bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Milder operating parameters for one‐step conversion of fructose to levulinic acid over sulfonated H‐β zeolite in aqueous media
Authors: Bisen Swapneel K. , Niphadkar Prashant S. , Nandanwar Sachin U. , Simakova Irina , Bokade Vijay V.
Published: September 2020

The sulfonated H‐β zeolite was successfully prepared and used for the synthesis of levulinic acid (LA) from D‐fructose. The catalyst was characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, N2 physisorption, NH3‐temperature programmed desorption and carbon–hydrogen–nitrogen–sulfur analysis. The total acid amount is increased with increase in sulfur loading, confirmed that the sulfonic acid group (SO3‐H) is successfully grafted onto zeolite structure. The various parameters such as different amount of sulfur loading, reaction temperature, time, catalyst loading was studied for selective production of LA. The catalytic activity of sulfonated H‐β (S‐β) zeolite was found to be efficient for synthesis of LA from D‐fructose in aqueous media. Maximum LA yield of 43.5 mol%, low HMF yield (<1%) with 98.15% fructose conversion was obtained with 3% S‐β catalyst at 160°C for 7 hr. The catalyst was reusable for minimum three times by H2O2 regeneration. This study provides the new zeolitic catalyst for the efficient production of LA at shorter reaction time (7 hr) and low catalyst to substrate ratio (0.7:1).
Study on pore evolution and diagenesis division of a Permian Longtan transitional shale in Southwest Guizhou, China
Authors: Ma Xiao , Guo Shaobin
Published: September 2020

Organic‐rich shales, deposited in marine‐continental transitional environments, are widely distributed in southern China. The pore evolution of the Late Permian Longtan Formation shale (Guizhou Province) during its diagenesis and organic matter (OM) evolution was quantitatively and qualitatively investigated through thermal simulation, mercury intrusion capillary pressure, gas adsorption, fractal dimension, and field emission‐scanning electron microscopy observation. Diagenesis and OM evolution stage were subdivided on the basis of X‐ray diffraction, rock pyrolysis, and vitrinite reflectance test; moreover, the main controlling factors of pore structure during evolution were also discussed. Shales were heated to different temperatures with their vitrinite reflectance ranged between 1.23% and 3.12%, indicating that organic matter had evolved from a low‐ to a post‐mature stage. According to the changes in clay mineral composition, hydrocarbon generation, and Tmax, we subdivided diagenesis into four parts, each of which has a good correspondence with OM evolution. Pore volume (PV) varied between 0.012162 and 0.033482 cm3/g, while the specific surface area (SSA) varied between 13.3693 and 23.0094 m2/g. Mesopores were the main contributors to the total pore volume, while mesopores and micropores were the main contributors to the total specific surface area. In this study, the evolution of pore structure was not monotonous, but intermittent: The PV and SSA of shale samples first decreased and then increased. Maturity was the most important factor affecting the evolution of pore structure. The abundance of pores in OM, associated with hydrocarbon generation, resulted in large micro‐PV and micro‐SSA; moreover, the composition of clay minerals also influenced the pore structure evolution. The transformation of kaolinite into illite increased the content of illite and illite/smectite mixed layer, hence affecting the overall meso‐PV and meso‐SSA.
A Long-Term Study on the Effect of Cyanobacterial Crude Extracts from Lake Chapultepec (Mexico City) on Selected Zooplankton Species
Authors: Nandini S. , Zamora-Barrios C.A. , Sarma S.S.S.
Published: September 2020

Many urban lakes in Mexico City such as Lake Chapultepec are infested with high densities of cyanobacteria, particularly Microcystis. We tested the effect of cyanotoxins from cyanobacterial crude extracts on the demographic variables of zooplankton. The rotifers Brachionus havanaensis and Brachionus calyciflorus, and the cladocerans Ceriodaphnia dubia and Moina macrocopa were used for the assays. Temperature effects on the response of B. calyciflorus and 2 clones of M.  macrocopa were tested. We hypothesized that with an increase in cyanotoxin concentration and temperature there would be an increase in the adverse effect on the test species and that the clone of Moina previously exposed to cyanobacteria from Lake Chapultepec would be more resistant to the cyanotoxins. Demography experiments showed that B. havanaensis was more sensitive than C. dubia. The negative effect of the cyanobacterial crude extract on B. calyciflorus was greater at 30 °C than at 20 °C or 25 °C. The strain of M. macrocopa isolated from Lake Chapultepec was more resistant to the cyanotoxins than the strain that had not been previously exposed to the cyanobacteria. The present study indicated that cyanobacteria in Lake Chapultepec are highly toxic and, considering the recreational use of this lake, should be controlled. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:2409–2419. © 2020 SETAC

Abstract

Effects of urban lake microcystins on zooplankton.
Reciprocal arrangements: The life story of “Rosalind”—Woman worker, mother, and Jamaican
Authors: Bolles Lynn
Published: September 2020

