bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enantioselective Alkenylation of Aldehydes with Protected Propargylic Alcohols in the Presence of a Crown Ether as an Additive
Authors: Maliszewski Benon , Bauer Tomasz
Published: June 2019

The enantioselective alkenylation of aldehydes with protected propargylic alcohols catalyzed by chiral amino thiol has been developed. The best results were obtained for the hydrozirconation‐transmetallation to zinc protocol. The key element of the method is the use of crown ethers as an additive. The enantioselectivity of the reaction performed in the presence of the crown ether was substantially higher than in the absence of this additive and the enantiomer ratio reached 98:2.

magnified image
Isomerization of Epoxides
Authors: Jat Jawahar L. , Kumar Ganesh
Published: June 2019

Epoxides are highly useful synthetic intermediates and they can be synthesized stereo‐ and regioselectively. Due to the strained three‐membered ring, their synthetic utility is limited. In many cases, it would be better to transform epoxides to other stable functional groups which could be used further in the synthesis. This isomerization would offer an alternate pathway to utilize the synthetic potential of epoxides. Despite the potential of such isomerization reactions, they have not been widely explored by chemists. In this review, the methods to isomerize epoxides into stable functional groups such as alcohols, aldehydes, ketones as well as trans‐epoxides, both stereo‐ and regioselectively, are discussed.

magnified image
Coagulated SnO2 Colloids for High‐Performance Planar Perovskite Solar Cells with Negligible Hysteresis and Improved Stability
Authors: Liu Zhongze , Deng Kaimo , Hu Jun , Li Liang
Published: June 2019

Organic–inorganic perovskite solar cells with a planar architecture have attracted much attention due to the simple structure and easy fabrication. However, the power conversion efficiency and hysteresis behavior need to be improved for planar‐type devices where the electron transport layer is vital. SnO2 is a promising alternative for TiO2 as the electron transport layer owing to the high charge mobility and chemical stability, but the hysteresis issue can still remain despite the use of SnO2. Now, a facile and effective method is presented to simultaneously tune the electronic property of SnO2 and passivate the defects at the interface between the perovskite and SnO2. The perovskite solar cells with ammonium chloride induced coagulated SnO2 colloids exhibit a power conversion efficiency of 21.38 % with negligible hysteresis, compared to 18.71 % with obvious hysteresis for the reference device. The device stability can also be significantly improved.
Defluorinative C(sp3)−P Bond Construction for the Synthesis of Phosphorylation gem‐Difluoroalkenes under Catalyst‐ and Oxidant‐Free Conditions
Authors: Li Congyu , Yuan Jing‐Mei , Chen Wenqiang , He Yimiao , Huang Jun , Huang Yanmin , Xiao Qi , Sheng Jiarong , Huang Chusheng
Published: June 2019

Defluorinative C(sp3)−P bond formation of α‐trifluoromethyl alkenes with phosphine oxides or phosphonates have been achieved under catalyst‐ and oxidant‐free conditions, giving phosphorylation gem‐difluoroalkenes as products. α‐Trifluoromethyl alkenes bearing various of aryl substituents such as halogen, cyano, ester and heterocyclic groups are available in this transformation. The results of control experiments demonstrated that the mechanism of dehydrogenative/defluorinative cross‐coupling reactions was not a radical route, but might be an SN2′ process involving phosphine oxide anion.
Use of biotechnological approaches to add value to rice hulls
Authors: Kuhn Felipe , Berghahn Emílio , Sperotto Raul A. , Granada Camille E.
Published: June 2019

One of the most common agricultural wastes generated in rice producing countries, rice hull (RH) is considered an environmental problem due to increased rice production and RH accumulation, especially because natural degradation in the environment is very difficult and time‐consuming. Currently, RH is mostly used as bed for broiler chickens or burned for energy generation, two processes that prevent environmental accumulation in a sustainable way, without adding value to the RH. To diversificate its use and effectively add some value to the RH, a pretreatment is frequently needed, allowing the application of several biotechnological approaches. In this review, we gather information about biotechnological uses of crude and processed RH, including their use as fertilizers, filler material in natural rubber and incorporation in cement for civil construction purposes, along with their use in processes as silica extraction and adsorption/removal of environmental contaminants as heavy metals and dyes. Finally, we critically evaluate the data published in the literature, and based on our own findings, we point future directions related to RH biodegradation and further methane production.
Biochemical Characterization of Full‐Length Oncogenic BRAFV600E together with Molecular Dynamics Simulations Provide Insight into the Activation and Inhibition Mechanisms of RAF Kinases
Authors: Cope Nicholas , Novak Borna , Candelora Christine , Wong Kenneth , Cavallo Maria , Gunderwala Amber , Liu Zhiwei , Li Yana , Wang Zhihong
Published: June 2019

