bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Renal adverse effects following the use of different immune checkpoint inhibitor regimens: A real‐world pharmacoepidemiology study of post‐marketing surveillance data
Authors: Chen Gang , Qin Yan , Fan Qian‐qian , Zhao Bin , Mei Dan , Li Xue‐mei
Published: July 2020

Backgrounds

Although kidney impairments have been reported following immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in clinical studies, there are few pharmacoepidemiology studies to compare the occurrences, clinical features, and prognosis of renal adverse effects.

Methods

Disproportionality and Bayesian analysis were used in data mining to screen the suspected renal adverse effects after the administration of different ICIs, based on FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) from January 2004 to September 2019. The time to onset, fatality and hospitalization rates of renal adverse effects were also investigated.

Results

We identified 1444 reports of renal adverse effects. Affected patients tended to be older than 65 years (52.7%). Renal effects were most commonly reported in nivolumab monotherapy (33.24%). Atezolizumab appeared the strongest association among six ICI monotherapies, based on the highest reporting odds ratio (ROR = 144.38, two‐sided 95% CI = 123.08 −169.37), proportional reporting ratio (PRR = 139.13, χ2 = 21 425.38), and empirical Bayes geometric mean (EBGM = 131.75, one‐sided 95% CI = 115.28). The combination treatments showed higher RORs, PRRs, and EBGMs, compared with either nivolumab or pembrolizumab monotherapy. The median onset time of renal adverse effects was 48 (interquartile range [IQR] 18.75‐121.25) days after the monotherapies of ICI regimens. Patients treated with the combination of nivolumab plus ipilimumab were younger than receivers in nivolumab monotherapy (63.81 ± 12.03 vs 66.39 ± 11.53, P = .004); The fatality rate of renal adverse effects appeared lower in the combination group, compared to nivolumab monotherapy (18.53% vs 27.50%, P = .004). The top hospitalization rates due to renal effects occurred in patients with combination therapies.

Conclusion

Based on the FAERS database, we profiled renal adverse effects after various ICIs with real‐world data in occurrences, clinical characteristics, and prognosis. Renal effects should be tightly monitored, especially within the first several months after ICIs administration. Particular concern should be paid for patients with a tendency for kidney impairments, such as old age.
Bingel–Hirsch Addition of Diethyl Bromomalonate to Ion‐Encapsulated Fullerenes M@C60 (M=Ø, Li+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, and Cl−)
Authors: Besalú‐Sala Pau , Luis Josep M. , Solà Miquel
Published: July 2020

In the last 30 years, fullerene‐based materials have become popular building blocks for devices with a broad range of applications. Among fullerene derivatives, endohedral metallofullerenes (EMFs, M@Cx) have been widely studied owing to their unique properties and reactivity. For real applications, fullerenes and EMFs must be exohedrally functionalized. It has been shown that encapsulated metal cations facilitate the Diels–Alder reaction in fullerenes. Herein, the Bingel–Hirsch (BH) addition of ethyl bromomalonate over a series of ion‐encapsulated M@C60 (M=Ø, Li+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, and Cl−; Ø@C60 stands for C60 without any endohedral metal) is quantum mechanically explored to analyze the effect of these ions on the BH addition. The results show that the incarcerated ion has a very important effect on the kinetics and thermodynamics of this reaction. Among the systems studied, K+@C60 is the one that leads to the fastest BH reaction, whereas the slowest reaction is given by Cl−@C60.
Regression modelling with the tilted beta distribution: A Bayesian approach
Authors: Hahn Eugene D.
Published: July 2020

Beta regression models are commonly used in the case of a dependent variable y that exists on the range (0,1). However, when y can additionally take on the values of zero and/or one, limitations of the beta distribution and beta regression models become apparent. One recent approach is to use an inflated beta regression model which has discrete point‐valued components. In this article, we introduce a new class of regression models for y ∈ [0,1] that is fully continuous. This allows the entirety of y to be treated as a continuum instead of discontinuously, which appears to be a new development for the literature. We use a Bayesian approach for estimation. We also illustrate the impact of different choices of prior distributions on empirical findings and perform a simulation study examining model fit.
Charge‐Transfer Kinetics of the Solid–Electrolyte Interphase on Li4Ti5O12 Thin‐Film Electrodes
Authors: Nasara Ralph N. , Ma Wen , Kondo Yasuyuki , Miyazaki Kohei , Miyahara Yuto , Fukutsuka Tomokazu , Lin Che‐an , Lin Shih‐kang , Abe Takeshi
Published: July 2020

Invited for this month′s cover are the groups of Shih‐kang Lin at the National Cheng Kung University and Takeshi Abe at Kyoto University. The image shows how interfacial chemistry design can play a role in unlocking higher‐energy‐density and fast‐charging Li4Ti5O12‐based lithium‐ion batteries for electric vehicle applications. The Full Paper itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.202001086.
Synthesis, characterization, and anti‐cancer activity of new chalcone derivatives containing naphthalene and fluorine moieties
Authors: Lim Yeong Hui , Oo Chuan Wei , Koh Rhun Yian , Voon Gah Leong , Yew Mei Yeng , Yam Mun Fei , Loh Yean Chun
Published: July 2020

In recent years, chalcones and their derivatives have become the focus of global scientists due to increasing evidence reported towards their potency in antitumor and anti‐cancer. Here, the chalcones designed and synthesized in our present study were derived from the derivatives of naphthaldehyde and acetophenone. Both these precursors have been reported in demonstrating a certain degree of anticancer property. Also, the substituents on these precursors such as hydroxyl, methoxy, prenyl, and chloro were shown able to enhance the anticancer efficiency. Hence, it is the interest of the current study to investigate the anticancer potential of the hybrid molecules (chalcones) consisting of these precursors with different alkoxy substituents and with or without the fluorine moiety. Two series of chalcone derivatives were designed, synthesized, and characterized using the elemental analysis, IR, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, subsequently evaluated for their anti‐cancer activity. Interestingly, the results showed that the fluorinated chalcones 11–15 exhibited stronger cytotoxic activity towards the breast cancer cell lines (4T1) compared to non‐fluorinated chalcone derivatives. Remarkably, the selectivity index obtained for these fluorinated chalcones derivatives against the breast cancer 4T1 cell line was higher than those exhibited by cisplatin, which is one of the most frequently deployed chemotherapy agents in current medical practice. These findings could provide an insight towards the potential of fluorinated chalcones being developed as an anti‐cancer agent with moderate activity towards breast cancer cell and low inhibition of fibroblast cell at a concentration of 100 μM.
Early impact of COVID‐19 on individuals with self‐reported eating disorders: A survey of ~1,000 individuals in the United States and the Netherlands
Authors: Termorshuizen Jet D. , Watson Hunna J. , Thornton Laura M. , Borg Stina , Flatt Rachael E. , MacDermod Casey M. , Harper Lauren E. , van Furth Eric F. , Peat Christine M. , Bulik Cynthia M.
Published: July 2020

Objective

We evaluated the early impact of COVID‐19 on people with self‐reported eating disorders.

Method

Participants in the United States (US, N = 511) and the Netherlands (NL, N = 510), recruited through ongoing studies and social media, completed an online survey that included both quantitative measures and free‐text responses assessing the impact of COVID‐19 on situational circumstances, eating disorder symptoms, eating disorder treatment, and general well‐being.

Results

Results revealed strong and wide‐ranging effects on eating disorder concerns and illness behaviors that were consistent with eating disorder type. Participants with anorexia nervosa (US 62% of sample; NL 69%) reported increased restriction and fears about being able to find foods consistent with their meal plan. Individuals with bulimia nervosa and binge‐eating disorder (US 30% of sample; NL 15%) reported increases in their binge‐eating episodes and urges to binge. Respondents noted marked increases in anxiety since 2019 and reported greater concerns about the impact of COVID‐19 on their mental health than physical health. Although many participants acknowledged and appreciated the transition to telehealth, limitations of this treatment modality for this population were raised. Individuals with past histories of eating disorders noted concerns about relapse related to COVID‐19 circumstances. Encouragingly, respondents also noted positive effects including greater connection with family, more time for self‐care, and motivation to recover.

Discussions

COVID‐19 is associated with increased anxiety and poses specific disorder‐related challenges for individuals with eating disorders that require attention by healthcare professionals and carers.
Association between host wing morphology polymorphism and Wolbachia infection in Vollenhovia emeryi (Hymenoptera: Myrmicinae)
Authors: Noh Pureum , Oh Seung‐Yoon , Park Soyeon , Kwon Taesung , Kim Yonghwan , Choe Jae Chun , Jeong Gilsang
Published: July 2020

Many eusocial insects, including ants, show complex colony structures, distributions, and reproductive strategies. In the ant Vollenhovia emeryi Wheeler (Hymenoptera: Myrmicinae), queens and males are produced clonally, while sterile workers arise sexually, unlike other ant species and Hymenopteran insects in general. Furthermore, there is a wing length polymorphism in the queen caste. Despite its evolutionary remarkable traits, little is known about the population structure of this ant species, which may provide insight into its unique reproductive mode and polymorphic traits. We performed in‐depth analyses of ant populations from Korea, Japan, and North America using three mitochondrial genes (COI, COII, and Cytb). The long‐winged (L) morph is predominant in Korean populations, and the short‐winged (S) morph is very rare. Interestingly, all L morphs were infected with Wolbachia, while all Korean S morphs lacked Wolbachia, demonstrating a association between a symbiont and a phenotypic trait. A phylogenetic analysis revealed that the S morph is derived from the L morph. We propose that the S morph is associated with potential resistance to Wolbachia infection and that Wolbachia infection does not influence clonal reproduction (as is the case in other ant species).
High environmental stress and productivity increase functional diversity along a deep‐sea hydrothermal vent gradient
Authors: Alfaro‐Lucas J. M. , Pradillon F. , Zeppilli D. , Michel L. N. , Martinez‐Arbizu P. , Tanaka H. , Foviaux M. , Sarrazin J.
Published: July 2020

