bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Surgical Site Infection Rate after Caesarean Delivery in a Military Hospital in Alkharj
Authors: Ahmed Nehad , Elazab Emad , Almalki Ziyad S. , Alhajri Mohammed A.
Published: November 2020

Introduction: A cesarean section is a life-saving surgery when some complications arise during pregnancy or the process of childbirth. The development of post-caesarean delivery surgical site infections is one of the significant cause of prolonged hospitalization, greater mortality than before, increased morbidity, and increased hospital readmission

Aim: This study aims to explore the rate of caesarian section surgical site infection in the military hospital in Alkharj.

Methodology: This retrospective study includes collecting data from the infection control unit in a military hospital in Alkharj in 2019.

Results: The total number of caesarian surgeries in 2019 was 756 surgeries. The surgical site infections percentage in 2019 was 1.19%. The percentage of caesarian section surgical site infections was 0% in several moths such as in January, April, June, Sept, and December. The highest percentage was in May and July (2.5%).

Conclusion: The surgical site infections incidence in the present study was low (about 1.2 %) but because the percentage is usually underestimated and because the rate of delivery by caesarean section is increasing continuously, monitoring of women for several weeks after caesarian surgeries are necessary.
Assessment of the Antibacterial Property of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate and Glass Ionomer Cement Mixture
Authors: Labh Ankita Komal , K. Anjaneyulu , P. Muralidharan N.
Published: November 2020

Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is an experimental material used for the capping of pulps as well as a root end filling material. Glass ionomer cement (GIC) is a widely used dental restorative due to its high mechanical strength and antibacterial function. The aim of this study is to assess the antibacterial property of MTA when mixed with GIC. The study comprised four groups with 5 samples each: Group A (MTA), group B (GIC), groups C (MTA+GIC+MTA Liquid) and group D (MTA+GIC+GIC Liquid). All samples were tested against Enterococcus faecalis using Agar well diffusion method in Tryptone soya agar. The One-way ANOVA test was employed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for MacOS (Version 19, 2010) with the level of significance set at P<0.05. The average zone of inhibition of group A was 18.6 ± 1.714 mm, group B was 0.4 ± 0.548 mm, group C was 18.6 ± 2.608 mm and group D was 12.8 ± 2.168 mm. Data was statistically significant, F(3,16)=11.631, P<0.001. The antibacterial activity of MTA and MTA when mixed with GIC and MTA liquid is similar but better than other study groups.
Forest Canopy Cover Assessment and Tree Benefits in Okomu National Park, Nigeria
Authors: Pelemo O. J. , Aigbokhan O. J. , Isienyi N. C. , Ogoliegbune O. M. , Mephors J. O.
Published: November 2020

The functions and benefits of forest canopy cannot be over-emphasized. Hence, there is need for the assessment of forest canopy cover and tree benefits in Okomu National Park, Nigeria. Assessment of different land cover types, quantification of forest trees and the environmental services they provided and lastly, the monetary value of environmental services provided by the forest was estimated. The Okomu National Park shapefile was used to determine the ‘Define Project Area’ tool and Google Mapmaker to determine and cross reference boundary. An i-Tree Canopy software was used to analysis tree canopy coverage throughout Okomu National Park, Nigeria. This study derived eight (8) specific categories of tree canopy data which includes annual benefits based on canopy cover percentages. The categories include: carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), particulate matter less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5), sulfur dioxide (SO2), particulate matter greater than 2.5 microns and less than 10 microns (PM10*), carbon dioxide sequestered annually in trees (CO2seq) was 369,974.94T, while carbon dioxide stored in trees) CO2stor) (not an annual rate) was 9,291,459.06T. Carbon monoxide (CO) has the least amount in tonnes with 33.33T. The particulate matter category less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) which has less quantity had more monetary value (USD523,66835) than particulate matter greater than 2.5 microns and less than 10 microns (PM10*) with monetary value of USD183,90714.
High‐throughput proteomics of breast cancer interstitial fluid: identification of tumor subtype‐specific serologically relevant biomarkers
Authors: Terkelsen Thilde , Pernemalm Maria , Gromov Pavel , Børresen‐Dale Anna‐Lise , Krogh Anders , Haakensen Vilde D. , Lethiö Janne , Papaleo Elena , Gromova Irina
Published: November 2020

Despite significant advancements in breast cancer (BC) research, clinicians lack robust serological protein markers for accurate diagnostics and tumor stratification. Tumor interstitial fluid (TIF) accumulates aberrantly externalized proteins within the local tumor space, which can potentially gain access to the circulatory system. As such, TIF may represent a valuable starting point for identifying relevant tumor‐specific serological biomarkers. The aim of the study was to perform comprehensive proteomic profiling of TIF to identify proteins associated with BC tumor status and subtype. A liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) analysis of 35 TIFs of three main subtypes: luminal (19), Her2 (4), and triple‐negative (TNBC) (12) resulted in the identification of > 8800 proteins. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering segregated the TIF proteome into two major clusters, luminal and TNBC/Her2 subgroups. High‐grade tumors enriched with tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) were also stratified from low‐grade tumors. A consensus analysis approach, including differential abundance analysis, selection operator regression, and random forest returned a minimal set of 24 proteins associated with BC subtypes, receptor status, and TIL scoring. Among them, a panel of 10 proteins, AGR3, BCAM, CELSR1, MIEN1, NAT1, PIP4K2B, SEC23B, THTPA, TMEM51, and ULBP2, was found to stratify the tumor subtype‐specific TIFs. In particular, upregulation of BCAM and CELSR1 differentiates luminal subtypes, while upregulation of MIEN1 differentiates Her2 subtypes. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed a direct correlation between protein abundance in TIFs and intratumor expression levels for all 10 proteins. Sensitivity and specificity were estimated for this protein panel by using an independent, comprehensive breast tumor proteome dataset. The results of this analysis strongly support our data, with eight of the proteins potentially representing biomarkers for stratification of BC subtypes. Five of the most representative proteomics databases currently available were also used to estimate the potential for these selected proteins to serve as putative serological markers.
Sorafenib and CuB exert synergistic antitumor effects against hepatocellular carcinoma cells via inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation
Authors: Wang Xiaoli , Li Hua , Li Dong , Bai Yudi , Zhang Yao , Yan Xue , Li Jin , Zhao Ri , Liu Jiahui , Liu Wei , Shi Maolin , Xu Cheng , Yang Tai , Zhang Tao
Published: November 2020

