bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trend in creatinine determining methods: Conventional methods to molecular‐based methods
Authors: Narimani Ramin , Esmaeili Mahdad , Rasta Seyed Hossein , Khosroshahi Hamid Tayebi , Mobed Ahmad
Published: October 2020

Renal failure (RF) disease is ranked as one of the most prevalent diseases with severe morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis of RF leads to subsequent control of disease to reduce the poor prognosis. The level of sera creatinine is considered as a significant biomarker for kidney biofunction, which is routinely detected by the Jaffe reaction. The normal range for creatinine in the blood may be 0.84‐1.21 mg/dL. Low accuracy, insufficient sensitivity, explosive and toxicity of picric acid, and pseudo‐interaction with nonspecific elements such as ammonium ions in the Jaffe method lead to the development of various techniques for precise detection of creatinine such as spectroscopic, electrochemical, and chromatography approaches and sensors based on enzymes, molecular imprinted polymer and nanoparticles, etc. Based on previously established results, they are trying to construct sensors with high accuracy, optimum sensitivity, acceptable linear/calibration range, and limit of detection, which are small in size and applicable by the patient him/herself (point‐of‐care testing). By comparing the results of research, a molecularly imprinted electrochemiluminescence‐based sensor with linear/calibration range of 5‐1 mMconcentration of creatinine and the detection limit of 0.5 nM has the best detectable resolution with 2 million measurable points. In this paper, we will review the recently developed methods for measuring creatinine concentration and renal biofunction.
Novel flame retardant paint based on Co(II) and Ni(II) metal complexes as new additives for surface coating applications
Authors: Younis A.A. , Faheim Abeer A. , Elsawy M.M. , El‐Wahab H. Abd
Published: October 2020

The study is focused on the synthesis of a new Co(II) and Ni(II) metal complexes, which is synthesized by the reaction of the isatin 4‐aminoantipyrine Schiff base ligand with selected divalent Co(II) and Ni(II) ions and their possible applications as flame retardant additives in paint formulations for surface coating application. The prepared metal complexes were characterized using a combination of Fourier transform infrared, elemental analysis, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, 13C‐NMR spectra, and mass spectroscopy. The prepared Schiff base ligand metal complexes were physically added to alkyd paint formulation to give coating formulations at a laboratory scale and then applied onto plywood and steel panels using a brush. The ignitability and oxygen index values obtained indicated that the paint which contained the prepared Co(II) and Ni(II) metal complexes as additives exhibited very good flame retardant. The physical and mechanical characteristics of the coatings were studied in order to estimate any disadvantages due to the incorporation of the additives. It was discovered that the added substances did not impact the hardness, flexibility, and adhesion of the prepared coating films. The gloss of the paint formulation film was improved due to the incorporation of the aromatic ring into the formulation and the level of the oil percent.
Synthesis and luminescence spectroscopy study of a novel orange‐red colour emissions phosphor based on Tb3+ ion‐doped Na2ZnP2O7
Authors: Belbal Rim , Gacem Lakhdar , Bentria Bachir , Ait Ahsaine Hassan , Soltani Mohamed Toufik , Saidat Boubakeur , Ghezal Elhadj Ahmed , Gueddim Ahmed , Guerbous Lakhdar
Published: October 2020

Here, we report the synthesis and study of new orange‐red (OR) colour‐emitting phosphors Na2ZnP2O7:xTb3+ (x = 1, 1.25, 1.5, and 1.75 mol%) using a conventional solid‐state reaction. The sample crystallographic structures and their room temperature photoluminescence properties were measured using X‐ray powder diffraction, excitation and emission spectra, as well as emission decay curves. X‐ray diffraction analysis showed an isostructural tetragonal structure for all the doped materials with no impurities. Several colour emissions corresponding to 5D4→7F6 (blue), 5D4→7F5 (green), 5D4→7F4 (orange) and 5D4→7F3,2,0 (red) intraconfigurational transitions were observed and investigated. These colours were dominated by the OR colours. 5D4 energy level lifetime was independent of Tb3+ concentration. Various radiative and luminescence parameters, such as experimental branching ratio, radiative decay rate, and luminescence quantum efficiencies, were calculated and discussed. Chromaticity diagram calculations illustrated an orange emission for all the studied materials.
Engineering Native and Synthetic Pathways in Pseudomonas putida for the Production of Tailored Polyhydroxyalkanoates
Authors: Mezzina Mariela P. , Manoli María Tsampika , Prieto M. Auxiliadora , Nikel Pablo I.
Published: October 2020

