bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rate and Factors Associated With Change in Surgeon for Revision Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Jafari Aria , Panuganti Bharat A. , Crawford Kayva L. , Shen Sarek , DeConde Adam S.
Published: August 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

A subset of patients will undergo revision endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) with a different otolaryngologist than the one who performed their primary surgery. The purpose of this study is to report the incidence of and clinicodemographic factors associated with a change in surgeon for revision ESS.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Adult patients who underwent at least two outpatient ESS procedures between 2009 and 2014 using the State Ambulatory Surgery Database for Florida were included in the study. Change in surgeon was defined by a change in a unique provider identifier for the revision procedure. Multivariable regression analysis was used to determine characteristics associated with a change in surgeon.

Results

A total of 2,963 patients were included. For the revision procedure, 47.7% of patients changed their surgeon. On multivariable logistic regression, a medium‐ (odds ratio [OR]: 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.53‐0.77) or high‐volume (OR: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.42‐0.61) surgeon performing the index surgery and advanced age (≥65 years) (OR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.63‐0.99) were associated with decreased odds of surgeon change for revision ESS. Longer time elapsed between index and revision surgery (OR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.13‐1.17) was associated with increased odds of surgeon change.

Conclusions

Nearly half of patients who undergo revision ESS select a surgeon other than the one who performed their primary procedure. Surgeon volume, age, and time between surgeries affect the likelihood of a change in surgeon for revision ESS. These findings may provide introductory insights into patient preferences and decision making in the surgical management of recalcitrant chronic rhinosinusitis.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E1049–E1053, 2021
Health‐Related Quality of Life Following Total Laryngectomy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wulff Nille B. , Højager Anna , Wessel Irene , Dalton Susanne O. , Homøe Preben
Published: August 2020

Objective

Treatment of advanced laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer has shifted from total laryngectomy (TL) toward laryngeal‐preserving therapies due to a general perception that TL has a significantly negative impact on the individual's life. However, whether the physical impairments related to TL translate to a reduced health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) has not yet been determined. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review was to determine how HRQoL is affected following TL.

Methods

Systematic searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane. Inclusion criteria were original studies describing quality of life following TL after larynx/hypopharynx cancer using a formally developed patient‐reported questionnaire. Study quality assessment was carried out with the tool developed by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

Results

Forty‐six studies using 12 different questionnaires were included. The majority were cross‐sectional (85%), and study quality was rated poor in 30%, fair in 30%, and good in 39% of studies. When comparing results from the four most frequently used questionnaires with normative data, we found that in more than 60% of studies, differences to the reference population were of clinical importance, with only few exceptions.

Conclusions

In general, we found that people who received TL have a worse HRQoL than the male normative reference population. However, even though TL patients experience a clinically important difference in many domains when compared with normative data, their burden of symptoms is generally mild. The current review also makes it evident that despite the relatively large number of studies conducted, the strength of evidence remains weak. Laryngoscope, 131:820–831, 2021
Characterizing Vocal Fold Injury Recovery in a Rabbit Model With Three‐Dimensional Virtual Histology
Authors: Kolosova Ksenia , Gao Qiman , Tuznik Marius , Bouhabel Sarah , Kost Karen M. , Wang Huijie , Li‐Jessen Nicole Y. K. , Mongeau Luc , Wiseman Paul W.
Published: August 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

In animal studies of vocal fold scarring and treatment, imaging‐based evaluation is most often conducted by tissue slicing and histological staining. Given variation in anatomy, injury type, severity, and sacrifice timepoints, planar histological sections provide limited spatiotemporal details of tissue repair. Three‐dimensional (3D) virtual histology may provide additional contextual spatial information, enhancing objective interpretation. The study's aim was to evaluate the suitability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), microscale computed tomography (CT), and nonlinear laser‐scanning microscopy (NM) as virtual histology approaches for rabbit studies of vocal fold scarring.

Methods

A unilateral injury was created using microcup forceps in the left vocal fold of three New Zealand White rabbits. Animals were sacrificed at 3, 10, and 39 days postinjury. ex vivo imaging of excised larynges was performed with MRI, CT, and NM modalities.

Results

The MRI modality allowed visualization of injury location and morphological internal features with 100‐μm spatial resolution. The CT modality provided a view of the injury defect surface with 12‐μm spatial resolution. The NM modality with optical clearing resolved second‐harmonic generation signal of collagen fibers and two‐photon autofluorescence in vocal fold lamina propria, muscle, and surrounding cartilage structures at submicrometer spatial scales.

Conclusions

Features of vocal fold injury and wound healing were observed with MRI, CT, and NM. The MRI and CT modalities provided contextual spatial information and dissection guidance, whereas NM resolved extracellular matrix structure. The results serve as a proof of concept to motivate incorporation of 3D virtual histology techniques in future vocal fold injury animal studies.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 131:1578–1587, 2021
Home Sleep Testing to Direct Upper Airway Stimulation Therapy Optimization for Sleep Apnea
Authors: Steffen Armin , König Inke R. , Baptista Peter M. , Abrams Nils , Jeschke Stephanie , Hasselbacher Katrin
Published: August 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

Selective upper airway stimulation (sUAS) is a well‐established treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This study aimed to determine if there are benefits in performing a home sleep test (HST) to evaluate postoperative sUAS effectiveness after patient acclimatization compared to the generally used polysomnography (PSG) titration, as measured by long‐term follow‐up outcomes.

