bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Three‐Component Synthesis of 2‐Heteroaryl‐3‐hydroxybenzo[b]‐thiophenes under Transition‐Metal‐Free Conditions
Authors: Wang Dahan , Xiao Fuhong , Zhang Feng , Deng Guo‐Jun 
Published: May 2021

Main observation and conclusionA convenient synthetic route to 2‐heteroaryl‐3‐hydroxybenzo[b]thiophene derivatives via K2CO3‐promoted multicomponent cyclization between o‐halogenated benzaldehyde, 2‐methylquinolines and sulfur powder has been demonstrated. This reaction is performed smoothly under simple conditions to give the corresponding products in moderate to good yields. The resultant 3‐hydroxybenzo[b]thiophenes have been proved to be versatile building blocks in a range of transition‐metal‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions.
Ethoxylation of Phenols Catalyzed by Metal‐Free Lewis Pairs: Living/Controlled Polymerization in a Slow‐Initiation Mode†
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Zhou Yubo , Chen Ye , Zhao Junpeng 
Published: May 2021

Main observation and conclusionPhenols, instead of conventional alcoholic compounds, are used to initiate ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide in bulk at room temperature in cooperation with the recently prevailing bicomponent metal‐free catalyst comprising an organobase and triethylborane. Experimental and DFT calculation results both point out that due to the lower nucleophilicity of the initiating (phenolate) species than the propagating (alcoholate) species, chain initiation is distinctly slower than propagation and the difference becomes even larger as the acidity of the phenolic initiator increases. Nevertheless, well‐defined polyethers with expected molar mass, low dispersity, and high end‐group fidelity are afforded substantiating that the ROP is living/controlled in spite of the slow initiation. Evolution of product composition indicates that the reaction on alcoholates (i.e., propagation) is effectively inhibited by the unreacted phenols during the initiation step because of the adequately large acidity difference, which is key to the success of the slow‐initiation living/controlled polymerization. The acidity difference between phenol and alcohol also facilitates the fulfillment of highly selective phenolysis of epoxides, a “1 + 1” type addition reaction between phenol and epoxide (in excess) rather than the “1 + n” type ROP reaction, by use of a milder organobase and decreased Lewis acid/base ratio.
PROTOCOL: The effects of small class sizes on students’ academic achievement, socioemotional development, and well‐being in special education
Authors: Bondebjerg Anja , Dalgaard Nina T. , Filges Trine , Thomsen Morten K. , Viinholt Bjørn C. A. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis is the protocol for a Campbell review. The objective of this systematic review is to uncover and synthesise data from studies to assess the impact of small class sizes on the academic achievement, socioemotional development, and well‐being of students with special educational needs. Where possible, we will also investigate the extent to which the effects differ among subgroups of students. Furthermore, we will perform a qualitative exploration of the experiences of children, teachers, and parents with special education class sizes.
Vimentin intermediate filaments modulate cell traction force but not cell sensitivity to substrate stiffness
Authors: Ho Thanh Minh‐Tri , Grella Alexandra , Kole Denis , Ambady Sakthikumar , Wen Qi 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe ability of cells to sense and respond to the mechanical stiffness of the surrounding matrix is important to support normal cell function, wound healing, and development. Central to the process of durosensing is the cytoskeleton composed of three classes of filaments: F‐actin, microtubules, and intermediate filaments (IFs). Vimentin is an IF protein that contributes significantly to cell mechanics and cell traction force, which is required to probe extracellular matrix. The role of vimentin in how cells sense and respond to the mechanical rigidity of extracellular matrix is largely unclear. To investigate the role of vimentin in durosensing, we knocked down the vimentin expression level in 3T3 fibroblasts using shRNA transfection and measured cellular responses as functions of substrate stiffness. We quantified durosensitivity by the rates at which cell area and traction force change with substrate stiffness. Our results show that that vimentin plays a role in durosensing by modulating traction force and knocking out vimentin did not significantly affect durosensitivity. These results indicate that vimentin may be a redundant component of the machinery that cells use to sense substrate stiffness.
