bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol prompts rapid changes in cannabinoid CB1 receptor immunolabeling and subcellular structure in CA1 hippocampus of young adult male mice
Authors: Bonilla‐Del Río Itziar , Puente Nagore , Mimenza Amaia , Ramos Almudena , Serrano Maitane , Lekunberri Leire , Gerrikagoitia Inmaculada , Christie Brian R. , Nahirney Patrick C. , Grandes Pedro
Published: December 2020

The use and abuse of cannabis can be associated with significant pathophysiology, however, it remains unclear whether (1) acute administration of Δ‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) during early adulthood alters the cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor localization and expression in cells of the brain, and (2) THC produces structural brain changes. Here we use electron microscopy and a highly sensitive pre‐embedding immunogold method to examine CB1 receptors in the hippocampus cornu ammonis subfield 1 (CA1) 30 min after male mice were exposed to a single THC injection (5 mg/kg). The findings show that acute exposure to THC can significantly decrease the percentage of CB1 receptor immunopositive terminals making symmetric synapses, mitochondria, and astrocytes. The percentage of CB1 receptor‐labeled terminals forming asymmetric synapses was unaffected. Lastly, CB1 receptor expression was significantly lower at terminals of symmetric and asymmetric synapses as well as in mitochondria. Structurally, CA1 dendrites were significantly larger, and contained more spines and mitochondria following acute THC administration. The area of the dendritic spines, synaptic terminals, mitochondria, and astrocytes decreased significantly following acute THC exposure. Altogether, these results indicate that even a single THC exposure can have a significant impact on CB1 receptor expression, and can alter CA1 ultrastructure, within 30 min of drug exposure. These changes may contribute to the behavioral alterations experienced by young individuals shortly after cannabis intoxication.
CSS: Handling imbalanced data by improved clustering with stratified sampling
Authors: Cao Lu , Shen Hong
Published: December 2020

The traditional support vector machine technique (SVM) has drawbacks in dealing with imbalanced data. To address this issue, in this paper we propose an algorithm of improved clustering with stratified sampling technique (CSS) to improve the classification performance of SVMs on imbalanced datasets. Instead of applying a single type of sampling method as used in the literature, our algorithm treats different type of classes with different sampling methods. For minority classes, the algorithm uses oversampling method by adding noise which obeys normal distribution around every support vector to generate new samples. For majority classes, samples are first divided into different clusters by applying first the improved clustering by fast search to find of density peaks (CFSFDP) to obtain latent structure information in each majority class and then stratified sampling method is applied to extract samples from each subcluster of the majority class. Moreover, we further extend this method into an ensemble classifiers that use multiple base SVM classifiers for prediction. The experimental results of classification on several imbalanced classification datasets show that our CSS is more effective than the state‐of‐the‐art sampling methods.
Rational Design of a Nd3+‐Mn4+ Co‐doped Luminescent Thermometer: Towards High‐Sensitivity Temperature Sensing
Authors: Wang Shuxian , Zhang Jinpu , Wu Jiaming , Ye Zhengmao , Yu Haohai , Zhang Huaijin
Published: December 2020

High temperature sensitivity is an important development direction for luminescent thermometers, especially in the physiological temperature range. Herein, neodymium(III) and manganese(IV) ions were co‐doped into a yttrium gallium garnet host (YGG) and the relevant dopant concentrations were optimized in detail. The temperature‐dependent spectral survey indicates that when the temperature was above 240 K, the 2Eg→4A2g transition of Mn4+ and the 4F5/2→4I9/2 emission of Nd3+ show strong fluorescence quenching and gradual fluorescence enhancement, respectively. Such an apparent contrast mainly originates from the nonradiative cross‐relaxation between 2Eg (or 4T2g) and 4A2g states of Mn4+ and thermal coupling between the 4F5/2 and 4F3/2 levels of Nd3+, respectively. The obvious difference in fluorescence between the two luminescent ions leads to an excellent temperature sensing performance. The obtained relative sensitivity shows a maximum value at 280 K (7.90 % K−1) and maintains a magnitude above 5.00 % K−1 over the whole physiological temperature range. Moreover, the related temperature uncertainties are below 0.1 K from 298 K to 323 K, and the repeatability capability is larger than 98 %. The findings in this study offer a feasible approach to promote the sensing capability of temperature sensors by rationally designing co‐doping systems.
Recent Advances in Photocatalytic Oxidation of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural
Authors: Li Chenchen , Na Yong
Published: December 2020

Conversion of biomass‐derived platform compounds into value‐added chemicals will reduced the current dependence on carbon resources from fossil reserves. In recent years, catalytic oxidation of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) has received extensive attention due to the widespread application of 2,5‐diformylfuran (DFF) and 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA). A photocatalyst system is a cost‐effective way of O2 utilization as a green chemical oxidant for HMF oxidation. Moreover, replacement of the kinetically sluggish water oxidation with HMF oxidation can promote hydrogen production during photo water splitting. This review provides a concise and up‐to‐date overview of photocatalyst systems for HMF oxidation, giving special attention to catalyst material design, product selectivity, mechanistic insight, and catalyst stability. The chemistry discussed in this review is an attempt to provide inspiration for researchers to develop efficient photocatalyst systems for solar biorefinery.
Synthesis of the First Oxaphosphirane Iron Complexes
Authors: Streubel Rainer , Volk Niklas , Schnakenburg Gregor , García Alcaraz Antonio , Espinosa Ferao Arturo
Published: December 2020