Growing environmental concern sparks renewed interest in the sustainable production of (bio)materials that can replace oil‐derived goods. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are isotactic polymers that play a critical role in the central metabolism of producer bacteria, as they act as dynamic reservoirs of carbon and reducing equivalents. PHAs continue to attract industrial attention as a starting point toward renewable, biodegradable, biocompatible, and versatile thermoplastic and elastomeric materials. Pseudomonas species have been known for long as efficient biopolymer producers, especially for medium‐chain‐length PHAs. The surge of synthetic biology and metabolic engineering approaches in recent years offers the possibility of exploiting the untapped potential of Pseudomonas cell factories for the production of tailored PHAs. In this article, an overview of the metabolic and regulatory circuits that rule PHA accumulation in Pseudomonas putida is provided, and approaches leading to the biosynthesis of novel polymers (e.g., PHAs including nonbiological chemical elements in their structures) are discussed. The potential of novel PHAs to disrupt existing and future market segments is closer to realization than ever before. The review is concluded by pinpointing challenges that currently hinder the wide adoption of bio‐based PHAs, and strategies toward programmable polymer biosynthesis from alternative substrates in engineered P. putida strains are proposed.
Association between GPx‐1 polymorphisms and personality traits in healthy Chinese‐Han subjects
Authors: Shao Xiaojun , Sun Dongxue , Zhang Bihui , Cheng Lingfei , Yan Ci , Zhu Gang
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Cloninger developed the three‐dimensional personality theory and Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire (TPQ), which shows that some dimensions of personality traits are heritable and related to neurotransmitters including dopamine. glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1) plays an important role in metabolic dopamine change and closely relates to neurological and psychiatric disorders. The impact of GPx‐1 polymorphisms has been rarely explored in the field of personality traits. We decide to explore the relationships between them in healthy Chinese‐Han subjects by using the polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP).

Methods

In our study, 493 healthy Chinese‐Han participants (male = 234, female = 259) were recruited. 2 ml of EDTA‐treated blood from each volunteer was taken; meanwhile, personality traits were assessed by TPQ. We detected the genotypes of selected two polymorphisms through PCR‐RFLP after extracting DNA. Finally, the association between different genotypes and TPQ scores was performed using SPSS, p < .05 is seen as significant statistical significance.

Results

Our data found a correlation between rs1800668 and novelty seeking (NS) subscale NS2 (X2 = 7.392, p = .025). While the results showed the rs1050450 was significantly associated with NS4 (X2 = 6.059, p = .048). Regarding sex stratification, there was a significant difference in the NS2 score (X2 = 8.232, p = .016) among women for rs1800668. No sex effect was observed for either genotype for rs1050450.

Conclusion

GPx‐1polymorphism is related to personality traits in healthy Chinese‐Han subjects. Our results suggested that GPx‐1 may be involved in the biological mechanisms and be a potential gene that influenced personality.
Sonodynamic therapy reduces iron retention of hemorrhagic plaque
Authors: Li Bicheng , Gong Jie , Sheng Siqi , Lu Minqiao , Guo Shuyuan , Yao Jianting , Zhang Haiyu , Zhao Xuezhu , Cao Zhengyu , Sun Xin , Wang Huan , Cao Yang , Jiang Yongxing , Tian Zhen , Liu Bin , Zhao Hua , Zhang Zhiguo , Jin Hong , Tian Ye
Published: October 2020

Intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) plays a major role in the aggressive progression of vulnerable plaque, leading to acute cardiovascular events. We previously demonstrated that sonodynamic therapy (SDT) inhibits atherosclerotic plaque progression. In this study, we investigated whether SDT could also be applied to treat more advanced hemorrhagic plaque and addressed the underlying mechanism. SDT decreased atherosclerotic burden, positively altered atherosclerotic lesion composition, and alleviated iron retention in rabbit hemorrhagic plaques. Furthermore, SDT reduced iron retention by stimulating ferroportin 1 (Fpn1) expression in apolipoprotein E (ApoE)−/− mouse plaques with high susceptibility to IPH. Subsequently, SDT inhibited iron‐overload‐induced foam‐cell formation and pro‐inflammatory cytokines secretion in vitro. Moreover, SDT reduced levels of the labile iron pool and ferritin expression via the reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2)‐FPN1 pathway. SDT exerted therapeutic effects on hemorrhagic plaques and reduced iron retention via the ROS‐Nrf2‐FPN1 pathway in macrophages, thereby suggesting that it is a potential translational strategy for patients with advanced atherosclerosis in clinical practice.
Effect of an alkyl spacer on the morphology and internalization of MUC1 aptamer‐naphthalimide amphiphiles for targeting and imaging triple negative breast cancer cells
Authors: Kuang Huihui , Schneiderman Zachary , Shabana Ahmed M. , Russo Gabriella C. , Guo Jun , Wirtz Denis , Kokkoli Efrosini
Published: October 2020

Despite decades of research, there are few targeted treatment options available for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), leaving chemotherapy, and radiation treatment regimes with poor response and high toxicity. Herein aptamer‐amphiphiles were synthesized which selectively bind to the mucin‐1 (MUC1) glycoprotein that is overexpressed in TNBC cells. These amphiphiles have a fluorescent tail (1,8‐naphthalimide or 4‐nitro‐1,8‐naphthalimide) which enables self‐assembly of the amphiphiles and allows for easy visualization without the requirement for further conjugation of a fluorophore. Interestingly, the length of the alkyl spacer (C4 or C12) between the aptamer and tail was shown to influence the morphology of the self‐assembled structure, and thus its ability to internalize into the TNBC cells. While both the MUC1 aptamer‐C4‐napthalimide spherical micelles and the MUC1 aptamer‐C12‐napthalimide long cylindrical micelles showed internalization into MDA‐MB‐468 TNBC cells but not the noncancerous MCF‐10A breast cells, the cylindrical micelles showed greatly enhanced internalization into the MDA‐MB‐468 cells. Similar patterns of enhanced binding and internalization were observed between the MUC1 aptamer‐C12‐napthalimide cylindrical micelles and SUM159 and MDA‐MB‐231 TNBC cells. The MUC1 aptamer cylindrical micelles were not toxic to the cells, and when used to deliver doxorubicin to the TNBC cells, were shown to be as cytotoxic as free doxorubicin. Moreover, a pharmacokinetic study in mice showed a prolonged systemic circulation time of the MUC1 aptamer cylindrical micelles. There was a 4.6‐fold increase in the elimination half‐life of the aptamer cylindrical micelles, and their clearance decreased 10‐fold compared to the MUC1 aptamer spherical micelles. Thus, the MUC1 aptamer‐C12‐napthalimide nanofibers represent a promising vehicle that could be used for easy visualization and targeted delivery of therapeutic loads to TNBC cells.
Repressor‐Like On‐Off Regulation of Protein Expression by the DNA‐Binding Transcription Activator‐Like Effector in T7 Promoter‐Based Cell‐Free Protein Synthesis
Authors: Sakono Masafumi , Hayakawa Ryoto
Published: October 2020

