bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High performance anti‐smog window screens via electrospun nanofibers
Authors: Du Lin , Zhang Youchen , Li Xiangnan , Wang Jun , Chen Mingjun , Zuo Xiahua , Yang Weimin , Yousefzadeh Maryam , Ramakrishana Seeram , Li Haoyi
Published: November 2019

Scientific studies clearly link air pollution with adverse effects on human health, which includes reduction of cognitive abilities. Hence quality indoor air is essential in rapidly urbanizing societies. The aim of this research work is to develop anti‐smog, air permeable, water‐proof, and transparent window screens suitable for natural ventilation. For this purpose, we bonded polyethylene terephthalate (PET) nanofibers on PET grids by electrospinning method with relative near spinning distance. During the process, the incomplete solvent evaporation of the collected jet could enhance the bonding of the PET nanofibers to the PET grids. The experimental results showed that the PET nanofibers had a thick deposition at the yarn edge of the PET grids, which also increased the bonding area between the PET nanofibers and the grids. At the same time, PET nanofibers had a thin deposition between the gaps of the PET grids, which not only increased the number of micron‐nano‐sized holes but also increased the light transmittance of the window screen. After filtration test for 5 h, the PM2.5 filtration efficiency of this anti‐smog window screen was high as to 87% and the PET nanofiber window screen still maintained high light transmittance and superhydrophobicity. This research work is a promising way to prepare anti‐smog window screens. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,137, 48657.
Study of matrix–filler interaction through correlations between structural and viscoelastic properties of carbonous‐filler/polymer‐matrix composites
Authors: Pandey Alok K. , Pal Tanvi , Sharma Raghunandan , Kar Kamal K.
Published: November 2019

Polymer matrix composites reinforced with carbonous fillers are of significant commercial importance thanks to their vast application base. As the performance of such composites largely depends on matrix–filler interaction, the present study is focused on the impact of surface chemical states of polymer matrix and carbonous filler on the viscoelastic performance of the composites. Here we report investigation of the filler–matrix interface through spectroscopic techniques such as X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy. Viscoelastic properties of various polymer matrix composites prepared by varying the filler volume fraction and/or the matrix/filler type have been studied through dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. Further, to understand the matrix–filler interaction, correlations between viscoelastic parameters and various structural parameters such as the surface area of filler and the surface chemical states of filler/matrix obtained through XPS have been studied. Strong correlations between the viscoelastic parameters and the matrix/filler surface chemical states have been observed, suggesting the XPS as an important tool to study the role of the surface functionalities present on the matrix/filler surface to define the matrix–filler interaction. The filler surface functionalities such as C bound O have been found more compatible with the polymers having aromatic ring in the repeat unit. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 137, 48660.
Gradient crystallinity and its influence on the poly(vinylidene fluoride)/poly(methyl methacrylate) membrane‐derived by immersion precipitation method
Authors: Remanan Sanjay , Ghosh Sabyasachi , Das Tushar Kanti , Sharma Maya , Bose Madhuparna , Bose Suryasarathi , Das Amit Kumar , Das Narayan Chandra
Published: November 2019

Herein, phase inversion poly(vinylidene fluoride)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PVDF/PMMA) microporous membranes were prepared at various PMMA concentration by immersion precipitation method. Increment in the PMMA concentration has a significant influence in the PVDF membrane crystallinity, which is studied by differential scanning calorimeter, X‐ray diffractometer, and small‐angle X‐ray scattering analyses. Properties such as membrane bulk structure, porosity, hydrophilicity, mechanical stability, and water flux vary in terms of PMMA concentration. Porosity is increased, and tensile strength decreased when PMMA concentration is beyond 30 wt %. Thermodynamic instability during the liquid to solid phase separation and variation in the crystallinity has an intense effect on these membrane properties. Then, 70/30 blend membrane selected as optimum composition owing to the high porosity and pure water flux compared to other compositions. This membrane is modified with a composite filler derived from the graphene oxide and titanate crosslinked by chitosan. The antibacterial, antifouling, and bovine serum albumin separation studies reveal that the developed nanocomposite membrane is a potential candidate for the separation application. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 137, 48677.
Stretchable poly(glycerol‐sebacate)/β‐tricalcium phosphate composites with shape recovery feature by extrusion
Authors: Tevlek Atakan , Agacik Dilara Turkel , Aydin Halil Murat
Published: November 2019

There has been a great interest in research towards elastomers and their composites with an attempt to obtain the desired biological and mechanical response to scaffold materials in bone tissue engineering. Composites made of ceramic‐thermoplastic mixtures have been shown success to deliver the inorganic component while fail to provide replacement of an elastic protein, that is, collagen, of the target bone tissue. Thus, in order to match up with the inherent elasticity of the native tissue, it is proposed an alternative to well‐known thermoplastic‐containing matrices by using a poly(glycerol‐sebacate) (PGS)–beta‐tricalcium phosphate elastomeric composite to offer flexibility and mechanical integrity. This study reports for the first time a successful extrusion of PGS containing biodegradable composites with shape‐memory feature. The resulting structures are physically and chemically characterized. In vitro cell culture performance of the obtained materials is investigated by using an MC3T3‐E1 mouse preosteoblast cell line. The materials obtained in this study can be shaped into the desired size and various forms via temperature stimuli. Resulting materials have been proposed for craniofacial tissue engineering as a bone filler in which surgeons need to shape biomaterials during the surgical procedure due to the complex geometry of the bones. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 137, 48689.
Characterization and development of microsatellite markers for Echinomastus johnsonii and congeneric taxa
Authors: Zumwalde Bethany A. , Dahir Josie K. , Shaw Allyson B. , Willis Alison , Fehlberg Shannon D.
Published: November 2019

Premise

Microsatellite markers were developed in Echinomastus johnsonii (Cactaceae) for use in several morphologically similar, closely related taxa within the genus to study genetic structure and diversity within and among individuals and populations.