A review and analysis of the clinical literature on Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease caused by mutations in neurofilament protein L
Authors: Stone Elizabeth J. , Kolb Stephen J. , Brown Anthony 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCharcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT) is one of the most common inherited neurological disorders and can be caused by mutations in over 100 different genes. One of the causative genes is NEFL on chromosome 8 which encodes neurofilament light protein (NEFL), one of five proteins that co‐assemble to form neurofilaments. At least 34 different CMT‐causing mutations in NEFL have been reported which span the head, rod, and tail domains of the protein. The majority of these mutations are inherited dominantly, but some are inherited recessively. The resulting disease is classified variably in clinical reports based on electrodiagnostic studies as either axonal (type 2; CMT2E), demyelinating (type 1; CMT1F), or a form intermediate between the two (dominant intermediate; DI‐CMTG). In this article, we first present a brief introduction to CMT and neurofilaments. We then collate and analyze the data from the clinical literature on the disease classification, age of onset and electrodiagnostic test results for the various mutations. We find that mutations in the head, rod, and tail domains can all cause disease with early onset and profound neurological impairment, with a trend toward greater severity for head domain mutations. We also find that the disease classification does not correlate with specific mutation or domain. In fact, different individuals with the same mutation can be classified as having axonal, demyelinating, or dominant intermediate forms of the disease. This suggests that the classification of the disease as CMT2E, CMT1F or DI‐CMTG has more to do with variable disease presentation than to differences in the underlying disease mechanism, which is most likely primarily axonal in all cases.
Coordination of iron homeostasis by bone morphogenetic proteins: Current understanding and unanswered questions
Authors: Fisher Allison L. , Babitt Jodie L. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIron homeostasis is tightly regulated to balance the iron requirement for erythropoiesis and other vital cellular functions, while preventing cellular injury from iron excess. The liver hormone hepcidin is the master regulator of systemic iron balance by controlling the degradation and function of the sole known mammalian iron exporter ferroportin. Liver hepcidin expression is coordinately regulated by several signals that indicate the need for more or less iron, including plasma and tissue iron levels, inflammation, and erythropoietic drive. Most of these signals regulate hepcidin expression by modulating the activity of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)‐SMAD pathway, which controls hepcidin transcription. Genetic disorders of iron overload and iron deficiency have identified several hepatocyte membrane proteins that play a critical role in mediating the BMP‐SMAD and hepcidin regulatory response to iron. However, the precise molecular mechanisms by which serum and tissue iron levels are sensed to regulate BMP ligand production and promote the physical and/or functional interaction of these proteins to modulate SMAD signaling and hepcidin expression remain uncertain. This critical commentary will focus on the current understanding and key unanswered questions regarding how the liver senses iron levels to regulate BMP‐SMAD signaling and thereby hepcidin expression to control systemic iron homeostasis.
Plant defense against a pathogen drives nonlinear transmission dynamics through both vector preference and acquisition
Authors: Zeilinger Adam R. , Wallis Christopher M. , Beal Dylan , Sicard Anne , Walker M. Andrew , Almeida Rodrigo P. P. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractHost defense against vector‐borne plant pathogens is a critical component of integrated disease management. However, theory predicts that traits that confer tolerance or partial resistance can, under certain ecological conditions, enhance the spread of pathogens and spillover to more susceptible populations or cultivars. A key component driving such epidemic risk appears to be variation in host‐selection behavior of vectors based on infection status of the host. While recent theory has further emphasized the importance of infection‐induced host‐selection behavior by insect vectors for plant disease epidemiology, experimental tests on the relationship between vector host‐selection preference and transmission are lacking. We test how host plant defense—conferred by thePdR1gene complex—mediates vector host‐selection preference and transmission of the pathogenic bacteriumXylella fastidiosaamong grapevine cultivars. We confirmed thatPdR1confers resistance againstX. fastidiosaby reducing both pathogen population size and disease severity. We found that vector transmission rates to new hosts exhibited unimodal dynamics over the course of infection when both susceptible and resistant were infected and acted as sources of the pathogen. Transmission from susceptible plants initially increased and then declined as insect vectors avoided severely diseased plants. While transmission fromPdR1‐resistant plants also initially increased and then declined as well, this was not due to avoidance by vectors, although the exact mechanism remains unclear. We show that (1) vector preference changes over the course of disease progression, (2) vector preference is clearly important but a poor predictor of transmission, and (3) the post‐latent incubation period—in which plant hosts are infectious but asymptomatic—is likely a key period for vector transmission ofX. fastidiosa. Our results suggest that, consistent with theory, defensive traits lengthen the duration of the incubation period, increasingX. fastidiosatransmission. However, defensive traits may over the long‐term ultimately reduce spread possibly through induced resistance. Vector host‐selection preference, host resistance, and transmission are clearly dynamic, changing over the course of disease progression. Understanding these dynamics is critical for broader insights into the epidemiology of vector‐borne plant pathogens, theory development, and deploying disease‐resistant cultivars in an effective and sustainable manner.
An indicator species highlights continuous deadwood supply is a key ecological attribute of boreal old‐growth forests
Authors: Martin Maxence , Tremblay Junior A. , Ibarzabal Jacques , Morin Hubert 
Published: May 2021

AbstractOld‐growth forests are optimal habitats for many woodpeckers, which are often themselves excellent indicators of deadwood‐associated biodiversity. Old‐growth forests are, however, heterogeneous ecosystems in terms of structure, composition, and deadwood characteristics, thus implying a varied use of these forests by woodpeckers. In boreal landscapes, old‐growth stands are threatened by forest harvesting; however, there is little information in regard to the consequences for biodiversity with the loss of specific types of old‐growth forests. This study aimed to assess how the black‐backed woodpecker (Picoides arcticus), a biodiversity indicator species associated with old‐growth forest attributes, uses different types of old‐growth forests for its foraging needs. We identified woodpecker foraging marks in 24 boreal old‐growth forest stands in eastern Canada that were dominated by black spruce (Picea mariana), located within the home range of eight black‐backed woodpeckers. We identified the various old‐growth forest types using a typology based on the structural attributes of old‐growth stands. We classified the sampled stands into four old‐growth forest types, corresponding to different successional stages (recent or old, relative to the onset of the old‐growth stage), composition (pure black spruce or mixed black spruce–balsam fir [Abies balsamea]), and productivity (ongoing paludification or not). The black‐backed woodpecker foraged in all types of old‐growth forests, but favored dense old‐growth forests that were not paludified and that showed a high temporal continuity (i.e., old‐growth dynamics probably started more than a century ago). The temporal continuity of the old‐growth state allows for the continuous supply of large, slightly decayed snags, the preferred foraging substrates of the black‐backed woodpecker. The old‐growth forest type most favored by this woodpecker is, however, also the forest type most often targeted first by logging operations. Protecting the biodiversity associated with recent deadwood in managed areas thus requires maintaining a sufficient area and density of dense, old‐growth black spruce‐dominated forests in managed areas.
A U.S.‐China EcoPartnership study of disturbed wetland vegetation in West Dongting Lake, China
Authors: Lei Ting , Middleton Beth 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWest Dongting Lake in China is important for human livelihoods and habitat of migratory waterfowl and other wildlife. The waterway re‐engineering and agriculture intensification have contributed to changes in hydrology, sediment, and vegetation on the floodplain. This paper describes an EcoPartnership program conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, and Beijing Forestry University. It focused on the development of a wetland ecosystem network in West Dongting Lake with technical support from the U.S. partner using a number of related studies to examine wetland vegetation dynamics from upstream to downstream along the tributaries. The results of U.S. studies showed that the regeneration potential of species might be altered by changes in climate and local environment, and seed bank depletion by germination may be a major conservation threat in a future with recurring droughts in swamps of the southeastern United States. In the monsoonal wetlands of West Dongting Lake, the soil seed bank could be used as a seed source for revegetation after hydrologic restoration with the introduction of certain foundational species and the removal of poplar plantations. Also, West Dongting Lake is at high ecological risk of mercury pollution. Wetland ecosystem monitoring may allow managers to use the information to predict effects of climate change, water level and flow changes on sedimentation, and to manage for desired vegetation to support waterfowl and ecosystem services. The cooperation of two countries through the EcoPartnership program is now well established and poised for extensive research projects in the future.