For thirty‐four years, there was talk, revelation, and friendship between two women, ending in 2012 when “Rosalind” lost her battle with cancer. Our conversations continue in materials and thoughts left behind via handwritten letters that were sent to the ethnographer by Rosalind over the years. I present these letters in the form of a life story because those documents chronicle Rosalind's personal experiences and emotions as shared with me. The fragments of her letters narrate her days as a working‐class woman living through the social, economic, and political violence and uncertainty during the 1980s and 1990s in Jamaica.
Nondestructive monitoring of polyphenols and caffeine during green tea processing using Vis‐NIR spectroscopy
Authors: Sanaeifar Alireza , Huang Xinyao , Chen Mengyuan , Zhao Zhangfeng , Ji Yifan , Li Xiaoli , He Yong , Zhu Yi , Chen Xi , Yu Xinxin
Published: September 2020

Increasing consumption of green tea is attributed to the beneficial effects of its constituents, especially polyphenols, on human health, which can be varied during leaf processing. Processing technology has the most important effect on green tea quality. This study investigated the system dynamics of eight catechins, gallic acid, and caffeine in the processing of two varieties of tea, from fresh leaves to finished tea. It was found that complex biochemical changes can occur through hydrolysis under different humidity and heating conditions during the tea processing. This process had a significant effect on catechin composition in the finished tea. The potential application of visible and near‐infrared (Vis‐NIR) spectroscopy for fast monitoring polyphenol and caffeine contents in tea leaves during the processing procedure has been investigated. It was found that a combination of PCA (principal component analysis) and Vis‐NIR spectroscopy can successfully classify the two varieties of tea samples and the five tea processing procedures, while quantitative determination of the constituents was realized by combined regression analysis and Vis‐NIR spectra. Furthermore, successive projections algorithm (SPA) was proposed to extract and optimize spectral variables that reflected the molecular characteristics of the constituents for the development of determination models. Modeling results showed that the models had good predictability and robustness based on the extracted spectral characteristics. The coefficients of determination for all calibration sets and prediction sets were higher than 0.862 and 0.834, respectively, which indicated high capability of Vis‐NIR spectroscopy for the determination of the constituents during the leaf processing. Meanwhile, this analytical method could quickly monitor quality characteristics and provide feedback for real‐time controlling of tea processing machines. Furthermore, the study on complex biochemical changes that occurred during the tea processing would provide a theoretical basis for improving the content of quality components and effective controlling processes.
Extraction, modification, and property characterization of dietary fiber from Agrocybe cylindracea
Authors: Jia Fengjuan , Liu Xuecheng , Gong Zhiqing , Cui Wenjia , Wang Yansheng , Wang Wenliang
Published: September 2020

Dietary fiber (DF) has gained a great attention owing to its potential health benefits. Agrocybe cylindracea is an edible fungus with high protein and low fat contents, which is also an enriched source of DF. However, limited study has been conducted on optimizing the conditions of A. cylindracea‐derived DF extraction and modification as well as characterizing its properties. In this study, ultrasound‐assisted enzymatic method for DF extraction was optimized as the following conditions: liquid material ratio of 29 ml/g, α‐amylase concentration of 1.50%, protamex concentration of 1.20%, and ultrasonic power of 150 W, which improved the DF extraction yield to 37.70%. Moreover, high temperature modification (HTM) and cellulase modification (CEM) were applied to modify A. cylindracea‐derived DF. The results showed that HTM had more potential capacity in converting insoluble DF into soluble DF, and DF with HTM exhibited more advantages in its physicochemical properties than DF with CEM. The DF with both HTM and CEM showed antioxidant activities, reflected by the increased reducing power as well as DPPH radical, hydroxyl radical, and ABTS+ scavenging capabilities in vitro. These findings could offer a reference for the extraction, modification, and characterizing various properties of DF from A. cylindracea, which would establish the foundation for the comprehensive application of fungi‐derived DF.
Gas and Electric Steering Industry Innovations Through NAESB 2020 Publications
Authors: Mallett Elizabeth
Published: September 2020

The first half of 2020 has gone by in the blink of eye, yet in that short time the North American Energy Standards Board (NAESB) has released three publications for the wholesale gas quadrant (WGQ), wholesale electric quadrant (WEQ), and retail markets quadrant (RMQ). All three quadrant publications were drafted as a result of years of hard work and dedication from NAESB subcommittee participants—a network of approximately 300 NAESB member entities and numerous nonmember industry participants. These volunteers participate in monthly conference calls and face‐to‐face meetings, with many attendees participating several times a month, to develop industry‐driven voluntary consensus business practice standards. Most recently, these volunteers have prioritized the development of standards in response to a Sandia National Laboratories surety assessment of the NAESB standards. A Department of Energy (DoE) request to expedite the standards development process in response to the Sandia reports resulted in all three quadrants (WEQ, RMQ, and WGQ) rapidly developing new or modified cybersecurity standards within a six‐to‐seven‐month timeframe.
Crises and Opportunity
Authors: DeCotis Paul A.
Published: September 2020

The phrase “necessity is the mother of invention,” coined by Plato over 2,000 years ago, could not be more appropriate than it is today. Still knee deep in combating the COVID‐19 pandemic nationwide and now navigating the effects of an economic recession, government policymakers are struggling to halt further economic decline and create jobs. An area of investment that can support these goals quickly and effectively is in energy infrastructure. Private‐sector capital combined with aggressive public policy goals, and the government funding made available by states and utilities to support clean energy development, offers a once‐in‐a‐lifetime opportunity to reinvent the US economy in an environmentally sustainable manner. Coupled with a desire to mitigate the increasing impacts of climate change, the public‐private partnership represents a low‐risk, high‐reward opportunity for deploying capital.
New NEPA Reforms and Duplicative State Environmental Reviews Could Delay Renewables and Clean Electric Transmission
Authors: Russo Thomas N.
Published: September 2020