Methods and Results

Using reads from shallow, whole genome Illumina HiSeq high‐throughput sequencing, we developed and characterized 15 microsatellite primer pairs for E. johnsonii, E. erectocentrus var. erectocentrus, E. erectocentrus var. acunensis, and E. intertextus. Of the 15 microsatellite markers, 14 amplified successfully and were polymorphic in three of the four taxa tested, with the exception of three markers in E. intertextus. In E. johnsonii, the number of alleles ranged from one to 15 and levels of observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.000 to 1.000 and 0.000 to 0.917, respectively.

Conclusions

These markers will be useful for investigating population genetics and clarifying taxonomic relationships of E. johnsonii and congeneric species.
Systemic Sclerosis Dermal Fibroblasts Induce Cutaneous Fibrosis Through Lysyl Oxidase–like 4: New Evidence From Three‐Dimensional Skin‐like Tissues
Authors: Huang Mengqi , Cai Guoshuai , Baugh Lauren M. , Liu Zhiyi , Smith Avi , Watson Matthew , Popovich Dillon , Zhang Tianyue , Stawski Lukasz S. , Trojanowska Maria , Georgakoudi Irene , Black Lauren D. , Pioli Patricia A. , Whitfield Michael L. , Garlick Jonathan
Published: November 2019

Objective

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a clinically heterogeneous disease characterized by increased collagen accumulation and skin stiffness. Our previous work has demonstrated that transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) induces extracellular matrix (ECM) modifications through lysyl oxidase–like 4 (LOXL‐4), a collagen crosslinking enzyme, in bioengineered human skin equivalents (HSEs) and self‐assembled stromal tissues (SAS). We undertook this study to investigate cutaneous fibrosis and the role of LOXL‐4 in SSc pathogenesis using HSEs and SAS.

Methods

SSc‐derived dermal fibroblasts (SScDFs; n = 8) and normal dermal fibroblasts (NDFs; n = 6) were incorporated into HSEs and SAS. These 3‐dimensional skin‐like microenvironments were used to study the effects of dysregulated LOXL‐4 on ECM remodeling, fibroblast activation, and response to TGFβ stimulation.

Results

SScDF‐containing SAS showed increased stromal thickness, collagen deposition, and interleukin‐6 secretion compared to NDF‐containing SAS (P < 0.05). In HSE, SScDFs altered collagen as seen by a more mature and aligned fibrillar structure (P < 0.05). With SScDFs, enhanced stromal rigidity with increased collagen crosslinking (P < 0.05), up‐regulation of LOXL4 expression (P < 0.01), and innate immune signaling genes were observed in both tissue models. Conversely, knockdown of LOXL4 suppressed rigidity, contraction, and α‐smooth muscle actin expression in SScDFs in HSE, and TGFβ‐induced ECM aggregation and collagen crosslinking in SAS.

Conclusion

A limitation to the development of effective therapeutics in SSc is the lack of in vitro human model systems that replicate human skin. Our findings demonstrate that SAS and HSE can serve as complementary in vitro skin‐like models for investigation of the mechanisms and mediators that drive fibrosis in SSc and implicate a pivotal role for LOXL‐4 in SSc pathogenesis.
Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs as Potential Disease‐Modifying Medications in Axial Spondyloarthritis
Authors: Wang Runsheng , Bathon Joan M. , Ward Michael M.
Published: November 2019

Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the first‐line pharmacotherapy for patients with axial spondyloarthritis (SpA). In recent years, treatment options have expanded with the availability of biologic agents, including tumor necrosis factor inhibitors and interleukin‐17 inhibitors. However, a treatment strategy that clearly prevents syndesmophyte formation has not been established. Observational studies of patients with ankylosing spondylitis indicated potential disease‐modifying effects of NSAIDs, but two randomized trials came to different conclusions. More broadly, whether any of the currently available medications for axial SpA have an effect on spine radiographic progression, beyond symptom control, remains inconclusive. In this article, we will review clinical studies of the disease modification effects of NSAIDs and biologics in axial SpA; examine genetic, animal, and clinical evidence of the effects of NSAIDs on bone formation; and discuss how future studies may investigate the question of disease modification in axial SpA.
VariCarta: A Comprehensive Database of Harmonized Genomic Variants Found in Autism Spectrum Disorder Sequencing Studies
Authors: Belmadani Manuel , Jacobson Matthew , Holmes Nathan , Phan Minh , Nguyen Tue , Pavlidis Paul , Rogic Sanja
Published: November 2019

Recent years have seen a boom in the application of the next‐generation sequencing technology to the study of human disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), where the focus has been on identifying rare, possibly causative genomic variants in ASD individuals. Because of the high genetic heterogeneity of ASD, a large number of subjects is needed to establish evidence for a variant or gene ASD‐association, thus aggregating data across cohorts and studies is necessary. However, methodological inconsistencies and subject overlap across studies complicate data aggregation. Here we present VariCarta, a web‐based database developed to address these challenges by collecting, reconciling, and consistently cataloging literature‐derived genomic variants found in ASD subjects using ongoing semi‐manual curation. The careful manual curation combined with a robust data import pipeline rectifies errors, converts variants into a standardized format, identifies and harmonizes cohort overlaps, and documents data provenance. The harmonization aspect is especially important since it prevents the potential double counting of variants, which can lead to inflation of gene‐based evidence for ASD‐association. The database currently contains 170,416 variant events from 10,893 subjects, collected across 61 publications, and reconciles 16,202 variants that have been reported in literature multiple times. VariCarta is freely accessible at http://varicarta.msl.ubc.ca. Autism Res 2019, 12: 1728–1736. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

The search for genetic factors underlying Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) yielded numerous studies reporting potentially causative genomic variants found in ASD individuals. However, methodological differences and subject overlap across studies complicate the assembly of these data, diminishing its utility and accessibility. We developed VariCarta, a web‐based database that aggregates carefully curated, annotated, and harmonized literature‐derived variants identified in individuals with ASD using ongoing semi‐manual curation.
Modified EPOCH for high‐risk non‐Hodgkin lymphoma in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Zuze Takondwa , Ellis Grace K. , Kasonkanji Edwards , Kaimila Bongani , Nyasosela Richard , Nyirenda Ruth , Tomoka Tamiwe , Mulenga Maurice , Chikasema Maria , Tewete Blessings , Mtangwanika Asekanadziwa , Chiyoyola Sarah , Chimzimu Fred , Kampani Coxcilly , Mhango Wilberforce , Nicholas Simon , Randall Cara , Montgomery Nathan D. , Fedoriw George , Westmoreland Katherine D. , Painschab Matthew S. , Gopal Satish
Published: November 2019

Aggressive non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is among the most common cancers in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), where CHOP is standard treatment and outcomes are poor. To address this, we treated 17 newly diagnosed adult patients in Malawi with Burkitt (n = 8), plasmablastic (n = 8), and primary effusion lymphoma (n = 1) with a modified EPOCH regimen between 2016 and 2019. Twelve patients (71%) were male and the median age was 40 years (range 16‐63). Eleven (65%) were HIV infected, median CD4 count was 218 cells/µL (range 9‐460), and nine (82%) had suppressed HIV RNA < 400 copies/mL. Patients received a median of six cycles (range 2‐8) and median follow‐up was 14 months (range 2‐34) among patients still alive. Grade 3/4 neutropenia was observed in 26% of cycles and in 65% of patients. Sixteen (94%) responded to EPOCH and 10 (59%) achieved a complete response. One‐year overall survival (OS) was 62% (95% confidence interval [CI], 42%‐91%). Five patients (29%) died from progressive NHL and three (18%) from treatment‐related complications. These data suggest EPOCH with setting‐appropriate modifications may be a practical, safe, and effective option for improving high‐risk NHL outcomes in Malawi and comparable settings, which deserves further prospective evaluation.
Preparation of Boronic Acid‐Functionalized Silica Nanocomposites for Selective Enrichment of Glycoproteins
Authors: Yang Peng , Tian Zeng‐Lian , Xie Li‐Ping , Su Lin , He Jun‐Yi , Wu Yan‐Ping , Jia Wei‐Hua
Published: November 2019

A facile method was developed for synthesis of boronic acid‐functionalized silica nanocomposites (SiO2‐BA) by ‘thiol‐ene’ click reaction, where silica nanoparticles were synthesized by using tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and γ‐mercaptopropyl trimethoxysilane (γ‐MPTS) as precursors. The morphology and structure properties of the resultant SiO2‐BA were characterized by transmission electronic microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), and Brunner‐Emmet‐Teller measurements (BET). The adsorption behavior of the SiO2‐BA for glycoproteins was evaluated. Under the optimized conditions, the SiO2‐BA exhibited higher adsorption capacity towards glycoproteins (ovalbumin, OVA, 7.64 μmol/g) than non‐glycoproteins (bovine serum albumin, BSA, 0.83 μmol/g). In addition, the practicality of the SiO2‐BA was further assessed by selective enrichment of glycoproteins from egg white samples.
Temporal trends, outcomes, and predictors of mortality after pericardiocentesis in the United States
Authors: Gad Mohamed M. , Elgendy Islam Y. , Mahmoud Ahmed N. , Elbadawi Ayman , Tanavin Toug , Denktas Ali , Jimenez Ernesto , Kapadia Samir R. , Jneid Hani
Published: November 2019

Background

Data regarding the temporal trends, outcomes, and predictors of in‐hospital mortality after pericardiocentesis are limited.

Methods

The National Inpatient Sample database was used to extract hospitalizations of patients who underwent pericardiocentesis from January 2007 to September 2015. We examined the rates of in‐hospital mortality, its predictors, and the temporal trends of pericardiocentesis utilization in the United States during the study period. We also examined trends and outcomes of pericardiocentesis associated with different cardiovascular procedures.

Results

A total of 96,377 hospitalizations with pericardiocentesis were examined. The number of pericardiocentesis procedures performed trended up significantly between 2007 and 2015 (p trend <.001), and this increase was observed predominantly in patients with unstable conditions. In‐hospital mortality after pericardiocentesis decreased over time (14.6% in 2007 vs. 12.0% in 2015, p trend <.001), but remained higher than that after surgical pericardial intervention (13.1 vs. 8.9%, p value <.0001), predominantly attributable to a higher patient risk profile. Rates of in‐hospital mortality were not statistically different between the procedural cohort and the nonprocedural cohort, 13.5 versus 13.0%, p value = .051. After multivariable adjustment, structural heart interventions (odds ratio [OR] 2.86; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.35–3.49), bacterial and/or infective endocarditis (OR 2.09; 95% CI 1.72–2.54) and active neoplasms (OR 1.72; 95% CI 1.6–1.85) were independently associated with increased in‐hospital mortality in pericardiocentesis patients.

Conclusion

In this nationwide analysis, the number of pericardiocentesis procedures increased significantly over time. Structural interventions, endocarditis, and active neoplasms were associated with increased in‐hospital mortality after pericardiocentesis.
Photoinduced Decarboxylative Amino‐Fluoroalkylation of Maleic Anhydride
Authors: Sun Youwen , Zhang Guozhu
Published: November 2019

A photoinduced decarboxylative three‐component coupling reaction involving amine, maleic anhydride, and fluorinated alkyl iodides has been developed, leading to synthetically valuable fluoroalkyl‐containing acrylamides with a high E selectivity. A broad array of substrates including monoprotected amino acid are capable coupling partners. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggest a stepwise process. This reaction represents the first example of photoinduced decarboxylative difunctionalization of maleic anhydride.
Defect Control in the Synthesis of 2 D MoS2 Nanosheets: Polysulfide Trapping in Composite Sulfur Cathodes for Li–S Batteries
Authors: Abraham Alyson , Wang Lei , Quilty Calvin D. , Lutz Diana M. , McCarthy Alison H. , Tang Christopher R. , Dunkin Mikaela R. , Housel Lisa M. , Takeuchi Esther S. , Marschilok Amy C. , Takeuchi Kenneth J.
Published: November 2019

One of the inherent challenges with Li–S batteries is polysulfide dissolution, in which soluble polysulfide species can contribute to the active material loss from the cathode and undergo shuttling reactions inhibiting the ability to effectively charge the battery. Prior theoretical studies have proposed the possible benefit of defective 2 D MoS2 materials as polysulfide trapping agents. Herein the synthesis and thorough characterization of hydrothermally prepared MoS2 nanosheets that vary in layer number, morphology, lateral size, and defect content are reported. The materials were incorporated into composite sulfur‐based cathodes and studied in Li–S batteries with environmentally benign ether‐based electrolytes. Through directed synthesis of the MoS2 additive, the relationship between synthetically induced defects in 2 D MoS2 materials and resultant electrochemistry was elucidated and described.
Developmental stage‐dependent switching in the neuromodulation of vertebrate locomotor central pattern generator networks
Authors: Hachoumi Lamia , Sillar Keith T.
Published: November 2019

Neuromodulation plays important and stage‐dependent roles in regulating locomotor central pattern (CPG) outputs during vertebrate motor system development. Dopamine, serotonin and nitric oxide are three neuromodulators that potently influence CPG outputs in the development of Xenopus frog tadpole locomotion. However, their roles switch from predominantly inhibitory early in development to mainly excitatory at later stages. In this review, we compare the stage‐dependent switching in neuromodulation in Xenopus with other vertebrate systems, notably the mouse and the zebrafish, and highlight features that appear to be phylogenetically conserved.
Luminescent AgI Complexes with 2,2′‐Bipyridine Derivatives Featuring [Ag‐(CF3)2Pyrazolate]4 Units
Authors: Emashova Sofia K. , Titov Aleksei A. , Filippov Oleg A. , Smol'yakov Alexander F. , Titova Ekaterina M. , Epstein Lina M. , Shubina Elena S.
Published: November 2019

The tetranuclear silver(I) 3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)pyrazolate adducts with 2,2′‐bipyridine derivatives were prepared by the reaction of trinuclear metal complex with the diimines. It was shown that the product structure depends on the reagents ratio: mono‐ and bisdiimine complexes were synthesized. Compounds obtained possess green phosphorescence in the solid state. The short intramolecular Ag···Ag distances (≤ 3 Å) make possible electronic communication between the metal atoms which leads to the dual emissive behavior mainly due to the 3LC phosphorescence with the impact of 3MLCT. The behavior observed was rationalized by the TD‐DFT study.
Analgesic efficacy of 10% lidocaine spray during nasoenteral catheterization: Randomized triple‐blind trial
Authors: de Oliveira Amanda Santos , Ribeiro Caíque Jordan Nunes , Oliveira Aline Láyra Carvalho , Correia Viviane Oliveira de Sousa , Pinto Jonas Santana , Santos‐Júnior Evando , Ribeiro Maria do Carmo de Oliveira
Published: November 2019

Background

Pain is a common experience during nasoenteral catheterization. Although the procedure causes discomfort and distress to patients, procedural pain remains neglected and undertreated.

Objective

To evaluate the analgesic efficacy of the use of 10% lidocaine spray during nasoenteral catheterization.

Method

A randomized, triple‐blind trial of 50 patients was performed. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups: an intervention group (IG), in which 10% lidocaine spray combined with 2% lidocaine gel was used, and a control group (CG), in which a saline solution spray combined with 2% lidocaine gel was used. Pain and discomfort were assessed during and after nasoenteral catheterization using numerical rating scale (NRS) and the visual analogue scale (VAS), respectively.

Results

Intervention group participants reported lower pain scores during (0.20 ± 0.71 vs. 5.00 ± 2.84, p < .001; |d| = −0.677) and after (0.00 ± 0.00 vs. 2.80 ± 2.83, p < .001; |d| = −0.718) nasoenteral catheterization compared to the CG.

Conclusion

Spraying 10% lidocaine spray before nasoenteral catheterization was most effective for relieving discomfort and pain, with lower pain and discomfort recorded in NRS and VAS. Topical administration of 10% lidocaine spray is therefore a suggested measure for procedural pain relief related to nasoenteral catheterization.

Significance

The use of 10% lidocaine spray was more effective in relieving procedural pain and discomfort during nasoenteral catheterization. Patients who received 10% lidocaine spray registered lower discomfort and pain scores than those from 2% lidocaine gel group; there were less complications among patients in the IG.
Low‐cost multi‐core inertial microfluidic centrifuge for high‐throughput cell concentration
Authors: Xiang Nan , Li Qiao , Shi Zhiguo , Zhou Chenguang , Jiang Fengtao , Han Yu , Ni Zhonghua
Published: November 2019

We developed a low‐cost multi‐core inertial microfluidic centrifuge (IM‐centrifuge) to achieve a continuous‐flow cell/particle concentration at a throughput of up to 20 mL/min. To lower the cost of our IM‐centrifuge, we clamped a disposable multilayer film‐based inertial microfluidic (MFIM) chip with two reusable plastic housings. The key MFIM chip was fabricated in low‐cost materials by stacking different polymer‐film channel layers and double‐sided tape. To increase processing throughput, multiplexing spiral inertial microfluidic channels were integrated within an all‐in‐one MFIM chip, and a novel sample distribution strategy was employed to equally distribute the sample into each channel layer. Then, we characterized the focusing performance in the MFIM chip over a wide flow‐rate range. The experimental results showed that our IM‐centrifuge was able to focus various‐sized particles/cells to achieve volume reduction. The sample distribution strategy also effectively ensured identical focusing and concentration performances in different cores. Finally, our IM‐centrifuge was successfully applied to concentrate microalgae cells with irregular shapes and highly polydisperse sizes. Thus, our IM‐centrifuge holds the potential to be employed as a low‐cost, high‐throughput centrifuge for disposable use in low‐resource settings.
Establishment and development of a CZE–UV method for rapid measurement of aprotinin potency
Authors: He Shujuan , Zhang Jing , Dong Yue , Duan Xiaoyun , Yang Fatang , Luo Tian , Wang Zhen , Dong Yuming
Published: November 2019

A new method for the measurement of aprotinin potency by CZE–UV detector was established for the first time. The on‐line mixing of substrate, trypsin and aprotinin using at‐inlet technology was realized by the established method. Enzymatic reaction, separation, and detection of substrate and product can be performed simultaneously online. The aprotinin potency can be measured within 4 min. The response surface methodology was used to optimize the incubation conditions of trypsin and substrate, and the optimized conditions were obtained under 17.39 mM phosphate buffer at pH 7.6, 1.40 min of incubation time. The repeatability of proposed method was evaluated in three different systems of capillary zone electrophoresis: (i) only substrate; (ii) trypsin and substrate; (iii) aprotinin, trypsin and substrate, and the RSDs of migration times and peak areas of substrate were less than 2.7 and 3.1%, respectively. The RSDs of migration times and peak areas of product were less than 2.1 and 3.0%, respectively. A formula was also developed to calculate the aprotinin potency in this method. In a word, the established CZE–UV method was convenient, fast, and environmentally friendly for the measurement of aprotinin potency.
Discordant and heterogeneous clinically relevant genomic alterations in circulating tumor cells vs plasma DNA from men with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Gupta Santosh , Hovelson Daniel H. , Kemeny Gabor , Halabi Susan , Foo Wen‐Chi , Anand Monika , Somarelli Jason A. , Tomlins Scott A. , Antonarakis Emmanuel S. , Luo Jun , Dittamore Ryan V. , George Daniel J. , Rothwell Colin , Nanus David M. , Armstrong Andrew J. , Gregory Simon G.
Published: November 2019

Circulating tumor cell (CTC) and cell‐free (cf) DNA‐based genomic alterations are increasingly being used for clinical decision‐making in oncology. However, the concordance and discordance between paired CTC and cfDNA genomic profiles remain largely unknown. We performed comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) on CTCs and cfDNA, and low‐pass whole genome sequencing (lpWGS) on cfDNA to characterize genomic alterations (CNA) and tumor content in two independent prospective studies of 93 men with mCRPC treated with enzalutamide/abiraterone, or radium‐223. Comprehensive analysis of 69 patient CTCs and 72 cfDNA samples from 93 men with mCRPC, including 64 paired samples, identified common concordant gains inFOXA1,AR, andMYC, and losses inBRCA1,PTEN, andRB1between CTCs and cfDNA. ConcordantPTENloss and discordantBRCA2gain were associated with significantly worse outcomes in Epic AR‐V7 negative men with mCRPC treated with abiraterone/enzalutamide. We identified and externally validated CTC‐specific genomic alternations that were discordant in paired cfDNA, even in samples with high tumor content. These CTC/cfDNA‐discordant regions included key genomic regulators of lineage plasticity, osteomimicry, and cellular differentiation, includingMYCNgain in CTCs (31%) that was rarely detected in cfDNA. CTCMYCNgain was associated with poor clinical outcomes in AR‐V7 negative men and small cell transformation. In conclusion, we demonstrated concordance of multiple genomic alterations across CTC and cfDNA platforms; however, some genomic alterations displayed substantial discordance between CTC DNA and cfDNA despite the use of identical copy number analysis methods, suggesting tumor heterogeneity and divergent evolution associated with poor clinical outcomes.
Molecular characteristics of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase negative precursor B‐cell phenotype Burkitt leukemia with IGH‐MYC rearrangement
Authors: Yoon Jung , Yun Jae Won , Jung Chul Won , Ju Hee Young , Koo Hong Hoe , Kim Sun‐Hee , Kim Hee‐Jin
Published: November 2019

Precursor B cell phenotype Burkitt lymphoma/leukemia with IGH‐MYC is a rare subtype of Burkitt lymphoma (BL). BL and B lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (B‐ALL/LBL) differ as regards treatment and the distinction between these two entities is crucial. Patients demonstrating a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)‐positive precursor B cell phenotype with IGH‐MYC rearrangement have been reported to be molecularly distinct from BL and closer to B‐ALL/LBL. We investigated the molecular characteristics of two cases of a rare but distinct TdT‐negative precursor B cell phenotype BL. Both patients showed FAB L3 morphology with IGH‐MYC translocation, but had precursor B cell immunophenotypes including dim to moderate expression of CD45 and absence of BCL6, CD20, monoclonal kappa, and lambda light chain expression. To characterize the molecular features, we performed exome sequencing and analyzed the breakpoint junction of the IGH‐MYC rearrangement. We detected KMT2D mutations in both cases, a rarely acquired chromatin modifying gene mutation in BL. The breakpoint analysis revealed that the IGH‐MYC rearrangement occurred due to an aberrant VDJ recombination in one case. The treatment protocols differed, including high‐grade lymphoma treatment and standard B‐ALL treatment. Complete remission was achieved in the patient who received B‐ALL treatment. The degree of resemblance of BL and B‐ALL differed between two cases, but the molecular pathogenesis and manifesting features of both TdT‐negative precursor B cell phenotype BL case were distinct from classic BL, which indicates the need for a better understanding of this uncommon entity that does not fit in current diagnostic and classification categories.
Role of astrocyte purinergic signaling in epilepsy
Authors: Nikolic Ljiljana , Nobili Paola , Shen Weida , Audinat Etienne
Published: November 2019

Epilepsy is characterized by unpredictable recurrent seizures resulting from hypersynchronous discharges from neuron assemblies. Increasing evidence indicates that aberrant astrocyte signaling to neurons plays an important role in driving the network hyperexcitability. Purinergic signaling is central in neuron–glia and glia–glia interactions and dysfunctions in communication pathways involving purinergic receptors have been reported in various CNS pathologies, such as Alzheimer disease, stroke, major depression, schizophrenia, and epilepsy. In the present review we will first discuss the mechanisms by which astrocytes influence neuronal activity. We will then review in more details recent evidence indicating that dysregulation of astrocyte purinergic signaling actively contributes to the appearance of abnormal neuronal activity in epilepsy.
Evaluation of 18F‐FDG PET/CT as an early imaging biomarker for response monitoring after radiochemotherapy using cetuximab in head and heck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: de Galiza Barbosa Felipe , Riesterer Oliver , Tanadini‐Lang Stephanie , Stieb Sonja , Studer Gabriela , Pruschy Martin , Huber Gerhard F. , Huellner Martin W. , Stolzmann Paul , Veit‐Haibach Patrick
Published: November 2019

Background

To determine whether 18F‐PET/CT is able to identify treatment response as early as 1 week after the end of chemoradiotherapy, whether 18F‐PET/CT can identify prognostic markers concerning progression free survival and can identify patients who need additional consolidation therapy.

Methods

A total of 54 patients with head and neck cancer were prospectively enrolled in this single‐center, randomized study from 03/2012‐04/2015. Patients underwent FDG‐PET/CT imaging at three predefined time points: pretreatment (PET/CT1), 1 week postprimary radiochemotherapy (PET/CT2) and 3 months postprimary radiochemotherapy (PET/CT3). Tumors were assessed quantitatively based on size and glucose uptake (SUVmax) concerning response at each time point. Response assessment was correlated with progression free survival. All patients had a minimum follow‐up period of 18 months. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to find independent predictors for progression free survival (PFS).

Results

Thirty‐two (32) patients (64%) overall remained disease free, 11 patients (22%) had recurrence and 7 patients (14%) had persistent disease. There was no significantly different metabolic parameter ratio found concerning responders and nonresponders at posttreatment (PET/CT2 and 3) time points (P > .05) during clinical follow‐up. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated both SUVmax and diameter assessed at time point PET/CT3 represent independent predictors of progression free survival (PFS). There was also no statistically significant difference in PFS between responders and nonresponders by means of PET/CT2 in both study arms (P > .05). Imaging responders at time point PET/CT3 showed a significantly longer PFS compared to nonresponders after the end of consolidation therapy (P < .01).

Conclusions

Early response of head/neck cancer after radiochemotherapy can be accurately assessed with PET/CT 1 week after RCT. SUVmax and lesion diameter are independent predictors of PFS at time point PET/CT3. PET/CT2 has no prognostic value concerning PFS and cannot identify high risk patients for consolidation therapy. Imaging responders showed a significantly longer PFS compared to nonresponders and therefore PET/CT might serve as a prognostic biomarker.

Trial registration

Clinical Trials.gov identifier: NCT01435252.
Interleukin‐22 Ameliorates Neutrophil‐Driven Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Through Multiple Targets
Authors: Hwang Seonghwan , He Yong , Xiang Xiaogang , Seo Wonhyo , Kim Seung‐Jin , Ma Jing , Ren Tianyi , Park Seol Hee , Zhou Zhou , Feng Dechun , Kunos George , Gao Bin
Published: November 2019

Background and Aims

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease encompasses a spectrum of diseases ranging from simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis, and liver cancer. At present, how simple steatosis progresses to NASH remains obscure and effective pharmacological therapies are lacking. Hepatic expression of C‐X‐C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1), a key chemokine for neutrophil infiltration (a hallmark of NASH), is highly elevated in NASH patients but not in fatty livers in obese individuals or in high‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed mice. The aim of this study was to test whether overexpression of CXCL1 itself in the liver can induce NASH in HFD‐fed mice and to test the therapeutic potential of IL‐22 in this new NASH model.

Approach and Results

Overexpression of Cxcl1 in the liver alone promotes steatosis‐to‐NASH progression in HFD‐fed mice by inducing neutrophil infiltration, oxidative stress, and stress kinase (such as apoptosis signal‐regulating kinase 1 and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase) activation. Myeloid cell‐specific deletion of the neutrophil cytosolic factor 1 (Ncf1)/p47

phox
gene, which encodes a component of the NADPH oxidase 2 complex that mediates neutrophil oxidative burst, markedly reduced CXCL1‐induced NASH and stress kinase activation in HFD‐fed mice. Treatment with interleukin (IL)‐22, a cytokine with multiple targets, ameliorated CXCL1/HFD‐induced NASH or methionine‐choline deficient diet‐induced NASH in mice. Mechanistically, IL‐22 blocked hepatic oxidative stress and its associated stress kinases via the induction of metallothionein, one of the most potent antioxidant proteins. Moreover, although it does not target immune cells, IL‐22 treatment attenuated the inflammatory functions of hepatocyte‐derived, mitochondrial DNA‐enriched extracellular vesicles, thereby suppressing liver inflammation in NASH.

Conclusions

Hepatic overexpression of CXCL1 is sufficient to drive steatosis‐to‐NASH progression in HFD‐fed mice through neutrophil‐derived reactive oxygen species and activation of stress kinases, which can be reversed by IL‐22 treatment via the induction of metallothionein.
Corporate social responsibility and bankruptcy probability: Exploring the role of market competition, intellectual capital, and equity cost
Authors: Kamalirezaei Hashem , Anvary Rostamy Ali Asghar , Saeedi Ali , Khodaei Valeh Zaghard Mohammad
Published: November 2019

This research investigates the relationship between corporate social responsibility and the probability of bankruptcy and explains the moderating role of the structure of market competition, intellectual capital, and equity cost on this relationship. Using a sample of the Tehran Stock Exchange during 2009–2016, panel data, and logit‐ranking model, we find an inverse relationship between corporate social responsibility and the probability of bankruptcy. Results from additional analyses show that corporate social responsibility has a significant inverse relationship with the probability of bankruptcy and when the market structure moves to a monopoly, the probability of bankruptcy is reduced due to high market entry costs for other companies. Overall, we document that corporate social responsibility plays an important roles in reducing the probability of bankruptcy of companies.
Blockchain distributed ledger technology: An introduction and focus on smart contracts
Authors: Hamilton Marc
Published: November 2019

The rapid evolution of the blockchain and distributed ledger technology and the associated applications will require many changes in the way business is transacted and how transactions are recorded. Significant R&D investments in blockchain environments and the maturation of application uses of “smart contracts” and other types of self‐executing tools are establishing frameworks for expanded use, infrastructure growth, and further development. The realization of the impact of these investments is currently changing entire business processes, transforming industries, and impacting governments globally. This global disruptive impact is a major technology evolution and will be transformational to society over the next several decades much as the Internet has been over the last 30 years. As these changes will be especially transformational to fundamental accounting processes, tools, and methodologies of today, accounting and finance professionals would be wise to embrace the technological challenges associated with blockchain technology.
Enforcement trends in the city of St. Louis from 2007 to 2017: Exploring variability in arrests and criminal summonses over time and across communities
Authors: Slocum Lee A. , Huebner Beth M. , Greene Claire , Rosenfeld Richard
Published: November 2019

The goal of this study is twofold: (a) to describe trends in enforcement activity in the city of St. Louis from 2007 through 2017 and (b) to document community variation in these trends. Five types of enforcement actions are examined: felony, misdemeanor, municipal, and bench warrant arrests and criminal summonses‐in‐lieu of arrest. Results indicate that enforcement activity decreased over the study period, particularly for nonfelony arrests among Blacks. City‐wide trends obscure some variability in neighborhood enforcement. Neighborhood trends in enforcement varied by type of action, but in all cases, trends were conditioned by racial composition. For example, misdemeanor and bench warrant arrests exhibited steeper declines in neighborhoods with a higher percentage of Black residents, resulting in a narrowing of the race gap. In contrast, differences in criminal summonses across neighborhoods of varying racial compositions increased. The effects persisted net of measures of economic disadvantage, community location, residential mobility, household composition, calls for service, and population size. The findings highlight the importance of disaggregating enforcement trends by race and place and documenting changes in less serious, but more prevalent, types of law enforcement activity.
Hope and health‐related quality of life among chronically ill uninsured/underinsured adults
Authors: Wippold Guillermo M. , Roncoroni Julia
Published: November 2019

Aims

Uninsured/underinsured individuals with chronic health conditions report low health‐related quality of life. Empowerment‐based strategies (e.g., hope) may improve the health‐related quality of life of uninsured/underinsured individuals with chronic health conditions by enabling them to take charge of their health.

Methods

The present study used structural equation modeling to examine the relationships among number of chronic health conditions, the components of hope (i.e., agency and pathways), and the health‐related quality of life of 197 uninsured/underinsured adults in the United States living with at least one chronic health condition.

Results

Results indicate that number of chronic health conditions negatively impacted health‐related quality of life and that agency significantly mediated that relationship.

Conclusions

Results from this study can be used to promote health‐related quality of life by empowering individuals to take charge of their lives despite their unique contextual circumstances.
Promoting resilience in street connected young people in Guatemala: The role of psychological and educational protective factors
Authors: Oldfield Jeremy , Stevenson Andrew , Ortiz Emily
Published: November 2019

Street connected young people (SCYP) are at risk of encountering negative life experiences, such as abuse, neglect, violence and exploitation. Nonetheless, some demonstrate remarkable resilience. This study therefore aimed to explore protective factors that promote resilience in SCYP in Guatemala City. Using ethnographic interviews and image elicitation eight young people and four adult educational outreach project coordinators participated within this study. Three key protective factors emerged that help develop resilience; Empowerment, as educational projects support SCYP and provide opportunities; Belongingness, encapsulated creating positive relationships, a sense of affinity and positive family environments; and Motivation which highlighted the importance of the young peoples’ willpower, engagement with learning and help‐seeking behaviour. Educational projects working with SCYP can help to develop resilience by empowering them for change, providing a sense of belonging, while also acknowledging their individual motivation for change.
Reduction of large soft‐tissue Gaucheromas with substrate reduction therapy
Authors: Mahajan Neha , Warren Mikako , Yano Shoji
Published: November 2019

Soft‐tissue masses are rarely seen in Gaucher disease. We previously reported a case of a 30‐year‐old patient with Gaucher disease type 3, receiving β‐glucocerebrosidase enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), who presented with slowly enlarging masses infiltrated with Gaucher cells along her back. Substrate reduction therapy introduced in addition to ERT, resulted in significant reduction of the large masses.
Contrasting drought impacts on the start of phenological growing season in Northern China during 1982–2015
Authors: Deng Haoyu , Yin Yunhe , Wu Shaohong , Xu Xiaofeng
Published: November 2019

Drought is a widely occurring extreme climatic event that may have various effects on vegetation phenology and activity. The change of the start of the phenological growing season (SOS) is one key mechanism for ecosystem responses to droughts yet remain unknown at large scale. This study used abnormal changes in the ratio of reference evapotranspiration (ETO) and precipitation (P) to detect the pre‐season (defined as the 3 months before the growing season) monthly drought during 1982–2015. After that, the pre‐season drought impacts on SOS were analysed. Drought appeared frequently (>3.6 times/10 years) in the northern and southwest China, as well as the coastal area of south China during the last 34 years. The droughts generally accompany a higher temperature and a stronger radiation, but the drought effects on the SOS differ between humid/sub‐humid and semi‐arid zones in northern China. Specifically, in the temperate humid/sub‐humid zones, SOS under drought was 1.08–4.86 days earlier than during normal (no drought) years, and the response was greater to the droughts that appeared in the first two of the three pre‐season months. In addition, in the cold, mid‐, and warm temperate zones, the advance response was more concentrated in the SOS about DOY130‐140, DOY125‐150, and DOY80‐160, respectively. However, in the north semi‐arid zone, the SOS under drought was 0.66–3.45 days later than during normal years, and the response was greater to the droughts that appeared in the last two of the 3 months. These delay responses also concentrated in the SOS about DOY125‐150. The contrasting drought impacts on phenology suggest that we should move beyond the vegetation activity under droughts such as the growth, productivity, and mortality, and pay more attention to the timing of vegetation activity to better quantify the carbon budget at Northern Hemisphere.