bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
All‐electron scalar relativistic basis sets for the elements Rb–Xe
Authors: Rolfes Julian D. , Neese Frank , Pantazis Dimitrios A.
Published: June 2020

Segmented all‐electron relativistically contracted (SARC) basis sets are presented for the elements 37Rb–54Xe, for use with the second‐order Douglas–Kroll–Hess approach and the zeroth‐order regular approximation. The basis sets have a common set of exponents produced with established heuristic procedures, but have contractions optimized individually for each scalar relativistic Hamiltonian. Their compact size and loose segmented contraction, which is in line with the construction of SARC basis sets for heavier elements, makes them suitable for routine calculations on large systems and when core spectroscopic properties are of interest. The basis sets are of triple‐zeta quality and come in singly or doubly polarized versions, which are appropriate for both density functional theory and correlated wave function theory calculations. The quality of the basis sets is assessed against large decontracted reference basis sets for a number of atomic and ionic properties, while their general applicability is demonstrated with selected molecular examples.
Synthesis of star‐shaped CuO nanoparticles supported on magnetic functionalized graphene: Catalytic and antibacterial activity
Authors: Zarei Mohammad , Seyedi Neda , Maghsoudi Shahab , Shahabi Nejad Mohaddeseh , Sheibani Hassan
Published: June 2020

In this study, graphene oxide was modified during consecutive functionalization steps with 1,4‐diphenylamine, cyanuric chloride, and ethylenediamine. Then, star‐shaped CuO nanoparticles were synthesized on modified graphene oxide using the seed‐mediated growth method in which nucleation, growth stages, and reduction of graphene oxide to graphene occurred simultaneously. After ensuring successful synthesis of CuO nanoparticles and to facilitate recycling, a magnetization process was utilized by adding iron oxide nanoparticles. This nanocomposite was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The prepared heterogeneous catalyst was investigated for the reduction of organic dyes in the presence of NaBH4 as a reducing reagent. The kinetic data obtained for the reduction of methyl orange (MO), methylene blue (MB), 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP), and rhodamine 6G (Rh6G) were fitted to first‐order rate equations, and the calculated rate constants for the reduction of MO, MB, 4‐NP and Rh6G were as follows: −0.091, −0.071, −0.045, and 0.040, respectively. As star‐shaped CuO nanoparticles showed a higher antibacterial effect compared to spherical‐shaped CuO nanoparticles, the antibacterial activity of star‐shaped CuO nanoparticles immobilized on magnetic functionalized graphene was evaluated against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria through an agar well diffusion assay and demonstrated more antibacterial activity against gram‐positive bacteria.
The potential of microRNA‐126 in predicting disease risk, mortality of sepsis, and its correlation with inflammation and sepsis severity
Authors: Lin Run , Hu Haiyan , Li Lehui , Chen Gengqian , Luo Lingqing , Rao Ping
Published: June 2020

Background

MicroRNA‐126 (miR‐126) has been investigated in autoimmune diseases and organ failures, whereas its implication in sepsis is rarely reported. Our study initially explored the value of miR‐126 in diagnosing sepsis and predicting disease severity, degree of inflammation, and mortality.

Methods

Totally, 208 sepsis patients and 210 healthy controls were enrolled; then, their plasma samples were collected for detecting circulating miR‐126 by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. For sepsis patients, their cytokine levels in plasma samples were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

miR‐126 was upregulated in sepsis patients compared with healthy controls, and it was of certain value in distinguishing sepsis patients from healthy controls (AUC: 0.726 (95% CI: 0.678‐0.774)). miR‐126 expression was positively correlated with acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II score, serum creatinine, and C‐reactive protein but not albumin or white blood cell count in sepsis patients. Regarding cytokines, miR‐126 was positively correlated with tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin (IL)‐6, and IL‐8, but negatively correlated with IL‐10 in sepsis patients. As for mortality, miR‐126 expression was higher in deaths compared with survivors, and ROC curve displayed that it could predict mortality of sepsis patients to some extent with AUC of 0.619 (95% CI: 0.533‐0.705).

Conclusion

miR‐126 potentially serves as an assistant diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for sepsis.
Ten‐year update of the international registry on cytokine‐induced killer cells in cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Zhang Ying , Schmidt‐Wolf Ingo G. H.
Published: June 2020

Cytokine‐induced killer (CIK) cells represent an exceptional T‐cell population uniting a T cell and natural killer cell‐like phenotype in their terminally differentiated CD3+CD56+ subset, which features non‐MHC‐restricted tumor‐killing activity. CIK cells have provided encouraging results in initial clinical studies and revealed synergistic antitumor effects when combined with standard therapeutic procedures. We established the international registry on CIK cells (IRCC) to collect and evaluate clinical trials for the treatment of cancer patients in 2010. Moreover, our registry set new standards on the reporting of results from clinical trials using CIK cells. In the present update, a total of 106 clinical trials including 10,225 patients were enrolled in IRCC, of which 4,889 patients in over 30 distinct tumor entities were treated with CIK cells alone or in combination with conventional or novel therapies. Significantly improved median progression‐free survival and overall survival were shown in 27 trials, and 9 trials reported a significantly increased 5‐year survival rate. Mild adverse effects and graft‐versus‐host diseases were also observed in the studies. Recently, more efforts have been put into the improvement of antitumoral efficacy by CIK cells including the administration of immune checkpoint inhibitors and modification with chimeric antigen receptorc. The minimal toxicity and multiple improvements on their tumor‐killing activity both make CIK cells a favorable therapeutic tool in the clinical practice of cancer immunotherapy.
Computational and in vitro characterization of ICY‐5: A potential candidate promoting mitochondrial apoptosis via the c‐MET and STAT3 pathways
Authors: Al Shahrani Mesfer , Balasubramaniam Meenakshisundaram , Alshahrani Mohammad Y. , Saif Ahmed , Dera Ayed A. , Alasmari Sultan , Abohassan Mohammad , Makkawi Mohammed , Radhakrishnan Suresh , Rajagopalan Prasanna
Published: June 2020

