bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dependency of the Dimethyldihydropyrene Photochromic Properties on the Number of Pyridinium Electron‐Withdrawing Groups
Authors: Lognon Elise , Heitz Marie‐Catherine , Bakkar Assil , Cobo Saioa , Loiseau Frédérique , Saint‐Aman Eric , Royal Guy , Boggio‐Pasqua Martial
Published: May 2020

Photochromic dimethyldihydropyrenes substituted with electron‐withdrawing pyridinium groups have shown an increase of photo‐induced ring‐opening efficiency and a light sensitivity that is red shifted relative to the unsubstituted compound. However, a recently synthesized tetrapyridinium derivative showed a considerable decrease of the photo‐isomerization quantum yield relative to the monopyridinium and bispyridinium derivatives. We provide a rationale for this unexpected photochemical behavior based on the comparative theoretical investigations of the relevant excited states of these systems. In particular, we found that the nature and order of the lowest two excited states depend on the number of pyridinium groups and on the symmetry of the system. While the lowest S1 excited state is photo‐active in the monopyridinium and bispyridinium derivatives, the photo‐isomerizing state is S2 in the reference unsubstituted compound and both S1 and S2 lead to isomerization in the tetrapyridinium derivative, albeit with a low efficiency. In the latter derivative, the photo‐isomerization is hindered by the particular S1/S2 conical intersection topology.
The Challenge of Distinguishing Cell–Cell Complexes from Singlet Cells in Non‐Imaging Flow Cytometry and Single‐Cell Sorting
Authors: Burel Julie G. , Pomaznoy Mikhail , Lindestam Arlehamn Cecilia S. , Seumois Gregory , Vijayanand Pandurangan , Sette Alessandro , Peters Bjoern
Published: May 2020

Our recent work has highlighted that care needs to be taken when interpreting single cell data originating from flow cytometry acquisition or cell sorting: We found that doublets of T cells bound to other immune cells are often present in the live singlet gate of human peripheral blood samples acquired by flow cytometry. This hidden “contamination” generates atypical gene signatures of mixed cell lineage in what is assumed to be single cells, which can lead to data misinterpretation, such as the description of novel immune cell types. Here, based on the example of T cell–monocyte complexes, we identify experimental and data analysis strategies to help distinguishing between singlets and cell–cell complexes in non‐imaging flow cytometry and single‐cell sorting. We found robust molecular signatures in both T cell–monocyte and T cell–B cell complexes that can distinguish them from singlets at both protein and mRNA levels. Imaging flow cytometry with appropriate gating strategy (matching the one used in cell sorting) and direct microscopy imaging after cell sorting were the two methods of choice to detect the presence of cell–cell complexes in suspicious dual‐expressing cells. We finally applied this knowledge to highlight the likely presence of T cell–B cell complexes in a recently published dataset describing a novel cell population with mixed T cell and B cell lineage properties. © 2020 The Authors. Cytometry Part A published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
Performance of zero cross correlation resultant weight spectral amplitude codes in lower Earth orbit‐based optical wireless channel system
Authors: Kaur Rupinder , Kaler Rajinder Singh
Published: May 2020

A consolidated performance investigation and design of newly constructed zero cross correlation resultant weight (ZCCRW) code is presented without mapping over optical wireless channel (OWC) in lower Earth orbit (LEO). Multiple access interference (MAI) is suppressed by incorporating proposed 1‐D code at 10 Gbps with an algorithm. A further state of the art comparison of diverse optical code division multiple access (OCDMA) codes such as multi diagonal codes and diagonal double weight codes is accomplished with proposed code in terms of root mean square (RMS) jitter, extinction ratio, MAI, quality factor (QF), and bit error rate (BER) at different linewidths, chip sizes, link lengths, and active users. It is perceived that for ZCCRW code, QF obtained is 16.5 for chip size (0.1 ns), and at 4000 km, BER 10‐9 is achieved using the forward error correction (FEC) technique. OWC system in LEO with lasers in spectral amplitude code (SAC) OCDMA is proposed for the first time as per the author's best knowledge.
Work with psychological services to support self‐advocacy in the health professions
Authors: Marshall Cheryl Porter , Jain Neera R.
Published: May 2020

Self‐advocacy skills are important for individuals with disabilities and crucial for those who plan to enter health professions education. Although positive changes are occurring, some resistance in health professions education persists surrounding full inclusion of individuals with disabilities. As our students navigate this shifting culture, they will encounter leaders who are well‐versed in disability rights and those who are not informed. It is in interactions with the latter where self‐advocacy is most crucial.
Accessible COVID‐19 tracker enables a way for visually impaired to stay up to date
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: May 2020

Tyler Littlefield, a software developer who is blind with only light perception, has created a fully accessible tracker of COVID‐19 statistics as a resource for those who are blind or visually impaired. The majority of information regarding ongoing statistics and updates about the spread of COVID‐19 in the United States is conducted graphically, which can be a problem for the blind or visually impaired. The tracker, called CVStats, converts statistics about COVID‐19 from a graphical to a text format, making it easier for those who work exclusively with screen readers to access the information.
Left bundle branch area pacing delivery of cardiac resynchronization therapy and comparison with biventricular pacing
Authors: Li Xiaofei , Qiu Chunguang , Xie Ruiqin , Ma Wentao , Wang Zhao , Li Hui , Wang Hao , Hua Wei , Zhang Shu , Yao Yan , Fan Xiaohan
Published: May 2020

Aims

This multicentre observational study aimed to prospectively assess the efficacy of left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) in heart failure patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB) and compare the 6‐month outcomes between LBBAP and biventricular pacing (BVP).

Methods and results

Consecutive patients with LBBB and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 35% were prospectively recruited if they had undergone LBBAP as a primary or rescue strategy from three separate centres from March to December 2018. Patients who received BVP in 2018 were retrospectively selected by using 2 to 1 propensity score matching to minimize bias. Implant characteristics and echocardiographic parameters were assessed during the 6‐month follow‐up. LBBAP procedure succeeded in 81.1% (30/37) of patients, with selective LBBAP in 10 patients, and 3 of 20 patients combined non‐selective LBBAP and LV lead pacing for further QRS narrowing. LBBAP resulted in significant QRS narrowing (from 178.2 ± 18.8 to 121.8 ± 10.8 ms, P < 0.001, paced QRS duration ≤ 130 ms in 27 patients) and improved LVEF (from 28.8 ± 4.5% to 44.3 ± 8.7%, P < 0.001) during the 6‐month follow‐up. The comparison between 27 patients with LBBAP alone and 54 of 130 matching patients with BVP showed that LBBAP delivered a greater reduction in the QRSd (58.0 vs. 12.5 ms, P < 0.001), a greater increase in LVEF (15.6% vs. 7.0%, P < 0.001), and greater echocardiographic (88.9% vs. 66.7%, P = 0.035) and super response (44.4% vs. 16.7%, P = 0.007) to cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Conclusions

LBBAP could deliver cardiac resynchronization therapy in most patients with heart failure and LBBB, and might be a promising alternative resynchronization approach to BVP.
Rational Optimization of Lewis‐Acid Catalysts for Direct Alcohol Amination, Part 2 – Titanium Triflimide as New Active Catalyst
Authors: Payard Pierre‐Adrien , Finidori Céline , Guichard Laurélia , Cartigny Damien , Corbet Matthieu , Khrouz Lhoussain , Bonneviot Laurent , Wischert Raphael , Grimaud Laurence , Pera‐Titus Marc
Published: May 2020

The reactivity of a new titanium triflimide salt (see Part 1) was investigated for the direct amination of alcohols. The combination of this new Lewis acid with pyridine‐based ligands allowed a significant increase of activity. The scope of the reaction was increased compared to other Lewis‐acid‐based protocols. Finally, mechanistic insights based on EPR spectroscopy and DFT calculations are provided.
Probing the electrical double layer by operando X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy through a graphene‐carbon nanotube composite window
Authors: Wang Peng , Li Yunfeng , Wang Luning , Kłos Jacek , Peng Zhiwei , Kim Nam , Bluhm Hendrik , Gaskell Karen , Liu Ping , Lee Sang Bok , Eichhorn Bryan W. , Wang YuHuang
Published: May 2020

The electrical double layer is known to spontaneously form at the electrode‐electrolyte interface, impacting many important chemical and physical processes as well as applications including electrocatalysis, electroorganic synthesis, nanomaterial preparation, energy storage, and even emulsion stabilization. However, it has been challenging to study this fundamental phenomenon at the molecular level because the electrical double layer is deeply “buried” by the bulk electrolyte solution. Here, we report a quantitative probing of the electrical double layer of ionic liquids from the solid side of a photoelectron‐transparent graphene‐carbon nanotube hybrid membrane electrode using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The membrane window is ultrathin (1‐1.5 nm), large (~1 cm2), and robust, enabling a tight seal of the electrolyte and quantitative measurement with excellent photoelectron signals. By operando monitoring the population changes of cations and anions in response to the applied electrical potentials, we experimentally resolve the chemical structure and dynamics of the electrical double layer, which corroborate results from molecular dynamics simulations.

image
Research on the quality changes of grass carp during brine salting
Authors: Yang Wenxian , Shi Wenzheng , Qu Yinghong , Wang Zhihe , Shen Siyuan , Tu Ludan , Huang Haiyuan , Wu Han
Published: May 2020

The research on the quality changes of grass carp during brine salting with 6%, 8%, and 10% salt additions was evaluated by chemical and physical indicators, as well as a sensory assessment and microbiological analysis. The NaCl content was proportional to salt addition and salting time. The increase of salt addition could lead to the increase of hardness and chewiness in which change trends were contrary to the pH within 24 hr. All K values were less than 10% during brine salting. The effect of 8% salt additions on free amino acids was relatively smaller. Higher levels of salt additions could inhibit bacterial growth. Combined with sensory assessment, equivalent umami concentration (EUC), and taste activity value (TAV) to analysis comprehensively, it was suggested that grass carp meat should be eaten at 4–8 hr of brine salting with 8% salt additions or processed for the next step, in which the grass carp meat had a better taste and quality.
Electrochemical Study of the Versatility of a Solid Cell Working both as Fuel Cell and Electrolysis Modes
Authors: Pichot E. , Olivon M. , Perraud A. , Joubert O. , Le Gal La Salle A.
Published: May 2020

A Ni/Yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) cell with a (La0.60Sr0.40)0.95Co0.20Fe0.80O3–δ cathode is tested both in fuel cell and electrolysis modes. In fuel cell mode under dry air and wet H2, the cell is operated between the open circuit voltage (OCV) and 0.4 V and reaches 330 mW cm−2 at 850 °C for 157 mL min−1 H2 supply. The influence of temperature and air or hydrogen flow rate is studied, and impedance measurements show that below 0.8 V the electrolyte becomes the more resistive part of the cell. Nevertheless, fuel utilization yields are higher under oxygen or hydrogen depletion. If it is possible at 750 °C to work at low voltage during several hours in the entire voltage range, the voltage decrease must be limited at 850 °C. The cell can also be operated under wet air. The same cell can be operated in electrolysis mode, and a power density of 340 mW cm−2 can be obtained at 0.3 V/OCV under 100 mL min−1 wet (3% H2O) 5% H2–95% Ar mixture on the fuel side and dry or wet 100 mL min−1 air flow on the air side. Nevertheless, bubbling air providing the air electrode in saltwater has an irreversible detrimental effect on the cell.
Between a rock and a hard place: A critique of economic upgrading in global value chains
Authors: Dindial Miguel , Clegg Jeremy , Voss Hinrich
Published: May 2020

Research Summary

Researchers have tried to understand how insertion into global value chains (GVCs) can lead to economic upgrading for the developing country firms (DCFs) involved. Many of these studies operationalize upgrading as a DCF's movement into higher value‐added activities, where the creation and appropriation of value‐added are assumed to be symbiotic. In doing so, they divorce economic upgrading from its effect on interfirm bargaining power. We address this core assumption by introducing insights from theories on power‐dependence relations. We argue that pursuing an economic upgrading trajectory can be positioned a necessary but insufficient condition for DCF value‐added appropriation. In so doing, we theoretically explicate the conditions under which an economic upgrading trajectory is likely to result in DCF value‐added capture.

Managerial Summary

The fragmentation and dispersion of the multinational enterprises' (MNE) value‐adding activities allows DCFs to insert themselves in the MNEs' value chain. Within both academic and policy spheres, DCFs are encouraged to participate in GVCs as it allows for knowledge and resource transfers from the MNE (upgrading opportunities). In this paper, we offer a critique on this notion of economic upgrading. We argue that researchers have focused on the benefits that new or improved value chain activities can bring, but have largely ignored how these benefits are shared between the chain participants OR members. We address this assumption by introducing power‐dependence and bargaining power to explicate the conditions under which an economic upgrading trajectory can positively influence the DCF's value‐added appropriation.
Resting state functional network switching rate is differently altered in bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder
Authors: Han Shaoqiang , Cui Qian , Wang Xiao , Li Liang , Li Di , He Zongling , Guo Xiaonan , Fan Yun‐Shuang , Guo Jing , Sheng Wei , Lu Fengmei , Chen Huafu
Published: May 2020

The clinical misdiagnosis ratio of bipolar disorder (BD) patients to major depressive disorder (MDD) patients is high. Recent findings hypothesize that the ability to flexibly recruit functional neural networks is differently altered in BD and MDD patients. This study aimed to explore distinct aberrance of network flexibility during dynamic networks configuration in BD and MDD patients. Resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging of 40 BD patients, 61 MDD patients, and 61 matched healthy controls were recruited. Dynamic functional connectivity matrices for each subject were constructed with a sliding window method. Then, network switching rate of each node was calculated and compared among the three groups. BD and MDD patients shared decreased network switching rate of regions including left precuneus, bilateral parahippocampal gyrus, and bilateral dorsal medial prefrontal cortex. Apart from these regions, MDD patients presented specially decreased network switching rate in the bilateral anterior insula, left amygdala, and left striatum. Taken together, BD and MDD patients shared decreased network switching rate of key hubs in default mode network and MDD patients presented specially decreased switching rate in salience network and striatum. We found shared and distinct aberrance of network flexibility which revealed altered adaptive functions during dynamic networks configuration of BD and MDD.
Modified technique of submandibular gland transfer followed by intensity modulated radiotherapy to reduce xerostomia in head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Chang Chia‐Fan , El‐Sayed Ivan H. , George Jonathan R. , Heaton Chase M. , Ryan William R. , Susko Matt S. , Yom Sue S. , Ha Patrick K.
Published: May 2020

Background

Xerostomia is one of the most common long‐term adverse effects of radiotherapy for head and neck cancer patients. Contralateral submandibular gland transfer (SMG‐T) before radiotherapy was shown to reduce xerostomia compared to pilocarpine. We sought to evaluate a modification of this surgery preserving the ipsilateral facial artery and vein to simplify the SMG‐T.

Methods

Eighteen patients planned for head and neck intensity modulated radiotherapy to both necks were reviewed. Surgical complications were recorded. The grade of xerostomia was assessed after treatment completion.

Results

There were no minor or major complications resulting from the modified SMG‐T. At 24.5‐months follow up, the incidence of post‐treatment moderate to severe xerostomia was 16.7%. No locoregional recurrence occurred. Only one patient had distant solitary lung metastasis.

Conclusion

The modified SMG‐T technique is a practical and effective method to reduce the dose of radiation to the contralateral SMG and limit post‐treatment xerostomia.
Paid surrogacy abroad does not violate public policy: UK Supreme Court
Authors: Dickens Bernard M.
Published: May 2020

In April 2020, the United Kingdom Supreme Court upheld compensation for a woman whose negligent medical care had left her dependent on surrogate motherhood (SM) to have a family, even though SM might be by lawful commercial services in California, USA. Paid SM is criminal in the UK. Altruistic SM arrangements are legal, but unenforceable. The trial judge felt bound by precedent to disallow compensation for lawful commercial SM abroad, as contrary to public policy. The Court of Appeal reversed this ruling, since public policy is not immutable, and had changed. The Supreme Court agreed, acknowledging an evolution in popular attitudes concerning what a family is, and how it might be formed. Government policy was observed to accommodate SM in suitable cases. Movement was perceived towards legislative reform, and judicial recognition of paid SM arrangements abroad that are not exploitative or abusive of surrogates, commissioning parents, or resulting children was considered appropriate.
Mobile Mist Computing for the Internet of Vehicles†
Authors: Bonanni Michele , Chiti Francesco , Fantacci Romano
Published: May 2020

This paper introduces the innovative Mobile Mist Computing (M2C) concept by addressing a reference architectural model for vehicular networks capable of supporting complex mobile services with stringent time‐space constraints. Cellular technology, thank to its coverage, data rates and latencies, is generally considered the key enabler to support real‐time vehicular applications. Moreover, their integration with the emerging Fog Computing (FC) paradigm can reduce the of the core network, thus minimising the overall service delay. In this scenario, vehicular mobility represents the most relevant challenge to guarantee service continuity, while providing Quality of Service (QoS), especially when Fog Servers (FSs) have limited resources. To this purpose, FC has been firstly integrated with the Software Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) concepts and, subsequently the dynamic replacement of vehicular services (ie, VNF migration) among FSs has been investigated to properly accommodate users mobility. Finally, an optimised strategy, called swapping migration, that can optimise both resources utilisation and outage rate, has been introduced. The proposed scheme has been validated by means of numerical simulations and compared with several benchmarks over realistic scenarios by pointing out latency and reliability as a function of the services request rate and the transmission capacity.
A paternal t(6;22)(q25.3;p12) leading to a deleted and satellited der(6) in a short‐lived infant
Authors: Domínguez María Guadalupe , Rivera Horacio , Dávalos‐Pulido Rosa María , Dávalos‐Rodríguez Ingrid Patricia
Published: May 2020

Background

Non‐acrocentric satellited chromosomes mostly result from familial balanced insertions or translocations with p12 or p13 of any acrocentric. Although all non‐acrocentrics have been involved, only 12 instances of chromosome 6 involvement are known.

Case presentation

A female infant exhibited clinical features typical of 6qter deletions and also generalized hypertrichosis and synophrys, traits seldom reported in patients with similar imbalances or haploinsufficiency of ARID1B located in 6q25.3. She had a paternal derivative satellited 6q of a t(6;22)(q25.3;p12)pat entailing a 6q terminal deletion, karyotype 46,XX,der(6)t(6;22)(q25.3;p12)pat [16].ish del 6q subtel–.

Conclusion

Male and female carriers of reciprocal translocations or insertions between chromosome 6 and the short arm of any acrocentric have few unbalanced offspring mostly by adjacent‐1 segregation. In addition, spontaneous abortions or male infertility was present in 7/13 instances of satellited chromosome 6.
Social suffering and the psychological impact of structural violence and economic oppression in an ongoing conflict setting: The Gaza Strip
Authors: Hammad Jeyda , Tribe Rachel
Published: May 2020

Structural violence and economic oppression (e.g. control over resources, politically engineered poverty and unemployment) are common features of warfare, yet there is a lack of research exploring the impact this has on civilian wellbeing in conflict‐affected areas. This study, embedded within a human rights and community liberation psychology framework, aims to address this need by studying young Palestinian university graduates living under military blockade and occupation in the Gaza Strip. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis indicated that economic and political domains adversely affected multiple aspects of civilian life and wellbeing. The findings revealed the deleterious effects of structural violence and economic oppression which created: human insecurity; poor psychological wellbeing and quality of life; existential, psychological and social suffering; humiliation; injuries to dignity; multiple losses; and led to life being experienced as ‘on hold’. Local expressions and idioms to express distress were identified. The findings contributed to unique insights regarding how continual, systemic, and structural oppression can be potentially more psychologically detrimental than specific incidents of conflict and violence. The implications and the relevance of the findings to mental health and disaster relief are considered. Interventions providing human security and economic security should be prioritised.
Implementation of a national mental health intervention in educational communities: What do successful teams do differently?
Authors: Leiva Loreto , Zavala‐Villalón Gloria , Antivilo‐Bruna Andrés , Torres Betzabe , Ganga‐León Catalina
Published: May 2020

This study aimed to identify the elements that characterize local teams which implement a nationwide preventive mental health intervention in schools and achieve better results. A mixed‐methods sequential explanatory design was conducted in two phases: (a) teams were characterized according to their level of achievement in the preventive intervention through latent class analysis; and (b) case studies of three teams with different implementation results were conducted by performing content analysis on interviews, observations, and documents. It was established that the more effective teams have better planning, the more they are familiar with the intervention, and more aware of their strengths and weaknesses. This team also implement culturally pertinent actions aimed at increasing knowledge about the intervention, which causes schools to experience it as part of their community, since they include the intervention in their regular dynamics. Lastly, the importance and relevance of these elements when working in educational communities is discussed.
The point mutation analysis of Cyp2C9*2 (Arg144Cys C>T), Cyp2C9*3 (Ile359Leu A>C) and VKORC1 (1639G>A) in women with cervical cancer related to HPV: A case‐control study
Authors: Golshekan Elham , Sohrabi Amir
Published: May 2020

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted viral infection worldwide. HPV tumorigenesis genotypes are the causative agents of cervical cancer and genital malignancies. The scientific literature has demonstrated that life style, environmental, epigenetic accompanied with HR‐HPV genotypes are potential risk factors for cervical cancer progression. The frequencies of the Cyp2C9*2, Cyp2C9*3, and vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 (VKORC1) genotypes as potential molecular biomarkers have been investigated on Iranian women with cervical malignancy related to HPV genotypes. As a case‐control study, the mutations were appraised using a polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism procedure on women suffering from HPV infection (60 cases), CC (46 cases), and 40 subjects of as healthy control. The outcomes demonstrated that Cyp2C9*3 showed a meaningful relationship between women diagnosed with cervical cancer and the healthy population (AA vs. AC; OR, 7.15; 95% CI, 1.94‐26.3; p = .003). It was also observed that the Cyp2C9*3 mutation in women with cervical cancer and VKORC1 in healthy population with HPV (+), did not follow the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. Our findings aid understanding the genetic polymorphism distribution of Cyp2C9*2, Cyp2C9*3, and VKORC1 in women with genital malignancies. This can also be useful in predicting the susceptibility risk factors for developing cervical cancer. However, allelic discrimination as a molecular biomarker requires further research.
Preliminary study on the mechanism of long noncoding RNA SENCR regulating the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Ye Famin , Zhang Jing , Zhang Qiaoling , Zhang Jingjing , Chen Cheng
Published: May 2020

The proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are one of the key regulatory links of atherosclerosis (AS). Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as key regulators in AS development. In this study, we first assessed the expression level of smooth muscle and endothelial cell‐enriched migration/differentiation‐associated lncRNA (SENCR) in the plasma of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and its predictive and diagnostic value. Second, we investigated the role of SENCR in the regulation network of human aortic‐VSMCs (HA‐VSMCs) proliferation and migration and determined its downstream regulatory mechanism. The results showed that SENCR was downregulated in the peripheral blood of CHD, and negatively related to the Gensini score. SENCR was enriched in HA‐VSMCs and mainly distributed in cytoplasm. Overexpression of SENCR significantly inhibited HA‐VSMCs proliferation, migration, and block cell cycle, while the knockdown of SENCR had the opposite effects. Moreover, bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that miR‐4731‐5p could directly bind to SENCR. Besides, we proved that FOXO3a inhibited HA‐VSMCs proliferation and migration by binding to the 3′‐untranslated region of miR‐4731‐5p. In summary, our research suggested that SENCR affects HA‐VSMCs proliferation and migration via regulating the miR‐4731‐5p/FOXO3a pathway.
CCR9 and CCL25: A review of their roles in tumor promotion
Authors: Xu Baoping , Deng Chao , Wu Xue , Ji Ting , Zhao Lin , Han Yuehu , Yang Wenwen , Qi Yating , Wang Zheng , Yang Zhi , Yang Yang
Published: May 2020

Chemokines constitute a superfamily of small chemotactic cytokines with functions that are based on interactions with their corresponding receptors. It has been found that, among other functions, chemokines regulate the migratory and invasive abilities of cancer cells. Multiple studies have confirmed that chemokine receptor 9 (CCR9) and its exclusive ligand, chemokine 25 (CCL25), are overexpressed in a variety of malignant tumors and are closely associated with tumor proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, migration and drug resistance. This review evaluates recent advances in understanding the role of CCR9/CCL25 in cancer development. First, we outline the general background of chemokines in cancer and the structure and function of CCR9 and CCL25. Next, we describe the basic function of CCR9/CCL25 in the cancer process. Then, we introduce the role of CCR9/CCL25 and related signaling pathways in various cancers. Finally, future research directions are proposed. In general, this paper is intended to serve as a comprehensive repository of information on this topic and is expected to contribute to the design of other research projects and future efforts to develop treatment strategies for ameliorating the effects of CCR9/CCL25 in cancer.
Recent advances in the antilung cancer activity of biosynthesized gold nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Yadong , Xu Jie , Shi Li , Yang Haiyan
Published: May 2020

Gold nanoparticles (Au‐NPs) have been widely used in biomedical fields such as imaging, diagnosis, and treatment because of their special characteristics. Au‐NPs can be synthesized using several methods, including the biological method, also called green or eco‐friendly synthesis. Recent studies have reported the anticancer activity of biosynthesized Au‐NPs, especially in lung cancer. This review focused on the advances in the antilung cancer activity of biosynthesized Au‐NPs and its potential mechanisms.
Clinical characteristics of rehospitalized patients with COVID‐19 in China
Authors: Chen Min , An Wei , Xia Fei , Yang Ping , Li Kuangyu , Zhou Qin , Fang Shasha , Liao Yaling , Xu Xin , Liu Jialin , Liu Shiguo , Qin Tao , Zhang Jianjun , Wei Wei , Zhang Yafang , Zhang Guowei , Zhang Mingwei
Published: May 2020

This study aims to observe the clinical characteristics of recovered patients from Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) with positive in reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) or serum antibody. The profile, clinical symptoms, laboratory outcomes, and radiologic assessments were extracted on 11 patients, who tested positive for COVID‐19 with RT‐PCR or serum antibody after discharged and was admitted to Hubei No. 3 People's Hospital of Jianghan University for a second treatment in March 2020. The average interval time between the first discharge and the second admission measured 16.00 ± 7.14 days, ranging from 6 to 27 days. In the second hospitalization, one patient was positive for RT‐PCR and serum antibody immunoglobulin M (IgM)‐immunoglobulin G (IgG), five patients were positive for both IgM and IgG but negative for RT‐PCR. Three patients were positive for both RT‐PCR and IgG but negative for IgM. The main symptoms were cough (54.55%), fever (27.27%), and feeble (27.27%) in the second hospitalization. Compared with the first hospitalization, there were significant decreases in gastrointestinal symptoms (5 vs 0, P = .035), elevated levels of both white blood cell count (P = .036) and lymphocyte count (P = .002), remarkedly decreases in C‐reactive protein and serum amyloid A (P < .05) in the second hospitalization. Additionally, six patients' chest computed tomography (CT) exhibited notable improvements in acute exudative lesions. There could be positive results for RT‐PCR analysis or serum IgM‐IgG in discharged patients, even with mild clinical symptoms, however, their laboratory outcomes and chest CT images would not indicate the on‐going development in those patients.
A combined view on precipitation and temperature climatology and trends in the southern Andes of Peru
Authors: Imfeld Noemi , Sedlmeier Katrin , Gubler Stefanie , Correa Marrou Kris , Davila Cristina P. , Huerta Adrian , Lavado‐Casimiro Waldo , Rohrer Mario , Scherrer Simon C. , Schwierz Cornelia
Published: May 2020

In the southern Peruvian Andes, communities are highly dependent on climatic conditions due to the mainly rain‐fed agriculture and the importance of glaciers and snow melt as a freshwater resource. Longer‐term trends and year‐to‐year variability of precipitation or temperature severely affect living conditions. This study evaluates seasonal precipitation and temperature climatologies and trends in the period 1965/66–2017/18 for the southern Peruvian Andes using quality‐controlled and homogenized station data and new observational gridded data. In this region, precipitation exhibits a strong annual cycle with very dry winter months and most of the precipitation falling from spring to autumn. Spatially, a northeast–southwest gradient in austral spring is observed, related to an earlier start of the rainy season in the northeastern part of the study area. Seasonal variations of maximum temperature are weak with an annual maximum in austral spring, which is related to reduced cloud cover in austral spring compared to summer. On the contrary, minimum temperatures show larger seasonal variations, possibly enhanced through changes in longwave incoming radiation following the precipitation cycle. Precipitation trends since 1965 exhibit low spatial consistency except for austral summer, when in most of the study area increasing precipitation is observed, and in austral spring, when stations in the central‐western region of the study area register decreasing precipitation. All seasonal and annual trends in maximum temperature are larger than trends in minimum temperature. Maximum temperature exhibits strong trends in austral winter and spring, whereas minimum temperature trends are strongest in austral winter. We hypothesize, that these trends are related to precipitation changes, as decreasing (increasing) precipitation in spring (summer) may enhance maximum (minimum) temperature trends through changes in cloud cover. El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), however, has modifying effects onto precipitation and temperature, and thereby leads to larger trends in maximum temperatures.
Therapeutic anticoagulation during the postnatal peripartum period: a survey of clinical practice
Authors: North Angela M. , Barrett Helen L. , Lust Karin M. , Whitfield Karen M.
Published: May 2020

Background

Therapeutic anticoagulation may be required during pregnancy to treat venous thromboembolism (VTE), for patients considered at high risk of thrombosis and for the management of mechanical heart valves (MHVs). Prescribing of therapeutic anticoagulation during the postnatal peripartum period is complicated by managing the risk of postpartum haemorrhage. Currently, there are no standardised protocols for the use of therapeutic heparin in this setting and no randomised control trials have been undertaken to evaluate best practice.

Aim

Using survey techniques, this study aimed to establish current practice in Australia and New Zealand regarding the use of therapeutic anticoagulation during the postnatal peripartum period.

Methods

The survey consisted of 36 questions and was made available using the electronic Internet platform Survey Monkey.

Results

For patients at low risk of rethrombosis, 91% and 78% of respondents would use low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) after standard vaginal delivery (SVD) and after caesarean section (CS), respectively, with the remaining respondents choosing to use unfractionated heparin (UFH). For patients at high risk of rethrombosis, 56% and 51% of respondents would use LMWH after SVD and CS, respectively, with the remaining respondents choosing to use UFH. For patients with MHVs, 29% and 26% of respondents would use LMWH after SVD and CS, respectively, with the remaining respondents choosing to use UFH.

Conclusion

Although this study included a relatively small cohort of respondents, the results do indicate trends among therapeutic anticoagulation in the postnatal peripartum period. Research regarding the most efficacious anticoagulation management would help clinicians develop evidence‐based protocols to guide best practice.
Rapid detection of five pesticide residues using complexes of gold nanoparticle and porphyrin combined with ultraviolet visible spectrum
Authors: Chen Hengye , Shi Qiong , Fu Haiyan , Hu Ou , Fan Yao , Xu Lu , Zhang Lei , Lan Wei , Sun Donglei , Yang Tianming , She Yuanbin
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUD

Pesticides are widely used to control insect infestation and weeds in agriculture. However, concerns about the pesticide residues in agricultural products have been raised in recent years because of public interest in health and food quality and safety. Thus, rapid, convenient, and accurate analytical methods for the detection and quantification of pesticides are urgently required.

RESULTS

A nanohybrid system composed of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and tetrakis(N‐methyl‐4‐pyridiniumyl) porphyrin (TMPyP) was used as an optical probe for the detection and quantification of five pesticides (Paraquat, Dipterex, Dursban, methyl thiophanate and Cartap). The method is based on the aggregation effect of pesticides on the carboxyl group modified by AuNPs. Subsequently, with the help of particle swarm optimization‐optimized sample weighted least squares‐support vector machine (PSO‐OSWLS‐SVM), all the pesticides could be successfully quantified. In addition, partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) was applied and the five pesticides were satisfactorily recognized based on data array obtained from the ultraviolet visible (UV‐visible) spectra of AuNP–TMPyP complex. Furthermore, the quantitative and qualitative analysis of the five pesticides could be also achieved in the complex real samples, in which all the relative standard deviations (RSDs) were less than 0.3‰ and all the linear absolute correlation coefficients were more than 0.9990. Furthermore, recognition rate of the training set and the prediction set based on multiplicative scatter correction (MSC), or second‐order derivative (2nd derivative) UV‐visible spectra in PLS‐DA model could reach 100%.

CONCLUSION

This method was successfully applied for the rapid and accurate determination of multicomponent pesticide residues in real food samples. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Regulation by fungal endophyte of Rhodiola crenulata from enzyme genes to metabolites based on combination of transcriptome and metabolome
Authors: Cui Jin‐Long , Gao Xiao‐Yin , Vijayakumar Vinod , Guo Zhang‐Xuan , Wang Meng‐Liang , Wang Jun‐Hong , Liu Lei
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

The contents of some its crucial metabolites tend to decrease when Rhodiola crenulata is cultured at low altitude. Interestingly, it was found that an endophyte, Phialocephala fortinii, could alleviate this problem.

RESULTS

There were 16 151 differential genes including 14 706 up‐regulated and 1445 down‐regulated unigenes with significant differences (P < 0.05), and a total of 1432 metabolites exhibited statistically significant (P < 0.05) metabolic differences comprising 27 different marker metabolites which showed highly significant values of VIP > 5 and P < 0.01. Results highlight differential regulation of 20 enzymatic genes that are involved in the biosynthesis of five different marker metabolites including acetaldehyde, homocysteine, cyclopropylamine, 1‐pyrrolinium and halistanol sulfate.

CONCLUSIONS

The positive physiological effect of P. fortinii on R. crenulata encompasses differential regulation in carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism and secondary metabolite synthesis. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of steam explosion on phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity in adzuki beans
Authors: Cheng Anwei , Hou Chunyu , Sun Jinyue , Wan Fachun
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Steam explosion is increasingly being used in the food processing industry as an efficient pretreatment technology. It is currently being used to pretreat adzuki beans at a pressure of 0.25–1.0 Mpa for 30 s and 90 s. In this study, the total polyphenol (TP) content in adzuki beans, including free polyphenols (FP) and bound polyphenols (BP), and their antioxidant activity, were determined after steam explosion treatment.

RESULTS

The results showed that steam explosion can form large cavities and intercellular spaces, which aid the release of polyphenols. After steam explosion, the FP, BP, and TP content increased. The antioxidant capacity of FP and BP also increased, which demonstrated that there was a positive correlation between the polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity. Compounds of FP and BP were further identified by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Protocatechin was the main ingredient in FP and BP, and protocatechin was higher in FP. Isoquercetin only exists in FP, and caffeic acid only in BP. After steam explosion, an increase in the protocatechin, catechin, and epicatechin content was detected in FP and BP. The phenolic compound and antioxidant capacity yield was increased at a pressure of 0.25–0.75 Mpa, however it decreased at 1.0 Mpa. A pressure of 0.75 Mpa for 90 s is the optimal condition for polyphenol separation in adzuki beans.

CONCLUSION

A proper and reasonable steam explosion can effectively increase the release of phenolics and enhance the antioxidant capacity in adzuki beans. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Gongronema latifolium Benth. leaf extract attenuates diabetes‐induced neuropathy via inhibition of cognitive, oxidative stress and inflammatory response
Authors: Ojo Oluwafemi Adeleke , Okesola Mary Abiola , Ekakitie Lisa Ilobekemen , Ajiboye Basiru Olaitan , Oyinloye Babatunji Emmanuel , Agboinghale Precious Eseose , Onikanni Amos Sunday
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Gongronema latifolium (G. latifolium) Benth. leaves are traditionally used to treat diabetes mellitus (DM) and other diseases in Nigeria and West Africa. This study was performed to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of aqueous extract of G. latifolium leaf against DM. Antidiabetic activity of G. latifolium extracts (6.36, 12.72 and 25.44 mg kg−1, i.p.) was determined in alloxan‐induced diabetic rats. Fasting blood glucose level and oxidative stress markers catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide (NO) levels were measured. Cognitive biomarkers acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), dopamine (DOPA), serotonin, epinephrine and norepinephrine and cyclooxygenase (COX‐2) were measured in the brain of controls and of G. latifolium‐treated diabetic rats.

RESULTS

Administration of G. latifolium leaf extract to diabetic rats significantly restored the alterations in the levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG). The MDA and NO levels were significantly reduced with an improvement in CAT, SOD, and GPx activity in the kidneys and brains of diabetic rats treated with G. latifolium. Gongronema latifolium also significantly decreased the levels of AChE, BChE, DOPA, serotonin, epinephrine, and nor‐epinephrine in diabetic rats. G. latifolium effectively ameliorated COX‐2 in diabetic rats.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that leaf extract of G. latifolium improved antioxidant defense against oxidative stress. It displays a neuroprotective effect resulting in the modulation of brain neurotransmitters, which could be considered as a promising treatment therapy. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Restoration of physiologic loading modulates engineered intervertebral disc structure and function in an in vivo model
Authors: Gullbrand Sarah E. , Kim Dong Hwa , Ashinsky Beth G. , Bonnevie Edward D. , Smith Harvey E. , Mauck Robert L.
Published: May 2020

Tissue‐engineered whole disc replacements are an emerging treatment strategy for advanced intervertebral disc degeneration. A challenge facing the translation of tissue‐engineered disc replacement to clinical use are the opposing needs of initial immobilization to advantage integration contrasted with physiologic loading and its anabolic effects. Here, we utilize our established rat tail model of tissue engineered disc replacement with external fixation to study the effects of remobilization at two time points postimplantation on engineered disc structure, composition, and function. Our results suggest that the restoration of mechanical loading following immobilization enhanced collagen and proteoglycan content within the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus of the engineered discs, in addition to improving the integration of the endplate region of the construct with native bone. Despite these benefits, angulation of the vertebral bodies at the implanted level occurred following remobilization at both early and late time points, reducing tensile failure properties in the remobilized groups compared to the fixed group. These results demonstrate the necessity of restoring physiologic mechanical loading to engineered disc implants in vivo, and the need to transition toward their evaluation in larger animal models with more human‐like anatomy and motion compared to the rat tail.
Diagnostic Performance of Ultrasound Elastography and Serologic Fibrosis Indices for Evaluation of Hepatic Involvement in Wilson Disease
Authors: Hwang Jisun , Yoon Hee Mang , Jung Ah Young , Lee Jin Seong , Kim Kyung Mo , Oh Seak Hee , Cho Young Ah
Published: May 2020

Objectives

To investigate the diagnostic value of transient elastography (TE), 2‐dimensional (2D) shear wave elastography (SWE), and the serologic fibrosis indices aspartate transaminase–to–platelet ratio index (APRI) and Fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4) score for Wilson disease (WD).

Methods

We retrospectively identified patients with a diagnosis of WD who underwent TE and 2D SWE on the same day. Their APRI and FIB‐4 scores were calculated. Hepatic involvement was classified into 5 clinical categories (I–V) based on the laboratory findings, hepatic morphologic characteristics on ultrasound (US) imaging, and clinical symptoms of cirrhosis: I, normal (n = 17); II, only biochemical abnormality (n = 15); III, altered hepatic morphologic characteristics (n = 10); IV, compensated liver cirrhosis (n = 3); and V, decompensated liver cirrhosis (n = 0). We compared the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) data for TE, 2D SWE, the APRI, and the FIB‐4 score. A combined assessment of the serologic markers and US elastography was performed, and the AUROCs of the combinations were compared.

Results

Forty‐five patients were included in the study (median age, 16.0 years; range, 3–35 years). Transient elastography, 2D SWE, and APRI were comparable in distinguishing the clinical categories (AUROC, 0.799–0.928). The FIB‐4 score showed lower diagnostic value in distinguishing clinical category I from the other categories (AUROC, 0.647). Combining the serologic markers and US elastography significantly increased the AUROC value of the FIB‐4 score (with TE and 2D SWE, P = .01 and .02).

Conclusions

Transient elastography and 2D SWE showed excellent diagnostic accuracy for differentiating the clinical categories of hepatic involvement. The APRI showed better diagnostic performance than the FIB‐4 score. The assessment of hepatic manifestations in WD can be improved by combining US elastography with serologic indices.