Sorafenib, the first‐line agent for treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), improves median overall survival by approximately 3 months. In the present study, we investigated whether sorafenib combined with cucurbitacin B (CuB), a natural tetracyclic triterpenoid isolated from Cucurbitaceae, exerts enhanced antitumor effects against HCC. Cell viability and colony formation ability were detected by cell‐counting kit‐8 and colony formation assays. Cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. Protein expression was detected by western blotting. HepG2 xenografts in nude mice were used to evaluate in vivo antitumor effects. We report that sorafenib and CuB exhibited synergistic effects on cellular proliferation inhibition and cell apoptosis induction, but not on cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, combination treatment enhanced levels of cleaved caspase 3 and cleaved caspase 9, but suppressed phosphorylation of STAT3. Epidermal growth factor, a potent stimulator of signal transducer and activator of transcription‐3 (STAT3), promoted cell viability and colony formation ability, whereas combination treatment exerted inhibitory effects on epidermal growth factor‐induced STAT3 phosphorylation. Finally, HepG2 xenograft mice cotreated with sorafenib and CuB exhibited reduced tumor progression without notable weight loss. In conclusion, sorafenib and CuB exert synergistic antitumor effects through a pathway that may involve STAT3 phosphorylation, and this may represent a promising therapeutic approach for treatment of HCC.
Motor beta cortical oscillations are related with the gait kinematics of youth with cerebral palsy
Authors: Kurz Max J. , Bergwell Hannah , Spooner Rachel , Baker Sarah , Heinrichs‐Graham Elizabeth , Wilson Tony W.
Published: November 2020

Objective

It is widely believed that the perinatal brain injuries seen in youth with cerebral palsy (CP) impact neuronal processing of sensory information and the production of leg motor actions during gait. However, very limited efforts have been made to evaluate the connection between neural activity within sensorimotor networks and the altered spatiotemportal gait biomechanics seen in youth with CP. The objective of this investigation was to use magnetoencephalographic (MEG) brain imaging and biomechanical analysis to probe this connection.

Methods

We examined the cortical beta oscillations serving motor control of the legs in a cohort of youth with CP (N = 20; Age = 15.5 ± 3 years; GMFCS levels I‐III) and healthy controls (N = 15; Age = 14.1 ± 3 years) using MEG brain imaging and a goal‐directed isometric knee target‐matching task. Outside the scanner, a digital mat was used to quantify the spatiotemporal gait biomechanics.

Results

Our MEG imaging results revealed that the participants with CP exhibited stronger sensorimotor beta oscillations during the motor planning and execution stages compared to the controls. Interestingly, we also found that those with the strongest sensorimotor beta oscillations during motor execution also tended to walk slower and have a reduced cadence.

Interpretation

These results fuel the impression that the beta sensorimotor cortical oscillations that underlie leg musculature control may play a central role in the altered mobility seen in youth with CP.
Energy efficient nonfragile control protocol for nonlinear large‐scale systems with input quantization
Authors: Tharanidharan Vasudevan , Sakthivel Rathinasamy , Ren Yong , Marshal Anthon S. , Tuan Nguyen Anh
Published: November 2020

The problem of robust stabilization for a class of nonlinear large‐scale systems with the energy constraints and time‐varying actuator faults is addressed in this article. In the considered system, the stabilization criteria is achieved via a sensor‐network‐based distributed fault‐tolerant controller. Moreover to limit the consumption of energy by the sensors, the measurement size reduction technique and communication rate reduction approach are implemented such that the resulting closed‐loop system is stable within a predefined extended passive performance index level. In particular, the sensor signal quantization technique is used to reduce the frequency and size of the transmitted data packet in the communication sequence. Based on the switched system theory and Lyapunov approach, a new set of sufficient conditions is obtained in the form of linear matrix inequality constraints to ensure the exponential stabilization of the considered system. The developed fault‐tolerant resilient control gains are designed by resorting to the cone complementarity linearization algorithm. Moreover, a nonisothermal continuous stirred‐tank reactor with interconnection is considered as an example to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed design technique.
Dual Physically Cross‐Linked Hydrogels Incorporating Hydrophobic Interactions with Promising Repairability and Ultrahigh Elongation
Authors: Liu Xinyao , He Xiao , Yang Bo , Lai Lu , Chen Ningxin , Hu Jinguang , Lu Qingye
Published: November 2020