Targeted chemotherapy remains the primary choice in controlling various forms of breast cancer (BC) due to its heterogenous gene expressions in various subtypes. In silico and in vitro evaluation of ICY‐5, a novel arylidene analogue against c‐MET, was performed. ICY‐5 exhibited a docking score of −9.6 kcal/mol in inactive conformation and, − 8.6 kcal/mol in active conformation for c‐MET. ICY‐5 inhibited c‐MET enzyme with an IC50 of 34.34 nM. The compound effectively inhibited MDA‐MB 231 and MCF‐7 cell proliferation, with GI50 values of 62.61 and 75.31 nM, respectively, and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/R c‐MET phosphorylation with IC50s of 71.41 and 83.77 nM, respectively. ICY‐5 dose‐dependently inhibited HGF‐induced transmigration, cell scattering, invasion and altered cell cycle. An increase in apoptotic populations of these cells, with a dose‐dependent decease in phosphorylation of STAT3 protein was observed. Furthermore, ICY‐5 upregulated the caspase‐3, caspase‐9, Bcl‐2‐associated X and survivin, and downregulated Bcl‐2, vascular endothelial growth factor, matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2), and MMP‐9 in both BC cell lines. In summary, ICY‐5 exhibited excellent efficacy in BC cells, targeting c‐MET/SAT‐3‐mediated mitochondrial apoptosis. Further research will be required to ascertain ICY‐5 suitability as a targeted chemotherapeutic against multiple forms of BC.
Prenatal exposure to methadone or buprenorphine alters µ‐opioid receptor binding and downstream signaling in the rat brain
Authors: Kongstorp Mette , Bogen Inger Lise , Steinsland Synne , Nerem Elisabeth , Salih Triske Woshyar , Stiris Tom , Andersen Jannike Mørch
Published: June 2020

There is a growing concern related to the use of opioid maintenance treatment during pregnancy. Studies in both humans and animals have reported reduced cognitive functioning in offspring prenatally exposed to methadone or buprenorphine; however, little is known about the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these impairments. To reveal possible neurobiological effects of such in utero exposure, we examined brain tissue from methadone‐ and buprenorphine‐exposed rat offspring previously shown to display impaired learning and memory. We studied µ‐opioid receptor (MOR) and N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) binding in the rat offspring cerebrum during development and in the hippocampus at young adulthood. Moreover, we examined activation of the Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) and the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), which are central in the downstream signaling of these receptors. The methadone‐ and buprenorphine‐exposed rat pups displayed reduced MOR binding up to two weeks after birth, whereas the NMDAR binding was unaffected. Prenatal exposure to methadone or buprenorphine also resulted in decreased activation of CaMKII and/or ERK during development, while young adult offspring displayed increased hippocampal ERK activation. In conclusion, our findings suggest that prenatal exposure to exogenous opioids, such as methadone or buprenorphine, may disturb the endogenous opioid system during development, with long‐term effects on proteins important for cognitive functioning.
Risk factors for venous bleeding complication at the femoral puncture site after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Arai Hirofumi , Mizukami Akira , Hanyu Yoshihiro , Kawakami Takuya , Shimizu Yuki , Hiroki Jiro , Yoshioka Kenji , Otani Hirofumi , Kuroda Shunsuke , Iwatsuka Ryota , Ueshima Daisuke , Hayashi Tatsuya , Matsumura Akihiko , Goya Masahiko , Sasano Tetsuo
Published: June 2020

Background

Venous bleeding complication is often observed after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF), but the risk factors remain unclear.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 570 consecutive patients who underwent catheter ablation of AF from April 2012 to March 2017. After the procedure, the sheaths were removed, and hemostasis was obtained by manual compression followed by application of rolled gauze with elastic bandage and continuous pressure to the puncture site. We evaluated the risk factors for venous bleeding complications defined as hemorrhage from the puncture site that needed recompression after removal of the elastic bandage and rolled gauze.

Results

After excluding 11 patients because of missing data, 559 patients (395 [70.7%] men, mean age: 65.6 ± 8.7 years) were included for analysis. Venous bleeding complication was observed in 213 patients (38.1%). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, low body mass index (BMI; odds ratio [OR] 0.95, 95% CI 0.90‐1.00, P = .04), short compression time (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.68‐0.88, P < .001), and antiplatelet therapy (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.09‐3.16, P = .02) were independent risk factors for venous bleeding complication.

