bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bleeding gastrointestinal stromal tumor mimicking ectopic variceal bleeding and treated successfully with endoscopic sclerotherapy
Authors: Huang Yen‐Pin , Shih Kai‐Lun , Yang Chia‐Wei , Chen Yang‐Yuan , Yen Hsu‐Heng
Published: October 2020

Most cases of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) manifest with chronic gastrointestinal bleeding. On occasion, the bleeding is acute and life‐threatening. We describe an uncommon case in which an exophytic gastric GIST with active bleeding mimicked ectopic variceal bleeding. It was treated successfully with endoscopic sclerotherapy.
Parenting a child with Marfan syndrome: Distress and everyday problems
Authors: Warnink‐Kavelaars Jessica , van Oers Hedy A. , Haverman Lotte , Buizer Annemieke I. , Alsem Mattijs W. , Engelbert Raoul H. H. , Menke Leonie A.
Published: October 2020

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a multisystemic, autosomal dominant connective tissue disorder that occurs de novo in 25%. In many families, parent and child(ren) are affected, which may increase distress in parents. To assess distress, 42 mothers (29% MFS) and 25 fathers (60% MFS) of 43 affected children, completed the validated screening‐questionnaire Distress thermometer for parents of a chronically ill child, including questions on overall distress (score 0–10; ≥4 denoting “clinical distress”) and everyday problems (score 0–36). Data were compared to 1,134 control‐group‐parents of healthy children. Mothers reported significantly less overall distress (2, 1–4 vs. 3, 1–6; p = .049; r = −.07) and total everyday problems (3, 0–6 vs. 4, 1–8; p = .03; r = −.08) compared to control‐group‐mothers. Mothers without MFS reported significantly less overall distress compared to mothers with MFS, both of a child with MFS (1, 0–4 vs. 3.5, 2–5; p = .039; r = −.17). No significant differences were found between the father‐groups, nor between the group of healthy parents of an affected child living together with an affected partner compared to control‐group‐parents. No differences in percentages of clinical distress were reported between mothers and control‐group‐mothers (33 vs. 42%); fathers and control‐group‐fathers (28 vs. 32%); nor between the other groups. Distress was not associated with the children's MFS characteristics. Concluding, parents of a child with MFS did not show more clinical distress compared to parents of healthy children. However, clinical distress was reported in approximately one‐third and may increase in case of acute medical complications. We advise monitoring distress in parents of a child with MFS to provide targeted support.
Drug therapies for chronic conditions and risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias: A scoping review
Authors: Thunell Johanna , Chen Yi , Joyce Geoffrey , Barthold Douglas , Shekelle Paul G. , Brinton Roberta Diaz , Zissimopoulos Julie
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Most older Americans use drug therapies for chronic conditions. Several are associated with risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD).

Methods

A scoping review was used to identify drug classes associated with increasing or decreasing ADRD risk. We analyzed size, type, and findings of the evidence.

Results

We identified 29 drug classes across 11 therapeutic areas, and 404 human studies. Most common were studies on drugs for hypertension (93) or hyperlipidemia (81). Fewer than five studies were identified for several anti‐diabetic and anti‐inflammatory drugs. Evidence was observational only for beta blockers, proton pump inhibitors, benzodiazepines, and disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs. For 13 drug classes, 50% or more of the studies reported consistent direction of effect on risk of ADRD.

Discussion

Future research targeting drug classes with limited/non‐robust evidence, examining sex, racial heterogeneity, and separating classes by molecule, will facilitate understanding of associated risk, and inform clinical and policy efforts to alleviate the growing impact of ADRD.
Extreme bilateral polydactyly in a wild‐caught western grey kangaroo
Authors: Warburton Natalie M. , Cake Martin A. , Kelman Khama R.
Published: October 2020

Polydactyly is a congenital malformation resulting from an autosomal dominant mutation manifesting as supernumerary digits of the hands or feet. It is most commonly reported in humans and domestic mammals, though there have also been isolated examples across a range of wild vertebrate species. Here we report a case of extremely unusual bilateral preaxial polydactyly on the pectoral limbs of a male western grey kangaroo (Macropus fuliginosus) from the South West region of Western Australia, in which two supernumerary digits were present on each manus. A supernumerary digit I on each manus was rudimentary in morphology without extrinsic muscular connections. However, supernumerary digit II present on each manus had fully developed extrinsic and intrinsic muscular connections, suggesting that these digits possessed normal function in flexion and extension. An alternative hypothesis is that the two supernumerary digits are both representatives of the most radial digit I, though this would then require the true digit I to have taken on the appearance of digit II by acquiring an additional phalanx and modified muscular attachments. The carpal bones exhibited a number of subtle differences in morphology when compared to normal pentadactyl individuals. The presence of a distal, rather than proximal, epiphysis on the first metacarpal was unexpected but further investigation suggested that this characteristic is perhaps more variable (in this species at least) than has been previously recognized. This case provides an unusual example to be considered within the broader context of limb development.
Utility of an Observational Social Skill Assessment as a Measure of Social Cognition in Autism
Authors: Simmons Grace Lee , Ioannou Sara , Smith Jessica V. , Corbett Blythe A. , Lerner Matthew D. , White Susan W.
Published: October 2020

Models of impaired social competence in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) highlight deficits in social cognition and social behavior. The Contextual Assessment of Social Skills (CASS) is a laboratory‐based assessment of conversation ability in which participants interact with trained confederates who act interested (CASS‐I) and bored (CASS‐B), sequentially. The increased ecological validity of the CASS allows for better generalization to real‐world social situations. Participants' perceptions of confederate behavior, assessed by the CASS Conversation Rating Scale (CRS), might offer additional utility as a metric of social cognition. The current study examined CASS confederate behavior (adherence to interested or bored condition) and both internal validity and convergent validity of the CASS as a measure of social behavior and social cognition. Fifty adolescents with ASD participated as part of a multisite randomized clinical trial. Adherence ratings were consistent across gender and site, with interested confederates significantly out‐performing bored confederates. The ability to distinguish between interested and bored confederates was positively associated with CASS social behavior and social cognition tasks, although social behavior during the CASS was not consistently associated with parent‐rated social behavior. Controlling for confederate behavior did not significantly alter these associations. Findings demonstrate strong internal validity of the CASS and, partially, external validity of the CASS as a measure of social cognition. Findings highlight nuanced differences in social behavior and social cognition. The CASS shows promise as an outcome measure for clinical interventions and should be incorporated into a multimethod battery to assess social competence in individuals with ASD.

Lay summary

Social cognition and social behavior should be studied together to examine social competence in youth with autism. The Contextual Assessment of Social Skills (CASS), a behavioral observation measure, shows promise toward this end; findings suggest the CASS taps social cognition and social behavior when administered alongside a participant rating scale of their conversation partner's engagement. Continued research, including examination of the CASS, may inform best practices in comprehensive assessment of social competence in autism. Autism Res 2021, 14: 709–719. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals LLC
microRNA‐196a‐5p inhibits testicular germ cell tumor progression via NR6A1/E‐cadherin axis
Authors: Liu Xiaowen , Fan Ziling , Li Ye , Li Zhilan , Zhou Zhuan , Yu Xuehui , Wan Jingyu , Min Ziqian , Yang Lifang , Li Dan
Published: October 2020

Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are a diverse group of neoplasms that are derived from dysfunctional fetal germ cells and can also present in extragonadal sites. The genetic drivers underlying malignant transformation of TGCTs have not been fully elucidated so far. The aim of the present study is to clarify the functional role and regulatory mechanism of miR‐196a‐5p in TGCTs. We demonstrated that miR‐196a‐5p was downregulated in TGCTs. It can inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of testicular tumor cell lines including NT‐2 and NCCIT through targeting the NR6A1 gene, which we proved its role in promotion of cell proliferation and repression of cellular junction and aggregation. Mechanistically, NR6A1 inhibited E‐cadherin through binding with DR0 sites in the CDH1 gene promoter and recruiting methyltransferases Dnmt1. Further, NR6A1 promoted neuronal marker protein MAP2 expression in RA‐induced neurodifferentiation of NT‐2 cells and testicular tumor xenografts. Clinical histopathologically, NR6A1 was positively correlated with MAP2, and negatively correlated with E‐cadherin in TGCTs. These findings revealed that the miR‐196a‐5p represses cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor neurogenesis by inhibition of NR6A1/E‐cadherin signaling axis, which may be a potential target for diagnosis and therapy of TGCTs.
The effects of 5‐OP‐RU stereochemistry on its stability and MAIT‐MR1 axis
Authors: Matsuoka Takuro , Motozono Chihiro , Hattori Akira , Kakeya Hideaki , Yamasaki Sho , Oishi Shinya , Ohno Hiroaki , Inuki Shinsuke
Published: October 2020

Mucosal‐associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are an abundant subset of innate‐like T lymphocytes. MAIT cells are activated by microbial riboflavin‐derived antigens, such as 5‐(2‐oxopropylideneamino)‐6‐d‐ribitylaminouracil (5‐OP‐RU), when presented by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I‐related protein (MR1). We have synthesized all stereoisomers of 5‐OP‐RU to investigate the effects of its stereochemistry on the MR1‐dependent MAIT cell activation and MR1 upregulation. The analysis of MAIT cell activation by these 5‐OP‐RU isomers revealed that the stereocenters at the 2’‐ and 3’‐OH groups in the ribityl tail are crucial for the recognition of MAIT‐TCR, whereas that of 4’‐OH group does not significantly affect the regulation of MAIT cell activity. Furthermore, kinetic analysis of complex formation between the ligands and MR1 suggested that 5‐OP‐RU forms a covalent bond to MR1 in cells within 1 hour. These findings provide guidelines for designing ligands that regulate MAIT cell functions.
Skeletal Cu7S4 Nanocages Wrapped by Few‐Layered Black Phosphorus Nanosheets as an Efficient H2 Production Photocatalyst
Authors: Bhavani P. , Praveen Kumar D. , Putta Rangappa A. , Hong Yul , Gopannagari Madhusudana , Amaranatha Reddy D. , Kyu Kim Tae
Published: October 2020

Superstructures with hollow cage‐like hierarchical ordering play a predominant role in various applications owing to their unique properties, such as low density, an interior void, a high surface‐to‐volume ratio, and excellent permeability for charge and mass transport. Low‐cost hollow cage‐like copper sulfide superstructures are competitive candidates for optical and electrochemical applications because of their outstanding conductivity and extensive number of active sites. Thus, we synthesized crystallinity‐controlled nanotwinned polyhedral‐skeletal‐type copper sulfide cages (Cu7S4). Further, these cages were wrapped by few‐layered black phosphorus (BP) nanosheets using simple strategies and tested for photocatalytic hydrogen production. The BP/Cu7S4 hybrid material exhibited improved hydrogen production, i. e., 0.475 μmol h−1, which was 14‐fold greater than that achieved using pristine Cu7S4 cages under optimal conditions. The enhanced activity was attributed to effective charge‐carrier separation and transportation owing to the advanced unique properties of skeletal‐type Cu7S4 cages and few‐layered BP nanosheets. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a BP‐nanosheet‐wrapped Cu7S4 system for photocatalytic hydrogen production. This system combining skeletal hollow cages with BP nanosheets is a new, fascinating, and inspiring approach for photocatalytic water‐splitting applications.
An Account of the Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation and Hydrogenolysis of Carbohydrate‐Derived Renewable Platform Chemicals over Non‐Precious Heterogeneous Metal Catalysts
Authors: Shivhare Atal , Kumar Abhinav , Srivastava Rajendra
Published: October 2020

Sustainable and eco‐friendly catalytic processes for renewable lignocellulose biomass conversion into liquid fuels and useful chemicals offer solutions to minimize greenhouse gases emission and associated negative climate impacts. Lignocellulose derived cellulose and hemicellulose can be converted into platform chemicals including glucose, fructose, xylose, 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural, furfural, levulinic acid, levulinate esters, etc. These platform chemicals can be subsequently converted into liquid fuels and value‐added chemicals using heterogeneous catalytic processes such as; oxidation, hydrogenation, hydrogenolysis, etc. The catalytic transfer hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis (CTH) over non‐precious metal catalysts have recently drawn considerable research interest. This review summarizes recent progress on non‐precious metals catalyzed CTH processes, which also include photocatalysis and electrocatalysis, for the transformation of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural, furfural, levulinic acid, and, levulinate esters into furfuryl alcohol, 2‐methylfuran, 2,5‐dimethylfuran, and, gamma‐valerolactone; elucidate structure‐function relationship and highlights the underlying reaction mechanisms. This review is timely and provides detailed fundamental insights about the nature of active sites and CTH processes that will be useful for the researchers willing to work in this exciting area.
Computational Fluid Dynamics versus Experiment: An Investigation on Liquid Weeping of Nye Trays
Authors: Abbasnia Sadegh , Shafieyoun Vali , Golzarijalal Mohammad , Nasri Zarrin
Published: October 2020

The weeping phenomenon was investigated using some experimental tests and a numerical model. The tests were performed within a 1.22‐m‐diameter pilot‐scale column including two chimney trays and two Nye test trays with an air‐water system. The rates of weeping were measured in the Nye trays with two heights of the weir and a hole area of 5 %. Moreover, the weeping rates in the outlet and inlet halves of the Nye tray and the total weeping rate were calculated. In the next step, an Eulerian‐Eulerian computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technique was used. The results show good agreement between the attained CFD findings and the experimental data.
Crystallinity of Silicon Nanoparticles: Direct Influence on the Electrochemical Performance of Lithium Ion Battery Anodes
Authors: Ulvestad Asbjørn , Reksten Anita H. , Andersen Hanne F. , Carvalho Patricia A. , Jensen Ingvild J. T. , Nagell Marius U. , Mæhlen Jan Petter , Kirkengen Martin , Koposov Alexey Y.
Published: October 2020

The use of silicon (Si) in the form of nanoparticles is one of the most promising routes for boosting the capacity of modern Li‐ion batteries. Many parameters influence the performance of Si making the comparison of materials complicated. The present work demonstrates a direct comparison of Si nanoparticles with amorphous and crystalline structures prepared through the same chemistry with the same particle size and morphology. The amorphous Si nanoparticles with an average diameter of 100 nm were synthesized through silane pyrolysis, and their crystalline analogues were obtained through subsequent annealing not altering size or morphology of the nanoparticles. Such direct comparison allows evaluation of the specific impact of crystallinity on the material's performance. From electrochemical analysis of these materials, the electrodes prepared from amorphous nanoparticles were found to exhibit improved cycle life compared to electrodes prepared from crystalline nanoparticles when the delithiation capacity of the anode was limited to 1000 mAh/gSi.
Synthesis of Mixed‐Functionalized Tetraacylgermanes
Authors: Püschmann Sabrina D. , Frühwirt Philipp , Pillinger Michael , Knöchl Andreas , Mikusch Marlene , Radebner Judith , Torvisco Ana , Fischer Roland C. , Moszner Norbert , Gescheidt Georg , Haas Michael
Published: October 2020

Tetraacylgermanes are known as highly efficient photoinitiators. Herein, the synthesis of mixed tetraacylgermanes 4 a–c and 6 a–e with a nonsymmetric substitution pattern is presented. Germenolates are crucial intermediates of these new synthetic protocols. The synthesized compounds show increased solubility compared with symmetrically substituted tetraacylgermanes 1 a–d. Moreover, these mixed derivatives reveal broadened n–π* absorption bands, which enhance their photoactivity. Higher absorption of these new compounds at wavelengths above 450 nm causes efficient photobleaching when using an LED emitting at 470 nm. The quantum yields are in the range of 0.15–0.57, depending on the nature of the aroyl substituents. On the basis of these properties, mixed‐functionalized tetraacylgermanes serve as ideal photoinitiators in various applications, especially in those requiring high penetration depth. The synthesized compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, NMR and CIDNP spectroscopy, UV/Vis spectroscopy, photolysis experiments, and X‐ray crystallography. The CIDNP data suggest that the germyl radicals generated from the new tetraacylgermanes preferentially add to the tail of the monomer butyl acrylate. In the case of 6 a–e only the mesitoyl groups are cleaved off, whereas for 4 a–c both the mesitoyl and the aroyl group are subject to α‐cleavage.
Ultrastructural localization of glutamate delta 1 (GluD1) receptor immunoreactivity in the mouse and monkey striatum
Authors: Hoover Andrew H. , Pavuluri Ratnamala , Shelkar Gajanan P. , Dravid Shashank M. , Smith Yoland , Villalba Rosa M.
Published: October 2020

The glutamate receptor delta 1 (GluD1) is strongly expressed in the striatum. Knockout of GluD1 expression in striatal neurons elicits cognitive deficits and disrupts the thalamostriatal system in mice. To understand the potential role of GluD1 in the primate striatum, we compared the cellular and subcellular localization of striatal GluD1 immunoreactivity (GluD1‐IR) in mice and monkeys. In both species, striatal GluD1‐IR displayed a patchy pattern of distribution in register with the striosome/matrix compartmentation, but in an opposite fashion. While GluD1 was more heavily expressed in the striosomes than the matrix in the monkey caudate nucleus, the opposite was found in the mouse striatum. At the electron microscopic level, GluD1‐IR was preferentially expressed in dendritic shafts (47.9 ± 1.2%), followed by glia (37.7 ± 2.5%), and dendritic spines (14.3 ± 2.6%) in the matrix of the mouse striatum. This pattern was not statistically different from the labeling in the striosome and matrix compartments of the monkey caudate nucleus, with the exception of a small amount of GluD1‐positive unmyelinated axons and axon terminals in the primate striatum. Immunogold staining revealed synaptic and perisynaptic GluD1 labeling at putative axo‐dendritic and axo‐spinous glutamatergic synapses, and intracellular labeling on the surface of mitochondria. Confocal microscopy showed that GluD1 is preferentially colocalized with thalamic over cortical terminals in both the striosome and matrix compartments. These data provide the anatomical substrate for a deeper understanding of GluD1 regulation of striatal glutamatergic synapses, but also suggest possible extrasynaptic, glial, and mitochondrial GluD1 functions.
The Collective Power of Genetically Encoded Protein/Peptide Tags and Bioorthogonal Chemistry in Biological Fluorescence Imaging
Authors: Macias‐Contreras Miguel , Zhu Lei
Published: October 2020

Genetically encoded protein or peptide tags and bioorthogonal chemistry are two growing classes of tools in cell biological research. A protein or peptide tag could be genetically fused to a protein of interest (POI) in the same manner as fluorescent proteins (FPs). An enzymatic ligation step would then follow to deliver a chemical entity, such as a dye or a probe with properties unattainable from FPs, to the tag, and consequently to the tethered POI. Bioorthogonal chemistry refers to a collection of (mostly) bimolecular conjugation reactions that are fine‐tuned to occur efficiently in a biological environment without the interference to or from the resident (bio)molecules or ions. These two areas of research have been developed independently and more or less concurrently. The combined use of them could expand the utilities of both tools, which is advocated in this Review. The mechanisms and utilities of protein or peptide tags and bioorthogonal chemistry are briefly reviewed separately in the first two sections, while in the third section the examples that utilize both protein or peptide tags and bioorthogonal chemistry are enumerated. Each tool and the strategy of their deployment carry their own advantages and disadvantages, and the selection of a particular tool depends on a given problem. The advances and combined use of the two topical areas are driven by the emerging challenges in illuminating the ever‐finer details of biological structures and actions.
Decreasing resection rates for nonmetastatic gastric cancer in Europe and the United States
Authors: Huang Lei , Jansen Lina , Balavarca Yesilda , Verhoeven Rob H.A. , Ruurda Jelle P. , Van Eycken Liesbet , De Schutter Harlinde , Johansson Jan , Lindblad Mats , Johannesen Tom B. , Zadnik Vesna , Žagar Tina , Mägi Margit , Bastiaannet Esther , Lagarde Sjoerd M. , van de Velde Cornelis J.H. , Schrotz‐King Petra , Brenner Hermann
Published: October 2020

Background

Resection is the cornerstone of curative treatment for many nonmetastatic gastric cancers (GCs), but the population treatment patterns remains largely unknown. This large international population‐based study aimed at investigating the treatment patterns and trends for nonmetastatic GC in Europe and the United States and at exploring factors associated with resection.

Methods

Data of patients with microscopically confirmed primary invasive GC without distant metastasis from the national cancer registries of the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Norway, Slovenia, and Estonia and the US Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)‐18 Program were retrieved. Age‐standardized treatment rates were computed and trends were evaluated using linear regression. Associations of resection with patient and tumor characteristics were analyzed using multivariable‐adjusted log‐binomial regression. Analysis was performed in each country respectively without pooling.

Results

Together 65 707 nonmetastatic GC patients diagnosed in 2003‐2016 were analyzed. Age‐standardized resection rates significantly decreased over years in all countries (by 4‐24%). In 2013‐2014, rates varied greatly from 54 to 75%. Patients with increasing ages, cardia cancers, or cancers invading adjacent structure were significantly less frequently resected. Resection was further associated with sex, performance status, comorbidities, tumor histology, tumor size, hospital type, and hospital volume. Association patterns and strengths varied across countries. After multivariable adjustment, resection rates remained decreasing (prevalence ratio = 0.97‐0.995 per year), with decreasing trends consistently seen in various subgroups.

Conclusions

Nonmetastatic GCs were less frequently resected in Europe and the United States in the early 21st century. Resection rates varied greatly across countries and appeared not to be optimal. Various factors associated with resection were revealed. Our findings can help to identify differences and possibly modifiable places in clinical practice and provide important novel references for designing effective population‐based GC management strategies.

In Europe and the United States, nonmetastatic gastric cancers were less frequently resected in the early 21st century.

Resection rates varied greatly across countries and appeared not optimal.

Various factors associated with resection were revealed.

Our findings identify differences and possibly modifiable places in clinical practice and provide important novel references for designing effective population‐based management strategies.
Highly Durable Ag‐CuO Heterostructure‐Decorated Mesh for Efficient Oil/Water Separation and In Situ Photocatalytic Dye Degradation
Authors: Li Jiakai , Lv Changpeng , Liu Xuehua , Jiao Zhengbo , Liu Na
Published: October 2020

It is of great necessity yet still a challenge to develop superwetting functional interfacial materials for simultaneously separating insoluble oil and degrading soluble dye pollutants in practical wastewater. In this work, a Ag‐CuO heterostructure‐decorated mesh was fabricated via facile alkali etching‐calcination and photoreduction approaches. The as‐synthesized mesh with superhydrophilicity and underwater superoleophobicity displayed high separation efficiency (>99.998%) for diverse oil/water mixtures. Besides, it demonstrated more superior photocatalytic performance in dye degradation than those of bare CuO nanostructure‐coated materials, which is primarily attributed to the intensive visible light harvesting and efficient electron‐holes separation occurred on noble metal‐semiconductor heterostructures. Furthermore, on account of the tenacity of Cu substrate as well as enhanced structural stability, this binary composite‐decorated mesh exhibited highly reliable durability and robustness after 10 cycles of photocatalytic degradation tests, and even being ultrasonic worn for 30 min. More importantly, our developed mesh was capable of in situ catalytic degrading water‐soluble organic dyes during oil/water separation under visible light irradiation. Therefore, such a dexterous and feasible strategy may afford a new route to construct bifunctional and predurable materials for actual sewage purification.
Exploring correlates of improved depression symptoms and quality of life following tai chi exercise for patients with heart failure
Authors: Luberto Christina M. , Coey Charles A. , Davis Roger B. , Wayne Peter M. , Crute Sydney , Yeh Gloria Y.
Published: October 2020

Aims

Tai chi exercise has been shown in a prior randomized controlled trial to improve depression symptoms and quality of life (QoL) in patients with heart failure (HF), but correlates of these improvements are not well known. The purpose of this secondary analysis was to explore whether tai chi is associated with improvements in biopsychosocial and behavioural measures and whether such improvements are correlated with improved depression and QoL.

Methods and results

Participants were n = 100 adults with chronic systolic HF (mean age = 67.4, SD = 12.0; 64% male; 96% White; New York Heart Association class = 1–3) randomized to a 12 week tai chi exercise intervention or health education control. Constructs of interest included social support, exercise self‐efficacy, activity engagement, sense of coherence, and inflammatory biomarkers. Tai chi was associated with increased everyday activity engagement compared with the health education group (P < 0.05), but there were no group differences in social support or sense of coherence. Among tai chi participants, improved self‐efficacy was correlated with QoL (r = 31, P = 0.05), and there was a trend toward improved depression symptoms and social support (r = −0.22, P = 0.13). Among all participants, controlling for intervention group, improved sense of coherence, and inflammation (C‐reactive protein) were associated with improved depression symptoms, and improved self‐efficacy, sense of coherence, and frequency of activity engagement were associated with improved QoL.

Conclusions

Tai chi exercise promotes inter‐related psychosocial improvements for patients with HF. A range of biopsychosocial and behavioural variables are relevant to mood management in patients with HF.
Evaluation of 8.0 MeV Carbon (C2+) Irradiation Effects on Hydrothermally Synthesized Co3O4−CuO−ZnO@GO Electrodes for Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Obodo Raphael M. , Asjad Muhammad , Nwanya Assumpta C. , Ahmad Ishaq , Zhao Tingkai , Ekwealor A. B. C. , Ejikeme Paul M. , Maaza Maalik , Ezema Fabian I.
Published: October 2020

Combination of transition metal oxides and carbon derivatives have received a lot of interest in last two decades for electrochemical energy storage due to their small size and high specific surface area. The effects of carbon ion irradiation on the properties of the electrodes were examined. The structural properties as obtained from the X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results suggest that irradiation of the nanocomposite enhances the crystallinity of the materials up to the optimal dose of 5.0×1015 ions/cm2. Beyond this dose, there was a reduction in the crystallinity occasioned by distortion and defects in the structure of the material. The morphological studies indicated that the nanocomposites have spherical nanoparticles with some agglomerations. The agglomerations as well the particle sizes reduced with increase in the radiation dosages. The energy bandgaps estimated for the Co3O4−CuO−ZnO@GO reduced as energy dosages increases. The highest specific capacitance obtained from cyclic voltammetry (CV) plots at 10 mV/s scan rate and galvanostatic charge‐discharge (GCD) were 1950 and 2045 F/g at a radiation dose of 5.0×1015 ions/cm2. Results indicate that carbon ion irradiations, especially low doses enhance the characteristics performance of these electrodes while high doses induce deficiencies and disorder to the Co3O4−CuO−ZnO@GO electrodes. These results also indicate that radiation is a useful tool to enhance or damage properties of nanomaterials especially with low energy doses.
A Physiologically Based Oiling Model (PBOM) to Predict Thermoregulatory Response in Birds
Authors: Tuarze Pascal , Stephenson Malcolm , Mazzocco Paul , Knopper Loren
Published: October 2020

When birds are exposed to oil, their ability to thermoregulate is impaired as a result of damage to the insulative properties of their feathers. If an oiled bird is unable to maintain thermal homeostasis, hypothermia and death can follow rapidly. Physiological responses to oiling depend on several variables including environmental conditions (e.g., ambient air and water temperatures), life history of bird species (e.g., body size and habitat selection), and foraging strategies (e.g., divers, surface feeders, shorebirds). The most widely used approach to assess the effect of spilled oil on birds is the US Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) Type A Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) Model for Coastal and Marine Environments. This approach addresses body size and time spent in a hypothetical slick but lacks the flexibility to assess other variables related to physiological response. We developed a dynamic physiologically based oiling model (PBOM) for birds to address this need. The PBOM has been validated against empirical data from a dose–response study in which common eiders were exposed to Statfjord A crude oil. The PBOM can be used to predict time to hypothermia for birds of differing body size and habitat preferences, in environments ranging from Arctic to subtropical. The model presently includes 5 representative bird species: common eider, spotted sandpiper, great blue heron, dovekie, and American white pelican, but could be adapted to represent almost any bird. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:251–260. © 2020 SETAC

Abstract

A bird's thermoregulatory response to oiling depends on variables related to environmental conditions, life history of the bird species, and foraging strategies. The physiologically based oiling model is a predictive model that can be used to quantify thermoregulatory responses in oiled birds across a range of exposure levels and environmental conditions.
A Multiple Life-History Trait–Based and Time-Resolved Assessment of Imidacloprid Effects and Recovery in the Widely Distributed Collembolan Folsomia quadrioculata
Authors: Sengupta Sagnik , Leinaas Hans Petter , van Gestel Cornelis A.M. , Rundberget Jan Thomas , Borgå Katrine
Published: October 2020

Life-history traits determine individual fitness and the fate of populations. Imidacloprid, a widely used neonicotinoid insecticide, which persists in soil for more than 100 d at biologically relevant levels, may affect nontarget and ecologically important species, such as collembolans. In the present study, we determined the sublethal effects of short-term imidacloprid exposure and postexposure recovery in the collembolan Folsomia quadrioculata, which occurs abundantly across the northern hemisphere. We assessed survival, egg production, and hatching success in adult springtails exposed for 14 d through the diet to imidacloprid, followed by a 28-d postexposure phase. Survival and hatching success were high throughout the experiment in all the treatments, with no clear concentration dependence. However, egg production declined during the exposure phase and nearly stopped between 8 and 14 d in all the treatments (except the control) but resumed during the postexposure phase. Moreover, the resumption of egg production showed a concentration-dependent delay. Our findings suggest that low imidacloprid exposures can restrict reproduction, with potentially severe consequences for the population, notwithstanding the partial recovery in egg production. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:139–147. © 2020 SETAC

Abstract

Folsomia quadrioculata, a collembolan species dominant across a wide range of habitat types across the northern hemisphere, stopped producing eggs temporarily by the end of a 14-d-long dietary exposure to imidacloprid. Subsequently, during the 28-d postexposure phase, egg production resumed in a concentration-dependent manner.
Synthesis, in silico and in vitro Evaluation of Novel Oxazolopyrimidines as Promising Anticancer Agents
Authors: Velihina Yevheniia , Scattolin Thomas , Bondar Denys , Pil'o Stepan , Obernikhina Nataliya , Kachkovskyi Olesksiy , Semenyuta Ivan , Caligiuri Isabella , Rizzolio Flavio , Brovarets Volodymyr , Karpichev Yevgen , Nolan Steven P.
Published: October 2020

New potential bioactive oxazolopyrimidines have been synthesized using two main approaches: the pyrimidine ring annulation on a functionalized oxazole and the benzoyl bromide trimerization followed by rearrangement and formation of the oxazolo[5,4‐d]pyrimidine scaffold. The docking analyzes have shown that 7‐piperazine substituted oxazolo[4,5‐d]pyrimidines 8a–8c could be potential VEGFR2 inhibitors with high free energy of ligand–protein complex formation (ΔG: −10.1, −9.6, −9.8 kcal/mol, respectively). In vitro antitumor assays confirmed theoretical predictions that oxazolo[4,5‐d]pyrimidines 8a–8c containing positively charged piperazine moiety should demonstrate significantly higher cytotoxic effects. 4‐[5‐(4‐Chlorophenyl)‐2‐phenyl[1,3]oxazolo[4,5‐d]pyrimidin‐7‐yl]piperazin‐1‐ium trifluoroacetate (8c) exhibited a slightly higher antiproliferative effect (IC50=0.21 μm) than doxorubicin (IC50=0.36 μm) on MDA‐MB‐231 cell line and has relatively good results on OVCAR‐3 (IC50=1.7 μm) and HCT‐116 (IC50=0.24 μm) cells.
Dynamic Bayesian Networks to Assess Anthropogenic and Climatic Drivers of Saltwater Intrusion: A Decision Support Tool Toward Improved Management
Authors: Rachid Grace , Alameddine Ibrahim , Najm Majdi Abou , Qian Song , El-Fadel Mutasem
Published: October 2020

Saltwater intrusion (SWI) is a global coastal problem caused by aquifer overpumping, land-use change, and climate change impacts. Given the complex pathways that lead to SWI, coastal urban areas with poorly monitored aquifers are in need of probabilistic-based decision support tools that can assist in better understanding and predicting SWI, while exploring effective means for sustainable aquifer management. In this study, we develop a Bayesian Belief Network (BBN) to account for the complex interactions of climatic and anthropogenic processes leading to SWI, while relating the severity of SWI to associated socioeconomic impacts and possible adaptation strategies. The BBN is further expanded into a Dynamic Bayesian Network (DBN) to assess the temporal progression of SWI and account for the compounding uncertainties over time. The proposed DBN is then tested at a pilot coastal aquifer underlying a highly urbanized water-stressed metropolitan area along the Eastern Mediterranean coastline (Beirut, Lebanon). The results show that the future impacts of climate change are largely secondary when compared to the persistent water deficits. While both supply and demand management could halt the progression of salinity, the potential for reducing or reversing SWI is not evident. The indirect socioeconomic burden associated with aquifer salinity was observed to improve, albeit heterogeneously, with the application of various adaptation strategies; however, this was at a cost associated with the implementation and operation of these strategies. The proposed DBN acts as an effective decision support tool that can promote sustainable aquifer management in coastal regions through its robust representation of the main drivers of SWI and linking them to expected socioeconomic burdens and management options. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:202–220. © 2020 SETAC

KEY POINTS

A Dynamic Bayesian Network (DBN) was developed to assess the temporal progression of saltwater intrusion in a coastal aquifer through time-slicing and the inclusion of temporal clones. The DBN consisted of multiple variables categorized into 4 components, namely a climate component, a hydrogeological component, a demographic component, and a socioeconomic component. The DBN results showed that the impacts of climate change were secondary when compared to persistent water deficits in the study area. Both supply and demand management were able to halt the progression of salinity but not reverse it. The developed DBN proved to be an effective decision support tool for promoting sustainable aquifer management in coastal regions through its robust representation of the main drivers of saltwater instrusion (SWI) and linking them to expected socioeconomic burdens and management options.
Radiotherapy vs sequential pegaspargase, gemcitabine, cisplatin and dexamethasone and radiotherapy in newly diagnosed early natural killer/T‐cell lymphoma: A randomized, controlled, open‐label, multicenter study
Authors: Zhang Lei , Wang Yan , Li Xin , Li Ling , Wang Xinhua , Sun Zhenchang , Wu Jingjing , Fu Xiaorui , Zhang Xudong , Yu Hui , Wang Guannan , Chang Yu , Yan Jiaqin , Zhou Zhiyuan , Wu Xiaolong , Nan Feifei , Li Wencai , Zhang Mingzhi
Published: October 2020

To compare the efficacy and safety of radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy of pegaspargase, gemcitabine, cisplatin and dexamethasone (DDGP) combined with RT in newly diagnosed stage I‐II natural killer/T‐cell lymphoma (NKTL), we designed a randomized, controlled, open‐label, multicenter clinical trial. Data from 65 stage I‐II NKTL patients whose diagnoses were confirmed using immunohistochemistry were enrolled from January 2011 to December 2013 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University. Patients were randomly divided into the RT group (n = 35) and the DDGP combined with RT group (n = 30). There was a difference between the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score in the two arms (P = .013). The complete response rate (CRR) and objective response rate (ORR) of DDGP combined with RT group were superior to those in the RT group (CRR: 73.3% vs 48.6%; ORR: 83.3% vs 60.0%, respectively). The 5‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) rate and overall survival (OS) rate in the DDGP combined with RT group were higher than those in the RT group (82.9% vs 56.5% for PFS, P = .023; 85.7% vs 60.4% for OS, P = .040), and treatment methods and lactate dehydrogenase were independent risk factors. Myelosuppression (P < .001), gastrointestinal reactions (P < .001), abnormal liver function (P = .007), coagulation abnormalities (P < .001) and baldness (P < .001) were more likely to occur in the DDGP combined with RT group. In conclusion, DDGP combined with radiotherapy obviously obtained great efficacy and prolonged the survival time of patients, also the side effects were mild for stage I‐II NKTL. This trial was registered at https://register.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01501136.
Optimal and naive diversification in an emerging market: Evidence from China's A‐shares market
Authors: Yan Cheng , Yan Ji
Published: October 2020

This paper empirically investigates the out‐of‐sample performance of the 1/N naive rule and the Markowitz mean–variance strategies in the largest emerging market (i.e., China's A‐shares market) and provides three new findings. First, we show that some mean–variance optimization strategies can outperform the 1/N rule in China's A‐shares market, while minimum‐variance strategies cannot. Using certainty equivalent return (CER) instead of Sharpe ratios does not change our results qualitatively. Second, we find an obvious advantage of mean–variance optimization when N is large. Third, when transaction costs are taken into account, the profitability of the unconstrained mean–variance optimizations almost vanishes, while the profitability of the mean–variance optimizations with the short‐sale constraint remains. Our results are robust to using a shorter estimation window of about 60 months. These results provide support for the use of optimal diversification strategies in emerging markets.
Research advance on cell imaging and cytotoxicity of different types of quantum Dots
Authors: Huang Xiaoquan , Tang Meng
Published: October 2020

Quantum dots (QDs), as one of the emerging nanomaterials, have been widely studied by scientists due to their advantages and potential in bioimaging, especially cell imaging. Cadmium (Cd)‐based QDs, which have the best photoluminescence property, have received widespread attention. However, due to the obvious toxicity problem of these QDs, their cell imaging application is hindered. Recently, the emergence of Cd‐free‐metal and metal‐free QDs with lower toxicity makes people consider that Cd‐based QDs may be substituted by these QDs. However, problems of these QDs in cytotoxicity also cannot be ignored. Some reports claimed that their prepared emerging QDs for cell imaging were low toxicity, but there still exist up‐regulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis from other reports. And, up to now, few reports have separately summarized and discussed the issues of cell imaging and cytotoxicity of different types of QDs. Therefore, in this review, we classify QDs as following three types, Cd‐based, Cd‐free‐metal and metal‐free QDs, focus on the cell, the essential unit of life, discuss cell imaging application and cytotoxicity of QDs, and finally elucidate main mechanisms of cytotoxicity respectively. This review provides reference for the toxicity evaluation of QDs and highlights the potential cytotoxicity of Cd‐free QDs.
Scoparone alleviates hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting the TLR‐4/NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Gao Ya , Xi Boting , Li Jiani , Li Zimeng , Xu Jie , Zhong Mingli , Xu Qiongmei , Lian Yuanyu , Wei Riming , Wang Liping , Cao Houkang , Jin Ling , Zhang Kefeng , Dong Jianghui
Published: October 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of scoparone (SCO) in hepatic fibrosis. For this, we conducted in vivo and in vitro experiments. In vivo rats that were divided into six groups, control, carbon tetrachloride, and colchicine, as well as SCO groups, SCO50, SCO100, and SCO200 treated with 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg SCO doses, respectively. Furthermore, SCO was shown to inhibit Toll‐like receptor‐4 (TLR‐4)/nuclear factor kappa‐B (NF‐κB; TLR‐4/NF‐κB) signals by inhibiting TLR‐4, which in turn downregulates the expression of MyD88, promotes NF‐κB inhibitor‐α, NF‐κB inhibitor‐β, and NF‐κB inhibitor‐ε activation, while inhibiting NF‐κB inhibitor‐ζ. Subsequently, the decrease of phosphorylation of nuclear factor‐κB levels leads to the downregulation of the downstream inflammatory factors' tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and IL‐1 beta, thus weakening hepatic fibrosis. Notably, the SCO200 treated group presented the most significant improvement. Hence, we conclude that SCO alleviates hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting TLR‐4/NF‐κB signals.
Corneal endothelium tissue engineering: An evolution of signaling molecules, cells, and scaffolds toward 3D bioprinting and cell sheets
Authors: Khalili Mostafa , Asadi Maryam , Kahroba Houman , Soleyman Mohammad Reza , Andre Helder , Alizadeh Effat
Published: October 2020

Cornea is an avascular and transparent tissue that focuses light on retina. Cornea is supported by the corneal‐endothelial layer through regulation of hydration homeostasis. Restoring vision in patients afflicted with corneal endothelium dysfunction‐mediated blindness most often requires corneal transplantation (CT), which faces considerable constrictions due to donor limitations. An emerging alternative to CT is corneal endothelium tissue engineering (CETE), which involves utilizing scaffold‐based methods and scaffold‐free strategies. The innovative scaffold‐free method is cell sheet engineering, which typically generates cell layers surrounded by an intact extracellular matrix, exhibiting tunable release from the stimuli‐responsive surface. In some studies, scaffold‐based or scaffold‐free technologies have been reported to achieve promising outcomes. However, yet some issues exist in translating CETE from bench to clinical practice. In this review, we compare different corneal endothelium regeneration methods and elaborate on the application of multiple cell types (stem cells, corneal endothelial cells, and endothelial precursors), signaling molecules (growth factors, cytokines, chemical compounds, and small RNAs), and natural and synthetic scaffolds for CETE. Furthermore, we discuss the importance of three‐dimensional bioprinting strategies and simulation of Descemet's membrane by biomimetic topography. Finally, we dissected the recent advances, applications, and prospects of cell sheet engineering for CETE.