bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using design of experiments to understand and predict polymer microcapsule core‐shell architecture
Authors: Lock Andrew T. , Seekell Raymond P. , Vutha Ashwin , Kheir John N. , Polizzotti Brian D.
Published: October 2020

Microbubbles (MBs) have tremendous application in a number of fields and strategies to impart them with tunable properties are of great interest to the scientific community. We recently reported a robust platform to produce polymeric MBs (more appropriately termed polymeric microcapsules, PMCs) with highly tunable materials properties by controlling the self‐emulsification of oil‐in‐water emulsions. In this study, we used design of experiments to develop a model to predict PMC internal architectures and mean particle diameter as a function of three key processing parameters: concentration of self‐emulsifier (0.1% < F68 < 0.25% wt/wt), homogenization speed (1500–3000 rpm), and dilution factor (15 < DF < 30). We show that the homogenization speed and F68 concentration strongly influence both PMC morphology and size, with porous shell hollow cored PMCs being favored at low speeds and high F68 concentrations and nonporous‐shelled gas‐in‐oil cored PMCs (g/o‐PMCs) being favored at faster speeds and lower F68 concentrations. Models were subsequently validated by successfully predicting the relative percent yield and mean particle diameter of g‐PMCs and g/o‐PMCs for four sets of randomly selected factor settings. We anticipate that the results shown here will serve as a roadmap for other investigators interested in evaluating the utility of g‐PMCs, g/o‐PMCs or, combinations of the two, as novel gas carriers, diagnostic imaging agents, acoustic insulators, shock absorbers, and lightweight building materials, among many others.
Stimuli‐responsive hybrid microgels for controlled drug delivery: Sorafenib as a model drug
Authors: Caputo Tania Mariastella , Aliberti Anna , Cusano Angela Maria , Ruvo Menotti , Cutolo Antonello , Cusano Andrea
Published: October 2020

Microgels (MGs) are synthetic colloidal hydrogel particles made of three dimensional polymer networks. Their chemical composition is crucial for their use as intelligent drug release systems operated by temperature control. Herein, several MGs using N‐isopropylacrylamide (Nipam)/N‐isopropylmethacrylamide (Nipmam), chitosan and acrylic/methacrylic acid have been synthesized by free radical polymerization reactions (NC MGs) and the effects of surfactants and different reaction times on size and swelling properties have been investigated. MGs have been identified and characterized by dynamic light scattering and atomic force microscopy, and finally used to optimize the encapsulation protocol of the hydrophobic drug sorafenib. The drug delivery system here described has encapsulation efficiency of 40% and releases 10% of the entrapped drug over about 16 h after the temperature is raised above the volume phase transition temperature. Data suggest that MGs with optimized composition may act as properly instructed entities able to trap and release biomolecules following external stimuli.
Blending and foaming thermoplastic starch with poly (lactic acid) by CO2‐aided hot melt extrusion
Authors: Chauvet Margot , Sauceau Martial , Baillon Fabien , Fages Jacques
Published: October 2020

Biomaterials are materials that can be biodegradable or obtained from renewable resources. Among them, poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and thermoplastic starch (TPS) represent an interesting alternative to replace petro‐sourced thermoplastics. In this study, blends made by TPS addition to PLA were subjected to a foaming process using supercritical CO2‐aided extrusion. Extruder die temperature and CO2 content were the most prominent parameters explaining the structure of the foams obtained. Both parameters were intimately linked since the CO2 flow depends on the melt temperature, the lower the temperature, the higher the CO2 solubility. Therefore, the die temperature was chosen to pilot the process. Whatever the experimental conditions, a 50/50 (in wt%) blend was poorly foamed due to the strong incompatibility between both biopolymers. However, the blend made of 80 wt% PLA and 20 wt% TPS gave evenly foamed samples. In terms of expansion and type of porosity this blend behaved like pure PLA with high porosity, up to 96%, and the presence of a threshold die temperature separating a close cell porosity at lowest temperatures and an open cell structure above the threshold. This temperature threshold was however significantly lower to that obtained with pure PLA.
Structure and properties of bio‐based polyurethane coatings for controlled‐release fertilizer
Authors: Liao Yun , Cao Bing , Liu Li , Wu Xiandong , Guo Sheng , Mi Changhui , Li Kaiwen , Wang Meng
Published: October 2020

Two kinds of bio‐based polyurethane coatings for controlled‐release urea were prepared by in‐situ polymerization used castor oil and liquefied starch as raw materials, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the section morphology of castor oil based polyurethane (Castor‐PU) coating was uniform and dense, and that of liquefied starch based polyurethane (Starch‐PU) coating had certain proportion of microporous. Infrared spectroscopy (IR) showed that the two coatings had typical urethane characteristic structure, but the difference was that the Starch‐PU had obvious unreacted isocyanate structure. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed that the glass transition temperature of the two coatings was around 58°C, but the Castor‐PU had a crystallization domain with obvious crystallization melting peak at 130°C. Thermogravimetric analysis (TG) showed that the thermal stability of Castor‐PU was significantly higher than that of Starch‐PU. The controlled‐release property test showed that when the coating ratio was 2.8%, the nutrient release longevity of urea coated with Castor‐PU was 49 days and that of urea coated with Starch‐PU was 14 days. The reasons for the poor controlled‐release performance of Starch‐PU were analyzed, which probably caused by concentrated sulfuric acid and hydrophilic dispersant added in the liquefied starch.
Developmental morphology of the cervical vertebrae and the emergence of sexual dimorphism in size and shape: A computed tomography study
Authors: Miller Courtney A. , Hwang Seong Jae , Cotter Meghan M. , Vorperian Houri K.
Published: October 2020