Conclusions

Low BMI, short compression time, and antiplatelet therapy were independent risk factors for venous bleeding complication after catheter ablation of AF. Longer compression time may be needed for patients with low BMI and/or those receiving antiplatelet therapy.
One‐step deep eutectic solvent strategy for efficient analysis of aflatoxins in edible oils
Authors: He Tingting , Zhou Tong , Wan Hao , Han Quanbin , Ma Yaqian , Tan Ting , Wan Yiqun
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Aflatoxins, a kind of carcinogen, have attracted increasing attention due to their toxicity and harmfulness to human health. Traditional methods for aflatoxins analysis usually involve tedious extraction steps with a subsequent derivatization process. Herein, a simple and efficient liquid‐phase microextraction method based on deep eutectic solvents (DESs) for direct analysis of aflatoxins was developed.

RESULTS

Adopting DESs as the extractant, we surprisingly found out that DESs could either achieve good extraction performance or play a similar role to the derivatization agent, achieving an enhancement of fluorescence intensity for direct analysis of aflatoxins by high‐performance liquid chromatography combined with fluorescent detection. Under optimal conditions obtained by response surface methodology, the method provided satisfactory linear ranges (0.01–0.75 μg kg−1 for AFB1 and AFG1, 0.003–0.25 μg kg−1 for AFB2 and AFG2) with good determination coefficients (R2 > 0.9988), a low detection limit (0.0005–0.003 μg kg−1), and good recovery rates (72.05–113.54%).

CONCLUSION

These results highlighted superiorities of the one‐step DES strategy for analysis of aflatoxins in edible oils, providing insights for future development of efficient methods in food analysis. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Artificial sweeteners affect the glucose transport rate in the Caco‐2/NCI‐H716 co‐culture model
Authors: Xie Ningning , Huang Xi , Yang Chuyi , Dai Minchen , Cai Lei , Deng Shaoping , Hardiman Paul J , Zhou Jue
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Artificial sweeteners have been used widely as substitutes for sugar for several decades. In recent years they have been reported to be harmful to human health – especially to glucose absorption. However, as conclusions from previous studies using a single Caco‐2 cell model were not consistent, further studies with a more suitable cell model are needed.

RESULTS

We established a co‐culture model with enterocyte Caco‐2 and enteroendocrine NCI‐H716 cell lines cultured in transwell inserts. The effects of artificial sweeteners, enhancing the glucose transport rate, lasted for 60 min and then began to diminish. Most importantly, different artificial sweeteners with the same sweetness intensity had similar effects on glucose transport. The sodium / glucose co‐transporter member 1 (SGLT1) mRNA expression levels increased significantly with an initial glucose concentration of 20 mM, while glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) mRNA expression significantly increased with initial glucose concentrations of 20 mM and 60 mM.

CONCLUSION

Based on the Caco‐2/NCI‐H716 co‐culture model, SGLT1 and GLUT2 mediated the enhancing effects of artificial sweeteners on glucose transport, depending on the sweetness intensity and initial glucose concentration.
Cochlear Implantation in Candidates With Moderate‐to‐Severe Hearing Loss and Poor Speech Perception
Authors: Hoppe Ulrich , Hocke Thomas , Hast Anne , Iro Heinrich
Published: June 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

To determine the improvement in word recognition score (WRS65) after cochlear implant (CI) surgery in hearing aid (HA) users with preoperative hearing threshold ≤80 dB HL and inadequate speech recognition scores with HA. Secondarily, to identify predictive factors for WRS65 with a CI (WRS65[CI]) 6 months after surgery, derived from the standard German CI preoperative assessment.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Methods

Retrospective review of all adult patients who received a Nucleus cochlear implant in the ear, nose, and throat department of the University Hospital of Erlangen between January 2010 and April 2019. The inclusion criteria were a preoperative hearing threshold ≤80 dB HL in the ear to receive the implantation, German as the native language, and at least 6 months postimplantation care at our center.

Results

The inclusion criteria were met by 128 patients. All but two patients (98.4%) showed a significant improvement, WRS65(CI) versus WRS65 with an (HA) (WRS65[HA]), of at least 15 percentage points (pp). The median improvement was 55 pp with a median WRS65(CI) of 70%. Three preoperative audiometric measures, the maximum word recognition score, age at implantation, and WRS65(HA) were identified as predictive factors for WRS65(CI). For three‐quarters of the CI recipients, the score was not poorer than 12 pp below the predicted WRS65(CI).

Conclusions

For patients with a hearing loss ≤80 dB HL, cochlear implantation should be considered when speech perception with an HA is insufficient. The prediction model can support counseling in this patient group.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E940–E945, 2021
Hydrophilic Quaternary Ammonium Ionenes—Is There an Influence of Backbone Flexibility and Topology on Antibacterial Properties?
Authors: Kopiasz Rafał Jerzy , Tomaszewski Waldemar , Kuźmińska Aleksandra , Chreptowicz Karolina , Mierzejewska Jolanta , Ciach Tomasz , Jańczewski Dominik
Published: June 2020

The antimicrobial properties of polycations are strongly affected by the structural features such as the backbone flexibility and topology (isomerism) through the polymer ability to attain proper conformation in interaction with the cell membrane. In this paper, a synthesis and biocidal properties evaluation of ionenes characterized by different backbone topology (isomerism) and flexibility are presented. The findings reveal influence of variation in topology on activity against different microorganisms, and general positive effect of improved flexibility. Furthermore, one of the obtained ionenes displays degradable properties in near physiological environment (phosphate‐buffered saline pH 7.4, 37 °C). The degradation proceeds via Hofmann elimination reaction and the products are not of acidic character. For the first time a new class of degradable ionenes with a high antimicrobial potential is presented.
N‐methyl‐2‐hydroxyethylammonium oleate ionic liquid performance as corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in hydrochloric acid medium
Authors: Schmitzhaus Tobias E. , Ortega Vega Maria R. , Schroeder Roberto , Muller Iduvirges L. , Mattedi Silvana , Malfatti Célia de Fraga
Published: June 2020

