bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacy education and practice in Syria: Past, present, and future
Authors: Bahnassi Anas
Published: April 2020

Syria, a country with a strong rooted pharmacy history is still following a traditional pharmacy curriculum in its public and private institutions. The rising number of pharmacy graduates is putting pressure on an already weakened pharmacy job market with the majority of graduates still pursuing careers in retail pharmacy. This report sheds light on the development of pharmacy education and practice in this country. It provides a review of the curriculum content, the level of experiential training, and the current available practice venues. Existing graduate diploma available in public universities can be restructured to provide a Pharm D program. Existing residencies need to be revisited to include more clinical competencies that cover different pharmacy specialties. Pharmacists need to prove they are competent for the local authorities and other health care professionals to recognize the need for their clinical services and create new career venues and role recognitions. A clear legal framework to redefine the role of pharmacists as health care providers and their scope of practice need to be advocated by pharmacists associations and adopted by the Syrian authorities.
Restructuring the inpatient advanced pharmacy practice experience to reduce the risk of contracting coronavirus disease 2019: Lessons from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Badreldin Hisham A. , Alshaya Omar , Saleh Khalid Bin , Alshaya Abdulrahman I. , Alaqeel Yousef
Published: April 2020

Introduction

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization announced the rapidly spreading epidemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. Almost all countries started to take proactive precautionary measures to reduce the risk of contracting the virus. The education sector, including pharmacy education, has been drastically impacted by this pandemic. During the outbreak, many hospitals instructed the health profession's schools to restrict or prevent the presence of their students and interns in their hospitals in an effort to limit the spread of the virus.

Objectives

Constraining the presence of interns in the affiliated hospital has impacted the integrity of delivering the learning outcomes of each clinical rotation. In this paper, we present the experience of four faculty preceptors in restructuring the advanced pharmacy practice experience in different clinical settings, including critical care, infectious diseases, cardiology, and internal medicine, in order to reduce the risk of contracting COVID‐19 at a large academic medical institution in Saudi Arabia.

Conclusion

We believe that this experience could provide guidance and insights for other pharmacy schools dealing with this issue during this global pandemic.
Influence of hyaluronic acid binding on the actin cortex measured by optical forces
Authors: Schnauß Jörg , Schmidt B.U. Sebastian , Brazel Christina B. , Dogan Senol , Losert Wolfgang , Anderegg Ulf , Käs Josef A.
Published: April 2020

Melanoma cells are often surrounded by hyaluronic acid (HA) rich environments, which are considered to promote tumor progression and metastasis. Induced effects in compound materials consisting of cells embedded in an extracellular matrix have been studied, however, alterations of the single cells have never been addressed. Here, we explicitly addressed single cell properties and measured HA‐induced biomechanical changes via deformations induced solely by optical forces. With the optical stretcher setup, cells were deformed after culturing them in either the presence or absence of HA revealing the crucial interplay of HA with the CD44 receptor. To assess the role of CD44 in transducing effects of HA, we compared a CD44 expressing variant of the melanoma cell line RPM‐MC to its natural CD44‐negative counterpart. Our measurements revealed a significant stiffness change, which we attribute to changes of the actin cytoskeleton.
Optogenetic approaches for termination of ventricular tachyarrhythmias after myocardial infarction in rats in vivo
Authors: Cheng Yue , Li Haitao , Wang Long , Li Jianyi , Kang Wen , Rao Panpan , Zhou Fang , Wang Xi , Huang Congxin
Published: April 2020

Cardiac optogenetics facilitates the painless manipulation of the heart with optical energy and was recently shown to terminate ventricular tachycardia (VT) in explanted mice heart. This study aimed to evaluate the optogenetic‐based termination of induced VT under ischemia in an open‐chest rat model and to develop an optimal, optical‐manipulation procedure. VT was induced by burst stimulation after ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery, and the termination effects of the optical manipulation, including electrical anti‐tachycardia pacing (ATP) and spontaneous recovery, were tested. Among different multisegment optical modes, four repeated illuminations of 1000 ms in duration with 1‐second interval at a 20‐times intensity threshold on the right ventricle achieved the highest termination rate of 86.14% ± 4.145%, higher than that achieved by ATP and spontaneous termination. We demonstrated that optogenetic‐based cardioversion is feasible and effective in vivo, with the underlying mechanism involving the light‐triggered, ChR2‐induced depolarization of the illuminated myocardium, in turn generating an excitation that disrupts the preexisting reentrant wave front.
Recent advances in electrospun nanofiber‐mediated drug delivery strategies for localized cancer chemotherapy
Authors: Khodadadi Meysam , Alijani Sepideh , Montazeri Maryam , Esmaeilizadeh Niloufar , Sadeghi‐Soureh Shima , Pilehvar‐Soltanahmadi Younes
Published: April 2020

