bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbial Features and Qualitative Detection of Adulteration along with Physicochemical Characteristics of Sweetened Yoghurt
Authors: Rahman Md. Ashikur , Hossain Arzina , Islam Mahfuza , Hussain Md. Shakhwat , Huque Roksana
Published: May 2020

Background and Objective: Food adulteration is of major public health concern worldwide. The food safety situation in Bangladesh is at an alarming stage due to food adulteration, microbiological contamination and fraudulence. Consumption of milk and milk product are increasing because of their health benefit effect. However, milk and milk products are being currently adulterated by substituting ingredients with cheaper materials. The aim of this study was the qualitative detection of adulterants along with physico-chemical and microbial features of sweetened yoghurt.

Methodology: Sixteen sweetened yoghurt samples (Ten locally available and six commercial brands) were collected from different area in Bangladesh. All the sweetened yoghurt samples were subjected to urea, starch, ammonium sulphate, hydrogen peroxide analyses. Physico-chemical analysis of sweetened yoghurt was also done. Moreover, yoghurt samples were also microbiologically assessed.

Results: Acidity content of all sweetened yoghurt was found to be ranges from 0.66 ±.05% to 0.77±0.05 which was lower than the standard level of (0.8 to1.2). In both cases (Commercial) branded and (Local) unbranded yoghurt had lower moisture content and higher total solid content compared to standard level (13.5%). Those measurements indicated that sweetened yoghurt samples were adulterated with starch. Meanwhile, both branded and unbranded sweetened yoghurt samples had fat contents ranging between 1.56 ±0.09% to 2.63 ±0.2% which were below the standard level (3%). On the other hand, protein content ranged between 3.71±0.02% to 4.33±0.15%, which was higher than standard level of 3.2%. These results revealed that all sweetened yoghurt samples were highly adulterated with urea, starch and ammonium sulphate. From the microbiological point of view, all sweetened yoghurt samples had good quality. For instance, L. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus were found to be under acceptable range, and there were no pathogenic coliform bacteria were found in any of the samples.

Conclusion: Results obtained from this study might help the consumers to be more aware when they purchase yoghurt from local market.
An Engineering Approach to Roof Top Gardening
Authors: Dubey Abhinav , Radhakrishna A. R. , Narendra R. , Madhu N. , Rajesh R.
Published: May 2020

With the growing demand for vegetables and fruits in this world of urbanisation roof top gardening finds an insignificant place. The study focuses on identifying and suggesting remedies for effective management of the engineering components involved in roof top gardening.  They majorly include design of roof, irrigation management, arrangement of pots, waste management, moisture proofing etc. These factors contribute significantly in designing an effective roof top garden. Various problems faced in the engineering intervention were identified and suitable remedies were suggested in the research using a case study approach of roof top gardens in Bangalore. A well maintained roof top garden is a positive sign of a healthy household.
Additive Manufacturing: A 3-Dimensional Approach in Periodontics
Authors: Bhatnagar Anurag , Bhardwaj Amit , Verma Shalu
Published: May 2020

Additive manufacturing technology or 3-dimensional printing has been used since ages in various fields including medical. Their addition to dentistry is recent and has tried to revolutionize the field. It is being used in various fields of dentistry like endodontics, prosthodontics, orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery and recently in periodontics and Implantology. With introduction of recent “layer-by-layer” additive technology, their use in periodontal field has changed its treatment planning. It is use in preparation of customized scaffold with or without stem cell therapy, ridge augmentation, sinus lift and guided implant surgery, implant fixtures, education models, drug technology and many more. This review has tried to explain the various applications of the additive manufacturing in the field of periodontics with recent evidences. This paper highlights the role of 3-dimensional printing which can change the future of periodontal management.
Specialized Wirebond Process Configuration on Advanced Multi-Die Package
Authors: Moreno Anthony R. , Graycochea Jr. Edwin M. , Gomez Frederick Ray I.
Published: May 2020

Wirebonding process is one important assembly process responsible for providing electrical connections between the silicon die and the external leads of a semiconductor package or device. The process also brings along some challenges as the device becomes more complex and critical.  This paper is focused on the prevention of the broken wire on neck during wirebonding process of an advanced semiconductor package with multi-die configuration. Extensive wire loop character-ization and optimization was done and a specialized wirebonding configuration solution was formulated. Ultimately, the solution prevented high loop and wire sagging that could touch or short-circuit the silicon die. For future works, the configuration could be applied on packages with comparable construction.
Microfaunal Signals and Paleoenvironmental Reconstruction Sediments in Well Z-1, Offshore Dahomey Basin, South-Western Nigeria
Authors: Asadu Anthonia Nwanese , Ameh Charles Ojonuba
Published: May 2020