Novel dual physically cross‐linked (DPC) hydrogels with great tensile strength, ultrahigh elongation, and promising repairability are designed by introducing cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) or hydrophobized CNC (CNC‐C8) into polymers physically cross‐linked by hydrophobic forces. C18 alkyl chain is grafted to N‐[3‐(dimethylamino)propyl]methacrylamide (DMAPMA) for hydrophobic monomer (DMAPMA‐C18), and C8 to CNC surface for hydrophobic CNC (CNC‐C8). CNC‐C8 (or CNC) DPC hydrogels are synthesized, with monomers N,N‐dimethylacrylamide (DMAc) and DMAPMA‐C18 polymerized to form the first network physically cross‐linked by hydrophobic interactions, on which the secondary cross‐linking points are formed by hydrophobic interactions between CNC‐C8 and DMAPMA‐C18, electrostatic interactions between CNC‐C8 (or CNC) and DMAPMA, as well as hydrogen bonding between CNC‐C8 (or CNC) and DMAc. Compared with optimum CNC DPC hydrogels of the highest tensile strength (238 ± 8 kPa), the optimum CNC‐C8 DPC hydrogel with 0.0675 w/v% DMAPMA‐C18 and 0.4 w/v% CNC‐C8 possesses stronger tensile strength of 331 ± 32 kPa and excellent elongation of 4268% ± 1446% as well, demonstrating the enhanced mechanical property of the hydrogel by introduced hydrophobic interactions. In addition, such DPC hydrogel can be facilely repaired with tetrahydrofuran (THF) on the cut surfaces while retaining good tensile stress and elongation behaviors.
Healable, Recyclable, and Mechanically Tough Polyurethane Elastomers with Exceptional Damage Tolerance
Authors: Wang Xiaohan , Zhan Shengnan , Lu Zhongyuan , Li Jian , Yang Xiao , Qiao Yongna , Men Yongfeng , Sun Junqi
Published: November 2020

There is a huge requirement of elastomers for use in tires, seals, and shock absorbers every year worldwide. In view of a sustainable society, the next generation of elastomers is expected to combine outstanding healing, recycling, and damage‐tolerant capacities with high strength, elasticity, and toughness. However, it remains challenging to fabricate such elastomers because the mechanisms for the properties mentioned above are mutually exclusive. Herein, the fabrication of healable, recyclable, and mechanically tough polyurethane (PU) elastomers with outstanding damage tolerance by coordination of multiblock polymers of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)/polycaprolactone (PCL) containing hydrogen and coordination bonding motifs with Zn2+ ions is reported. The organization of bipyridine groups coordinated with Zn2+ ions, carbamate groups cross‐linked with hydrogen bonds, and crystallized PCL segments generates phase‐separated dynamic hierarchical domains. Serving as rigid nanofillers capable of deformation and disintegration under an external force, the dynamic hierarchical domains can strengthen the elastomers and significantly enhance their toughness and fracture energy. As a result, the elastomers exhibit a tensile strength of ≈52.4 MPa, a toughness of ≈363.8 MJ m−3, and an exceptional fracture energy of ≈192.9 kJ m−2. Furthermore, the elastomers can be conveniently healed and recycled to regain their original mechanical properties and integrity under heating.
Anchoring of Transition Metals to Graphene Derivatives as an Efficient Approach for Designing Single‐Atom Catalysts
Authors: Zaoralová Dagmar , Mach Radim , Lazar Petr , Medveď Miroslav , Otyepka Michal
Published: November 2020

Graphene derivatives with anchored metal atoms represent a promising class of single‐atom catalysts (SACs). To elucidate factors determining the bond strength between metal atoms and graphene derivatives, a series of late 3d and 4d elements, including the iron triad, light platinum group elements, and coinage metals (Fe, Co, Ni, Ru, Rh, Pd, Cu, Ag, and Au), in different oxidation states (from 0 to +III) bonded to either cyanographene (CG) or graphene acid (GA) is explored. The vast diversity of N···Me and O···Me bond dissociation energies is related to charge transfer between the metal and substrate. The ability of CG and GA to reduce metal cations and oxidize metal atoms is attributed to the π‐conjugated lattice of the graphene derivatives. The binding energies of core electrons of the anchored metals are predicted to enable experimental identification via X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The anchoring of metals is accompanied by either complete or partial spin quenching, leading in most cases to the same oxidation state of the metal regardless of its initial charge. The identified features can be utilized in designing new materials with a high potential in heterogenous SACs as well as electrochemical and spintronic applications.
Covalent Organic Frameworks for Water Treatment
Authors: Xia Zijing , Zhao Yusen , Darling Seth B.
Published: November 2020

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are an emerging type of porous crystalline material with highly ordered aperture size and tunable structures with designer properties. COFs have been proposed as promising materials for water treatment because of their notable intrinsic properties like excellent chemostability, high surface area, abundant functional sites, and uniform adjustable aperture size. This review focuses on fundamental COF design principles for water treatment (stability, aperture size, and surface functionalization) and the state‐of‐the‐art application of COFs in desalination, organic contaminant sorption, and ion capture. Additional potential promising applications of COFs for water treatment, including solar steam generation, photocatalysis for degradation of organic contaminants, and capacitive deionization are also presented along with an outlook toward future opportunities in the field.
Large‐Area Plasmonic Metamaterial with Thickness‐Dependent Absorption
Authors: Yang Kang , Wang Jingyu , Yao Xu , Lyu Danya , Zhu Jinfeng , Yang Zhilin , Liu Bowen , Ren Bin
Published: November 2020