The most prevalent BRAF mutation, V600E, occurs frequently in melanoma and other cancers. Although extensive progress has been made toward understanding the biology of RAF kinases, little in vitro characterization of full‐length BRAFV600E is available. Herein, we show the successful purification of active, full‐length BRAFV600E from mammalian cells for in vitro experiments. Our biochemical characterization of intact BRAFV600E together with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the BRAF kinase domain and cell‐based assays demonstrate that BRAFV600E has several unique features that contribute to its tumorigenesis. Firstly, steady‐state kinetic analyses reveal that purified BRAFV600E is more active than fully activated wild‐type BRAF; this is consistent with the notion that elevated signaling output is necessary for transformation. Secondly, BRAFV600E has a higher potential to form oligomers, despite the fact that the V600E substitution confers constitutive kinase activation independent of an intact side‐to‐side dimer interface. Thirdly, BRAFV600E bypasses inhibitory P‐loop phosphorylation to enforce the necessary elevated signaling output for tumorigenesis. Together, these results provide new insight into the biochemical properties of BRAFV600E, complementing the understanding of BRAF regulation under normal and disease conditions.
Developing a high‐throughput micromilling protocol for evaluating durum wheat milling performance and semolina quality
Authors: Wang Kun , Taylor Dale , Pozniak Curtis , Fu Bin Xiao
Published: June 2019

Background and objectives

Effective and efficient selection of key quality traits is crucial to develop new durum varieties with improved end‐use quality. This study was undertaken to develop a rapid micromilling protocol using a single Brabender Quadrumat Jr. (QJ) semolina mill without purification to predict milling performance and generate semolina for quality analysis.

Findings

After grinding 200 g of durum wheat with a QJ mill with the reel sifter removed, the resulting wholemeal was sifted through a laboratory sifter equipped with a bottom screen of 180 µm to remove flour and a top screen of 630 µm to retain bran‐rich fraction. Semolina materials between the two screens were collected. A model for predicting semolina yield (R2 = 0.81) was developed based on the amounts of semolina and bran‐rich fraction, thus eliminating the need for additional milling to recover semolina in the bran‐rich fraction. There were highly significant correlations (r > 0.86) for semolina ash, yellowness, yellow pigment content, protein content, wet gluten, and gluten index between semolina prepared with this proposed protocol and those generated with a Allis‐Chalmers mill.

Conclusions

The micromilling protocol developed in this study is rapid and reliable for assessing durum milling performance and for preparing semolina for quality characterization.

Significance and novelty

The proposed protocol modified QJ mill and optimized milling conditions. A robust and simplified model was developed for predicting semolina yield with one‐step milling. It is a useful tool for breeding programs or genetic mapping studies that are usually large in sample number but very limited in sample size.
Excited‐State Kinetics of an Air‐Stable Cyclometalated Iron(II) Complex
Authors: Steube Jakob , Burkhardt Lukas , Päpcke Ayla , Moll Johannes , Zimmer Peter , Schoch Roland , Wölper Christoph , Heinze Katja , Lochbrunner Stefan , Bauer Matthias
Published: June 2019

The complex class [Fe(N^N^C)(N^N^N)]+ with an Earth‐abundant metal ion has been repeatedly suggested as a chromophore and potential photosensitizer on the basis of quantum chemical calculations. Synthesis and photophysical properties of the parent complex [Fe(pbpy)(tpy)]+ (Hpbpy=6‐phenyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine and tpy=2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine) of this new chromophore class are now reported. Ground‐state characterization by X‐ray diffraction, electrochemistry, spectroelectrochemistry, UV/Vis, and X‐ray spectroscopy in combination with DFT calculations proves the high impact of the cyclometalating ligand on the electronic structure. The photophysical properties are significantly improved compared to the prototypical [Fe(tpy)2]2+ complex. In particular, the metal‐to‐ligand absorption extends into the near‐IR and the 3MLCT lifetime increases by 5.5, whereas the metal‐centered excited triplet state is very short‐lived.
Diverse spinal commissural neuron populations revealed by fate mapping and molecular profiling using a novel Robo3Cre mouse
Authors: Tulloch Alastair J. , Teo Shaun , Carvajal Brigett V. , Tessier‐Lavigne Marc , Jaworski Alexander
Published: June 2019

The two sides of the nervous system coordinate and integrate information via commissural neurons, which project axons across the midline. Commissural neurons in the spinal cord are a highly heterogeneous population of cells with respect to their birthplace, final cell body position, axonal trajectory, and neurotransmitter phenotype. Although commissural axon guidance during development has been studied in great detail, neither the developmental origins nor the mature phenotypes of commissural neurons have been characterized comprehensively, largely due to lack of selective genetic access to these neurons. Here, we generated mice expressing Cre recombinase from the Robo3 locus specifically in commissural neurons. We used Robo3
Cre mice to characterize the transcriptome and various origins of developing commissural neurons, revealing new details about their extensive heterogeneity in molecular makeup and developmental lineage. Further, we followed the fate of commissural neurons into adulthood, thereby elucidating their settling positions and molecular diversity and providing evidence for possible functions in various spinal cord circuits. Our studies establish an important genetic entry point for further analyses of commissural neuron development, connectivity, and function.
The brain of the tree pangolin (Manis tricuspis). VI. The brainstem and cerebellum
Authors: Imam Aminu , Bhagwandin Adhil , Ajao Moyosore S. , Spocter Muhammad A. , Manger Paul R.
Published: June 2019

