bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NACE–ESI‐MS/MS method for separation and characterization of phosphorylation and acylation isomers of lipid A
Authors: Sándor Viktor , Berkics Balázs Viktor , Kilár Anikó , Kocsis Béla , Kilár Ferenc , Dörnyei Ágnes
Published: April 2020

Lipid A represents a heterogeneous group of bacterial outer membrane phosphoglycolipids, which play a major role in the pathogenesis of Gram‐negative sepsis. The number and position of phosphoryl and acyl groups in lipid A molecules are key structural determinants in their bioactivities. In this study, a NACE–ESI‐MS/MS method was developed for the simultaneous analysis of lipid A isomers possessing a different degree of phosphorylation and acylation. Various C4’‐ and C1‐monophosphorylated lipid A isobars, as well as acylation isomers, were baseline separated within 43 min in a separation medium of methanol/dichloromethane/triethylamine/acetic acid 60:40:1.08:0.36 (v/v/v/v). Both normal and reverse CE polarities could be applied for proper detection of the analytes owing to the combination of a suction effect caused by the nebulizer gas at the outlet end of the capillary and external pressure applied on the inlet vial. The separated lipid A species could be identified unequivocally by their characteristic fragmentation patterns through CID performed in both negative‐ and positive‐ionization modes. The uniqueness of the NACE–ESI‐MS/MS method lies in its simplicity and reliability for proving the phosphorylation isomerism (C1 or C4’) and acylation pattern of native lipid A species or those designed for therapeutic applications.
Rapid and highly sensitive detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in food with loop‐mediated isothermal amplification coupled to a new bioluminescent assay
Authors: Fei Zhongjie , Zhou Dongrui , Dai Wei , Xiao Pengfeng
Published: April 2020

Testing for bioluminescent pyrophosphate is a convenient method of DNA detection without complex equipments, but it is insufficiently sensitive and offers no particular time advantage over other rapid detection methods. The shortcomings of the traditional bioluminescent pyrophosphate method have been addressed by using 2‐deoxyadenosine‐5‐(α‐thio)‐triphosphate (dATPαS) instead of dATP for LAMP, thus reducing the high background signal and generating a constant background value. In this study, LAMP coupled to a novel bioluminescent pyrophosphate assay was developed to detect E. coli O157:H7. The new method has a limit of detection of <10 copies/μL or 5 CFU/mL; its sensitivity is higher than that of the conventional LAMP assay. Moreover, a food‐borne pathogen can be detected when a single DNA template is included in the LAMP assay, making it 100 times more sensitive than the traditional LAMP method. Three hundred food samples were tested with this assay and the accuracy of detection was verified with a culture method and MALDI Biotyper. The assay only took 90–120 min and detected <10 copies of the pathogen. This method had the advantages of rapidity, sensitivity, and simplicity, so it is very competitive for the rapid and highly sensitive detection of food‐borne pathogens.
How fast does tufa grow? Very high‐resolution measurement of the tufa growth rate on artificial substrates by the development of a contactless image‐based modelling device
Authors: Marić Ivan , Šiljeg Ante , Cukrov Neven , Roland Vlatko , Domazetović Fran
Published: April 2020

Accurate determination of the tufa growth rate (TGR) is required to answer the fundamental geomorphological question of tufa evolution. The TGR has been measured by various direct and indirect methods. One of the most popular direct methods uses modified micro‐erosion meter (MEM), which has several drawbacks.

Here, we present for the first time a coordinate measuring macro‐photogrammetry device (CMD) for monitoring the TGR in a contactless manner. The CMD was applied on 28 limestone plates at 14 locations within the Skradinski buk area, Croatia, and measurements were performed in the laboratory. The TGR was derived from digital tufa high‐resolution models (DTHRMs). The accuracy of the device was evaluated using state‐of‐the‐art three‐dimensional (3D) scanners and error calculation at checkpoints. Moreover, the precision was evaluated with the split test (n = 5).

A total of 74 DTHRMs with a spatial resolution of 0.0236 mm were created. The TGR ranged from 0.327 to 19.302 mm a−1, with an average of 5.771 mm a−1. A higher TGR was observed on the limestone plates near mosses, located in fast and turbulent water rather than in stagnant water. We found that specific micro‐environmental factors (e.g. proximity to moss) positively affected tufa growth. Erosion events were observed, as well as the presence of aquatic insect larvae (Simuliidae and Chironomidae), which positively affected tufa growth.

The CMD is a precise and accurate device that does not suffer from the drawbacks of the MEM method and has many other advantages. It has a high capability of tufa erosion detection, enables the identification of macroinvertebrates, and multispectral or hyperspectral cameras can be mounted on the device for spectral reflectance analysis of the tufa surface.