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the performance of N‐methyl‐2‐hydroxyethylammonium oleate ([m‐2HEA][Ol]) as a corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in a 0.1‐mol/L hydrochloric acid solution and also investigate the role of chloride in the inhibition mechanism. This protic ionic liquid (PIL) has formerly shown a high efficiency as a corrosion inhibitor in a neutral chloride medium. Electrochemical and weight loss measurements, surface contact angle determination, scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy were used to understand the factors that influence the response of the studied inhibitor. Results revealed that [m‐2HEA][Ol] behaves as a mixed‐type adsorption inhibitor, by blocking cathodic sites and by modifying the activation energy of the anodic reaction, and it can reach up to 94–97% of inhibition efficiency. PIL adsorption was enhanced by the excess of positive charge of the mild steel. The effect of inhibitor molecule has been discussed to propose a mechanism that explains the inhibitory action of the corrosion inhibitor, pointing out the role of chloride in the inhibition mechanism.
Numerical Investigations of Different Tubular Microreactor Geometries for the Synthesis of Polymers under Unmixed Feed Condition
Authors: Garg Dhiraj K. , Serra Christophe A. , Hoarau Yannick , Parida Dambarudhar , Bouquey Michel , Muller Rene
Published: June 2020

Two tubular microreactor geometries—straight tube reactor (STR) and coil flow inverter reactor (CFIR)—are numerically studied with unmixed feed condition for the synthesis of poly(methyl methacrylate) and poly(styrene) by free radical polymerization. A new transformation rendering model dimensionless in terms of concentration is used during computational fluid dynamics modeling. For decoupled case of constant fluid thermo‐physical properties (FTPP) (density, viscosity, and thermal conductivity), significant differences between the two types of reactor are observed. CFIR is found to achieve higher number‐average chain lengths (DPn) while keeping polydispersity index (PDI) lower compared to STR. For the case of coupled FTPP variables with conversion (XM) and temperature, XM and DPn are found to have similar trends as in decoupled case but have systematically higher values while PDI values follows a different trend. CFIR is found to show better mixing compared to STR under similar conditions, thus allowing a better control over PDI under unmixed feed condition. An anomalous case of increased mixing in STR at low diffusion coefficient for coupled case is also observed. Overall, the importance of modeling the coupled case is clearly emphasized.
Design of a wideband right‐handed circularly polarized array of miniaturized mushroom‐shaped antennas for direct broadcast satellite application
Authors: Kola Kalyan Sundar , Chatterjee Anirban , Patanvariya Deven G.
Published: June 2020

In this study, a wideband right‐handed circularly polarized (RHCP) array of microstrip patch antennas, for direct broadcast satellite (DBS, 12.2‐12.7 GHz) services have been presented. The single element of the array is a two‐dimensional mushroom‐shaped fractal antenna of resonating frequency 12.49 GHz and an impedance bandwidth of 1.12 GHz. The proposed single element is designed by etching a pair of Minkowski square boxes in one of the two opposite sides of a regular octagon. Furthermore, a thin slot of length equal to one side of the regular octagon is placed in‐between the two Minkowski boxes, which results in the proposed mushroom‐shaped radiating element. The proposed four‐element linear array resonates at 12.47 GHz and gives an impedance bandwidth of 1.04 GHz. The feed network of the array is designed in such a manner to make the array structure very compact. The fabricated single element gives an RHCP gain of 5.25 dBic and its corresponding circular Polarization (CP) bandwidth of 200 MHz. The array gives an RHCP gain of 11.59 dBic and a CP bandwidth of 460 MHz. The measured CP bandwidth of the fabricated array prototype ensures 92% coverage of the entire DBS band with circularly polarized wave, and hence can be used for its related applications.
A miniaturized low‐cost microstrip‐to‐coplanar waveguide transition‐based ultra‐wideband bandpass filter with multiple transmission zeros
Authors: Ghazali Abu Nasar , Sazid Mohd , Pal Srikanta
Published: June 2020

This article presents a dual notched ultra‐wideband (UWB) bandpass filter (BPF) with good frequency characteristics realized on a low‐cost dielectric. The proposed structure is based on the surface‐to‐surface transition technology, with microstrip lines aligned face‐to‐face on the top, and short‐circuited butterfly shaped coplanar waveguide (CPW) in the ground. The microstrips and CPW are coupled vertically via the dielectric. The basic optimized alignment generates a third‐order UWB filter with quasi‐elliptic response having two transmission zeros at either passband edge and improved insertion/return loss. Later, folded split‐ring resonators are coupled to feed lines of the basic BPF to develop multiple stopbands inside and outside the UWB spectrum. The predicted simulated performance is verified against measured data, which depicts good similarity. The structure covers an area of 21.2 × 16 mm2.
Clinical features of LRP4/agrin‐antibody–positive myasthenia gravis: A multicenter study
Authors: Rivner Michael H. , Quarles Brandy M. , Pan Jin‐Xiu , Yu Zheng , Howard James F. , Corse Andrea , Dimachkie Mazen M. , Jackson Carlayne , Vu Tuan , Small George , Lisak Robert P. , Belsh Jerry , Lee Ikjae , Nowak Richard J. , Baute Vanessa , Scelsa Stephen , Fernandes J. Americo , Simmons Zachary , Swenson Andrea , Barohn Richard , Sanka R. Bhavaraju , Gooch Clifton , Ubogu Eroboghene , Caress James , Pasnoor Mamatha , Xu Hongyan , Mei Lin
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Our aim in this study was to identify the prevalence and clinical characteristics of LRP4/agrin‐antibody–positive double‐seronegative myasthenia gravis (DNMG).