The brainstem (midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata) and cerebellum (diencephalic prosomere 1 through to rhombomere 11) play central roles in the processing of sensorimotor information, autonomic activity, levels of awareness and the control of functions external to the conscious cognitive world of mammals. As such, comparative analyses of these structures, especially the understanding of specializations or reductions of structures with functions that have been elucidated in commonly studied mammalian species, can provide crucial information for our understanding of the behavior of less commonly studied species, like pangolins. In the broadest sense, the nuclear complexes and subdivisions of nuclear complexes, the topographical arrangement, the neuronal chemistry, and fiber pathways of the tree pangolin conform to that typically observed across more commonly studied mammalian species. Despite this, variations in regions associated with the locus coeruleus complex, auditory system, and motor, neuromodulatory and autonomic systems involved in feeding, were observed in the current study. While we have previously detailed the unusual locus coeruleus complex of the tree pangolin, the superior olivary nuclear complex of the auditory system, while not exhibiting additional nuclei or having an altered organization, this nuclear complex, particularly the lateral superior olivary nucleus and nucleus of the trapezoid body, shows architectonic refinement. The cephalic decussation of the pyramidal tract, an enlarged hypoglossal nucleus, an additional subdivision of the serotonergic raphe obscurus nucleus, and the expansion of the superior salivatory nucleus, all indicate neuronal specializations related to the myrmecophagous diet of the pangolins.
DiI‐mediated analysis of presynaptic and postsynaptic structures in human postmortem brain tissue
Authors: Das Sujan C. , Chen Danli , Callor William Brandon , Christensen Eric , Coon Hilary , Williams Megan E.
Published: June 2019

Most cognitive and psychiatric disorders are thought to be disorders of the synapse, yet the precise synapse defects remain unknown. Because synapses are highly specialized anatomical structures, defects in synapse formation and function can often be observed as changes in microscale neuroanatomy. Unfortunately, few methods are available for accurate analysis of synaptic structures in human postmortem tissues. Here, we present a methodological pipeline for assessing presynaptic and postsynaptic structures in human postmortem tissue that is accurate, rapid, and relatively inexpensive. Our method uses small tissue blocks from postmortem human brains, immersion fixation, lipophilic dye (DiI) labeling, and confocal microscopy. As proof of principle, we analyzed presynaptic and postsynaptic structures from hippocampi of 13 individuals aged 4 months to 71 years. Our results indicate that postsynaptic CA1 dendritic spine shape and density do not change in adults, while presynaptic DG mossy fiber boutons undergo significant structural rearrangements with normal aging. This suggests that mossy fiber synapses, which play a major role in learning and memory, may remain dynamic throughout life. Importantly, we find that human CA1 spine densities observed using this method on tissue that is up to 28 h postmortem is comparable to prior studies using tissue with much shorter postmortem intervals. Thus, the ease of our protocol and suitability on tissue with longer postmortem intervals should facilitate higher‐powered studies of human presynaptic and postsynaptic structures in healthy and diseased states.
Melanin‐concentrating hormone peptidergic system: Comparative morphology between muroid species
Authors: Diniz Giovanne B. , Battagello Daniella S. , Cherubini Pedro M. , Reyes‐Mendoza Julio D. , Luna‐Illades Cesar , Klein Marianne O. , Motta‐Teixeira Lívia C. , Sita Luciane V. , Miranda‐Anaya Manuel , Morales Teresa , Bittencourt Jackson C.
Published: June 2019

Melanin‐concentrating hormone (MCH) is a conserved neuropeptide, predominantly located in the diencephalon of vertebrates, and associated with a wide range of functions. While functional studies have focused on the use of the traditional mouse laboratory model, critical gaps exist in our understanding of the morphology of the MCH system in this species. Even less is known about the nontraditional animal model Neotomodon alstoni (Mexican volcano mouse). A comparative morphological study among these rodents may, therefore, contribute to a better understanding of the evolution of the MCH peptidergic system. To this end, we employed diverse immunohistochemical protocols to identify key aspects of the MCH system, including its spatial relationship to another neurochemical population of the tuberal hypothalamus, the orexins. Three‐dimensional (3D) reconstructions were also employed to convey a better sense of spatial distribution to these neurons. Our results show that the distribution of MCH neurons in all rodents studied follows a basic plan, but individual characteristics are found for each species, such as the preeminence of a periventricular group only in the rat, the lack of posterior groups in the mouse, and the extensive presence of MCH neurons in the anterior hypothalamic area of Neotomodon. Taken together, these data suggest a strong anatomical substrate for previously described functions of the MCH system, and that particular neurochemical and morphological features may have been determinant to species‐specific phenotypes in rodent evolution.
Phthalimide‐Based Transparent Electron‐Transport Materials with Oriented‐Amorphous Structures: Preparation from Solution‐Processed Precursor Films
Authors: Nakamura Tomoya , Shioya Nobutaka , Hasegawa Takeshi , Murata Yasujiro , Murdey Richard , Wakamiya Atsushi
Published: June 2019