Plasmonic metamaterials are receiving increasing attentions due to their great ability to confine light energy at the nanoscale for perfect absorption and various applications in the near infrared and visible region. However, the common practices to achieve the tunable absorption are to adjust the morphology of plasmonic metamaterials. This strategy has a low fabrication efficiency, which limits the applications of plasmonic metamaterials. Here, the absorption efficiency and peak position of the plasmonic metamaterial consisting of Au nanohole array/SiO2 spacer/Au film are tuned by simply controlling the thicknesses of the hexagonal Au nanohole array and the spacer layer, respectively. An ultrahigh absorption of ≈99% and a high surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) effect (with an average surface enhancement factor of 106) are achieved at the desired laser wavelength. The substrate can be as large as 10 mm in diameter and shows a high uniformity for SERS detection. This work provides a simple way to flexibly tune the optical properties of plasmonic metamaterials for various promising applications such as plasmon‐mediated chemical reactions and biosensing.
Starburst Type Benzofuroindolocarbazole Donor for High Efficiency and Long Lifetime in Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitters
Authors: Kim Do Sik , Yoon Sung Joon , Lee Kyung Hyung , Lee Jun Yeob , Hong Wan Pyo
Published: November 2020

A series of thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters of 5‐(4,6‐diphenyl‐1,3,5‐triazin‐2‐yl)‐2‐(15‐phenylbenzofuro[3,2‐a]indolo[3,2‐c]carbazol‐10(15H)‐yl)benzonitrile (TrzCNTrx1) and 5‐(4,6‐diphenyl‐1,3,5‐triazin‐2‐yl)‐2‐(10‐phenylbenzofuro[3,2‐a]indolo[3,2‐c]carbazol‐15(10H)‐yl)benzonitrile (TrzCNTrx2) are developed through a molecular design strategy that incorporates a starburst type benzofuro[3,2‐a]indolo[3,2‐c]carbazole as a rigid donor. The benzofuro[3,2‐a]indolo[3,2‐c]carbazole is developed as a strong and rigid donor for strong charge transfer character in the TADF emitter in combination with a diphenyltriazine acceptor and a benzonitrile linker. Two starburst type donors with different active sites for the aromatic linker substitution are prepared. Among the TrzCNTrx1 and TrzCNTrx2 emitters, the TrzCNTrx2 emitter shows a small singlet–triplet energy gap below 0.10 eV, high photoluminescence quantum yields over 90%, and short exciton lifetimes less than 5.0 µs. In the device application, the TrzCNTrx2 emitter shows maximum external quantum efficiency of 20.6% with little efficiency roll‐off less than 2% at 3000 cd m−2 and color coordinate of (0.37, 0.57). Moreover, the TrzCNTrx2 device is much better than the TrzCNTrx1 in terms of device lifetime because of short delayed fluorescence lifetime.
Highly Efficient Nb2C MXene Cathode Catalyst with Uniform O‐Terminated Surface for Lithium–Oxygen Batteries
Authors: Li Gaoyang , Li Na , Peng Shuting , He Biao , Wang Jun , Du Yong , Zhang Weibin , Han Kai , Dang Feng
Published: November 2020

Highly‐efficient cathode catalysts are the key to improve high rate cycle stability, avoid side reactions, and lower the overpotential of lithium–oxygen batteries (LOBs). MXenes are predicted to be one of the most impressive materials for energy applications. In this work, the catalytic capability of Nb2C MXene is demonstrated with a uniform O‐terminated surface as a cathode material for LOBs. The easily fabricated uniform O‐terminated surface, high catalytic activity of Nb2CO2 sites, and unique reaction kinetics contribute to the excellent electrocatalytic performance of Nb2C MXene. The uniform O‐terminated surface on Nb2C MXene is obtained after heat treatment. Density functional theory calculations reveal the superior catalytic activity of Nb2CO2 compared to other anchor groups and bare surfaces. The calculations also reveal the multinucleation and growth/decomposition mechanism for discharge products on the Nb2CO2 surface. This mechanism is believed to account for the results characterized by ex situ and in situ measurements. The spatial‐direction accumulated porous discharge products at high current density contribute to the excellent high‐rate cycle stability. For example, the cathodes exhibit cycle stability for 130 cycles at an ultrahigh current density of 3 A g−1. The present work provides insights into the modulation of catalytic capabilities, and the rational design of high‐performance MXenes based electrocatalysts.
Variability estimation and genetic divergence in Cymbopogon winterianus for development of superior genotype
Authors: Munda Sunita , Dutta Sukriti , Lal Mohan
Published: November 2020

Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt. is cultivated worldwide for its industrial and pharmaceutical applications. The economic value for this crop is due to its herbage, essential oil yield, and citronellal content. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the traits that are important to increase the economic yield and to estimate the variability among the Cymbopogon winterianus germplasm necessary for selection of superior genotypes. In this study, a total of 72 accessions of Cymbopogon winterianus were collected from different parts of Northeast India and planted in the experimental farm of CSIR‐NEIST, Jorhat, Assam, India. Divergence and association studies among the nine characters were estimated from the 3‐yr pooled data. The genotypic coefficient of variation was slightly lower than the phenotypic coefficient of variation for all the traits studied. High genetic advance with high heritability (H2BS) estimates were observed in tillers per bush, herbage yield, citronellal, and essential oil content. Path coefficient analysis also supported that the leaves per bush, tillers per bush, leaf breadth, and length of basal sheath were the major contributing characters for the herbage yield. Tillers per bush, leaves per bush, and herbage yield were the direct and indirect factors affecting the essential oil content. Divergence study partitioned the germplasm into 15 different clusters in which tillers per bush, leaves per bush, plant height, leaf length, and herbage yield contributed more towards variability. All the parameters studied could be considered as selection criterion to improve economic yield of C. winterianus and in estimating variability necessary for breeding program.
Sexual orientation‐based disparities in bone health: Evidence of reduced bone mineral density and mineral content among sexual minority men but not women in multiple NHANES waves
Authors: Gibb James K. , Shattuck Eric C.
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Sexual minority (SM) people experience significant stress associated with stigma, contributing to a higher rate of adverse health outcomes. Several known factors (eg, smoking) elevate risk of poor bone health, but to date little research has examined disparities in bone health among SM people. To address this, we analyzed sexual orientation differences in an available bone mineral density (BMD) cross‐sectional dataset assessed via dual X‐ray absorptiometry.

Methods

We combined the 2007 to 2008, 2009 to 2010, and 2013 to 2014 cycles of US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to examine sexual orientation‐based differences in z‐scored BMD in the proximal femur (greater trochanter and intertrochanter locations), bone mineral content (BMC) in the femur and spine, and osteoporosis risk among Lesbian/Gay (n = 53), Bisexual (n = 97), Same‐Sex Experienced (n = 103), and Heterosexual (n = 2990) adults.

Results

Sexual orientation‐based disparities in bone mass were observed across all anatomical sites. This effect was due to differences between heterosexual and gay men and persisted in linear regressions after adjusting for risk factors. We found differences in femoral and femoral neck BMC in heterosexual and gay men (P = .02) and in femoral, femoral neck and spinal BMC between heterosexual and bisexual women (P = .05). Sexual orientation remained significant in BMC regressions.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that SM men but not women are at greater risk for poor bone health relative to heterosexuals and this disparity is independent of the lifestyle and psychosocial risks included in our models.
Triorganotin complexes in cancer chemotherapy: Mechanistic insights and future perspectives
Authors: Anasamy Theebaa , Chee Chin Fei , Wong Yuen Fei , Heh Choon Han , Kiew Lik Voon , Lee Hong Boon , Chung Lip Yong
Published: November 2020

Current anticancer drug discovery and development efforts are aimed at identifying new complexes that can potently and selectively target DNA and modulate the functions of target proteins. Tin complexes, categorized as monoorganotin (RSnL3), diorganotin (R2SnL2), triorganotin (R3SnL), or tetraorganotin (R4SnL), are one of the most studied complexes in the metal‐based anticancer drug discovery and development field. Among these, diorganotins and triorganotins are widely reported to possess promising anticancer properties, with triorganotins offering several potential advantages over diorganotins, such as a higher total surface area causing higher lipophilicity and hence higher cytotoxicity in cancer cells. However, information on triorganotins' direct therapeutic targets, an in‐depth understanding of their mechanism of action, and useful therapeutic strategies are still lacking. In this review, we discuss the results from in vitro and in vivo mechanistic studies of triorganotin complexes as reported in recent years (2007–2019) and elaborate on the underlying mechanisms that could aid in the identification of triorganotin complex molecular targets. We conclude by identifying present obstacles faced by triorganotin complexes that avert their translation to the clinical phase and current strategies employed to overcome the aforementioned obstacles, and we offer considerations for their future development. These findings are anticipated to stimulate further developments of novel and innovative triorganotin complexes as anticancer drug candidates.
Magnetically recoverable copper ferrite catalyzed cascade synthesis of 1,3‐dimethyl‐6‐nitro‐5‐arylpyrido[2,3‐d]pyrimidine‐2,4(1H,3H)‐diones under microwave irradiation and solvent‐less condition
Authors: Bhuyan Amar Jyoti , Bhuyan Pubanita , Boruah Bornali , Saikia Lakhinath
Published: November 2020

In recent years, magnetically active CuFe2O4 nanoparticles have been gaining significant interest in the field of heterogeneous catalysis as those can be easily prepared and effortlessly recovered from a reaction system. Here, we are reporting our work on cascade syntheses of 1,3‐dimethyl‐6‐nitro‐5‐arylpyrido[2,3‐d]pyrimidine‐2,4(1H,3H)‐diones starting from 6‐[(dimethylamino)methylene‐amino]‐1,3‐dimethyluracil, aromatic aldehydes and nitromethane using magnetically active CuFe2O4 catalyst system under microwave irradiation and solvent‐less condition. The current methodology is a valued addition to the existing procedures of 5‐arylpyrido[2,3‐d]pyrimidines syntheses making best use of the diene behavior of 6‐[(dimethylamino)methylene‐amino]‐1,3‐dimethyluracil. However, heterogeneous catalysis has been employed for the first time to do the syntheses by carrying out [4 + 2]cycloaddition reaction between 6‐[(dimethylamino)methylene‐amino]‐1,3‐dimethyluracil and in situ generated 2‐(2‐nitrovinyl)arenes/heteroarenes. The methodology is highly time‐economic, and along with other features like easy recovery and good reusability of the catalyst, simple operating procedure, wide substrate scope, and good to excellent product yield, it offers the chemists a reaction protocol worth trying for the syntheses of 1,3‐dimethyl‐6‐nitro‐5‐arylpyrido[2,3‐d]pyrimidine‐2,4(1H,3H)‐diones. While laboratory prepared catalyst system was characterized using FT‐IR, XRD, SEM‐EDX, VSM, XPS and TEM analysis, all the synthesized compounds have been characterized using 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and HRMS.
Hybrid polymer matrix composite (UHMWPE‐HPMC) as solid particle erosion resistant coating for sharp pipe elbows using numerical simulation and experimental analysis
Authors: Hesamadini Alireza , Hosseinabadi Navid
Published: November 2020