The CMD can be applied in any study requiring a sub‐millimetre data quality and involving the comparison of consecutive 3D models and derivation of various parameters of smaller objects. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Agrochemical Exposure on Schistosoma mansoni Cercariae Survival and Activity
Authors: Jones Devin K. , Davila David D. , Nguyen Karena H. , Rohr Jason R.
Published: April 2020

Singular use of activity assays or staining dyes to assess pathogen agrochemical tolerance can underestimate tolerance if pesticides cause sublethal effects. We exposed Schistosoma mansoni cercariae, the aquatic life stage of this trematode that infects humans, to 4 insecticides at 5 concentrations using a 24-h time-to-death assay. We used Trypan blue dye, which stains dead tissue, and activity assays simultaneously to discriminate dead from live but paralyzed individuals. Whereas cypermethrin, deltamethrin, and dimethoate exposure did not affect cercariae at any ecologically relevant concentrations, methamidophos exposure increased survival of cercariae compared with those in the controls. This was because methamidophos-induced paralysis reduced cercarial activity and thus energy expenditures, extending the lifespan of this short-lived parasite that causes human schistosomiasis. These findings highlight that sublethal effects should be considered when pesticide effects on disease are under investigation. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1421–1428. © 2020 SETAC

Abstract

Historically, investigation of agrochemical effects on pathogens has long used activity assays or staining dyes; singular use of either method can misestimate pesticide tolerance if sublethal effects occur as a result of pesticide exposure. We found an organophosphate insecticide to induce paralysis of Schistosoma mansoni cercariae, increasing survival over a 24-h period, and that cercariae were extremely tolerant to nominal pesticide concentrations that exceeded estimated environmental concentrations. We suggest future investigations examining pesticide effects on disease use dye and activity assays in tandem.
In Silico Identification of Chemicals Capable of Binding to the Ecdysone Receptor
Authors: Mellor Claire L. , Tollefsen Knut Erik , LaLone Carlie , Cronin Mark T.D. , Firman James W.
Published: April 2020

The process of molting, known alternatively as ecdysis, is a feature integral in the life cycles of species across the arthropod phylum. Regulation occurs as a function of the interaction of ecdysteroid hormones with the arthropod nuclear ecdysone receptor—a process preceding the triggering of a series of downstream events constituting an endocrine signaling pathway highly conserved throughout environmentally prevalent insect, crustacean, and myriapod organisms. Inappropriate ecdysone receptor binding and activation forms the essential molecular initiating event within possible adverse outcome pathways relating abnormal molting to mortality in arthropods. Definition of the characteristics of chemicals liable to stimulate such activity has the potential to be of great utility in mitigation of hazards posed toward vulnerable species. Thus the aim of the present study was to develop a series of rule-sets, derived from the key structural and physicochemical features associated with identified ecdysone receptor ligands, enabling construction of Konstanz Information Miner (KNIME) workflows permitting the flagging of compounds predisposed to binding at the site. Data describing the activities of 555 distinct chemicals were recovered from a variety of assays across 10 insect species, allowing for formulation of KNIME screens for potential binding activity at the molecular initiating event and adverse outcome level of biological organization. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1438–1450. © 2020 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
PLAGL2‐EGFR‐HIF‐1/2α Signaling Loop Promotes HCC Progression and Erlotinib Insensitivity
Authors: Hu Weiwei , Zheng Shufang , Guo Haixin , Dai Beiying , Ni Jiaping , Shi Yaohong , Bian Hanrui , Li Lanxin , Shen Yumeng , Wu Mo , Tian Zhoutong , Liu Guilai , Hossain Md Amir , Yang Hongbao , Wang Duowei , Zhang Qin , Yu Jun , Birnbaumer Lutz , Feng Jifeng , Yu Decai , Yang Yong
Published: April 2020

Background and Aims

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer‐related deaths worldwide, hence a major public health threat. Pleomorphic adenoma gene like‐2 (PLAGL2) has been reported to play a role in tumorigenesis. However, its precise function in HCC remains poorly understood.

Approach and Results

In this study, we demonstrated that PLAGL2 was up‐regulated in HCC compared with that of adjacent nontumorous tissues and also correlated with overall survival times. We further showed that PLAGL2 promoted HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion both in vitro and in vivo. PLAGL2 expression was positively correlated with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression. Mechanistically, this study demonstrated that PLAGL2 functions as a transcriptional regulator of EGFR and promotes HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion through the EGFR‐AKT pathway. Moreover, hypoxia was found to significantly induce high expression of PLAGL2, which promoted hypoxia inducible factor 1/2 alpha subunit (HIF1/2A) expression through EGFR. Therefore, this study demonstrated that a PLAGL2‐EGFR‐HIF1/2A signaling loop promotes HCC progression. More importantly, PLAGL2 expression reduced hepatoma cells’ response to the anti‐EGFR drug erlotinib. PLAGL2 knockdown enhanced the response to erlotinib.

Conclusions

This study reveals the pivotal role of PLAGL2 in HCC cell proliferation, metastasis, and erlotinib insensitivity. This suggests that PLAGL2 can be a potential therapeutic target of HCC.
School track and ethnic classroom composition relate to the mainstream identity of adolescents with immigrant background in Germany, but not their ethnic identity
Authors: Edele Aileen , Jansen Malte , Schachner Maja K. , Schotte Kristin , Rjosk Camilla , Radmann Susanne
Published: April 2020

