bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design and engineering of whole‐cell biocatalyst for efficient synthesis of (R)‐citronellal
Authors: Zhang Baoqi , Du Han , Zheng Yanqiu , Sun Jiale , Shen Yu , Lin Jinping , Wei Dongzhi 
Published: November 2021

SummaryBioproduction of optical pure (R)‐citronellal from (E/Z)‐citral at high substrate loading remains challenging. Low catalytic efficiency of (R)‐stereoselective ene reductases towards crude citral mixture is one of the major bottlenecks. Herein, a structure‐based engineering strategy was adopted to enhance the catalytic efficiency and stereoselectivity of an ene reductase (OYE2p) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae YJM1341 towards (E/Z)‐citral. On basis of homologous modelling, molecular docking analysis and alanine scanning at the binding pocket of OYE2p, a mutant Y84A was obtained with simultaneous increase in catalytic efficiency and stereoselectivity. Furthermore, site‐saturation mutagenesis of Y84 yielded seven mutants with improved activity and stereoselectivity in the (E/Z)‐citral reduction. Among them, the variant Y84V exhibited an 18.3% and 71.3% rise in catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) for (Z)‐citral and (E)‐citral respectively. Meanwhile, the stereoselectivity of Y84V was improved from 89.2% to 98.0% in the reduction in (E/Z)‐citral. The docking analysis and molecular dynamics simulation of OYE2p and its variants revealed that the substitution Y84V enabled (E)‐citral and (Z)‐citral to bind with a smaller distance to the key hydrogen donors at a modified (R)‐selective binding mode. The variant Y84V was then co‐expressed with glucose dehydrogenase from Bacillus megaterium in E. coli D4, in which competing prim‐alcohol dehydrogenase genes were deleted to prevent the undesired reduction in the aldehyde moiety of citral and citronellal. Employing this biocatalyst, 106 g l−1 (E/Z)‐citral was completely converted into (R)‐citronellal with 95.4% ee value and a high space‐time yield of 121.6 g l−1 day−1. The work highlights the synthetic potential of Y84V, which enabled the highest productivity of (R)‐citronellal from (E/Z)‐citral in high enantiopurity so far.
Impact of COVID vaccination rollout on the use of computed tomography venography for the assessment of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis
Authors: Thompson Corey , Karunadasa Hirannya , Varma Dinesh , Schoenwaelder Mark , Clements Warren 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIntroductionCerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is rare; however, it has been observed in patients with vaccine‐induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopaenia syndrome (VITT) following the use of adenovirus vector vaccines against COVID‐19. Adverse vaccine effects have been heavily addressed in mainstream media, likely contributing to vaccination anxiety. This study aimed to assess how the vaccine rollout and media coverage has influenced the use of computed tomography venography (CTV) in an acute care setting of a tertiary hospital.MethodSingle‐centre retrospective cohort study from 30 March 2021 to 13 June 2021. Direct comparison to same calendar dates in the preceding 3 years.ResultsIn 2021, 57 patients received CTV with headache being the reason in 48 (84%) and 40 (70%) had received ChAdOx1 nCov‐19 (AstraZeneca COVID‐19 vaccination). Only 20 of these patients received CTV after platelets and D‐Dimer had returned, and only three patients met existing guidelines for imaging. Zero cases were positive. The number of CTV studies was 5.2 times than in 2020 and 2.7 times the mean number for the 3 preceding years.ConclusionThe use of CTV in patients with headache has markedly increased at our centre since negatively biased vaccination influence of mainstream media. Headache is a common vaccine‐related side effect and VITT is exceptionably rare. With the rates of vaccination increasing in the community, these results highlight the importance of strict adherence to established evidence‐based guidelines. Otherwise, critical care capacity, and in particular imaging resources already under pressure will be strained further.