Synthesis of the first P‐CPh3 substituted oxaphosphirane iron(0) complexes was achieved, representing a more cost‐efficient access to these versatile ligands. While reactions with very electron‐deficient aldehydes such as pentafluoro‐ and 3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)‐benzaldehyde were selective to give oxaphosphirane complexes 3 a,b, those with less electronically activated benzaldehydes were very sensitive towards traces of water, and oxaphosphirane complexes 6 a–d were obtained as mixtures with the hydroxyphosphane iron complex 5 in competing reactions. As a case in point, complex 3 a was converted into 1,3,4‐oxazaphospholane complex 6 using an acid‐induced ring‐expansion protocol and acetonitrile. The formation of oxaphosphirane complexes from Li/Cl phosphinidenoid complexes and carbonyl units was studied for the first time through theoretical calculations using appropriate model species.
Diazo Glutaconimides: an Unexplored Type of Heterocyclic α‐Diazocarbonyl Compounds Conveniently Evolved into Pyridine‐2,6(1H,3H)‐diones and Oxazolo[5,4‐b]pyridin‐5(4H)‐ones
Authors: Guranova Natalia , Kantin Grigory , Dar'in Dmitry , Krasavin Mikhail
Published: December 2020

A convenient general approach towards 1,4‐disubstituted α‐diazo glutaconimides starting from β‐substituted glutaconic acid anhydrides has been developed. It involves condensation with amines and subsequent diazo transfer reaction. This new class of diazocarbonyl heterocycles has been converted into a series of polysubstituted pyridine‐2,6(1H,3H)‐diones and oxazolo[5,4‐b]pyridin‐5(4H)‐ones via a Rh2(esp)2‐catalyzed XH‐insertion reaction and [3+2] cycloaddition with nitriles, respectively.
A Double‐Deep Q‐Network‐Based Energy Management Strategy for Hybrid Electric Vehicles under Variable Driving Cycles
Authors: Zhang Jiaqi , Jiao Xiaohong , Yang Chao
Published: December 2020

As a core part of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), energy management strategy (EMS) directly affects the vehicle fuel‐saving performance by regulating energy flow between engine and battery. Currently, most studies on EMS are focused on buses or commuter private cars, whose driving cycles are relatively fixed. However, there is also a great demand for the EMS that adapts to variable driving cycles. The rise of machine learning, especially deep learning and reinforcement learning, provides a new opportunity for the design of EMS for HEVs. Motivated by this issue, herein, a double‐deep Q‐network (DDQN)‐based EMS for HEVs under variable driving cycles is proposed. The distance traveled of the driving cycle is creatively introduced as states into the DDQN‐based EMS of HEV. The relevant problem of “curse of dimensionality” caused by choosing too many states in the process of training is solved via the good generalization of deep neural network. For the problem of overestimation in model training, two different neural networks are designed for action selection and target value calculation, respectively. The effectiveness and adaptability to variable driving cycles of the proposed DDQN‐based EMS are verified by simulation comparison with Q‐learning‐based EMS and rule‐based EMS for improving fuel economy.
Logjams as a driver of transient storage in a mountain stream
Authors: Ader Ethan , Wohl Ellen , McFadden Sawyer , Singha Kamini
Published: December 2020

We use four stream segments along a wood‐rich, pool–riffle mountain stream in the Southern Rockies of Colorado, USA to examine how spatial variations in wood load and variations in discharge during and after the snowmelt peak flow influence the magnitude of surface and subsurface transient storage. Segments range in complexity from a single channel with no large wood to an anabranching channel with closely spaced, channel‐spanning logjams. Discharges at which transient storage was assessed range from base flow to snowmelt peak flow. To explore these relations, we used 10 geomorphic variables representing channel morphology and bed substrate, four wood‐related variables representing wood load and associated backwater storage, and two measures of skewness from instream and bulk electrical conductivity breakthrough curves during tracer tests. Instream curves reflect surface and subsurface transient storage, whereas bulk curves primarily represent subsurface transient storage. Higher values of skewness indicate greater retention, and we used the values here as a metric of increased transient storage. Although limited sample size restricts the power of our results, our findings suggest that stream segments with greater instream large wood loads have more and larger pools, greater storage of fine sediment and particulate organic matter, and higher values of skew from instream conductivity. The results also suggest that the presence of instream wood, rather than changes in channel morphology associated with wood, is the most important driver of transient storage. This implies that river management designed to foster transient storage should focus on retaining instream large wood. We did not find significant correlations between geomorphic or wood‐related variables and the skew estimated from bulk conductivity, which may reflect the relatively thin alluvium present in the field area and the prevalence of surface transient storage in this system.
Can genetically modified (GM) crops act as possible alternatives to mitigate world political conflicts for food?
Authors: Szenkovics Dezső , Tonk Márton , Balog Adalbert
Published: December 2020