Methods

DNMG patients at 16 sites in the United States were tested for LRP4 and agrin antibodies, and the clinical data were collected.

Results

Of 181 DNMG patients, 27 (14.9%) were positive for either low‐density lipoprotein receptor–related protein 4 (LRP4) or agrin antibodies. Twenty‐three DNMG patients (12.7%) were positive for both antibodies. More antibody‐positive patients presented with generalized symptoms (69%) compared with antibody‐negative patients (43%) (P ≤ .02). Antibody‐positive patients’ maximum classification on the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) scale was significantly higher than that for antibody‐negative patients (P ≤ .005). Seventy percent of antibody‐positive patients were classified as MGFA class III, IV, or V compared with 39% of antibody‐negative patients. Most LRP4‐ and agrin‐antibody–positive patients (24 of 27, 89%) developed generalized myathenia gravis (MG), but with standard MG treatment 81.5% (22 of 27) improved to MGFA class I or II during a mean follow‐up of 11 years.

Discussion

Antibody‐positive patients had more severe clinical disease than antibody‐negative patients. Most DNMG patients responded to standard therapy regardless of antibody status.
Effects of home‐based pelvic floor muscle training on decreasing symptoms of stress urinary incontinence and improving the quality of life of urban adult Omani women: A randomized controlled single‐blind study
Authors: Al Belushi Zalikha I. , Al Kiyumi Maisa H. , Al‐Mazrui Ahlaam A. , Jaju Sanjay , Alrawahi Abdul H. , Al Mahrezi Abdulaziz M.
Published: June 2020

Aim

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of home‐based pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) on decreasing the severity of symptoms and improving the quality of life (QOL) among Omani women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Methods

A randomized controlled single‐blind trial was conducted in three primary health care centers in Muscat. Eligible women who were diagnosed with SUI (from a concurrent phase‐I study which was a cross‐sectional study to determine the prevalence of urinary incontinence in Oman) were invited to take part. The consenting subjects were randomly allocated to either an intervention group (unsupervised PFMT) or a control group (lecture with no PFMT). Baseline and 12‐week assessment of both groups was carried out for the primary outcome using the validated Arabic version of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ)‐short form and the secondary outcome by blinded measures of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength using the modified Oxford grading system (MOGS), endurance, and perineometer.

Results

A total of 73 subjects were included in the study. They were randomly divided into two groups. Both groups were similar at the baseline in terms of sociodemographic characteristics, ICIQ score, and PFM strength. At the 12‐weeks assessment, there was a significant difference in the ICIQ score (P < .001) between the intervention group and the control one. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in MOGS, endurance, or perineometer values.

Conclusions

The home‐based PFMT is an effective treatment in reducing the severity of symptoms and improving the QOL in women with SUI.
Neural pathway of bellows response during SNM treatment revisited: Conclusive evidence for direct efferent motor response
Authors: Vaganée Donald , Voorham Jeroen , Panicker Jalesh N. , Fransen Erik , Voorham‐van der Zalm Petra , Van de Borne Sigrid , De Wachter Stefan
Published: June 2020

Background

In sacral neuromodulation (SNM) patients, it is thought the bellows response elicited upon sacral spinal nerve stimulation is reflex‐mediated. Therefore the mechanism of action of SNM is considered to be at the spinal or supraspinal level. These ideas need to be challenged.

Objective

To identify the neural pathway of the bellows response upon sacral spinal nerve stimulation.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Single tertiary center, prospective study (December 2017‐June 2019) including 29 patients with overactive bladder refractory to first‐line treatment.

Intervention

Recording of the pelvic floor muscle response (PFMR) using a camcorder and electromyography (EMG) (intravaginal probe and concentric needles) upon increasing stimulation during lead or implantable pulse generator placement.

Outcome Measurements and Statistical Analysis

The lowest stimulation intensity needed to elicit a visual PFMR and electrical PFMR was determined. Electrical PFMRs were subdivided according to their latency.

Outcome: the association between visual and electrical PFMRs. Statistical analyses were performed using the weighted kappa coefficient.

Results

Three different electrical PFMRs could be identified by surface and needle EMG, corresponding with a direct efferent motor response (R1), oligosynaptic (R2), and polysynaptic (R3) afferent reflex response.

Only the R1 electrical PFMR was perfectly associated with the visual PFMR (κ = 0.900).

Conclusions

The visual PFMRs upon sacral spinal nerve stimulation are direct efferent motor responses. A reopening of the discussion on the mechanism of action of SNM is possibly justified.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy prevents subarachnoid hemorrhage‐induced apoptosis and impaired contractility of the rabbit bladder
Authors: Tinay Ilker , Celik Ozgur , Sekerci Cagri Akin , Cadirci Selin , Cevik Ozge , Oroglu Bengusu , Sener Goksel , Tarcan Tufan
Published: June 2020

Aim

To explore the effects of experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) on rabbit urinary bladder and to assess the potential protective effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).