A hybrid polymer matrix composite coating, resistant to solid particle erosion inside sharp elbows, consisting interlocking chains of molecules with the ability to deflect the surface impact stress and to uniformly distribute stresses along the hard‐ceramic reinforcement mixture surface was developed. Formulated mixture of ceramic reinforcement particles mixtures (alumina, tungsten carbide, and silicon carbide) with polymer coupling agents; to increase adhesion to the metal surface, led to 600–700 HVN in ternary and 500–550 HVN in binary mixtures. This behavior coincides with high shear strength of 70–76 MPa, Young's and shear modulus of 8.86 and 13.4 GPa in ternary 15%Al2O3‐5%WC‐10%SiC, respectively. The low erosion weight loss of 0.1% and small coefficient of friction near 0.18 indicates the significant wear resistance of the ternary sample. The electron microscopic micrographs determined the dense smooth coating surfaces with adhesive interfaces with the substrate.
Improvement of PAN separator properties using PVA/malonic acid by electrospinning in lithium ion‐batteries
Authors: Khodaverdi Fartash , Vaziri Ali , Javanbakht Mehran , Jahanfar Mehdi
Published: November 2020

The prominent objective of this study is to improve the thermal shrinkage and wettability of lithium‐ion battery membrane separators based on Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) formed using an electrospinning technique. To achieve this goal, a PAN blended with highly hydrophilic Polyvinylalcohol (PVA) is formed, using malonic acid (MA) as a cross‐linker. Due to the excellent hydrophilic properties of PVA and the network formation inside the separators (because of the MA crosslinker presence), the results show significant improvement in the separator properties. For this reason, at the optimum concentrations of 5 wt.% PVA and 5 wt.% MA (sample F4), an increase of wettability (contact angle from 85° for pure PAN to 42° for the F4 separator) is able to be seen. The electrolyte uptake was significantly increased, as for the F4 sample is increased to 1,150%, which is 2.67 times higher than the PAN with 430%. The improved separators showed higher porosity, better tensile strength, lower thermal shrinkage, and better electrochemical performance than the pure PAN separator. It showed an ion conductivity of 3.03 mS/cm, a wide electrochemical stability window of 5.2 V and an initial discharge capacity of 156.4 mAh/g.
The CAR group of Ig cell adhesion proteins–Regulators of gap junctions?
Authors: Rathjen Fritz G.
Published: November 2020

Members of the CAR group of Ig‐like type I transmembrane proteins mediate homotypic cell adhesion, share a common overall extracellular domain structure and are closely related at the amino acid sequence level. CAR proteins are often found at tight junctions and interact with intracellular scaffolding proteins, suggesting that they might modulate tight junction assembly or function. However, impairment of tight junction integrity has not been reported in mouse knockout models or zebrafish mutants of CAR members. In contrast, in the same knockout models deficits in gap junction communication were detected in several organ systems, including the atrioventricular node of the heart, smooth muscle cells of the intestine and the ureter and in Sertoli cells of the testes. Possible interactions between BT‐IgSF and connexin41.8 on the disturbed pattern of pigment stripes found in zebrafish mutants and between ESAM and connexin43 during hematopoiesis in the mouse are also discussed. On the basis of the combined data and phenotypic similarities between CAR member mutants and connexin mutants I hypothesize that they primarily play a role in the organization of gap junction communication. Also see the video abstract here: https://youtu.be/i0yq2KhuDAE.
How everyday sounds can trigger strong emotions: ASMR, misophonia and the feeling of wellbeing
Authors: McGeoch Paul D. , Rouw Romke
Published: November 2020

We propose that synesthetic cross‐activation between the primary auditory cortex and the anatomically adjacent insula may help explain two puzzling conditions—autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) and misophonia—in which quotidian sounds involuntarily trigger strong emotional responses. In ASMR the sounds engender relaxation, while in misophonia they trigger an aversive response. The insula both plays an important role in autonomic nervous system control and integrates multiple interoceptive maps representing the physiological state of the body to substantiate a dynamic representation of emotional wellbeing. We propose that in ASMR cross‐activation of the map for affective (sensual) touch leads to an increase in subjective wellbeing and parasympathetic activity. Conversely, in misophonia the effect of the cross‐activation is to decrease emotional wellbeing and increase sympathetic activity. Our hypothesis also illuminates the connection between hearing and wellbeing more broadly and helps explain why so many people experience decreased wellbeing from modern urban soundscapes.
Phosphonamidate Compounds for Butyrylcholinesterase Selective Inhibitors
Authors: Oh Jintaek , Park Jung‐Youl , Park Kyoung Chan , Hwang Ji Hyun , Park Jeong Ho
Published: November 2020

To find a new type of cholinergic drug, phosphonamidate compounds 18–32 were synthesized using a click reaction between propargylated‐9,10‐Dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide (DOPO, 2) and substituted benzyl azide. Their inhibitory activity against butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was evaluated. Compound 31 was the most active of the 15 compounds (IC50 = 3.14 ± 0.02 μM for equine BuChE), whose IC50 value was slightly lower than the IC50 value of galantamine (IC50 = 9.4 ± 2.50 for equine BuChE).
How environmental innovation influences firm performance: A meta‐analytic review
Authors: Hizarci‐Payne Ayça Kubra , İpek İlayda , Kurt Gümüş Gülüzar
Published: November 2020