Fifty ditch cutting rock samples from well Z-1, OPL 310 offshore Dahomey basin, south western Nigeria were analyzed for their microfaunal and lithofacies content for the purpose of reconstructing the environment of deposition. Standard techniques of foraminifera slide processing and analysis was followed for the recovery of foraminifera while the gamma ray log complemented the rock samples for the lithofacies analysis. The lithological analysis revealed two lithofacies units in a generally fining upward sequence. The basal sandstone unit is characteristically milky white to brownish, coarse-pebbly grained, sub-angular to round and poorly to well sort with intercalation of shale. This unit is overlain by light to dark grey, moderately hard and non-fissile shale/mudstone sequence with intercalation of sand. Accessory mineral assemblage present in the formations includes mica flakes, glauconite pellets, carbonaceous detritus and ferruginous materials. The basal sandstone unit belong to the Oshosun Formation while the upper shaly unit is typical of Afowo Formation. Microfaunal study showed good recovery of abundant and well diversified planktic and benthic foraminiferal species. Forty-two (42) planktic, sixty-five (65) benthic calcareous and one benthonic arenaceous foraminiferal species were recovered. Micropaleontologically, Paleoenvironmental deductions were based primarily on the assemblage, abundance and diversity of benthic foraminiferal species and presence or absence of planktic foraminifera. Accessory mineral presence also aided the interpretations. Integration of lithological and micropaleontological synthesis enhanced the delineation of two environmental subzones over the analyzed interval, the outer neritic and the upper bathyal depositional settings corresponding to Afowo and Oshosun Formation respectively. A lowstand prograding wedge which is a good exploration target offshore was recognized between intervals 3400 ft to 3500 ft. In conclusion, the rock succession studied, penetrated Afowo and Oshosun Formations, and were deposited in an environment ranging from outer neritic to upper bathyal settings.
Paid Employment and Empowerment of Women Tea Plantation Workers: A Qualitative Inquiry
Authors: Aktar Hajera , Liza Zafrin Ahmed , Aktar Nazira
Published: May 2020

This explorative study is an assessment on empowerment of female tea garden workers through capabilities approach analysis. This study is conducted in a tea estate in Sylhet named Dholdoli. This study has shown that empowerment, in most cases, is found affirmative. Besides reviewing related literature and past research reports, the study is mainly based on primary field data. This study has collected qualitative data following an in-depth interview method of research. The tea garden has been selected purposively. For acquiring qualitative data, the study has involved a number of research participants, such as workers, management staffs, employers, union leaders, buyers and other local stakeholders. The study will mainly focus on in-depth interview techniques.  Results show that most of the respondents have control over their own income (including expenditure and saving) but as they have been paid in low amounts, they can hardly save anything, also they exhibit very explicitly that they have a participation in the decision of their child schooling, family planning, and other facts in social and political issues. They can participate in their local panchayet at or even in national election without any pursuing of a male member of their family.
HFIP‐Mediated Decarboxylative [4+3]‐Annulation of Azaoxyallyl Cations with Isatoic Anhydride
Authors: Kim Eunjin , Lee Chang Yoon , Kim Sung‐Gon
Published: May 2020

The first example of a [4+3]‐annulation reaction between in situ‐generated azaoxyallyl cations and isatoic anhydride has been developed for the construction of seven‐membered 1,4‐benzodiazepinediones in moderate to good yields (up to 91% yield). This annulation reaction involves the cascade reaction of decarboxylative addition of hexafluoroisopropanol to isatoic anhydride, addition to the azaoxyallyl cation, and intramolecular substitution to yield 1,4‐benzodiazepinediones.

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Copper‐Catalyzed Hydrodifluoroallylation of Terminal Alkynes to Access (E)‐1,1‐Difluoro‐1,4‐Dienes
Authors: Wu Nuo‐Yi , Huang Yangen , Xu Xiu‐Hua , Qing Feng‐Ling
Published: May 2020

A copper‐catalyzed regio‐ and stereoselective hydrodifluoroallylation of terminal alkynes was disclosed. This reaction employs easily available 3‐bromo‐3,3‐difluoropropene (BDFP) as the difluoroallylating reagent and 1,1,3,3‐tetramethyldisiloxane (TMDSO) as the hydride source, affording a variety of (E)‐1,1‐difluoro‐1,4‐dienes in moderate to good yields. The synthetic utility of this protocol has been demonstrated through the transformation of resulting (E)‐1,1‐difluoro‐1,4‐diene to difluoromethylated and trifluoromethylated derivatives.

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Smell and taste alterations in COVID‐19: a cross‐sectional analysis of different cohorts
Authors: Paderno Alberto , Schreiber Alberto , Grammatica Alberto , Raffetti Elena , Tomasoni Michele , Gualtieri Tommaso , Taboni Stefano , Zorzi Silvia , Lombardi Davide , Deganello Alberto , Redaelli De Zinis Luca Oscar , Maroldi Roberto , Mattavelli Davide
Published: May 2020

Background

Olfactory (OD) and gustatory (GD) dysfunction have been proven to be a typical symptom of severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection. However, their prevalence in different patient populations still needs to be clarified.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was performed from March 27 to April 1, 2020, in Northern Italy. Physicians administered a survey‐based questionnaire to SARS‐CoV‐2–positive patients with the aim of assessing symptoms, focusing on OD and GD. Two groups were studied: group A, patients hospitalized at Azianda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Spedali Civili University Hospital of Brescia; and group B, home‐quarantined subjects.