Methods

A total of 15 male New Zealand white rabbits were divided randomly to one of three groups: group I was spared as the control group (n = 5), group II was exposed to SAH, received no treatment, and acted as the SAH group (n = 5) and group III was exposed to SAH and received five sessions of HBOT (started 12 hours after SAH induction and was given twice daily for the first 2 days and once on the third day) and acted as the treatment group (n = 5). At 72 hours after the SAH induction, bladders from all animals were removed for in vitro organ bath experiments and biochemical analyses.

Results

İsometric tension studies revealed that compared to group I, the contractile responses of the strips to carbachol in group II were significantly decreased whereas HBOT restored the contractile responses (P < .05). Caspase‐3 and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activities of bladder tissues were significantly increased in group II when compared with group I, whereas caspase‐3 and NOS activities were significantly decreased in the tissues of group III (P < .01).

Conclusions

Subarachnoid hemorrhage stimulates apoptosis of the rabbit bladder and impairs the contractile response of the rabbit bladder to carbachol. HBOT creates a protective effect in rabbit bladder tissues and restores SAH‐induced changes.
Qualitative evaluation in nursing interventions—A review of the literature
Authors: Rørtveit Kristine , Saetre Hansen Britt , Joa Inge , Lode Kirsten , Severinsson Elisabeth
Published: June 2020

Aim

To identify and synthesize qualitative evaluation methods used in nursing interventions.

Design

A systematic qualitative review with a content analysis. Four databases were used: MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase and CINAHL using pre‐defined terms. The included papers were published from 2014–2018.

Methods

We followed the guidelines of Dixon‐Woods et al., Sandelowski and Barroso, the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme qualitative checklist and The Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research Approach.

Results

Of 103 papers, 15 were eligible for inclusion. The main theme Challenging complexity by evaluating qualitatively described processes and characteristics of qualitative evaluation. Two analytic themes emerged: Evaluating the implementation process and Evaluating improvements brought about by the programme.

Conclusion

Different qualitative evaluation methods in nursing are a way of documenting knowledge that is difficult to illuminate in natural settings and make an important contribution when determining the pros and cons of an intervention.
Delocalization in Substituted Benzene Dications: A Magnetic Point of View
Authors: Orozco‐Ic Mesías , Barroso Jorge , Islas Rafael , Merino Gabriel
Published: June 2020

In this work, the induced magnetic field is analyzed for a series of substituted benzenes dications with formula C6R62+ (R=I, At, SeH, SeCH3, TeH, TeCH3), presumably exhibiting concentric aromaticity. Previous studies concluded that in the carbon skeleton, just π‐electrons are delocalized. However, our results support that both the σ‐ and π‐electrons are delocalized in the carbon skeleton, combined with a σ‐delocalization in the external ring. The role of the relativistic effects in these dications is discussed in detail.
Comparison of the effect of reactive and nonreactive treatments on the dispersion characteristics of a calcium carbonate (calcite) filler in a polypropylene matrix composite
Authors: Ersoy Orkun , Köse Harun
Published: June 2020

The excellent properties of the composites distinctly depend on the filler particles dispersion, which has close relationship with the surface treatment of filler particles. To improve the compatibility between the filler particles and the matrix, the surface of filler particles is generally treated with coating agents, which can be classified as “dispersants” and “coupling agents.” Coating calcite (CaCO3) with dispersants is called a nonreactive treatment. The surface modification of CaCO3 with coupling agents is called reactive treatment. In this study, physical, chemical, morphological, rheological, and mechanical analyses were conducted to determine the effect of reactive and nonreactive surface treatment agents on the dispersion of CaCO3 in polypropylene/CaCO3 composites. Both agents successfully made the surface of CaCO3 hydrophobic. The results of this study revealed that, although stearic acid (SA) establishes stronger bonds with the calcite surface, isopropyl tristearyl titanate, unlike SA, improves the properties of the final product composite, which forms a bond at the polymer/filler interface.
Enhancing the mechanical properties of 3D printed polylactic acid using nanocellulose
Authors: Ambone Tushar , Torris Arun , Shanmuganathan Kadhiravan
Published: June 2020

We report here a systematic investigation of the mechanical properties of polylactic acid (PLA) processed by fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printing vs PLA processed by compression molding. Our results show that the tensile strength and modulus of FFF‐PLA is 49% and 41% lower, respectively, than compression molded samples of PLA. We also demonstrate here an approach to augment the mechanical properties of 3D printed PLA using nanocellulose. Incorporation of a small quantity (1 wt%) of cellulose nanofibers (CNF) was found to enhance the tensile strength and modulus of 3D printed PLA by 84% and 63%, respectively. X‐ray microtomography was used to probe the morphology of 3D printed PLA and PLA/CNF composites. 3D printed PLA/CNF composites had significantly lesser voids as compared to neat 3D printed PLA. Differential scanning calorimetry study revealed that CNF can accelerate the nucleation and crystallization of 3D printed PLA leading to enhanced crystallinity. The thermal stability of 3D printed PLA/CNF composites was not compromised by the addition of CNF. The enhanced mechanical properties of 3D printed PLA/CNF composites can be ascribed to higher crystallinity and lesser defects.
Super‐crosslinked ionic liquid‐intercalated montmorillonite/epoxy nanocomposites: Cure kinetics, viscoelastic behavior and thermal degradation mechanism
Authors: Seidi Farzad , Jouyandeh Maryam , Akbari Vahideh , Paran Seyed Mohamad Reza , Livi Sebastian , Ducos Franck , Vahabi Henri , Ganjali Mohammad Reza , Saeb Mohammad Reza
Published: June 2020

Super‐crosslinked epoxy nanocomposites containing N‐octadecyl‐N′‐octadecyl imidazolium iodide (IM)‐functionalized montmorillonite (MMT‐IM) nanoplatelets were developed and examined for cure kinetics, viscoelastic behavior and thermal degradation kinetics. The structure and morphology of MMT‐IM were characterized by FTIR, XRD, TEM, and TGA. Synthesized MMT‐IM revealed synergistic effects on the network formation, the glass transition temperature (Tg) and thermal stability of epoxy. Cure and viscoelastic behaviors of epoxy nanocomposites containing 0.1 wt% MMT and MMT‐IM were compared based on DSC and DMA, respectively. Activation energy profile as a function of the extent of cure was obtained. DMA results indicated a strong interface between imidazole groups of MMT‐IM and epoxy, which caused a significant improvement in storage modulus and the Tg of epoxy. Network degradation kinetics of epoxy containing 0.5, 2.0, and 5.0 wt% MMT and MMT‐IM were compared by using Friedman, Kissinger‐Akahira‐Sunose (KAS), Flynn‐Wall‐Ozawa (FWO) and the modified Coats‐Redfern methods. Although addition of MMT to epoxy was detrimental to the Tg value, as featured by a fall from 94.1°C to 89.7°C detected by DMA method, and from 103.3°C to 97.9°C by DSC method, respectively. By contrast, meaningful increase in such values were observed in the same order from 94.1°C to 94.7°C and from 103.3°C to 104.7°C for super‐crosslinked epoxy/MMT‐IM systems.
Enzymatically forming cell compatible supramolecular assemblies of tryptophan‐rich short peptides
Authors: Yang Dongsik , Kim Beom Jin , He Hongjian , Xu Bing
Published: June 2020

Here, we report a new type of tryptophan‐rich short peptides, which act as hydrogelators, form supramolecular assemblies via enzymatic dephosphorylation, and exhibit cell compatibility. The facile synthesis of the peptides starts with the production of phosphotyrosine and then uses solid‐phase peptide synthesis to build the phosphopeptides that contain multiple tryptophan residues. Besides exhibiting excellent solubility, these phosphopeptides, unlike the previously reported cytotoxic phenylalanine‐rich phosphopeptides, are largely compatible toward mammalian cells. Our preliminary mechanistic study suggests that the tryptophan‐rich peptides, instead of forming pericellular assemblies, largely accumulate in lysosomes. Such lysosomal localization may account for their cell compatibility. Moreover, these tryptophan‐rich peptides are able to transiently reduce the cytotoxicity of phenylalanine‐rich peptide assemblies. This rather unexpected result implies that tryptophan may act as a useful aromatic building block for developing cell compatible supramolecular assemblies for soft materials and find applications for protecting cells from cytotoxic peptide aggregates.
Compatibility, crystallinity and mechanical properties of poly(lactic acid)‐poly(ether‐block‐amide) based copper nanocomposites
Authors: Bautista‐Del‐Ángel Jesús E , Morales‐Cepeda Ana B , Wood‐Adams Paula M
Published: June 2020

Binary and ternary composites of poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(ether‐block‐amide) (PEBAX) and copper nanoparticles were prepared by melt blending in an internal mixer. Compatibility and molecular interactions between the three components of the nanocomposites were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. It was found that the carbonyl groups of the PLA and copper nanoparticles interact. Also, PLA and PEBAX are compatible and develop molecular interactions between the C=O of PLA and the C=O and NH of PEBAX, forming dipole–dipole bonds and hydrogen bonds. The compatibility and molecular interaction between PLA and PEBAX are reduced by copper nanoparticles. The reduction of compatibility between PLA and PEBAX produced a lower storage modulus and lower strain at break in the ternary systems than in the blend PLA‐PEBAX. Copper nanoparticles enhanced the crystallinity of PLA. PLA responded more strongly to the nucleating effect of copper when PEBAX was added indicating a synergistic effect. The strain at break of PLA was enhanced by the addition of PEBAX but was severely reduced by the presence of nanoparticles. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Discriminating changes in protein structure using tyrosine conjugation
Authors: Moinpour Mahta , Barker Natalie K. , Guzman Lindsay E. , Jewett John C. , Langlais Paul R. , Schwartz Jacob C.
Published: June 2020