On July 16, 2020, the President's Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) finalized an overhaul of the guidelines for implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations. Supporters of the new regulations applauded the changes. However, states and numerous national environmental groups have vowed to challenge the new rule in the courts. The timing of the final rule just prior to the presidential election in November will likely create uncertainty for projects undergoing NEPA review, and might possibly delay any final ruling.
Mendelian randomization analysis with survival outcomes
Authors: Cho Youngjoo , Rau Andrea , Reiner Alex , Auer Paul L.
Published: September 2020

Mendelian randomization (MR) is an established approach for assessing the causal effects of heritable exposures on outcomes. Outcomes of interest often include binary clinical endpoints, but may also include censored survival times. We explore the implications of both the Cox proportional hazard model and the additive hazard model in the context of MR, with a specific emphasis on two‐stage methods. We show that naive application of standard MR approaches to censored survival times may induce significant bias. Through simulations and analysis of data from the Women's Health Initiative, we provide practical advice on modeling survival outcomes in MRs.
Evaluation von Software zur Generierung von Baugrundschichtenmodellen
Authors: Stütz Dominik , Herten Markus
Published: September 2020

Im „Stufenplan Digitales Planen und Bauen“ des Bundesministeriums für Verkehr und digitale Infrastruktur wird für öffentliche Infrastrukturprojekte gefordert, die Methode Building Information Modeling anzuwenden. Daraus folgt die Forderung der Bundesfachabteilung Spezialtiefbau im Hauptverband der Deutschen Bauindustrie e. V. nach einem Fachmodell Baugrund vom Auftraggeber. Das Fachmodell soll aus der Erdoberfläche in Form eines digitalen Geländemodells, dem Bodenschichtenmodell und auch den zugrunde liegenden Daten von Bohrungen, Vermessung etc. bestehen sowie Schichtinformationen und Bodenkennwerte des Baugrunds auf der Basis des geotechnischen Berichts enthalten. Der Verlauf der Schichtgrenzen zwischen den Aufschlüssen ist dabei durch Anwendung von Interpolationsmethoden abzuleiten und durch manuelle Nachbearbeitung anzupassen. Um diese Herausforderungen zu meistern, werden hierfür verschiedene Softwares evaluiert.
The delicate balance between neurotoxicity and neuroprotection in the context of HIV‐1 infection
Authors: Sénécal Vincent , Barat Corinne , Tremblay Michel J.
Published: September 2020

Human immunodeficiency virus type‐1 (HIV‐1) causes a spectrum of neurological impairments, termed HIV‐associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND), following the infiltration of infected cells into the brain. Even though the implementation of antiretroviral therapy reduced the systemic viral load, the prevalence of HAND remains unchanged and infected patients develop persisting neurological disturbances affecting their quality of life. As a result, HAND have gained importance in basic and clinical researches, warranting the need of developing new adjunctive treatments. Nonetheless, a better understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms remains necessary. Several studies consolidated their efforts into elucidating the neurotoxic signaling leading to HAND including the deleterious actions of HIV‐1 viral proteins and inflammatory mediators. However, the scope of these studies is not sufficient to address all the complexity related to HAND development. Fewer studies focused on an altered neuroprotective capacity of the brain to respond to HIV‐1 infection. Neurotrophic factors are endogenous polyproteins involved in neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, and neurogenesis. Any defects in the processing or production of these crucial factors might compose a risk factor rendering the brain more vulnerable to neuronal damages. Due to their essential roles, they have been investigated for their diverse interplays with HIV‐1 infection. In this review, we present a complete description of the neurotrophic factors involved in HAND. We discuss emerging concepts for their therapeutic applications and summarize the complex mechanisms that down‐regulate their production in favor of a neurotoxic environment. For certain factors, we finally address opposing roles that rather lead to increased inflammation.
Interferon Type I Regulates Inflammasome Activation and High Mobility Group Box 1 Translocation in Hepatocytes During Ehrlichia -Induced Acute Liver Injury
Authors: Kader Muhamuda , El Andaloussi Abdeljabar , Vorhaour Jennie , Tamama Kenichi , Nieto Natalia , Scott Melanie J. , Ismail Nahed
Published: September 2020

IFN-I signaling exacerbate liver pathology and contribute to sepsis following fatal Ehrlichia infection by promoting Ehrlichia replication and mediating detrimental inflammasome activation.

Inflammasomes are an important innate immune host defense against intracellular microbial infection. Activation of inflammasomes by microbial or host ligands results in cleavage of caspase-1 (canonical pathway) or caspase-11 (noncanonical pathway), release of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), and inflammatory cell death known as pyroptosis. Ehrlichia are obligate, intracellular, gram-negative bacteria that lack lipopolysaccharide but cause potentially life-threatening monocytic ehrlichiosis in humans and mice that is characterized by liver injury followed by sepsis and multiorgan failure. Employing murine models of mild and fatal ehrlichiosis caused by infection with mildly and highly virulent Ehrlichia muris (EM) and Ixodes ovatus Ehrlichia (IOE), respectively, we have previously shown that IOE infection triggers type I interferon (IFN-I) response and deleterious caspase-11 activation in liver tissues, which promotes liver injury and sepsis. In this study, we examined the contribution of IFN-I signaling in hepatocytes (HCs) to Ehrlichia-induced liver injury. Compared to EM infection, we found that IOE enter and replicate in vitro cultured primary murine HCs and induce secretion of IFNβ and several chemokines, including regulated upon activation, normal T-cell expressed, and secreted (RANTES), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP1), monokine induced by gamma (MIG)/chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 9 (CXCL9), macrophage inflammatory protein 1 alpha (MIP1α), keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC), and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). Notably, in vitro stimulation of uninfected and Ehrlichia-infected HCs with recombinant IFNβ triggered activation of caspase-1/11, cytosolic translocation of HMGB1, and enhanced autophagy and intracellular bacterial replication. Secretion of HMGB1 by IOE-infected HCs was dependent on caspase-11. Primary HCs from IOE- but not EM-infected mice also expressed active caspase-1/11. Conclusion: HC-specific IFN-I signaling may exacerbate liver pathology during infection with obligate intracellular Ehrlichia by promoting bacterial replication and detrimental caspase-11-mediated inflammasome activation.
Implications for groundwater recharge from stable isotopic composition of precipitation in Hawai'i during the 2017–2018 La Niña
Authors: Dores Daniel , Glenn Craig R. , Torri Giuseppe , Whittier Robert B. , Popp Brian N.
Published: September 2020

The project captured a subset of the hydrological cycle for the tropical island of O'ahu, linking precipitation to groundwater recharge and aquifer storage. We determined seasonal storm events contributed more to aquifer recharge than year‐round baseline orographic trade wind rainfall. Hydrogen and oxygen isotope values from an island‐wide rain collector network with 20 locations deployed for 16 months and sampled at 3‐month intervals were used to create the first local meteoric water line for O'ahu. Isotopic measurements were influenced by the amount effect, seasonality, storm type, and La Niña, though little elevation control was noted. Certain groundwater compositions from legacy data showed a strong similarity with collected precipitation from our stations. The majority of these significant relationships were between wet season precipitation and groundwater. A high number of moderate and heavy rainfall days during the dry season, large percentage of event‐based rainfall, and wind directions outside of the typical NE trade wind direction were characteristics of the 2017–2018 wet season. This indicates that the majority of wet season precipitation is from event‐based storms rather than typical trade wind weather. The deuterium‐excess values provided the strongest evidence of a relationship between groundwater and different precipitation sources, indicating that this may be a useful metric for determining the extent of recharge from different rain events and systems.
FIGO Statement: Antenatal care and refugees
Authors: Nassar Anwar H. , Theron Gerhard , Wright Alison ,   FIGO Safe Motherhood and Newborn Health Committee
Published: September 2020

Several factors contribute to the suboptimal care that pregnant refugees receive in host countries. Obstetricians should empower women to receive the dignified services they deserve.
Effects of the Helping Mothers Survive Bleeding after Birth training on near miss morbidity and mortality in Uganda: A cluster‐randomized trial
Authors: Hanson Claudia , Atuhairwe Susan , Lucy Atim Joyce , Marrone Gaetano , Morris Jessica L. , Kaharuza Frank
Published: September 2020

Objective

To assess the effect of Helping Mothers Survive Bleeding after Birth training on postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) near miss and case fatality rates in Uganda.

Methods

Training was evaluated using a cluster‐randomized design between June 2016 and September 2017 in 18 typical rural districts (clusters) in Eastern and Central Uganda of which nine districts were randomly assigned to the intervention. The main outcome was PPH near miss defined using the World Health Organization’s disease and management‐based approach. Interrupted time series analysis was performed to estimate the difference in the change of outcomes.

Results

Outcomes of 58 000 and 95 455 deliveries during the 6‐month baseline and 10‐month endline periods, respectively, were included. A reduction of PPH near misses was observed in the intervention compared to the comparison districts (difference‐in‐difference of slopes 4.19, 95% CI, –7.64 to –0.74); P<0.05). There was an increase in overall reported near miss cases (difference‐in‐difference 1.24, 95% CI, 0.37–2.10; P<0.001) and an increase in PPH case fatality rate (difference‐in‐difference 2.13, 95% CI, 0.14–4.12; P<0.05).

Conclusion

This pragmatic cluster‐randomized trial conducted in typical rural districts of Uganda indicated a reduction of severe PPH cases while case fatality did not improve, suggesting that this basic training needs to be complemented by additional measures for sustained mortality reduction.

Trial registration: PACTR201604001582128.
A fuzzy and spline based dynamic histogram equalization for contrast enhancement of brain images
Authors: Saravanan S. , Karthigaivel R.
Published: September 2020

In general, medical images acquired at insufficient lighting conditions are suffering from low contrast issues which are inadequate for image analysis steps. One standard solution to improve the image contrast is to change its intensity distribution with the help of an image histogram. The histogram‐based contrast enhancement methods treat the images as regions rather than objects which would be more useful for applications like brain image enhancement. In this paper, a Fuzzy and Spline based Histogram Equalization (FSDHE) is proposed to perform contrast enhancement with medical images. The proposed FSDHE method partitions the image into connected components, and the type of components are identified with a fuzzy membership function. The dynamic histogram equalization is applied to each component individually. The equalized sub‐histograms are combined to drive the global histogram, which is inconsistent as dynamic histogram equalization treated the intensity range for each connected component differently. Hence, a spline‐based histogram smoothing is proposed here in this research work. The equalized intensity mapping is received as control points for the polynomial curve, and a smooth intensity transformation is interpolated as a spline curve. The proposed FSDHE model is analyzed with MRI‐brain image dataset of 3064 images, which consists of both benign and malignant cases. The contrast enhancement performance of the proposed FSDHE method is quantified by various measures like Absolute Mean Brightness Error (AMBE), Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR), Contrast (C), Weber Contrast (WC), Entropy, Hausdorff Distance (HD) and Texture Preservation (TP) measures. The performance of the FSDHE method is compared against with other histogram equalization methods, and the results indicate that the FSDHE method achieves better quality measures of 3.1401, 30.5499, 21.5486, 0.7779, 4.0252, 0.2777, and 0.7836 for the seven‐performance metrics.
Study of the geostatistical grid maths operation method of quantifying water movement in soil layers of a cotton field*
Authors: Liu Liyuan , Xing Fangfang , Li Yabing , Han Yingchun , Wang Zhanbiao , Zhi Xiaoyu , Wang Guoping , Feng Lu , Yang Beifang , Lei Yaping , Fan Zhengyi , Du Wenli
Published: September 2020

The precise quantification of water movement in different field soil layers is important for variable‐rate irrigation and fertilization. To this end, a field experiment based on a geostatistical approach was conducted in southern Anyang, Henan, China, to examine soil water movement in a cotton field with drip irrigation by measuring the soil water content (SWC) data on a regular 100 × 80 cm grid. The result shows that the temporal and spatial variation of soil moisture decreased with the increase of soil depth at different points, and apparent spatial heterogeneity was observed under different soil conditions through a semivariogram analysis. The variation of soil moisture at different soil profiles was affected by the cotton plants and drip lines in non‐irrigation and irrigation periods respectively. The level of the change at 20 cm was more than 70 cm in the horizontal direction in the two periods, however the degree of change at 40 cm in the irrigation period was more than 70 cm in the vertical direction, while contrary results were shown in the non‐irrigation period. Moreover, the results indicated that the trapezoidal rule could be applied to quantify the volume of water movement precisely.
Expression level and diagnostic value of exosomal NEAT1/miR‐204/MMP‐9 in acute ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Chen Zhenzhen , Yan Youyou , Wu Junduo , Qi Chao , Liu Jia , Wang Junnan
Published: September 2020

Acute myocardium infarction (AMI) is one of the main causes of cardiovascular death, and timely intervention and diagnosis are essential. Owing to the irreversible apoptosis and death of myocardial cells, which ultimately causes heart failure, the problem of myocardial repair after myocardial infarction needs to be urgently addressed. Exosomes can act as messengers between cells, delivering large amounts of proteins, RNA, and lipids to receptor cells, and regulating target cell functions. Studies have shown that exosomes can repair infarcted myocardium. We aimed to investigate the relationship between long non‐coding RNA NEAT1 in serum exosomes of patients and AMI and its underlying mechanism. Subjects were divided into control, UA, and STEMI groups. RNA was extracted from the serum exosomes, and the expressions of lncRNA NEAT1 and miR‐204 were detected by qRT‐PCR. MMP‐9 was detected by western blot, Spearman test was used to analyze the correlation among the three. Logistic regression and Receiver‐operating characteristic curve (ROC) were used to evaluate the prediction of acute myocardial infarction. The expressions of NEAT1 and MMP‐9 in serum exosomes of patients with acute ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction were up‐regulated and positively correlated, miR‐204 expression was down‐regulated, there were no correlations between miR‐204 with NEAT1, or MMP‐9. Exosomal NEAT1, miR‐204, and MMP‐9 displayed potent biomarkers for diagnosis of acute ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction.
Dissolving microneedles containing aminolevulinic acid improves protoporphyrin IX distribution
Authors: Requena Michelle Barreto , Permana Andi Dian , Vollet‐Filho Jose Dirceu , González‐Vázquez Patricia , Garcia Marlon Rodrigues , De Faria Clara Maria Gonçalves , Pratavieira Sebastião , Donnelly Ryan F. , Bagnato Vanderlei Salvador
Published: September 2020

One important limitation of topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) is the limited tissue penetration of precursors. Microneedles (MNs) are minimally invasive devices used to promote intradermal drug delivery. Dissolving MNs contain drug‐associated to polymer blends, dissolving after insertion into skin, allowing drug release. This study comprises development and characterization of a pyramidal model of dissolving MNs (500 μm) prepared with 5% wt/wt aminolevulinic acid and 20% wt/wt Gantrez AN‐139 in aqueous blend. Protoporphyrin IX formation and distribution were evaluated in tumor mice model by using fluorescence widefield imaging, spectroscopy, and confocal microscopy. MNs demonstrated excellent mechanical resistance penetrating about 250 μm with minor size alteration in vitro, and fluorescence intensity was 5‐times higher at 0.5 mm on average compared to cream in vivo (being 10 ± 5 a.u. for MNs and 2.4 ± 0.8 a.u. for cream). Dissolving MNs have overcome topical cream application, being extremely promising especially for thicker skin lesions treatment using PDT.
Development of a polarization imaging method to detect paraffin‐embedded pathology tissues before applying other techniques
Authors: Sijilmassi Ouafa , López‐Alonso José Manuel , Del Río Sevilla Aurora , del Carmen Barrio Asensio María
Published: September 2020

The present article describes the development of a technique, applied to paraffin‐embedded tissues, which uses three different wavelengths of monochromatic light (λ1 = 445 nm, λ2 = 540 nm and λ3 = 660 nm) for the measures of the degree of polarization, degree of linear polarization, degree of circular polarization and birefringence, all obtained from measurements of Stokes parameters by using polarized light. The goal of this study was to detect changes in developing embryonic mouse eye when pregnant mice fed diets without folic acid for variable periods compared with a healthy control group. We present a biomedical diagnostic technique based on polarized light detection applied to paraffin‐embedded tissues to visualize the structural damage to aid us in the diagnosis before applying other techniques. Through this method, we can visualize and identify which parts of the tissue were altered with respect to the control group.
Dexamethasone‐loaded β‐cyclodextrin for osteogenic induction of mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells and bone regeneration
Authors: Li Xing , Xu Lu , Nie Hemin , Lei Lei
Published: September 2020

Dexamethasone (DEX) is a glucocorticoid commonly used as an in vitro osteogenic inducer of mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells (abbreviated MSCs). However, several studies investigating the effects of glucocorticoids on bone regeneration through systemic injections have demonstrated negative impacts of the drugs at high concentration on the healing of hard tissues. These contrasting evidences suggest that application of glucocorticoids should be limited to low dosages but at the same time a long enough treatment period is preferred, which prompted us to evaluate the effects of different local release systems of DEX on MSC differentiation and bone repair. Two types of DEX‐loaded β‐cyclodextrin (CD) complexes, including CD/DEX and CD/AD‐DEX, were fabricated via host‐guest interactions and characterized by FTIR, 1H‐NMR, MS‐ESI, and UV–vis. The results demonstrated that these CD‐based assemblies released DEX in differentiated profiles, with CD/DEX releasing significantly faster than CD/AD‐DEX. Although CD/DEX were slightly more powerful than CD/AD‐DEX in inducing rat bone marrow MSCs (rBMSCs) into osteogenic lineage in vitro, CD/AD‐DEX was advantageous over CD/DEX in accelerating bone regeneration over a time period of 4 weeks in a rat tibia defect model. The results suggest that DEX‐loaded assemblies via host‐guest interactions are flexible in modulating DEX release patterns and have great potential in bone tissue engineering.
A review of silver nanoparticles in food packaging technologies: Regulation, methods, properties, migration, and future challenges
Authors: Istiqola Arsi , Syafiuddin Achmad
Published: September 2020

The development of antimicrobial food packaging is needed for food preservation and quality maintenance. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been widely used as an antimicrobial agent in food packaging technologies. However, the risks associated with their potential migration into foods are a major concern. This paper comprehensively reviews the use of AgNPs in food packaging technologies. The application of AgNPs in food packaging technologies has been regulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and the European Food Safety Authority. The addition of AgNPs into food packaging can improve their barrier, mechanical, and antibacterial properties, as well as maintain the quality of foods. Migration of AgNPs from food packaging into foods is still a concern as it has implications for human health associated with their toxicity properties. A study on the toxicological properties of AgNPs released from food packaging needs to be carried out intensively to ensure their safety before being widely implemented. Moreover, comprehensive economic evaluation to implement AgNPs in food packaging is needed as such a study is missing in the literature.
Sense of community in poverty contexts in Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico: A transcultural study
Authors: Moura James F. , Rodríguez Nelly A. , Castillo León María Teresita D. N. J. , Marín Teresita C. Campo , Ximenes Verônica M. , Cidade Elivia C. , Nepomuceno Bárbara B. , Arboleda Yinet
Published: September 2020

The aim of this article is to analyze the sense of community of three communities in conditions of poverty in Brazil, Colombia and Mexico. The general sample was composed of 533 people: 124 from Bogotá (Colombia), 200 from Mérida (Mexico), and 209 from Porto Alegre (Brazil). The scale applied was the Sense of Community Index, performing variance analysis, and multivariate analysis of variance. The results conclude that there are significant differences between the general averages of the Sense of Community Index between the countries, observing the largest differences between the samples of Brazil and Mexico. The interaction between the factors has significant differences, particularly in the factors of influence and emotional connection in account of specific cultural aspects in each country and community. The sense of community derives from the encounter of transcultural and contextual aspects linked to poverty.
Combined treatment with silver graphene quantum dot, radiation, and 17‐AAG induces anticancer effects in breast cancer cells
Authors: Esgandari Kosar , Mohammadian Mahshid , Zohdiaghdam Reza , Rastin Sepideh Jafarzadeh , Alidadi Saba , Behrouzkia Zhaleh
Published: September 2020