A star‐shaped molecule featuring three phthalimide units attached to a triazine core was designed as an electron‐transport material. Solution processing was achieved by preparing a precursor molecule bearing tert‐butoxycarbonyl (Boc) substituents, which are afterwards removed by annealing. The annealed film is transparent to visible light, with an absorption edge of 339 nm. Two‐dimensional grazing incidence X‐ray diffraction (2D‐GIXD) and p‐polarized multiple‐angle incidence resolution spectrometry (pMAIRS) measurements showed that the molecular orientation changed from random to face‐on during the cleaving of Boc groups while keeping the overall crystallinity low. This “oriented‐amorphous” structure is desirable for transport layers in devices such as organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) and solar cells.
Highly Uniform MnCo2O4 Hollow Spheres‐Based All‐Solid‐State Asymmetric Micro‐Supercapacitor via a Simple Metal‐Glycerate Precursor Approach
Authors: Liu Zailun , Teng Fei , Yuan Chen , Ul Abideen Zain , Gu Wenhao , Liu Zhe
Published: June 2019

Developing a high‐energy‐density all‐solid‐state asymmetric micro‐supercapacitor (AMSC) still remains a big challenge. Herein, a simple metal‐glycerate precursor strategy is used for the synthesis of highly uniform MnCo2O4 hollow spheres, and the all‐solid‐state AMSC is fabricated by MnCo2O4 hollow spheres. It is found that the MnCo2O4 hollow sphere electrode processes a high specific capacitance (0.80 F cm−2) at 2 mA cm−2 and an excellent cycling stability (99% capacitance retention after 2000 cycles). The as‐fabricated all‐solid‐state AMSC displays a high energy density of 0.052 mWh cm−3, a high power density of 320 mW cm−3, and a long cycling life (95.7% capacitance retention after 10 000 charge/discharge cycles). In addition, the all‐solid‐state AMSC can be easily assembled in series to achieve a desirable output voltage, which can drive a light‐emitting diode. This work demonstrates that the MnCo2O4 hollow spheres can be a promising electrode material for a stable, high‐energy‐density micro‐supercapacitor (MSC).
Multicountry analysis of pregnancy termination and intimate partner violence in Latin America using Demographic and Health Survey data
Authors: Khan Sara F. , Dongarwar Deepa , Aliyu Muktar H. , Salihu Hamisu M.
Published: June 2019

Objective

To assess the association between intimate partner violence (IPV) and pregnancy termination in Latin America.

Methods

Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data were analyzed for Honduras, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Peru, and Guatemala. Women were asked about their experiences with violence by partners and pregnancy termination. The association between IPV and risk for termination was assessed using adjusted odds ratios (OR) with correction for intracluster correlations.

Results

The average prevalence of IPV across the five countries was 31.8%. Women who reported IPV had 1.4 times the odds of experiencing pregnancy termination OR 1.41 (95% CI, 1.32–1.50). A positive dose–response relationship was observed between IPV and termination; a woman who reported three types of IPV showed three times the odds of experiencing pregnancy termination compared with a woman who did not report IPV. Elimination of exposure to IPV in all five countries was associated with 167 743 fewer pregnancy terminations.

Conclusion

IPV is a risk factor for pregnancy termination. Reduction or elimination of IPV is associated with substantial decline in pregnancy terminations in Latin America. Routine prenatal screening for IPV and counseling could potentially avert a substantial number of pregnancy terminations in these settings.
A prospective study of severity of complications associated with use of misoprostol and other abortion methods in South West Nigeria
Authors: Irinyenikan Theresa A. , Loto Olabisi M. , Oluborode Babawale , Awowole Ibraheem , Bello Folasade A. , Fabamwo Adetokunbo O. , Guest Philip , Ganatra Bela , Fawole Bukola
Published: June 2019

Objectives

To assess the severity of complications following misoprostol used to induce abortion compared with other methods among women admitted for postabortion complications.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of women who presented with complications of induced abortion at nine secondary and tertiary hospitals in South West Nigeria between April 1, 2013 and May 31, 2014. Face‐to‐face interviews were conducted and information on the current admission was extracted from patient records. Associations between abortion method used and severity of abortion complications were evaluated using χ2 and Fisher exact tests.

Results

Of 522 women included in the study, 177 reported an induced abortion: 41 women (23.2%) had used misoprostol at the first attempt to induce abortion, whereas 79 (44.6%) women had undergone surgical abortion. Occurrence of fever (P=0.06), bleeding (P=0.3), and lower abdominal pain (P=0.32) was not significantly different between the misoprostol and surgical abortion/other methods groups. Severe complications were rare with misoprostol, but more common among women in the surgical abortion/other methods group. Maternal mortality occurred only among women in the surgical abortion/other methods group.

Conclusion

Use of misoprostol for induced abortion was associated with fewer complications and no maternal mortality compared with surgical abortion/other methods.
Medicine Killings, Abduction of People with Albinism, Wealth and Prosperity in North Malawi: A Historical Assessment
Authors: Mwiba Denis Mwanyanja
Published: June 2019

Malawi stands out as one of the 23 countries in Africa where people with albinism face extreme forms of human rights abuses such as abductions, killings and mutilations of body parts on the basis that their nature is a treasured wealth (Amnesty International Report on Malawi, 2016). Since 2014 for instance, there have been more than 60 recorded cases of abductions and killings of people living with albinism, a country which has an estimated population of between 7000 and 10000 of such people. More recently, MacDonald Masambuka of Machinga in Southern Malawi was found dead on 1st April 2018 weeks after he was reported missing. Reasons behind his abduction and killing are still under investigation (MBC English News Bulletin of April 4, 2018; Malawi Nyasa Times News of April 5, 2018). Most often, many people with albinism who have fallen victims to such, have had their body parts removed and sold to traditional medicine practitioners on the belief that these translate into fortune, wealth and prosperity. There is a wealth of research data in Africa that has demonstrated such directed beliefs about albinism being linked to wealth and prosperity (See works by Braathen, 2005; Burke, 2014; Amnesty International Report on Malawi, 2016). Whilst these are important investigations, such studies have not adequately interrogated the historical framework through which such beliefs have evolved and expanded in certain parts of Malawi. This study therefore sought to establish the origins of such mentalities and associated acts on people with albinism and how these have overtime been influenced and shaped by other forces to constitute current beliefs about albinism in North Malawi. Using oral and written primary and secondary sources, the paper observes that the intersections of historic mentalities, social status and regional migrations are at the centre of driving current perceptions and acts against people with albinism in Northern Malawi. The findings of the study therefore suggest and recommend that unless people have been divorced from such mentalities, acts that infringe on the rights of people with albinism will continue haunting post democratic Malawi.
Short‐term impact of Altmetric Attention Scores on citation counts in selected major pharmacy journals
Authors: Dixon Dave L. , Baker William L.
Published: June 2019

Introduction

The impact and quality of a faculty member's publications is a key factor in promotion and tenure decisions. The Altmetric Attention Score (AAS) is an objective score frequently used to determine the reach of a published work across the World Wide Web and social media. The utility of the AAS in pharmacy practice journals is not well understood.

Objective

To determine the short‐term impact of a higher AAS on citation count for articles published in major pharmacy journals.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study evaluated articles from pharmacy journals ranked in the top 10% according to the AAS in the year 2017. Individual sources of attention that determined the AAS were also evaluated. Correlation between the AAS and the number of citations (through November 2018) was assessed using the Spearman's correlation (rs) test. A Kruskal‐Wallis one‐way analysis of variance was used to compare the AAS between journals.

Results

Six major pharmacy journals were identified. A total of 1376 articles were published in 2017, and 137 of these represented the top 10% with the highest AAS. The median AAS was 19 (interquartile range 15‐28). Twitter.com and Mendeley.com were the most common sources of attention. Over half (56.2%) of the articles were original investigations and 49.8% were either cross‐sectional, qualitative, or cohort studies. No significant correlation was found between the AAS and citation count (rs = 0.07, P = .485). Mendeley was the only attention source that correlated with the number of citations (rs = 0.486, P < .001). The median AAS varied widely between each journal (P < .001).

Conclusions

The median AAS of 19 suggests articles published in selected major pharmacy journals are near the top 5% of all scientific output. However, we found no short‐term correlation between the AAS and the number of citations for articles published in major pharmacy journals in the year 2017.
Dual delivery of encapsulated BM‐MSCs and BMP‐2 improves osteogenic differentiation and new bone formation
Authors: Kong Ying , Zhao Yuan , Li Dong , Shen Hongwei , Yan Mingming
Published: June 2019

Stem cell‐based therapies provide a promising approach for bone repair. In the present work, we developed a novel 3D vehicle system for dual‐delivery of encapsulated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs) and bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) for treatment of large bone defects. The vehicle system consists of sodium alginate microcapsules and polylactic acid (PLLA) microspheres. BM‐MSCs are encapsulated in the microcapsules, and BMP‐2 proteins are encapsulated in the PLLA microspheres. This vehicle system acted as a multicore structure for sustained release of BMP‐2, which enabled pulsed dosing induction of osteogenic differentiation of the co‐embedded BM‐MSCs. in vitro experiments showed that the loaded BMP‐2 was constitutively released up to 30 days. Bioactivity of the incorporated BMP‐2 in the microspheres was preserved and osteogenic differentiation of the BM‐MSCs in the microcapsules was improved. In vivo, osteogenesis studies demonstrated that satisfactory degree of repair of a rat calvarial defect was achieved with the delivery of either encapsulated BM‐MSCs alone or encapsulated BMP‐2 alone. Transplantation of encapsulated both BM‐MSCs and BMP‐2 exhibited the greatest repair potential following 4‐ or 8‐weeks treatment. In conclusion, microencapsulation of BM‐MSCs and BMP‐2 promoted the maturity of newly generated bone and improved new bone formation. Transplantation of BM‐MSCs and BMP‐2 in our novel 3‐D vehicle system is a promising strategy for regenerative therapies of large bone defects.
HAp@GO drug delivery vehicle with dual‐stimuli‐triggered drug release property and efficient synergistic therapy function against cancer
Authors: Sang Rui , Chen Min , Yang Yuanyi , Li Yunfei , Shi Jiacheng , Deng Yi , Chen Xianchun , Yang Weizhong
Published: June 2019

Nanoscale hydroxyapatite (HAp) is an optimal candidate material in biomedical area for its good biocompatibility and bioactivity. In this study, HAp nanorods are prepared via hydrothermal method and combined with monolayered graphene oxide (GO). The obtained HAp@GO with excellent biocompatibility is revealed to have high drug loading capacity (698.7 μg/mg) for anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) and efficient photothermal conversion property. And the drug release property of DOX loaded HAp@GO (HAp@GO‐DOX) is demonstrated to be controlled by pH and near‐infrared light, which is favorable for cancer therapy. in vitro studies on cancer therapy demonstrate that the combined treatment, compared with either chemotherapy or photothermal therapy alone, has better synergistic therapeutic effect. These findings prove the great potential application of the nanocomposites for cancer therapy.
MicroRNA‐377 exerts a potent suppressive role in osteosarcoma through the involvement of the histone acetyltransferase 1‐mediated Wnt axis
Authors: Xia Peng , Gu Rui , Zhang Wei , Shao Liwei , Li Fang , Wu Changyan , Sun Yifu
Published: June 2019