Nanotechnology empowered localized cancer chemotherapy has indicated a promising performance for targeting and controlled release of anticancer agents over a period of time to eliminate local‐regional recurrence of cancers and also to improve the tissue regeneration during/after treatment. Electrospun nanofiber‐based implantable drug‐delivery systems have been established as one of the most effective approaches for localized cancer treatment, allowing the on‐site delivery of anticancer agents and reducing systemic toxicities and side effects to normal cells. The present review aimed to summarize the latest cutting‐edge research on applications of electrospun‐based systems for local chemotherapy. Meantime, in vitro and in vivo studies conducted using various anticancer agents along with the capability of electrospun nanofibers for combinatorial/synergistic chemotherapy as well as existing challenges and the potential dramatic advances in applying this pioneering approach for clinical transition in localized treatments of cancer is also discussed.
Homeobox C8 inhibited the osteo‐/dentinogenic differentiation and migration ability of stem cells of the apical papilla via activating KDM1A
Authors: Yang Haoqing , Liang Yuncun , Cao Yangyang , Cao Yu , Fan Zhipeng
Published: April 2020

Enhancing the functions of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is considered a potential approach for promoting tissue regeneration. In the present study, we investigate the role of HOXC8 in regulating differentiation and migration by using stem cells of the apical papilla (SCAPs). Our results showed that overexpression of HOXC8 suppressed the osteo‐/dentinogenic differentiation, as detected by measuring alkaline phosphatase activity, in vitro mineralization, and the expressions of dentin sialophosphoprotein, dentin matrix acidic phosphoprotein 1, bone sialoprotein, runt‐related transcription factor 2, and osterix in SCAPs, and inhibited in vivo osteo‐/dentinogenesis of SCAPs. In addition, knockdown of HOXC8 promoted the osteo‐/dentinogenic differentiation potentials of SCAPs. Mechanically, HOXC8 enhanced KDM1A transcription by directly binding to its promoter. HOXC8 and KDM1A also inhibited the migration and chemotaxis abilities of SCAPs. To sum up, HOXC8 negatively regulated the osteo‐/dentinogenic differentiation and migration abilities of SCAPs by directly enhancing KDM1A transcription and indicated that HOXC8 and KDM1A could serve as potential targets for enhancing dental MSC mediated tissue regeneration.
Hinduism and reproductive decision‐making:Karma,Samsara,and the in‐between
Authors: Back Amanda , Conway Laura
Published: April 2020

Investigations of the role of religious philosophy in reproductive decision‐making has exclusively focused on Abrahamic traditions. However, those who practice Eastern religions, such as Hinduism, represent an increasing proportion of the population in the United States and may present for prenatal care. Here, we consider tenets of Hindu philosophy as they may pertain to decision‐making surrounding women’s pregnancy termination. Such tenets include the cycle of rebirth(samsara),karma,dharma, Hindu writing, and the multivalent nature of Hindu philosophy. Through this brief communication we hope to present a starting point for further exploration which will increase cultural competency of genetic counselors while enhancing awareness of variations of religious beliefs patients may hold.
Triple diagnosis of Wiedemann‐Steiner, Waardenburg and DLG3‐related intellectual disability association found by WES: A case report
Authors: Matis Thibaut , Michaud Vincent , Van‐Gils Julien , Raclet Virginie , Plaisant Claudio , Fergelot Patricia , Lasseaux Eulalie , Arveiler Benoit , Trimouille Aurélien
Published: April 2020

Background

The development of whole‐exome sequencing (WES) and whole‐genome sequencing (WGS) for clinical purposes now allows the identification of multiple pathogenic variants in patients with a rare disease. This occurs even when a single causative gene was initially suspected. We report the case of an 8‐year‐old patient with global developmental delays and dysmorphic features, with a possibly pathogenic variant in three distinct genes.

Methods

Trio‐based exome sequencing was performed by IntegraGen SA (Evry, France), on an Illumina HiSeq4000 (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA). Sanger sequencing was performed to confirm the variants that were found.

Results

WES showed the presence of three possibly deleterious variants: KMT2A: c.9068delA;p.Gln3023Argfs*3 de novo, PAX3: c.530C>G;p.Ala177Gly de novo and DLG3: c.127delG;p.Asp43Metfs*22 hemizygous inherited from the mother. KMT2A pathogenic variants are involved in Wiedemann‐Steiner syndrome, and PAX3 is the gene responsible for Waardenburg syndrome. DLG3 variants have been described in a non‐syndromic X‐related intellectual disability.

Conclusions

Considering the dysmorphic features and intellectual disability presented by this patient, these three variants were imputed as pathogenic and their association was considered responsible for his phenotype. Dual molecular diagnoses have already been found by WES in several cohorts with an average of diagnostic yield of 7%. This case demonstrates and reminds us of the importance of analyzing exomes rigorously and exhaustively because, in some cases (< 10%), it can explain superimposed traits or blended phenotypes.
Inter‐laboratory analytical improvement of succinylacetone and nitisinone quantification from dried blood spot samples
Authors: Laeremans Hilde , Turner Charles , Andersson Tommy , de Juan Jose Angel Cocho , Gerrard Adam , Heiner‐Fokkema M. Rebecca , Herebian Diran , Janzen Nils , la Marca Giancarlo , Rudebeck Mattias
Published: April 2020

Background

Nitisinone is used to treat hereditary tyrosinemia type 1 (HT‐1) by preventing accumulation of toxic metabolites, including succinylacetone (SA). Accurate quantification of SA during newborn screening is essential, as is quantification of both SA and nitisinone for disease monitoring and optimization of treatment. Analysis of dried blood spots (DBS) rather than plasma samples is a convenient method, but interlaboratory differences and comparability of DBS to serum/plasma may be issues to consider.

Methods

Eight laboratories with experience in newborn screening and/or monitoring of patients with HT‐1 across Europe participated in this study to assess variability and improve SA and nitisinone concentration measurements from DBS by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). Quantification of nitisinone from both DBS and plasma was performed to assess sample comparability. In addition, efforts to harmonize laboratory procedures of SA and nitisinone quantifications during 5 rounds of analysis are described.

Results

Nitisinone levels measured from DBS and plasma strongly correlated (R2 = 0.93). Due to partitioning of nitisinone to the plasma, levels were higher in plasma by a factor of 2.34. In the initial assessment of laboratory performance, all had linear calibrations of SA and nitisinone although there was large inter‐laboratory variability in actual concentration measurements. Subsequent analytical rounds demonstrated markedly improved spread and precision over previous rounds, an outcome confirmed in a final re‐test round.

Conclusion

The study provides guidance for the determination of nitisinone and SA from DBS and the interpretation of results in the clinic. Inter‐laboratory analytical harmonization was demonstrated through calibration improvements.
MRI Follow‐up of Astrocytoma: Automated Coregistration and Color‐Coding of FLAIR Sequences Improves Diagnostic Accuracy With Comparable Reading Time
Authors: Lennartz Simon , Zopfs David , Nobis Anne , Paquet Stefanie , Hoyer Ulrike Cornelia Isabel , Zäske Charlotte , Goertz Lukas , Kabbasch Christoph , Laukamp Kai Roman , Große Hokamp Nils , Galldiks Norbert , Borggrefe Jan
Published: April 2020

Background

MRI follow‐up is widely used for longitudinal assessment of astrocytoma, yet reading can be tedious and error‐prone, in particular when changes are subtle.

Purpose/Hypothesis

To determine the effect of automated, color‐coded coregistration (AC) of fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequences on diagnostic accuracy, certainty, and reading time compared to conventional follow‐up MRI assessment of astrocytoma patients.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

In all, 41 patients with neuropathologically confirmed astrocytoma.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.0–3.0T/FLAIR

Assessment

The presence or absence of tumor progression was determined based on FLAIR sequences, contrast‐enhanced T1 sequences, and clinical data. Three radiologists assessed 47 MRI study pairs in a conventional reading (CR) and in a second reading supported by AC after 6 weeks. Readers determined the presence/absence of tumor progression and indicated diagnostic certainty on a 5‐point Likert scale. Reading time was recorded by an independent assessor.

Statistical Tests

The Wilcoxon test was used to assess reading time and diagnostic certainty. Differences in diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were analyzed with the McNemar mid‐p test.

Results

Readers attained significantly higher overall sensitivity (0.86 vs. 0.75; P < 0.05) and diagnostic accuracy (0.84 vs. 0.73; P < 0.05) for detection of progressive nonenhancing tumor burden when using AC compared to CR. There was a strong trend towards higher specificity within the AC‐augmented reading, yet without statistical significance (0.83 vs. 0.71; P = 0.08). Sensitivity for unequivocal disease progression was similarly high in both approaches (AC: 0.94, CR: 0.92), while for marginal disease progressions, it was significantly higher in AC (AC: 0.78, CR: 0.58; P < 0.05). Reading time including application loading time was comparable (AC: 38.1 ± 16.8 sec, CR: 36.0 ± 18.9 s; P = 0.25).

Data Conclusion

Compared to CR, AC improves comparison of FLAIR signal hyperintensity at MRI follow‐up of astrocytoma patients, allowing for a significantly higher diagnostic accuracy, particularly for subtle disease progression at a comparable reading time.

Evidence Level

3

Technical Efficacy Stage

6 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:1197–1206.
Non‐Gaussian Diffusion Models and T1rho Quantification in the Assessment of Hepatic Sinusoidal Obstruction Syndrome in Rats
Authors: Lyu Jian , Yang Guixiang , Mei Yingjie , Guo Li , Guo Yihao , Zhang Xinyuan , Xu Yikai , Feng Yanqiu
Published: April 2020

Background

Non‐Gaussian diffusion models and T1rho quantification may reflect the changes in tissue heterogeneity in hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS).

Purpose

To investigate the feasibility of diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI), stretched exponential model (SEM), and T1rho quantification in detecting and staging SOS in a monocrotaline (MCT)‐induced rat model.

Study Type

Animal study.

Population

Thirty male Sprague–Dawley rats gavaged with MCT to induce hepatic SOS and six male rats without any intervention.

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0T, DWI with five b‐values (0–2000 s/mm2) and T1rho with five spin lock times (1–60 msec).

Assessment

MRI was performed 1 day before and 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 days after MCT administration. The corrected apparent diffusion coefficient (Dapp), kurtosis coefficient (Kapp), distributed diffusion coefficient (DDC), and intravoxel water molecular diffusion heterogeneity (α) were calculated from the corresponding non‐Gaussian diffusion model. The T1rho value was calculated using a monoexponential model. Specimens obtained from the six timepoints were categorized into normal liver (n = 6), early‐stage (n = 16), and late‐stage (n = 14) SOS in accordance with the pathological score.

Statistical Tests

Parametric statistical methods and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were employed to determine diagnostic accuracy.

Results

The Dapp, Kapp, DDC, α, and T1rho values were correlated with pathological score with r values of −0.821, 0.726, −0.828, −0.739, and 0.714 (all P < 0.001), respectively. DKI (combined Dapp and Kapp) and SEM (combined DDC and α) were better than T1rho for staging SOS. The areas under the ROC curve of DKI, SEM, and T1rho for differentiating normal liver and early‐stage SOS were 0.97, 1.00, and 0.79, whereas those of DKI, SEM, and T1rho for differentiating early‐stage and late‐stage SOS were 1.00, 0.97, and 0.92, respectively.

Data Conclusion

DKI, SEM, and T1rho may be helpful in staging SOS.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy Stage

2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:1110–1121.
An analytical method for the simultaneous quantification of 30 bioactive compounds in spent coffee ground by HPLC‐MS/MS
Authors: Angeloni Simone , Nzekoue Franks Kamgang , Navarini Luciano , Sagratini Gianni , Torregiani Elisabetta , Vittori Sauro , Caprioli Giovanni
Published: April 2020

Spent coffee ground (SCG) is the remaining residue produced after extraction of coffee, and it is considered a source of unextracted bioactive compounds. For this, in the latest years, the attention has been focused to innovative reuses that can exploit the potentiality of SCG. Unfortunately, the content of bioactive compounds has not been thoroughly studied yet, and the major of publication has investigated the caffeine and chlorogenic acids levels, total polyphenol contents, and total flavonoid content. Hence, these approaches have determined only an estimation of flavonoids and polyphenols content and lack on single polyphenols investigation. Therefore, the objective of the current work was to provide a deep characterization of bioactive compounds in SCG. For this purpose, a new analytical method for the quantification of 30 molecules, including caffeine, chlorogenic acids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and secoiridoids, has been developed using high‐performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Moreover, several extraction procedures, that is, liquid–solid extraction assisted and not by ultrasounds, testing diverse solvents, were evaluated. Liquid–solid extraction assisted by sonication, with water/ethanol (30/70, v/v), resulted the best in terms of total bioactive compounds, and, once validated, the new analytical method was applied to five different espresso SCG samples. Data showed that caffeine (means: 1193.886 ± 57.307 mg kg−1) and chlorogenic acids (means of total CQAs: 1705.656 ± 88.694 mg kg−1) were the most abundant compounds in all SCG samples followed by phenolic acids such as caffeic, ferulic, gallic, p‐coumaric, syringic, trans‐cinnamic, and vanillic acid. Moreover, some flavonoids, that is, rutin, cyanidin 3‐glucoside, and quercetin, occurred in almost all samples. This work provided a deepened characterization of bioactive compounds in SCG and can contribute to develop new strategies of reuses.
Use of whole‐body cryosectioning and desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging to visualize alkaloid distribution in poison frogs
Authors: Jeckel Adriana M. , Matsumura Kunihiro , Nishikawa Keisuke , Morimoto Yoshiki , Saporito Ralph A. , Grant Taran , Ifa Demian R.
Published: April 2020

Ambient mass spectrometry is useful for analyzing compounds that would be affected by other chemical procedures. Poison frogs are known to sequester alkaloids from their diet, but the sequestration pathway is unknown. Here, we describe methods for whole‐body cryosectioning of frogs and use desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging (DESI‐MSI) to map the orally administered alkaloid histrionicotoxin 235A in a whole‐body section of the poison frog Dendrobates tinctorius. Our results show that whole‐body cryosectioning coupled with histochemical staining and DESI‐MSI is an effective technique to visualize alkaloid distribution and help elucidate the mechanisms involved in alkaloid sequestration in poison frogs.
Analysis of the observed trends in daily extreme precipitation indices in Gaza Strip during 1974–2016
Authors: Ajjur Salah Basem , Riffi Mohammed I.
Published: April 2020

There is a high‐risk attendant on the changes in precipitation in developing countries, for example, Gaza Strip (GS). These changes have far‐reaching social and economic ramifications by causing devastating flash floods and droughts. Based on the daily precipitation observations of eight meteorological stations over GS, from 1974 to 2016, the trends of 11 extreme precipitation indices (EPIs) were estimated using linear least squares method and then assessed statistically by Mann‐Kendall test. The results show that, on average, most of the indices exhibited increasing trends during 1974–2016. It includes total wet‐day precipitation (PRCPTOT), simple daily intensity index (SDII), and max 1‐day precipitation (RX1day). Others were the max 5‐day precipitation (RX5day), very wet day precipitation (R95p), extremely wet day precipitation (R99p), number of heavy precipitation days (R10mm), number of very heavy precipitation days (R20mm), and the number of consecutive dry days (CDD). Three of these indices passed the significance test (with p < .05): RX1day, RX5day, and R95p. Other EPIs, including number of wet days (R1mm) and consecutive wet days (CWD), exhibited non‐significant decreasing trends. Spatially, many stations over GS exhibited opposite trends, especially in R1mm and CDD; however, they are separated by a few kilometres. Moreover, all EPIs have significant positive correlations with PRCPTOT at the 99% confidence level, except CDD (trend was non‐significant). The contribution of extreme precipitation to annual PRCPTOT exhibited an increasing trend, which was significant at 62% of GS stations. The study indicates a potential increase in summer (drought) season.
Southern hemisphere circulation anomalies and impacts over subtropical South America due to different El Niño flavours
Authors: Martín‐Gómez Verónica , Barreiro Marcelo , Losada Teresa , Rodríguez‐Fonseca Belén
Published: April 2020

El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) exhibits different flavours with worldwide impacts. However, the associated teleconnections with subtropical South America (SSA) are still controversial and modelling studies are needed. Here, we analyse the Southern Hemisphere (SH) circulation anomalies and the impacts over SSA during the austral summer due to different El Niño patterns (Canonical and El Niño Modoki). The analysis is performed considering reanalysis data and two different Atmospheric General Circulation Models (SPEEDY and UCLA–AGCM). Results from reanalysis show that positive precipitation anomalies develop over SSA during Canonical El Niño events. These anomalies are induced through an increase of upper‐level cyclonic vorticity advection and a stronger low‐level southward moisture transport. However, in El Niño Modoki events, rainfall anomalies are observed over SSA only for the strongest events. Both models are able to reproduce the precipitation signal over SSA in the Canonical El Niño case, although the underlying physical mechanism depends on the model. In SPEEDY, the increased rainfall is due to an increase of the moisture transport toward SSA, while in UCLA–AGCM it is related to both, an increase of the low‐level moisture transport toward SSA and the increase of upper‐level cyclonic vorticity advection. The precipitation signal associated with El Niño Modoki is more controversial. While UCLA–AGCM suggests a rainfall increase over SSA, SPEEDY, in agreement with observations, does not show any statistically significant signal. However, the upper‐level circulation anomalies reproduced by UCLA–AGCM are more consistent with reanalysis than those from SPEEDY, which makes UCLA–AGCM to be more reliable. This result suggests increased rainfall over SSA during El Niño Modoki.
Effect of non‐surgical periodontal treatment on gingival crevicular fluid hypoxia inducible factor‐1 alpha, vascular endothelial growth factor and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha levels in generalized aggressive periodontitis patients
Authors: Afacan Beral , Keleş Yücel Zeynep Pinar , Paşali Çiğdem , Atmaca İlhan Harika , Köse Timur , Emingil Gülnur
Published: April 2020

Background

Hypoxia‐inducible angiogenic pathway involving hypoxia inducible factor‐1 alpha (HIF‐1α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) may regulate several biological processes related to inflammation. The present study aimed to assess the effect of non‐surgical periodontal treatment on gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) HIF‐1α, VEGF, and TNF‐α levels in generalized aggressive periodontitis (G‐AgP).

Methods

Twenty G‐AgP patients and 20 periodontally healthy individuals were included. G‐AgP patients received scaling and root planning (SRP), per quadrant at a 1‐week‐interval, performed with ultrasonic and periodontal hand instruments. GCF samples were collected and clinical periodontal parameters including probing depth, clinical attachment level, gingival index and plaque index were recorded at baseline, 1 and 3 months after treatment. Biomarker levels in GCF were analyzed by ELISA.

Results

At baseline all clinical parameters and GCF HIF‐1α, VEGF, and TNF‐α levels were significantly higher in G‐AgP patients compared to healthy control (P < 0.05). All clinical parameters improved over the 3‐month‐period in G‐AgP patients (P < 0.05). GCF HIF‐1α levels in G‐AgP reduced at 1 and 3 months post‐treatment, however, this did not reach to statistical significance (P > 0.05). GCF VEGF and TNF‐α levels remained unchanged throughout the study period (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Within the limitations of the present study, although HIF‐1α seems to possess a potential diagnostic value for G‐AgP, it might not be a proper predictor of clinically favorable treatment outcome. SRP plus different adjunctive therapies could provide better information about the prognostic role of hypoxia‐inducible angiogenic pathway in G‐AgP.
Blackening of lead white: Study of model paintings
Authors: Vagnini Manuela , Vivani Riccardo , Sgamellotti Antonio , Miliani Costanza
Published: April 2020

This study is aimed at clarifying the causes of lead white darkening by studying the behaviour of its two components: cerussite and hydrocerussite. Their degradation processes have been investigated by micro‐Raman spectroscopy both in an alkaline environment generated froma frescoconditions and in the presence of NaClO as an external oxidizing agent. It was confirmed that no darkening of mural paintings components occurs in the alkaline environment, highlighting that any blackening process must be due to an external agent. On the contrary, a markedly different behaviour was observed for cerussite and hydrocerussite in the alkaline conditions generated bya frescotechnique, where formation of different partially oxidized products was observed. Furthermore, the conditions required for blackening of cerussite and hydrocerussite with NaClO were in‐depth investigated by X‐ray diffraction analyses, finding that the reaction products consist of lead (IV) in plattnerite and scrutinyite forms, produced in different amounts. Hydrocerussite turned out to be the more reactive component, giving rise mainly to the more kinetically favoured scrutinyite, whereas, in the case of cerussite, plattnerite was prevalently formed owing to its larger thermodynamical stability.
Effect of high pressure homogenization treatment on the rheological properties of citrus peel fiber/corn oil emulsion
Authors: Bi Chong‐Hao , Yan Zi‐Ming , Wang Peng‐Lin , Alkhatib Ahmed , Zhu Jia‐Yi , Zou Hao‐Chen , Sun Dong‐Yu , Zhu Xin‐Di , Gao Fei , Shi Wen‐Tian , Huang Zhi‐Gang
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

Citrus fiber is a main component in the peel of citrus and contains natural dietary fiber. It is often used as a functional additive to improve the texture or nutritional property of food. It is also widely used to reduce the content of absorbable fat in sausages and other meat products, and to improve food stability as an emulsifier. In this research, the dynamic rheological properties (linear and non‐linear) of citrus peel fiber/corn oil (CF/CO) emulsion system under high pressure homogenization (HPH) treatment was investigated.

RESULT

Rheological results illustrated HPH treatment significantly increased the apparent viscosity of the emulsion, reduced the activation energy of the emulsion and distinctly improved the viscoelasticity of the emulsion. Meanwhile, HPH treatment increased the linear viscoelastic region of the sample, and the behavior of the emulsion converted from strain thinning (without HPH treatment) to weak strain overshoot (with HPH treatment). Lissajous curves indicated the viscosity of the sample increased first and then decreased with strain increasing and the third harmonic contributed much more to the first harmonic compared with the fifth harmonic. Chebyshev stress decomposition revealed that, as strain increased, the samples with HPH treatment showed internal‐cycle strain hardening behavior first, then turned to internal‐cycle softening behavior.

CONCLUSION

HPH treatment can significantly improve the processing performance of CF/CO emulsion as well as the stability against large periodic oscillations in food processing. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Rates of other‐cause mortality after radical cystectomy are decreasing over time—A population‐based analysis over two decades
Authors: Rosiello Giuseppe , Knipper Sophie , Palumbo Carlotta , Pecoraro Angela , Luzzago Stefano , Deuker Marina , Stolzenbach Lara F. , Tian Zhe , Gallina Andrea , Gandaglia Giorgio , Montorsi Francesco , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Saad Fred , Briganti Alberto , Karakiewicz Pierre I.
Published: April 2020

Background and Objectives

To investigate other‐cause mortality (OCM) rates over time according to several baseline characteristics in bladder cancer (BCa) patients treated with radical cystectomy (RC).

Methods

Within the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (1988‐2011), we identified 7702 T1‐2N0M0 urothelial BCa patients treated with RC. Temporal trends and multivariable Cox regression (MCR) analyses assessed 5‐year OCM. Data were stratified according to the year of diagnosis (1988‐1995 vs 1996‐2000 vs 2001‐2004 vs 2005‐2008 vs 2009‐2011), age group (<60 vs 60‐75 vs >75 years), sex, race, marital status, and socioeconomic status.

Results

Overall, OCM rates decreased from 13.9% in 1988‐1995 to 8.6% in 2009‐2011. The greatest decrease was recorded in elderly (>75) patients (32%‐16%, slope: −0.55% per year; P = .01), followed by patients aged 60 to 75 (21%‐5%, slope: −0.35% per year; P = .01), unmarried patients (16%‐10%, slope: −0.26% per year; P < .001), male patients (14%‐8.9%, slope: −0.23% per year), and African Americans (16%‐11%, slope: −0.27% per year; P < .001). MCR models corroborated these results.

Conclusions

Most important decrease in OCM after RC over the last decades was recorded in the elderly, unmarried, and male patients. Nonetheless, these three patient groups still represent ideal targets for efforts aimed at minimizing the morbidity and mortality after RC, as their risk of OCM is higher than in others.
Targeted and nontargeted screening and identification of 50 antihypertensive adulterants in dietary supplements and herbal medicines using quadrupole–orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry with compound database
Authors: Guo Changchuan , Niu Chong , Zhou Liming , Wang Wenxin , Nie Yanjun , Liu Qi , Zhang Lei , Chen Zhen , Wang Weijian , Xu Yuwen
Published: April 2020

In the present work, a novel database of drug compounds and a rapid screening method based on ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution orbitrap mass spectrometry were developed and applied in the screening and identification of targeted and nontargeted antihypertensive adulterants in dietary supplements and herbal medicines. The established screening database includes retention time, exact mass, fragments, isotopic pattern, and MS2 spectra library of the target compounds and thus provides automated search and identification of the targets with a single injection. The nontargeted compounds in the samples are identified through the full MS scan and MS2 data by using the Chemspider database and the data analysis in XCalibur, MassFrontier and TraceFinder software. In addition, this method possesses excellent quantitative capacity. The novel approach was applied to 65 batches of samples that are claimed as “all‐natural” products having the antihypertensive function, among which nine batches were found to be positive. Multiple targeted and nontargeted antihypertensive adulterants were detected at levels ranging from 2.8 to 27.9 mg/g. The novel database and screening method demonstrated herein will be promising and powerful tools for rapid screening of antihypertensive adulterants in dietary supplements and herbal medicines.
CREATING MORE SUSTAINABLE CAREERS AND BUSINESSES THROUGH SHORTER WORK WEEKS
Authors: Pang Alex Soojung‐Kim
Published: April 2020

Forward‐thinking leaders are exploring and implementing shorter work weeks. This article examines how working hours have been reduced at their companies, without cutting salaries, or sacrificing productivity or profitability. In implementing 4‐day weeks or 6‐hour days, they can solve recruitment and retention problems, promote work–life balance, incentivize employees to work smarter, increase focus and creativity—and create more sustainable careers and businesses. The article spotlights a variety of companies, including the Copenhagen restaurant Noma, the Japanese ecommerce retailer Zozo, and the Korean delivery app maker Woowa Brothers. The author points out that these companies and others he studied are in industries where pressure can be intense, overwork is the norm, burnout is endemic, people face challenges balancing careers and family, and there's a constant demand to be creative and innovative. A number of leaders have taken up running or cycling after moving to a 4‐day week, in part because these sports offer time for reflection or mind wandering. For companies in fast‐changing industries, it can be especially valuable to have time throughout the year to reflect, think about new products, and pay attention to the weak signals that can indicate a downturn in the market or shift in consumer preferences.
THE LEADER'S GUIDE TO THE FOREVER TRANSACTION
Authors: Baxter Robbie Kellman
Published: April 2020

This article discusses what the author calls a Forever Transaction, an ongoing, formal relationship with the people your organization services. A Forever Transaction is that moment when the customer takes off their shopper hat, dons their member hat, and stops looking for alternatives to solve a particular problem or achieve a specific goal. The customer now trusts you enough to let you charge them on a regular basis, forever. Using tactics like subscription pricing, premium loyalty programs, and digital community in which customers connect with one another via the Internet and under the organization's brand, these new business models are changing how we do nearly everything. It encompasses categories such as work (LinkedIn, Slack, Caterpillar), play (Peleton, Electronic Arts), eating (Blue Apron, Burger King), shopping (Amazon, Restoration Hardware), travel (Surf Air, Porsche Passport), and more. Eight steps are outlined to understand what's required of leaders and the rest of their organizations the first five are as follows: Step 1, set expectations with stakeholders; Step 2, assess and rethink corporate culture; Step 3, develop the right team for the membership economy; Step 4, track your leading indicators of success: CEO dashboard; and Step 5, understand the risk, then swim toward transformation.
THE DISASTER OF SUCCESS: LESSONS IN FAILED LEADERSHIP FROM THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM
Authors: Thieman Frederick W.
Published: April 2020

This article asserts that while crime has dropped, arrests and convictions have accelerated. While America is relatively safe compared to other nations, the criminal justice system is broken. This is acknowledged by such disparate groups as Republicans and Democrats, conservatives and liberals, the left‐leaning American Civil Liberties Union, and the Tea Party oriented Freedom Works. In the 1960s, the American system of justice, albeit nested within a society still struggling for equality, was widely seen as a model for the rest of the world. However, the subsequent war on crime reflects a complete failure in many of the basic elements of leadership critical to any campaign. Six different areas are explored: the plan, guiding principles, implementation, execution, measurement, and cost. Various studies are cited, such as this finding by the Pew Center: States that have reduced prison populations the most have seen a larger drop in crime than have those states that have increased prison populations the most. The article concludes noting that encouraging signs are emerging, some 52 cities and counties, in 32 states, under the guidance of the MacArthur Foundation, are convening local leaders to identify more fair, just, and effective ways to preserve public safety.
220 GHz focal plane imaging demonstration using integrated terahertz array detector
Authors: Qiao Hai‐Dong , Liu Hao , Mou Jin‐Chao , Lv Xin
Published: April 2020

This letter experimentally demonstrates 220 GHz transmission‐based terahertz imaging based on an integrated terahertz 1 × 16 array detector. The array detector consists of a 3D‐printed lens array, 16 detector chips and a chip board. Each detector chip contains a planar bowtie antenna printed on a 50 μm‐thick quartz laminate, where a GaAs Schottky barrier diode is loaded in the center of the antenna. The detector shows excellent performance with an average responsivity of 1650 V/W and an average noise equivalent power of 3.6 pW/√Hz at 220 GHz. Based on the proposed array detector, a transmission‐based terahertz imaging system is built, including a 220 GHz illumination source, a servo system, a signal processing unit and a 280 mm‐diameter doubly‐hyperbolic Polytetrafluorethylen lens. A lateral resolution of 8 mm at a standing‐off distance of 1.5 m is achieved, approaching to the theoretical result.
Preparation of flame‐retardant polyamide 6 by incorporating MgO combined with g‐C3N4
Authors: Zheng Tao , Xia Wenning , Guo Jing , Wang Kangjie , Zeng Meiqing , Wu Qianxin , Liu Yaochi
Published: April 2020

Flame‐retardant polyamide 6 (PA6) was prepared by an inorganic‐organic composite (MCN or MgO/g‐C3N4) synthesized by incorporating magnesium oxide (MgO) combined with graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4). As compared to g‐C3N4, MCN possessed a laminate structure, more holes, and a larger specific surface area. The addition of MCN could effectively improve the flame retardancy and mechanical properties of PA6 due to its better compatibility and dispersion in the PA6 matrix. When the addition of MCN was 20 wt%, the vertical combustion performance of the PA6/MCN sample reached flammability rating V‐0 (UL‐94) and the limiting oxygen index (LOI) was up to 32.1%. The results of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed that the introduction of MCN efficiently enhanced thermal stability of PA6. The morphologies of the char residue observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) verified that MCN promoted the formation of sufficient, compact, and homogeneous char layers on the composite's surface during burning. Thus led to increase the char layer strength and improve the flame retardancy of PA6. The thermogravimetric analysis/infrared (TG‐IR) revealed the gas‐phase retardancy mechanism of MCN. Compared with PA6/g‐C3N4, PA6/MCN showed better mechanical properties in terms of flexural strength and tensile strength.
Biocompatible regenerated cellulose/halloysite nanocomposite fibers
Authors: Sharifzadeh Ghorbanali , Soheilmoghaddam Mohammad , Adelnia Hossein , Wahit Mat Uzir , Arzhandi Masood Rezaei Dasht , Moslehyani Ali
Published: April 2020

Regenerated cellulose (RC) bio‐nanocomposite fibers reinforced with halloysite nanotubes (HNT) were fabricated through wet spinning technique via ionic liquid as a green solvent. Mechanical properties, water uptake, thermal stability, and cytocompatibility of the obtained fibers were examined. FTIR spectra indicated the uniform dispersion of HNT in the cellulose network. XRD analysis, together with FE‐SEM images indicated that HNT was dispersed homogenously in the polymer. Moreover, mechanical and thermal stabilities of the nanocomposite fibers were notably increased through the addition of HNT. Eventually, human skin fibroblasts proliferation on nanocomposite fibers demonstrated good cyto‐compatibility. These findings highlight the potential of HNT nanocomposite fibers for biological and biomedical applications.
Predicting the damage development in epoxy resins using an anisotropic damage model
Authors: Müller Jonas Maximilian , Rozo Lopez Nicolas , Klein Enzo Alexander , Hopmann Christian
Published: April 2020

For fiber‐reinforced plastics, the strain‐rate dependent response is governed by the matrix behavior. In this work, the Goldberg model is considered for the epoxy matrix constitutive material model. Moreover, the strain‐rate dependency is achieved by direct influence on the elastic modulus, the inelastic strain, and the material strain to failure. In addition, an anisotropic damage response is implemented and extended through a strain‐rate dependent definition. Since the constitutive model relies on nonphysical parameters, a parameter study is further performed. Additional numerical investigations using a micro‐mechanical model are performed. Tension and shear loading conditions are evaluated and the influence of different strain rates is explored. Furthermore, the implemented anisotropic damage model is compared and discussed against an isotropic damage model.
Utilization of bio‐sourced myrcene for efficient preparation of highly cis‐1,4 regular elastomer via a neodymium catalyzed copolymerization strategy
Authors: Gan Qiao , Xu Yuechao , Huang Weizhong , Luo Wanwei , Hu Zhonghan , Tang Fuming , Jia Xiaoyu , Gong Dirong
Published: April 2020

The depletion of fossil based chemicals and the associated pollution have presented huge challenges to sustainability. In this study, we report on bio‐available myrcene participating in copolymerization with isoprene and butadiene by using neodymium catalysts without disruption of the pristine polymer's properties. Efficient incorporation of myrcene into the copolymer was achieved with slightly retarded reactivity compared to the reactivities of butadiene and isoprene. Copolymerization of myrcene with hydroxyl myrcene still remained compatible with the catalyst systems when the cocatalyst was fed in excess, resulting in a novel type of full myrcene based functional elastomer. The high cis‐1,4 selectivity of the system maintained the same level as the homopolymerization. Significant affinity to polar substances was deduced from the remarkably reduced water contact angle, a strong indication of good compatibility with reinforcing fillers. All copolymers displayed over 93.2% cis‐1,4 regularity and high molecular weight with narrow Đ. Good resistance to low temperature was also achieved as indicated by the low glass transition temperature for all copolymers. This study verified that myrcene can be used as a sustainable monomer substituent for general diene based elastomer preparation. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
High‐throughput phenotyping reveals growth of Medicago truncatula is positively affected by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi even at high soil phosphorus availability
Authors: Tran Binh T. T. , Cavagnaro Timothy R. , Jewell Nathaniel , Brien Chris , Berger Bettina , Watts‐Williams Stephanie J.
Published: April 2020

Societal Impact Statement

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) may contribute to enhanced yield and nutrition of host plants for the purpose of sustainable agriculture. However, the growth response of the host plant to mycorrhizal colonization is generally only measured at harvest, and thus management decisions regarding AMF are made using only a single time point. This study highlights that AMF can provide growth benefits to the host plant over its life. Greater knowledge of how plants respond to AMF over time will improve understanding of how the association functions and ultimately lead to improved management decisions regarding AMF in an agricultural context.

Summary

Colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can result in variable responses in the growth and mineral nutrition of host plants, and is highly dependent on soil nutrient condition; limited studies have addressed the effects of AMF on plant growth over time. The aim of this study was to investigate the AMF effects on plant growth over the life of the plant, and interactions with soil phosphorus (P) and zinc (Zn) availability.

We used a high‐throughput shoot phenotyping system to examine the temporal growth responses to AMF and soil P and Zn availabilities in the pasture legume Medicago truncatula. Plants were either inoculated with Rhizophagus irregularis or mock‐inoculated, and were examined under two soil P and five soil Zn availability treatments. Plants were then destructively harvested to obtain final biomass and shoot nutrition data.

The growth of M. truncatula plants over time responded very differently to AMF depending on the soil P availability. At low P, projected shoot area and absolute growth rate (AGR) became increasingly greater in the mycorrhizal plants over the course of the experiment. At high P, there was a positive growth response to AMF until approximately 40 days after planting, after which the AGR of the non‐mycorrhizal plants increased and the response to AMF became neutral. Zinc availability was highly interactive with P availability, but not with AMF inoculation.

This research demonstrates that growth responses to mycorrhizal fungi change over the plant's life, and are highly dependent on soil P availability.