bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐ and low‐molecular‐weight chitosan act as adjuvants during single‐dose influenza A virus protein vaccination through distinct mechanisms
Authors: Lampe Anna T. , Farris Eric J. , Brown Deborah M. , Pannier Angela K.
Published: December 2020

The investigation of new adjuvants is essential for the development of efficacious vaccines. Chitosan (CS), a derivative of chitin, has been shown to act as an adjuvant, improving vaccine‐induced immune responses. However, the effect of CS molecular weight (MW) on this adjuvanticity has not been investigated, despite MW having been shown to impact CS biological properties. Here, two MW variants of CS were investigated for their ability to enhance vaccine‐elicited immune responses in vitro and in vivo, using a single‐dose influenza A virus (IAV) protein vaccine model. Both low‐molecular‐weight (LMW) and high‐molecular‐weight (HMW) CS‐induced interferon regulatory factor pathway signaling, antigen‐presenting cell activation, and cytokine messenger RNA (mRNA) production, with LMW inducing higher mRNA levels at 24 h and HMW elevating mRNA responses at 48 h. LMW and HMW CS also induced adaptive immune responses after vaccination, indicated by enhanced immunoglobulin G production in mice receiving LMW CS and increased CD4 interleukin 4 (IL‐4) and IL‐2 production in mice receiving HMW CS. Importantly, both LMW and HMW CS adjuvantation reduced morbidity following homologous IAV challenge. Taken together, these results support that LMW and HMW CS can act as adjuvants, although this protection may be mediated through distinct mechanisms based on CS MW.
Fulminant inflammatory demyelination presenting as stroke‐in‐evolution in an elderly subject
Authors: Sacco Simone , Callegari Ilaria , Canavero Isabella , Coloberti Elisa , Farina Lisa Maria , Ravaglia Sabrina , Simoncelli Anna , Pichiecchio Anna , Micieli Giuseppe
Published: December 2020

Background

Fulminant inflammatory demyelination is a possible presentation of inflammatory demyelinating disorders, thus representing a potential stroke mimic especially in younger patients.

Aims of the study

To describe clinical and diagnostic pitfalls in a case of fulminant inflammatory demyelination presenting with stroke‐like symptoms in an elderly patient.

Methods

Case report and case‐based review of the literature.

Results

A 67‐year‐old woman, who accessed the emergency room as suspect stroke for hyperacute onset of rapidly worsening speech impairment and drowsiness, was later diagnosed with a huge brain inflammatory demyelination. Clinical, laboratory, and neuroimaging tests did not allow to put a more specific diagnosis. Due to the rapidly deteriorating course, she received immunosuppression with benefit.

Conclusion

This report is meant to highlight the diagnostic challenges connected with fulminant inflammatory demyelination, which sometime can resemble a stroke‐in evolution and appear clinically unfitting for inclusion in any specific pathological entities within the broad‐spectrum of inflammatory demyelinating disorders.
Dynamics of Chemical Diversity during Co‐Cultures: An Integrative Time‐Scale Metabolomics Study of Fungal Endophytes Cophinforma mamane and Fusarium solani
Authors: Triastuti Asih , Haddad Mohamed , Barakat Fatima , Mejia Kember , Rabouille Gabriel , Fabre Nicolas , Amasifuen Carlos , Jargeat Patricia , Vansteelandt Marieke
Published: December 2020

A rapid and efficient metabolomic study of Cophinforma mamane and Fusarium solani co‐cultivation in time‐series based analysis was developed to study metabolome variations during their fungal interactions. The fungal metabolomes were studied through the integration of four metabolomic tools: MS‐DIAL, a chromatographic deconvolution of liquid‐chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC/MS); MS‐FINDER, a structure‐elucidation program with a wide range metabolome database; GNPS, an effective method to organize MS/MS fragmentation spectra, and MetaboAnalyst, a comprehensive web application for metabolomic data analysis and interpretation. Co‐cultures of C. mamane and F. solani induced different patterns of metabolite production over 10 days of incubation and induced production of five de novo compounds not occurring in monocultures. These results emphasize that co‐culture in time‐frame analysis is an interesting method to unravel hidden metabolome in the investigation of fungal chemodiversity.
Anticoagulation‐refractory strokes and selective infarction pattern: What’s the link?
Authors: Dimancea Alexandru , Ene Amalia , Badea Raluca , Ribigan Athena
Published: December 2020

Stroke etiology in the form of a CAP should be actively explored, especially in the context of previous negative work‐up and anticoagulant‐refractory strokes. Dual antiplatelet therapy proved superior to anticoagulation for secondary prevention.
Clinical picture: SDHD paraganglioma presenting with syncope
Authors: LaChance David P. , Hoang Thanh D. , Shakir Mohamed K. M.
Published: December 2020

Described is an atypical presentation of a rare condition. It highlights the importance of thorough algorithm of medical and family history, physical examination, appropriate investigations, and perioperative workup and for surgery. The report demonstrates how even such very rare nonsecreting paragangliomas can be secondary to mass effects.
Silver in C(sp2)‐H Functionalization
Authors: Liu Feng , Zhang Zhen , Diao Hai‐yan , Shi Zhang‐jie
Published: December 2020