It has been demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs) may contribute to tumorigenesis and tumor growth in osteosarcoma (OS), which is a primary malignant tumor of bone frequently diagnosed in adolescents and young people. The purpose of our investigation was to evaluate the functional relevance of miR‐377 in OS and to investigate whether the mechanism was related to the histone acetyltransferase 1 (HAT1)‐mediated Wnt signaling pathway. By screening differentially expressed genes in microarray GSE47572, HAT1 was found to be a candidate gene of interest. Besides, the regulatory miRNA (miR‐377) of HAT1 was also selected. The interaction among miR‐377, HAT1, and the Wnt signaling pathway was evaluated. In addition, the miR‐377 expression was altered in OS cells (U‐2OS and SOSP‐9607) to assess the in vitro cell apoptosis and the in vivo tumor growth. OS tissues presented elevated HAT1 expression and decreased miR‐377 expression. A putative miR‐377 binding site in HAT1 3′‐UTR HAT1 was verified. Cells with miR‐377 overexpression or HAT1 silencing were observed to exhibit reduced HAT1 expression and promoted apoptosis, accompanied by blockade of Wnt signaling. Moreover, the in vivo experiment revealed that miR‐377 overexpression or HAT1 silencing inhibited tumor growth and reduced tumor size in nude mice. Taken together, our results conclude that miR‐377 may promote OS cell apoptosis through inactivation of the HAT1‐mediated Wnt signaling pathway, highlighting the potential therapeutic effect of miR‐377 on OS treatment.
Enhanced flux in direct contact membrane distillation using superhydrophobic PVDF nanofibre membranes embedded with organically modified SiO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Nthunya Lebea N , Gutierrez Leonardo , Verliefde Arne R , Mhlanga Sabelo D
Published: June 2019

BACKGOUND

Membrane distillation (MD) is a promising low‐cost and efficient desalination process, yet it has not been fully implemented at an industrial scale. Membrane wetting and low porosity are limiting factors leading to low water recovery rates. The current study involved the synthesis of membranes that combined high mechanical stability, porosity and superhydrophobicity, to prevent wetting, with high salt rejection and water flux.

RESULTS

Silica nanoparticles (SiO2NPs) were synthesized by a novel green chemistry procedure, modified with three different silane reagents [octadecyltrimethoxysilane, N‐octadecyltrichlorosilane (ODTS) and chlorodimethyl‐octadecyl silane] and finally embedded on polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofibre membranes using an in‐situ electrospinning technique. These modified membranes displayed a Young's modulus of ∼43 MPa and showed highly porous properties (∼80% porosity, 1.24–1.41 μm pore sizes) and superhydrophobic surfaces (contact angle >150o); thus possessing parameters falling within the range of highly recommended values in MD. Remarkably, the concentration of modified SiO2NPs used to produce the superhydrophobic PVDF nanofibre membranes was significantly lower (1% w/w) than those reported in the literature (3–4% w/w), clearly indicating the efficiency of these silane reagents.

CONCLUSION

Membranes embedded with ODTS‐modified SiO2NPs were the most efficient; rejecting salts at high efficiencies (>99.9%) with water fluxes of ≈34.2 LMH at 60 °C, thus indicating their capacity as an energy‐efficient process to produce high purity water. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Regional collaboration to improve atrial fibrillation care: Preliminary data from the Netherlands heart network
Authors: Cremers Henricus‐Paul , Hoorn Cassandra , Theunissen Luc , van der Voort Pepijn , Polak Peter , de Jong Sylvie , van Veghel Dennis , Dekker Lukas
Published: June 2019

Background

Guideline non‐adherence and variations in therapeutic and diagnostic trajectories result in suboptimal atrial fibrillation (AF) treatments. Large academic and referral hospitals demonstrated positive effects of dedicated outpatient AF clinics. Although similar results have not been indicated in (small) non‐academic hospitals yet, ample opportunities are present when collaboration is initiated on a regional level. Therefore, this study assesses the effectiveness of outpatient AF clinics in a collaborative region in the Netherlands.

Methods

For this study baseline and 6 months follow‐up data of a prospective cohort including newly or recently diagnosed AF‐patients of 4 hospitals involved in the Netherlands Heart Network are used. From January’15 to March’16 patient relevant outcome measures (ie EHRA score, stroke, major bleedings, hospitalizations, serious adverse effects of medication, and mortality) are gathered. Descriptive and regression analyses are performed to assess the effectiveness of outpatient AF clinics.

Results

In the analyses 448 AF‐patients were included. After 6 months, significant improvements regarding EHRA score (P < 0.01), hypertension (P < 0.01), and type of AF (P < 0.01) were indicated. Results of the patient relevant outcomes showed that AF‐patients were hospitalized 23 times, no major bleedings and 2 strokes occurred. Furthermore, 0 AF‐patients reported serious adverse effects of medication and no AF‐patients deceased.