Study Design

Retrospective comparative cohort analysis.

Methods

We conducted an analysis of consecutive patients at our center who had completed a 6‐month follow‐up (month 6 [M6]) and recorded data from M6, month 12 (M12), and month 24 (M24). After device activation, we performed an HST with the patient's stimulation settings, and measured the apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and device usage. These values were compared to patients who had undergone PSG‐based device titration.

Results

Baseline values of the initial 131 patients show high ESS and moderate OSA. At the 2‐month time point of the HST, nearly half of the patients (46.2%) reached an AHI ≤15/hr, and approximately a fifth (19.2%) reached <5/hr. The PSG and HST groups differed in median ESS at M24, but no other differences were observed for ESS at M6 and M12. Both groups showed similar AHI, oxygen desaturation, and usage hours per week.

Conclusions

Adjusting therapy by using the HST technique after device activation and acclimatization has clinical and economic advantages. These advantages are contingent on several conditions being met when deviating from the standard device protocol, including precise communication with the referring sleep medicine physicians, especially their role in helping with long‐term follow‐up.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E1375–E1379, 2021
Swellable Gelatin Methacryloyl Microneedles for Extraction of Interstitial Skin Fluid toward Minimally Invasive Monitoring of Urea
Authors: Fonseca Daniela F. S. , Costa Paulo Cardoso , Almeida Isabel F. , Dias‐Pereira Patrícia , Correia‐Sá Inês , Bastos Verónica , Oliveira Helena , Vilela Carla , Silvestre Armando J. D. , Freire Carmen S. R.
Published: August 2020

Urea, the main nitrogenous waste product of protein metabolism, is eliminated almost exclusively by the kidney, and hence, displays considerable clinical significance in the assessment of kidney disorders. The aim of this study is to prepare and investigate the potential of swellable cross‐linked gelatin methacryloyl (c‐GelMA) microneedles (MNs) as a platform for minimally invasive extraction of interstitial skin fluid (ISF) toward straightforward point‐of‐care healthcare monitoring of renal complaints, by quantification of urea. c‐GelMA MNs are successfully prepared by photo‐cross‐linking and micromolding, faithfully replicating the master molds (387 ± 16 µm height, 200 µm base and 500 µm tip‐to‐tip distance). These MN patches display good mechanical properties, withstanding more than 0.15 N per needle without breaking. Ex vivo skin insertion assays reveal that the MNs penetrate up to 237 µm depth, reaching the dermis, where they should extract ISF considering a real application. In an in vitro application using an agarose skin model system, the c‐GelMA MNs are able to efficiently recover urea (>98%). Additionally, these MNs exhibit noncytotoxic effects toward human keratinocytes. These findings suggest that c‐GelMA MNs are promising devices for sampling ISF and offline analysis of urea, opening new avenues for simple point‐of‐care healthcare monitoring.
Cyclo(RGDfK) Functionalized Spider Silk Cell Scaffolds: Significantly Improved Performance in Just One Click
Authors: Harvey David , Bray Gemma , Zamberlan Francesco , Amer Mahetab , Goodacre Sara L. , Thomas Neil R.
Published: August 2020

Recombinant spider silk has the potential to provide a new generation of biomaterial scaffolds as a result of its degree of biocompatibility and lack of immunogenicity. These recombinant biomaterials are, however, reported to exhibit poor cellular adhesion which limits their potential for use in applications such as tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. In this study, a simple chemical functionalization approach is described that specifically addresses this issue and significantly improves the adhesion of human mesenchymal stem cells (CiMSCs) to a recombinant spider silk biomaterial. This utilizes copper‐catalyzed or strain‐promoted azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC/SPAAC) “click” chemistry to covalently attach cyclo(RGDfK) peptides to the azide group of l‐azidohomoalanine, a methionine analogue previously site specifically incorporated into the primary sequence of a thioredoxin (TRX)‐tagged silk fusion protein, TRX‐4RepCT, to give TRX3Aha‐4RepCT3Aha. This method is used to produce cyclo(RGDfK) functionalized films and macroscopic fibers. Over 24 h, cyclo(RGDfK) functionalized TRX3Aha‐4RepCT3Aha films and 4RepCT3Aha fibers display significantly improved performance in CiMSC culture, yielding far greater cell numbers than the controls. This approach circumvents the previously observed lack of cell adhesion, thus allowing spider silk derived biomaterials to be used where such adhesion is critical, in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine and wound healing.
In vitro reconstitution and characterization of pyruvate dehydrogenase and 2‐oxoglutarate dehydrogenase hybrid complex from Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Kinugawa Hirokazu , Kondo Naoko , Komine‐Abe Ayano , Tomita Takeo , Nishiyama Makoto , Kosono Saori
Published: August 2020

Pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) and 2‐oxoglutarate dehydrogenase (ODH) are critical enzymes in central carbon metabolism. In Corynebacterium glutamicum, an unusual hybrid complex consisting of CgE1p (thiamine diphosphate‐dependent pyruvate dehydrogenase, AceE), CgE2 (dihydrolipoamide acetyltransferase, AceF), CgE3 (dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase, Lpd), and CgE1o (thiamine diphosphate‐dependent 2‐oxoglutarate dehydrogenase, OdhA) has been suggested. Here, we elucidated that the PDH‐ODH hybrid complex in C. glutamicum probably consists of six copies of CgE2 in its core, which is rather compact compared with PDH and ODH in other microorganisms that have twenty‐four copies of E2. We found that CgE2 formed a stable complex with CgE3 (CgE2‐E3 subcomplex) in vitro, hypothetically comprised of two CgE2 trimers and four CgE3 dimers. We also found that CgE1o exists mainly as a hexamer in solution and is ready to form an active ODH complex when mixed with the CgE2‐E3 subcomplex. Our in vitro reconstituted system showed CgE1p‐ and CgE1o‐dependent inhibition of ODH and PDH, respectively, actively supporting the formation of the hybrid complex, in which both CgE1p and CgE1o associate with a single CgE2‐E3. In gel filtration chromatography, all the subunits of CgODH were eluted in the same fraction, whereas CgE1p was eluted separately from CgE2‐E3, suggesting a weak association of CgE1p with CgE2 compared with that of CgE1o. This study revealed the unique molecular architecture of the hybrid complex from C. glutamicum and the compact‐sized complex would provide an advantage to determine the whole structure of the unusual hybrid complex.
Wideband compact power amplifier based on novel spatial power combining technique for millimeter‐wave applications
Authors: Lu Qijun , Deng Jianqin , Shan Guangbao , Zhu Zhangming
Published: August 2020

Based on spatial power combining technique using a novel waveguide‐to‐microstrip transition, this article proposes a wideband compact double‐layer two‐level power amplifier composed by six commercial power amplifier chips for millimeter‐wave applications. Double antipodal fin line transition and second‐order Wilkinson power divider/combiner are developed for the spatial power combining circuit. Furthermore, the proposed power amplifier is fabricated with over‐mode waveguides. When the input power is 10 dBm, the measured output power reaches up to 23 dBm, and reveals a very small output power variation about 1.4 dB over a bandwidth of 43% from 36 to 56 GHz. Therefore, the proposed power amplifier can be widely used in millimeter‐wave transceiver modules as well as THz sources, due to its excellent wideband performance.
Social spider optimization based optimized heat management for wet‐electrospun polymer fiber
Authors: Nandwalkar Jayant Ramesh , Pete Dnyandeo J.
Published: August 2020

An electrostatic fiber manufacture method called electrospinning, displayed more attention because of its adaptability and applications in various fields. The polymer fibers named wet‐electrospun (WES) are promising structure for little, adaptable optical fiber devices, for example, lasers, sensors, and waveguides. The shape of WES polymer fibers are represented with aninnate barrel shaped geometry similar to optical fibers that can be created using minimal effort and low‐vitality producing procedures. The loss obtained before the heating process is 17.0 dB cm−1. Here, the loss caused by propagation in WES fibers is reduced using a versatile heat treatment approach (HTA). Also, this HTA significantly reduces the loss in the range of 8.1 dB cm−1 at a wavelength of 533 nm, as the fibers are heated over 49.8°C, which is the glass transition temperature. The propagation loss is also tested for the following 350, 400, 450, 500 nm wavelengths and shown better results. Also, heating conditions are optimized at a wavelength (533 nm) to decrease the propagation loss below 5 dB cm−1. For this calculation social spider optimization (SSO) based optimized temperature rising method is proposed. The proposed method is simulated in the MATLAB platform. Thus, the loss minimization is attributed to excess light scattering (LS) that can be reduced by reducing the propagation loss in WES PDLLA (Poly racemic blend of D, L‐lactic acid units) fibers by effective heat treatment approach.
Evaluation of Visible Implant Elastomer Tags in Wild Coastal Cutthroat Trout in the Marine Environment
Authors: Losee James P. , Faulkner Hannah S. , Seamons Todd R.
Published: August 2020

We evaluated the detectability of visible implant elastomer (VIE) tags in Coastal Cutthroat Trout Oncorynchus clarkii clarkii in the marine environment by comparing visually identified recaptures from VIE tags with known recaptures that were identified through genotype matching. A total of 89 individual Coastal Cutthroat Trout were marked in the lower jaw with colored VIE tags, sampled for genetics, and recaptured across 12 months in 2015. The rate of correspondence between the VIE tags and genetic matches was 92% (82/89) of the recaptured Coastal Cutthroat Trout in the nearshore marine environment. We found that red- and blue-colored VIE tags were detected at a higher rate (100%) than were yellow- and orange-colored tags (87.3% and 90.6%, respectively). In contrast, tag type (single or double), tag location (left or right), fish length (FL, mm), and time (days) since tagging had no effect on tag detectability during the study period. All of the tag colors were recovered for the maximum life of the study (up to 342 days). In all of the cases of nondetections (5/89), the tags were not identified upon initial recapture or subsequent capture events, suggesting that they were lost or not visible immediately upon insertion in the field—as opposed to being unidentified due to the degradation of tag detectability over time. The results of this study suggest that VIE tags have the potential to be detectable in juvenile and adult Coastal Cutthroat Trout for at least 12 months after insertion, with blue and red performing the best. Additional monitoring extending beyond 12 months after tagging would be necessary to identify the maximum life of VIE tags.
Optimal consumer sales tax policies for online‐offline retail operations with consumer returns
Authors: Zhang Ting , Choi Tsan‐Ming
Published: August 2020