Productivity and environmental stress are major drivers of multiple biodiversity facets and faunal community structure. Little is known on their interacting effects on early community assembly processes in the deep sea (>200 m), the largest environment on Earth. However, at hydrothermal vents productivity correlates, at least partially, with environmental stress. Here, we studied the colonization of rock substrata deployed along a deep‐sea hydrothermal vent gradient at four sites with and without direct influence of vent fluids at 1,700‐m depth in the Lucky Strike vent field (Mid‐Atlantic Ridge [MAR]). We examined in detail the composition of faunal communities (>20 μm) established after 2 yr and evaluated species and functional patterns. We expected the stressful hydrothermal activity to (1) limit functional diversity and (2) filter for traits clustering functionally similar species. However, our observations did not support our hypotheses. On the contrary, our results show that hydrothermal activity enhanced functional diversity. Moreover, despite high species diversity, environmental conditions at surrounding sites appear to filter for specific traits, thereby reducing functional richness. In fact, diversity in ecological functions may relax the effect of competition, allowing several species to coexist in high densities in the reduced space of the highly productive vent habitats under direct fluid emissions. We suggest that the high productivity at fluid‐influenced sites supports higher functional diversity and traits that are more energetically expensive. The presence of exclusive species and functional entities led to a high turnover between surrounding sites. As a result, some of these sites contributed more than expected to the total species and functional β diversities. The observed faunal overlap and energy links (exported productivity) suggest that rather than operating as separate entities, habitats with and without influence of hydrothermal fluids may be considered as interconnected entities. Low functional richness and environmental filtering suggest that surrounding areas, with their very heterogeneous species and functional assemblages, may be especially vulnerable to environmental changes related to natural and anthropogenic impacts, including deep‐sea mining.
Sacubitril/valsartan vs. angiotensin receptor inhibition in heart failure: a real‐world study in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Po‐Cheng , Wang Chun‐Li , Hsiao Fu‐Chih , Wen Ming‐Shien , Huang Chien‐Ying , Chou Chung‐Chuan , Chu Pao‐Hsien
Published: July 2020

Aims

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of angiotensin receptor–neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) therapy with angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) therapy for cardiovascular outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction.

Methods and results

Data were obtained from the Chang Gung Research Database. The cohort entry date of the ARB group was assigned as that of the ARNI group to avoid immortal time bias. Additionally, 1:1 propensity score matching based on age, sex, and baseline left ventricular ejection fraction was conducted. The expectation–maximization imputation method with inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to compare outcomes between the two groups. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for worsening HF. Patients who received ARNI therapy had a significantly lower risk of the primary composite outcome occurring than patients who received ARBs (hazard ratio, 0.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.57–0.96). The reduction of hospitalization for worsening HF contributed most to the primary outcome benefits. In addition to the primary outcome, the ARNI group had a significantly lower risk of non‐fatal myocardial infarction. The improvement of ejection fraction was not significantly different between the groups. The medication doses of ARNI were lower than in clinical trials.

Conclusions

In patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction, sacubitril/valsartan was superior to ARB therapy in reducing the occurrence of the primary outcome endpoint of hospitalization for worsening HF and cardiovascular death.
Some Thoughts on the Mechanism of Ester Interchange Reactions Involving Acylglycerols
Authors: Dijkstra Albert J.
Published: July 2020

Ester interchange reactions involving acylglycerides are industrially important because the interesterification process provides trans‐isomer free hardstocks and the transesterification process produces biodiesel. This Commentary proposes to extend the enolate mechanism that has been suggested for the interesterification process to the transesterification process. It also highlights the gaps in people's knowledge and discusses the implication of these gaps.

Practical Applications: Insight into the mechanism of the interesterification reaction provides means to eliminate the yield loss suffered by the current industrial processes. Use of an alkali metal glycerolate will avoid the formation of fatty acid methyl esters and their subsequent loss. Using the same catalyst during the transesterification will reduce the variable cost of this process since this catalyst can be easily produced on site from by‐product glycerol.
Front Cover Image, Volume 2, Number 7, July 2020
Authors: Acheampong Francisca Adoma , Wenyu Chen , Nunoo‐Mensah Henry
Published: July 2020

The cover image is based on the Review Article Text based emotion detection: Advances, challenges, and opportunities by Francisca Adoma Acheampong et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/eng2.12189.

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Advances in materials for all‐climate sodium‐ion batteries
Authors: Zhu Xiaobo , Wang Lianzhou
Published: July 2020

Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) have attracted much interest for medium‐ to large‐scale energy storage applications owing to the high abundance and low cost of sodium reserves. However, a principal concern for the wide deployment of stationary SIBs is their temperature tolerance. Extreme temperatures can deteriorate the performance and safety of SIBs by causing very sluggish Na‐transfer kinetics, dendrites formation, and severe interfacial reactions. The development of all‐climate SIBs depends on the fundamental understanding of the chemical reactions at different temperatures and advances of all the key components, especially the electrolyte and the electrode materials. Herein, we start from briefing the key challenges in developing all‐climate SIBs, then examining the latest achievements in confronting the challenges. The insights presented in this review are believed to guide and inspire further research interest in designing all‐climate SIBs that will hopefully serve as a low‐cost, high‐performing, and reliable stationary energy storage solution.

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Fabrication of polyacrylonitrile hybrid nanofiber scaffold containing activated carbon by electrospinning process as nanofilter media for SO2, CO2, and CH4 adsorption
Authors: Tajer Mahdiyeh , Anbia Mansoor , Salehi Samira
Published: July 2020

Distribution of particulate matter (PM), toxic, and greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are responsible for air pollution, human health issues, and enhanced global warming. Traditional polymeric nanofibers only can remove PMs from air flue. The objective of this study was to investigate the adsorption capacity and selectivity of hybrid nanofibrous filter media based on polyacrylonitrile (PAN) with different percentages of activated carbon particles such as gas adsorbent for removal of sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4) from gaseous streams The adsorption isotherms of SO2, CO2, and CH4 on the hybrid samples were measured at 298, 323, and 348 K and with a pressure range of 0–21 bar by means of the volumetric adsorption method. Uniform PAN nanofiber filter (PANNF) with an average diameter of 273 nm was achieved via the electrospinning process after the optimization of different parameters. Waste tea‐derived activated carbons (ACs) by using phosphoric acid as the activation agent was synthesized through two different methods, chemical activation to obtain the micro size of AC (MAC), and microwave radiation energy to obtain nano size of AC (NAC). Hybrid nanofibers were functionalized with dispersing homogenous solutions containing AC particles by the electrospray process. The effect of high and low loading of NAC and MAC on the PANNF surface was studied to increase our understanding about gas adsorption properties of prepare samples. The samples were characterized by Image analysis (ImageJ), Statistical package for social science (SPSS), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), Energy‐Dispersive x‐ray (EDX), and Nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms.
Enhancing the energetic potential of Mediterranean food waste by anaerobic co‐digestion with sewage sludge
Authors: Hamrouni Yosra M. B. , Cheikh Ridha B.
Published: July 2020

Mediterranean Food Waste (FW) with high Carbon/Nitrogen (C/N) ratio (≈31) and a biodegradability (BD) above 75%, were anaerobically co‐digested with Sewage Sludge (SS), in both batch and semicontinuous processing systems. Biochemical Methane Potential (BMP) tests were carried out for five mixture ratios (VS basis). The highest methane yield was obtained for the Food Waste to Sewage Sludge (FW/SS) ratio of 3:1, reaching a Specific Methane Production (SMP) of of 452 ml CH4/g VSadded. Moreover, this ratio has shown a BD of 40%, twofold lower than the one obtained for digestion of FW alone. Applying the semi‐continuous process, a methane yield of 200 ml CH4/g VS was obtained at the high Organic Loading Rate (OLR) of 8 g VS/L·day, indicating a good performance of the system facing a high daily feeding. A predictive study of the energy efficiency of this system provided an estimated daily production of 1.4 kilowatt‐hour electricity load (KWhel)/kg VSadded and 2.2 kilowatt‐hour thermal load (KWhth)/kg VSadded.
Joint resource block and power allocation in heterogeneous cellular networks with different backhaul capacity limitations
Authors: Zheng Handan , Li Li
Published: July 2020

In heterogeneous cellular networks (HCNs), the growing demand of small cell data traffic puts great pressure on the capacity limited backhaul links. Resource allocation is an efficient approach to mitigate the severe interference and improve the network performance in HCNs. However, differentiated backhaul capacity constraints introduce the inherent nonconvexity to the resource optimization problem, which hinders the development of the optimal solutions. In this article, we investigate the joint resource block (RB) and power allocation problem under two different backhaul capacity limitations. First, we consider the small cell backhaul limitation scenario where the backhaul capacity constraint is imposed on each small cell. Then, we extend the resource optimization to the macrocell base station backhaul limitation scenario which considers the overall backhaul capacity constraint on the whole small cell network. Besides, the quality of service (QoS) requirements of users and the cross‐tier interference mitigation are also considered. This resource allocation problem is formulated as a nonconvex mixed‐integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problem. By variable substitution and constraints relaxation, we convert the original optimization problem into a convex one and obtain the optimal solutions. Accordingly, joint RB and power allocation algorithms are proposed. Numerical results verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms and evaluate the impact of different types of backhaul capacity limitations on system performance.
MLLT10 rearranged acute leukemia: Incidence, prognosis, and possible therapeutic strategies
Authors: Forgione Michelle O. , McClure Barbara J. , Yeung David T. , Eadie Laura N. , White Deborah L.
Published: July 2020

Rearrangements of the MLLT10 gene occur in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), most commonly T‐lineage ALL (T‐ALL), in patients of all ages. MLLT10 rearranged (MLLT10r) acute leukemia presents a complex diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due to frequent presentation of immature or mixed phenotype, and a lack of consensus regarding optimal therapy. Cases of MLLT10r AML or T‐ALL bearing immature phenotype are at high risk of poor outcome, but the underlying molecular mechanisms and sensitivity to targeted therapies remain poorly characterized. This review addresses the incidence and prognostic significance of MLLT10r in acute leukemia, and how the aberrant gene expression profile of this disease can inform potential targeted therapeutic strategies. Understanding the underlying genomics of MLLT10r acute leukemia, both clinically and molecularly, will improve prognostic stratification and accelerate the development of targeted therapeutic strategies, to improve patient outcomes.
The Selective Peroxisome Proliferator‐Activated Receptor Gamma Modulator CHS‐131 Improves Liver Histopathology and Metabolism in a Mouse Model of Obesity and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Perakakis Nikolaos , Joshi Aditya , Peradze Natia , Stefanakis Konstantinos , Li Georgia , Feigh Michael , Veidal Sanne Skovgard , Rosen Glenn , Fleming Michael , Mantzoros Christos S.
Published: July 2020

CHS‐131 is a selective peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma modulator with antidiabetic effects and less fluid retention and weight gain compared to thiazolidinediones in phase II clinical trials. We investigated the effects of CHS‐131 on metabolic parameters and liver histopathology in a diet‐induced obese (DIO) and biopsy‐confirmed mouse model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Male C57BL/6JRj mice were fed the amylin liver NASH diet (40% fat with trans‐fat, 20% fructose, and 2% cholesterol). After 36 weeks, only animals with biopsy‐confirmed steatosis and fibrosis were included and stratified into treatment groups (n = 12‐13) to receive for the next 12 weeks (1) low‐dose CHS‐131 (10 mg/kg), (2) high‐dose CHS‐131 (30 mg/kg), or (3) vehicle. Metabolic parameters, liver pathology, metabolomics/lipidomics, markers of liver function and liver, and subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue gene expression profiles were assessed. CHS‐131 did not affect body weight, fat mass, lean mass, water mass, or food intake in DIO‐NASH mice with fibrosis. CHS‐131 improved fasting insulin levels and insulin sensitivity as assessed by the intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test. CHS‐131 improved total plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase and increased plasma adiponectin levels. CHS‐131 (high dose) improved liver histology and markers of hepatic fibrosis. DIO‐NASH mice treated with CHS‐131 demonstrated a hepatic shift to diacylglycerols and triacylglycerols with a lower number of carbons, increased expression of genes stimulating fatty acid oxidation and browning, and decreased expression of genes promoting fatty acid synthesis, triglyceride synthesis, and inflammation in adipose tissue. Conclusion: CHS‐131 improves liver histology in a DIO and biopsy‐confirmed mouse model of NASH by altering the hepatic lipidome, reducing insulin resistance, and improving lipid metabolism and inflammation in adipose tissue.
Analysis of unsteady flow of blood conveying iron oxide nanoparticles on melting surface due to free convection using Casson model
Authors: Baby Ammani Kuttan , Manjunatha Sarpabhushana , Jayanthi S. , Gireesha Bijjanal Jayappa , Archana M.
Published: July 2020

Iron oxide nanoparticles have great importance in future biomedical applications because of their intrinsic properties, such as low toxicity, colloidal stability, and surface engineering capability. So, blood containing iron oxide nanoparticles are used in biomedical sciences as contrast agents following intravenous administration. The current problem deals with an analysis of the melting heat transfer of blood consisting iron nanoparticles in the existence of free convection. The principal equations of the problem are extremely nonlinear partial differential equations which transmute into a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations by applying proper similarity transformations. The acquired similarity equalities are then solved numerically by Runge‐Kutta Felhsberg 45th‐order method. The results acquired are on the same level with past available results. Some noteworthy findings of the study are: the rate of heat transfer increases as the Casson parameter increases and also found that the temperature of the blood can be controlled by increasing or decreasing the Prandtl number. Hence, we conclude that flow and heat transfer of blood have significant clinical importance during the stages where the blood flow needs to be checked (surgery) and the heat transfer rate must be controlled (therapy).
Modelling demand and supply of Islamic banking deposits
Authors: Arshed Noman , Kalim Rukhsana
Published: July 2020

The purpose of the study is to assess the market of Islamic banking deposits. As banking intermediation ensures efficient allocation of excess capital, but stable availability of deposit resource helps banks to manage long‐term capital structure portfolio. Unlike conventional banks, Islamic banks also have to meet the Shari'ah requirements. This study works under the domain of Islamic economics and intends to explore the demand and supply model of deposits of Islamic banks using data from financial statements, World Development Indicators and Thomson Reuters. The results using panel feasible generalized least squares model with two‐way fixed effect showed that deposits are supply‐elastic and demand‐elastic with respect to returns to deposits. While other factors like inflation, money market rate and knowledge significantly affect supply of deposit and banking profitability and Islamic financial development significantly affect demand for deposits. This study concludes that the global Islamic banking deposit market is stable and converging hence, banks must ensure their relationship with price while devising a strategy to attract deposits.
miR‐20a‐5p promotes pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration by targeting ABCA1
Authors: Zhou Yun , Fang Xuan‐liang , Zhang Yun , Feng Yan‐ni , Wang Shan‐shan
Published: July 2020

Background

The function of miR‐20a‐5p in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) and the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown.

Methods

C57BL/6J mice and PASMCs were used for constructing pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) animal and cell models, respectively. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was employed to detect miR‐20a‐5p and ATP‐binding cassette subfamily A member 1 (ABCA1) messenger RNA expression. CCK‐8, Transwell, and TUNEL experiments were used to determine PASMCs proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. The relationship between miR‐20a‐5p and ABCA1 was detected by luciferase reporter experiment, Western blot analysis, and qRT‐PCR.

Results

miR‐20a‐5p was remarkably elevated in PASMCs of PAH mice and human PASMCs treated by hypoxia, while ABCA1 was remarkably decreased. After transfection of miR‐20a‐5p mimics, PASMCs proliferation and migration were promoted and PASMCs apoptosis was suppressed. ABCA1 was confirmed to be a target of miR‐20a‐5p and restoration of ABCA1 reversed the function of miR‐20a‐5p.

Conclusion

miR‐20a‐5p enhances the proliferation and migration of PASMCs to promote the development of PAH via targeting ABCA1.
Highly dispersible Fe3O4‐Ag@OPO(OH)2 nanocomposites as a novel eco‐friendly magnetic retrievable catalyst for the reduction of p‐nitrophenol
Authors: Hojjati Mahsa , Soleimani Esmaiel
Published: July 2020

In this study, Fe3O4‐Ag@OPO(OH)2 nanocomposites (NCs) were synthesized using Camellia sinensis leaf extract. This herbal extract was utilized to reduce silver(I) ions to silver nanoparticles (NPs) on the surface of magnetite. The solution color changes from bright to dark, along with the new absorption band at λmax 410 nm confirms the deposition of nanosilver on the magnetite surface. The X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis was used to characterize the diffraction patterns of silver and magnetite phases and to calculate the average size of the crystallites being 21 nm. The fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectra of green prepared of Fe3O4‐Ag@OPO(OH)2 NCs illustrated the functional group peaks of flavonoids and other phenolic compounds. The energy dispersive X‐ray (EDS) spectra of Fe3O4‐Ag@OPO(OH)2 NCs proved the presence of localized elements, which are incorporated into prepared NCs containing Ag, Fe, O, and P. The vibrating‐sample magnetometer (VSM) analysis indicated that the magnetic nature of Fe3O4‐Ag@OPO(OH)2 NCs is less than Fe3O4 NPs, which is attributed to nonmagnetic nature of Ag NPs and covering the magnetite surface by layers of silver and phosphate. The eco‐friendly synthesized Fe3O4‐Ag@OPO(OH)2 NCs exhibited high catalytic activity toward reducing p‐nitrophenol.
Downregulation of miR‐1225‐5p is pivotal for proliferation, invasion, and migration of HCC cells through NFκB regulation
Authors: Liu Lin , Zhang Weiguo , Hu Yujing , Ma Liangliang , Xu Xiangsu
Published: July 2020

Background

As one of the most frequently seen malignancies, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) serves as the second largest contributor to malignancy‐specific mortality worldwide. MicroRNA‐1225‐5p (miR‐1225) exerts an essential impact on the growth and metastasis of many malignancies. However, the contribution of miR‐125 to HCC and the molecular mechanism of cancer cell viability and apoptosis are still unclear. We focused our research on exploring the function and molecular mechanism of miR‐1225 in regulating HCC cell growth, migration, and invasion.

Material

Quantitative PCR data showed that miR‐1225 expression was repressed in HCC cell lines and in the tissues of HCC patients, compared to that in normal human hepatic cells and tissues. Transfection of a miR‐1225 mimic inhibited cell viability and proliferation as indicated by CCK‐8 staining and MTT assay. Transwell invasion, wound healing assay, and Western blotting were performed to assess whether miR‐1225 repressed the metastasis and invasion of HCC cells, and decreased matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) expression. Further bioinformatic prediction and dual‐luciferase reporter assay suggested that miR‐1225 targeted the 3′‐UTR of NFκB p65.

Results

Overexpression of p65 protein counteracted the repressive impact of miR‐1225 on invasion, migration, and proliferation of HCC cells.

Conclusion

This research provided new evidences that miR‐1225 inhibits the viability, migration, and invasion of HCC cells by downregulation of p65.
Can mentor organizations impact mentor outcomes? Assessing organizational norms on mentor intent to stay and willingness to “go the extra mile”
Authors: Ellison Rachael L. , Cory Molly , Horwath Jordan , Barnett Alexandra , Huppert Elizabeth
Published: July 2020

The current study explores how organizational norms within mentoring organizations predict mentor outcomes over and above individual mentor characteristics. Specifically, this study examines whether mean levels (as an indicator of organizational norms) of mentors' perceptions of their relationship quality with mentees' families predict mentor satisfaction, mentor intent to stay and mentor extra‐role prosocial behavior over and above individual mentor perception of their relationship quality with mentees' families. Multilevel modeling was used to assess 204 mentors nested within 37 mentoring organizations. The current study found that mentor organization averages of perceived relationship quality with mentees' families positively predicted mentor extra‐role prosocial behavior over and above the individual mentor perceptions of relationship quality with mentees' families. Additionally, organizational averages negatively predicted mentor intent to stay, while individual mentor perceptions positively predicted mentor intent to stay. Results have implications for mentoring organizations to create organizational norms that reduce burnout, increase continuity of mentor relationships, and help mentors go above and beyond on behalf of their mentees and mentoring organization.
Parent–child relationships in Latinx families: The role of immigrant concentration, residential stability, and generational status
Authors: Riina Elizabeth M. , Lippert Adam M.
Published: July 2020

Prior research links neighborhood immigrant concentration and residential stability to individual health outcomes. It remains unclear how neighborhood social organization extend to family functioning among immigrant families. Expanding the scope of research on neighborhoods and family relationships, this study draws on data from 1417 Latinx families (Myouth age = 10.19 years, SDyouth age = 3.34) to: (1) examine associations between neighborhood immigrant concentration, residential stability, and parent–child warmth and conflict in Latinx families, and (2) test whether associations vary by family generational status. Multilevel mod3els revealed that associations between immigrant concentration and parent–child relationships were contingent on residential stability, and that the association differed according to generational status. In general, stable neighborhoods with larger immigrant populations were associated with more warmth and less conflict for first‐ and second‐generation families relative to foreign‐born families. Discussion centers on the conditional role of neighborhood structural characteristics for family relationships among Latinx families and advances directions for future research on neighborhoods and families.
Helicobacter pylori promote inflammation and host defense through the cagA‐dependent activation of mTORC1
Authors: Feng Guang‐Jing , Chen Yi , Li Ke
Published: July 2020

Mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) functions as regulating different cellular processes, including cell growth, proliferation, motility, survival, metabolism, autophagy, and protein transcription. Recently, it also found to be associated with many infections and inflammatory diseases, playing complex roles in pathogens growth and inflammation regulation. However, the regulation mechanism of mTORC1 in gastric epithelial cells and its role in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and related gastritis remain unclear. Here, we identified that the phosphorylation of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) and the expression of DEP domain‐containing mTOR‐interacting protein (DEPTOR) was increased in gastric mucosa of H. pylori‐infected patients and mice, as well as in H. pylori‐infected gastric epithelial cells, which were largely depended on H. pylori cagA. The expression of DEPTOR was regulated via mTORC1, but, in turn, inhibited mTORC1. Knockdown mTOR significantly decreased expression and secretion of cytokines tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β, and interleukin‐6, chemokines CCL7 and CXCL16, and antimicrobial peptide LL37 in vitro, while knockdown DEPTOR had the opposite effect. Similar observations were made using mTOR knockout (KO) mice in vivo, moreover. The gastric inflammation was attenuated, while the bacterial burden was increased in mTOR KO mice during H. pylori infection. These findings supported H. pylori promote gastritis and inhibit bacterial colonization through the cagA‐dependent activation of mTORC1.
Surface runoff and nutrient dynamics in cover crop–soybean systems in the Upper Midwest
Authors: Weyers Sharon L. , Gesch Russ W. , Forcella Frank , Eberle Carrie A. , Thom Matthew D. , Matthees Heather L. , Ott Matthew , Feyereisen Gary W. , Strock Jeffrey S.
Published: July 2020

Relay‐cropping of the novel oilseeds winter camelina (Camelina sativa L.) and pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.) with short‐season crops such as soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] can provide economic and environmental incentives for adopting winter cover crop practices in the U.S. Upper Midwest. However, their ability to reduce nutrient loss in surface runoff is unknown. Accordingly, surface runoff and quality were evaluated during three seasonal phases (cover, intercrop, and soybean) over 2 yr in four cover crop–soybean treatments (pennycress, winter camelina, forage radish [Raphanus sativus L.], and winter rye [Secale cereale L.]) compared with no‐till and chisel‐till fallow treatments. Runoff was collected with Gerlach troughs and assessed for concentrations and loads of NO3−–N, total mineral N, soluble reactive P (SRP), and total suspended solids (TSS). Cumulative runoff and nutrient loads were greater during the winter cover phase because of increased snow melt and freeze–thaw released nutrients from living vegetation. In contrast, cumulative TSS was greater during intercrop and soybean phases due to high‐intensity rainfall events with an open soybean canopy. Average TSS loads during the intercrop phase were reduced by 75% in pennycress compared with fallow and radish treatments. During the soybean phase, average TSS, total mineral N, and SRP loads were generally elevated in cover crop treatments compared with no‐till. Overwintering cover crops may contribute to mobility of nutrients solubilized from living or decomposing vegetation; however, this was balanced by their potential to reduce runoff and TSS during high‐intensity spring rains.
More than just a common cold: Endemic coronaviruses OC43, HKU1, NL63, and 229E associated with severe acute respiratory infection and fatality cases among healthy adults
Authors: Veiga Ana B. Gorini da , Martins Letícia G. , Riediger Irina , Mazetto Alix , Debur Maria do Carmo , Gregianini Tatiana S.
Published: July 2020

Respiratory viral infection can cause severe disease and hospitalization, especially among children, the elderly, and patients with comorbidities. In Brazil, the official surveillance system of severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) investigates influenza A (IAV) and B (IBV) viruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus (HAdV), and parainfluenza viruses (hPIV 1–3). In Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil, many fatalities associated with SARI between 2013 and 2017 occurred among patients without underlying diseases and for whom the causative agent had not been identified using official protocols. This cross‐sectional study analyzed the presence of coronaviruses (HCoV), bocavirus (HBoV), metapneumovirus (hMPV), and rhinovirus in patients who died of SARI despite not having comorbidities, and that were negative for IAV, IBV, RSV, HAdV, and hPIV. Nasopharyngeal aspirates/swabs from patients were used for nucleic acid extraction. The presence of HCoVs OC43, HKU1, NL63, and 229E; HBoV; hMPV; and rhinovirus was assessed by quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. Clinical data were also analyzed. Between 2013 and 2017, 16 225 cases of SARI were reported in RS; 9.8% of the patients died; 20% of all fatal cases were patients without comorbidities and for whom no pathogen was detected using standard protocols. Analysis of 271 of these cases identified HCoV in nine cases; HBoV, hMPV, and rhinovirus were detected in 3, 3, and 10 cases, respectively. Of note, patients infected with HCoV were adults. Results reinforce the importance of including coronaviruses in diagnostic panels used by official surveillance systems because besides their pandemic potential, endemic HCoVs are associated to severe disease in healthy adults.
High prevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 and influenza A virus (H1N1) coinfection in dead patients in Northeastern Iran
Authors: Hashemi Seyed A. , Safamanesh Saghar , Ghasemzadeh‐moghaddam Hamed , Ghafouri Majid , Azimian Amir
Published: July 2020

In the last months of 2019, an outbreak of fatal respiratory disease started in Wuhan, China, and quickly spread to other parts of the world. It was named COVID‐19, and to date, thousands of cases of infection and death are reported worldwide. This disease is associated with a wide range of symptoms, which makes accurate diagnosis of it difficult. During previous severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) pandemic in 2003, researchers found that the patients with fever, cough, or sore throat had a 5% influenza virus‐positive rate. This finding made us think that the wide range of symptoms and also relatively high prevalence of death in our patients may be due to the coinfection with other viruses. Thus, we evaluated the coinfection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) with other respiratory viruses in dead patients in North Khorasan. We evaluated the presence of influenza A/B virus, human metapneumovirus, bocavirus, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and parainfluenza viruses in 105 SARS‐CoV‐2 positive dead patients, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcription PCR tests. We found coinfection with influenza virus in 22.3%, RSV, and bocavirus in 9.7%, parainfluenza viruses in 3.9%, human metapneumovirus in 2.9%, and finally adenovirus in 1.9% of SARS‐CoV‐2 positive dead cases. Our findings highlight a high prevalence of coinfection with influenza A virus and the monopoly of coinfection with Human metapneumovirus in children.
THE SLINGSHOT METHOD: BECOMING A LEADER WHO MATTERS IN TIMES OF ADVERSITY
Authors: Bhandari Rahul
Published: July 2020

This article explains the Slingshot Method, a way to make sense of, and then intentionally design and create lives of significance. I drew deeply from my own career as a corporate executive, entrepreneur and investor including as founding team member of Accenture Ventures, a $1 Billion corporate ventures fund at Accenture; and as President, CEO and Chairman of a data analytics company, where I led large change management engagement including for the U.S Department of Defense. I also led global Mergers and Acquisitions for Thomson Reuters, and the development of emerging technologies at Oracle and Intelsat.

First part of the article describes the journey from surviving to thriving, with four contexts of Survival, Security, Success and Significance. The second part describes Pulling Back, Propelling Forward: Using the Slingshot Method to Identify Life Goals. This arc from survival to security and success, and eventually significance, isn't some rare phenomena reserved for the privileged few. In fact, evolutionary psychologists believe this ultimate development from the primary concern for survival (a selfish activity) to significance (an altruistic activity) is built into our genes. The article draws on research from psychologists including Abraham Maslow, Login George, Crystal Park, and Dacher Keltner, as well as business professor Alexander Horniman.
Effect of Sample Duration on Catch Rate and Size Structure Data for Blue Catfish Collected by Low-Frequency Electrofishing
Authors: Shoup Daniel E. , Bodine Kristopher A.
Published: July 2020

Although low-frequency, pulsed-DC electrofishing is considered the most effective method for sampling Blue Catfish Ictalurus furcatus in reservoirs, efforts to improve sampling efficiency have not been fully explored. Optimizing sampling duration can reduce cost and effort if shorter sample times still produce precision similar to that of longer samples. We compared several catch rate and size structure metrics from the first and second 5-min intervals of 10-min low-frequency electrofishing samples for Blue Catfish in three Oklahoma reservoirs (N = 40 sites total). The total Blue Catfish CPUE (CPUETotal), CPUE of preferred-length fish (>760 mm; CPUE760), mean TL, proportional size distribution (PSD), and PSD of preferred-length fish did not significantly differ between sampling intervals. One reservoir had a higher proportion of 200–299-mm fish in the second 5-min interval; however, no other differences in length frequency or other size metrics were detected between the first and second 5-min intervals in any reservoir. Sampling precision met the target level (relative standard error = 20) for CPUETotal but not CPUE760 during both the first 5 min and the full 10-min sample at all reservoirs. Monte Carlo simulation indicated that 10 samples would be needed to achieve the target precision (relative standard error ≤ 20) for CPUETotal and 38–65 samples would be needed for precise CPUE760 metrics regardless of sample duration. In fisheries with moderate catch rates like those we observed (150–500 fish/h), we recommend short-duration (i.e., 5-min) sampling because data of the same quality can be collected with reduced cost and effort. For situations in which sampling precision is low (e.g., CPUE760), we recommend increasing the number of replicate 5-min samples. Using shorter sample durations provides a method for managers to obtain quality population data more efficiently, allowing time for other worthwhile management activities that would otherwise not be possible.