Conclusions

Collaboration between cardiologists in a regional setting permits further improvement of AF care. Therefore, such quality targets are not exclusively reserved to large academic or referral hospitals. Although promising, future research should put effort in measuring the effectiveness of the outpatient AF clinics also on the long run.
A composite score to assess the burden of periodontal diseases and tooth loss
Authors: Lamster Ira B. , Cheng Bin , Liao Ziwei , Shearer Barbara
Published: June 2019

Background

Population studies of the prevalence of oral disease rely upon indices that summarize disease status. There is no universally accepted index that summarizes the burden of periodontal diseases, considering the number of teeth remaining in the mouth.

Methods

A new conceptual index was developed that includes consideration of the extent and severity of the periodontal diseases, the distribution of affected teeth, and tooth loss as a function of age. The index is referred to as the burden of periodontal diseases and tooth loss (BPT).

Results

A cohort of 1,097 individuals originally seen as new patients in a dental school clinic, and evaluated for undiagnosed dysglycemia, were studied. The BPT index was applied to this data set. A modifying effect of considering the number of lost teeth was observed. The distribution of scores w skewed to the left, which gradually shifted to the right when the most involved teeth (periodontal pathology, tooth loss) were weighted more heavily. This shift was not observed when missing teeth were not considered.

Conclusions

This conceptual study illustrates that the extent and severity of periodontal pathology, and number and distribution of missing teeth, are important considerations when summarizing the condition of the mouth. The BPT provides a measure of the oral disease burden, as both periodontal pathology and tooth loss are associated with both functional impairment and reduced quality of life. The dental profession and dental research community must continually seek to develop new approaches to defining and summarizing the oral disease burden.
The use of of inulin, maltitol and lecithin as fat replacers and plasticizers in a model reduced‐fat mozzarella cheese‐like product
Authors: Li Hongjuan , Yu Hongmei , Liu Yan , Wang Yi , Li Hongbo , Yu Jinghua
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Mono‐, di‐ and oligosaccharides, polyhydric alcohols and lipids are three main types of plasticizers used to process food materials. In the present study, inulin, maltitol and lecithin were selected as representative oligosaccharide, polyhydric alcohol and lipid fat replacers, respectively. Their effects on the physicochemical properties of reduced‐fat mozzarella cheese were evaluated.

RESULTS

Lecithin reduced the hardness and increased the degree of free oil released. Inulin and lecithin decreased the hydrophobic interaction of reduced‐fat cheese. Maltitol improved the elasticity of the reduced‐fat cheese and increased the hydrophobic interaction within the casein matrix. Maltitol‐added cheese had a lower glass transition temperature (Tg) than the other cheeses. Maltitol significantly improved the stretchability of the reduced‐fat cheese.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained in the present study suggest that maltitol is an effective fat replacer in reduced‐fat mozzarella cheese and might enhance the cheese's functional properties. The Tg of cheese was related to the water and fat content, fat replacer addition and cross‐linking degree of casein. The relationship between Tg and the physicochemical properties of cheese will be studied in further research. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Linking bacterial community to aggregate fractions with organic amendments in a sandy soil
Authors: Dai Hongcui , Zang Huadong , Zhao Yingxing , Qian Xin , Liu Kaichang , Wang Dong , Hao Jinyu , Chen Yuanquan , Sui Peng
Published: June 2019

Soil aggregates provide microhabitats for microorganisms. However, the bacterial communities within various aggregate size fractions under organic amendments have rarely been evaluated especially in sandy soils. A field experiment involving addition of biogas residue (BR), pig manure (PM), biochar (BC), and straw (ST) of a sandy soil was performed to determine the structure of the bacterial community in aggregate size fractions by using high‐throughput sequencing. We found that organic amendments change soil aggregate fractions and nutrient content, alter bacterial diversity and composition, and contribute to the predicted bacterial functions. The BR increased bacterial α‐diversity in <0.25‐mm aggregates. The Nitrospirae was abundant in almost all aggregate sizes, whereas the abundance of Actinobacteria decreased in most of aggregates following BR addition. The PM amendment primarily facilitated the growth of Bacteroidetes and inhibited the growth of Acidobacteria and Chloroflexi in 0.25‐ to 2‐mm aggregates, whereas bacterial α‐diversity was decreased in the >0.25‐mm aggregates. The BC treatment decreased the bacterial α‐diversity in the <0.25‐mm aggregates and the Gemmatimonadetes abundance in all <2‐mm aggregates, but the Actinobacteria abundance was significantly increased in the >0.053‐mm aggregates. Collectively, the effects of organic amendments on the bacterial community varied greatly depending on type of amendments and aggregate size. The BR supported highly diverse bacterial taxa in the <0.25‐mm aggregates, whereas it proliferated N cycling‐related bacteria in all aggregates. Our results highlight the links between bacterial community and aggregate size fractions in sandy soils depending on organic amendments.
Independent recalculation outperforms traditional measurement‐based IMRT QA methods in detecting unacceptable plans
Authors: Kry Stephen F. , Glenn Mallory C. , Peterson Christine B. , Branco Daniela , Mehrens Hunter , Steinmann Angela , Followill David S.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

To evaluate the performance of an independent recalculation and compare it against current measurement‐based patient specific intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) quality assurance (QA) in predicting unacceptable phantom results as measured by the Imaging and Radiation Oncology Core (IROC).