Although developing a cultural identity is a core task for adolescents from immigrant families and the school is a highly important context in adolescence, to date, few studies have examined whether adolescents with particular cultural identities cluster in certain school contexts. Using data from a representative German sample including 7702 secondary school students of immigrant background from 1643 classrooms, we examined how the attended school track and four aspects of ethnic classroom composition relate to adolescents' cultural identity (i.e., their ethnic identity and mainstream identity). Two‐level structural equation models indicated that students' ethnic identity was not systematically associated with the attended school track and the ethnic composition of the classroom. However, attending the academic school track, a classroom with a low proportion of classmates with immigrant background and frequently using German with classmates related positively to mainstream identity. Ethnic diversity and proportion of co‐ethnics in class did not relate to mainstream identification. Our findings suggest that the ethnic identity of adolescents with an immigrant background in Germany is largely independent from the different socialisation contexts related to school tracks and the ethnic classroom composition. Yet, students' with a strong mainstream identity cluster in certain school contexts.
Current status of prescriptive authority by pharmacists in the United States
Authors: Sachdev Gloria , Kliethermes Mary Ann , Vernon Veronica , Leal Sandra , Crabtree George
Published: April 2020

Introduction

While pharmacists in other countries have broad independent prescribing privileges, pharmacists in the United States are making progress. Pharmacist prescriptive authority in the U.S. occurs on a continuum with four identified models: patient‐specific collaborative prescribing through collaborative practice agreements (CPAs), population‐specific prescribing through CPAs, statewide protocols, and class‐specific prescribing. States have implemented pharmacist prescriptive authority across this spectrum. As approximately 90% of Americans reside within two miles of a community pharmacy, prescriptive authority of pharmacists leads to improved public health access points and outcomes.

Objective

This paper is intended to provide insight into the current landscape of pharmacist prescriptive authority in the United States through 2019 in order to provide historical context and identify opportunities for state policy considerations. This was done through a review of published literature, national professional association resources, individual state pharmacy practice acts, and state legislation and regulations.

Conclusion

Significant variability regarding what medications pharmacists can prescribe exists per state statutes. According to data collected from the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations (NASPA), 147 bills related to pharmacist provider status were introduced in 39 states during the 2019 legislative session. The interest in pharmacist prescribing stems from current and future challenges within the U.S. health care system: access to care, cost of care, and the anticipated shortage of physicians. The challenge to standardize prescriptive authority across states presents a unique opportunity for future considerations.
Inside Cover: Comparative analysis of intrinsic skin aging between Caucasian and Asian subjects by slide‐free in vivo harmonic generation microscopy (J. Biophotonics 4/2020)
Authors: Lin Kuan‐Hung , Liao Yi‐Hua , Wei Ming‐Liang , Sun Chi‐Kuang
Published: April 2020

A comparative analysis of intrinsic skin aging between Caucasian and Asian subjects by slide‐free in vivo harmonic generation microscopy is reported. The cellular and nuclear areas of basal cells in Caucasians and Asians are found to increase at the same rate, ideal for scoring age. On the other hand, the viable epidermis thickness, the dermal papilla volume and height in Caucasians are found to decrease faster than those in Asians.

Further details can be found in the article by Kuan‐Hung Lin, Yi‐Hua Liao, Ming‐Liang Wei, and Chi‐Kuang Sun (e201960063).

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Parameters affecting carbofuran photocatalytic degradation in water using ZnO nanoparticles
Authors: Atwan Asmaa A. , Elmehasseb Ibrahim M. , Talha Naser , El‐Kemary Maged
Published: April 2020

Carbofuran photodegradation in water using zinc oxide nanoparticles as a catalyst was examined as well as some parameters influencing its percentage degradation rate such as zinc oxide load, initial concentration of carbofuran, the temperature of the reaction, the initial pH of the solution, and doping of zinc oxide nanoparticles with 5% (w:w) silver. Zinc oxide and Ag‐doped zinc oxide nanoparticles were produced using solvothermal and photoreduction methods, respectively, and silver doping effects on the structural, optical, and photocatalytic properties of zinc oxide nanoparticles were investigated using XRD, UV‐VIS spectrophotometer, TEM, SEM, SEM/EDX, and FTIR. The average diameter of the synthesized samples was 26.6, 30.55 nm for undoped zinc oxide and Ag‐doped zinc oxide, respectively. Zinc oxide doping with silver did not change the shape of the zinc oxide crystal, but decreased the reflection in the visible region, as well as the energy of the bandgap, and increased the zinc oxide photocatalytic activity.
Spliced X‐box binding protein 1 induces liver cancer cell death via activating the Mst1‐JNK‐mROS signalling pathway
Authors: Song Jie , Zhao Wei , Lu Chang , Shao Xue
Published: April 2020

Previous studies have found that the primary pathogenesis of liver cancer progression is linked to excessive cancer cell proliferation and rapid metastasis. Although therapeutic advances have been made for the treatment of liver cancer, the mechanism underlying the liver cancer progression has not been fully addressed. In the present study, we explored the role of spliced X‐box binding protein 1 (XBP1) in regulating the viability and death of liver cancer cells in vitro. Our study demonstrated that XBP1 was upregulated in liver cancer cells when compared to the primary hepatocytes. Interestingly, the deletion of XBP1 could reduce the viability of liver cancer cells in vitro via inducing apoptotic response. Further, we found that XBP1 downregulation was also linked to proliferation arrest and migration inhibition. At the molecular levels, XBP1 inhibition is followed by activation of the Mst1 pathway which promoted the phosphorylation of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK). Then, the active Mst1‐JNK pathway mediated mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS) overproduction and then excessive ROS induced cancer cell death. Therefore, our study demonstrated a novel role played by XBP1 in modulating the viability of liver cancer cells via the Mst1‐JNK‐mROS pathways.
Pediatric inflammatory bowel disease: Is it really uncommon in Asian children?
Authors: Poddar Ujjal , Yachha Surender Kumar , Srivastava Anshu , Kumari Niraj
Published: April 2020

Background/Aim

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is said to be rare in Asian children, and there is scarce information from India. We therefore analyzed our experience of pediatric IBD.

Methods

Prospectively maintained data of 105 consecutive children [median age 12 (IQR:7–14) years, 71 males] with IBD from July 2001 through June 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Their detailed clinical features, endoscopic appearance, histopathology, and treatment outcomes were recorded. For Crohn's disease (CD), disease phenotype and disease location were assessed as per Paris classification.

Results

Disease spectrum includes ulcerative colitis (UC), 55 (52%); CD, 43 (41%); and IBD‐unclassified, 7 (7%). There was a significant increase in the number of cases in the last 5 years compared to the previous 10 years (63 vs. 42, r2 = 0.96). Most UC cases (75%) had extensive/pancolitis, 74% of CD had colonic/ileocolonic disease, and 65% had inflammatory phenotype. Fever, growth failure, pain in abdomen, and need for surgery were significantly more frequent in CD than in UC (P < 0.0001). Over a median follow up of 19 (IQR: 7–48) months, remission was achieved in 48 of 51 (94%) UC patients and in 24 of 34 (70.6%) CD patients; an immunomodulator was required to maintain remission in 67% of UC cases. In CD, there was a significant reduction in the use of empirical antitubercular therapy (76%, P = 0.008) with time, and disease progressed in three.

Conclusions

IBD is not uncommon, and the incidence seems to be increasing among Indian children. UC is more common than CD and is more often an extensive disease. CD is mainly an inflammatory phenotype. The majority of children with IBD required an immunomodulator to maintain remission.
Improvement of motor and behavioral activity in Sandhoff mice transplanted with human CD34+ cells transduced with a HexA/HexB expressing lentiviral vector
Authors: Beegle Julie , Hendrix Kyle , Maciel Haley , Nolta Jan A. , Anderson Joseph S.
Published: April 2020

Background

Tay–Sachs and Sandhoff disease are debilitating genetic diseases that affect the central nervous system leading to neurodegeneration through the accumulation of GM2 gangliosides. There are no cures for these diseases and treatments do not alleviate all symptoms. Hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy offers a promising treatment strategy for delivering wild‐type enzymes to affected cells. By genetically modifying hematopoietic stem cells to express wild‐type HexA and HexB, systemic delivery of functional enzyme can be achieved.

Methods

Primary human hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells and Tay–Sachs affected cells were used to evaluate the functionality of the vector. An immunodeficient and humanized mouse model of Sandhoff disease was used to evaluate whether the HexA/HexB lentiviral vector transduced cells were able to improve the phenotypes associated with Sandhoff disease. An immunodeficient NOD‐RAG1−/‐IL2−/− (NRG) mouse model was used to evaluate whether the HexA/HexB vector transduced human CD34+ cells were able to engraft and undergo normal multilineage hematopoiesis.

Results

HexA/HexB lentiviral vector transduced cells demonstrated strong expression of HexA and HexB and restored enzyme activity in Tay–Sachs affected cells. Upon transplantation into a humanized Sandhoff disease mouse model, improved motor and behavioral skills were observed. Decreased GM2 gangliosides were observed in the brains of HexA/HexB vector transduced cell transplanted mice. Increased peripheral blood levels of HexB was also observed in transplanted mice. Normal hematopoiesis in the peripheral blood and various lymphoid organs was also observed in transplanted NRG mice.

Conclusions

These results highlight the potential use of stem cell gene therapy as a treatment strategy for Tay–Sachs and Sandhoff disease.
A novel 99mTc‐diester complex as tumor targeting agent: Synthesis, radiolabeling, and biological distribution study
Authors: Shamsel‐Din Hesham A. , Gizawy Mohamed A. , Zaki Elsayed G. , Elgendy Amr
Published: April 2020

The target of this study is the synthesis of a new diester derivative and radiolabeling with one of the most effective diagnostic radioisotopes to be investigated as a novel targeting radiotracer for tumor imaging. 10‐[2‐(9‐Carboxynonanoyloxy)propoxy]‐10‐oxodecanoic acid was synthesized in excellent yield and characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, mass, 1H‐NMR, and 13C‐NMR spectra. The diester was technetium‐99m (99mTc) radiolabeled by direct technique using sodium dithionite as a reducing agent. The labeling parameters such as diester amount, reducing agent amount, pH of the medium, and reaction time were optimized. High radiochemical yield of 95.10 ± 0.41% and in vitro stability in serum up to 12 h have been obtained on complexation of the synthesized diester with Tc‐99m. Evaluation of the diester anticancer activity against breast cancer cell line (MCF‐7) showed high percent of inhibition about 61.5% at 100 μg/ml. The rhenium complex of the diester was synthesized and characterized by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (ESI) and elemental analysis depending on the strong chemical resemblance between Tc and Re. Biodistribution studies of 99mTc‐diester complex showed high target to nontarget ratio (T/NT) equals 6.24 ± 0.09 in tumor‐bearing mice at 30‐min postinjection, suggesting this complex could be used as hopeful solid tumor‐imaging agent.
S‐(4‐nitrobenzyl)‐6‐thioinosine: Tritium labelling at high specific activity
Authors: Filer Crist N. , Byon Chang
Published: April 2020

The one‐step tritiation of S‐(4‐nitrobenzyl)‐6‐thioinosine is described with characterization of the product by tritium NMR as well as mass spectrometry. The storage, stability, and repurification of [benzyl methylene‐3H]S‐(4‐nitrobenzyl)‐6‐thioinosine are also discussed.
Rapid response of the East Asian trough to Tibetan Plateau snow cover
Authors: Li Wenkai , Qiu Bo , Guo Weidong , Hsu Pang‐chi
Published: April 2020

Tibetan Plateau snow cover (TPSC) has subseasonal variations and rapidly influences the atmosphere. In this study, we present the rapid response of the East Asian trough (EAT) within a week to subseasonal variations in TPSC during the boreal winter. Using snow cover analysis obtained from the daily interactive multisensor snow and ice mapping system and the ERA‐Interim reanalysis, a considerable relationship between TPSC and 500‐hPa geopotential height anomalies over the downstream EAT region is found. Significant negative (positive) 500‐hPa geopotential height anomalies originating from the Tibetan Plateau and moving into the EAT region appear within a week following anomalous positive (negative) TPSC events, which lead to changes in EAT strength. Thus, a significantly enhanced (reduced) intensity of the EAT occurs approximately 5–6 days after increased (decreased) TPSC. Numerical experiments confirm the causality of this relationship. Further analysis of the quasi‐geostrophic geopotential height tendency equations in numerical experiments indicates that such EAT variations result from anomalous thermal advection from the Tibetan Plateau forced by TPSC.
Beyond the forest plot: The drapery plot
Authors: Rücker Gerta , Schwarzer Guido
Published: April 2020

In the era of the “reproducibility crisis” and the “P‐value controversy” new ways of presentation and interpretation of the results of a meta‐analysis are desirable. One suggestion that has been made for single studies almost six decades ago and taken up now and then is the P‐value function. For a given outcome, this function assigns a P‐value to each possible hypothetical value, given the data. Moreover, the P‐value function simultaneously provides two‐sided confidence intervals for all possible alpha levels. An application to meta‐analysis, while suggested early, has not been widely established. We introduce the drapery plot that presents the P‐value function for all individual studies and pooled estimates in a meta‐analysis as curves and the prediction range for a single future study. We also present a scaled variant with the test statistic on the y‐axis. Both plots visualize the full information of a pairwise meta‐analysis. We see a drapery plot as a complementary figure to a forest plot. It may be even an alternative in meta‐analyses with many studies where forest plots tend to become very large and complex.
Risk‐of‐bias VISualization (robvis): An R package and Shiny web app for visualizing risk‐of‐bias assessments
Authors: McGuinness Luke A. , Higgins Julian P. T.
Published: April 2020

Despite a major increase in the range and number of software offerings now available to help researchers produce evidence syntheses, there is currently no generic tool for producing figures to display and explore the risk‐of‐bias assessments that routinely take place as part of systematic review. However, tools such as the R programming environment and Shiny (an R package for building interactive web apps) have made it straightforward to produce new tools to help in producing evidence syntheses. We present a new tool, robvis (Risk‐Of‐Bias VISualization), available as an R package and web app, which facilitates rapid production of publication‐quality risk‐of‐bias assessment figures. We present a timeline of the tool's development and its key functionality.
Birefringent light‐shaping films for mini‐LED backlights
Authors: He Ziqian , Yin Kun , Hsiang En‐Lin , Li Ming‐Chun , Lee Seok‐Lyul , Tien Kun‐Cheng , Wu Shin‐Tson
Published: April 2020

Birefringent light‐shaping films (BLSFs) for mini‐LED backlit liquid crystal displays (LCDs) are proposed and experimentally demonstrated by passive polymer‐dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) films. Such films show angle‐selective scattering properties, achieved by proper material engineering and good vertical alignment of liquid crystals. They only respond to angles rather than spatial locations. By directly adhering the BLSF onto a LED, the angular intensity distribution of light can be tailored from Lambertian‐like to batwing‐like. Further simulation proves that by engineering the angular distribution, a fewer number of LEDs or equivalently a shorter light‐spreading distance is required to maintain good uniformity. These BLSFs are expected to find widespread applications in emerging mini‐LED backlit LCDs and shed light on designing other light‐shaping films in the future.
Impact of type and severity of postoperative complications on long‐term outcomes after colorectal liver metastases resection
Authors: Fernández‐Moreno María‐Carmen , Dorcaratto Dimitri , Garcés‐Albir Marina , Muñoz Elena , Arvizu Ricardo , Ortega Joaquín , Sabater Luis
Published: April 2020

Background and Objectives

Postoperative complications (POCs) after hepatic resection for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) adversely affect long‐term survival. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of POC etiology and severity on overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS).

Methods

A retrospective study of 254 consecutive hepatectomies for CRLM was performed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the effects of demographic, tumor‐related and perioperative variables on OS and DFS. A 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) was then used to compare patients with different POC etiology: infective (Inf‐POC), noninfective (Non‐inf POC), and no‐complications (No‐POC).

Results

Inf‐POC, Non‐inf POC, and No‐POC patients represented 18.8%, 19.2%, and 62% of the sample, respectively. In univariate and multivariate analyses infectious POC were independent risk factors for decreased OS and DFS. After PSM, Inf‐POC group presented decreased OS and DFS when compared with Non‐inf POC (5‐year OS 31.8% vs 51.6%; P = .05 and 5‐year DFS 13.6% vs 31.9%; P = .04) and with No‐POC (5‐year OS 29.4% vs 58.7%; P = .03 and 5‐year DFS 11.8% vs 39.7%; P = .03). There were no differences between Non‐inf POC and No‐POC patients. POC severity calculated using the Comprehensive Complications Index did not influence OS and DFS before and after PSM.

Conclusion

The negative oncological impact of POCs after CRLM resection is determined by infective etiology not by severity.
Transoral endocrine surgery: Considerations for adopting a new technique
Authors: James Benjamin C. , Angelos Peter , Grogan Raymon H.
Published: April 2020

Transoral endocrine surgery encompasses a group of operations whereby the thyroid or parathyroid gland is removed through the oral vestibule. This operation has the advantage of leaving no cutaneous scar and a risk profile similar to open surgery. Adoption of this technique has increased dramatically over the last several years. It is of paramount importance for surgeons to undergo adequate training before adopting this technique.
Simultaneous determination of seven compounds in Chinese patent medicines Chenxiangqu by matrix solid‐phase dispersion coupled with ultra high performance liquid chromatography and quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Chu Chu , Zhang Huan , Mao Hui , Liu Caijing , Jiang Luyi , Lian Linmin , Li Jing , Zhu Jiaming , Chen Wei , Yan Jizhong
Published: April 2020

A simple, efficient, and sensitive strategy by coupling matrix solid‐phase dispersion with ultra high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry was proposed to extract and determine three types of components (including seven analytes) in Chinese patent medicines Chenxiangqu. The highly ordered mesoporous material Fe‐SBA‐15 synthesized under weakly acidic conditions was selected as a dispersant in matrix solid phase dispersion extraction for the first time. Several parameters including the mass ratio of sample to dispersant, the type of dispersant, the grinding time, and the elution condition were investigated in this work. Under the optimized conditions, 20 compounds were identified by quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry and seven analytes were quantified. The results demonstrated that the developed method has good linearity (r > 0.9995), and the limits of detection of the analytes were as low as 0.55 ng/mL. The recoveries of all seven analytes ranged from 97.6 to 104.6% (relative standard deviation < 3.4%). Finally, the improved method was successfully applied to determination of five batches of Chenxiangqu samples, which provided a robust method in quality control of Chinese patent medicines Chenxiangqu. The developed strategy also shows its great potential in analysis of complex matrix samples.
Characterization of a chitosan‐based sustained release nanofertilizer formulation used as a soil conditioner while simultaneously improving biomass production of Zea mays L.
Authors: Kubavat Denish , Trivedi Khanjan , Vaghela Pradeep , Prasad Kamalesh , Vijay Anand Gopalakrishnan K. , Trivedi Hardik , Patidar Rajesh , Chaudhari Jayesh , Andhariya Bhoomi , Ghosh Arup
Published: April 2020

Slow release nanofertilizers are of interest for reducing soil nutrient losses and preventing land degradation associated with established fertilizer use due to use of fertilizers. Chitosan nanoparticles (CN) were prepared following polymerization of chitosan with methacrylic acid and later incorporated with potassium (CNK). CN as well as CNK were characterized using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy, field‐emission scanning electron microscope, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques. The slow potassium release property of CNK was elucidated employing membrane diffusion studies. Zea mays plant were tested in pot trials using different doses of K‐formulation with potassium incorporated or otherwise and compared with suitable controls. Soils amended with reduced potassium rates (75% CNK) significantly increased the fresh‐ and dry‐biomass accumulation by 51 and 47%, respectively, in relation to positive control (100% KCl). The use of 75% CNK improved physical properties of soil by way of enhanced porosity, higher water conductivity, and enhanced friability that favoured root growth. These along with reduced dry density induced the plants to uptake higher quantities of nutrients and develop double the root biomass relative to control. Further, no deleterious effect of the nanoformulation was apparent and the treatments showed better carbon‐cycling activity. Increased fluorescein diacetate (FDA) hydrolysis in these treatments demonstrated higher soil microbial activity in relation to control. CNK was hypothesized to condition the soil by cohesive bonding of soil particles, stabilizing the soil aggregates by coating them, and preventing their degradation amidst disruptive forces such as repeated watering. Sustained nutrient release synchronize with crop demands, reduced fertilizer requirement and increased productivity.
Dietary Isomalto/Malto‐Polysaccharides Increase Fecal Bulk and Microbial Fermentation in Mice
Authors: Mistry Rima H. , Borewicz Klaudyna , Gu Fangjie , Verkade Henkjan J. , Schols Henk A. , Smidt Hauke , Tietge Uwe J. F.
Published: April 2020

Scope

The prevalence of metabolic‐syndrome‐related disease has strongly increased. Nutritional intervention strategies appear attractive, particularly with novel prebiotics. Isomalto/malto‐polysaccharides (IMMPs) represent promising novel prebiotics that promote proliferation of beneficial bacteria in vitro. The present study investigates for the first time the in vivo effects of IMMP in mice.

Methods and results

C57BL/6 wild‐type mice received control or IMMP‐containing (10%, w/w) diets for 3 weeks. IMMP leads to significantly more fecal bulk (+26%, p < 0.05), higher plasma non‐esterified fatty acids (colorimetric assay, +10%, p < 0.05), and lower fecal dihydrocholesterol excretion (mass spectrometry, −50%, p < 0.05). Plasma and hepatic lipid levels (colorimetric assays following lipid extraction) are not influenced by dietary IMMP, as are other parameters of sterol metabolism, including bile acids (gas chromatography/mass spectrometry). IMMP is mainly fermented in the cecum and large intestine (high‐performance anion exchange chromatography). Next‐generation sequencing demonstrates higher relative abundance of Bacteroides and butyrate producers (Lachnospiraceae, Roseburia Odoribacter) in the IMMP group.

Conclusion

The combined results demonstrate that IMMP administration to mice increases fecal bulk and induces potentially beneficial changes in the intestinal microbiota. Further studies are required in disease models to substantiate potential health benefits.
Spectroscopic characterization of tissue and liquids during arthroscopic radio‐frequency ablation
Authors: Cornaz Frédéric , Valet Sebastian , Meyer Dominik Christoph
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Radio‐frequency ablation devices generating a local plasma are widely used as a safe and precise tool for tissue removal in arthroscopic surgeries. During this process, specific light emissions are generated. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic potential of optical emission spectrum analysis for liquid and tissue characterization.

Methods

The emissions in different saline solutions and during porcine tendon, muscle, and bone tissue ablation were recorded and analyzed in the range of 200–1000 nm.

Results

Specific atomic lines (Na, K, Ca, H, O, W) and molecular bands (OH, CN, C2) were identified, originating from compounds in the liquids and tissues in contact with the probe. A linear correlation between the concentration of both Na and K in solution with the intensities of their spectral lines was observed (Na: R2 = 0.986, P < 0.001; K: R2 = 0.963, P < 0.001). According to the Wilcoxon rank‐sum test, the Ca‐ and K‐peak intensities between all three tissue samples and the CN‐peak intensities between muscle and bone and tendon and bone differed significantly (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

These findings prove the general feasibility of spectroscopic analysis as a tool for characterization of liquids and tissues ablated during radio‐frequency ablation. This method can potentially be further developed into an intraoperative, real‐time diagnostic feature aiding the surgical team in further optimizing the procedure.
Computation of geophysical magnetic data for a buried 3‐D hexahedral prism using the Gauss–Legendre quadrature method
Authors: Mohamed Hassan , Mizunaga Hideki , Saibi Hakim
Published: April 2020

A new method is presented for the 3‐D forward modelling of the magnetic effects (induced magnetization) of a hexahedral (trilinear) prism using the Gauss–Legendre quadrature method. The 3‐D forward modelling provides an improved application to geological problems. The magnetic effect has been evaluated via the summation of the effects of the point dipole that fills the volume. The 3‐D volume is divided into smaller prisms using an appropriate number of nodes. The algorithm is tested on two synthetic examples, and the results are compared against calculated data from a common program developed at the University of British Columbia–Geophysical Inversion Facility, with both tests showing positive results. The results of testing the algorithm against two synthetic slab models are also given. Finally, the program is applied to a field data set from Aynak‐Logar Valley region in Afghanistan. Using this program, complex 3‐D model bodies may be constructed from hexahedral prisms to facilitate the calculation of their magnetic anomalies and magnetic susceptibility. Interpretation of the results shows that 3‐D constructed models are successful in recovering the shape and location of the true model.
Medications for pregnant women: A balancing act between the interests of the mother and of the fetus
Authors: Saunders Norman R. , Dziegielewska Katarzyna M.
Published: April 2020

Drug entry into the adult brain is controlled by efflux mechanisms situated in various brain barrier interfaces. The effectiveness of these protective mechanisms in the embryo, fetus and newborn brain is less clear. The longstanding belief that “the” blood‐brain barrier is absent or immature in the fetus and newborn has led to many misleading statements with potential clinical implications. Here we review the properties of brain barrier mechanisms in the context of drug entry into the developing brain and discuss the limited number of studies published on the subject. We noticed that most of available literature suffers from some experimental limitations, notably that drug levels in fetal blood and cerebrospinal fluid have not been measured. This means that the relative contribution to the overall brain protection provided by individual barriers such as the placenta (which contains similar efflux mechanisms) and the brain barriers cannot be separately ascertained. Finally, we propose that systematic studies in appropriate animal models of drug entry into the brain at different stages of development would provide a rational basis for use of medications in pregnancy and in newborns, especially prematurely born, where protection usually provided by the placenta is no longer present.
Time Course of Changes in Sorafenib‐Treated Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells Suggests Involvement of Phospho‐Regulated Signaling in Ferroptosis Induction
Authors: Werth Emily G. , Rajbhandari Presha , Stockwell Brent R. , Brown Lewis M.
Published: April 2020

Ferroptosis is a form of regulated, non‐apoptotic cell death characterized by excessive lipid peroxidation that can be triggered by inhibition of the cystine‐glutamate antiporter, system Xc−. Sorafenib, an FDA‐approved multi‐kinase inhibitor drug that is used for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), has been shown to induce ferroptosis. Protein phosphorylation changes upon sorafenib treatment have been previously reported in patient studies and in cell culture. However, early phosphorylation changes during induction of ferroptosis are not reported. This work highlights these changes through a time course from 7 to 60 min of sorafenib treatment in human (SKHep1) HCC cells. A total of 6170 unique phosphosites from 2381 phosphoproteins are quantified, and phosphorylation changes occur after as little as 30 min of sorafenib treatment. By 60 min, notable changes included phosphosites significantly changing on p53 (P04637), CAD protein (P27708), and proteins important for iron homeostasis, such as heavy chain ferritin (FTH1; P02794), heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1; P09601), and PCBP1 (Q15365). Additional sites on proteins in key regulatory pathways are identified, including sites in ferroptosis‐related proteins, indicating the likely involvement of phospho‐regulated signaling during ferroptosis induction.
A Comparison of Protein and mRNA Expression during Development of the Soil Dwelling Prokaryote (S. coelicolor)
Authors: Pospíšil Jiří , Strunin Dmytro , Ziková Alice , Hubálek Martin , Vohradský Jiří
Published: April 2020

In this paper, correlation analysis of protein and mRNA levels in the soil dwelling bacteria Streptomyces coelicolor (S. coelicolor M145) is presented during development of the population as it grew in liquid medium using three biological and two technical replicates, measured during exponential growth, and its entry into the stationary phase. The proteome synthesis time series are compared with the gene expression time series measured previously under identical experimental conditions. Results reveal that about one third of protein/mRNA synthesis profiles are well correlated while another third are correlated negatively. Functional analysis of the highly correlated groups is presented. Based on numerical simulation, the negative correlation between protein and mRNA is shown to be caused by the difference between the rate of translation and protein degradation.
Nonanal modulates oviposition preference in female Helicoverpa assulta (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) via the activation of peripheral neurons
Authors: Wang Chan , Li Guannan , Miao Changjian , Zhao Man , Wang Bing , Guo Xianru
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

The insect olfactory system can recognize odorants for feeding, courtship, oviposition and avoiding natural enemies. Odorant cues from host plants play important roles in insect behaviours. Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) is the main cultivated host of the oriental tobacco budworm Helicoverpa assult. Volatiles of tobacco plants attract and stimulate oviposition in female moths. However, it is still not known how female H. assulta recognize tobacco volatiles and which odorant compounds are used as oviposition cues.

RESULTS

We detected 14 volatile compounds emitted from a tobacco plant during vegetative growth, using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Electroantennogram tests indicated that eight of the 14 compounds induced responses in female H. assulta. Among these eight volatiles, nonanal greatly increased oviposition preference. Single‐sensillum recording (SSR) results showed that many neurons housed in three types of short basiconic sensilla and four types of long basiconic sensilla responded to nonanal and heptanal as its structural analogue. The responses to nonanal were significantly stronger than those to the other compounds. Nonanal was the main ligand of OR67, an odorant receptor from H. assulta. This was demonstrated using an in vitro Xenopus oocytes expression system that supported the SSR results.

CONCLUSION

Nonanal is a key signal volatile of tobacco plants that attracts female H. assulta moths to oviposit. © 2020 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Cloning and functional identification of a Chilo suppressalis‐inducible promoter of rice gene, OsHPL2
Authors: Li Hanpeng , Wang Zhengjie , Han Kehong , Guo Mengjian , Zou Yulan , Zhang Wei , Ma Weihua , Hua Hongxia
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

Promoters play a key role in driving insect‐resistant genes during breeding of transgenic plants. In current transgenic procedures for breeding rice resistance to striped stem borer (Chilo suppressalis Walker, SSB), the constitutive promoter is used to drive the insect‐resistant gene. To reduce the burden of constitutive promoters on plant growth, isolation and identification of insect‐inducible promoters are particularly important. However, few promoters are induced specifically by insect feeding.

RESULTS

We found rice hydroperoxide lyase gene (OsHPL2) (LOC_Os02g12680) was upregulated after feeding by SSB. We subsequently cloned the promoter of OsHPL2 and analysed its expression pattern using the β‐glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene. Histochemical assays and quantitative analyses of GUS activity confirmed that P
HPL2:GUS was activated by SSB, but did not respond to brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens Stål, BPH) infestation, mechanical wounding or phytohormone treatments. A series of 5′ truncated assays were conducted and three positive regulatory regions (−1452 to −1213, −903 to −624, and −376 to −176) induced by SSB infestation were identified. P2R123‐min 35S and P2TR2‐min 35S promoters linked with cry1C of transgenic plants showed the highest levels of Cry1C protein expression and SSB larval mortality.

CONCLUSION

We identified an SSB‐inducible promoter and three positive internal regions. Transgenic rice plants with the OsHPL2 promoter and its positive regions driving cry1C exhibited the expected larvicidal effect on SSB. Our study is the first report of an SSB‐inducible promoter that could be used as a potential resource for breeding insect‐resistant transgenic crops. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry