranges of 8–20% and 8–40%, respectively. The best‐fit DR model was the beta‐Poisson with alpha and N50 equal to 216.9 and 3.03 × 107, respectively. After running the Monte Carlo simulation, the annual cases of foodborne hepatitis A and hepatitis E from raw oyster consumption from farms were 9,264–17,526 and 1–604, respectively, while those at retail were 7,694–14,591 and 1–204, respectively. This study suggested that consuming farm oysters poses a significantly higher risk of hepatitis A than hepatitis E. The best‐fit DR model for HEV developed in this study could determine risks of hepatitis E from raw oyster consumption in Thailand.
Spatial Risk Factors for Pillar 1 COVID‐19 Excess Cases and Mortality in Rural Eastern England, UK
Authors: Brainard Julii , Rushton Steve , Winters Tim , Hunter Paul R.
Published: October 2021

Understanding is still developing about spatial risk factors for COVID‐19 infection or mortality. This is a secondary analysis of patient records in a confined area of eastern England, covering persons who tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 through end May 2020, including dates of death and residence area. We obtained residence area data on air quality, deprivation levels, care home bed capacity, age distribution, rurality, access to employment centers, and population density. We considered these covariates as risk factors for excess cases and excess deaths in the 28 days after confirmation of positive Covid status relative to the overall case load and death recorded for the study area as a whole. We used the conditional autoregressive Besag—York–Mollie model to investigate the spatial dependency of cases and deaths allowing for a Poisson error structure. Structural equation models were applied to clarify relationships between predictors and outcomes. Excess case counts or excess deaths were both predicted by the percentage of population age 65 years, care home bed capacity and less rurality: older population and more urban areas saw excess cases. Greater deprivation did not correlate with excess case counts but was significantly linked to higher mortality rates after infection. Neither excess cases nor excess deaths were predicted by population density, travel time to local employment centers, or air quality indicators. Only 66% of mortality was explained by locally high case counts. Higher deprivation clearly linked to higher COVID‐19 mortality separate from wider community prevalence and other spatial risk factors.
Slope, aspect, and hillshade algorithms for non‐square digital elevation models
Authors: Guth Peter , Kane Morgan
Published: October 2021

Common global digital elevation models (DEMs) at 1 to 3 arc‐second resolution use geographic coordinates for grid definition, and while cells are square (equal dx and dy spacing) near the equator, they become increasingly rectangular at higher latitudes. Some GIS software cannot handle rectangular grid cells, but minor modifications to slope, aspect, and hillshade algorithms can handle them. The algorithms can also handle grids with other projections, including Equi‐7, Lambert conformal conic, Lambert azimuthal equal area, and polar stereographic, converting aspect to true north instead of the potentially rotated grid. Computed slope varies with grid spacing with a logarithmic relationship and negative slope. Slope maps and distributions from rectangular DEMs, or DEMs where the actual grid spacing varies from the nominal values because points are far from the undistorted region, have characteristics equal to those of a Universal Transverse Mercator grid with spacing equal to the average dx and dy spacing of the DEM.
Heat production in quiescent cardiac muscle is length, velocity and muscle dependent: Implications for active heat measurement
Authors: Garrett Amy S. , Loiselle Denis S. , Han June‐Chiew , Taberner Andrew J.
Published: October 2021

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Intracellular energetic processes in quiescent cardiac muscle release ‘basal’ heat; during contraction, a much larger amount of ‘active’ heat is also produced. Previously, measurement challenges have constrained researchers to assume that basal heat rate remains constant during contraction and shortening. Is this assumption correct?

What is the main finding and its importance?

We show that basal heat rate is modulated by the extent and velocity of muscle shortening. Their relative contributions are muscle specific. We apply a method with which researchers can now disentangle, for each experiment, changes in basal heat from active heat production, providing more precise measures of the individual energetic processes underlying cardiac muscle contraction.

Separating the variations in cardiac basal heat rate from variations in active heat rate is necessary to determine cardiac muscle energy consumption accurately during the performance of active work. By developing a model of cardiac muscle basal heat rate, we aimed to investigate changes in basal heat rate when cardiac muscle performs work. Experiments were conducted on 10 isolated rat cardiac trabeculae subjected to both active (work‐loops) and quiescent (length‐change and velocity) interventions. Muscle force, length and heat output rate were measured simultaneously in a flow‐through work‐loop calorimeter. Quiescent muscle characteristics were used to parameterize muscle‐specific models of change in basal heat rate, thereby to predict dynamic changes in basal heat rate during active work‐loop contraction. Our data showed that the quiescent heat characteristics of cardiac muscle varied between samples, displaying dependence on both the extent and the rate of change in muscle length. We found a moderate correlation between muscle dimensions (cross‐sectional area and volume) and the length‐dependent basal heat parameter (P = 0.0330 and P = 0.0242, respectively), but no correlation with the velocity‐dependent parameter. These findings lead us to conclude that the heat output of cardiac muscle at quiescence varies with both the extent and the velocity of shortening, to an extent that is muscle specific, and that this variation must be measured and accounted for in each specimen when assessing active energetics.
Similar inflammatory response and conduit artery vascular function between sexes following induced inflammation
Authors: Mascone Sara E. , Chesney Catalina A. , Eagan Lauren E. , Ranadive Sushant M.
Published: October 2021

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Are there sex differences in vascular function following induced inflammation when oestrogen is typically similar between sexes?

What is the main finding and its importance?

The present study suggests no sex differences in conduit artery vascular responses to acutely induced inflammation during the low‐oestrogen phase of the menstrual cycle in premenopausal women. However, women exhibit lower microvascular function than men. Overall, the results underpin the role of oestrogen in previously observed sex differences and the importance of reporting the phase in the hormonal cycle when women are studied.

Sex differences in cardiovascular disease incidence in premenopausal women and age‐matched men have been attributed to the cardioprotective influence of oestrogen. However, limited knowledge exists regarding sex differences following acute inflammation when oestrogen concentrations are lower in women. We evaluated sex differences in vascular responses to induced inflammation when oestrogen concentrations are typically lower in women (early follicular phase or placebo phase of hormonal contraception). In 15 women and 14 men, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) concentrations and vascular function [via brachial artery flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD)] were assessed at baseline (BL) and 24 (24H) and 48 hours (48H) after administration of influenza vaccine. After induction of inflammation, both sexes exhibited an increase in IL‐6 concentrations at 24H [mean (SD) BL vs. 24H: women, 0.563 (0.50) vs. 1.141 (0.65) pg/ml; men, 0.385 (0.17) vs. 1.113 (0.69) pg/ml; P < 0.05] that returned to near‐baseline concentrations by 48H (BL vs. 48H, P > 0.05). There were no sex differences in FMD, allometrically scaled FMD or IL‐6 concentrations at any time point (P > 0.05). Notably, women exhibited significantly lower microvascular function than men at every time point [P < 0.05; reactive hyperaemic area under the curve (in arbitrary units): women, BL 35,512 (14,916), 24H 34,428 (14,292) and 48H 39,467 (13,936); men, BL 61,748 (27,324), 24H 75,028 (29,051) and 48H 59,532 (13,960)]. When oestrogen concentrations are typically lower in women, women exhibit a similar inflammatory response and conduit artery function, but lower microvascular response to reactive hyperaemia, in comparison to age‐matched men.
Silica Nanoparticles for Biomedical Application: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Mun E.A. , Zhaisanbayeva B.A.
Published: October 2021

Over the past few decades, nanoparticles have been attracting significant attention of researches in chemical, biomedical, pharmaceutical sciences, due to their unique physicochemical properties. This includes ultra small size, large surface area, good biocompatibility and high reactivity. In particular, nanoparticles are promising for pharmaceutical and biomedical fields, as they can be applied as drug carriers and diagnostic tools. Among nanomaterials for biomedical application, silica nanoparticles exhibit great potential due to their straightforward synthesis and separation, low cost, safety, biocompatibility and possibility to further functionalization. Silica nanoparticles have been attractive for pharmaceutical science due to their unique properties, such as tunable size, high surface area and large pore volume, and potential in biomedical application as drug and gene delivery vectors and bioimaging agents. However, some of their properties remain poorly investigated. This short communication discusses the main routes for synthesis of silica nanoparticles, their properties and opportunities for their application in pharmaceutical and biomedical industries, as well as a few challenges in the development of silica-based systems that need to be overcome.
Crosstolerant Effect of Salt Priming and Viral Infection on Nicotiana Benthamiana
Authors: Dildabek A. , Ilyasova B. , Stamgaliyeva Z. , Madirov A. A. , Kassenova S. , Zhangazin S. , Massalimov Zh. , Akbassova A.
Published: October 2021

Currently, the salinization of soil one of the factors, which determine the productivity of crop plants. Under severe conditions, plants reveal the retardation in growth of shoots and roots,the decrease of productivity, because of biochemical and physiologicaleffects of salt high concentrations. To avoid any severe effect of biotic and abiotic stress is applied to the method of seed priming. Primed seed preserves the resistance signaling pathway for upcoming stress conditions. During biotic and biotic stress firstly accumulates reactive oxygen species which are the secondary messenger molecules in many signaling pathway of plant organisms. Excessive amounts of reactive oxygen species lead to macromolecules damage, such as lipids of cell walls, proteins, nucleic acids. To overcome the severe effect, plants evolved enzymatic and non-enzymatic systems of protection. The crucial enzymes are catalase, aldehyde oxidase, superoxide dismutase. The main components of the non-enzymatic antioxidant system are vitamins, low molecular mass substances such as glutathione. The phenomenon “cross-tolerance” suggests the resistance of plant organism to one stress by the exposure to another one. Early exposure salt stress to Nicotiana benthamiana leads to resistance to viral infection, change the activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, aldehyde oxidase). The analysis of viral particles revealed the decrease of viral particles content in salt primed plants.
Buccal Dna Collection Using Treated Paper
Authors: Atavliyeva S. , Tarlykov P.
Published: October 2021

This study presents a domestic kit suitable for the collection of human buccal cells, and long-term storage of nucleic acids on a piece of paper. A filter paper with a density of 70 g/m2 was selected and treated with chemicals that make up the lysing solution, which contributes to the destruction of cells and prevents bacterial growth. A total of 25 buccal cell samples were collected on the treated paper cards. The samples had a median DNA concentration of 20 ng/μl (range 0.5–45 ng/μl). The collected DNA samples were tested using a real-time PCR, sequencing of the first hypervariable segment of the human mtDNA control region, and multiplex genotyping of 15 short tandem repeat loci. We conclude that the domestic pretreated cards could be used for collecting and isolating DNA from buccal epithelium for genetic and other applications.
Influences of etching chemical parameters on AlGaN/GaN electrical degradation in power devices
Authors: Le Roux Frédéric , Possémé Nicolas , Burtin Pauline
Published: October 2021

The influence of chemical parameters on electrical degradation in an AlGaN/GaN heterostructure was investigated in order to improve performance in metal-oxide-semiconductor high-electron mobility transistor devices. We first examined the influence of plasma chemistry on electrical degradation by using different plasma chemistries for the SiN capping layer opening and comparing the results. The full standard chemistry was evaluated in order to determine the impact of each gas on the degradation. Rsheet and x-ray photoelectron microscopy characterizations and simulations were performed to better understand how light elements such as helium penetrate deeply into the heterostructure and degrade its electrical characteristics. The materials used as masks were also studied. A photoresist mask and a SiN mask were compared on an AlGaN/GaN heterostructure during plasma processing. Electrical degradation was always greater in the presence of a resist due to the decomposition of the resist under the plasma causing hydrogen to be released into the plasma. Simulation of hydrogen implantation in AlGaN was also performed to understand its impact on electrical performance.
Array-Based Electrical Detection of DNA with Nanoparticle Probes
Authors: Park So-Jung , Taton T. Andrew , Mirkin Chad A.
Published: October 2021

A DNA array detection method is reported in which the binding of oligonucleotides functionalized with gold nanoparticles leads to conductivity changes associated with target-probe binding events. The binding events localize gold nanoparticles in an electrode gap; silver deposition facilitated by these nanoparticles bridges the gap and leads to readily measurable conductivity changes. An unusual salt concentration–dependent hybridization behavior associated with these nanoparticle probes was exploited to achieve selectivity without a thermal-stringency wash. Using this method, we have detected target DNA at concentrations as low as 500 femtomolar with a point mutation selectivity factor of ∼ 100,000:1.
Regulation of Corepressor Function by Nuclear NADH
Authors: Zhang Qinghong , Piston David W. , Goodman Richard H.
Published: October 2021

The corepressor CtBP (carboxyl-terminal binding protein) is involved in transcriptional pathways important for development, cell cycle regulation, and transformation. We demonstrate that CtBP binding to cellular and viral transcriptional repressors is regulated by the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotides NAD
+
and NADH, with NADH being two to three orders of magnitude more effective. Levels of free nuclear nicotinamide adenine dinucleotides, determined using two-photon microscopy, correspond to the levels required for half-maximal CtBP binding and are considerably lower than those previously reported. Agents capable of increasing NADH levels stimulate CtBP binding to its partners in vivo and potentiate CtBP-mediated repression. We propose that this ability to detect changes in nuclear NAD
+
/NADH ratio allows CtBP to serve as a redox sensor for transcription.
Irradiation of Bacterial Spores in Water: Three Classes of Oxygen-Dependent Damage
Authors: Ewing D. , Powers E. L.
Published: October 2021

Studies of irradiated bacterial spores in aqueous suspension indicate that the sensitization of spores by oxygen can depend on three chemical processes. One of these processes involves reactions of hydroxyl radicals; the other two apparently do not.
Kanglemycin A Can Overcome Rifamycin Resistance Caused by ADP-Ribosylation by Arr Protein
Authors: Harbottle John , Mosaei Hamed , Allenby Nicholas , Zenkin Nikolay
Published: October 2021

Rifamycins, such as rifampicin (Rif), are potent inhibitors of bacterial RNA polymerases (RNAP) and are widely used antibiotics. Rifamycin resistance is usually associated with mutations in RNAP that preclude rifamycin binding.
Mutation in the Plasmodium falciparum BTB/POZ Domain of K13 Protein Confers Artemisinin Resistance
Authors: Paloque Lucie , Coppée Romain , Stokes Barbara H. , Gnädig Nina F. , Niaré Karamoko , Augereau Jean-Michel , Fidock David A. , Clain Jérôme , Benoit-Vical Françoise
Published: October 2021

Partial artemisinin resistance, defined in patients as a delayed parasite clearance following artemisinin-based treatment, is conferred by non-synonymous mutations in the Kelch beta-propeller domain of the
Plasmodium falciparum
k13
(
pfk13
) gene. Here, we carried out
in vitro
selection over a 1-year period on a West African
P. falciparum
strain isolated from Kolle (Mali) under a dose-escalating artemisinin regimen.
The Intestinal Commensal, Bacteroides fragilis, Modulates Host Responses to Viral Infection and Therapy: Lessons for Exploration during Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection
Authors: Eribo Osagie A. , du Plessis Nelita , Chegou Novel N.
Published: October 2021

The gut microbiota has emerged as a critical player in host health.Bacteroides fragilisis a prominent member of the gut microbiota within the phyla Bacteroidetes. This commensal bacterium produces unique capsular polysaccharides processed by antigen-presenting cells and activates CD4+T cells to secrete inflammatory cytokines.
Bacterial Nanocompartments: Structures, Functions, and Applications
Authors: McDowell Harry Benjamin , Hoiczyk Egbert
Published: October 2021

Increasing efficiency is an important driving force behind cellular organization and often achieved through compartmentalization. Long recognized as a core principle of eukaryotic cell organization, its widespread occurrence in prokaryotes has only recently come to light.
Neonatal Piglets Are Protected from Clostridioides difficile Infection by Age-Dependent Increase in Intestinal Microbial Diversity
Authors: Proctor Alexandra , Cornick Nancy A. , Wang Chong , Mooyottu Shankumar , Arruda Paulo A. , Kobs Kayce , Phillips Gregory J.
Published: October 2021

C. difficile
is an important bacterial pathogen that is the most common cause of infections associated with health care in the United States. It also causes significant morbidity and mortality in neonatal pigs, and currently there are no preventative treatments available to livestock producers.
Supplemental Material: Crustal fluids cause strong Lu-Hf fractionation and Hf-Nd-Li isotopic provinciality in the mantle of continental subduction zones
Authors: Gudelius Dominik , al. et
Published: October 2021

Methods for bulk-rock Lu-Hf, Sm-Nd and Li isotope analysis and a data table.
Metagenomic Analysis of the Microbial Community in the Underground Coal Fire Area (Kemerovo Region, Russia) Revealed Predominance of Thermophilic Members of the Phyla Deinococcus-Thermus, Aquificae, and Firmicutes
Authors: Kadnikov V. V. , Mardanov A. V. , Beletsky A. V. , Karnachuk O. V. , Ravin N. V.
Published: October 2021

Underground burning of coal seams accompanied by release of gases leads to development of local thermal ecosystems. We investigated the microbial community of the ground heated to 72°C in the release area of hot gases resulting from underground combustion of coal mining waste at the Bungurskiy-Severny coal deposit in the Kemerovo region of Russia. Analysis of the composition of the microbial community by 16S rRNA gene profiling revealed predominance of thermophilic bacteria of the phylaDeinococcus-Thermus,Aquificae, andFirmicutes. As a result of metagenomic analysis, 18 genomes of the main members of the microbial community were assembled, including the complete genomes ofHydrogenobacter thermophiles, a member of the candidate genus UBA11096 of the phylumAquificae(RBS10-58),Thermoflexus hugenholtzii, andThermus antranikianii. Analysis of the RBS10-58 genome indicates that this bacterium can autotrophically fix carbon in the reductive tricarboxylic acid cycle and obtain energy via oxidation of hydrogen and sulfur compounds with oxygen or nitrate as electron acceptors. Genome analysis of the two dominantFirmicutesspecies,Hydrogenibacillus schlegeliiand an uncultured member of the classThermaerobacteria, showed that these bacteria could grow aerobically by oxidizing hydrogen and carbon monoxide. Overall, the community was dominated by aerobic bacteria capable of growing autotrophically and obtaining energy via oxidation of the main components of coal gases, hydrogen and carbon monoxide.Thermus antranikianii, which makes up about a half of the microbial community, probably uses organic matter produced by autotrophic members ofFirmicutesandAquificae.
Ultrasonic and Eddy-Current Fatigue Monitoring of Austenitic Steel Welded Joints
Authors: Gonchar A. V. , Klyushnikov V. A. , Mishakin V. V. , Anosov M. S.
Published: October 2021

We investigated the process of fatigue damage in welded joints made of austenitic steel by ultrasonic and eddy current types of testing. The development of an inhomogeneity in the distribution of the acoustic anisotropy parameter in the heat-affected zone and in the base material was studied. As a result of eddy current testing, the difference in the intensity of changes in the phase composition in the heat-affected zone and in the base material is shown. A linear relationship is obtained between the amplitude of the cycle deformation under regular loading in the low-cycle fatigue region and the critical value of the percentage of the magnetic phase in the base material. A method is proposed for assessing the fatigue damage to the material of welded joints in the heat-affected zone based on the results of eddy current testing.