Epilepsy in the Sanaga‐Mbam valley, an onchocerciasis‐endemic region in Cameroon: electroclinical and neuropsychological findings
Authors: Morin Alexandre , Guillaume Maxime , Ngarka Leonard , Tatah Godwin Y. , Siewe Fodjo Joseph Nelson , Wyart Guillaume , Nokam Ghislain , Tchoumi Thierry , Nkinin Mary Bello , Njamnshi Wepnyu Y. , Chokote Eric‐Samuel , Boussinesq Michel , Colebunders Robert , Chesnais Cédric B. , Gargala Gilles , Parain Dominique , Njamnshi Alfred K. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectiveEpilepsy is highly prevalent in onchocerciasis‐endemic African regions. Various types of epilepsy have been described in such regions based essentially on clinical characteristics.MethodsWe conducted a clinical, neurophysiological and neuropsychological study of epilepsy in the onchocerciasis‐endemic region of Ntui, Sanaga‐Mbam area, Cameroon.ResultsOne hundred and eighty‐seven persons with presumed epilepsy were recruited in an epilepsy clinic in Ntui. Epilepsy was clinically confirmed in 144 (79%) subjects, 69 (46.0%) of them met the onchocerciasis‐associated epilepsy (OAE) criteria, and 51 of 106 tested (48.1%) presented Ov16 antibodies. Electroencephalograms (EEG) were recorded in 91 participants, of which 36 (33%) were considered abnormal and 27 of 36 (75%) revealed bifrontotemporal spike and slow waves. Concerning the neuropsychological evaluation, 29% showed severe global cognitive impairment, 28% severe episodic memory impairment, and 66% severe frontal cognitive impairment. Half of the persons with epilepsy (PWE) suffered from a mental disorder.SignificanceIn PWE in the Sanaga‐Mbam area in Cameroon, we observed EEG patterns similar to those described among persons with OAE, including nodding syndrome in other onchocerciasis‐endemic areas. Most PWE presented with severe cognitive impairment. We hypothesize that onchocerciasis may induce neurocognitive disorders and epilepsy via a mechanism that involves mainly the frontal and temporal regions of the brain.
Dementia wellbeing and COVID‐19: Review and expert consensus on current research and knowledge gaps
Authors: Liu Kathy Y. , Howard Robert , Banerjee Sube , Comas‐Herrera Adelina , Goddard Joanne , Knapp Martin , Livingston Gill , Manthorpe Jill , O'Brien John T. , Paterson Ross W. , Robinson Louise , Rossor Martin , Rowe James B. , Sharp David J. , Sommerlad Andrew , Suárez‐González Aida , Burns Alistair 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectivesIn response to a commissioned research update on dementia during the COVID‐19 pandemic, a UK‐based working group, comprising dementia researchers from a range of fields and disciplines, aimed to describe the impact of the pandemic on dementia wellbeing and identify priorities for future research.MethodsWe supplemented a rapid literature search (including unpublished, non‐peer reviewed and ongoing studies/reports) on dementia wellbeing in the context of COVID‐19 with expert group members' consensus about future research needs. From this we generated potential research questions the group judged to be relevant that were not covered by the existing literature.ResultsThemes emerged from 141 studies within the six domains of the NHS England COVID‐19 Dementia Wellbeing Pathway: Preventing Well, Diagnosing Well, Treating Well, Supporting Well, Living Well and Dying Well. We describe current research findings and knowledge gaps relating to the impact on people affected by dementia (individuals with a diagnosis, their carers and social contacts, health and social care practitioners and volunteers), services, research activities and organisations. Broad themes included the potential benefits and risks of new models of working including remote healthcare, the need for population‐representative longitudinal studies to monitor longer‐term impacts, and the importance of reporting dementia‐related findings within broader health and care studies.ConclusionsThe COVID‐19 pandemic has had a disproportionately negative impact on people affected by dementia. Researchers and funding organisations have responded rapidly to try to understand the impacts. Future research should highlight and resolve outstanding questions to develop evidence‐based measures to improve the quality of life of people affected by dementia.