Drug checking services for people who use drugs: a systematic review
Authors: Maghsoudi Nazlee , Tanguay Justine , Scarfone Kristy , Rammohan Indhu , Ziegler Carolyn , Werb Dan , Scheim Ayden I. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackground and AimsDrug checking services provide people who use drugs with chemical analysis results of their drug samples while simultaneously monitoring the unregulated drug market. We sought to identify and synthesize literature on the following domains: (a) the influence of drug checking services on the behaviour of people who use drugs; (b) monitoring of drug markets by drug checking services; and (c) outcomes related to models of drug checking services.MethodsSystematic review. A systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science and Dissertations and Theses Global. Eligible studies were peer‐reviewed articles and conference abstracts or grey literature, published in any language since 1990 and including original data on the domains. We assessed risk of bias for quantitative peer‐reviewed articles reporting on behaviour or models of drug checking services using National Institutes of Health tools.ResultsWe screened 2463 titles and abstracts and 156 full texts, with 90 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Most (n = 65, 72.2%) were from Europe and used cross‐sectional designs (n = 79, 87.7%). Monitoring of drug markets by drug checking services (n = 63, 70%) was the most reported domain, followed by the influence of drug checking services on behaviour (n = 31, 34.4%), including intent to use, actual use and disposal of the drug, and outcomes related to models of drug checking services (n = 17, 18.9%). The most common outcome measures were detection of unexpected substances (n = 50, 55.6%), expected substances (n = 44, 48.9%), new psychoactive substances (n = 40, 44.4%) and drugs of concern (n = 32, 36.5%) by drug checking services.ConclusionsDrug checking services appear to influence behavioural intentions and the behaviour of people who use drugs, particularly when results from drug checking services are unexpected or drugs of concern. Monitoring of drug markets by drug checking services is well established in Europe, and increasingly in North America. Concerns about drug contents and negative health consequences facilitate the use of drug checking services; lack of concern; trust in drug sellers; lack of accessibility of drug checking services; and legal and privacy concerns are barriers to use.
Opioid agonist treatment uptake within provincial correctional facilities in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Kurz Megan , Dale Laura M. , Min Jeong Eun , Hongdilokkul Natt , Greiner Leigh , Olley Maureen , McLeod Katherine E. , Slaunwhite Amanda , Nosyk Bohdan 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackground and AimsMultiple interventions and policy changes related to opioid agonist treatment (OAT) have been introduced in British Columbia, Canada to increase engagement and retention in OAT. We aimed to estimate the impact of policy changes and the announcement of the opioid overdose‐related public health emergency on the use of OAT for incarcerated individuals with opioid use disorder.DesignInterrupted time‐series analysis. Events of interest included the expansion of buprenorphine/naloxone into provincial health‐care insurance coverage in October 2015 and the public health emergency declared in April 2016.Setting and ParticipantsOur study included 9220 incarcerated individuals from 12 provincial corrections facilities in British Columbia, Canada for a total of 75 649 calendar months of incarceration.MeasurementsMonthly measures of OAT use during incarceration from 1 January 2013 to 30 September 2017. We estimated changes in OAT use, controlling for individual and facility‐level factors, using a general estimating equation, specified with a logit link and an autoregressive correlation matrix.FindingsAfter the provincial health insurance coverage expansion, a sharp increase in OAT use during incarceration was observed [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.13, 1.19]. The public health emergency coincided with an immediate but temporary increase in OAT receipt (aOR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.22, 1.47). During the entire study period, we estimated a 10‐fold increase in the adjusted odds of OAT use during incarceration (aOR = 10.10, 95% CI = 8.98, 11.37).ConclusionFollowing an expansion of health‐care insurance coverage to include buprenorphine/naloxone, receipt of opioid agonist treatment (OAT) within correctional facilities in British Columbia, Canada increased, largely driven by an increase in buprenorphine/naloxone prescriptions among individuals without recent OAT experience.
Axonal injury following mild traumatic brain injury is exacerbated by repetitive insult and is linked to the delayed attenuation of NeuN expression without concomitant neuronal death in the mouse
Authors: Ogino Yasuaki , Bernas Tytus , Greer John E. , Povlishock John T. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractMild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) affects brain structure and function and can lead to persistent abnormalities. Repetitive mTBI exacerbates the acute phase response to injury. Nonetheless, its long‐term implications remain poorly understood, particularly in the context of traumatic axonal injury (TAI), a player in TBI morbidity via axonal disconnection, synaptic loss and retrograde neuronal perturbation. In contrast to the examination of these processes in the acute phase of injury, the chronic‐phase burden of TAI and/or its implications for retrograde neuronal perturbation or death have received little consideration. To critically assess this issue, murine neocortical tissue was investigated at acute (24‐h postinjury, 24hpi) and chronic time points (28‐days postinjury, 28dpi) after singular or repetitive mTBI induced by central fluid percussion injury (cFPI). Neurons were immunofluorescently labeled for NeuroTrace and NeuN (all neurons), p‐c‐Jun (axotomized neurons) and DRAQ5 (cell nuclei), imaged in 3D and quantified in automated manner. Single mTBI produced axotomy in 10% of neurons at 24hpi and the percentage increased after repetitive injury. The fraction of p‐c‐Jun+ neurons decreased at 28dpi but without neuronal loss (NeuroTrace), suggesting their reorganization and/or repair following TAI. In contrast, NeuN+ neurons decreased with repetitive injury at 24hpi while the corresponding fraction of NeuroTrace+ neurons decreased over 28dpi. Attenuated NeuN expression was linked exclusively to non‐axotomized neurons at 24hpi which extended to the axotomized at 28dpi, revealing a delayed response of the axotomized neurons. Collectively, we demonstrate an increased burden of TAI after repetitive mTBI, which is most striking in the acute phase response to the injury. Our finding of widespread axotomy in large fields of intact neurons contradicts the notion that repetitive mTBI elicits progressive neuronal death, rather, emphasizing the importance of axotomy‐mediated change.
Pharmacological inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor attenuates intracranial aneurysm formation by modulating the phenotype of vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Luo Yin , Tang Haishuang , Zhang Zhaolong , Zhao Rui , Wang Chuanchuan , Hou Wenguang , Huang Qinghai , Liu Jianmin 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAimTo study the effect of pharmacological inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on intracranial aneurysm (IA) initiation.MethodsHuman IA samples were analyzed for the expression of p‐EGFR and alpha smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) by immunofluorescence (IF). Rat models of IA were established to evaluate the ability of the EGFR inhibitor, erlotinib, to attenuate the incidence of IA. We analyzed anterior cerebral artery tissues by pathological and proteomic detection for the expression of p‐EGFR and relevant proteins, and vessel casting was used to evaluate the incidence of aneurysms in each group. Rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and endothelial cells were extracted and used to establish an in vitro co‐culture model in a flow chamber with or without erlotinib treatment. We determined p‐EGFR and relevant protein expression in VSMCs by immunoblotting analysis.ResultsEpidermal growth factor receptor activation was found in human IA vessel walls and rat anterior cerebral artery walls. Treatment with erlotinib markedly attenuated the incidence of IA by inhibiting vascular remodeling and pro‐inflammatory transformation of VSMC in rat IA vessel walls. Activation of EGFR in rat VSMCs and phenotypic modulation of rat VSMCs were correlated with the strength of shear stress in vitro, and treatment with erlotinib reduced phenotypic modulation of rat VSMCs. In vitro experiments also revealed that EGFR activation could be induced by TNF‐α in human brain VSMCs.ConclusionsThese results suggest that EGFR plays a critical role in the initiation of IA and that the EGFR inhibitor erlotinib protects rats from IA initiation by regulating phenotypic modulation of VSMCs.
Macropod management is critical for recovery of Sheoak Grassy Woodlands on Eyre Peninsula, South Australia
Authors: Freeman Andrew , Pobke Katrina 
Published: November 2021

SummaryThe relative impacts of kangaroos (Macropus and Osphranter spp.) and introduced mammalian herbivores on the success of two South Australian landscape‐scale vegetation restoration projects were investigated using herbivore exclusion plots, herbivore scat counts and spotlight counts. The results confirm that kangaroos in high abundance have replaced introduced herbivores as the major element in total grazing pressure that is preventing the recovery of degraded native vegetation communities. These projects demonstrate the need for monitoring and adaptive management of kangaroos for the success of rehabilitation programmes.
SPECIALIZED LEARNING AND POLITICAL POLARIZATION
Authors: Yuksel Sevgi 
Published: November 2021

AbstractWhen citizens are differentiated by how much they care about different issues informing policy, specialization allows them to concentrate their learning on the issues that are most important to them. However, as different citizens focus on different issues, the electorate becomes less responsive to party platforms. In particular, equilibrium policies polarize more in fractionalized societies in which there is greater disagreement about which issues matter the most. When the learning technology allows for more specialization, it effectively transforms the society into a more fractionalized one without changing the underlying preferences of the electorate, thereby increasing polarization.
Virtual academic conferences as learning spaces: Factors associated with the perceived value of purely virtual conferences
Authors: Seidenberg Nina , Scheffel Maren , Kovanovic Vitomir , Lynch Grace , Drachsler Hendrik 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe COVID‐19 outbreak came with an unprecedented opportunity to investigate how the new reality of social distancing and limited international travel will affect the organization of academic conferences.ObjectivesDrawing on conceptualization of academic conferences as professional learning spaces, in this study, we examine the factors associated with the perceived value of purely virtual academic conferences and how such perceptions differ between participants from different research fields. The aim was to gain knowledge about factors that should be considered when designing a virtual conference.MethodsSurvey data from participants of three different virtual conferences were collected (N = 311). Kendall's rank correlation and χ2‐analyses were performed.Results and ConclusionResults show satisfaction with social interaction, the extent to which presentations met participants' topics of interest and the perceived importance of learning and getting an overview on the research topic to be related to the value rating. Researchers from different research fields differ significantly in their opinion about the most appropriate conference format regarding getting an overview on the research topic. For some researchers, virtual participation might be a valuable alternative to attending a conference in person. The study serves as a first attempt to understand how and for which target groups virtual conferences serve as a valuable learning event. Further research on this conference format is needed.
Measuring intangible assets—A review of the state of the art
Authors: Van Criekingen Kristof , Bloch Carter , Eklund Carita 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThis paper presents an overview of the state of the art in the field surrounding the measurement of “intangibles” for productivity analysis. The purpose of the paper is to inform indicator development and implementation in economic analysis, both at the micro and aggregated levels. The review seeks to capture the development of intangibles measurement, which has explored a variety of directions, both in terms of definition, method and data. We characterize both the diversity of the field and its development over time. Current national and firm level accounting rules lead, from an economic viewpoint on intangibles, to both an underestimation of intangible assets and productivity growth. Further work is needed, both concerning the estimation of “technical” aspects such as depreciation rates and deflators, and in the continued testing and comparison of different measurement efforts. Many opportunities exist to aggregate across or cross‐validate between the measures that are currently being used, enhancing our understanding of the properties of these measures. Even though micro‐based work faces great challenges in terms of data availability, it will be important for the estimation of depreciation rates and in developing our understanding (and thereby better measurement) of broader forms of intangibles, which can thereafter inform measurement at more aggregated levels.
Is catastrophising associated with pain perception in early phase of orthodontic treatment? A cohort study
Authors: Salgado Karina Rodrigues , Normando David , Brandão Gustavo Antonio Martins 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackground and objectivesThis study aimed to investigate the association between pain perception and catastrophising at the beginning of orthodontic treatment; and the association between pain during orthodontic treatment and demographic, clinical and other psychological factors.MethodsA cohort study with 44 patients (28.9 ± 15.05 years old; 25 females and 19 males) under orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances had their pain perception evaluated through a visual analogue scale at baseline (before activation), 6 h, 24 h, 2nd day, 3rd day, 5th day and 7th day after activation. The scores at each evaluation period after the first (T1), second (T2) and third (T3) appointments were compared by analysis of variance. A multivariate Poisson regression analysis verified the association between pain perception and Pain Catastrophising Scale (PCS); and demographic (age, gender), clinical (tooth crowding, tooth loss, analgesic intake and archwire characteristics) and other psychological (dental anxiety and previous negative dental experiences) independent variables (p < .05).ResultsCatastrophising (RR = 1.03, 95%CI 1.01–1.05, p = .0001) showed a weak risk of pain perception at T1. The peak of pain occurred 24 h after activation at T1, T2 and T3. Significant higher scores were observed at T1 in comparison to T2 (FT1,T2 = 11.82, p = .005) and T3 (FT1,T3 = 5.09, p = .03). Wire diameter, tooth crowding and single‐arch treatment were found as risk factors for pain. Patients without tooth loss had half of the risk of pain perception, while analgesics intake and older patients were also found with a weak protective association. Dental anxiety and negative dental experience were not associated with pain perception.ConclusionCatastrophising has a mild influence on pain perception and only after the first orthodontic activation. Patients with tooth losses, tooth crowding and using thicker archwires are more likely to report pain after orthodontic activations.
A Digital Technique to Fabricate Segmental Individual Tooth Trays for Making an Impression of Multiple Crown Preparations
Authors: Xu Xiaoxiang , Xie Qiufei , Zhang Lei , Zhao Yijiao , Cao Ye 
Published: November 2021

AbstractA digital technique is described for designing and fabricating segmental individual tooth trays that can be used to make an impression of multiple preparations with high accuracy and efficiency. A digital model of prepared dentition was acquired. The segmental individual tooth trays with retention attachments and tissue stops were designed and 3D printed with light‐polymerizing resin. The segmental impression of each section of the prepared dentition was made with the corresponding individual tooth tray loaded with the impression material. A final overall impression was made to pick up the segmental individual tooth trays with a full arch tray.
Comparison of two measures of behavior change in children after day surgery
Authors: Lee‐Archer Paul F , Gibbons Kristen , Reade Michael , von Ungern‐Sternberg Britta S , Long Deborah 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundA contemporary, well‐validated instrument for the measurement of behavior change in children after general anesthesia is lacking. The Post Hospitalization Behavior Questionnaire for Ambulatory Surgery (PHBQ‐AS) has been developed as an updated version of the original Post Hospitalization Behavior Questionnaire (PHBQ) to better reflect the current patient population and modern anesthetic practices.AimsTo assess the reliability of the PHBQ‐AS and determine concurrent validity with another measure of child behavior, the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).MethodsWe compared the PHBQ‐AS with the SDQ in 248 children presenting for day‐case surgery. A baseline SDQ measurement was taken prior to surgery, and then, both scales were administered on days 3, 14, and 28 postsurgery.ResultsThe PHBQ‐AS demonstrated good reliability in terms of internal consistency with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.79 and split‐half correlation with Spearman Brown adjustment of 0.85. There was weak correlation with the SDQ on day 3 postoperatively (Pearson's r = 0.201), moderate correlation on day 14 (Pearson's r = 0.421), and weak‐to‐moderate correlation on day 28 (Pearson's r = 0.340). A cut‐off score of 3.2 on the PHBQ‐AS for the diagnosis of negative behavior demonstrated equivalence with the SDQ results; however, the SDQ results remained relatively constant throughout the study period and reflected the expected rate of increased risk of problem behavior in children.ConclusionsThe PHBQ‐AS showed good reliability but only had weak‐to‐moderate correlation with another measure of child behavior, the SDQ. Further validation is required before the PHBQ‐AS is used for the routine measurement of behavior change in children after anesthesia, or alternatively, a new instrument needs to be developed in order for research to advance in this area.
Impact of the Special Zone for Asian Headquarters policy implementation in Tokyo
Authors: Takata Yu 
Published: November 2021

AbstractObjectiveDesignated by the Japanese National Government, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government established the Special Zone for Asian Headquarters in 2011. This study analyses the impact of this Special Zone Policy on the attraction of foreign companies.MethodsThe data on the number of foreign companies in Tokyo is used, and a difference‐in‐differences estimation model is adopted.ResultsThe empirical results indicate that there has been a significant positive impact, considering an increase in the concentration of foreign companies in the designated areas of the Special Zone.ConclusionFrom the perspective of area agglomeration, the policy has a good process as first step. Therefore, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government should consider implementing a policy to increase the communication among Japanese and foreign companies as next step, while taking the agglomeration profit into account.