The aim of this study was to develop a transcription activator‐like effector (TALE)‐based technology to regulate protein synthesis in cell‐free systems. We attempted to regulate the T7 promoter system, which has no natural mechanism of expression control, and sought to arbitrarily induce protein expression through the formation and dissociation of TALE and target DNA complexes. Protein synthesis was performed in a cell‐free system in the presence of TALE, which recognized and bound to a sequence upstream of the T7 promoter, and protein expression was suppressed by approximately 80 % compared to in the absence of TALE. This suggests that masking part of the promoter region strongly suppresses protein synthesis. Additionally, competitive inhibition of TALE binding to the target DNA template led to protein synthesis levels that were equivalent to the levels in the absence of TALE. Our results demonstrate that DNA recognition by TALE can regulate the expression of the T7 promoter system.
Heterologous Expression of an Unusual Ketosynthase, SxtA, Leads to Production of Saxitoxin Intermediates in Escherichia coli
Authors: Soeriyadi Angela H. , Mazmouz Rabia , Pickford Russell , Al‐Sinawi Bakir , Kellmann Ralf , Pearson Leanne A. , Neilan Brett A.
Published: October 2020

Paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) are neurotoxic alkaloids produced by freshwater cyanobacteria and marine dinoflagellates. Due to their antagonism of voltage‐gated sodium channels in excitable cells, certain analogues are of significant pharmacological interest. The biosynthesis of the parent compound, saxitoxin, is initiated with the formation of 4‐amino‐3‐oxo‐guanidinoheptane (ethyl ketone) by an unusual polyketide synthase‐like enzyme, SxtA. We have heterologously expressed SxtA from Raphidiopsis raciborskii T3 in Escherichia coli and analysed its activity in vivo. Ethyl ketone and a truncated analogue, methyl ketone, were detected by HPLC‐ESI‐HRMS analysis, thus suggesting that SxtA has relaxed substrate specificity in vivo. The chemical structures of these products were further verified by tandem mass spectrometry and labelled‐precursor feeding with [guanidino‐15N2] arginine and [1,2‐13C2] acetate. These results indicate that the reactions catalysed by SxtA could give rise to multiple PST variants, including analogues of ecological and pharmacological significance.
Another nail in the coffin for the use of risk‐adjusted mortality after percutaneous coronary intervention as a quality indicator
Authors: Grines Cindy L. , Tummala Pradyumna
Published: October 2020

Key Points

Use of mortality is a poor indicator of quality for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Target vessel revascularization has similar limitations but may be superior to mortality as a quality indicator.

We propose increased use of intravascular imaging to improve PCI outcomes.
Use and outcomes of the PK Papyrus covered stent in France: SOS PK Papyrus Registry
Authors: Hernández‐Enríquez Marco , Belle Loic , Madiot Hende , Pansieri Michel , Souteyrand Geraud , de Poli Fabiel , Piot Christophe , Boueri Ziad , Gerbaud Edouard , Boiffard Emmanuel , Benamer Hakim , Lattuca Benoit , Commeau Philippe , Gervasoni Richard , Rangé Gregoire , Lhoest Nicolas , Marliere Stéphanie , Abdellaoui Mohamed , Delarche Nicolas , Zemour Gilles , Armengaud Jean , Carre Max , Levesque Sebastien , Boudou Nicolas
Published: October 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the rate of procedural success and long‐term outcomes of the PK Papyrus (PKP) covered stent (CS).

Background

CS are essential in the treatment of coronary artery perforation (CAP). They have also been used to treat coronary artery aneurysms. Limited evidence is available on clinical outcomes with the PKP.

Methods

This was a multicenter, observational, retrospective, and prospective study. Consecutive patients undergoing intentional PKP implantation in 22 centers in France were included. The primary endpoint was the rate of procedural success. Secondary endpoints included rates of death, myocardial infarction (MI), target lesion revascularization (TLR), in‐stent restenosis (ISR), and stent thrombosis (ST).

Results

Data from 130 patients were analyzed (mean age 72.5 ± 10.5 years; 71% men). The main indication for PKP was CAP, in 84 patients (65%). Delivery success was achieved in 95% and procedural success in 91%. During the in‐hospital stay, 15 patients died (12%) and 7 (5%) presented with ST. Data from 127 patients were available at 19.2 ± 12.8 month follow‐up. Thirty‐three patients died (26%), 15 (12%) had an MI and 21 (17%) presented with TLR. TLR was due to ISR in 12 patients (9%), 10 had definite ST (8%) and 1 patient for stent under‐expansion.

Conclusions

The principal indication for PKP was CAP. PKP had high rates of delivery and procedural success. At long‐term follow‐up, there was a high rate of TLR, mainly due to ISR and ST. These results are consistent with previously reported data in these clinical settings.
The predictive value of CHADS2 score for subclinical cerebral ischemia after carotid artery stenting (from the PREVENT‐CAS trial)
Authors: Çelik Ömer , Güner Ahmet , Kalçık Macit , Güler Arda , Demir Ali Rıza , Demir Yusuf , Uygur Begum , Şahin Ahmet Anıl , Topel Çağdaş , Ertürk Mehmet
Published: October 2020

Abstarct

Background

Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is being increasingly used as an alternative revascularization procedure to carotid endarterectomy; however, subclinical ischemic cerebral lesions after CAS remain as a matter of concern. Hence, we aimed to assess the clinical utility of the CHADS2 score in predicting subclinical ischemic events after CAS.

Methods

We prospectively evaluated 107 patients (mean age: 70.4 ± 6.6 years, male:77) who underwent CAS for carotid artery revascularization. The patients having symptomatic transient ischemic attack or stroke after CAS were excluded. The presence of new hyperintense lesion on diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) without any neurological findings was considered as silent ischemia. Patients were classified into two groups as DWI‐positive and DWI‐negative patients.

Results

Among study population, 28 patients (26.2%) had subclinical embolism. The DWI‐positive group had a significantly higher CHADS2 scores, older age, more frequent history of stroke, higher proportion of type III aortic arch, and longer fluoroscopy time than the DWI‐negative group. Increased CHADS2 score was identified as one of the independent predictors of silent embolism (OR = 5.584; 95%CI: 1.516–20.566; p = .010), and CHADS2 score higher than 2.5 predicted subclinical cerebral ischemia with a sensitivity of 72% and a specificity of 71% (AUC: 0.793; 95% CI: 0.696 – 0.890; p < .001).

Conclusions

CHADS2 score was able to predict the risk of periprocedural subclinical ischemic events in CAS and might be of clinical value in the management of patients with carotid artery stenosis.
Improving Electrochemical Cycling Stability of Ni‐rich LiNi0.91Co0.06Al0.03O2 Cathode Materials through H3BO3 and Y2O3 Composite Coating
Authors: Xu Ke , Kou Liang , Zhang Cheng , Zhang Chao , Sun Jing , Tian Zhanyuan , Zhang Jing , You Caiyin
Published: October 2020

The nickel‐rich LiNi0.91Co0.06Al0.03O2 cathode material has attracted wide attention due to its high energy density and appropriate thermal stability; however, its practical application has been greatly restricted by exorbitant residual LiOH/Li2CO3 and poor cycling performance. In this work, we have reduced the residual LiOH/Li2CO3 by washing the LiNi0.91Co0.06Al0.03O2 fabricated through a high‐temperature solid‐state method and improved the cycling performance with a composite coating process. The results show that the amount of residual LiOH/Li2CO3 in the washed materials is significantly decreased, which is very favorable for the processability of materials. LiNi0.91Co0.06Al0.03O2 with 0.1 wt% composite coating exhibits optimum properties: the discharge capacity reaches 217.4 mAh/g at 0.1 C, the cycling retention still remains at 93.7 % after 100 cycles at 1 C, and the cycling retention of the soft‐packing battery remains as high as 81.7 % after 800 cycles at 1 C. The excellent electrochemical performances are attributed to the synergistic effect of excellent fluidity of H3BO3 and outstanding stability of Y2O3, mitigating the interface reaction between electrolyte and cathode material.
Interventions for reducing violence against children in low‐ and middle‐income countries: An evidence and gap map
Authors: Pundir Prachi , Saran Ashrita , White Howard , Subrahmanian Ramya , Adona Jill
Published: October 2020

Background

More than half of the children in the world experience some form of interpersonal violence every year. As compared with high‐income countries, policy responses in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) are limited due to resource constraints and paucity of evidence for effective interventions to reduce violence against children in their own contexts, amongst other factors.

Objectives

The aim of this evidence and gap map (EGM) is to provide an overview of the existing evidence available and to identify gaps in the evidence base on the effectiveness of interventions to reduce violence against children in LMICs. This report covers evidence published in English; a follow‐up study is under preparation focusing on evidence in five additional languages—Arabic, Chinese, French, Portuguese and Spanish.

Methods

The intervention‐outcome framework for this EGM is based on INSPIRE—Seven Strategies for Ending Violence against Children, published by WHO and other partners in 2016. The seven strategies include implementation and enforcement of laws; norms and values, safe environment; parent–child and caregiver support; income and economic strengthening; response and support services; education and life skills. The search included both academic and grey literature available online. We included impact evaluations and systematic reviews that assessed the effectiveness of interventions to reduce interpersonal violence against children (0–18 years) in LMICs (World Bank, 2018b). Interventions targeting subpopulation of parents, teachers and caregivers of 0–18 years’ age group were also included. A critical appraisal of all included studies was carried out using standardised tools.

Results

The map includes 152 studies published in English of which 55 are systematic reviews and 97 are impact evaluations. Most studies in the map are from Sub‐Saharan Africa. Education and life skills are the most widely populated intervention area of the map followed by income and economic strengthening interventions. Very few studies measure impact on economic and social outcomes, and few conduct cost‐analysis.