We aimed to investigate the possible anticancer effects of radiation in combination with 17‐allylamino‐17‐demethoxy geldanamycin (17‐AAG) and silver graphene quantum dot (SQD) in breast cancer (BC) cells. MCF‐7 BC cells treated with, or without, different concentrations of 17‐AAG and synthesized SQD and cellular viability detected. The growth inhibitory effects of low concentrations of 17‐AAG with minimally toxic concentration of SQD in combination with 2 Gy of X‐ray radiation were examined. The apoptosis induction assessed by acridine orange/ethedium bromide staining. Likewise, the levels of lactate, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), nitric oxide (NO) were evaluated. The relative gene expression levels of Bax and Bcl‐2 were detected by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and the Bax/Bcl‐2 expression ratio was determined. Moreover, the protein expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was assessed by western blot analysis. Treatment with low concentrations of 17‐AAG and SQD at a minimally toxic concentration promoted inhibition of BC cell growth and induced apoptosis. In addition, significant reduction in cell viability was seen in triple combination versus all double and single treatments. Indeed 17‐AAG and SQD in combined with radiation significantly increased the H2O2 and NO versus single and double treated cases. In addition, triple combination treatment showed decreased lactate level in compared tomonotherapies. EGFR protein expression levels were found to decreased in all double and triple combined cases versus single treatments. Additionally, in double and triple treatments, Bax/Bcl2 ratio were higher in compared to single treatments. Treatment with low concentrations of 17‐AAG and SQD at a minimally toxic concentration tends to induce anticancer effects and increase the radiation effects when applied with 2 Gy of radiation versus radiation monotherapy.
Effect of microwave‐assisted alkali pre‐treatment on fractionation of pistachio shell and enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose‐rich residues
Authors: Özbek Hatice N , Koçak Yanık Derya , Fadıloğlu Sibel , Göğüş Fahrettin
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

Pistachio shell is a lignocellulosic biomass with a high potential to be converted into chemicals, biopolymers, and biofuels. Alkaline pre‐treatment is an effective way to extract hemicellulose and increase the cellulose hydrolysis. However, there are some disadvantages to this process, such as a long processing time and the formation of high amounts of degradation products. Microwave irradiation can be used to enhance the effectiveness of alkaline treatment. In this study, microwave‐assisted alkali pre‐treatment (MAAP) was carried to fractionate pistachio shell into its valuable components (i.e., hemicellulose and cellulose), and the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose‐rich residues was performed to produce fermentable sugars.

RESULTS

The MAAP conditions (microwave power, NaOH concentration, and pre‐treatment time) were studied and optimized by Box–Behnken design to obtain the highest hemicellulose and cellulose yields. Optimal pre‐treatment conditions were microwave power of 224 W, NaOH concentration of 1.96 N, and pre‐treatment time of 2.63 min. Under these conditions, the recoveries were 58.35% and 92.46% for hemicellulose and cellulose, respectively. Additionally, compositional analysis carried out on the solid and liquid fractions obtained from the pre‐treatments indicated that the main components in the liquid phases were xylooligosaccharides (XOS) and the solid phases were enriched in cellulose. MAAP enhanced the enzymatic hydrolysis yield, and a maximum glucan to glucose conversion yield of 82.67 mol% was obtained for the solid pre‐treated under optimum conditions.

CONCLUSION

The studied MAAP process could be an effective and viable option to extract hemicellulose from pistachio shell and increase the enzymatic digestibility of cellulose‐rich solid residues. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
Metal–organic frameworks derived magnetic Fe3O4/C for catalytic transfer hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol
Authors: Jiang Shanshan , Huang Jin , Wang Yue , Lu Shiyu , Li Pei , Li Cuiqin , Li Feng
Published: September 2020

Abstact

BACKGROUND

Fe based metal organic frameworks (Fe‐MOFs) were prepared by solvothermal method, and carbon loaded Fe3O4 (Fe3O4/C) was prepared by pyrolytic carbonization and carbothermal reduction.

RESULTS

Various analytical techniques were used to characterize the physicochemical structure of Fe‐MOFs and Fe3O4/C under different solvothermal and calcination conditions. Fe3O4/C was then employed as a catalyst for the catalytic transfer hydrogenation of furfural with alcohol as a hydrogen donor, and the effect of hydrogen donor species, reaction temperature, and reaction time were investigated.

CONCLUSION

The Fe3O4/C catalyst could be easily collected with a magnet and reused for four runs without significant loss of its catalytic. A possible mechanism for the catalytic transfer hydrogenation of furfural over Fe3O4/C was proposed. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
Peri‐implant disease education and diagnosis in the pre‐doctoral curriculum
Authors: Shaltoni Samer , Ashrafi Seema , Narvekar Aniruddh , Viana Maria Grace , Nares Salvador
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess how pre‐doctoral periodontal programs in the United States of America are educating their dental students regarding the management of peri‐implant diseases and secondarily, to determine if a current standard of teaching exists.

Methods and Materials

Electronic surveys were distributed to pre‐doctoral program directors across 57 dental schools in the United States via a secure online survey system. The survey consisted of 19 questions pertaining to curriculum structure involving didactic and clinical management of peri‐implant diseases.

Results

A total of 25 program directors (44%) responded, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results indicated a lack of standardization of pre‐doctoral didactic and clinical curriculum among dental schools.

Conclusions

Data pooled from 25 pre‐doctoral periodontal programs in the United States show that there is currently no standardization in the dental school curriculum related to the didactic and clinical management of peri‐implant diseases. The development of standardized content is recommended to assist program directors in assessing and enhancing educational experiences for dental students on the management of peri‐implant diseases.
Implementing innovative service delivery models in genetic counseling: a qualitative analysis of facilitators and barriers
Authors: Khan Ambreen , Cohen Stephanie , Weir Charlene , Greenberg Samantha
Published: September 2020

Given the increasing demand for genetic counseling, implementation of innovative service delivery models (SDMs) has been proposed to improve access and increase the efficiency of genetic counseling services. This study investigated the key considerations in genetic counseling practices that impact the decision to implement innovative SDMs, as well as barriers and facilitators to implementation. A cross‐sectional, qualitative research design was employed, using focus groups. Genetic counselors (GCs) were recruited from respondents to an online survey about SDMs and by posting an invitation to the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) listserv. A total of 30 participants participated in either in‐person (n = 3) or online (n = 5) focus groups, facilitated by members of the Service Delivery Model subcommittee of the NSGC Access and Service Delivery Committee. Transcribed audio and written notes from the focus groups were coded, utilizing an inductive thematic analysis method. Five overarching themes that impact decisions to implement and use innovative SDMs were identified: (a) Patient volume and efficiency are key motivators in trying innovative SDMs; (b) the decision to change is facilitated by available resources; (c) the implementation of innovative SDMs is multidimensional and complex process; (d) there is concern about the impact on patient–provider relationships with the utilization of innovative SDMs; and (e) measuring outcomes of innovative SDM facilitates acquisition of additional resources and support. Approaches to innovative SDM selection and implementation vary by institution needs, resources, and population as demonstrated by the variety of approaches to similar barriers. Outcomes related to the implementation of innovative SDMs in genetic counseling practice should be measured to demonstrate the value of innovative genetic counseling SDMs, improvement of access to care, and to justify need for additional resources to support implementation of these models.
Geographical analysis of the distribution of certified genetic counselors in the United States
Authors: Triebold Malia , Skov Karina , Erickson Lindsay , Olimb Sarah , Puumala Susan , Wallace Ian , Stein Quinn
Published: September 2020

The number of certified genetic counselors (CGCs) in the genetic counseling workforce has increased over the past few decades as the number of training programs increases and CGCs expand into new patient‐facing and non‐patient‐facing roles. Few studies have explored the distribution of CGCs across the United States. We sought to identify the U.S. geographical regions with the highest number of CGCs and those regions where the physical presence of CGCs is sparser. Deidentified city, state, and ZIP code information for each CGC in the United States were obtained from the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) database. A countrywide analysis of the distribution of CGCs was completed using geographic information system (GIS) mapping software. The data were organized into U.S. metropolitan or micropolitan statistical areas, if applicable, and analyzed by CGC per capita. We included a total of 4,554 data points (92.2%) in the analysis. Results showed there is one CGC for every 71,842 people nationwide. Of 3,141 total counties (or county equivalents) in the United States, 535 counties had at least one CGC (17.0%). The majority (98.7%) of CGCs live or work within metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs), which are defined by this study as geographical areas with greater than 50,000 people. Of the MSAs with a CGC, approximately half have more than one CGC per 100,000 people. These results are consistent with the overall distribution of the U.S. population. We believe that the MSAs with the most CGCs per capita are due to associations with specific institutions, that is, genetic counseling training programs, health system headquarters, or genetic laboratories. Although the present study cannot draw definite conclusions regarding direct patient care services provided by CGCs, it does provide a snapshot of current CGC distribution within the country. Knowing the distribution of CGCs provides a tool to conduct further workforce analyses to determine the number of CGCs needed to serve the U.S. population.
LINC00689 induces gastric cancer progression via modulating the miR‐338‐3p/HOXA3 axis
Authors: Lu Hui , Zhang Qian , Sun Yaqiong , Wu Dedong , Liu Liying
Published: September 2020

Background

LINC00689 acts one critical regulatory role in several tumors. However, the functional, regulatory mechanism and expression of LINC00689 remains unknown in gastric cancer.

Methods

LINC00689 and miR‐338‐3p levels were determined using a quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction analysis and an enzyme‐linked immunoassay and a cell‐counting kit‐8 assay were utilized to detect interleukin (IL)‐8, IL‐6 and IL‐1β expression and cell proliferation, respectively.

Results

We found that LINC00689 and HOXA3 are overexpressed and miR‐338‐3p is decreased in gastric cancer cells. Compared to control specimens, LINC00689 is overexpressed in gastric cancer specimens and the level of LINC00689 was up‐regulated in 32 cases (32/40; 80.0%) compared to control samples. LINC00689 increased cell growth, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) development and secretion of inflammatory factors in gastric cancer. Compared to control specimens, miR‐338‐3p expression was decreased in gastric cancer specimens and a Pearson's correlation assay revealed that miR‐338‐3p was negatively correlated with LINC00689 expression in gastric cancer specimens. HOXA3 was identified as one target gene of miR‐338‐3p and Ectopic expression of LINC00689 suppressed miR‐338‐3p and enhanced HOXA3 expression in HGC‐27 cells. LINC00689 enhanced cell growth, EMT development and secretion of inflammatory factors by promoting HOXA3.

Conclusions

LINC00689 may present a potential future target for gastric cancer treatment.