Chemical modification of proteins has been crucial in engineering protein‐based therapies, targeted biopharmaceutics, molecular probes, and biomaterials. Here, we explore the use of a conjugation‐based approach to sense alternative conformational states in proteins. Tyrosine has both hydrophobic and hydrophilic qualities, thus allowing it to be positioned at protein surfaces, or binding interfaces, or to be buried within a protein. Tyrosine can be conjugated with 4‐phenyl‐3H‐1,2,4‐triazole‐3,5(4H)‐dione (PTAD). We hypothesized that individual protein conformations could be distinguished by labeling tyrosine residues in the protein with PTAD. We conjugated tyrosine residues in a well‐folded protein, bovine serum albumin (BSA), and quantified labeled tyrosine with liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. We applied this approach to alternative conformations of BSA produced in the presence of urea. The amount of PTAD labeling was found to relate to the depth of each tyrosine relative to the protein surface. This study demonstrates a new use of tyrosine conjugation using PTAD as an analytic tool able to distinguish the conformational states of a protein.
Transcriptome analysis of putative detoxification genes in the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri
Authors: Wu Zhongzhen , Pu Xinhua , Shu Benshui , Bin Shuying , Lin Jintian
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), is a notorious pest that transmits the causal agent of huanglongbing (also called citrus greening disease). Resistance to insecticide in this destructive pest poses a serious threat to the citrus industry. To date, no systemic studies on genes coding for detoxification enzymes has been carried out on D. citri.

RESULTS

Multiple transcriptomes were generated through deep sequencing of RNA libraries. Candidate genes potentially involved in detoxification including cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs), glutathione S‐transferases (GSTs), and esterases (ESTs) were systematically identified by searching the transcriptomes and a draft genome assembly. A total of 49, 14 and 20 genes were found encoding CYPs, GSTs, and ESTs, respectively, in D. citri. The total numbers of candidate detoxification genes were much smaller than the counterparts reported in other insect species, which may reflect the strict oligophagy of this insect species. Developmental stage‐ and tissue‐specific expression patterns of the identified genes as well as their responses to insecticide treatments identified a small set of genes that could participate in detoxifying plant secondary metabolites and insecticides.

CONCLUSION

Our studies represent the most comprehensive investigation to date on identification, characterization and expression profiling of detoxification genes in D. citri. The information revealed in this study shall be useful in designing strategies to manage this important insect pest. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Poly(vinylidene chloride)/Poly(chlorotrifluoroethylene‐co‐acrylates) Composite Latex Coating Cured at Room Temperature Showing an Excellent Corrosion Resistance
Authors: Wang Yanxu , Li Chao , Zhang Xiaopeng , Lin Qianqian , Jiang Yuan , Yuan Jinfeng , Pan Mingwang
Published: June 2020

We report the fabrication of a corrosion‐resistant and room‐temperature curing composite latex coating with simple and environmentally friendly characteristics. Poly(vinylidene chloride) (PVDC) seed latex was first synthesized by emulsion polymerization of vinylidene chloride (VDC) monomers, subsequently the core‐shell structure of PVDC/poly(chlorotrifluoroethylene‐co‐methyl methacrylate‐co‐butyl acrylate) (PVDC/PCMB) particles were prepared via seeded emulsion copolymerization of PVDC seed particles with chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE), methyl methacrylate (MMA), and butyl acrylate (BA) comonomers. Furthermore, the PVDC/PCMB composite waterborne coating was smoothly fabricated. Besides, the film‐forming and anticorrosive performances could be improved by adjusting the feed ratio of acrylate comonomers in the shell layer and the core‐shell ratio, which was attributed to the synergistic effect of the low‐temperature curing PCMB nanodomains and the anticorrosive PVDC nanodomains. Moreover, the PVDC/PCMB coating still showed the outstanding corrosion resistance even after immersion in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution for 400 h.
Silver‐Iodide‐Catalyzed One‐Pot Three‐Component Synthesis of 3‐Amino Furans in Water
Authors: Kumar Rapeti Siva , Chaitanya Kasina Krishna , Gundepaka Prasad , Birudaraju Saritha , Sailaja B. B.
Published: June 2020

The readily available and inexpensive silver iodide catalyzed one‐pot three‐component reaction of 2‐ketoaldehdyes, secondary amines and terminal alkynes to access 3‐amino furans in environmentally benign water proceeds via tandem Mannich‐Grignard addition followed by intramolecular cyclization was described for the first time.
Multipoint contact without forbearance? How coverage synergies shape equity analysts' forecasting performance
Authors: Uribe Jose N.
Published: June 2020

Research Summary:Scholars regularly use multipoint contact (MPC) to explain how encountering rivals in different domains shapes performance. While most explanations rely on mutual forbearance theory, I propose that competitive deterrence does not adequately explain how MPC shapes performance in knowledge intensive work and argue instead that cross‐domain synergies may play a central role. I examine how security analysts' MPC with publicly traded firms captures synergies in their coverage portfolio, which improves forecasting accuracy and information leadership. The advantages of greater MPC for a focal analyst are counterbalanced by rivals' observational learning, which reduces the focal analyst's forecasting differentiation. A natural experiment helps corroborate my argument: rival analysts' forecasting accuracy dropped for firms in which high MPC analysts perished in the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001.

Managerial Summary:Competition in the knowledge economy often unfolds across multiple domains including product markets, geographic locations, and customer segments. In these settings, an actor's level of multipoint contact (MPC) in a domain captures the knowledge and other synergies available to the focal actor, which can improve performance in the domain. In the equity research setting, an analyst's MPC on a focal firm captures the likelihood that the analyst also covers that firm's suppliers, customers and important competitors. Using data on analysts' forecasting performance between 2001 and 2013, I find that greater levels of MPC on a focal firm predicts greater forecasting accuracy and information leadership but also lowers forecasting differentiation by attracting rivals who observe and benefit from the focal analyst's knowledge.