The direct functionalization of C−H bonds is a fundamental task in organic chemistry. Because of the extraordinary catalysis performance, reaction selectivity, stability, and relatively lower cost than other noble transition metals, silver catalysts had successfully captured lots of interest and been widely in C−H bond functionalization. In this review, the development in the last decade of silver‐mediated C(sp2)‐H bond functionalization is summarized, categorized by the type of newly formed bond, C−C bond, C−N bond, C−O bond, etc. The mechanism, scope, and limitations of the reported references were introduced.
H2‐Free Selective Dehydroxymethylation of Primary Alcohols over Palladium Nanoparticle Catalysts
Authors: Yamaguchi Sho , Kondo Hiroki , Uesugi Kohei , Sakoda Katsumasa , Jitsukawa Koichiro , Mitsudome Takato , Mizugaki Tomoo
Published: December 2020

The dehydroxymethylation of primary alcohols is a promising strategy to transform biomass‐derived oxygenates into hydrocarbon fuels. In this study, a novel, highly efficient, and reusable heterogeneous catalyst system was established for the H2‐free dehydroxymethylation of primary alcohol using cerium oxide‐supported palladium nanoparticles (Pd/CeO2). A wide range of aliphatic and aromatic alcohols including biomass‐derived alcohols were converted into the corresponding one‐carbon shorter hydrocarbons in high yields in the absence of any additives, accompanied by the production of H2 and CO. Pd/CeO2 was easily recovered from the reaction mixture and reused, retaining its high activity, thus, providing a simple and sustainable methodology to produce hydrocarbon fuels from biomass‐derived oxygenates.
Mutation Analysis of L‐Thymidine‐Induced Replication Products Using a Restriction Enzyme–Mediated Assay
Authors: Kan Yuhe , Wu Li , He Yujian
Published: December 2020

This article describes experimental and analytical procedures for evaluating the efficiency and fidelity of DNA replication containing mirror‐image thymidine (L‐T) in E. coli. The procedure involves construction of DNA recombinants containing a restriction enzyme (PstI) recognition site in which the L‐T lesion is site‐specifically located within the PstI recognition sequence (CTGCAG). The recombinants are transfected into DH5α cells. DNA is extracted, amplified, and cleaved into relatively short fragments using different combinations of restriction enzymes to facilitate electrophoretic analysis. Detailed explanations for the restriction enzyme–mediated assay for detection of mutagenic properties of mirror‐image thymidine at a predetermined site are also presented. Advantages and limitations of the assay are discussed by comparing it to other techniques used for detecting lesion‐induced mutation efficiency, and a troubleshooting guide is provided. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Synthesis of oligonucleotides containing L‐T

Basic Protocol 2: Construction of DNA recombinants

Basic Protocol 3: Mutation analysis of L‐T‐induced replication products using a restriction enzyme–mediated assay
Risk awareness during operation of analytical flow cytometers and implications throughout the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Aspland Avrill , Chew Claude , Douagi Iyadh , Galland Tessa , Marvin James , Monts Josh , Nance Dayton , Smith Adrian L. , Solga Michael
Published: December 2020

The COVID‐19 pandemic has brought biosafety to the forefront of many life sciences. The outbreak has compelled research institutions to re‐evaluate biosafety practices and potential at‐risk areas within research laboratories and more specifically within Shared Resource Laboratories (SRLs). In flow cytometry facilities, biological safety assessment encompasses known hazards based on the biological sample and associated risk group, as well as potential or unknown hazards, such as aerosol generation and instrument “failure modes.” Cell sorting procedures undergo clearly defined biological safety assessments and adhere to well‐established biosafety guidelines that help to protect SRL staff and users against aerosol exposure. Conversely, benchtop analyzers are considered low risk due to their low sample pressure and enclosed fluidic systems, although there is little empirical evidence to support this assumption of low risk. To investigate this, we evaluated several regions on analyzers using the Cyclex‐d microsphere assay, a recently established method for cell sorter aerosol containment testing. We found that aerosol and/or droplet hazards were detected on all benchtop analyzers predominantly during operation in “failure modes.” These results indicate that benchtop analytical cytometers present a more complicated set of risks than are commonly appreciated.
Biomarkers for the clinical development of antiviral therapies
Authors: Ng Teresa I. , Dorr Patrick K. , Krishnan Preethi , Cohen Daniel E. , Rhee Susan , Wang Stanley X. , Ruzek Melanie C. , Mensa Federico J. , Kati Warren M.
Published: December 2020

With the morbidity and mortality associated with the COVID‐19 pandemic that we are witnessing this year, the risks posed by emerging viral diseases to global health are all too obvious. This pandemic highlights the importance of antiviral drug discovery, which targets emerging viral pathogens, as well as existing pathogenic viruses that undergo continuous evolution. Drug discovery and development is a long and resource intensive process; however, the use of biomarkers can accelerate clinical development of antivirals by providing information regarding diagnosis of specific viral infections, status of infection, potential safety parameters, and antiviral responses. In clinical practice, many of the biomarkers initially utilized to support clinical development are also used for patient care. While viral load is a standard and essential biomarker used to detect the desired viral suppression induced by an antiviral agent, it has become apparent that additional biomarkers, whether related to the virus, the host or as a consequence of the drug's mechanistic effects, are also important for monitoring clinical outcomes associated with an antiviral therapy. This review summarizes the biomarkers used in the clinical development (as well as in clinical practice, where appropriate) of antiviral therapies for hepatitis C virus, hepatitis B virus, human immunodeficiency virus, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.
Retracted: The impact of COVID‐19 on the electricity sector in Spain: An econometric approach based on prices
Authors: Norouzi Nima , Zarazua de Rubens Gerardo Z. , Enevoldsen Peter , Behzadi Forough Atefeh
Published: December 2020

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the COVID‐19 pandemic has been the greatest challenge to humanity since World War II. Spain is one of the countries experiencing severe consequences from the COVID‐19 pandemic outbreak. In such a situation, when the population is quarantined, hospitals are crowded, and industries are shutting down; energy supply becomes a critical and “hard to predict” service. In this way, the study of the impact of COVID‐19 on the selling price of electricity in Spain is highlighted more comprehensively. Given the high level of uncertainty in global energy markets, there is a research gap that needs to be filled, that is, the creation of new decision support mechanisms that can reduce risks and ensure more significant forecasting for investments and energy management to deal with seemingly unprecedented effects experienced through the current pandemic. This study examines and develops econometric models to determine the impact of COVID‐19 on the Spanish electricity market. This article's main result is a framework that predicts the dynamic electricity market's behavior during shifting periods, that is, the COVID‐19 pandemic period. Noteworthy that the result of this article is useful in electricity market management and strategic developments.
Multimodal fusion analysis of structural connectivity and gray matter morphology in migraine
Authors: Planchuelo‐Gómez Álvaro , García‐Azorín David , Guerrero Ángel L. , Aja‐Fernández Santiago , Rodríguez Margarita , de Luis‐García Rodrigo
Published: December 2020

No specific migraine biomarkers have been found in single‐modality MRI studies. We aimed at establishing biomarkers for episodic and chronic migraine using diverse MRI modalities. We employed canonical correlation analysis and joint independent component analysis to find structural connectivity abnormalities that are related to gray matter morphometric alterations. The number of streamlines (trajectories of estimated fiber‐tracts from tractography) was employed as structural connectivity measure, while cortical curvature, thickness, surface area, and volume were used as gray matter parameters. These parameters were compared between 56 chronic and 54 episodic migraine patients, and 50 healthy controls. Cortical curvature alterations were associated with abnormalities in the streamline count in episodic migraine patients compared to controls, with higher curvature values in the frontal and temporal poles being related to a higher streamline count. Lower streamline count was found in migraine compared to controls in connections between cortical regions within each of the four lobes. Higher streamline count was found in migraine in connections between subcortical regions, the insula, and the cingulate and orbitofrontal cortex, and between the insula and the temporal region. The connections between the caudate nucleus and the orbitofrontal cortex presented worse connectivity in chronic compared to episodic migraine. The hippocampus was involved in connections with higher and lower number of streamlines in chronic migraine. Strengthening of structural networks involving pain processing and subcortical regions coexists in migraine with weakening of cortical networks within each lobe. The multimodal analysis offers a new insight about the association between brain structure and connectivity.
Transition‐Metal Free Catalytic Synthesis of Trifluoromethyl Indolines by [4+1] Cycloaddition of Trifluoromethyl Benzoxazinones with Sulfur Ylides
Authors: Kawai Koki , Uno Hiroto , Fujimoto Daichi , Shibata Norio
Published: December 2020

Stereoselective catalytic synthesis of 3‐trifluoromethyl indolines through the [4+1] cycloaddition of benzoxazinones and sulfur ylides in a transition‐metal‐free manner was developed. In the presence of a catalytic amount of sodium hydride, aza‐ortho‐quinone methide intermediates were formed from trifluoromethyl benzoxazinones through decarboxylation after the first nucleophilic attack of sulfur ylides, which progressed to a second nucleophilic attack of sulfur ylides, resulting in the [4+1] cycloaddition. The key for this catalytic transformation is the dual attack of sulfur ylides on substrates. This unique transition‐metal‐free protocol is applicable to the synthesis of non‐fluorinated vinyl‐, ethynyl‐ or methyl‐substituted indolines. The synthesis of 3‐trifluoromethyl indoles was also achieved described under stoichiometric conditions.
Growth and wage effects of the monetary policy
Authors: Afonso Óscar
Published: December 2020

We analyse the effects of the monetary policy (inflation) on a set of real macroeconomic variables, via cash‐in‐advance (CIA) constraints and an ‘inflation‐rate’ complexity R&D effect in a knowledge‐driven horizontal R&D growth model with skilled and unskilled labour. The model is calibrated to the U.S. economy. We find that the monetary policy has no effect on firm‐size growth, but a negative impact on economic growth, real interest rate, skill premium, R&D intensity, and welfare; positive influence on the velocity of money. The sign of the theoretical relationships is in line with the dominant empirical evidence.
Early child development and parents' labor supply
Authors: Lafférs Lukáš , Schmidpeter Bernhard
Published: December 2020

The impact of children's early development status on parental labor market outcomes is not well established in the empirical literature. We combine an instrumental variable approach to account for the endogeneity of the development status with a model of nonrandom labor force participation to identify its impact. A one‐unit increase in our poor child development index reduces long‐term maternal weekly hours worked by 9 h and weekly income by A$215. We provide evidence that mothers substitute working time with childcare to compensate for early disadvantages. We do not find any responses of fathers to early child development.
Electronic couplings for singlet fission: Orbital choice and extrapolation to the complete basis set limit
Authors: Speelman Tom , Cunha Ana V. , Kathir R. K. , Havenith Remco W. A.
Published: December 2020

For the search for promising singlet fission candidates, the calculation of the effective electronic coupling, which is required to estimate the singlet fission rate between the initially excited state (S0S1) and the multiexcitonic state (1TT, two triplets on neighboring molecules, coupled into a singlet), should be sufficiently reliable and fast enough to explore the configuration space. We propose here to modify the calculation of the effective electronic coupling using a nonorthogonal configuration interaction approach by: (a) using only one set of orbitals, optimized for the triplet state of the molecules, to describe all molecular electronic states, and (b) only taking the leading configurations into consideration. Furthermore, we also studied the basis set convergence of the electronic coupling, and we found, by comparison to the complete basis set limit obtained using the cc‐pVnZ series of basis sets, that both the aug‐cc‐pVDZ and 6–311++G** basis sets are a good compromise between accuracy and computational feasibility. The proposed approach enables future work on larger clusters of molecules than dimers.
Levels of nasal exhaled hydrogen sulfide in the general population and allergic rhinitis patients
Authors: Li Lisha , Liu Yonglin , Wang Qiang , Wang Zixi , Cui Le , Xu Yingyang , Guan Kai
Published: December 2020

Background

Objective measures used for the differential diagnosis and severity assessment of allergic rhinitis (AR) are still lacking. The involvement of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the development of AR indicates that nasal exhaled H2S (NeH2S) has potential as a biomarker to be used in AR patients. This study aimed to evaluate the application value of NeH2S measurement in the diagnosis and assessment of AR.

Methods

This study was a multi‐center cross‐sectional survey conducted in Northwestern China. Demographic information collection and rhinitis assessment were completed through questionnaires. The level of NeH2S and serum immunoglobulin E were measured.

Results

The level of NeH2S in general population ranged from 0 to 35 ppb, with a median value of 2 ppb. The NeH2S levels in seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) patients were significantly lower than those in general population (2 [1, 2.75] vs. 2 [2, 3] ppb;p = .023), and the NeH2S value of the SAR group tended to be lower than that of the non‐allergic rhinitis (NAR) group (2 [1, 2.75] vs. 2 [2, 3] ppb;p = .094). The subgroup of AR patients with symptoms lasting longer than 2 weeks per month had a lower NeH2S level compared with the subgroup of patients with symptoms lasting less than 2 weeks per month (2 [1, 2] vs. 2 [2, 3] ppb;p = .015).

Conclusion

This study described the distribution range of NeH2S levels in the general population. Further study with larger sample size was needed to clarify the relationship between NeH2S level and AR.
Sequential coupling of enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation platform for high yield and economical production of 2,3‐butanediol from cassava by metabolically engineered Klebsiella oxytoca
Authors: Khunnonkwao Panwana , Jantama Sirima S , Jantama Kaemwich , Joannis‐Cassan Claire , Taillandier Patricia
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

2,3‐butanediol (2,3‐BD) is one of the important platform chemicals used for biofuels and biochemicals. To make an economically feasible production of 2,3‐BD, an optimization process with a cheap substrate is required. The best conditions for enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation were investigated to achieve high concentration and yield of 2,3‐BD from cassava starch while reducing the production cost regarding enzyme usage, energy input and medium preparation.

RESULTS

A 2.5 L bioreactor containing 1 L working volume of sterilized and gelatinized starch (130 g L−1) was placed at room temperature (25 °C). When the temperature of the starch solution reached 85 °C, α‐amylase (200 U g−1 starch) was added to the solution. The enzymatic reaction was allowed to proceed while the temperature of the solution was simultaneously dampened to 45 °C within 1 h. The reaction was further maintained at 45 °C for another 2 h. After hydrolysis, 64.8 g L−1 2,3‐BD was produced with a yield of 0.46 g g−1, productivity of 1.25 g L−1 h−1 and few by‐products by Klebsiella oxytoca KMS006. Further improvements of 2,3‐BD (92.5 g L−1) and yield (0.49 g g−1) were observed in fed‐batch mode under a constant feeding rate of 3.5 g starch h−1.

CONCLUSION

With our developed strategy, costs related to energy consumption and medium preparation were reduced by using heat generated by autoclave as well as by neglecting the use of glucoamylase for hydrolysis of cassava starch. The highest yield of 2,3‐BD (0.49 g g−1) was achieved, which is 98% of theoretical maximum. The process may be applied to the economical production of 2,3‐BD. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Physicochemical properties and lead ion adsorption of biochar prepared from Turkish gall residue at different pyrolysis temperatures
Authors: Zhou Xiao‐ying , Xie Fang , Jiang Min , KE‐ao Li , Tian Shu‐ge
Published: December 2020

How to correctly and scientifically dispose of medicine residue on the basis of protecting the environment is an urgent problem to be solved due to the continuous generation of a large amount of waste medicine residue. In this paper, the application of waste medicine residue (large volume produced each year) as a precursor in producing a biochar that could adsorb Pb ion was reported. Biochar is a stable, aromatic, porous substance that is rich in carbon and prepared through pyrolysis of waste biomass under anaerobic conditions. In this study, medicine residue was used as raw material, and high‐temperature sintering furnace was used to prepare medicine slag biochar at different temperatures of 200°C, 300°C, 400°C, 500°C, and 600°C. The resulting biochar was characterized by elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), specific surface area analysis, field emission‐scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy (RS). Experimental results showed that with the increase in pyrolysis temperature, the biochar structure was destroyed. The yield decreased as the temperature gradually decreased from 81.69% to 33.90%. With the increase in temperature, the pH, the ash, and the fixed carbon gradually increased, whereas the number of surface functional groups decreased. The quasi second order kinetic equation can better fit the kinetic characteristics of adsorbing Pb ion by biochar. In general, this study provides a valuable method for recycling medicine residue.
Long‐term effects of sewage sludge–derived biochar on the accumulation and availability of trace elements in a tropical soil
Authors: Chagas Jhon Kenedy Moura , Figueiredo Cícero Célio de , Silva Juscimar da , Shah Kalpit , Paz‐Ferreiro Jorge
Published: December 2020

Thermal treatment by pyrolysis has been proposed as a sustainable alternative to enable the agricultural use of sewage sludge. The solid product obtained via pyrolysis of sewage sludge is called sewage sludge biochar and presents several advantages for its use as a fertilizer or soil conditioner. However, there are concerns about the accumulation and dynamics of trace elements in soil amended with sewage sludge biochar over the years. This study examined the effect of sewage sludge biochar, under field conditions for 5 yr, on the accumulation and availability of trace elements in a tropical soil. For this, 15 t ha–1 of sewage sludge biochar produced at 300 and 500 °C were applied in the first two growing seasons. Application was interrupted from the third to the fifth seasons to assess the residual effect of sewage sludge biochar in the soil. The total and available trace element concentrations were determined. The total contents of trace elements showed the following variation in the soil over the 5 yr (mg kg–1): Cd (16.8–20.0), Co (19.5–21.5), Cr (98.2–125.7), Cu (8.1–17.1), Mn (62.9–85.7), Ni (20.3–35.0), Pb (27.0–52.4), and Zn (20.3–35.8). There was no change in the availability of Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb over the years. Additionally, a residual effect of the sewage sludge biochar was the increase in availability of trace elements that are considered essential (Cu, Mn, and Zn) and beneficial elements (Co) for plants. Therefore, in relation to contamination by trace elements, the pyrolysis of sewage sludge of domestic origin proved to be an adequate strategy to enable the safe use of this residue in tropical agriculture.
Contrasting El Niño impacts on East Asian summer monsoon precipitation between its developing and decaying stages
Authors: Wen Na , Hao Yongsheng
Published: December 2020

The different impacts of El Niño on the East Asian summer precipitation (EASP) between its developing and decaying stages are investigated in observations. The EASP responses are almost opposite between the two stages, with an anomalous wet (dry) in Southeast China and an anomalous dry (wet) in North China in the developing (decaying) summer. In the developing summer, El Niño influence on EASP is through its direct impact of the sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly in the tropical Pacific, which induces heating perturbations that excite an upper‐level zonally propagating wave train in mid‐latitude and a lower‐level meridional wave train along the East Asian coast. In contrast, in the decaying summer, El Niño affects EASP through the El Niño‐generated SST anomalies outside the equatorial Pacific, which are combined to produce an uplift of geopotential height around the upper‐level tropics and a lower‐level Pacific‐Japan (PJ) wave train.
The effects of 3D culture on the expansion and maintenance of nucleus pulposus progenitor cell multipotency
Authors: Guerrero Julien , Häckel Sonja , Croft Andreas S. , Albers Christoph E. , Gantenbein Benjamin
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Low back pain (LBP) is a global health concern. Increasing evidence implicates intervertebral disk (IVD) degeneration as a major contributor. In this respect, tissue‐specific progenitors may play a crucial role in tissue regeneration, as these cells are perfectly adapted to their niche. Recently, a novel progenitor cell population was described in the nucleus pulposus (NP) that is positive for Tie2 marker. These cells have self‐renewal capacity and in vitro multipotency potential. However, extremely low numbers of the NP progenitors limit the feasibility of cell therapy strategies.

Objective

Here, we studied the influence of the culture method and of the microenvironment on the proliferation rate and the differentiation potential of human NP progenitors in vitro.

Method

Cells were obtained from human NP tissue from trauma patients. Briefly, the NP tissue cells were cultured in two‐dimensional (2D) (monolayer) or three‐dimensional (3D) (alginate beads) conditions. After 1 week, cells from 2D or 3D culture were expanded on fibronectin‐coated flasks. Subsequently, expanded NP cells were then characterized by cytometry and tri‐lineage differentiation, which was analyzed by qPCR and histology. Moreover, experiments using Tie2+ and Tie2− NP cells were also performed.

Results

The present study aims to demonstrate that 3D expansion of NP cells better preserves the Tie2+ cell populations and increases the chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation potential compared to 2D expansion. Moreover, the cell sorting experiments reveal that only Tie2+ cells were able to maintain the pluripotent gene expression if cultured in 3D within alginate beads. Therefore, our results highly suggest that the maintenance of the cell's multipotency is mainly, but not exclusively, due to the higher presence of Tie2+ cells due to 3D culture.

Conclusion

This project not only might have a scientific impact by evaluating the influence of a two‐step expansion protocol on the functionality of NP progenitors, but it could also lead to an innovative clinical approach.
Microchip electrophoresis assay for calmodulin binding proteins
Authors: Samarasinghe Thushara N. , Zeng Yong , Johnson Carey K.
Published: December 2020

The calcium signaling protein calmodulin regulates numerous intracellular processes. We introduce a sensitive microchip assay to separate and detect calmodulin binding proteins. The assay utilizes an optimized microchip electrophoresis protein separation platform with laser‐induced fluorescence detection. Fluorescence‐labeled calmodulin modified with a photoreactive diazirine crosslinker allows selective detection of calmodulin binding proteins. We demonstrate successful in‐vitro crosslinking of calmodulin with two calmodulin binding proteins, calcineurin, and nitric oxide synthase. We compare the efficacy of commonly applied electrophoretic separation modes: microchip capillary zone electrophoresis, microchip micellar electrokinetic chromatography/gel electrophoresis, and nanoparticle colloidal arrays. Out of the methods tested, polydymethylsiloxane/glass chips with microchip zone electrophoresis gave the poorest separation, whereas sieving methods in which electro‐osmotic flow was suppressed gave the best separation of photoproducts of calmodulin conjugated with calmodulin binding proteins.
Simultaneous determination of the herbicide bixlozone and its metabolites in plant and animal samples by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Congdi , Chen Zenglong , Qin Dongmei , Liu Rong , Li Li , Li Wei , He Yujian , Yuan Longfei
Published: December 2020

Tracing the herbicide bixlozone and its metabolites in food is necessary to assess their risks to human health. In the study, a rapid and effective analytical method using the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe method for the simultaneous determination of bixlozone and its metabolites (2,4‐dichlorobenzoic acid, 3‐hydroxy‐propanamide‐bixlozone, and 5′‐hydroxy‐bixlozone) in plant and animal samples (tomato, cucumber, apple, wheat flour, meat, milk, and egg) was developed based on ultra high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The method was validated based on the linearity (R2 > 0.99), sensitivity (limit of quantification = 0.01 mg/kg), recovery (70.2–115.1%), and precision (intraday 1.2–17.6%, interday 0.3–16.0%). Detection was achieved within 6.0 min. The method is reliable for the determination of four target compounds in all seven matrices. The satisfactory validation criteria and successful application show that the proposed methodology is suitable for the detection of four target compounds in real matrices.
Tree species have a greater influence on species composition of the herb layer than soil texture on a forested post‐mining area
Authors: Rawlik Mateusz , Kasprowicz Marek , Jagodziński Andrzej M. , Kaźmierowski Cezary , Łukowiak Remigiusz , Grzebisz Witold
Published: December 2020

Trees are promoters of forest ecosystems and tree species differ in their manners of shaping the habitat conditions on reclaimed areas. We compared effects of pure forest stands ofAlnus glutinosa,Betula pendula, andPinus sylvestris(age 20–31 years) planted on sandy, loamy sand, sandy loam, and loam soils, on chemical properties of the soil and vascular plants species composition of the herb layer. Studied properties were assessed in pairs of plots located less than 50 m apart, that differed in species composition of the canopy but were characterized by similar abiotic conditions. Forest stands ofA. glutinosawere distinguished by a higher SOC content in soil (2.3% vs. 1.4% underB. pendulaandP. sylvestris), higher contribution of species typical for fertile forest edges (11.4 species vs. 5.9 species on average underB. pendulaandP. sylvestris) and lower number of species of the family Fabaceae (1.5 species vs. 5.2 species on average underB. pendulaandP. sylvestris). Effects ofP. sylvestrisstands depended on soil texture. On soils with more than 15% of silt and clay, generally, no effects were observed. However, on sandy soils (more than 85% of sand) we reported lower soil reaction (pH 6.3 in aqueous solution vs. 7.3 underB. pendula) and smaller number of plant species (17 vs. 28 on average underB. pendula). Our results showed that the tree species used for afforestation significantly influenced the characteristics of the forest ecosystems, even more than abiotic conditions.
The minimum effective dose of abobotulinum toxin A injection for allergic rhinitis: A dose‐escalation randomized controlled trial
Authors: Piromchai Patorn , Pornumnouy Worakit , Saeseow Patchareeporn , Chainansamit Seksun
Published: December 2020

Objective

To find the lowest effective injection dose of abobotulinum toxin A (Dysport) for allergic rhinitis.

Study Design

Dose‐escalation randomized controlled trial.

Methods

We included all patients aged 18 years or older who had persistent allergic rhinitis and positive allergy skin prick test. The patients were randomly allocated to receive 40, 30, or 20 U of abobotulinum toxin A by injection at the inferior turbinate. We followed up on patients for 12 weeks to evaluate nasal symptoms, ocular symptoms, minimum nasal cross‐sectional area as measured using acoustic rhinometry, and complications.

Results

Seventeen patients were included in this study, with 7 receiving 20 U of abobotulinum toxin A and 5 each receiving 30 U and 40 U. Abobotulinum toxin A significantly improved nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, sneezing, and loss of smell at 40 U (P < .05) and nasal congestion, sneezing, and loss of smell at 30 U (P < .05). However, at a dose of 20 U, only nasal congestion and loss of smell improved (P < .05). Nasal patency had also significantly improved two weeks after treatment at doses of 40 and 30 U (P < .05). Complications included epistaxis (11.8%) and nasal dryness (23.5%).

Conclusion

Abobotulinum toxin A at a dose of at least 30 U effectively reduced most nasal symptoms.

Level of Evidence

2.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.in.th/ TCTR20200526014.
Effect of spheroidized microstructure on the impact toughness and electrochemical performance of a high‐carbon steel
Authors: Bairagi Darothi , Munukuti Venkataramana , Bhuyan Pallabi , Saha Rajib , Mandal Sumantra
Published: December 2020

The influence of cementite spheroidization on the impact toughness and electrochemical properties of a high‐carbon steel has been thoroughly investigated in this study. Heavy warm rolling, followed by 2 h of annealing, has resulted in near‐complete spheroidization, leading to a microstructure consisting of nano‐cementite globules dispersed in the ultrafine‐grained ferritic matrix. The Charpy impact test exhibited superior impact toughness with increased spheroidization. It is validated by the presence of abundant dimples in the fractographs of spheroidized specimens, in contrast to the as‐received one that experienced a brittle failure due to its lamellar pearlitic structure. Potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) carried out in a 3.5% NaCl solution revealed that the corrosion resistance of the alloy gets improved with the increase in the degree of spheroidization. This is attributed to the lower susceptibility of the spheroidized specimen to microgalvanic corrosion owing to the minimum area of contact between nano‐spheroidized cementite and ferrite, as elucidated with the help of EIS results aided by equivalent electrical circuit model.
A Carbodiimide Coupling Approach for PEGylating GelMA and Further Tuning GelMA Composite Properties
Authors: Comeau Patricia , Willett Thomas
Published: December 2020

To date the low mechanical strength and high swelling rate of gelatin‐based products have limited their use toward many tissue engineering targets. Here a new approach to tuning methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) properties involving the carbodiimide coupling of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to the GelMA molecule is investigated. PEGylation improves the capacity of the solution to flow and reduces hydrogel swelling, while in composite form with nano‐hydroxyapatite (nHA) particles there is no impact on swelling. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) reveals that PEGylation likely restores some of the triple helical nature of gelatin to the GelMA and increases steric hindrance. Furthermore, triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate inclusion in GelMA‐PEG composites is able to address the loss in dynamic stiffness reported as a result of PEGylation. Altogether PEGylated GelMA shows evidence of reduced interaction with water compared to control GelMA, whether alone or in composite form. By tuning this interaction and reducing the volume of water necessary to solvate GelMA, the potential to use GelMA composites for a variety of tissue engineering applications is greatly improved.
Role of Dietary Micronutrients on Gut Microbial Dysbiosis and Modulation in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Kundra Palni , Rachmühl Carole , Lacroix Christophe , Geirnaert Annelies
Published: December 2020

In patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), dietary micronutrient intake is low and deficiencies are common. Besides the host, also the gut microbiota require micronutrients and low levels may disturb its functioning. Multi‐omics studies indeed detected shifts in micronutrient‐dependent microbial pathways in IBD. It is however not clear whether micronutrients may alleviate inflammation directly, by modulating the immune system, or also indirectly, by modulating the structure and function of the gut microbiota. The latter seems of particular interest, since the gut microbiota is one of the future therapeutic targets in IBD.

A review of the most recent available literature on relevant micronutrients in context of IBD and gut microbiota was conducted. An overview per relevant micronutrient on its role on gut bacterial growth, metabolism and host–microbe interactions during gut inflammation is provided.

Dietary micronutrients have potential to be part of future personalized microbiome‐targeted therapies in IBD, considering both the micronutrient status of the host and the gut microbiota. However, cohort studies together with integrated multi‐scale studies are needed to understand the mechanisms of micronutrient–microbiome–host interactions in IBD and to evaluate efficacy and safety of dietary micronutrient treatment strategies.
Carbohydrate Intake and Hyperlipidemia among Population with High‐Carbohydrate Diets: The Health Examinees Gem Study
Authors: Shin Woo‐Kyoung , Shin Sangah , Lee Jong‐koo , Kang Daehee , Lee Jung Eun
Published: December 2020

Scope

The association between carbohydrate intake from low‐, medium‐, and high‐glycemic index (GI) foods and hyperlipidemia among population with a high‐carbohydrate diet is examined.

Methods and results

A total of 93,870 participants of the Health Examinees Study (HEXA) are included in this cross‐sectional study. The odds ratio (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CIs) are estimated using the logistic regression model. The mean (interquartile range) of % energy from carbohydrate intake is 72.05 (67.73–77.18)% per day. Increasing intake of carbohydrate replacing fat is associated with increasing prevalence of high triglyceride (TG) and low HDL‐cholesterol, with stronger association for high‐GI carbohydrates than low‐ or med‐GI carbohydrates. ORs (95% CIs) comparing the highest with the lowest quintiles of high‐GI carbohydrates are 1.27 (1.09, 1.48) among men and 1.51 (1.31, 1.74) among women for high TG; and 1.50 (1.24, 1.82) among men and 1.73 (1.54, 1.93) among women for low‐HDL‐cholesterol. High‐GI carbohydrate intake replacing fat is inversely associated with the prevalence of high LDL‐ and total cholesterol. More pronounced associations in body mass index (BMI) <25 kg m−2 than higher BMI are found.

Conclusions

Increasing low‐quality carbohydrate intake is associated with increasing prevalence of high TGs and low HDL‐cholesterol.
The bumpy road to achieve reliability of clinical profile characteristics in psychosis and related disorders
Authors: Berendsen Steven , van Tricht Mirjam J. , Tedja Amy , Burger Thijs J. , de Koning Mariken B. , de Haan Lieuwe
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Profile characteristics are factors that are relevant for diagnosis, prognosis or treatment. The present study aims to develop a set of clinically relevant profile characteristics. Moreover, our goal is to determine the inter‐rater reliability (IRR) of the selected profile characteristics.

Methods

Potential profile characteristics were determined by literature review. Assessment of IRR was done by comparing scores on profile characteristics determined by two researchers. We conducted three subsequent studies: (1) assessment of pre‐training IRR, (2) IRR following implementation of an instruction manual, (3) IRR after optimizing scoring methods. IRR was measured with the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC).

Results

IRR scores of profile characteristic Illegal activities were high across the three studies (ICC ≥ 0.75). Following training procedures in study 2 and 3, reliability estimates remained low to moderate (ICC < 0.75) for the profile characteristics Support of relatives, Aggression recent and lifetime, substance use and insight recent. IRR scores of the other eight profile characteristics varied from low, moderate to high across studies.

Conclusion

IRR scores of profile characteristics were highly variable, and mostly inadequate in all three studies. Consequently, further research should focus on specification of severity scores of profile characteristics, optimizing scoring methods and re‐evaluation of IRR.
Ensuring both velocity and spatial responses robust to field inhomogeneities for velocity‐selective arterial spin labeling through dynamic phase‐cycling
Authors: Liu Dapeng , Li Wenbo , Xu Feng , Zhu Dan , Shin Taehoon , Qin Qin
Published: December 2020

Purpose

To evaluate both velocity and spatial responses of velocity‐selective arterial spin labeling (VS‐ASL), using velocity‐insensitive and velocity‐compensated waveforms for control modules, as well as a novel dynamic phase‐cycling approach, at different B0/ field inhomogeneities.

Methods

In the presence of imperfect refocusing, the mechanism of phase‐cycling the refocusing pulses through four dynamics was first theoretically analyzed with the conventional velocity‐selective saturation (VSS) pulse train. Numerical simulations were then deployed to compare the performance of the Fourier‐transform based velocity‐selective inversion (FT‐VSI) with these three different schemes in terms of both velocity and spatial responses under various B0/ conditions. Phantom and human brain scans were performed to evaluate the three methods at scales of 0.8, 1.0, and 1.2.

Results

The simulations of FT‐VSI showed that, under nonuniform B0/ conditions, the scheme with velocity‐insensitive control was susceptible to DC bias of the static spins as systematic error, while the scheme with velocity‐compensated control had deteriorated velocity‐selective labeling profiles and, thus, reduced labeling efficiency. Through numerical simulation, phantom scans, and brain perfusion measurements, the dynamic phase‐cycling method demonstrated considerable improvements over these issues.

Conclusion

The proposed dynamic phase‐cycling approach was demonstrated for the velocity‐selective label and control modules with both velocity and spatial responses robust to a wide range of B0 and field inhomogeneities.
Generating large scale‐free networks with the Chung–Lu random graph model
Authors: Fasino Dario , Tonetto Arianna , Tudisco Francesco
Published: December 2020

Random graph models are a recurring tool‐of‐the‐trade for studying network structural properties and benchmarking community detection and other network algorithms. Moreover, they serve as test‐bed generators for studying diffusion and routing processes on networks. In this paper, we illustrate how to generate large random graphs having a power‐law degree distribution using the Chung–Lu model. In particular, we are concerned with the fulfillment of a fundamental hypothesis that must be placed on the model parameters, without which the generated graphs lose all the theoretical properties of the model, notably, the controllability of the expected node degrees and the absence of correlations between the degrees of two nodes joined by an edge. We provide explicit formulas for the model parameters to generate random graphs that have several desirable properties, including a power‐law degree distribution with any exponent larger than 2, a prescribed asymptotic behavior of the largest and average expected degrees, and the presence of a giant component.