Conclusion

More studies focusing on low‐income and fragile and conflict‐affected settings (FCS) and studying and reporting on cost‐analysis are required to address gaps in the evidence. Most interventions covered in the literature focused on addressing a wide range of forms of violence and harm, which limited understanding of how and for whom the interventions work in a given context, for specific forms of violence. More impact evaluation studies are required that assess specific forms of violence, gendered effects of interventions and on diverse social groups in a given context, utilising mixed methods.
Assessment of ventricular mechanical synchronization after left bundle branch pacing using 2‐D speckle tracking echocardiography
Authors: Sun Zhijun , Di Beibing , Gao Huikuan , Lan Dihui , Peng Hui
Published: October 2020

Background

The left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) makes the ventricular depolarization closer to the physiological state and shortens QRS duration. The purpose of this study is to explore the ventricular systolic mechanical synchronization after LBBP in comparison with traditional right ventricular pacing (RVP) using two‐dimensional strain echocardiography (2D‐STE).

Methods

Thirty‐two patients who received LBBP (n = 16) or RVP (n = 16) from October 2018 to October 2019 and met the inclusion criteria were included in this retrospective study. Electrocardiogram (ECG) characteristics, pacing parameters, pacing sites, and safety events were assessed before and after implantation. Acquisition and analysis of ventricular systolic synchronization were implemented using 2D‐STE.

Results

In RVP group, ECG showed left bundle branch block patterns. At LBBP, QRS morphology was in the form of right bundle branch block, and QRS durations were significantly shorter than that of the RVP QRS (109.38 ± 12.89 vs 149.38 \± 19.40 ms, P < .001). Both the maximum time differences (TD) and SDs of the 18‐segments systolic time to peak systolic strain were significantly shorter under LBBP than under RVP (TD, 66.62 ± 37.2 vs 148.62 ± 43.67 ms, P < .01; SD, 21.80 ± 12.13 vs 52.70 ± 17.72 ms, P < .01), indicating that LBBP could provide better left ventricular mechanical synchronization. Left and right ventricular pre‐ejection period difference was significantly longer in RVP group than in LBBP group (10.23 ± 3.07 vs 39.94 ± 14.81 ms, P < .05), indicating left and right ventricular contraction synchronization in LBBP group being better than in RVP group.

Conclusion

LBBP is able to provide a physiologic ventricular activation pattern, which results in ventricular mechanical contraction synchronization.
Structural change and degradation of cytoskeleton due to the acrolein conjugation with vimentin and actin during brain infarction
Authors: Uemura Takeshi , Suzuki Takehiro , Ko Kenta , Nakamura Mizuho , Dohmae Naoshi , Sakamoto Akihiko , Terui Yusuke , Toida Toshihiko , Kashiwagi Keiko , Igarashi Kazuei
Published: October 2020

We have found recently that dendritic spine extension is inhibited through acrolein conjugation with α‐ and β‐tubulin proteins during brain infarction. In this current study, we looked for other acrolein‐conjugated proteins in the 100,000g precipitate fraction, to clarify how cytoskeleton structure is modified by acrolein. Acrolein‐conjugated proteins were sought from acrolein‐treated mouse FM3A and Neuro2a cells and from tissues isolated from mouse brain infarction. It was found that vimentin was conjugated with acrolein, and the conjugated amino acid residue was Cys328, which is the only Cys residue in vimentin. It was also found that Cys207, 257, 285, and Lys118 in actin, another cytoskeleton protein, were conjugated with acrolein. The structure and localization of vimentin and actin filaments were changed greatly in infarct brain in photochemically induced thrombosis model mice and in acrolein‐treated Neuro2a cells. In addition, degradation of cytoskeleton proteins was accelerated in the order vimentin > tubulin > actin in mouse brain infarction. These findings indicate that a dysfunction of the cytoskeleton by acrolein is strongly involved in the tissue damage during brain infarction, together with the apoptosis caused by glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase and protein degradation by matrix metalloproteinase‐9.
Access denied: The relationship between patient insurance status and access to high‐volume hospitals
Authors: Nabi Junaid , Tully Karl H. , Cole Alexander P. , Marchese Maya , Cone Eugene B. , Melnitchouk Nelya , Kibel Adam S. , Trinh Quoc‐Dien
Published: October 2020

Background

Underinsured patients face significant barriers in accessing high‐quality care. Evidence of whether access to high‐volume surgical care is mediated by disparities in health insurance coverage remains wanting.

Methods

The authors used the National Cancer Data Base to identify all adult patients who had a confirmed diagnosis of breast, prostate, lung, or colorectal cancer during 2004 through 2016. The odds of receiving surgical care at a high‐volume hospital were estimated according to the type of insurance using multivariable logistic regression analyses for each malignancy. Then, the interactions between study period and insurance status were assessed.

Results

In total, 1,279,738 patients were included in the study. Of these, patients with breast cancer who were insured by Medicare (odds ratio [OR], 0.75; P < .001), Medicaid (OR, 0.55; P < .001), or uninsured (OR, 0.50; P < .001); patients with prostate cancer who were insured by Medicare (OR, 0.87; P = .003), Medicaid (OR, 0.58; P = .001), or uninsured (OR, 0.36; P < .001); and patients with lung cancer who were insured by Medicare (OR, 0.84; P = .020), Medicaid (OR, 0.74; P = .001), or uninsured (OR, 0.48; P < .001) were less likely to receive surgical care at high‐volume hospitals compared with patients who had private insurance. For patients with colorectal cancer, the effect of insurance differed by study period, and improved since 2011. For those on Medicaid, the odds of receiving care at a high‐volume hospital were 0.51 during 2004 through 2007 and 0.99 during 2014 through 2016 (P for interaction = .001); for uninsured patients, the odds were 0.45 during 2004 through 2007 and 1.19 during 2014 through 2016 (P for interaction < .001) compared with patients who had private insurance.