The relationship between body mass index and income: Using genetic variants from HUNT as instrumental variables
Authors: Edwards Christina Hansen , Bjørngaard Johan Håkon , Minet Kinge Jonas 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSeveral studies have estimated effects of body mass index (BMI) on labour market outcomes, and these studies have mixed findings. A significant challenge has been to adequately control for omitted variables, selection, reverse causality, and measurement error. We examine the impact of BMI on income using genetic variants as instrumental variables for BMI. Individual‐level pre‐tax income from tax records was merged with health survey data containing measured height and weight, and data on genetic variants. The analyses were stratified by sex and a variety of methods were used to explore the sensitivity and validity of the instrumental variable (IV) strategy. For females we found that BMI had a negative effect on the logarithm of income. The effect estimated from the IV models (−0.02) was larger than the effect estimated from naïve ordinary least squares regressions (−0.01). For males, the coefficients for the effect of BMI on income were imprecise, and both positive and negative coefficients were estimated depending on the estimation method. Our results suggest that females are susceptible to reduced income levels following increased BMI.
Successful extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation for a puerpera with amniotic fluid embolism
Authors: Jia Mingwang , Gan Zhaohui , Luo Xitu , Xie Han , Wang Yichun , Chen Dunjin 
Published: May 2021

SynopsisExtracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a useful therapy for postpartum cardiac arrest resulting from amniotic fluid embolism, and detecting coagulation function by thromboelastography is a good method for coagulation disorders.
Effect of continuous infusion of a subhypnotic dose of propofol on nausea and vomiting after carboprost administration at cesarean delivery: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Bi Yanmei , Zhong Ruihan , Huang Jinxiang , Huang Han 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate whether continuous infusion of propofol at a subhypnotic dose prevents nausea and vomiting following carboprost administration at cesarean delivery.MethodsA prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial conducted at West China Second University Hospital, from June 28, 2017 to January 30, 2018. Pregnant women were randomly allocated to propofol or saline infusion immediately before receiving carboprost at cesarean delivery under combined spinal–epidural (CSE) anesthesia. Propofol was given at an infusion rate of 1.0 mg/kg/h following a loading dose of 0.3 mg/kg. Primary outcome was incidence of intraoperative nausea and vomiting (IONV). Potential sedative effect of propofol infusion was assessed using Modified Observer's Assessment of Alertness and Sedation (MOAA/S) scoring and continuous Bispectral Index (BIS) monitoring.ResultsThe incidence of IONV was lower in patients who received propofol compared with saline (46.7% vs 76.7%, OR 0.27; 95% CI, 0.092–0.78, P = 0.016 for nausea; 26.7% vs 53.3%, OR 0.50; 95% CI, 0.25–0.95, P = 0.032 for retching; 10.0% vs 50.0%, OR 0.11; 95% CI, 0.03–0.44, P < 0.001 for vomiting). There were no differences in MOAA/S scoring or BIS between the two groups.ConclusionA subhypnotic dose of propofol reduces the incidence of nausea and vomiting following carboprost administration at cesarean delivery under CSE anesthesia, without measurable effect on patients’ consciousness or alertness.ClincalTrials.gov: NCT03185156.