Cervical vertebral bodies undergo substantial morphological development during the first two decades of life that are used clinically to visually determine skeletal maturation with the cervical vertebral maturation index (CVMI). CVMI defines six stages that capture the morphological transformations from 6 years to 18 years. However, CVMI has poor reproducibility given its qualitative nature and does not account for sexual dimorphism. This study aims to quantify the morphological development of the cervical vertebral bodies C2–C7 in size (height and depth) and shape and examine the emergence of sexual dimorphism. Using 115 (70 M;45F) computed tomography studies from typically developing individuals ages 6 months to 20 years, landmarks were placed at the margins of the C2–C7 cervical vertebral bodies in the midsagittal plane for size and shape analysis. Findings revealed a dichotomy in the growth trends of height versus depth. The C2–C7 growth in depth gained the majority of the adult size by age 5 years, while the C3–C7 growth in height displayed two periods of accelerated growth during early childhood and puberty. Significant sex differences were found in height and depth growth trends and the form‐space ontogenetic trajectories during puberty, with minor but evident differences emerging at age 3 years. Female C2–C7 depth measures were smaller than males at all ages. However, sex differences in height became evident due to males continuing to grow after females reach maturity. Findings quantify the morphological developmental stages of CVMI and emphasize the need to account for sex differences when assessing skeletal maturation.
Risk Prediction Modeling Based on a Combination of Initial Serum Biomarker Levels in Polymyositis/Dermatomyositis–Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Authors: Gono Takahisa , Masui Kenichi , Nishina Naoshi , Kawaguchi Yasushi , Kawakami Atsushi , Ikeda Kei , Kirino Yohei , Sugiyama Yumiko , Tanino Yoshinori , Nunokawa Takahiro , Kaneko Yuko , Sato Shinji , Asakawa Katsuaki , Ukichi Taro , Kaieda Shinjiro , Naniwa Taio , Okano Yutaka , Kuwana Masataka ,   and the Multicenter Retrospective Cohort of Japanese Patients with Myositis‐Associated ILD (JAMI) Investigators
Published: October 2020

Objective

To establish predictive models for mortality in patients with polymyositis/dermatomyositis–associated interstitial lung disease (PM/DM‐ILD) using a combination of initial serum biomarker levels.

Methods

The Multicenter Retrospective Cohort of Japanese Patients with Myositis‐Associated ILD (JAMI) database of 497 incident cases of PM/DM‐ILD was used as a derivation cohort, and 111 cases were additionally collected as a validation cohort. Risk factors predictive of all‐cause mortality were identified by univariate and multivariable Cox regression analyses using candidate serum biomarkers as explanatory variables. The predictive models for mortality were generated in patients with and those without anti–melanoma differentiation–associated gene 5 (MDA‐5) antibody, using a combination of risk factors. Cumulative survival rates were assessed using Kaplan‐Meier analysis, and were compared between subgroups using the Breslow test.

Results

In the derivation cohort, C‐reactive protein (CRP) and Krebs von den Lungen 6 (KL‐6) levels were identified as independent risk factors for mortality in both anti–MDA‐5–positive and anti–MDA‐5–negative patients. We then developed a prediction model based on anti–MDA‐5 antibody status, CRP level, and KL‐6 level, termed the “MCK model,” to identify patients at low (<15%), moderate (15–50%), or high (≥50%) risk of mortality, based on the number of risk factors. The MCK model successfully differentiated cumulative survival rates in anti–MDA‐5–positive patients (P < 0.01 for low versus moderate risk and P = 0.03 for moderate versus high risk) and in anti–MDA‐5–negative patients (P < 0.001 for low versus moderate risk). The utility of the MCK model was replicated in the validation cohort.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that an evidence‐based risk prediction model using CRP and KL‐6 levels combined with anti–MDA‐5 antibody status might be useful for predicting prognosis in patients with PM/DM‐ILD.
Nitration of Porphyrin Systems: A Toolbox of Synthetic Methods
Authors: Mikus Agnieszka , Łopuszyńska Beata
Published: October 2020

This review addresses nitration reactions of porphyrin derivatives. Simple porphyrins modifications afford valuable intermediates in this area of chemistry. They are useful materials for further transformations, as the NO2 group introduced into parent porphyrin system increases its electrophilic character, thus allowing a broad spectrum of subsequent reactions, e. g. reduction of NO2 to NH2, subsequent diazotisation, nucleophilic substitution of hydrogen (in ortho‐position to NO2), a variety of cyclizations, etc. Such reactions are often utilized in the first steps of the designed syntheses, leading to attractive and useful target porphyrin molecules. This approach (via nitro‐derivatives) allows synthesizing numerous porphyrin‐like compounds of a high degree of complexity, and has thus become one of the methods choice. The substitution by NO2 group can take place at all positions of the porphyrin systems: four meso‐positions (5, 10, 15, 20) and eight positions β (2, 3, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18). The third possibility includes the nitration in meso‐aryl rings attached to positions 5, 10, 15, and 20. The latter derivatives (meso‐aryl substituted ones) are a large, well‐known group of synthetic porphyrins. The nitration reactions described herein follow three various mechanisms: (a) radical, (b) via π‐cation radicals and π‐dications, and (c) electrophilic. All the above cases are discussed in detail. According to our knowledge, this is the first such systematic account concerning these reactions.
Lisdexamfetamine and amphetamine pharmacokinetics in oral fluid, plasma, and urine after controlled oral administration of lisdexamfetamine
Authors: Comiran Eloisa , Carlos Graciela , Barreto Fabiano , Pechanksy Flavio , Fröehlich Pedro E. , Limberger Renata P.
Published: October 2020

Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is a long‐acting prodrug stimulant indicated for the treatment of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and binge‐eating disorder (BED) symptoms. In vivo hydrolysis of the LDX amide bond releases the therapeutically active d‐amphetamine (d‐AMPH). This study aims to describe the pharmacokinetics of LDX and its major metabolite d‐AMPH in human oral fluid, urine and plasma after a single 70 mg oral dose of LDX dimesylate. Six volunteers participated in the study. Oral fluid and blood samples were collected for up to 72 h and urine for up to 120 h post‐drug administration for the pharmacokinetic evaluation of intact LDX and d‐AMPH. Samples were analyzed by LC‐MS/MS. Regarding noncompartmental analysis, d‐AMPH reached the maximum concentration at 3.8 and 4 h post‐administration in plasma and oral fluid, respectively, with a mean peak concentration value almost six‐fold higher in oral fluid. LDX reached maximum concentration at 1.2 and 1.8 h post‐administration in plasma and oral fluid, respectively, with a mean peak concentration value almost three‐fold higher in plasma. Intact LDX and d‐AMPH were detected in the three matrices. The best fit of compartmental analysis was found in the one‐compartment model for both analytes in plasma and oral fluid. There was a correlation between oral fluid and plasma d‐AMPH concentrations and between parent to metabolite concentration ratios over time in plasma as well as in oral fluid.
Influence of ultraviolet and gamma ray irradiation on luminescent bacteria and exploring their efficacy as biosensors
Authors: Wanjari Rashmi A , Shanware Arti S , Dhoble Sanjay J.
Published: October 2020

Toxicity monitoring of harmful radiation is an indispensable issue in modern radioecology. As bioluminescent bacteria have the simplest structure to epitomize the biosphere, their bioluminescence can also act as an indicator of the conditions, therefore assay systems based on luminous bacteria can be used to monitor environmental radiotoxicity. The present investigation explored the measurement of bacterial luminescence, which can be easily computed. Bioluminescent bacterial strains were used to evaluate the effect of ultraviolet (UV) and gamma irradiation. A random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) assay was carried out to observe alterations under exposure. Using a phylogenetic tree, a comparative study of the effect of UV and gamma rays was carried out. The isolated strains showed marked sensitivity towards radiation exposure present in the environment and therefore they could be used as potential biosensing elements for developing an on‐site pollution monitoring biosensor.
A UPLC–MS/MS method for determination of endogenous l‐carnitine and acetyl‐l‐carnitine in serum of patients with depression
Authors: Nie Li‐Juan , Liang Jun , Shan Feng , Xu Ya‐Yun , Yan Chun‐Yu , Zhou Xuan , Cheng Zhuo‐Yu , Xia Qing‐Rong
Published: October 2020

A simple, rapid, and selective ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method for determination of l‐carnitine (LC) and acetyl‐l‐carnitine (ALC) in human serum was developed. Acetyl‐l‐carnitine‐d3 (ALC‐d3) was selected as internal standard (IS). After protein precipitation with acetonitrile–water (1 mL, 2:1, v/v), the analytes and IS were separated on a 2.5‐μm XSelect HSS T3 C18 column by gradient elution with methanol–water (containing 0.01% ammonia water) as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min. Analytes were detected with multiple reaction monitoring using a positive scan mode with electrospray ionization. Good linearity (R2 > 0.999) was observed in the concentration range for LC and ALC. The inter‐ and intra‐day values of relative error were −10.4% to 10.0% with CVs less than 9.84%. The average recoveries of the two analytes were 91.29%–98.23%. Blood samples containing LC and ALC were stable under various storage conditions. Normal, haemolytic, and hyperlipidaemic serum had no significant effect on the quantification of LC and ALC. This method was successfully applied to study the concentrations of endogenous LC and ALC in the serum of patients with first‐episode depression.
Simultaneous determination of six antibiotics in human serum by high‐performance liquid chromatography with UV detection
Authors: Roth Thomas , Weber Lea , Niestroj Marion , Cipa Franziska , Löscher Astrid , Mihai Sidonia , Parsch Hans
Published: October 2020

Antibiotics are widely used in intensive care patients to treat severe infections. To avoid bacterial resistance or toxic side effects, the determination of serum concentration of ABs is advisable. Therefore, in this study, we developed and validated a simple and fast high‐performance liquid chromatography method with UV detection for the simultaneous determination of four β‐lactam ABs (meropenem, imipenem, ceftazidime, and piperacillin) and two coadministered substances (cilastatin and tazobactam) in human serum. Sample preparation required a simple protein precipitation by methanol. The separation of the ABs occurred within a timeframe of 17 min. For this purpose, we used a Kinetex F5 column with a linear gradient of acetonitrile and phosphate buffer (pH 6.9). The UV detector recorded two separate chromatograms at 220 and 295 nm simultaneously. Validation has demonstrated that the method is linear, accurate, and precise within the clinically relevant range for each substance.
Eating behaviors, depression, and anxiety levels of pre bariatric surgery patients with obesity comorbid with or without Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Şahan Ebru , Zengin Eroğlu Meliha , Sertçelik Sencan
Published: October 2020

Objective

A high rate of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been reported in patients undergoing obesity treatment. It is controversial whether ADHD solely or its comorbid disorders account for eating behaviors associated with obesity.