Conclusions

Uninsured, Medicare‐insured, and Medicaid‐insured patients are less likely to receive surgical care at high‐volume hospitals. For uninsured and Medicaid‐insured patients with colorectal cancer, the odds of receiving care at high‐volume hospitals have improved since implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010.
Morphological diversity of acoustic and electric communication systems of mochokid catfish
Authors: Kéver Loïc , Parmentier Eric , Bass Andrew H. , Chagnaud Boris P.
Published: October 2020

Mochokid catfish offer a distinct opportunity to study a communication system transitioning to a new signaling channel because some produce sounds and others electric discharges. Both signals are generated using an elastic spring system (ESS), which includes a protractor muscle innervated by motoneurons within the protractor nucleus that also has a motoneuron afferent population. Synodontis grandiops and S. nigriventris produce sounds and electric discharges, respectively, and their ESSs show several morphological and physiological differences. The extent to which these differences explain different signal types remains unclear. Here, we compare ESS morphologies and behavioral phenotypes among five mochokids. S. grandiops and S. nigriventris were compared with Synodontis eupterus that is known to produce both signal types, and representative members of two sister genera, Microsynodontis cf. batesii and Mochokiella paynei, for which no data were available. We provide support for the hypothesis that peripheral and central components of the ESS are conserved among mochokids. We also show that the two nonsynodontids are only sonic, consistent with sound production being an ancestral character for mochokids. Even though the three sound producing‐only species differ in some ESS characters, several are similar and likely associated with only sound production. We propose that the ability of S. eupterus to generate both electric discharges and sounds may depend on a protractor muscle intermediate in morphology between sound producing‐only and electric discharge‐only species, and two separate populations of protractor motoneurons. Our results further suggest that an electrogenic ESS in synodontids is an exaptation of a sound producing ESS.
Leader election and local identifiers for three‐dimensional programmable matter
Authors: Gastineau Nicolas , Abdou Wahabou , Mbarek Nader , Togni Olivier
Published: October 2020

In this article, we present two deterministic leader election algorithms for programmable matter on the face‐centered cubic grid. The face‐centered cubic grid is a three‐dimensional 12‐regular infinite grid that represents an optimal way to pack spheres (i.e., spherical particles or modules in the context of the programmable matter) in the three‐dimensional space. While the first leader election algorithm requires a strong hypothesis about the initial configuration of the particles and no hypothesis on the system configurations that the particles are forming, the second one requires fewer hypothesis about the initial configuration of the particles but does not work for all possible particles' arrangement. We also describe a way to compute and assign ℓ‐local identifiers to the particles in this grid with a memory space not dependent on the number of particles. A ℓ‐local identifier is a variable assigned to each particle in such a way that particles at distance at most ℓ each have a different identifier.
Heterogeneous Ternary Metal Oxide Nanocomposites for Improved Advanced Oxidation Process under Visible Light
Authors: Upadhyay Gaurav K. , Pathak Trilok K. , Purohit Lakshami P.
Published: October 2020

Here, heterogeneous ternary metal oxide CdO:TiO2:ZnO (coded as CTZ0, CTZ1, CTZ2, CTZ3, CTZ4) nanocomposites are synthesized by a sol–gel precipitation method for the advanced oxidation process (AOP) under visible light. The structure, texture, and surface morphology of heterogeneous nanocomposites are identified by X‐ray diffraction, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy, respectively, while the optical property is investigated by UV–vis spectrophotometry. Furthermore, mixed phases such as anatase and rutile TiO2, cubic CdO and hexagonal ZnO, as well as a mixture of morphology, viz., nanorod, nanoflakes, cluster, and aggregation of particles are observed concurrently for sample CTZ3. The reflectance of heterogeneous CdO:TiO2:ZnO nanocomposites is recorded in the visible wavelength range from 400 to 800 nm and optical bandgap is varied from 1.91 to 2.20 eV for samples CTZ1–CTZ4. The effect of weight load 5 g L−1 of heterogeneous nanocomposites is evaluated for degradation of organic dyes at neutral pH and obtains the highest efficiency for sample CTZ3 as 99.6% and 99.4% in methyl orange and methylene blue, respectively. Both biological oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand values are reduced followed by AOP increasing the number of pollutant molecules for absorption in the mixture.
Genetics of extra‐early‐maturing yellow and orange quality protein maize inbreds and derived hybrids under low soil nitrogen and Striga infestation
Authors: Abu P. , Badu‐Apraku B. , Ifie B. E. , Tongoona P. , Ribeiro P. F. , Obeng‐Bio E. , Offei S. K.
Published: October 2020