Coupled with the increasing concern toward sustainability and sustainable development issues, environmental innovation practices have been of burgeoning interest among both scholars and practitioners. Building on this, the main purpose of this study is to quantitatively aggregate the extant empirical research on eco‐innovation and firm performance and to assess the role of moderating factors in this theoretical relationship by pursuing a meta‐analytic approach. To serve this objective, 196 effects based upon 70 studies including more than 25,000 firms (N = 25,412) were meta‐analytically examined. Quantitative evidence drawn from the meta‐analysis indicates that organizational eco‐innovation exerts the strongest influence on firm performance. Moreover, the meta‐analytic findings suggest that significant variations in the correlation between eco‐innovation and firm performance exist across different performance types, and the magnitude of the eco‐innovation–firm performance association is stronger in developing compared with developed countries. This meta‐analytic review is expected to considerably contribute to the pertinent literature by means of improving the understanding of the relevance of eco‐innovation typology to firm performance.
Usefulness of updated logistic clinical SYNTAX score based on MI‐SYNTAX score in patients with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Kawashima Hideyuki , Hara Hironori , Wang Rutao , Ono Masafumi , Gao Chao , Takahashi Kuniaki , Suryapranata Harry , Walsh Simon , Cotton James , Carrie Didier , Sabate Manel , Steinwender Clemens , Leibundgut Gregor , Wykrzykowska Joanna , Hamm Christian , Jüni Peter , Vranckx Pascal , Valgimigli Marco , Windecker Stephan , de Winter Robbert J. , Sharif Faisal , Onuma Yoshinobu , Serruys Patrick W.
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To compare the predictive performances of the prewiring, postwiring MI‐SYNTAX scores, prewiring, and postwiring Updated Logistic Clinical SYNTAX score (LCSS) for 2‐year all‐cause mortality post percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients.

Background

In patients with STEMI and undergoing primary PCI, coronary stenosis(es) distal to the culprit lesion is often observed after the restoration of coronary flow. To address comprehensively the complex coronary anatomy in these patients, prewiring and postwiring MI‐SYNTAX scores have been reported in the literature. Furthermore, to enable individualized risk estimation for long‐term all‐cause mortality, the Updated LCSS has been developed by combining the anatomical SYNTAX score and clinical factors.

Methods

In the randomized GLOBAL LEADERS trial, anatomical SYNTAX score analysis was performed by an independent angiographic corelab for the first 4,000 consecutive patients as a prespecified analysis; of these, 545 presented with STEMI. The efficacy of the mortality predictions of the four scores at 2 years were evaluated based on their discrimination and calibration abilities.

Results

Complete data was available in 512 patients (93.9%). When the patients were stratified into two groups based on the median of the scores, the prewiring and postwiring Updated LCSSs demonstrated that the high‐score groups were associated with higher rates of 2‐year all‐cause mortality compared to the low‐score groups (6.6 vs. 1.2%; log‐rank p = .001 and 6.6 vs. 1.2%; log‐rank p = .001, respectively). There were no statistically significant differences for predicting the mortality between the prewiring (area under the curve [AUC] 0.625), postwiring MI‐SYNTAX score (AUC 0.614), prewiring (AUC 0.755), and postwiring Updated LCSS (AUC 0.757). In the integrated discrimination improvement (IDI), the prewiring MI‐SYNTAX score had a better discrimination for the mortality than the postwiring MI‐SYNTAX score (IDI ‐0.0082; p = .029). The four scores had acceptable calibration abilities for 2‐year all‐cause mortality.

Conclusions

The prewiring Updated LCSS predicts long‐term all‐cause mortality with clearly useful discrimination and acceptable calibration. Since the postwiring MI‐SYNTAX score does not improve mortality prediction, the prewiring MI‐SYNTAX score may be preferred for the 2‐year mortality prediction using the Updated LCSS.
Fate of glyphosate in wheat during milling and bread production
Authors: Tittlemier Sheryl A. , Bestvater Lianna , Carlson Jules , Kletke Jerry , Izydorczyk Marta , Fu Bin Xiao
Published: November 2020

Background and objectives

Glyphosate is an active ingredient in widely used herbicides; its residues have been observed in grain and grain‐based foods. This work investigated the fate of glyphosate and its degradation product aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) in milling fractions of wheat and during the bread making process. Samples of wheat were pearled to obtain successive fractions representing outer kernel layers. Straight grade flour and bread were prepared from the two samples with the highest glyphosate concentration (2.1 and 2.8 mg/kg).

Findings

All pearling and milling product fractions, dough, fermented dough, bread crust, and bread crumb were analyzed for glyphosate and AMPA using solvent extraction with derivatization and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Glyphosate was the only residue detected in samples. On average, the pearling experiment demonstrated that 50% of the total glyphosate mass resided in the outer 17% of the kernels. Similarly, 81% of the total glyphosate mass in the wheat was associated with the bran, shorts, and feeds milling fractions. No changes in glyphosate concentration were observed during the preparation of dough, fermented dough, and bread.

Conclusions

Milling provides the best opportunity for reducing exposure to glyphosate, as the baking process did not affect glyphosate residues. Concentrations in bread made from straight grade flour will be approximately 4× lower than that made from whole grain flour.

Significance and novelty

The use of Canada Western Red Spring from commercial wheat shipments provide realistic glyphosate residue concentrations and also reflect the predominance of this type of wheat used in Canada and elsewhere for bread. Therefore, the outcomes from this study are particularly relevant for estimating consumers’ dietary exposure.
Proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal immunoglobulin deposits: Successful treatment for new and rare entity
Authors: Jerbi Mouna , El Fatmi Rym , Gaied Hanene , Belloumi Dorra , Torjemane Lamia , Aoudia Raja , Goucha Rim , Abdallah Taieb Ben , Othman Tarek Ben
Published: November 2020

Proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal immunoglobulin deposits is a new disorder with undefined treatment modalities. We propose cyclophosphamide‐bortezomib‐dexamethasone and autologous stem cell transplantation as a therapeutic protocol.
Digital surgical planning and placement of osseointegrated implants to retain an auricular prosthesis using implant software with cone‐beam computed tomography and 3D‐printed surgical guides: A case report
Authors: Domingue Daniel , Sinada Naif , White James R.
Published: November 2020

Integration of CBCT imaging with dental implant treatment planning software and 3D‐printed surgical guides can facilitate surgical planning for extraoral implant placement. In the current case, this combined planning strategy enabled navigation of challenging osseous anatomy, avoided critical structures, and optimized osseointegration for prosthesis retention.
Cochlear implantation in a patient with a POU4F3 mutation
Authors: Miyake Keitaro , Shirai Kyoko , Nishiyama Nobuhiro , Kawaguchi Sachie , Ohta Yoko , Kawano Atsushi , Usami Shin‐ichi , Kitano Tomohiro , Tsukahara Kiyoaki
Published: November 2020

Cochlear implants (CIs) are generally considered useful in the treatment of hereditary hearing loss with progressive deafness. Early CI can be beneficial for maintaining social activities in POU4F3 mutation patients.
Heat Integration in Straight‐Through Sulfur Recovery Units to Increase Net High‐Pressure Steam Production
Authors: Jagannath Anoop , Ibrahim Salisu , Raj Abhijeet
Published: November 2020

Energy conservation is of paramount importance in oil and gas industries. Sulfur recovery units (SRUs) in oil and gas industries are required to meet the stringent environmental emission regulations, and are often viewed as production costs. They are normally net energy exporters and a considerable portion of heat is recovered as high‐pressure steam. However, SRUs processing lean acid gas streams require significant amounts of acid gas and air preheating before they enter the reaction furnace. Some portion of the generated high‐pressure steam is used in preheating these streams. This reduces the overall net high‐pressure steam generated from the SRU. Here, heat integration is used and an existing SRU facility is retrofitted such that there is an increase in net high‐pressure steam production. Seven new heat‐integrated SRU configurations are proposed, and key aspects such as net high‐pressure steam production, investment costs, and payback period for each of the new retrofitted configurations are compared.
An accurate numerical method for inversion of Laplace transforms with applications in process dynamics and control
Authors: Fatoorehchi Hooman
Published: November 2020

Laplace transforms are frequently used in the design of control structures for chemical engineering processes. In this paper, we have developed a novel numerical method to invert Laplace transforms, which involves a particular system of linear algebraic equations. We have proven that the error of our method is bounded, and the proposed formula asymptotically converges to the exact intended Laplace inverse function. A set of numerical simulations have been carried out to demonstrate the efficiency and reliability of our method. As a salient advantage, in addition to its high accuracy, our method requires the Laplace transform function to be defined only on the real axis.
Preoperative predictive factors of carcinoma in situ in the normal‐appearing mucosa in patients who underwent an initial transurethral resection for non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer under white light cystoscopy
Authors: Iinuma Koji , Yuhara Kazuya , Kotaka Hiroto , Ozawa Kaori , Kato Daiki , Takai Manabu , Nakane Keita , Mizutani Kosuke , Tsuchiya Tomohiro , Koie Takuya
Published: November 2020

Background

Although few studies evaluated the significance of random biopsies under white light cystoscopy (WLC) in patients with non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), the findings are controversial.

Aim

This aim of this study was to evaluate what kind of preoperative covariates were useful as predictive factors in detecting carcinoma in situ (CIS) from normal‐appearing mucosa using random bladder biopsies under WLC.

Methods and Results

A total of 229 patients with NMIBC underwent initial TUR followed by random biopsies under WLC at Red Cross Takayama Hospital between 2007 and 2016. These patients underwent TUR with complete resection of intravesical visible tumors followed by random biopsies of normal‐appearing mucosa. In this study, random bladder biopsies of normal‐appearing urothelial mucosa, excluding abnormal mucosa, were carried out with a cold punch in the selected intravesical sites. The covariates included age, gender, the urine cytology result, presence of an abnormal mucosa, number of tumors, size of the largest tumors, configuration of the tumor, and tumor type. Abnormal mucosa was defined as reddish or mossy areas at the time of TUR under WLC. The primary endpoint was to determine what kind of preoperative covariates were useful as predictive factors in detecting CIS from normal‐appearing mucosa using random bladder biopsies under WLC. Finally, 212 patients were evaluated, and 67 patients (31.6%) were diagnosed with CIS from normal‐appearing mucosa. In univariate analysis, positive urine cytology, abnormal mucosa, and the number of tumors were significantly associated with concomitant CIS. On multivariate analysis, positive urine cytology and abnormal mucosa were significantly associated with CIS.

Conclusion

The patients who were diagnosed with positive urine cytology or abnormal mucosa by WLC are ideal candidates for TUR followed by random biopsy of normal‐appearing mucosa.