Methods

After presurgery psychiatric assessment, 100 severely obese patients (50 with ADHD and 50 without ADHD) were administered Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Self‐Report Scale(ASRS), Wender Utah Rating Scale(WURS), Three‐Factor Eating Questionnaire(TFEQ), and Beck Depression Inventory(BDI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory(BAI).

Results

Patients with obesity and ADHD had significantly greater emotional eating, susceptibility to hunger, depression, and anxiety but less restraint of eating scores than those without ADHD. Disinhibition of eating scores and presence of Binge Eating Disorder(BED) did not differ significantly between ADHD and non‐ADHD groups. Obese patients with major depression had significantly higher ASRS, WURS, TFEQ, BAI scores, disinhibition of eating control, emotional eating, susceptibility to hunger, and diagnosis of BED than nondepressed ones.

Conclusions

Major depression and anxiety disorder have associations with disinhibition of eating control, emotional eating, susceptibility to hunger and BED, ADHD. Disinhibition of eating and BED did not differ according to the presence of ADHD; thus, depression was associated with eating control on more constructs than ADHD in our study.
Immunoliposomes bearing lymphocyte activation gene 3 fusion protein and P5 peptide: A novel vaccine for breast cancer
Authors: Mohammadian Haftcheshmeh Saeed , Zamani Parvin , Mashreghi Mohammad , Nikpoor Amin Reza , Tavakkol‐Afshari Jalil , Jaafari Mahmoud Reza
Published: October 2020

LAG3‐Ig as an immune adjuvant has elicited potent anti‐tumor immune responses in several preclinical and clinical studies, but the full potential immunostimulatory of LAG3‐Ig has yet to be achieved. We hypothesized that by anchoring LAG3‐Ig to the surface of liposomes, the adjuvant activity of LAG3‐Ig could be improved. We also investigated the immunotherapy by co‐delivery of liposome‐coupled LAG3‐Ig and P5 tumor antigen in mice model of TUBO breast cancer. We prepared and characterized novel PEGylated liposomes bearing surface conjugated LAG3‐Ig and P5. Consistent with our hypothesis, liposomes‐conjugated LAG3‐Ig via multivalent binding to MHC class II molecules exerted immunostimulatory of LAG3‐Ig and markedly induced maturation of dendritic cells more efficiently than free LAG3‐Ig. LAG3‐Ig‐P5‐immunoliposomes effectively elicited protective anti‐tumor responses more than locally injected soluble LAG3‐Ig + P5. The higher percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the spleen and more rapid and pronounced infiltration of these effector cells into the site of the tumor were seen following immunoliposome therapy. Finally, anti‐tumor immunity induced by LAG3‐Ig‐P5‐immunoliposomes translated into the more tumor regression and prolonged survival of treated mice, compared to soluble immunotherapy. Taken together, our findings suggest that LAG3‐Ig‐P5‐immunoliposomes can be considered as a valuable candidate for developing a liposome‐based therapeutic cancer vaccine in treating HER2/ neu+ breast cancer patients.
LncRNA‐mediated posttranslational modifications and reprogramming of energy metabolism in cancer
Authors: Tan Yue‐Tao , Lin Jin‐Fei , Li Ting , Li Jia‐Jun , Xu Rui‐Hua , Ju Huai‐Qiang
Published: October 2020

Altered metabolism is a hallmark of cancer, and the reprogramming of energy metabolism has historically been considered a general phenomenon of tumors. It is well recognized that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate energy metabolism in cancer. However, lncRNA‐mediated posttranslational modifications and metabolic reprogramming are unclear at present. In this review, we summarized the current understanding of the interactions between the alterations in cancer‐associated energy metabolism and the lncRNA‐mediated posttranslational modifications of metabolic enzymes, transcription factors, and other proteins involved in metabolic pathways. In addition, we discuss the mechanisms through which these interactions contribute to tumor initiation and progression, and the key roles and clinical significance of functional lncRNAs. We believe that an in‐depth understanding of lncRNA‐mediated cancer metabolic reprogramming can help to identify cellular vulnerabilities that can be exploited for cancer diagnosis and therapy.
Response to PD‐1 blockade in a patient with mucosal melanoma of the middle ear: Case report
Authors: Komatsuda Hiroki , Kumai Takumi , Ueda Seigo , Hirata‐Nozaki Yui , Hayashi Tatsuya , Harabuchi Yasuaki
Published: October 2020

PD‐1 blockade is a feasible approach in treating mucosal malignant melanomas of the middle ear.
Effective and fast characterization of a complex atrial flutter in patient with previous atrial surgery and ablation procedure: The importance of new ultra–high‐density mapping tools
Authors: Mascia Giuseppe , Sartori Paolo , Porto Italo
Published: October 2020

New tools of mapping systems may allow to detect residual conduction around the atriotomy and could eliminate the subjectivity of the human eye, analyzing thousands of electrograms in a matter of seconds and providing a clear and fast identification.
Vertebral osteomyelitis concurrent with emphysematous pyelonephritis and psoas abscess
Authors: Tanaka Kojiro , Yonezawa Naoki , Takei Tetsuhiro
Published: October 2020