The development and commercialization of extra‐early quality protein maize (QPM)–provitamin A (PVA) hybrids that are tolerant of low soil N (LN) and Striga resistant are essential for addressing the food insecurity and undernourishment challenges currently faced by sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). This study was designed (a) to determine the genetic effects regulating grain yield (GY) and important secondary traits of extra‐early yellow and orange QPM–PVA inbred lines under LN, Striga‐infested, and high‐N (HN) conditions, (b) to investigate whether maternal genes influenced the inheritance of GY and other secondary traits, (c) to assess the GY and stability of the hybrids across the three management conditions, and (d) to examine the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) marker‐based genetic distances and GY. Twenty‐four inbred lines were used to produce ninety‐six single cross hybrids using the North Carolina Design II. The performance of the hybrids plus four checks was assessed across LN, Striga‐infested, and HN management conditions in Ghana and Nigeria in 2018. Additive genetic variances were preponderant over nonadditive genetic variances for GY and most secondary traits in each and across environments. TZEEQI 358 exhibited significant and positive male and female GCA effects for GY under LN, Striga infestation, HN, and across management conditions indicating that favorable alleles for GY could be donated by TZEEQI 358. Maternal effects regulated the inheritance of plant height under the Striga‐infested conditions. Genetic distances were associated with GY under LN, Striga infestation, and HN conditions. TZEEIORQ 58 × TZEEQI 397 demonstrated high GY and stability of performance; therefore, it should be further tested under multiple environments for commercialization.
Corporate social reporting—Shareholder perception and its determinants
Authors: Talha Mohammad , Christopher Samuel Benjamin , Jaganathan Karthikeyani
Published: October 2020

Corporate Social Report brings out how ethically the surplus fund is utilized for the betterment of the society. Perception on the importance of this report may not be homogenous among shareholders. A study has been taken up to examine the perception of shareholders on corporate social reporting, under Indian context. Using a structured questionnaire, data have been collected from 300 shareholders, adopting convenience sampling method. Friedman's Rank Test, used to examine the importance attached to items disclosed in Corporate Social Reports, shows that shareholders give greater importance to employee health and safety‐related information. They are equally concerned about details on product quality control. Therefore, companies, while drafting the reports, should focus more on these elements. Determinants of shareholder perception, examined through regression analysis, shows that perception is highly influenced by the importance shareholders attach to Corporate Social Report.
Functionalization of Carbon Nanotubes with Nickel Cyclam for the Electrochemical Reduction of CO2
Authors: Pugliese Silvia , Huan Ngoc Tran , Forte Jérémy , Grammatico Domenico , Zanna Sandrine , Su Bao‐Lian , Li Yun , Fontecave Marc
Published: October 2020

The exploitation of molecular catalysts for CO2 electrolysis requires their immobilization on the cathode of the electrolyzer. As an illustration of this approach, a Ni‐cyclam complex with a cyclam derivative functionalized with a pyrene moiety is synthesized, found to be a selective catalyst for CO2 electroreduction to CO, and immobilized on a carbon nanotube‐coated gas diffusion electrode by using a noncovalent binding strategy. The as‐prepared electrode is efficient, selective, and robust for electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CO. Very high turnover numbers (ca. 61460) and turnover frequencies (ca. 4.27 s−1) are enabled by the novel electrode material in organic solvent‐water mixtures saturated with CO2. This material provides an interesting platform for further improvement.
Low‐glucose‐sensitive TRPC6 dysfunction drives hypoglycemia‐induced cognitive impairment in diabetes
Authors: He Chengkang , Gao Peng , Cui Yuanting , Li Qiang , Li Yingsha , Lu Zongshi , Ma Huan , Zhao Yu , Li Li , Sun Fang , Chen Xiaowei , Jia Hongbo , Liu Daoyan , Yang Gangyi , Zheng Hongting , Zhu Zhiming
Published: October 2020

Background

Recurrent moderate hypoglycemia (RH), a major adverse effect of hypoglycemic therapy in diabetic patients, is one of the main risk factors for cognitive impairment and dementia. Transient receptor potential canonical channel 6 (TRPC6) is a potential therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and its expression is highly regulated by glucose concentration.

Objective

To investigate whether RH regulates the expression of TRPC6 in brain and whether TRPC6 dysfunction can drive hypoglycemia‐associated cognitive impairment in diabetes, and reveal the underlying mechanism.

Methods

Histological staining, in vivo two‐photon Ca2+ imaging, and behavioral tests were used to measure neuronal death, brain network activity, and cognitive function in mice, respectively. High‐resolution respirometry and transmission electron microscope were used to assess mitochondrial structure and function. Intracellular calcium measurement and molecular biology techniques were conducted to uncover the underlying mechanism.

Results

Here, we report that the expression of TRPC6 in hippocampus was specifically repressed by RH in streptozocin‐induced type 1 diabetic mice, but not in nondiabetic mice. TRPC6 knockout directly leads to neuron loss, neuronal activity, and cognitive function impairment under diabetic condition, the degree of which is similar to that of RH. Activation of TRPC6 with hyperforin substantially improved RH‐induced cognitive impairment. Mechanistically, TRPC6 inhibited mitochondrial fission in the hippocampus of diabetic mice undergoing RH episodes by activating adenosine 5‘‐monophosphate‐activated protein kinase, and TRPC6‐mediated cytosolic calcium influx was required for this process. Clinically, dysfunction of TRPC6 was closely associated with cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetic patients with RH.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that TRPC6 is a critical sensitive cation channel to hypoglycemia and is a promising target to prevent RH‐induced cognitive impairment by properly orchestrating the mitochondrial dynamics in diabetic patients.
Detection of STRN‐ALK fusion in thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytopathology facilitates papillary thyroid cancer diagnosis
Authors: Jurkiewicz Magdalena , Cimic Adela , Murty Vundavalli V. , Kuo Jennifer H. , Hsiao Susan , Fazlollahi Ladan , Fernandes Helen
Published: October 2020

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy. Approximately 70% of cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma and 50% of poorly differentiated and anaplastic thyroid carcinoma harbor well‐characterized driver mutations and chromosomal rearrangements that drive tumorigenesis. Molecular profiling has been helpful in identifying and informing follow‐up strategies in tumors with more aggressive trajectories. Here, we report a case of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) discovered in a patient with thyroid nodules with relatively benign ultrasound and fine needle aspiration (FNA) findings. Molecular testing in this patient identified a rare STRN‐ALK fusion in two thyroid nodules with indeterminate and/or benign cytology. This led to the patient undergoing a thyroid lobectomy and a subsequent confirmation of papillary thyroid carcinoma upon resection. The report highlights the role of comprehensive molecular testing in thyroid lesions of indeterminate cytology.
Species integrity, introgression, and genetic variation across a coral reef fish hybrid zone
Authors: Gainsford Ashton , Jones Geoffrey P. , Hobbs Jean‐Paul A. , Heindler Franz Maximilian , van Herwerden Lynne
Published: October 2020

Hybridization and introgression are evolutionarily significant phenomena breaking down species boundaries. “Hybrid zones” (regions of species overlap and hybridization) enable quantification of hybridization frequency and examination of mechanisms driving and maintaining gene flow. The hybrid anemonefishAmphiprion leucokranosis found where parent species (A. chrysopterus; A. sandaracinos) distributions overlap. Here, we examine geographic variation in hybridization and introgression, and potential impacts on parent species integrity through assessing relative abundance, social group composition, and genetic structure (mtDNA cytochromeb, 21 microsatellite loci) of taxa at three hybrid zone locations: Kimbe Bay (KB) and Kavieng (KA), Papua New Guinea; the Solomon Islands (SO). Relative abundances of and size disparities between parent species apparently drive hybridization frequency, introgression patterns, and genetic composition of taxa. Conspecific groups are most common in KB (65%) where parent species are similarly abundant. Conversely, mixed species groups dominate SO (82%), whereA. chrysopterusis more abundant. Hybrids most commonly cohabit withA. sandaracinosin KB (17%), but withA. chrysopterusin KA (22%) and SO (50%). Genetic differentiation (nDNA) analyses indicate that parent species remain distinct, despite ongoing hybridization and hybrids are genetically similar toA. sandaracinos—resulting from persistent backcrossing with this smallest species. This study shows that hybridization outcomes may depend on the social and ecological context in which taxa hybridize, where relative abundance and disparate size of parent species explain the frequency and patterns of hybridization and introgression in theA. leucokranoshybrid zone, reflecting size‐based dominance behaviors of anemonefish social groups.
Aggressive mimicry in a coral reef fish: The prey's view
Authors: Pierotti Michele E. R. , Wandycz Anna , Wandycz Pawel , Rebelein Anja , Corredor Vitor H. , Tashiro Juliana H. , Castillo Armando , Wcislo William T. , McMillan W. Owen , Loew Ellis R.
Published: October 2020

Since all forms of mimicry are based on perceptual deception, the sensory ecology of the intended receiver is of paramount importance to test the necessary precondition for mimicry to occur, that is, model‐mimic misidentification, and to gain insight in the origin and evolutionary trajectory of the signals. Here we test the potential for aggressive mimicry by a group of coral reef fishes, the color polymorphic Hypoplectrus hamlets, from the point of view of their most common prey, small epibenthic gobies and mysid shrimp. We build visual models based on the visual pigments and spatial resolution of the prey, the underwater light spectrum and color reflectances of putative models and their hamlet mimics. Our results are consistent with one mimic‐model relationship between the butter hamlet H. unicolor and its model the butterflyfish Chaetodon capistratus but do not support a second proposed mimic‐model pair between the black hamlet H. nigricans and the dusky damselfish Stegastes adustus. We discuss our results in the context of color morphs divergence in the Hypoplectrus species radiation and suggest that aggressive mimicry in H. unicolor might have originated in the context of protective (Batesian) mimicry by the hamlet from its fish predators rather than aggressive mimicry driven by its prey.
Geographic patterns of Lucanus (Coleoptera: Lucanidae) species diversity and environmental determinants in China
Authors: Chen Dan , Cao Li‐Jun , Zhao Jin‐Ling , Wan Xia , Wei Shu‐Jun
Published: October 2020

Clarifying the geographic patterns of species diversity and the determinant factors can provide essential information for species conservation and management. Stag beetles (Coleoptera: Lucanidae) of Lucanus are important saproxylic insects and can be used for biomonitoring forests. Most of Lucanus species are facing conservation concerns due to their limited distribution and fragmented habitats, particularly in China, which has the richest species diversity of this genus. The distribution patterns of species diversity of Lucanus at large spatial scales remain portly understood. We studied the distribution patterns of Lucanus and its environmental and geographic determinants in China. Distribution data for 72 species and subspecies were examined. All these species are distributed in southern China except for Lucanus maculifemoratus dybowskyi, which is mainly distributed in north China. The hotspot for Lucanus in China is southeastern Tibet. Our study indicated that the species richness of Lucanus in China was shaped by the precipitation of the wettest and driest month, net primary productivity, digital elevation model, and latitude at a large scale. These variables collectively explained 56.2% of the variation in species richness; precipitation contributed the most (44.1%). Our results provide valuable insights to improve the conservation of Lucanus and can contribute to furthering our understanding of the biogeography of stag beetles in China.