Multichannel strategies are widely observed in practice. In some jurisdictions, the previously tax‐free online channel is now required to remit sales tax. Motivated by policy evolution and sales‐tax practices, we build analytical models to study the effects of sales tax on multichannel strategies and social welfare (which is defined as the overall surplus minus the negative external impact). We find that retailers prefer the online‐and‐offline channel to others when the product value is low relative to the consumer channel preference. If the offline sales tax rate is sufficiently high, the offline channel may simply function as the showroom. We also explore the optimal sales tax rate(t) that can maximize social welfare. We recognize that sales tax not only directly affects social welfare by influencing the optimal price (and service) decisions in the supply chain, but also indirectly affects social welfare through retailers' channel choice. In particular, imposing an online sales tax for low value products on small retailers only to transfer revenue from the retailers to the government; it is ineffective in increasing social welfare. We advise governments to develop sales tax policies based on consideration of channel type, product category, and the fit between the channel and product. Whereas an online tax free or a uniform tax rate fits low value products, setting different tax rates for different channels can be admissible for high value products. Counterintuitively, we also find that consumer showrooming may increase social welfare, as it reduces product returns (and the corresponding environmental impacts).
Design and performance analysis of elephant herding optimization based controller for load frequency control in thermal interconnected power system
Authors: Dewangan Sourabh , Prakash Tapan , Pratap Singh Vinay
Published: August 2020

In this present contribution, an attempt has been taken to design and analyze the performance of elephant herding optimization (EHO) based controller for load frequency control (LFC) applications of interconnected power system. The studied system is a two‐area nonreheat thermal interconnected system which is widely used in literature. A proportional‐integral‐differential controller is utilized for LFC of the studied system. EHO technique is applied to obtain the tuned set of controller parameters. The objectives considered for design of the controller are the minimization of settling times and integral‐time‐multiplied‐absolute‐error of frequency deviations (FDs) and tie‐line power deviation (TPD). The design objectives are integrated together to form a function with single objective by assigning equal weights after normalization. Several test cases of diverse set of disturbances are taken into account to test the performance of the proposed controller and the obtained results are compared with other controllers designed with differential evolution, gray wolf optimization, particle swarm optimization, teacher‐learner‐based optimization, and whale optimization algorithm. Furthermore, the time‐domain simulations of FDs and TPD are illustrated to support the tabulated results. In addition, comparative statistical analysis is presented to validate the robust behavior of the proposed controller.
Unveiling the causal impact of US economic policy uncertainty on exchange market pressure of African economies
Authors: Olasehinde‐Williams Godwin , Olanipekun Ifedolapo
Published: August 2020

One of the factors responsible for the growth of African economies is their interaction with advanced economies such as the United States. In this regard, this study investigated the causal linkages between the exchange market pressure (EMP) of African economies and the economic policy uncertainty (EPU) of the United States. A panel of nine African countries were studied from 1996 M01 to 2018 M12 using a bootstrap Granger causality test because of its robustness to cross‐sectional dependence and heterogeneity. We found that US EPU Granger causes EMP in the panel of African countries. At country level, we found causal relations running from US EPU to EMP in Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Libya and South Africa. In Angola, Morocco and Nigeria, EMP was independent of uncertainty in the United States. This suggests that African countries need to be watchful of their reliance on the US economy as negative effects of policy uncertainty emanating from the US might be transmitted to their economy through its influence in the exchange market.
National Trends in Oral Antibiotic Prescribing in United States Physician Offices from 2009 to 2016
Authors: Young Eric H. , Panchal Rupesh M. , Yap Alexander G. , Reveles Kelly R.
Published: August 2020

Background

Prior studies have found that outpatient antibiotics are commonly prescribed for non‐bacterial conditions. It is unclear if national prescribing has changed in recent years given recent public health and antimicrobial stewardship initiatives. This study aimed to describe antibiotic prescribing in United States (U.S.) physician offices.

Materials/Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study of all sampled patient visits in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey from 2009 to 2016. Antibiotic use was defined as at least one oral antibiotic prescription during the visit as identified by Multum code(s). Patient visits were categorized by U.S. geographic region and season. ICD‐9‐CM and ICD‐10 codes were used to assess diagnoses and categorize antibiotic use as appropriate, possibly appropriate, or inappropriate.

Results

Seven billion visits were included for analysis, with 793,415,182 (11.3%) including an antibiotic. Prescribing rates were relatively stable over the study period (102.9–124.9 prescriptions per 1000 visits); however, 2016 had one of the lowest prescribing rates (107.7 per 1000 visits). The most commonly prescribed antibiotic class was macrolides (25 per 1000 visits). The South region and winter season had the highest antibiotic prescribing (118.2 and 129.7 per 1000 visits, respectively). Of patients who received an antibiotic, 55.9%, 35.7%, and 8.4% were classified as inappropriate, possibly appropriate, and appropriate, respectively. The most common conditions in which antibiotics were prescribed inappropriately included those with no indication in any of the predefined diagnosis codes (40.1%), other skin conditions (17.3%), and viral upper respiratory conditions (13.3%).

Conclusions

There was no significant reduction in outpatient antibiotic prescribing rates among U.S. outpatients from 2009 to 2016 and prescribing varied by region and season. These data suggest that more than half of antibiotics were prescribed inappropriately, with the majority of antibiotics prescribed with no indication. However, these findings need to be confirmed with robust prospective studies.
Pharmacokinetics of Vancomycin in Critically Ill Patients Undergoing Sustained Low‐Efficiency Dialysis
Authors: Rider Taylor R. , Silinskie Kevin M. , Hite Mindee S. , Bress Jonathan
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Vancomycin pharmacokinetic data in critically ill patients receiving sustained low‐efficiency dialysis (SLED) is limited. Published data using vancomycin with intermittent hemodialysis and continuous renal replacement therapy may not be applicable to hybrid dialysis modalities such as SLED. Current drug references lack recommendations for vancomycin dosing in patients receiving SLED.

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine vancomycin pharmacokinetics during SLED.

Methods

A total of 20 patients who were critically ill with oliguric or anuric renal failure who received vancomycin and SLED were included in the study. Surrounding one SLED session, serum vancomycin blood samples were drawn before the initiation of SLED, at the termination of SLED, and 4 hours after completion of SLED treatment. Following this, patients received vancomycin, dosed to target a goal peak of 20–30 mcg/ml. A vancomycin peak level was drawn 1 hour after the end of the infusion. SLED treatment duration was at least 7 hours. Continuous data are reported as median (interquartile range) and categorical data as percentage.

Results

The vancomycin elimination rate and half‐life were 0.051 hours (0.042–0.074 hours) and 13.6 hours (9.4–16.6 hours), respectively. SLED reduced vancomycin serum concentrations by 35.4% (31.5–43.8%), and vancomycin rebound was 9.8% (2.5–13.7%). The vancomycin dose administered post‐SLED was 1000 mg (875–1125 mg). For 18 patients, the patient‐specific volume of distribution was 0.88 L/kg (0.67–1.1 L/kg), vancomycin clearance was 3.5 L/hr (2.2–5.2 L/hr), and the area under the concentration‐time curve during the study time period was 280.8 mg·hr/L (254.7–297.3 mg·hr/L).

Conclusion

Vancomycin is significantly removed during SLED with little rebound in serum concentrations 4 hours after completion of SLED. Based on study findings, patients who are critically ill require additional vancomycin dosing after each SLED session to maintain therapeutic post‐SLED vancomycin concentrations. Therapeutic drug monitoring of vancomycin is recommended during SLED.
Toward controlled functional sequencing and hierarchical structuring in imidazolium ionenes
Authors: O'Harra Kathryn E , Bara Jason E
Published: August 2020

This focused mini‐review highlights recent advances related to the design and applications of imidazolium ionenes and forward‐looking perspectives. Creative strategies which employ established synthetic approaches and utilize the modularity of the imidazole moiety unlock great potential for tailoring both functional and structural features arising from precise spacing of ionic groups within the polymer backbone. As imidazolium ionenes draw more interest, increased sophistication of chemical modifications and material processing is occurring, with a corresponding shift toward more demanding applications. Synthetic routes for placement and sequencing of ionic content are discussed, in addition to recent approaches to control structure and self‐assembly or tune behaviors of imidazolium ionenes and composites. © 2020 Society of Industrial Chemistry
Supramolecular polymerization of chiral molecules devoid of chiral centers
Authors: Henderson Will R , Castellano Ronald K
Published: August 2020

The iterative association of monomer units through noncovalent interactions often leads to chiral supramolecular polymers. Monomers comprising these materials can be further divided into those with chiral centers and those without. The latter class is often less studied but attractive since it features monomer designs with chirality at the core rather than the periphery of the molecules. In this mini‐review, we summarize the existing strategies to construct supramolecular polymers from chiral molecules with no chiral centers and offer perspectives on fundamental trends and differences between them and their counterparts with chiral centers. © 2020 Society of Industrial Chemistry
Factors affecting the production and molecular weight of levan in enzymatic synthesis by recombinant Bacillus subtilis levansucrase SacB‐T305A
Authors: Hou Yuanyuan , Huang Fei , Yang Hui , Cong Hao , Zhang Xi , Xie Xiaoxu , Yang Haibo , Tong Qiuping , Luo Ning , Zhu Ping , Meng Jianzong
Published: August 2020

Levansucrase (EC 2.4.1.10) catalyzes both levan polymerization and sucrose hydrolysis. Levan production by recombinant Bacillus subtilis levansucrase SacB‐T305A was investigated. The maximum conversion yield (33.09%) of sucrose to levan and levan yield (115.8 g L–1) were obtained as 30% (wt/vol) and 40% (wt/vol) initial sucrose, respectively. Under highly acidic conditions (pH 3.5 and below), the polymerization not only shifted distinctly to high molecular weight levan but also enlarged the size of low molecular weight levan. In particular, the proportion of high molecular weight levan to total products increased to 9‐fold at pH 3.5. The presence of Fe2+, Mg2+, Mn2+ and Zn2+ ions at common ion strength (5 mmol L–1) increased only the size of low molecular weight levan from about 20 kDa to about 35 kDa. Our findings provide a supplementary view about the mechanism of levan molecular weight distribution in enzymatic synthesis and offer a possibility for producing levan of different molecular weights by modulating enzymatic reaction conditions. © 2020 Society of Industrial Chemistry
Registration of oat cultivar ‘Natty’
Authors: Caffe‐Treml M. , Hall L. , Bauer R. , Hall N. , Kleinjan J. , Graham C. , Ingemansen J. A. , Turnipseed B. , Krishnan P.
Published: August 2020

The development of oat (Avena sativa L.) cultivars with improved grain yield and excellent test weight is necessary to increase the profitability of oat production. ‘Natty’ (Reg. no. CV‐385, PI 676027) was developed by the South Dakota State University (SDSU) oat breeding program and was released in 2014. The pedigree of Natty is SD020701//SD030888/ND030349. Natty exhibited high grain yield potential and excellent test weight when evaluated in the South Dakota Crop Performance Testing Oat Variety Trials and in the Uniform Early Oat Performance Nursery. The grain of Natty is characterized by a large proportion of plump kernels and groats with low beta‐glucan and oil content. Natty is resistant to smut, moderately susceptible to susceptible to crown rust, and moderately tolerant to Barley yellow dwarf virus. Natty is a tall and early‐maturing cultivar suited for the production of oat grain for the feed market. Although its milling quality is good, the low beta‐glucan content of Natty is not desirable for the food market. Based on its height, Natty is also suited for straw production. Three of the oat cultivars released by SDSU were named after Lon Hall's grandchildren; Natty is one of them. Lon Hall was oat breeder at SDSU from 2001 to 2014.
Registration of ‘Flathead’ hard red winter wheat
Authors: Berg J.E. , Stougaard R.N. , Kephart K.D. , Chen C. , Eberly J.O. , Torrion J.A. , Lamb P.F. , Miller J.H. , Pradhan G.P. , Ramsfield R. , Nash D.L. , Smith V. , Holen D.L. , Cook J.P. , Gale S. , Jin Y. , Kolmer J.A. , Chen X.M. , Bai G. , Bruckner P.L.
Published: August 2020

‘Flathead’ (Reg. no. CV‐1164, PI 693237) hard red winter (HRW) wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was developed and released by the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station in 2019. Flathead was derived from a composite of two very closely related single crosses of the predominant cultivar ‘Yellowstone’ to stripe rust resistant source PI 640431, a hard white spring wheat backcross derivative of WA007900 that carries stripe rust all‐stage resistance genes Yr5 and Yr15. Flathead was developed using a modified bulk breeding method and selected as an F5:6 head row after phenotypic selection for stripe rust resistance at Kalispell, MT. Flathead was tested under the experimental number MT1564 in Montana yield trials from 2015 to 2019. Flathead is a high‐yielding HRW wheat cultivar with early maturity, short stature, medium grain protein concentration, excellent milling and baking quality, and a high level of all‐stage resistance to predominant races of stripe rust. Flathead was released for its early maturity, improved stripe rust resistance, and improved grain yield relative to other Montana‐adapted early heading cultivars.
Resolving the Interactome of the Human Macrophage Immunometabolism Regulator (MACIR) with Enhanced Membrane Protein Preparation and Affinity Proteomics
Authors: McGauran Gavin , Dorris Emma , Borza Razvan , Morgan Niamh , Shields Denis C. , Matallanas David , Wilson Anthony G. , O'Connell David J.
Published: August 2020

Expression of the macrophage immunometabolism regulator gene (MACIR) is associated with severity of autoimmune disease pathology and with the regulation of macrophage biology through unknown mechanisms. The encoded 206 amino acid protein lacks homology to any characterized protein sequence and is a disordered protein according to structure prediction algorithms. To identify interactions of MACIR with proteins from all subcellular compartments, a membrane solubilization buffer is employed, that together with a high affinity EF hand based pull down method, increases the resolution of quantitative mass spectrometry analysis with significant enrichment of interactions from membrane bound nuclear and mitochondrial compartments compared to samples prepared with radioimmunoprecipitation assay buffer. A total of 63 significant interacting proteins are identified and interaction with the nuclear transport receptor TNPO1 and the trafficking proteins UNC119 homolog A and B are validated by immunoprecipitation. Mutational analysis in two candidate nuclear localization signal motifs in the MACIR amino acid sequence shows the interaction with TNPO1 is likely via a non‐classical proline/tyrosine‐nuclear localization signal motif (aa98‐117). It is shown that employing a highly specific and high affinity pull down method that performs efficiently in this glycerol and detergent rich buffer is a powerful approach for the analysis of uncharacterized protein interactomes.
Lowering Sample Requirements to Study Tyrosine Kinase Signaling Using Phosphoproteomics with the TMT Calibrator Approach
Authors: Fang Bin , Izumi Victoria , Rix Lily L. Remsing , Welsh Eric , Pike Ian , Reuther Gary W. , Haura Eric B. , Rix Uwe , Koomen John M.
Published: August 2020

Analysis of tyrosine kinase signaling is critical for the development of targeted cancer therapy. Currently, immunoprecipitation of phosphotyrosine (pY) peptides prior to liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) is used to profile tyrosine kinase substrates. A typical protocol requests 10 mg of total protein from ≈108 cells or 50–100 mg of tissue. Large sample requirements can be cost prohibitive or not feasible for certain experiments. Sample multiplexing using chemical labeling reduces the protein amount required for each sample, and newer approaches use a material‐rich reference channel as a calibrator to trigger detection and quantification for smaller samples. Here, it is demonstrated that the tandem mass tag (TMT) calibrator approach reduces the sample input for pY profiling tenfold (to ≈1 mg total protein per sample from 107 cells grown in one plate), while maintaining the depth of pY proteome sampling and the biological content of the experiment. Data are available through PRIDE (PXD019764 for label‐free and PXD018952 for TMT). This strategy opens more opportunities for pY profiling of large sample cohorts and samples with limited protein quantity such as immune cells, xenograft models, and human tumors.
Identification of Antiestrogen‐Bound Estrogen Receptor α Interactomes in Hormone‐Responsive Human Breast Cancer Cell Nuclei
Authors: Gigantino Valerio , Salvati Annamaria , Giurato Giorgio , Palumbo Domenico , Strianese Oriana , Rizzo Francesca , Tarallo Roberta , Nyman Tuula A. , Weisz Alessandro , Nassa Giovanni
Published: August 2020

Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) is a ligand‐inducible transcription factor which mediates estrogen actions in hormone‐responsive tumors and is targeted by effective anticancer therapies based on the ERα antagonist ligands, selective estrogen receptor modulators (such as Tamoxifen/TAM) or disruptors (such as Fulvestrant/ICI). Despite its importance for cancer therapy, including acquired resistance to endocrine therapy, the molecular basis of ERα response to different ligands is not fully known to date. Interaction proteomics shows great potential to identify and characterize molecular mechanisms of disease based on physical and functional protein‐protein interaction networks. Tandem affinity purification coupled to mass spectrometry is applied here for mapping in hormone‐responsive breast cancer cells nuclei, the ERα interactomes, induced by each of the two classes of antiestrogens. The results provide new insights on the molecular bases for antiestrogen‐mediated control of ERα function and reveal new potential ways to overcome endocrine therapy resistance in cancer.
Single‐step deposition of hexamethyldisiloxane surface gradient coatings with a high amplitude of water contact angles over a polyethylene foil
Authors: Malekzad Hediyeh , Gallingani Tommaso , Barletta Federica , Gherardi Matteo , Colombo Vittorio , Duday David
Published: August 2020

One interesting category of nano‐ and micro‐engineered surfaces is surface gradients, which allow the controlled optimization of biointerfaces at a small scale in an extended area length. Plasma coatings offer a large diversity of functionalities at the nanoscale, accompanied by high chemical stability and adhesion on a variety of substrates at ambient temperature. Atmospheric‐pressure plasma‐assisted deposition could be employed for the generation of surface gradients on thermosensitive materials. In this study, a corona plasma jet is used to deposit polydimethylsiloxane/SiO2‐like surface gradients on polyethylene foil by varying the O2 concentration in the discharge during the movement of the plasma source. We obtained, in a single‐step approach, gradient coatings along a length of ∼10 cm, with a gradual variation of both chemistry and surface energy.
Quaternary variations in the structural assembly ofN‐acetylglucosamine‐6‐phosphate deacetylase fromPasteurella multocida
Authors: Manjunath Lavanyaa , Coombes David , Davies James , Dhurandhar Mugdha , Tiwari Vikas R. , Dobson Renwick C. J. , Sowdhamini R. , Ramaswamy S. , Bose Sucharita
Published: August 2020

N‐acetylglucosamine 6‐phosphate deacetylase (NagA) catalyzes the conversion ofN‐acetylglucosamine‐6‐phosphate to glucosamine‐6‐phosphate in amino sugar catabolism. This conversion is an essential step in the catabolism of sialic acid in several pathogenic bacteria, includingPasteurella multocida, and thus NagA is identified as a potential drug target. Here, we report the unique structural features of NagA fromP. multocida(PmNagA) resolved to 1.95 Å. PmNagA displays an altered quaternary architecture with unique interface interactions compared to its close homolog, theEscherichia coliNagA (EcNagA). We confirmed that the altered quaternary structure is not a crystallographic artifact using single particle electron cryo‐microscopy. Analysis of the determined crystal structure reveals a set of hot‐spot residues involved in novel interactions at the dimer‐dimer interface. PmNagA binds to one Zn2+ion in the active site and demonstrates kinetic parameters comparable to other bacterial homologs. Kinetic studies reveal that at high substrate concentrations (~10‐fold theKM), the tetrameric PmNagA displays hysteresis similar to its distant neighbor, the dimericStaphylococcus aureusNagA (SaNagA). Our findings provide key information on structural and functional properties of NagA inP. multocidathat could be utilized to design novel antibacterials.
Adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with first‐trimester exposure to angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Buawangpong Nida , Teekachunhatean Supanimit , Koonrungsesomboon Nut
Published: August 2020

This study aimed to determine the effects of prenatal exposure to angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), particularly when exposure is limited to the first trimester of pregnancy, on adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. A systematic search was performed on four databases, that is, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, to identify relevant articles published up to December 31, 2019. Included studies were limited to original investigations assessing the association between prenatal exposure to ACEIs/ARBs and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Odds ratios were used as a summary effect measure. Pooled‐effect estimates of each outcome were calculated by the random‐effects meta‐analysis. The main outcomes included overall and specific congenital malformations, low birth weight, miscarriage, elective termination of pregnancy, stillbirth, and preterm delivery. Of 19 included articles involving a total of 4 163 753 pregnant women, 13 studies reported an increased risk of, at least, one adverse pregnancy outcome in pregnant women who were exposed to ACEIs/ARBs. Meta‐analysis revealed a significant association between overall congenital malformations and first trimester‐only exposure to ACEIs/ARBs (OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.71‐2.21, P < .0001). Cardiovascular malformations, miscarriage, and stillbirth also provided a significant relation with ACEI/ARB exposure. In conclusion, prenatal exposure to ACEIs/ARBs in the first trimester of pregnancy was found to be associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Women of reproductive age should be aware of the potential teratogenic risks of these drugs if they become pregnant.
Relapsing polychondritis with isolated tracheal involvement and airway‐only symptoms
Authors: Wang Sheng‐Yuan , Weng Chia‐Tse , Cheng Lili , Huang Tang‐Hsiu
Published: August 2020

Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a rare autoimmune disorder, characterized by the inflammation of cartilaginous structures and proteoglycan‐rich tissues. Due to its rarity and the notoriously variable presentations, the diagnosis of RP could be challenging. We report an unusual case of RP with isolated tracheal involvement and very non‐specific symptoms of exertional dyspnoea and dry cough. The initial chest radiograph showed long‐segment narrowing of the trachea, and the computed tomography of the chest revealed thickened cartilaginous walls of the trachea, while the posterior membranous portion was spared. The tracheal narrowing was readily observed under bronchoscopy. The patient was treated with oral prednisolone. Although the subsequent course was transiently complicated by an episode of severePneumocystis jiroveciipneumonia with acute respiratory distress syndrome, the patient overall responded well to systemic corticosteroid therapy. No new symptoms developed during a two‐year follow‐up.
Peroxidase‐Mimetic and Fenton‐Like Activities of Molybdenum Oxide Quantum Dots
Authors: Xiao Sai Jin , Wang Li Zhi , Yuan Ming Yue , Huang Xiao Huan , Ding Jian Hua , Zhang Li
Published: August 2020

Molybdenum oxide nanomaterials have become a popular nanomaterial while its catalysis behavior especially the bio‐catalysis property is little understood, even though molybdenum has been employed as a key cofactor in several important enzymes in biological system. On the basis of these, the Fenton and peroxidase‐like property of molybdenum oxide quantum dots (MoOx QDs) with mixed valence state was carefully investigated using tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) and methyl orange (MO) as the substrates. The results showed that MoOx QDs not only serve as a Fenton reagent, degrading MO to colorless products, but also exhibit intrinsic peroxidase‐mimetic activity, oxidizing TMB to the oxidized state oxTMB. The catalysis mechanism of MoOx QDs is that MoOx QDs can facilitate the decomposition of H2O2 and a large amount of radicals was generated, leading to MO decomposing and TMB oxidizing subsequently. Inspired by the findings, a visible method was developed for sensitive and selective detection of H2O2 and glucose, and the limit of detection for H2O2 and glucose is 7.75 μM and 8.95 μM (3σ/K), respectively. Moreover, glucose content in human serum samples was successfully determined by the proposed visible method, and the results are consistent well with those obtained by handheld glucose meter, suggesting a high accuracy of the present method.
Synthesis, In Vitro Antiplatelet Activity of 4‐Ethoxy‐isophthalamides
Authors: Zhang Zhi‐hao , Wang Xiao , Wang Chao‐qing , Liu Xiu‐jie
Published: August 2020

With the help of spatial quantitative structure‐activity relationships (QSAR) contour maps obtained by comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA), a series of 4‐ethoxyisophthalamide compounds were prepared and some of them with higher activity were found. This paper continues the structural design, preparation, spectral confirmation of thirteen new 4‐ethoxyisophthalamide compounds and completes their preliminary screening of activity in response to the following inducers: adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and collagen. Among them, when ADP was used as an inducer, compounds whose activities are higher or close to picotamide, the IC50 value also were calculated and revealed that one compound 16 (IC50 : 0.26 μmol L−1) was more than three times more active than positive control drug picotamide. Meanwhile, cytotoxic effects in vitro of compound 11* and compound 16 on L929 cells were analyzed. The structure‐activity relationship showed that when electron‐withdrawing groups nitro or trifluoromethyl are introduced at the meta‐ or para‐ position of the two side chain benzene rings, it is beneficial on the whole to the improvement of antiplatelet activity.
Zinc(II) acetate Catalyzed Depolymerization of Poly(ethylene terephthalate)
Authors: Hofmann Melanie , Sundermeier Jannis , Alberti Christoph , Enthaler Stephan
Published: August 2020

The depolymerization of plastic waste to valuable chemicals (waste‐to‐chemicals) can be a useful implement for a resource‐efficient economy. In this regard, the selective depolymerization of end‐of‐life poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) via zinc(II) acetate‐catalyzed methanolysis was investigated. As low molecular weight products dimethyl terephthalate and ethylene glycol were generated. With the support of microwave heating excellent yields and selectivities were realized and a selection of daily‐used PET goods were depolymerized. The obtained chemicals can be used for the (re)polymerization to new PET. Additionally, the generated dimethyl terephthalate was used as platform chemical for the synthesis of different molecules relevant for polymerization chemistry.