Vertebral osteomyelitis associated with concurrent emphysematous pyelonephritis and psoas abscess is rare. Coexistence of these entities is a potentially life‐threatening condition, necessitating aggressive intervention.
Re‐expansion pulmonary edema after thoracentesis for iatrogenic pneumothorax and severe subcutaneous emphysema
Authors: Kuribara Yuki , Otaka Yukihiro , Namiki Azusa , Kawai‐Kowase Keiko , Tamura Jun’ichi , Ishiyama Nobuyoshi
Published: October 2020

Subclavian central venous catheterization can cause severe complications, including tension pneumothorax, subcutaneous emphysema, and pneumomediastinum. Re‐expansion pulmonary edema after thoracentesis is a life‐threatening complication.
Effect of Fe2+ and Fe0 Applied Photo‐Fenton Processes on Sludge Disintegration
Authors: Yildiz Sayiter , Olabi Asaad
Published: October 2020

The disintegration of waste active sludge was investigated by photo‐Fenton processes. A batch study was conducted to evaluate parameters, such as Fe2+ and Fe0 ions and H2O2, governing the activated sludge integration by the photo‐Fenton process. Under optimum conditions, the concentration of soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) with the classical Fenton process (CFP) increased very rapidly in the first five minutes due to the sufficient presence of reaction components in the medium, and then the rate of increase declined. In the modified Fenton process (FTP), the SCOD concentration increased more slowly as metallic iron powder must first be dissolved. The photo‐Fenton process proved to be a feasible and efficient process for the disintegration of waste sludge.
Effects of CO Atmosphere on the Pyrolysis of a Typical Lignite
Authors: Wang Qinhui , Li Kaikun , Guo Zhihang , Fang Mengxiang , Luo Zhongyang
Published: October 2020

To reveal the effect mechanism of CO atmosphere on coal pyrolysis, a study on raw and demineralized lignite was carried out in a horizontal tube furnace under N2 and CO/N2 atmosphere. CO had a negligible effect on the char yield at low temperatures, whereas it enhances the char yield at temperatures higher than 550 °C. The release of tar was higher in the presence of CO above 450 °C because of more free radicals, which reduced low‐temperature crosslinking, and higher selectivity of hydroxyl groups to phenols in the CO‐containing atmosphere. The yields of CO2 and H2 increased, water and CO yields decreased under CO/N2 atmosphere. Light hydrocarbon gases were not affected by changing the reaction atmosphere. The difference between product yields from raw and demineralized coal confirmed that the catalysis of inherent minerals had a great catalytic effect on the water‐gas shift reaction and Boudouard reaction.
Pnictogen‐Bonding Catalysis: An Interactive Tool to Uncover Unorthodox Mechanisms in Polyether Cascade Cyclizations
Authors: Paraja Miguel , Gini Andrea , Sakai Naomi , Matile Stefan
Published: October 2020

Pnictogen‐bonding catalysis and supramolecular σ‐hole catalysis in general is currently being introduced as the non‐covalent counterpart of covalent Lewis acid catalysis. With access to anti‐Baldwin cyclizations identified as unique characteristic, pnictogen‐bonding catalysis appeared promising to elucidate one of the hidden enigmas of brevetoxin‐type epoxide opening polyether cascade cyclizations, that is the cyclization of certain trans epoxides into cis‐fused rings. In principle, a shift from SN2‐ to SN1‐type mechanisms could suffice to rationalize this inversion of configuration. However, the same inversion could be explained by a completely different mechanism: Ring opening with C−C bond cleavage into a branched hydroxy‐5‐enal and the corresponding cyclic hemiacetal, followed by cascade cyclization under conformational control, including stereoselective C−C bond formation. In this report, a pnictogen‐bonding supramolecular SbV catalyst is used to demonstrate that this unorthodox polyether cascade cyclization mechanism occurs.
New Bio‐Based Furanic Materials Effectively Absorb Metals from Water and Exert Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Klushin Victor A. , Kashparova Vera P. , Chizhikova Anastasia A. , Andreeva Veronica E. , Chernysheva Daria V. , Ulyankina Anna A. , Kutsevalova Olga Yu. , Smirnova Nina V. , Kravchenko Oleg A. , Ananikov Valentin P.
Published: October 2020

Development of sustainable bio‐based materials for removal of toxic contaminants from water is a high priority goal. Novel bio‐based binary and ternary copolymers with enhanced ion‐exchange, adsorption and antibacterial properties were obtained by using plant biomass‐derived diallyl esters of furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) as crosslinking agents and easily available vinyl monomers. The synthesized copolymer materials showed higher sorption capacities for NiII, CoII and CuII compared to the commercial ion‐exchange resins, and they maintained their high metal adsorption capacities for over 10 cycles of regeneration. The synthesized copolymer gels containing 1–5 wt % of the crosslinker showed excellent water absorption capacities. The synthesized copolymers with 1 % crosslinker content showed swelling ratios high enough to also act as moisture absorbents. Synthesized copolymers with crosslinker content of 10 wt % performed as contact‐active antibacterials by inhibiting the growth of Gram‐positive (S. aureus) and Gram‐negative bacteria (E. coli, K. pneumonia) in suspension tests.
Dynamic Process Operation Under Demand Response – A Review of Methods and Tools
Authors: Esche Erik , Repke Jens‐Uwe
Published: October 2020