The human population expected to reach 10 billion by 2,100, the probability of conflict aggravated by scarceness over the XXI century is growing. Conflict is likely to be driven by a number of factors: changing climate, urbanization, migration, and food insecurity. According to the FAO 2018 report, global malnutrition rose from 777 million in 2015 to 815 million people in 2016. Data also highlight that the majority of these people live in countries affected by political conflicts (489 million out of 815 million). While significant food support comes from the USA and the EU, this feeds about 100 million peoples annually across 73 countries, their role is of cure and not prevention. Reducing food conflict in politically fragile countries on a sustained basis requires new investment and partnerships to develop biotechnological solutions including genetically modified crops. According to our analyses, GM Bt crops with the scope of food, feed, and processing can improve food security, and in broader way alter political conflicts in developing countries. The food supply chain, and policy decisions about safe GM crops should be the areas worth reconsidering, clear, and constructive reference to safe GM crops as an important option for a higher level of self‐sufficiency has to be made.
Einwirkungen auf starre Barrieren durch fließähnliche gravitative Massenbewegungen
Authors: Berger Simon , Hofmann Robert , Wimmer Lukas
Published: December 2020

Die klimawandelinduzierten Beeinflussungen der Umwelt stellen für die Bewertungen von fließähnlichen gravitativen Massenbewegungen eine zunehmende Bedeutung und Herausforderung dar. Extreme Bedingungen für Siedlungsräume im alpinen Raum ergeben die Notwendigkeit, Schutzbauwerke zu errichten. Gravitative fließähnliche Massenbewegungen führen dabei für die Siedlungs‐ und Wirtschaftsräume in alpinen Regionen vermehrt zur Bedrohung von Menschen und Infrastrukturbauwerken. Mithilfe von empirischen Modellen können Einflussgebiete, Ablagerungsort sowie die Fließtiefe grob abgeschätzt werden. Bei den verschiedenen numerischen Programmen, die auf der Grundlage der Kontinuumsmechanik beruhen, sind sehr unterschiedliche, meist unbekannte Eingangsparameter notwendig. Zur genaueren Definition der maßgebenden Parameter werden oft Modellversuche durchgeführt, um die verschiedenen Bemessungsmodelle zu validieren. Grundlage des vorliegenden Modellversuchs stellen der Versuchsaufbau und die Untersuchungen an der Universität British Columbia dar, die an der Universität Innsbruck repliziert und erweitert wurden.
Efficacy and effectiveness of psychological interventions on co‐occurring mood and anxiety disorders in older adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wuthrich Viviana M. , Meuldijk Denise , Jagiello Tess , Robles Alberto González , Jones Michael P. , Cuijpers Pim
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Co‐occurring mood and anxiety disorders are common in older adult populations and are associated with worse long‐term outcomes and poorer treatment response than either disorder alone. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to examine the efficacy and effectiveness of psychological interventions for treating co‐occurring mood and anxiety disorders in older adults.

Method

The study was registered (PROSPERO CRD4201603834), databases systematically searched (MEDLINE, PSYCINFO, PubMed and Cochrane Reviews) and articles screened according to PRISMA guidelines.

Inclusion

Participants aged ≥60 years with clinically significant anxiety and depression, psychological intervention evaluated against control in randomised controlled trial, changes in both anxiety and depression reported at post‐treatment. ResultsFour studies were included (total n = 255, mean age range 67–71 years). Overall, psychological interventions (cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness) resulted in significant benefits over control conditions (active, waitlist) for treating depression in the presence of co‐occurring anxiety (Hedges' g = −0.44), and treating anxiety in the presence of depression (Hedges' g = −0.55). However, conclusions are limited; the meta‐analysis was non‐significant, few studies were included, several were low quality and there was high heterogeneity between studies. Benefits at follow‐up were not established.

Conclusion

Co‐occurring anxiety and mood disorders can probably be treated simultaneously with psychological interventions in older adults with moderate effect sizes, however, more research is needed. Given comorbidity is common and associated with worse clinical outcomes, more high‐quality clinical trials are needed that target the treatment of co‐occurring anxiety and mood disorders, and report changes in diagnostic remission for both anxiety and mood disorders independently.
The Italian national survey on Coronavirus disease 2019 epidemic spread in nursing homes
Authors: Lombardo Flavia L. , Bacigalupo Ilaria , Salvi Emanuela , Lacorte Eleonora , Piscopo Paola , Mayer Flavia , Ancidoni Antonio , Remoli Giulia , Bellomo Guido , Losito Gilda , D'Ancona Fortunato , Bella Antonio , Pezzotti Patrizio , Canevelli Marco , Onder Graziano , Vanacore Nicola ,   the Italian National Institute of Health Nursing Home Study Group
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Residents in facilities such as nursing homes (NHs) are particularly vulnerable to Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). A national survey was carried out to collect information on the spreading and impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection in nursing homes, and on how suspected and/or confirmed cases were managed. We carried out a survey between 25 March 2020 and 5 May 2020.

Materials and Methods

All Italian nursing homes either public or providing services both privately and within the NHS were included in the study. An on‐line questionnaire was sent to 3292 nursing homes across all Italian regions. Nursing homes were also contacted by telephone to provide assistance in completing the questionnaire.

Results

A total of 1356 nursing homes voluntarily participated to the survey, hosting a total of 100,806 residents. Overall, 9154 residents died due to any cause from February 1 to the time when the questionnaire was completed (from March 25 to May 5). Of these, 7.4% had COVID‐19 and 33.8% had flu‐like symptoms, corresponding to a cumulative incidence of 0.7 and 3.1, respectively. Lack of personnel, difficulty in transferring patients to hospital or other facility, isolating residents with COVID‐19, number of beds and geographical area were the main factor positively associated to the presence of COVID‐19 in nursing homes.

Discussion

This survey showed the dissemination and impact of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in Italian nursing homes and on how older and potentially chronically ill people residing in these long‐term care facilities were managed.
Workplace bullying, socially aversive attitudes, reduced work group effectiveness, and organizational frustration
Authors: Valentine Sean R. , Giacalone Robert A. , Fleischman Gary
Published: December 2020

Given that workplace bullying can harm employees' thoughts, perceptions, and experiences, this study explored how bullying triggers socially aversive attitudes in victims, as well as diminished work group effectiveness and increased organizational frustration. Using time‐lagged data collected from research panelists, the hierarchical regression results indicated that workplace bullying can lead to distrust of others, a self‐focused strategy based on the belief that workplace advancement is political, and reduced work group cohesion and communication, ultimately resulting in organizational frustration. The managerial/practical and research implications of these findings and the connections to human resource development (HRD) are highlighted, including the need for managers and professionals involved in HRD to prevent and arrest workplace bullying. The research limitations and suggestions for future work are also presented.
Using an expert judgment response matrix to assess the risk of groundwater discharges from remediated fuel spill sites to the marine environment at sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island, Australia
Authors: King Catherine K , Wasley Jane , Holan Jessica , Richardson Jeremy , Spedding Tim
Published: December 2020

This study assesses toxicity of groundwater from remediated fuel spill sites, as the final phase of an environmental risk assessment of contaminated sites at sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island, Tasmania, Australia. To complement previous terrestrial ecotoxicological research, we determine risk to marine environments from residual biodegraded hydrocarbon contaminants in groundwater discharges. Direct toxicity assessments were conducted on 7 composite groundwater test solutions, adjusted to ambient seawater salinity. Eleven native marine invertebrates (from varied taxa: gastropods, bivalves, flatworms, amphipods, copepods, isopods) were exposed and observed for up to 21 d. Lethal time estimates (LT10, LT50) showed sensitivity was time dependent (LT10s = 4–15 d) and variable between species. Three species showed no response to any test solution, and most species did not respond for up to 5 d. Data were interpreted using an expert judgment response matrix with multiple lines of evidence to predict risk. No consistent patterns in the relative toxicity of test solutions, based on polar or nonpolar hydrocarbon concentrations, were identified. Although toxicity was observed in some species, this was only under worst-case conditions of undiluted, continuous, extended exposure. Natural dynamics of the site, including low groundwater discharge rates, high rainfall, and a highly energetic receiving environment, ensure groundwater is rapidly diluted and dispersed. In this context, and based on site conditions at the time of testing, these toxicity assessments provide robust evidence that residual contamination in groundwater at remediated sites at Macquarie Island is unlikely to represent a risk to the adjacent marine communities tested. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:785–801. © 2020 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC)

KEY POINTS

A novel and transparent expert judgment response matrix was used to assess and interpret responses of native marine invertebrates in direct toxicity assessments to groundwater discharge from remediated fuel spill sites at sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island, Tasmania, Australia. Response to exposure was slow, with a minimum of 4 d required to elicit a response in any test species. Toxicity of test solutions to biota was not able to be attributed to discharge chemistry, including concentration of both polar and nonpolar hydrocarbons. Residual contamination in groundwater was deemed unlikely to cause risk to coastal marine communities, given the overall low toxicity of test solutions, the slow responses of test species, and the highly energetic receiving environment.
Tissue factor‐loaded collagen/alginate hydrogel beads as a hemostatic agent
Authors: Liu Chengkun , Shi Zhuang , Sun Haiyan , Zhao Lili , Wang Xiaoqiang , Huang Fang
Published: December 2020

Uncontrolled hemorrhage accounts for a significant proportion of annual mortality worldwide. The development of bioinspired hemostatic composites can effectively reduce hemorrhage and related deaths. This work aims to develop an efficient hemostatic agent by incorporating tissue factor (TF) integrated liposomes and collagen, which are capable of augmenting different inherent hemostatic mechanisms, into hemostasis‐stimulating alginate matrix. The composite of TF, collagen and alginate (TCA) was made into hydrogel beads with a diameter range of 2.5–3.5 mm, followed by electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, rheological, and swelling characterization to confirm its composition and hydrogel nature. When the TCA beads were introduced into simulated body fluid, a controlled release of the loaded TF‐liposomes was observed, which also accelerated with the increase of temperature, obtaining intact free proteoliposomes as demonstrated by fluorescence measurement. It is further seen that TCA beads induced the coagulation of whole rabbit blood in about 4.5 min, as compared to ~14.4 min for the control with only recalcified blood. The lipidated TF, collagen and alginate in TCA beads showed a positive synergistic effect on coagulation, while among them a decreasing procoagulant effect was observed. Finally, we demonstrated by a live/dead cell assay that TCA particles had undetectable cytotoxicity. Thus, the TCA hydrogel macrobeads may offer a potential platform for the development of potent hemostatic agents.
Diagnostic performances of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and lymphocyte to monocyte ratio in acute ischemic stroke caused by cervicocranial arterial dissection
Authors: Yang Yi , Sun Guangbi , Diao Shanshan , Yang Le , Dong Wanli
Published: December 2020

Background

Inflammation plays an important role in the initiation and progression of cervicocranial arterial dissection (CCAD). New inflammatory indices derived from full cell blood count may be associated with increased risk of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by CCAD. The goal of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic performances of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) in CCAD.

Method

We retrospectively analyzed 52 patients with AIS caused by CCAD from emergency room (group I), 51 patients with CCAD from emergency room or clinic(group II) and 52 controls (group III), age and sex matched. Data were collected on the admission including NLR and LMR.

Results

Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and LMR have significant differences among three groups, especially in group I vs both groups II and III (P < .001). There was a negative correlation between admission NLR and LMR. Low LMR level and high NLR level may be associated with severity of AIS caused by CCAD and significantly predict AIS in CCAD. The area under the curve of NLR and LMR were 0.77 and 0.71, respectively, on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The optimal cutoff values of NLR and LMR that best discriminated AIS were 2.35 (81% sensitivity and 63% specificity) and 3.67 (64% sensitivity and 77% specificity).

Conclusions

Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and LMR may contribute to the diagnostic evaluation and prompt immediate therapy in patients with CCAD.
Influence of etching mode and composite resin type on bond strength to dentin using universal adhesive system
Authors: Dačić Stefan , Miljković Milan , Mitić Aleksandar , Radenković Goran , Anđelković‐Apostolović Marija , Jovanović Milica
Published: December 2020

Adhesive bond strength at the composite/dentin interface is influenced by various factors, including the etching mode and composite resin type. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of the total‐etch and self‐etch mode on the microtensile bond strength (μTBS) of conventional and bulk‐fill composite to dentin, using the universal adhesive system. Sixty non‐carious human teeth were sectioned parallel to their longitudinal axis, using a low‐speed diamond saw to obtain a flat dentin surface. According to the etching technique and composite resin type used, teeth were randomly divided into four different groups (n = 15): TC (total‐etch/conventional composite), TB (total‐etch/bulk‐fill composite), SC (self‐etch/conventional composite), and SB (self‐etch/bulk‐fill composite). Cylindric composite build‐ups were made with 3M Filtek Z250 and 3M Filtek Bulkfill Posterior, using a plastic mold, 4 mm in diameter and 4 mm in height. The specimens were subjected to the μTBS test in a universal testing machine and failure force was recorded. Failure modes were determined using stereoscopic and scanning electron microscopy. Data were analyzed using the two‐way ANOVA and Student's t test. The μTBS was significantly affected by the etching technique. A significant statistical difference was determined between total‐etch and self‐etch groups, irrespective of the composite resin type used. Higher bond strength was obtained in total‐etch groups. The μTBS was not affected by the composite resin type. No significant statistical difference was determined between the conventional and bulk‐fill groups, irrespective of the etching‐mode.
Pseudo‐four‐component synthesis and in silico studies of 5‐(5‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐4‐yl)‐substituted 5H‐chromeno[2,3‐b]pyridines
Authors: Ryzhkov Fedor V. , Elinson Michail N. , Ryzhkova Yuliya E. , Vereshchagin Anatoly N. , Korolev Victor A. , Egorov Mikhail P.
Published: December 2020

Multicomponent reactions (MCRs) are important processes, in which more than three different reactants directly get converted into one new structure bearing most of the atoms of these reactants. It is a very powerful tool in drug discovery and combinational chemistry. A new pseudo‐four‐component synthetic approach to 5‐(5‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐4‐yl)‐substituted 5H‐chromeno[2,3‐b]pyridines with 68%–95% yields is reported. This MCR opens an efficient and convenient way to substituted 5H‐chromeno[2,3‐b]pyridines, which are promising compounds in medicinal chemistry and for the treatment of lung cancer through inhibition of aldo‐keto reductase 1B10. A new consensus approach of molecular docking and molecular dynamics was applied for the investigation of interaction of synthesized 5H‐chromeno[2,3‐b]pyridines and aldo‐keto reductase 1B10.
Could we predict the prognosis of the COVID‐19 disease?
Authors: Tahtasakal Ceren A. , Oncul Ahsen , Sevgi Dilek Yıldız , Celik Emine , Ocal Murat , Turkkan Hakkı M. , Bayraktar Banu , Oba Sibel , Dokmetas Ilyas
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID‐19) lead to one of the pandemics of the last century. We aimed to predict poor prognosis among severe patients to lead early intervention.

Methods

The data of 534 hospitalized patients were assessed retrospectively. Risk factors and laboratory tests that might enable the prediction of prognosis defined as being transferred to the intensive care unit and/or exitus have been investigated.

Results

At the admission, 398 of 534 patients (74.5%) were mild‐moderate ill. It was determined that the male gender, advanced age, and comorbidity were risk factors for severity. To estimate the severity of the disease, receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that the areas under the curve which were determined based on the optimal cut off values that were calculated for the variables of values of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR > 3.69), C‐reactive protein (CRP > 46 mg/L), troponin I ( > 5.3 ng/L), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH > 325 U/L), ferritin ( > 303 ug/L), d‐dimer ( > 574 μg/L), neutrophil NE ( > 4.99 × 109/L), lymphocyte (LE < 1.04 × 109/L), SO2 ( < %92) were 0.762, 0.757,0.742, 0.705, 0.698, 0.694,0.688, 0.678, and 0.66, respectively. To predict mortality, AUC of values for optimal cutoff troponin I ( > 7.4 ng/L), age ( > 62), SO2 ( < %89), urea ( > 40 mg/dL), procalcitonin ( > 0.21 ug/L), CKMB ( > 2.6 ng/L) were 0.715, 0.685, 0.644, 0.632, 0.627, and 0.617, respectively.

Conclusions

The clinical progress could be severe if the baseline values of NLR, CRP, troponin I, LDH, are above, and LE is below the specified cut‐off point. We found that the troponin I, elder age, and SO2 values could predict mortality.
COVID‐19 pathogenesis, prognostic factors, and treatment strategy: Urgent recommendations
Authors: Zhou Bin , Kojima Shinsuke , Kawamoto Atsuhiko , Fukushima Masanori
Published: December 2020

The pandemic of novel coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) is not yet close to being over, more than 8 months after the first cases, but researchers are making great progress in fighting the disease. We have conducted a brief review of the geographic differences in the prevalence of COVID‐19, the updated pathological findings, prognostic factors, and treatments for disease prevention and improvement of prognosis. Although hydroxychloroquine and tocilizumab have been recommended by some researchers, many clinical trials have failed to confirm any beneficial effect of these and other drugs on COVID‐19, in terms of improved clinical status or reduced patient mortality. Currently, glucocorticoid is the only drug that reduces the mortality of COVID‐19 in a randomized controlled trial; however, it is still necessary to establish the optimal timing of administration. It is also urgent to set up an international or national cohort to address the risk factors associated with infection, the natural history of COVID‐19, including the disease type, surrogate markers for critically ill, long‐term sequelae, and reinfection after exposure, identify responders to glucocorticoid, and establish optimal treatment strategies for disease control.
Cropping diversity with rice influences soil aggregate formation and nutrient storage under different tillage systems
Authors: Jahangir Mohammad M. R. , Jahiruddin Muhammad , Akter Hasina , Pervin Rahana , Islam Khandakar Rafiq
Published: December 2020

Background: The soils under continuous rice monocropping are currently facing a serious threat of accelerated soil and environmental quality degradation.

Aims: Examining the impact of tillage and cropping diversity on soil aggregate stability and associated nutrients in a sub‐tropical rice ecosystem.

Methods: A split‐plot experiment with tillage (minimum, MT vs. conventional, CT) as a main plot and cropping diversity [mustard (Brassica napus)–rice (Oryza sativa)–rice (M–R–R), wheat (Triticum aestivum)–rice–rice (W–R–R), and lentil (Lens esculenta)–rice–rice (L–R–R)] as a sub‐plot was repeated for four years. Soil aggregate properties were measured using wet sieving techniques. Soil organic carbon (SOC) and nutrients were measured in different aggregate size groups as well as in the bulk soil samples.

Results: Results show that all the aggregate size groups were similar in both MT and CT, except in 0.85–0.30 mm. Likewise, cropping diversities increased soil aggregation, being higher aggregate size of < 0.053 mm in M–R–R relative to the W–R–R and L–R–R, where the latter two were alike. By contrast, > 2 mm aggregates were higher in L–R–R than in M–R–R and W–R–R, where the latter two were similar. The MT increased aggregate mean weight diameter (MWD) by 14% in W–R–R, and by 29% in L–R–R. Soil organic carbon (SOC), total N (TN), and available P were higher in MT than in CT, while it was alike for exchangeable K and available S. While W–R–R had a higher aggregate‐associated SOC, available P, and available S, L–R–R had a higher TN, and M–R–R had a higher exchangeable K. While SOC, TN, and exchangeable K accumulated more in the > 0.85 mm size aggregates, the available P, in contrast, accumulated more in < 0.85 mm size aggregates.

Conclusion: Wheat–rice–rice diversity, coupled with minimum tillage, has a higher potential for soil fertility sustenance and crop productivity through better nutrient protection.
Efficient Resonance Management in Ultrahigh‐Q 1D Photonic Crystal Nanocavities Fabricated on 300 mm SOI CMOS Platform
Authors: Xie Weiqiang , Verheyen Peter , Pantouvaki Marianna , Van Campenhout Joris , Van Thourhout Dries
Published: December 2020

Photonic crystal (PhC) nanocavities have demonstrated unique capabilities in terms of light confinement and manipulation. As such, they are becoming attractive for developing novel resonance‐based photonic integrated circuits (PICs). Here two essential challenges arise however—how to realize ultrahigh quality factor (Q) PhC cavities using standard fabrication processes compatible with large volume fabrication, and how to efficiently integrate them with existing building blocks. In this work, ultrahigh‐Q one‐dimensional (1D) PhC nanocavities fabricated on a 300 mm silicon‐on‐insulator wafer are demonstrated by optical lithography, with a record Q factor of up to 0.84 million. Moreover, efficient mode management in those cavities is shown by coupling them with an access waveguide, realizing two critical components: notch filters and narrow‐band reflectors. In particular, they allow both single‐wavelength and multi‐wavelength operation, at the desired resonant wavelengths, over a broad wavelength range (>100 nm). Compared to traditional cavities, this offers a fantastic strategy for implementing resonances precisely in PIC designs with more freedom in terms of wavelength selectivity and the control of mode number. Given their compatibility with optical lithography and compact footprint, the realized 1D PhC nanocavities will be of profound significance for designing compact and novel resonance‐based photonic components on large scale.
Self‐Cleaning Titanium Dioxide Metasurfaces with UV Irradiation
Authors: Wu Yunkai , Wang Yujie , Yang Wenhong , Song Qinghai , Chen Qinmiao , Qu Geyang , Han Jiecai , Xiao Shumin
Published: December 2020

The delicate nature of optical components requires very special handling and storage procedures to maximize their performance and lifetime. In the optical field, a long‐standing challenge is the cleaning of unavoidable contaminants during the daily use, especially for the coated elements and the biomedical diagnostic devices. Herein, the authors tackle this problem and experimentally demonstrate TiO2 based self‐cleaning optical meta‐devices with the illuminating of UV light. By arranging TiO2 nanopillars into different patterns, high‐efficiency TiO2 meta‐devices have been realized for the visible spectrum, for example, color nano‐printings, metalenses, and meta‐holograms. The TiO2 meta‐devices become hydrophilic and photoactive under UV irradiation. Consequently, the contaminants, such as, stearic acid or fingerprints have been completely cleaned. Owing to the stability of TiO2, the self‐cleaning effect and the internal nanostructures of meta‐devices are well preserved for many rounds of contamination. This research shall bring new opportunities to TiO2 metasurfaces for extreme applications.
Study on comprehensive degradation stability of special and nonspecific motor oils
Authors: Wei Lei , Chen Song , Sun Xianming , Jin Yongliang , Jia Dan , Li Jian , Duan Haitao
Published: December 2020

In order to study the degradation characteristics of special and nonspecific motor oil, two experimental vehicles carried out eight road tests with four types of oils, which two types of oils were special oils for its engines recommended by OEM (original equipment manufacturer) and the other two types of nonspecific oil were bought from market. Total acid number, oxidation stability, oxidation, nitration and sulfation values of experimental oils were analysed. The interpolation method and Euclidean distance were used to evaluate the similarity of change curves of oil properties. The results show that the oxidation onset temperature had good similarity both in special oils and nonspecific oils. The sulfation value of nonspecific oils had highest change rate of Euclidean distance. The change rate of Euclidean distance of two special oils were less than 8.48%, which had more stability than that of the nonspecific oils. This work can serve as a reference for end users to select motor oils and oil developers to improve the oil stability.
The deactivation of acidic sites of NiMo/B2O3–Al2O3 catalysts during vegetable oil hydrodeoxygenation studied by EPR spectroscopy
Authors: Yurpalov Vyacheslav L. , Neponiashchii Aleksandr A. , Drozdov Vladimir A. , Antonicheva Nina V. , Buluchevskiy Evgeniy A. , Lavrenov Aleksandr V.
Published: December 2020

This paper presents the study results of NiMo/B2O3–Al2O3 (0–30% wt. of B2O3) catalysts for vegetable oil hydrodeoxygenation before and after catalytic tests by different electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) methodologies. For the initial catalysts, the concentration of Brønsted acidic sites (BAS) determined by probe EPR with perylene increases linearly with an increase in the modifier (B2O3) content in the samples. It was found that the isomerization activity of the catalysts increases with increasing the concentration of determined BAS. As for the spent catalysts, linear correlation of paramagnetic species concentration with the content of carbon deposits (determined by thermogravimetric analysis [TGA]/differential thermal analysis [DTA]) was found. The main reasons for the NiMo/B2O3–Al2O3 catalysts deactivation over the formation of carbon deposits related to the participation of acidic sites (both Lewis and Brønsted) in the polycondensation of hydrocarbons via radical species are also proposed.
Age and gender dependence of liver diffusion parameters and the possibility that intravoxel incoherent motion modeling of the perfusion component is constrained by the diffusion component
Authors: Huang Hua , Zheng Cun‐Jing , Wang Li‐Fei , Che‐Nordin Nazmi , Wáng Yì Xiáng J.
Published: December 2020

The aim of this study was to establish reference values for middle‐aged subjects and to investigate the age and gender dependence of liver diffusion MRI parameters. The IVIM type of liver diffusion scan was based on a single‐shot spin‐echo–type echo‐planar sequence using a 1.5 T magnet with 16 b‐values. Diffusion‐derived vessel density (DDVD)(b0b2) or DDVD(b0b10) was the signal difference between b = 0 and b = 2 (or b = 10) s/mm2 images after removing visible vessels. IVIM analysis was performed with full fitting and segmented fitting, and with a threshold b‐value of 60 or 200 s/mm2, and fitting started from b = 2 s/mm2. Thirty‐one men (age range: 25‐71 years) and 26 men (age: 22‐69 years) had DDVD and IVIM analysis, respectively, while 37 women (age: 20‐71 years) and 36 women (age: 20‐71 years) had DDVD and IVIM analysis, respectively. DDVD results showed a significant age‐related reduction for women. IVIM results for full fitting showed excellent agreement with those for segmented fitting using a threshold b of 60 s/mm2, but this was less good for results with a threshold b of 200 s/mm2. As age increased, female subjects' Dslow measure showed a significant reduction, while their PF and Dfast measures showed a significant increase. For the age group of 40‐55 years, DDVD(b0b2), DDVD(b0b10), Dslow, PF and Dfast were 12.26 ± 3.90 au/pixel, 16.95 ± 5.45 au/pixel, 1.072 ± 0.067 (10−3 mm2/s), 0.141 ± 0.025 and 61.0 ± 14.0 (10−3 mm2/s) for men, and 13.35 ± 3.6 au/pixel, 17.20 ± 3.62 au/pixel, 1.069 ± 0.074 (10−3 mm2/s), 0.119 ± 0.014 and 57.1 ± 13.2 (10−3 mm2/s) for women, respectively. DDVD measure of this study suggest that aging is associated with a reduction in liver perfusion. There is a possibility that a lower Dslow measure is associated with artificially higher PF and Dfast measures, and that IVIM modeling of the perfusion component is constrained by the diffusion component.
Association Between Low Zinc Levels and Severity of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome by New Coronavirus SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Gonçalves Thiago Jose Martins , Gonçalves Sandra Elisa Adami Batista , Guarnieri Andreia , Risegato Rodrigo Cristovão , Guimarães Maysa Penteado , de Freitas Daniella Cabral , Razuk‐Filho Alvaro , Junior Pedro Batista Benedito , Parrillo Eduardo Fagundes
Published: December 2020

Background

We verify the prevalence of low zinc levels among critically ill patients infected by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) in the intensive care unit (ICU) who required invasive mechanical ventilation, as well as its association with severity of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Methods

This is an observational study composed of patients admitted to the ICU. Demographics, anthropometric data for calculating body mass index (BMI), and laboratory data were obtained at admission: blood count, ferritin, arterial blood gas, serum zinc levels, and C‐reactive protein. Also, arterial oxygen tension (PaO2) divided by fractional inspired oxygen (FiO2) was calculated by the first arterial blood gas after intubation. A diagnosis of severe ARDS was determined if the PaO2/FiO2 ratio was ≤100 mm Hg. Low zinc levels were established if zinc levels were <70 μg/dL.

Results

A total of 269 patients met inclusion criteria; 51.3% were men; median age was 74 (66–81) years; 91.1% (245 of 269) were elderly. The median BMI was 30.1 (24.7–32.1) kg/m2, with 59.9% (161 of 269) of patients having overweight and obesity. The prevalence of low zinc levels was 79.6% (214 of 269) and severe ARDS was 56.5% (152 of 269). There was an association of low zinc levels and severe ARDS (odds ratio [OR], 14.4; 95% CI, 6.2–33.5; P < .001), even after adjusting for baseline variables (OR, 15.4; 95% CI, 6.5–36.3; P < .001).

Conclusion

Critically ill patients infected by SARS‐CoV‐2 with severe ARDS have a high prevalence of low serum zinc levels.
A level set model for stress‐dependent corrosion pit propagation
Authors: Dekker Richard , van der Meer Frans P. , Maljaars Johan , Sluys Lambertus J.
Published: December 2020

A numerical model for corrosion pit propagation under mechanical loading is presented. The level set method is used for corrosion front tracking and also enables the domain to be split into a solid and a pit domain. In the pit the diffusion of atoms originating from the dissolution process occurring at the pit front is simulated. The model is capable of automatically capturing lacy cover formation due to the inclusion of activation control, diffusion control, and passivation. In the solid static equilibrium is solved to obtain strains and stresses. A parameter, dependent on the signs of the plastic strain increment and the back stress, is introduced to define the influence of plasticity on the corrosion rate. The model is used to study pit growth under electrochemical and mechanical loading. Under activation control combined with an elastic material response, pits propagate faster under constant loading than under cyclic loading. When plastic deformation occurs, cyclic loading can significantly increase the pit growth rate. Increasing the cyclic load frequency results in faster propagation due to kinematic hardening. Under diffusion control, mechanical loading does not influence the pit growth rate, given that the salt layer leading to diffusion control remains intact.
Quality indicators in telephone nursing – An integrative review
Authors: Rysst Gustafsson Silje , Eriksson Irene
Published: December 2020

Aim

The aim of this study was to identify factors that indicate quality in telephone nursing.

Design

An integrative literature review.

Method

A literature search was performed in October 2018, in the PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Academic Search, PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science databases. A total of 30 included were included and data that corresponded to the study's aim were extracted and categorized along the three areas of quality as described by Donabedian (Milbank Quarterly, 83, 691), namely structure, process and outcome.

Results

The analysis revealed ten factors indicating quality in telephone nursing (TN): availability and simplicity of the service, sustainable working conditions, specialist education and TN experience, healthcare resources and organization, good communication, person‐centredness, competence, correct and safe care, efficiency and satisfaction. TN services need to target all ten factors to ensure that the care given is of high quality and able to meet today's requirements for the service.
Effects of cigarette smoking on SARS‐CoV‐2 receptor ACE2 expression in the respiratory epithelium†
Authors: Heijink Irene H , Hackett Tillie‐Louise , Pouwels Simon D
Published: December 2020

Due to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) pandemic, the world is currently facing high morbidity and mortality rates as well as severe disruption to normal societal and social structures. SARS‐CoV‐2 uses the ACE2 receptor for cellular entry. In a recent publication of The Journal of Pathology, Liu and coworkers highlight the effects of cigarette smoking on ACE2 expression in the respiratory epithelium. The authors studied the effects of acute cigarette smoke exposure in a murine model and confirmed their findings in human lung tissues and gene expression datasets. Their findings demonstrate that cigarette smoking increases ACE2 expression specifically at the apical surface of the airway epithelium. Smoking cessation resulted in lower ACE2 expression, with implications for attenuating the risk of transmission of the virus. The role of ACE2 expression in the development of COVID‐19 symptoms is still under investigation, with conflicting results from experimental models on the role of ACE2 expression in SARS‐CoV‐2‐induced lung injury. In this commentary, we highlight the implications and limitations of the study of Liu et al as well as future therapeutic strategies directed towards ACE2. © 2020 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.