bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum osteopontin predicts glycaemic profile improvement in metabolic syndrome: A pilot study
Authors: Caserza Lara , Casula Matteo , Elia Edorado , Bonaventura Aldo , Liberale Luca , Bertolotto Maria , Artom Nathan , Minetti Silvia , Contini Paola , Verzola Daniela , Pontremoli Roberto , Viazzi Franesca , Viviani Giorgio L. , Bertolini Stefano , Pende Aldo , Pisciotta Livia , Montecucco Fabrizio , Carbone Federico
Published: September 2020

Prediabetes is often observed in patients with Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and might be associated with metabolic and inflammatory alterations. Here, we investigated whether the inflammatory molecule osteopontin (OPN) might have a prognostic impact in a cohort of MetS patients (n = 85) with baseline normal glycaemia or impaired fasting glucose (IFG) over one year of recommended pharmacological treatments and Mediterranean diet. Patients were then followed up for 12 months with intermediate evaluation after 6 months. At all time points, anthropometric and clinical data were recorded, alongside with haematological and biochemical profiles, including serum concentrations of OPN. As expected, Mediterranean diet improves glycaemic profile in patients with IFG. Baseline serum OPN failed to be associated with baseline anthropometric or biochemical variables. At baseline, higher levels of OPN were shown in patients with IFG as compared to normal glycaemia. Two distinct subgroups of patients in whom OPN decreased or remained stable/increased at follow‐up were identified. When higher serum OPN levels were observed at baseline, greater reduction was observed at 1‐year follow‐up. Reduction in circulating OPN levels was associated with metabolic improvement in terms of blood pressure, LDL‐c, HDL‐c, and glycaemia. At both univariate and adjusted logistic regression analyses, serum OPN emerged as an independent predictor of glycaemic profile improvement at 1‐year follow‐up (adjOR 1.05 [1.00‐1.10];P = .041). In conclusion, pharmacological and dietetic interventions improved glycaemic profile in patients with MetS. In particular, glycaemic improvement was demonstrated in patients who also reduce circulating OPN levels. Higher OPN levels at baseline predict normalization of glycaemic profile.
Circ_0000524/miR‐500a‐5p/CXCL16 axis promotes podocyte apoptosis in membranous nephropathy
Authors: Sun Zhiqiang , Xu Qingqing , Ma Yali , Yang Suxia , Shi Jun
Published: September 2020

Background

Podocytes apoptosis is a hallmark of membranous nephropathy (MN). Circ_0000524 has been reported to be associated with patients with MN, whereas the effect of circ_0000524 on podocytes apoptosis and the underlying mechanisms in MN have not been elaborated.

Methods

Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and Western blot were performed to detect the expressions of circ_0000524, microRNA‐500a‐5p (miR‐500a‐5p), and C‐X‐C chemokine ligand 16 (CXCL16) in MN tissues and podocytes. Podocyte injury was induced by angiotensin II (AngII). Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Caspase‐3 or caspase‐9 activity was evaluated using a caspase‐3 or caspase‐9 activity assay kit, respectively. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and pull‐down assay were used to address the relationship among circ_0000524,miR‐500a‐5p and CXCL16.

Results

Upregulation of circ_0000524 and CXCL16 and low expression of miR‐500a‐5p were observed in MN tissues. AngII treatment induced the overexpression of circ_0000524 and CXCL16, a decrease of miR‐500a‐5p, and induced cell apoptosis in podocytes. Circ_0000524 negatively modulated the expression of miR‐500a‐5p. Circ_0000524 depletion inhibited podocyte apoptosis, which was rescued by loss of miR‐500a‐5p. miR‐500a‐5p contained the binding sites with CXCL16. Circ_0000524 knockdown hampered CXCL16 expression by upregulating miR‐500a‐5p expression. Additionally, miR‐500a‐5p upregulation suppressed AngII‐induced podocyte apoptosis, which was rescued by enhanced expression of CXCL16.

Conclusion

Circ_0000524/miR‐500a‐5p/CXCL16 pathway regulated podocyte apoptosis in MN.
HIGH SCHOOL CHOICES AND THE GENDER GAP IN STEM
Authors: Card David , Payne A. Abigail
Published: September 2020

Women are less likely than men to graduate with a degree in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM). We use detailed administrative data for a recent cohort of Ontario high school students, combined with data from the province's university admission system, to analyze the sources of this gap. We show that entry to STEM programs is mediated through an index of STEM readiness that depends on end‐of‐high school courses in math and science. Most of the gender gap in STEM entry can be traced to differences in the share of college entrants who are STEM‐ready; only a small share is attributable to differences in the choice of major conditional on readiness. We then use high school course data to decompose the gender gap in STEM readiness into two channels: one reflecting the gap in the fraction of high school students with the necessary prerequisites to enter STEM, the other arising from differences in the overall fractions of females and males who enter university. The gender gap in the fraction of males and females with STEM prerequisites is small. The primary driver of the gap in STEM readiness is the low rate of university entry by nonscience‐oriented males. (JEL I21, 28, I20)
Spiders follow an ideal free distribution based on traits of the plant community
Authors: Cardoso João Custódio Fernandes , Gonzaga Marcelo Oliveira
Published: September 2020

1. Understanding the distribution of organisms is a central issue in ecology. Some animal densities are directly determined by resource availability(i.e.the ideal free distribution model, IFD). Hence, animals freely occupy the available patches so that the payoff is ideally maximised according to resource exploitation and competition. Based on its assumptions, tests of the IFD should be made with animals presenting high motility and sensitivity to specific habitat characteristics.

2. This study demonstrates how traits from the plant community influence the distribution of two cobweb spiders,Helvibis longicaudaandChrysso intervales, on a forest understory.

3. Spider abundance was positively correlated to the availability of broadleaves (i.e. suitable sites) along patches. They show high topophilia (i.e.preferences based on microhabitat structural characteristics) for roof‐like leaves, which provide shelter to build webs underneath. Alternatively, higher numbers of pinnate fern fronds, a trait that is unsuitable to support the three‐dimensional webs of those species, translated to decreased abundance. Numbers of suitable and unsuitable sites were negatively correlated, indicating that their proportion on patches drives spider abundance. Finally, spider abundance along 22 suitable plant species was influenced by the number of microhabitats provided per species rather than by their phylogenetic identities.

4. We corroborate the IFD, demonstrating that simple consumer–resource relationships may occur on complex/multi‐species environments, such as forests. Dispersion and topophilic microhabitat selection may be driven by substrate availability and competition. Importantly, we provide insights based on the whole plant community, while previous evidence was limited to a single or a few species.
Habitat complexity and individual variation in diet and morphology of a fish species associated with macrophytes
Authors: Paz Cardozo Ana Lúcia , Quirino Bárbara Angélio , Yofukuji Kátia Yasuko , Ferreira Aleixo Matheus Henrique , Fugi Rosemara
Published: September 2020

Populations of generalist fish can be composed of individuals specialised to a small subset of food resources, a process known as individual specialisation. In this study, we hypothesised that variation in the diet and morphology of individuals is related to habitat complexity and that greater levels of individual specialisation are found at intermediate levels of macrophyte biomass. Fish and aquatic plants were sampled in 15 multispecific macrophyte stands with different biomasses in the Baía River (Upper Paraná River floodplain). We assessed habitat complexity using the biomass of aquatic macrophytes (three levels of classification: low, intermediate and high). The diet of Moenkhausia forestii was evaluated with the volumetric method. To assess individual diet specialisation, we used the IS (specialisation index) and NODF (nestedness based on overlap and decreasing fill) index and for individual morphological specialisation we used ecomorphological metrics. We tested for a correlation between diet and morphology with a Mantel test. Contrary to our hypothesis, IS and NODF values indicated greater individual specialisation in the diet of M. forestii from low macrophyte biomass. However, the greatest individual morphological specialisation was found in macrophyte stands with intermediate biomasses. The Mantel test showed that there was no significant correlation between diet and morphology. Thus, individual specialisation of M. forestii diet may be related to an increase in competition (likely intraspecific) in stands with low macrophyte biomass, while morphological specialisation is probably related to greater resources availability and accessibility within stands of intermediate macrophyte biomass.
Prevalence of major wood‐decay Agaricomycetes in artificial, managed near‐natural and undisturbed forests of South Moravia, Czechia
Authors: Dálya László Benedek , Sedlák Petr
Published: September 2020

Most wood‐decay fungi contribute to the healthy functioning of forest ecosystems, whereas others cause infectious diseases of woody plants and high economic losses for forest management. In this study, we pursued the hypothesis that pathogenic wood‐rotting Agaricomycetes occur less frequently in undisturbed forests than in managed stands, especially artificial monocultures. The prevalence of two important pathogens, Armillaria spp. and Heterobasidion annosum s.l., was assessed in managed and unmanaged beech, oak and mixed forests, and spruce plantations in South Moravia, Czechia. In addition, the presence of saproparasitic fungi in decayed wood was examined. Identification of fungal species from wood, soil, basidiome and rhizomorph samples was performed by DNA‐based methods. Possible ecological patterns in the distribution of fungi were investigated. Armillaria spp. were ubiquitous; A. cepistipes seems to act as a decomposer, A. gallica is potentially hazardous to oak stands, while A. ostoyae threatens spruce plantations. Basidiomes and epiphytic rhizomorphs of Armillaria were absent in unmanaged stands. Heterobasidion annosum s.s. and H. abietinum basidiocarps were present in 21% and 4% of managed stands, respectively, mostly on conifer stumps. Fomitopsis pinicola, Schizophyllum commune and Stereum spp. were detected in a wide range of hosts and stand types. The results indicate that near‐natural forests are less endangered by root rot disease than monoculture plantations.
The neuropharmacology of cannabinoid receptor ligands in central signaling pathways
Authors: Brunt Tibor M. , Bossong Matthijs G.
Published: September 2020

The endocannabinoid system is a complex neuronal system involved in a number of biological functions, like attention, anxiety, mood, memory, appetite, reward, and immune responses. It is at the centre of scientific interest, which is driven by therapeutic promise of certain cannabinoid ligands and the changing legalization of herbal cannabis in many countries. The endocannabinoid system is a modulatory system, with endocannabinoids as retrograde neurotransmitters rather than direct neurotransmitters. Neuropharmacology of cannabinoid ligands in the brain can therefore be understood in terms of their modulatory actions through other neurotransmitter systems. The CB1 receptor is chiefly responsible for effects of endocannabinoids and analogous ligands in the brain. An overview of the neuropharmacology of several cannabinoid receptor ligands, including endocannabinoids, herbal cannabis and synthetic cannabinoid receptor ligands is given in this review. Their mechanism of action at the endocannabinoid system is described, mainly in the brain. In addition, effects of cannabinoid ligands on other neurotransmitter systems will also be described, such as dopamine, serotonin, glutamate, noradrenaline, opioid, and GABA. In light of this, therapeutic potential and adverse effects of cannabinoid receptor ligands will also be discussed.
Visceral adiposity index and cervical arterial atherosclerosis in northeast China: a population based cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Yu Y. , Zhang F.‐L. , Yan X.‐L. , Zhang P. , Guo Z.‐N. , Yang Y.
Published: September 2020

Background and purpose

The burden of cervical arterial atherosclerosis, which is an important risk factor of stroke, is huge in China. The visceral adiposity index (VAI) is a convenient index that is related to a series of metabolic abnormalities and a variety of diseases, including cerebrovascular diseases. This study aimed to explore the relationship between VAI and cervical arterial atherosclerosis.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study used the multistage stratified random cluster sampling method to acquire a representative sample of residents aged ≥40 in the general population of northeast China. All participants completed a detailed questionnaire and provided blood samples. Cervical vascular ultrasound was performed by experienced ultrasound doctors. VAI was calculated by a well‐established formula and analyzed by quartiles (Q1–Q4).

Results

A total of 3688 people aged ≥40 years who underwent cervical arterial ultrasound were finally included, amongst whom 3.2% had increased intima‐media thickness (IMT), 48.6% had carotid plaque and 4.0% had cervical artery stenosis (CAS). After adjusting for several parameters, little statistical significance was found between VAI and increased IMT; compared with the VAI‐Q1 group, the VAI‐Q2, VAI‐Q3 and VAI‐Q4 groups were more likely to have CAS [odds ratio (OR) 2.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17–3.43; OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.05–3.15; OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.03–3.12] and the VAI‐Q3 and VAI‐Q4 groups were at greater risk of carotid plaque (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.05–1.62; OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.07–1.67).

Conclusions

The VAI was related to carotid plaque and CAS in the general population that is older than 40 years.
KA‐104, a new multitargeted anticonvulsant with potent antinociceptive activity in preclinical models
Authors: Kamiński Krzysztof , Mogilski Szczepan , Abram Michał , Rapacz Anna , Latacz Gniewomir , Szulczyk Bartłomiej , Walczak Maria , Kuś Kamil , Matyjaszczyk Karolina , Kamiński Rafał M.
Published: September 2020

Objective

The main objective of the present work was to assess the utility of KA‐104 as potential therapy for drug‐resistant seizures and neuropathic pain, and to characterize its druglike properties in a series of absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADME‐Tox) studies. We also aimed to establish its mechanism of action in electrophysiological studies.

Methods

The activity of KA‐104 against drug‐resistant seizures was tested in the mouse 6‐Hz (44‐mA) model, whereas the antinociceptive activity was assessed with the capsaicin‐ and oxaliplatin‐induced pain models in mice. The patch‐clamp technique was used to study the influence of KA‐104 on fast voltage‐gated sodium currents in rat prefrontal cortex pyramidal neurons. The pharmacokinetic profile was determined after intraperitoneal (ip) injection in mice. The in vitro ADME‐Tox properties were studied by applying routine testing procedures.

Results

KA‐104 was effective in the 6‐Hz (44‐mA) model (median effective dose [ED50] = 73.2 mg/kg) and revealed high efficacy in capsaicin‐induced neurogenic pain as well as in oxaliplatin‐induced neuropathic pain in mice. Patch‐clamp technique showed that KA‐104 reversibly inhibits voltage‐gated sodium currents. KA‐104 was rapidly absorbed after the ip injection and showed relatively good penetration through the blood‐brain barrier. This molecule was also characterized by high passive permeability, moderate influence on CYP2C9, and negligible hepatotoxicity on HepG2 cells.

Significance

The results reported herein indicate that KA‐104 is a new wide‐spectrum multitargeted anticonvulsant with favorable in vitro ADME‐Tox properties. Importantly, this compound may also prove to become an interesting and hopefully more effective therapeutic option for treatment of neuropathic pain.
Characterization of the microbiome in the infant diapered area: Insights from healthy and damaged skin
Authors: Teufel Amber , Howard Brian , Hu Ping , Carr Andrew N.
Published: September 2020

It has been recognized for nearly a century that human beings are inhabited by a remarkably dense and diverse microbial ecosystem, yet we are only just beginning to understand and appreciate the many roles that these microbes play in human health and development. Establishment of the microbiome begins at birth, but many previous studies on infant skin health have focused on Candida species. Little is known on the full microbial composition across different areas and even less is known on how these communities change during disease/inflammatory states. In this clinical study, infants were recruited during periods of diaper dermatitis (DD) and health to characterize the skin microbiome in these two states. Substantial shifts in the skin microbiome were observed across four sites in the diapered area (genitals, intertriginous, buttocks and perianal), as well as during periods of DD. As DD scores increased, there was a shift in relative abundance that demonstrated higher community percentages of faecal coliforms, such as Enterococcus, and lower percentages of Staphylococcus strains. In high‐rash samples, the predominant Staphylococcus species is S aureus, potentially implicating S aureus as a DD aetiological agent. This study provides new information related to the microbiome on infant skin in the diapered area and provides insights into the role of the microbiome in the development of DD.
Detection of anomalous episodes in urban Ozone maps
Authors: Cárdenas‐Montes Miguel
Published: September 2020

In addition to classification and regression, outlier detection has emerged as a relevant activity in deep learning. In comparison with previous approaches where the original features of the examples were used for separating the examples with high dissimilarity from the rest of the examples, deep learning can automatically extract useful features from raw data, thus removing the need for most of the feature engineering efforts usually required with classical machine learning approaches. This requires training the deep learning algorithm with labels identifying the examples or with numerical values. Although outlier detection in deep learning has been usually undertaken by training the algorithm with categorical labels—classifier—, it can also be performed by using the algorithm as regressor. Nowadays numerous urban areas have deployed a network of sensors for monitoring multiple variables about air quality. The measurements of these sensors can be treated individually—as time series—or collectively. Collectively, a variable monitored by a network of sensors can be transformed into a map. Maps can be used as images in machine learning algorithms—including computer vision algorithms—for outlier detection. The identification of anomalous episodes in air quality monitoring networks allows later processing this time period with finer‐grained scientific packages involving fluid dynamic and chemical evolution software, or the identification of malfunction stations. In this work, a Convolutional Neural Network is trained—as a regressor—using as input Ozone‐urban images generated from the Air Quality Monitoring Network of Madrid (Spain). The learned features are processed by Density‐based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise (DBSCAN) algorithm for identifying anomalous maps. Comparisons with other deep learning architectures are undertaken, for instance, autoencoders—undercomplete and denoizing—for learning salient features of the maps and later to use as input of DBSCAN. The proposed approach is able efficiently find maps with local anomalies compared to other approaches based on raw images or latent features extracted with autoencoders architectures with DBSCAN.
Escalation and Regulation of Emotional Arousal in Couples Predicts Relationship Satisfaction Concurrently and 25 Years Later
Authors: Weber Danielle M. , Fischer Melanie S. , Baucom Donald H. , Baucom Brian R. W. , Engl Joachim , Thurmaier Franz , Wojda Alexandra K. , Hahlweg Kurt
Published: September 2020

Relationship distress and divorce are major risk factors for the development or exacerbation of psychopathology and psychosocial impairments. Given that heightened negative emotions within couples’ interactions may portend negative relationship outcomes, it is critical to understand how emotions unfold across a conversation and how partners may influence each other’s immediate emotional experiences. This study examined whether these regulatory dynamics within one interaction predicted relationship satisfaction concurrently and 25 years later. Vocally‐encoded emotional arousal (f0) was measured during couples’ (N = 25 couples) conversations about a relationship issue. Across different analytical strategies, results demonstrate that one partner’s f0dynamics had immediate and long‐term associations with the other partner’s satisfaction. Partners were less satisfied if the other partner (a) expressed higher f0overall and (b) escalated more in f0across the conversation. Yet, partners weremoresatisfied when their f0escalated across the conversation. Also, women specifically were more satisfied if their f0remained elevated longer before regulating back to their emotional baseline. Thus, higher f0was associated with higher satisfaction in thesamepartner, but associated with less satisfaction in theotherpartner—particularly when these emotions come from women. It may be that partners have to decide whether to prioritize expressing their emotions fully or limit expression in the service of their partner’s happiness. These findings challenge us to think of ways to address this “win–lose” scenario so that couples can balance both partners’ emotional needs and preserve relationship quality across the life span.
Metformin potentiates the chemotherapeutic effects of doxorubicin on 2‐amino‐1‐methyl‐6‐phenylimidazo[4,5b] pyridine‐induced Mammary Carcinoma in rats
Authors: Salim Elsayed , El‐Sisi Alaa El‐Din , Sokar Samia , EL‐Sayad Magda , Moussa Ethar
Published: September 2020

This study was carried out to evaluate the antitumor activity of Metformin (Met) and its impending utility to potentiate the chemotherapeutic action of doxorubicin on 2‐amino‐1‐methyl‐6‐phenylimidazo[4,5b]pyridine (PhIP)‐induced rat mammary carcinogenesis. Female Sprague –Dawley (SD) rats were divided into seven groups (n = 15 each). Mammary carcinogenesis was induced by the administration of PhIP at a dose of 75 mg/kg by gavage. Met treatment was 2 mg/ml in drinking water for 26 weeks started after the last PhIP dose. Doxorubicin (Dox) treatment started after one month of the last PhIP dose with a dose of 4 mg/kg, i.v. once per week for 4 weeks. Compared to the PhIP group, the latency period of tumors in the PhIP+Dox, PhIP+Met, and PhIP+Dox+Met groups were significantly increased and tumors’ incidences and multiplicities were significantly reduced. By immunohistochemistry, carcinomas from the combination treatment groups showed a significant decrease in the labeling indexes (LI%) of cellular proliferation and CD44 compared to the PhIP group while LI% for ERα was significantly decreased in all combination treatment groups compared to the PhIP‐administered group. Moreover, the quantitative mRNA expression of ERα was significantly decreased in mammary tumors from PhIP + Dox+Met combined group more than the PhIP + Dox group. However, mRNA expression of EGF was found significantly lower in all combination treatment groups compared to the PhIP group. These findings suggest that Metformin potentiate the antitumor efficacy of doxorubicin and had beneficial effects on PhIP‐induced mammary carcinogenesis through the prevention of cellular proliferation and mRNA expression of ERα and EGF.
The complex life of rhomboid pseudoproteases
Authors: Adrain Colin , Cavadas Miguel
Published: September 2020

Rhomboid pseudoproteases are catalytically inactive members of the rhomboid superfamily. The founding members, rhomboids, were first identified in Drosophila as serine intramembrane proteases that cleave transmembrane proteins, enabling signaling. This led to the discovery of the wider rhomboid superfamily, a clan that in metazoans is dominated by pseudoproteases. These so‐called rhomboid pseudoproteases inherited from their catalytically active ancestors a conserved rhomboid‐like domain and a propensity to regulate signaling. Lacking catalytic activity, they developed new ‘pseudoenzyme’ functions that include regulating the trafficking, turnover, and activity of their client proteins. Rhomboid pseudoproteases have preeminent roles in orchestrating immune cell activation, antiviral responses, and cytokine release in response to microbial infection, or in chronic diseases, and have also been implicated in growth factor signaling, cancer, and, more recently, metabolism. Here, we discuss the mechanism(s) of action of rhomboid pseudoproteases, contrasted with rhomboid proteases. We also highlight the roles of rhomboid pseudoproteases in mammalian physiology, which, quite paradoxically among pseudoenzymes, is understood much better than active rhomboids.
Extracellular vesicles derived from inflamed murine colorectal tissue induce fibroblast proliferation via epidermal growth factor receptor
Authors: Hasegawa Kana , Kuwata Keiko , Yoshitake Jun , Shimomura Sayako , Uchida Koji , Shibata Takahiro
Published: September 2020

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are chronic inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Although IBDs increase the risk of colitis‐associated colon cancer, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid‐bound sacs that transport proteins, RNA, and lipids between cells and are key mediators of cellular communication in both physiological and pathological settings. EVs have been implicated in many cancer hallmarks, including uncontrolled tumor growth and metastasis. In this study, we investigated the effects of colon‐derived EVs on the proliferation of fibroblasts. We used comparative proteomics to characterize protein profiles of colorectal EVs isolated from healthy mice (Con‐EVs) and those with dextran sulfate sodium‐induced colitis (IBD‐EVs). The results showed that 109 proteins were upregulated in IBD‐EVs. Notably, expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which plays important roles in cell proliferation and development, was increased in IBD‐EVs. We then examined the effect of EVs on murine NIH3T3 fibroblasts and found that IBD‐EVs significantly promoted cell proliferation in EGFR‐ and ERK‐dependent manner. Our findings suggest that inflamed colon‐derived EVs promote tumor development thorough activation of fibroblasts.
Impacts of uncertain feedstock quality on the economic feasibility of fast pyrolysis biorefineries with blended feedstocks and decentralized preprocessing sites in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Lan Kai , Park Sunkyu , Kelley Stephen S. , English Burton C. , Yu Tun‐Hsiang E. , Larson James , Yao Yuan
Published: September 2020

This study performs techno‐economic analysis and Monte Carlo simulations (MCS) to explore the effects that variations in biomass feedstock quality have on the economic feasibility of fast pyrolysis biorefineries using decentralized preprocessing sites (i.e., depots that produce pellets). Two biomass resources in the Southeastern United States, that is, pine residues and switchgrass, were examined as feedstocks. A scenario analysis was conducted for an array of different combinations, including different pellet ash control levels, feedstock blending ratios, different biorefinery capacities, and different biorefinery on‐stream capacities, followed by a comparison with the traditional centralized system. MCS results show that, with depot preprocessing, variations in the feedstock moisture and feedstock ash content can be significantly reduced compared with a traditional centralized system. For a biorefinery operating at 100% of its designed capacity, the minimum fuel selling price (MFSP) of the decentralized system is $3.97–$4.39 per gallon gasoline equivalent (GGE) based on the mean value across all scenarios, whereas the mean MFSP for the traditional centralized system was $3.79–$4.12/GGE. To understand the potential benefits of highly flowable pellets in decreasing biorefinery downtime due to feedstock handling and plugging problems, this study also compares the MFSP of the decentralized system at 90% of its designed capacity with a traditional system at 80%. The analysis illustrates that using low ash pellets mixed with switchgrass and pine residues generates a more competitive MFSP. Specifically, for a biorefinery designed for 2,000 oven dry metric ton per day, running a blended pellet made from 75% switchgrass and 25% pine residues with 2% ash level, and operating at 90% of designed capacity could make an MFSP between $4.49 and $4.71/GGE. In contrast, a traditional centralized biorefinery operating at 80% of designed capacity marks an MFSP between $4.72 and $5.28.
Relationship between psychological pain and death anxiety with comprehensive geriatric assessment in older adults
Authors: Cavusoglu Cagatay , Ileri Ibrahim , Tuna Dogrul Rana , Ozsurekci Cemile , Caliskan Hatice , Cemal Kizilarslanoglu Muhammet , Goker Berna
Published: September 2020

Aim

Psychological pain refers to the torment that results from adverse experiences, such as loneliness, guilt, frustration, hopelessness or loss. Psychological pain may impair physical and psychosocial functioning of older adults. Death anxiety is associated with cognitive function deterioration, change to social environment and increased risk of depression. This study investigated associations among components of comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA), death anxiety and psychological pain.

Methods

In total, 100 patients aged ≥65 years were included in this study. Demographic characteristics and CGA test scores were examined. The Templer scale was used to evaluate death anxiety; the Psychache scale was used to evaluate psychological pain. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify parameters independently associated with poor cognitive performance and death anxiety.

Results

The patients' median age was 73 (65–92) years. Death anxiety was detected in 34% of patients. Psychological pain and death anxiety levels were significantly associated with Mini‐Mental State Examination, clock drawing test, Geriatric Depression Scale‐15 and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scores. Psychological pain levels were independently associated with cognitive performance. Finally, psychological pain and IADL scores were independently associated with death anxiety.

Conclusions

During a CGA, practitioners should note that psychological pain and death anxiety may negatively affect cognitive function and IADL scores. Patients should be re‐evaluated, following suitable psychotherapeutic interventions. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 1056–1060..
Mobilizing betrayal: Black feminist pedagogy and Black women graduate student educators
Authors: James‐Gallaway ArCasia D. , Turner Francena F. L.
Published: September 2020

This article addresses Black women graduate students' educational labor in higher education teacher training programs. We ground this reflective account of our respective teaching praxis in the educational betrayal we endured as younger students, connecting it to our engagement of Black feminist pedagogy. We illustrate how this praxis empowered us as undergraduate educators to implement pedagogies of equity and justice. Employing a structured vignette analysis framework, we draw on a Black feminist paradigm and Black feminist autoethnography to examine field notes of our teaching praxis. These two field notes, one from Francena and one from ArCasia, demonstrate challenges that emerged in our instruction of mostly white undergraduates. Despite the precarious nature of our political and professional positions, we discuss why working toward an anti‐oppression praxis remains our ultimate pedagogical aim.
Real‐world efficacy of sofosbuvir plus velpatasvir therapy for patients with hepatitis C virus‐related decompensated cirrhosis
Authors: Ohya Kazuki , Imamura Michio , Teraoka Yuji , Morio Kei , Fujino Hatsue , Nakahara Takashi , Ono Atsushi , Murakami Eisuke , Kawaoka Tomokazu , Miki Daiki , Tsuge Masataka , Hiramatsu Akira , Aikata Hiroshi , Hayes C. Nelson , Mori Nami , Takaki Shintaro , Tsuji Keiji , Aisaka Yasuyuki , Ishitobi Tomokazu , Katamura Yoshio , Kodama Hideaki , Nabeshima Yoshitaka , Masaki Keiichi , Honda Yohji , Moriya Takashi , Kohno Hirotaka , Kohno Hiroshi , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: September 2020

Aim

Combination therapy with sofosbuvir (SOF) plus velpatasvir (VEL) is approved for patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐related decompensated cirrhosis. We analyzed the real‐world efficacy of SOF/VEL therapy.

Methods

Thirty‐three patients with HCV‐related decompensated cirrhosis (25 and eight patients with Child B and C, respectively) were treated with SOF/VEL for 12 weeks. The HCV non‐structural protein (NS)5A and NS5B drug resistance‐associated substitutions (RASs) were determined by direct sequencing.

Result

Thirty‐two of 33 patients completed the treatment, but the remaining patient discontinued the therapy during third week of the treatment due to aggravation of hepatic encephalopathy. Serum HCV‐RNA became negative during the treatment in all patients but relapsed after the end of therapy in five patients. In total, 28 out of 33 patients (85%) achieved sustained virological response 12 weeks following completion of treatment (SVR12). The SVR12 rate was 96% in patients with Child B, but significantly lower, at 50%, in patients with Child C (P < 0.05). In genotype 1b HCV‐infected patients, all eight patients without baseline NS5A RASs, but only three of seven patients with RASs, achieved SVR12. Multivariate analysis identified Child B (odds ratio, 35.8 for Child C; P = 0.045) as an independent predictor of SVR12. Median serum albumin levels significantly increased only in patients who achieved SVR12. Child–Pugh scores improved in 16 of 28 patients (57%) following achievement of SVR12.

Conclusion

The effect of SOF/VEL therapy is lower for patients with Child C. Improvement of hepatic function is expected after viral eradication with SOF/VEL therapy in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.
Effect of wheat bran dietary fibre on the rheological properties of dough during fermentation and Chinese steamed bread quality
Authors: Ma Sen , Wang Zhen , Liu Ning , Zhou Peng , Bao Qingdan , Wang Xiaoxi
Published: September 2020

The effects of wheat bran dietary fibre (WBDF) on the rheological properties of dough during fermentation and quality of Chinese steamed bun (CSB) were investigated. The study revealed that with the increase of the content of WBDF, the dough extensibility and time at which gas starts to escape from the dough significantly decreased but the dough firmness significantly increased (P < 0.05). The elastic modulus and viscous modulus showed an upward trend, probably due to the increased molecular weight of the viscoelastic body resulting from the presence of WBDF. Additionally, by changing the quality of the gluten network, the specific volume and L* value significantly decreased from 2.52 to 1.31 mL g−1, and from 87 to 51, respectively, these adverse effects on CSBs could be moderated by the fermentation process.
Changes in lifestyle behaviours during the COVID‐19 confinement in Spanish children: A longitudinal analysis from the MUGI project
Authors: Medrano María , Cadenas‐Sanchez Cristina , Oses Maddi , Arenaza Lide , Amasene Maria , Labayen Idoia
Published: September 2020

Background

Home confinement during the COVID‐19 pandemic could have affected lifestyle behaviours of children, however evidence about it is emerging and yet scarce.

Objectives

To examine the effects of the COVID‐19 confinement on lifestyle behaviours in Spanish children, and to assess the influence of social vulnerabilities on changes in lifestyle behaviours.

Methods

Physical activity (PA), screen time, sleep time, adherence to the Mediterranean diet (KIDMED) and sociodemographic information were longitudinally assessed before (N = 291, 12.1 ± 2.4 years, 47.8% girls) and during the COVID‐19 confinement (N = 113, 12.0 ± 2.6 years, 48.7% girls) by online questionnaires.

Results

During the COVID‐19 confinement, PA (−91 ± 55 min/d, P < .001) and screen time (±2.6 h/d, P < .001) worsened, whereas the KIDMED score improved (0.5 ± 2.2 points, P < .02). The decrease of PA was higher in children with mother of non‐Spanish origin (−1.8 ± 0.2 vs −1.5 ± 0.1 h/d, P < .04) or with non‐university studies (−1.7 ± 0.1 vs −1.3 ± 0.1 h/d, P < .005) in comparison to their counterparts.

Conclusion

This study evidence the negative impact of the COVID‐19 confinement on PA levels and sedentary behaviours of Spanish children. These findings should be taken into account to design and implement public health strategies for preserving children´s health during and after the pandemic, particularly, in children with social vulnerabilities.
TANK‐binding kinase 1 mediates osteoclast differentiation by regulating NF‐κB, MAPK and Akt signaling pathways
Authors: Lin Shuai , Zhao Xiao‐li , Wang Zhen
Published: September 2020

TANK‐binding kinase 1 (TBK1) belongs to the noncanonical IκB kinase (IKK) family. The ubiquitously expressed protein is well known to play a pivotal role in innate immune response and inflammation. Although excessive inflammatory activities have been shown to affect osteoclast (OC) differentiation and function, direct relevance of TBK1 in bone turnover is not known. In this work, we specifically altered the TBK1 protein level by knocking down or overexpressing it without affecting its homologous protein IKKε expression, and demonstrated the effect of TBK1 on OC differentiation in bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) and RAW264.7 cells upon induction by receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) ligand (RANKL). TBK1 knockdown was found to markedly inhibit the OC differentiation and function, while TBK1 overexpression enhanced OC formation. Downregulation of TBK1 greatly suppressed RANKL‐induced gene expression of Mmp9, Atp6v0d2, Acp5, Ctsk andNfatc1 involved in the regulation of OC formation and function in both BMM and RAW264.7 cells. Mechanistic studies indicated that TBK1 affected the NF‐κB signaling pathway as well as mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and protein kinase B (Akt) activation during OC differentiation. Moreover, the protein level of TNF receptor‐associated factor 6 (TRAF6) was increased, and the interaction of TRAF6 with TBK1 was potentiated, by RANKL. Collectively, we provide direct evidence showing that TBK1 effectively mediates OC differentiation and function by regulating NF‐κB, MAPKs and Akt signals. A TBK1‐targeted therapeutic strategy may be useful for the treatment of bone‐related disorders.
Medical and surgical treatment of thyroid eye disease
Authors: Hall Anthony J. H. , Topliss Duncan J.
Published: September 2020

Thyroid eye disease is an autoimmune inflammatory disease strongly associated with thyroid disease, principally Graves disease. It can range from mild disease requiring observation or symptomatic treatments only, through to sight‐threatening disease requiring major drug therapy and orbital surgery. Severity is graded by the NOSPECS system and activity by the clinical activity score (CAS) to assist in treatment selection. Non‐surgical management can extend from observation alone to minor therapy such as oral selenium, then glucocorticoid therapy, cyclosporin, mycophenolate, rituximab, immunoglobulin, teprotumumab, and orbital radiotherapy. High‐dose intravenous methylprednisolone therapy is used in active vision‐threatening disease with early use of tarsorrhaphy and orbital decompression. Inactive but moderate to severe disease may be treated by orbital decompression, strabismus and eyelid surgery. Systematic assessment and management by both an endocrinologist and ophthalmologist to achieve and maintain euthyroidism and select and sequence treatments according to activity and severity of thyroid eye disease gives the best results for quality of life and vision.
Does Employing Older Workers Affect Workplace Performance?
Authors: Bryson Alex , Forth John , Gray Helen , Stokes Lucy
Published: September 2020

Using a panel of workplaces in Britain, we investigate the implications for businesses of employing older workers. Workplace labor productivity falls where the proportion of older or younger workers rises. These raw associations are attenuated somewhat after controlling for aspects of human capital. In contrast, there is no significant association between age shares and workplace financial performance, suggesting that any reluctance by employers to employ greater numbers of older workers may be misplaced.
Modified telehealth for care of chronic wounds during the Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: A rapid literature review of alternative care modalities
Authors: Bondini Carla M. , Sage Sarah , Wilson Brent P. , Hall Maire R. , Wallis Elizabeth A. R.
Published: September 2020

Due to the changes in delivering medical care during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, such as the heavy reliance on telehealth, it is worth exploring if this is suitable when treating complex wounds. A literature rapid review was performed to explore the existing evidence around alternative service delivery modalities. While there are organisations that have successful telehealth systems and infrastructure, for services that do not already widely use telehealth it is difficult to implement a standardised system in the current state of emergency. The evidence reviewed demonstrates that telehealth appears to currently have a limited place in chronic wound management; therefore, standardisation on determining suitability in conjunction with evaluation of telehealth during this period is needed to shape implementation of telehealth systems in the future.
Composition driven (Ba,Ca)(Zr,Ti)O3 lead‐free ceramics with large quality factor and energy harvesting characteristics
Authors: Bijalwan Vijay , Erhart Jiří , Spotz Zdeněk , Sobola Dinara , Prajzler Vladimír , Tofel Pavel , Maca Karel
Published: September 2020

A comprehensive study on energy harvesting characteristics as well as electro‐mechanical properties of lead‐free (1−x)(BaZr0.2Ti0.8)O3—x(Ba0.7Ca0.3Ti)O3 ceramics were systematically carried out. Raman and Rietveld analyses show a formation of rhombohedral‐orthorhombic‐tetragonal (R‐O‐T) phase boundary region between 4/6 BZT/BCT and 6/4 BZT/BCT compositional range. Raman modes shift toward lower frequencies with increased Zr/Ca stoichiometric ratio attributed to asymmetric Ti‐O phonon vibrations, which caused local disorder, widening of energy band and reduced Curie temperature. The large mechanical quality factor Qm = 556 is related to the hardening effect and significantly high energy conversion efficiency η = 96% was discovered for 3/7 BZT/BCT composition. Largely, the noblest electro‐mechanical properties were retrieved for 5/5 BZT/BCT ceramics, in which d33 = 500 pC/N (from quasi‐static d33 meter), d33 = 540 pm/V (from field‐dependent d33 curves) indicating that the both methods are analogous with a deviation of 8%. The outstanding energy harvesting characteristics such as voltage constant g33 = 27 × 10−3 Vm/N, transduction coefficient d33 × g33 = 13 301 × 10−15 m2/N, figure of merit under off‐resonance conditions FOMoff = 12.1 × 10−10 m2/N and fairly large η of 94% were attained again for 5/5 BZT/BCT ceramics. These outstanding characteristics were ascribed to the R‐O‐T phase boundary region that comprises a low energy barrier, consequently facilitated easy polarization rotation and triggered an increased electro‐mechanical conversion. These characteristics outperform other lead‐free and even most commercially available lead‐based ceramics, and thus suitable for sensors, actuators, resonators, and energy harvesting applications.
Effects of back‐mounted biologgers on condition, diving and flight performance in a breeding seabird
Authors: Evans Tom J. , Young Rebecca C. , Watson Hannah , Olsson Olof , Åkesson Susanne
Published: September 2020

Biologging devices are providing detailed insights into the behaviour and movement of animals in their natural environments. It is usually assumed that this method of gathering data does not impact on the behaviour observed. However, potential negative effects on birds have rarely been investigated before field‐based studies are initiated. Seabirds which both fly and use pursuit diving may be particularly sensitive to increases in drag and load resulting from carrying biologging devices. We studied chick‐rearing adult common guillemots Uria aalge equipped with and without back‐mounted GPS tags over short deployments of a few days. Concurrently guillemots carried small leg‐mounted TDR devices (time‐depth recorders) providing activity data throughout. Changes in body mass and breeding success were followed for device equipped and control guillemots. At the colony level guillemots lost body mass throughout the chick‐rearing period. When‐equipped with the additional GPS tag, the guillemots lost mass at close to twice the rate they did when equipped with only the smaller leg‐mounted TDR device. The elevated mass loss suggests an impact on energy expenditure or foraging performance. When equipped with GPS tags diving performance, time‐activity budgets and daily patterns of activity were unchanged, yet dive depth distributions differed. We review studies of tag‐effects in guillemots Uria sp. finding elevated mass loss and reduced chick‐provisioning to be the most commonly observed effects. Less information is available for behavioural measures, and results vary between studies. In general, small tags deployed over several days appear to have small or no measurable effect on the behavioural variables commonly observed in most guillemot tagging studies. However, there may still be impacts on fitness via physiological effects and/or reduced chick‐provisioning, while more detailed measures of behaviour (e.g. using accelerometery) may reveal effects on diving and flight performance.