Participating in electricity markets through demand response causes new requirements for optimizing process control of chemical plants. The last ten years have brought great advances in the formulation and solution of economic nonlinear model predictive control and state estimation to support operation of processes under dynamic constraints. However, gaps remain regarding the availabilities of suitable plant models capable of describing processes active in demand response as well as of robust schemes for state estimation and economic nonlinear model predictive control in commercial tools.
Covalent Triazine Frameworks Obtained from Nitrile Monomers for Sustainable CO2 Catalysis
Authors: Luo Rongchang , Xu Wei , Chen Min , Liu Xiangying , Fang Yanxiong , Ji Hongbing
Published: October 2020

Carbon dioxide catalytic conversion (i. e., CO2 catalysis) is considered as one of the most promising technologies to control CO2 emissions, which is of great significance to build a sustainable society with green low‐carbon cycle. In view of its thermodynamic stability and kinetic inertness, CO2 selective activation is still desired. Nowadays, the traditional strategy is to selectively capture and efficiently convert atmospheric CO2 into high value‐added chemicals and fuels. Covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs) as a newly emerging and attractive kind of porous organic polymer (POP) have drawn worldwide attention among heterogeneous catalysis because of their nitrogen‐rich porous structures and exceptional physicochemical stabilities. In this Minireview, the focus was mainly placed on the structural design and synthesis of CTFs and their applications in CO2 catalysis including CO2 cycloaddition, CO2 carboxylation, CO2 hydrogenation, CO2 photoreduction, and CO2 electroreduction. By discussing the structure–property relationship, valuable guidance from a sustainable perspective may be provided for developing precisely designed CTFs with high performance and excellent industrial application prospects in sustainable CO2 catalysis.
Detection of clostebol in sports: Accidental doping?
Authors: de la Torre Xavier , Colamonici Cristiana , Iannone Michele , Jardines Daniel , Molaioni Francesco , Botrè Francesco
Published: October 2020

The detection of clostebol misuse in sports has been growing recently, especially in Italy, due to the ample availability of pharmaceutical formulations containing clostebol acetate (Trofodermin®) and the use of more sensitive instrumentation by the antidoping laboratories. Most of these cases have been claimed to be related to a nonconscious use of the drug or through contact with relatives or teammates using it. We have investigated, through the application of the well‐known and currently used gas chromatographic mass spectrometric procedures, the likelihood of these allegations and have demonstrated that after a single transdermal administration of 5 mg of clostebol acetate and a transient contact with the application area, it is possible to generate adverse analytical findings in antidoping controls. We have reviewed the Phase I and Phase II clostebol metabolism in order to generate evidences that may help the sport authorities reviewing these cases. The main clostebol metabolite (4‐chloro‐androst‐4‐en‐3α‐ol‐17‐one, M1) generally used at the screening level as well as other three metabolites (M2–M4) are mainly excreted as glucuronides, whereas M5 (4ζ‐chloro‐5ζ‐androstan‐3β‐ol‐17‐one) is predominantly excreted as sulfate. Neither the 5α‐reductases activity (impaired by the presence of the chlorine in C4) nor specific sulfotransferases present in the skin allowed a clear distinction of the administration route. Studies with a larger number of volunteers and probably investigating another physiological fluid allowed in antidoping such as blood are needed for a deeper investigation. It is not unreasonable to establish a reporting level for M1, maybe creating some false negatives but excluding nonintentional doping scenarios.
Horseradish‐peroxidase‐conjugated anti‐erythropoietin antibodies for direct recombinant human erythropoietin detection: Proof of concept
Authors: Voss Sven C. , Orie Nelson N. , El‐Saftawy Wesal , Saghbazarian Stephanie , Al‐Kaabi Alanoud , Georgakopoulos Costas , Athanasiadou Ioanna , Mohamed‐Ali Vidya , Al‐Maadheed Mohammed
Published: October 2020

Antidoping testing for recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) is routinely performed by gel electrophoresis followed by western blot analysis with primary and secondary antibodies. The two antibody steps add more than 24 h to the testing time of a purified sample. The aim of this study was to test the concept of using directly horseradish‐peroxidase (HRP)‐conjugated anti‐EPO primary antibody, without the need for a secondary antibody, to reduce the analysis time and eliminate non‐specific cross‐reactivity with secondary antibodies. An in‐house, periodate coupling (R&D systems, clone AE7A5) and three commercially available anti‐human EPO‐HRP conjugates from Genetex, Novus Biologicals and Santa Cruz were evaluated for specificity and sensitivity, using recombinant human EPO standards, negative human urine samples and urine samples from an EPO excretion study. The in‐house anti‐EPO‐HRP conjugate was performed as well as the current two‐step application of unconjugated primary and secondary antibodies used in routine analysis, with comparable specificity and sensitivity. The analysis time was markedly reduced for purified samples from 25 h with the routine method down to 7 h with the in‐house HRP conjugate. Of the three commercially available conjugates tested, only the Santa Cruz anti‐EPO‐HRP conjugate showed comparable specificity but had lower sensitivity to both the in‐house and the antibody combination currently applied routinely. The other two commercially available conjugates (Genetex and Novus Biologicals) did not show any visible bands with the EPO standards. The results clearly demonstrate the potential utility of a directly HRP‐conjugated anti‐EPO antibody to reduce analysis time for EPO in doping control.
Using satellite‐derived estimates of plant phenological rhythms to predict sage‐grouse nesting chronology
Authors: Stoner David C. , Messmer Terry A. , Larsen Randy T. , Frey Shandra Nicki , Kohl Michel T. , Thacker Eric T. , Dahlgren David K.
Published: October 2020

The “green wave” hypothesis posits that during spring consumers track spatial gradients in emergent vegetation and associated foraging opportunities. This idea has largely been invoked to explain animal migration patterns, yet the general phenomenon underlies trends in vertebrate reproductive chronology as well. We evaluated the utility of this hypothesis for predicting spatial variation in nest initiation of greater sage‐grouse (Centrocerus urophasianus), a species of conservation concern in western North America. We used the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to map the green wave across elevation and then compiled dates and locations of >450 sage‐grouse nests from 20 study sites (2000–2014) to model nest initiation as a function of the start of the growing season (SOS), defined here as the maximum daily rate of increase in NDVI. Individual sites were drawn from three ecoregions, distributed over 4.5° latitude, and spanning 2,300 m in elevation, which captured the climatic, edaphic, and floristic diversity of sagebrush ecosystems in the southern half of current sage‐grouse range. As predicted, SOS displayed a significant, positive relationship with elevation, occurring 1.3 days later for each 100 m increase in elevation. In turn, sage‐grouse nest initiation followed SOS by 22 ± 10 days (r2 = .57), with hatch dates falling on or just prior to the peak of the growing season. By timing nesting to the green wave, sage‐grouse chicks hatched when the abundance of protein‐rich invertebrate biomass is hypothesized to be nearing a seasonal high. This adaptation likely represents a strategy for maximizing reproductive success in the arid, variable environments that define sagebrush ecosystems. Given projected changes in climate and land use, these results can be used to predict periods of relative sensitivity to habitat disturbance for sage‐grouse. Moreover, the near real‐time availability of satellite imagery offers a heretofore underutilized means of mapping the green wave, planning habitat restoration, and monitoring range conditions.
Responses to land cover and grassland management vary across life‐history stages for a grassland specialist
Authors: Hardy Michael A. , Broadway Matthew S. , Pollentier Christopher D. , Radeloff Volker C. , Riddle Jason D. , Hull Scott D. , Zuckerberg Benjamin
Published: October 2020

Grassland birds have exhibited dramatic and widespread declines since the mid‐20th century. Greater prairie chickens (Tympanuchus cupido pinnatus) are considered an umbrella species for grassland conservation and are frequent targets of management, but their responses to land use and management can be quite variable. We used data collected during 2007–2009 and 2014–2015 to investigate effects of land use and grassland management practices on habitat selection and survival rates of greater prairie chickens in central Wisconsin, USA. We examined habitat, nest‐site, and brood‐rearing site selection by hens and modeled effects of land cover and management on survival rates of hens, nests, and broods. Prairie chickens consistently selected grassland over other cover types, but selection or avoidance of management practices varied among life‐history stages. Hen, nest, and brood survival rates were influenced by different land cover types and management practices. At the landscape scale, hens selected areas where brush and trees had been removed during the previous year, which increased hen survival. Hens selected nest sites in hay fields and brood‐rearing sites in burned areas, but prescribed fire had a negative influence on hen survival. Brood survival rates were positively associated with grazing and were highest when home ranges contained ≈15%–20% shrub/tree cover. The effects of landscape composition on nest survival were ambiguous. Collectively, our results highlight the importance of evaluating responses to management efforts across a range of life‐history stages and suggest that a variety of management practices are likely necessary to provide structurally heterogeneous, high‐quality habitat for greater prairie chickens. Brush and tree removal, grazing, hay cultivation, and prescribed fire may be especially beneficial for prairie chickens in central Wisconsin, but trade‐offs among life‐history stages and the timing of management practices must be considered carefully.
Using in silico predicted ancestral genomes to improve the efficiency of paleogenome reconstruction
Authors: Garrett Vieira Filipe , Samaniego Castruita José Alfredo , Gilbert M. Thomas P.
Published: October 2020

Paleogenomics is the nascent discipline concerned with sequencing and analysis of genome‐scale information from historic, ancient, and even extinct samples. While once inconceivable due to the challenges of DNA damage, contamination, and the technical limitations of PCR‐based Sanger sequencing, following the dawn of the second‐generation sequencing revolution, it has rapidly become a reality. However, a significant challenge facing ancient DNA studies on extinct species is the lack of closely related reference genomes against which to map the sequencing reads from ancient samples. Although bioinformatic efforts to improve the assemblies have focused mainly in mapping algorithms, in this article we explore the potential of an alternative approach, namely using reconstructed ancestral genome as reference for mapping DNA sequences of ancient samples. Specifically, we present a preliminary proof of concept for a general framework and demonstrate how under certain evolutionary divergence thresholds, considerable mapping improvements can be easily obtained.
Ultrasound imaging of congestion in heart failure: examinations beyond the heart
Authors: Pellicori Pierpaolo , Platz Elke , Dauw Jeroen , ter Maaten Jozine M. , Martens Pieter , Pivetta Emanuele , Cleland John G.F. , McMurray John J.V. , Mullens Wilfried , Solomon Scott D. , Zannad Faiez , Gargani Luna , Girerd Nicolas
Published: October 2020

Congestion, related to pressure and/or fluid overload, plays a central role in the pathophysiology, presentation and prognosis of heart failure and is an important therapeutic target. While symptoms and physical signs of fluid overload are required to make a clinical diagnosis of heart failure, they lack both sensitivity and specificity, which might lead to diagnostic delay and uncertainty. Over the last decades, new ultrasound methods for the detection of elevated intracardiac pressures and/or fluid overload have been developed that are more sensitive and specific, thereby enabling earlier and more accurate diagnosis and facilitating treatment strategies. Accordingly, we considered that a state‐of‐the‐art review of ultrasound methods for the detection and quantification of congestion was timely, including imaging of the heart, lungs (B‐lines), kidneys (intrarenal venous flow), and venous system (inferior vena cava and internal jugular vein diameter).
Trial characteristics associated with under‐enrolment of females in randomized controlled trials of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: a systematic review
Authors: Whitelaw Sera , Sullivan Kristen , Eliya Yousif , Alruwayeh Mohammad , Thabane Lehana , Yancy Clyde W. , Mehran Roxana , Mamas Mamas A. , Van Spall Harriette G.C.
Published: October 2020

Aims

To evaluate temporal trends in the enrolment of females in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) published in high‐impact journals, and assess RCT characteristics associated with under‐enrolment.

Methods and results

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL for studies published from January 2000 to May 2019 in journals with impact factor ≥10. We included RCTs that recruited adults with HFrEF. We used a 20% threshold below the sex distribution of HFrEF to define under‐enrolment. We used multivariable logistic regression to assess trial characteristics independently associated with under‐enrolment. We included 317 RCTs. Among the 183 097 participants, mean (standard deviation) age was 63.0 (7.0) years and 25.5% were female. Females were under‐enrolled in 71.6% [95% confidence interval (CI) 66.6–76.6%] of the RCTs; enrolment did not increase significantly between 2000–2019. Sex‐related eligibility criteria [odds ratio (OR) 2.05, 95% CI 1.01–4.16; P = 0.046]; recruitment in ambulatory settings (OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.37–4.81; P = 0.003); trial coordination in North America (OR 4.44, 95% CI 1.09–18.07; P = 0.037), Europe (OR 6.79, 95% CI 1.63–27.39; P = 0.018) and Asia (OR 9.33, 95% CI 1.40–12.40; P = 0.033); drug (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.96–7.36; P < 0.001) and device/surgical interventions (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.16–9.43; P = 0.002); and men in first and last authorship position (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.12–3.54; P = 0.047) were associated with under‐enrolment of females.

Conclusions

Females were under‐enrolled relative to disease distribution in a majority of high‐impact HFrEF RCTs, with no change in temporal trends between 2000 and 2019. Trial characteristics and gender of trial leaders were associated with under‐enrolment.
Electrochemically Deposited Porous Graphene−Polypyrrole−Polyphenol Oxidase for Dopamine Biosensor
Authors: Ramu P. , Vimal S. P. , Suresh P. , Saravanakumar U. , Sethuraman V. , Anandhavelu S.
Published: October 2020

We report a method for the fabrication of glassy carbon electrode modified porous graphene‐polypyrrole‐polyphenol oxidase (GCE−PG−PPy−PPO) modified electrode for the determination dopamine. The optimization of pH, concentration and detection limit of dopamine was employed by amperomatric technique. The detection limit of dopamine was found to be in a linear range of 2×10−8 to 4.6×10−5 M and lower limit detection is 4×10−9 M. Michealis – Menten constant (Km) and the activation energy were calculated as 31.32 μM and 37.4−Kj mol−1, respectively. The developed biosensor was used to quantify the dopamine in human urine sample.
Recent advances in graphene‐based materials for fuel cell applications
Authors: Su Hanrui , Hu Yun Hang
Published: October 2020

The unique chemical and physical properties of graphene and its derivatives (graphene oxide, heteroatom‐doped graphene, and functionalized graphene) have stimulated tremendous efforts and made significant progress in fuel cell applications. This review focuses on the latest advances in the use of graphene‐based materials in electrodes, electrolytes, and bipolar plates for fuel cells. The understanding of structure‐activity relationships of metal‐free heteroatom‐doped graphene and graphene‐supported catalysts was highlighted. The performances and advantages of graphene‐based materials in membranes and bipolar plates were summarized. We also outlined the challenges and perspectives in using graphene‐based materials for fuel cell applications.
Hepatoprotective effect of crude polysaccharide isolated from Lycium barbarum L. against alcohol‐induced oxidative damage involves Nrf2 signaling
Authors: Wang Han , Li Yongsheng , Liu Jianfei , Di Duolong , Liu Yewei , Wei Jianteng
Published: October 2020

In the present work, we investigated the effect of Lycium barbarum L. polysaccharides (LBPs) on L‐02 cells exposed to alcohol exploring the potential molecular mechanisms. Our results suggested that LBPs significantly prevented alcohol‐induced hepatotoxicity with dose‐dependent effect, indicated by both cell viability and diagnostic indicators of liver damage. Moreover, alcohol induced excessive oxidative stress, as evidenced by an increase of the malondialdehyde level and reactive oxygen species production, while reducing antioxidant enzymes (T‐SOD, CAT, and GPx) in liver, were inhibited by administration of LBPs. Furthermore, LBPs reversed the cell apoptosis and increased the mitochondrial membrane potential in alcohol‐treated liver cell. Studies of underlying mechanisms revealed that LBPs increased expression levels of Nrf2 expression, which in turn blocked proapoptotic signaling events, restoring the balance between proapoptotic Bax and antiapoptotic Bcl‐2 proteins, suppressing activities of cytochrome C (Cyto c), caspase‐3, and caspase‐9 in L‐02 cells stimulation by ethanol. In general, the results showed that the inhibition of alcohol‐caused liver damage by LBPs is due at least in part to its antioxidant and antiapoptosis activity via Nrf2 signaling pathway.