Methods

When institutions irradiate the IROC head and neck IMRT phantom, they are also asked to submit their internal IMRT QA results. Separately from this, IROC has previously created reference beam models on the Mobius3D platform to independently recalculate phantom results based on the institution's DICOM plan data. The ability of the institutions’ IMRT QA to predict the IROC phantom result was compared against the independent recalculation for 339 phantom results collected since 2012. This was done to determine the ability of these systems to detect failing phantom results (i.e., large errors) as well as poor phantom results (i.e., modest errors). Sensitivity and specificity were evaluated using common clinical thresholds, and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were used to compare across different thresholds.

Results

Overall, based on common clinical criteria, the independent recalculation was 12 times more sensitive at detecting unacceptable (failing) IROC phantom results than clinical measurement‐based IMRT QA. The recalculation was superior, in head‐to‐head comparison, to the EPID, ArcCheck, and MapCheck devices. The superiority of the recalculation vs these array‐based measurements persisted under ROC analysis as the recalculation curve had a greater area under it and was always above that for these measurement devices. For detecting modest errors (poor phantom results rather than failing phantom results), neither the recalculation nor measurement‐based IMRT QA performed well.

Conclusions

A simple recalculation outperformed current measurement‐based IMRT QA methods at detecting unacceptable plans. These findings highlight the value of an independent recalculation, and raise further questions about the current standard of measurement‐based IMRT QA.
Wir brauchen keine Start‐ups. Oder?
Authors: Haubold Stephan
Published: June 2019

Die wenigen Chemie‐Start‐ups ringen um Finanzierung und Exitstrategien. Währenddessen entwickelt sich die Chemieindustrie anscheinend prächtig, ohne großartig innovativ zu sein.
Funktionelle Oberflächen für 3‐D‐gedruckte Polymere
Authors: Neubert Thomas , Borris Jochen , Lachmann Kristina
Published: June 2019

3‐D‐Druck kombiniert mit einer Atmosphärendruck‐Gasphasenabscheidungsquelle erlaubt, Beschichtungen mit funktionellen Gruppen auf Polymerbauteilen aufzutragen. Hierdurch lässt sich die Adhäsion steuern.
Zeitkapsel Zahnstein
Authors: Blicker Luca
Published: June 2019

Blaue Partikel im Zahnstein eines Skeletts erzählen die Geschichte einer Frau aus dem Mittelalter. Über diesen Fund hinaus erlauben Überreste im Zahnstein Erkenntnisse – von Ernährungsgewohnheiten bis hin zu Mikrobiom und Immunsystem.
„Da ist was dran“: 150 Jahre Periodensystem
Authors: Reschetilowski Wladimir
Published: June 2019

Die Idee, dass sich die Eigenschaften der Elemente mit steigendem Atomgewicht periodisch wiederholen sollten, hatte der russische Chemiker Dmitri Iwanowitsch Mendelejew schon länger mit sich herumgetragen. An einem Tag im Winter 1869 stellte er die Tabelle auf, die fortan Periodensystem der Elemente heißen sollte.
Bilanz 2018: Freudenberg
Authors: Remenyi Christian
Published: June 2019

Freudenberg steigerte im letzten Jahr Umsatz und Gewinn leicht und investierte die Rekordsumme von 555 Mio. Euro.
Von allen Seiten gegen Malaria
Authors: Groß Michael
Published: June 2019

Die Bemühung, die Infektionskrankheit Malaria weltweit zurückzudrängen, ist ins Stocken gekommen. Neue Ansätze gegen deren einzellige Krankheitserreger sind erforderlich – nicht nur bei den Molekülen, sondern auch bei Mücken und Menschen.
High‐performance hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber composites by in situ interfacial design of nanoclays
Authors: Zhang Jihua , Wang Hao , Zao Weitao , Feng Huadong , Zhao Yunfeng
Published: June 2019

Considering industrial requests, it has become a hot issue to prepare advanced rubber composites with high strength and great toughness. Despite enhanced strength and stiffness, rubber composites suffer markedly reduced extensibility and toughness. Herein, a novel interfacial strategy is proposed to fabricate amine‐modified montmorillonite (MMT)/hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber composites by designing in situ ionic bond interfaces. The well‐distributed interfaces, which are composed of protonated amine groups on the MMT surfaces and electronegative methacrylic acid (MA), were constructed by adding a slurry with a small amount of MMT and MA to rubber. After the vulcanization, self‐polymerization of MA developed nanoparticles and grafting structures onto rubber chains to bond MMT by strong ion attractions. Although the crosslinking degree of rubber was reduced, the dispersion of MMT and its interfacial interactions with rubber were improved remarkably, as demonstrated by morphology observations, dynamic mechanical analysis and infrared spectra. As a result, the strength, modulus, elongation, toughness and gas barrier properties of the rubber composites were simultaneously strikingly improved relative to composites without MA modifiers. We believe that this work provides a promising methodology of fabricating high‐performance rubber composites. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry