bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fertilizing bush beans with locally made compost in a remote subarctic community
Authors: Wilton Meaghan J. , Karagatzides Jim D. , Tsuji Leonard J.S. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractHigh latitude communities are cultivating crops to adapt to global warming, and thereby reduce dependency on food importation. To minimize the dependency of imported soil nutrient amendments for crop production, the Indigenous subarctic community of Fort Albany First Nation generated compost using by‐products from the traditional activities of goose harvesting along with other organic waste within the community. The compost was evaluated in a single growing season pot experiment as an amendment for bush beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) by being mixed with the local Terric Haplosaprist edaphic soil that was P and K deficient. Twelve pots growing bush beans were amended with compost at rates ranging from 3 to 30% and with unamended controls. All eight plant metrics (height, aboveground, leaf and bean biomass, quantity of leaves and pods, and individual and summed leaf surface area) showed a significant positive relationship with increasing compost amendments (p ≤ .0025, r2 = .66–.86), suggesting soils with compost attain greater bean yields than unamended soil. A threshold of bean growth was not reached, implying that compost amendments >30% may provide even greater bean yield. However, the application of P and K with the 30% compost addition exceeds recommended rates, suggesting that nutrient availability was hindered. Notwithstanding logistical issues in scaling‐up to amend all gardens in the community, such as improving the compost quality and quantity, composting using Indigenous harvest by‐products and local organic wastes is a promising adaptive food security strategy.
Unlocking Nature's Biosynthetic Power—Metabolic Engineering for the Fermentative Production of Chemicals
Authors: Hoff Birgit , Plassmeier Jens , Blankschien Matthew , Letzel Anne‐Catrin , Kourtz Lauralynn , Schröder Hartwig , Koch Walter , Zelder Oskar 
Published: October 2020

AbstractFermentation as a production method for chemicals is especially attractive, as it is based on cheap renewable raw materials and often exhibits advantages in terms of costs and sustainability. The tremendous development of technology in bioscience has resulted in an exponentially increasing knowledge about biological systems and has become the main driver for innovations in the field of metabolic engineering. Progress in recombinant DNA technology, genomics, and computational methods open new, cheaper, and faster ways to metabolically engineer microorganisms. Existing biosynthetic pathways for natural products, such as vitamins, organic acids, amino acids, or secondary metabolites, can be discovered and optimized efficiently, thereby enabling competitive commercial production processes. Novel biosynthetic routes can now be designed by the rearrangement of nature's unlimited number of enzymes and metabolic pathways in microbial strains. This expands the range of chemicals accessible by biotechnology and has yielded the first commercial products, while new fermentation technologies targeting novel active ingredients, commodity chemicals, and CO2‐fixation methods are on the horizon.
The First Bismuth Borosulfates Comprising Oxonium and a Tectosilicate‐Analogous Anion
Authors: Hämmer Matthias , Bayarjargal Lkhamsuren , Höppe Henning A. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe first bismuth borosulfate (H3O)Bi[B(SO4)2]4 is only the second featuring a three‐dimensional anion, the first tectosilicate‐analogous borosulfate synthesised solvothermally without a precursor (from Bi(NO3)3⋅5 H2O and B(OH)3 in oleum); moreover, it is the first comprising two differently charged cations and crystallises in a new structure type in space group I
(no. 82) (a=11.857(1), c=8.149(1) Å, 1947 refl., 111 param., wR2=0.037), confirmed by a second harmonic generation (SHG) measurement. The B(SO4)4 supertetrahedra are connected via all four sulfate tetrahedra resulting in a three‐dimensional anion with both H3O+ and Bi3+ cations in channels. Additionally, the crystal structure of a further bismuth borosulfate, Bi2[B2(SO4)6], is elucidated crystallising isotypically to the rare‐earth borosulfates R2[B2(SO4)6] in space group C2/c (No. 15) (a=13.568(2), b=11.490(2), c=11.106(2) Å, 3127 refl., 155 param., wR2=0.035). Moreover, the optical and thermal properties of both compounds are discussed.
Pre‐specified time synchronization of impulsive complex networks via distributed event‐triggered transmission strategies
Authors: Hai Xudong , Yu Yongguang , Ren Guojian , Xu Conghui , Wu Jiawei 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn this paper, a class of complex networks with impulsive perturbations is studied. And the problem about pre‐specified time synchronization of networks is considered, in which the settling time is independent of any initial conditions and system parameters. Namely, the settling time can be assigned in advance according to task requirements. Due to that quasi‐synchronous control methods are widely used in practical engineering, the problem about pre‐specified time quasi‐synchronization is also investigated. Based on the linear matrix inequality technique and Lyapunov methods, some sufficient criteria are derived, ensuring pre‐specified time synchronization and pre‐specified time quasi‐synchronization of the controlled systems under the designed event‐triggered transmission strategies. And Zeno behaviors are excluded. Finally, two numerical examples are given to verify the correctness of the main results.
Evaluation of photostability and phototoxicity of esterified derivatives of ubiquinol‐10 and their application as prodrugs of reduced coenzyme Q10 for topical administration
Authors: Setoguchi Shuichi , Nagata‐Akaho Nami , Goto Shotaro , Yamakawa Hirofumi , Watase Daisuke , Terada Kazuki , Koga Mitsuhisa , Matsunaga Kazuhisa , Karube Yoshiharu , Takata Jiro 
Published: October 2020

AbstractUbiquinol‐10 (UqH‐10), the fully reduced form of ubiquinone‐10 (Uq‐10, coenzyme Q10), is an antioxidant and is involved in energy production. However, physicochemical disadvantages, such as rapid oxidation, water‐insolubility, photoinstability, and phototoxicity, limit its application. We previously reported that UqH‐10 1,4‐bis‐N,N‐dimethylglycinate improved the oxidation susceptibility and poor bioavailability of UqH‐10 in rats. Herein, we evaluated the photochemical properties of UqH‐esterified derivatives (N,N‐dimethylglycinate, hemi‐succinate, ethylsuccinate, and hemi‐glutarate). Photostability was examined by irradiation using artificial sunlight and monochromatic light. The concentration of each compound was determined using LC–MS/MS. Phototoxicity was assessed by singlet oxygen and superoxide assays. Delivery of UqH‐10 via UqH‐esters to the HaCaT human keratinocyte cell line was determined using LC–MS/MS. UqH‐esters showed higher photostability to artificial sunlight than Uq‐10 and UqH‐10. Uq‐10 and UqH‐10 were rapidly degraded by monochromatic light at 279 nm, whereas UqH‐esters were more stable. UVA and/or UVB irradiation generated high levels of singlet oxygen and superoxide in Uq‐10, whereas UqH‐esters were unreactive. Additionally, UqH‐esters effectively delivered UqH‐10 to HaCaT cells following efficient uptake in their ester forms and ester bond hydrolysis in the cells. In conclusion, UqH‐ester derivatives exhibit higher photostability and lower phototoxicity compared with Uq‐10 and UqH‐10.
Pathways from health beliefs to treatment utilization for severe depression
Authors: Lilly Flavius R. W. , Jun Hyun‐Jin , Alvarez Patty , Owens Jenny , Malloy Lauren , Bruce‐Bojo Meghan , Vidal Carol 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundUntreated depression is associated with negative behavioral, psychosocial, and physical outcomes leading to socioeconomic costs, disability, and premature mortality. Research has not yet fully developed intervention models to increase the utilization of mental health treatments. The objective of the current study was to characterize the pathways linking health beliefs to treatment utilization among depressed young adults.MethodsData were collected in 2017 from 53,760 college students at 54 universities in the United States. Among the respondents, 5,343 screened positive for moderately severe to severe depression. Becker's Health Belief Model (HBM) was the guiding theoretical paradigm. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) were conducted to elucidate treatment‐seeking behavior based on health beliefs (perceived severity, perceived benefit, perceived barriers, self‐efficacy, and cues‐to‐action) while controlling for relevant sociodemographic covariates.ResultsDepression treatment utilization was significantly associated with all domains of the HBM. SEM parameter estimates indicated that higher levels of perceived severity, self‐efficacy, and cues‐to‐action were associated with greater depression treatment utilization, whereas perceived benefits and perceived barriers were associated with lower depression treatment utilization.ConclusionsThe HBM may be useful to predict the frequency of seeking treatment by individuals for depression. However, individualized intervention strategies targeting different aspects of the HBM are needed to promote help‐seeking behaviors in young adults with depression.
What you see is meaningful: Does green advertising change the intentions of consumers to purchase eco‐labeled products?
Authors: Sun Ying , Luo Biao , Wang Shanyong , Fang Wenpei 
Published: October 2020

AbstractConsumers are increasingly worried that their current consumption patterns have negative environmental impacts, which in turn shapes their green purchase intentions. Based on the signaling theory and stimulus–organism–response model, the purpose of this research is to construct a theoretical framework to understand consumer intentions to buy eco‐labeled products. Empirical results from 671 questionnaires show that as expected, green advertising receptivity positively affects intention, and the relationship between green advertising receptivity and intention is also moderated by promotion focus and mediated by system trust and personal trust. However, the relationship between green advertising receptivity and purchase intention is not moderated by prevention focus. Hence, this research suggests that stakeholders should conduct truthful green advertising campaigns to dispel consumer suspicion and target different consumers with different green advertising and marketing campaigns to increase sales.
The prognostic significance of non‐sentinel lymph node metastasis in cutaneous and acral melanoma patients—A multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Sun Wei , Xu Yu , Yang JiLong , Liao ZhiChao , Li Tao , Huang Kai , Patel Poulam , Yan WangJun , Chen Yong 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundWhether non‐sentinel lymph node (SLN)‐positive melanoma patients can benefit from completion lymph node dissection (CLND) is still unclear. The current study was performed to identify the prognostic role of non‐SLN status in SLN‐positive melanoma and to investigate the predictive factors of non‐SLN metastasis in acral and cutaneous melanoma patients.MethodsThe records of 328 SLN‐positive melanoma patients who underwent radical surgery at four cancer centers from September 2009 to August 2017 were reviewed. Clinicopathological data including age, gender, Clark level, Breslow index, ulceration, the number of positive SLNs, non‐SLN status, and adjuvant therapy were included for survival analyses. Patients were followed up until death or June 30, 2019. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was performed to identify factors associated with non‐SLN positivity. Log‐rank analysis and Cox regression analysis were used to identify the prognostic factors for disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS).ResultsAmong all enrolled patients, 220 (67.1%) had acral melanoma and 108 (32.9%) had cutaneous melanoma. The 5‐year DFS and OS rate of the entire cohort was 31.5% and 54.1%, respectively. More than 1 positive SLNs were found in 123 (37.5%) patients. Positive non‐SLNs were found in 99 (30.2%) patients. Patients with positive non‐SLNs had significantly worse DFS and OS (log‐rank P < 0.001). Non‐SLN status (P = 0.003), number of positive SLNs (P = 0.016), and adjuvant therapy (P = 0.025) were independent prognostic factors for DFS, while non‐SLN status (P = 0.002), the Breslow index (P = 0.027), Clark level (P = 0.006), ulceration (P = 0.004), number of positive SLNs (P = 0.001), and adjuvant therapy (P = 0.007) were independent prognostic factors for OS. The Breslow index (P = 0.020), Clark level (P = 0.012), and number of positive SLNs (P = 0.031) were independently related to positive non‐SLNs and could be used to develop more personalized surgical strategy.ConclusionsNon‐SLN‐positive melanoma patients had worse DFS and OS even after immediate CLND than those with non‐SLN‐negative melanoma. The Breslow index, Clark level, and number of positive SLNs were independent predictive factors for non‐SLN status.
Prospective validation of the SCAI shock classification: Single center analysis
Authors: Baran David A. , Long Ashleigh , Badiye Amit P. , Stelling Kelly 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe Society for Cardiac Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) Shock Classification has been retrospectively validated by several groups. We sought to prospectively study outcomes of consecutive patients with reference to initial SCAI Shock Stage and therapeutic strategy as well as 24 hr SCAI Shock Stage reassessment.MethodsKaplan Meier method was used to describe survival and Cox Proportional hazards modeling used to assess predictors of survival.ResultsOver an 18‐month period, 166 patients were referred for evaluation. Demographics, hemodynamics, and most laboratory findings were similar between SCAI stages, which were assigned by the team. Initial SCAI Stage was a strong predictor of survival. Thirty‐day survival was 100, 65.4, 44.2, and 60% for patients with initial SCAI shock stage B, C, D, and E respectively (p = .0004). Age and initial SCAI Shock Stage were shown to be the strongest predictors of survival by Cox proportional hazards. Mode of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) or lack of such was not a predictor of outcome. Shock stage at 24 hr was also examined. Thirty‐day survival was 100, 96.7, 66.9, 21.6, and 6.2% for patients with 3–4 SCAI stage improvement, 2 stage improvement, 1 stage improvement, no change in SCAI stage and worsening of SCAI stage respectively (p < .0001).ConclusionsInitial SCAI Shock stage predicts the survival of unselected patients with a variety of MCS interventions and medical therapy alone. The 24‐hr reassessment of shock stage further refines the prognosis.
Dendritic Oligoglycerol Regioisomer Mixtures and Their Utility for Membrane Protein Research
Authors: Urner Leonhard H. , Goltsche Katharina , Selent Marleen , Liko Idlir , Schweder Marc‐Philip , Robinson Carol V. , Pagel Kevin , Haag Rainer 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDendrons are an important class of macromolecules that can be used for a broad range of applications. Recent studies have indicated that mixtures of oligoglycerol detergent (OGD) regioisomers are superior to individual regioisomers for protein extraction. The origin of this phenomenon remains puzzling. Here we discuss the synthesis and characterization of dendritic oligoglycerol regioisomer mixtures and their implementation into detergents. We provide experimental benchmarks to support quality control after synthesis and investigate the unusual utility of OGD regioisomer mixtures for extracting large protein quantities from biological membranes. We anticipate that our findings will enable the development of mixed detergent platforms in the future.
Cationic FeII Triplex‐Forming Metallohelices as DNA Bulge Binders
Authors: Hrabina Ondrej , Malina Jaroslav , Scott Peter , Brabec Viktor 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBulges are essential structural elements in nucleic acids. The detection and targeting of bulged DNA sequences are highly important. Small molecules capable of targeting DNA bulges have attracted considerable attention because they cannot only be used as reagents for bulge recognition, but also as potential therapeutic drugs. Herein, the interactions of DNA duplexes, containing bulges of various sizes and base compositions, with a series of FeII triplex‐forming metallohelices are reported. The results obtained, with the aid of molecular biophysics methods, show that the investigated metallohelices prefer to bind to bulged DNA, rather than double‐stranded DNA, and that their binding affinities towards bulges differ among individual metallohelices. Moreover, their binding affinities towards bulges strongly depend on the bulge size and the base composition of the bulge loop. The investigated metallohelices can enter eukaryotic cells and accumulate in the cell nucleus, allowing them to interact with nucleic acids. Hence, it is reasonable to suggest that the interaction of metallohelices with nucleic acid bulges might contribute to the mechanism of their biological activity.
Effect of Secondary Structure and Side Chain Length of Hydrophobic Amino Acid Residues on the Antimicrobial Activity and Toxicity of 14‐Residue‐Long de novo AMPs
Authors: Pandit Gopal , Chowdhury Nabarupa , Abdul Mohid Sk. , Bidkar Anil P. , Bhunia Anirban , Chatterjee Sunanda 
Published: October 2020

AbstractHerein we report the efficacy and toxicity of three de novo designed cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) LL‐14, VV‐14 and ββ‐14, where side chains of the hydrophobic amino acids were reduced gradually. The AMPs showed broad‐spectrum antimicrobial activity against three pathogens from the ESKAPE group and two fungal strains. This study showed that side chains which are either too long or too short increase toxicity and lower antimicrobial activity, respectively. VV‐14 was found to be non‐cytotoxic and highly potent under physiological salt concentrations against several pathogens, especially Salmonella typhi TY2. These AMPs acted via membrane deformation, depolarization, and lysis. The activity of the AMPs is related to their ability to take on amphipathic helical conformations in the presence of microbial membrane mimics. Among AMPs with the same charge, hydrophobic interactions between the side chains of the residues with cell membrane lipids determine their antimicrobial potency and cytotoxicity. Strikingly, an optimum hydrophobic interaction is the crux of generating highly potent non‐cytotoxic AMPs.
Assessment of lung cancer risk factors and mortality in Qatar: A case series study
Authors: Abdel‐Salam Abdel‐Salam G. , Mollazehi Mohammad , Bandyopadhyay Dipankar , Malki Ahmed M. , Shi Zumin , Zayed Hatem 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe global burden of cancer has exponentially increased over the last few years. In 2018 alone, approximately more than half of the 18.1 million individuals who had cancer succumbed to it. Lung cancer cases and fatalities are particularly on the rise. Therefore, exploring the factors surrounding lung cancer mortality is of utmost importance.AimsWe investigate the clinicopathological and epidemiological characteristics of patients with lung cancer undergoing treatments, and their 5‐year survival rates from a case series study in Qatar.Methods and ResultsAll patients' data (between January 2010 and December 2014) in this case series study were retrieved from Al‐Amal Hospital database. Kaplan‐Meier survival plots, life tables and Cox regression were utilized for the statistical analysis. A total of 229 lung cancer patients were included in this study; of which 23.6% are Qatari (40 males and 14 females) and 76.4% non‐Qatari (133 males and 42 females). Approximately 57.6% of our patients received at least one type of treatment. We observe a 5‐year survival rate of 9.4% in our patient cohort. We also observe other predictive factors, such as distant metastasis (adjusted hazards ratio, HR = 2.414, 95% CI: 1.035‐5.632), smoking status (adjusted HR = 3.909, 95% CI: 1.664‐9.180) and the treatment history (adjusted HR = 0.432, 95% CI: 0.270‐0.691), to be significant.ConclusionLung cancer is a prevalent health condition in Qatar, particularly owing to the rising use of tobacco in the country. The survival rate for lung cancer patients in this country is lower, compared to the global average. Moreover, several factors such as distant metastasis, smoking status, and treatment history are associated with lung cancer survival in Qatar.
A Review on Drug‐Induced Nephrotoxicity: Pathophysiological Mechanisms, Drug Classes, Clinical Management, and Recent Advances in Mathematical Modeling and Simulation Approaches
Authors: Mody Hardik , Ramakrishnan Vidya , Chaar Maher , Lezeau Jovin , Rump Adrian , Taha Kareem , Lesko Lawrence , Ait‐Oudhia Sihem 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA variety of marketed drugs belonging to various therapeutic classes are known to cause nephrotoxicity. Nephrotoxicity can manifest itself in several forms depending on the specific site involved as well as the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. As they often coexist with other pathophysiological conditions, the steps that can be taken to treat them are often limited. Thus, drug‐induced nephrotoxicity remains a major clinical challenge. Prior knowledge of risk factors associated with special patient populations and specific classes of drugs, combined with early diagnosis, therapeutic drug monitoring with dose adjustments, as well as timely prospective treatments are essential to prevent and manage them better. Most incident drug‐induced renal toxicity is reversible only if diagnosed at an early stage and treated promptly. Hence, diagnosis at an early stage is the need of the hour to counter it. Significant recent advances in the identification of novel early biomarkers of nephrotoxicity are not beyond limitations. In such a scenario, mathematical modeling and simulation (M&S) approaches may help to better understand and predict toxicities in a clinical setting. This review summarizes pathophysiological mechanisms of drug‐induced nephrotoxicity, classes of nephrotoxic drugs, management, prevention, and diagnosis in clinics. Finally, it also highlights some of the recent advancements in mathematical M&S approaches that could be used to better understand and predict drug‐induced nephrotoxicity.