Results

A total of 508 patients were enrolled: 295 in group A and 213 in group B. Mean age ± standard deviation (SD) was 55 ± 15 years; 56% were men. Overall, OD and GD were present in 56% (95% confidence interval [CI], 51% to 60%) and 63% (95% CI, 59% to 67%) of cases, respectively. In group A, the prevalence of OD and GD was 44% (95% CI, 38% to 50%) and 52% (95% CI, 46% to 58%), respectively. In group B, the prevalence of OD and GD was 72% (95% CI, 65% to 79%) and 79% (95% CI, 73% to 84%), respectively. In the entire cohort, total loss of olfaction and taste was reported in 64% and 60% of cases, respectively. OD and GD occurred as the first symptom in 10% and 11% of cases, respectively; in the remaining cases, they occurred after a mean of 4 ± 3 days following the first symptom. At the time of the questionnaire, complete resolution of OD and GD was reported in 52% and 55% of cases, respectively (mean duration, 9 ± 5 days in both).

Conclusion

OD and GD are more prevalent in home‐quarantined subjects, and they are independently associated with younger age and female gender.
In Situ Formation of Polymeric Nanoassemblies Using an Efficient Reversible Click Reaction
Authors: Liu Bin , Wu Ruiling , Gong Shuai , Xiao Hang , Thayumanavan S.
Published: May 2020

Polymer–drug conjugates are promising as strategies for drug delivery, because of their high drug loading capacity and low premature release profile. However, the preparation of these conjugates is often tedious. In this paper, we report an efficient method for polymer–drug conjugates using an ultrafast and reversible click reaction in a post‐polymerization functionalization strategy. The reaction is based on the rapid condensation of boronic acid functionalities with salicylhydroxamates. The polymer, bearing the latter functionality, has been designed such that the reaction with boronic acid bearing drugs induces an in situ self‐assembly of the conjugates to form well‐defined nanostructures. We show that this method is not only applicable for molecules with an intrinsic boronic acid group, but also for the other molecules that can be linked to aryl boronic acids through a self‐immolative linker. The linker has been designed to cause traceless release of the attached drug molecules, the efficiency of which has been demonstrated through intracellular delivery.
The Rapid and Large‐Scale Production of Carbon Quantum Dots and their Integration with Polymers
Authors: Du Xiang‐Yun , Wang Cai‐Feng , Wu Guan , Chen Su
Published: May 2020

Carbon quantum dots (CDs) have inspired vast interest because of their excellent photoluminescence (PL) performances and their promising applications in optoelectronic, biomedical, and sensing fields. The development of effective approaches for the large‐scale production of CDs may greatly promote the further advancement of their practical applications. In this Minireview, the newly emerging methods for the large‐scale production of CDs are summarized, such as microwave, ultrasonic, plasma, magnetic hyperthermia, and microfluidic techniques. The use of the available strategies for constructing CD/polymer composites with intriguing solid‐state PL is then described. Particularly, the multiple roles of CDs are emphasized, including as fillers, monomers, and initiators. Moreover, typical applications of CD/polymer composites in light‐emitting diodes, fluorescent printing, and biomedicine are outlined. Finally, we discuss current problems and speculate on their future development.
Enantioselective CpxRhIII‐Catalyzed Carboaminations of Acrylates
Authors: Duchemin Coralie , Cramer Nicolai
Published: May 2020

Enantioselective carboaminations of olefins constitute an attractive strategy for a rapid increase in molecular complexity from readily available starting materials. Reported here is an intermolecular asymmetric carboamination of acrylates using rhodium(III)‐catalyzed alkenyl C−H activations of N‐enoxysuccinimides to generate the nitrogen and carbon portion for the transfer. A rhodium complex equipped with a tailored bulky trisubstituted chiral Cpx ligand ensures carboamination chemoselectivity as well high levels of enantioinduction. The transformation operates under mild reaction conditions at ambient temperatures and provides access to a variety of α‐amino esters in good yields and excellent enantiomeric ratios of >99.5:0.5.
Frailty is a predictor of moderate to severe pain after robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy: A case‐control study (FRAP study)
Authors: Momota Masaki , Hatakeyama Shingo , Soma Osamu , Hamano Itsuto , Fujita Naoki , Okamoto Teppei , Togashi Kyo , Hamaya Tomoko , Yoneyama Tohru , Yamamoto Hayato , Yoneyama Takahiro , Hashimoto Yasuhiro , Ohyama Chikara
Published: May 2020

Objective

To investigate the association of pain with frailty in patients with localized prostate cancer (PC) who underwent robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP).

Materials and Methods

Between January 2017 and June 2019, we prospectively evaluated the geriatric 8 (G8) score, simplified frailty index (sFI), and numerical rating scale (NRS) of 154 patients with localized PC who underwent RARP at our institution. NRS was measured on preoperative day 0, postoperative days 1, 2, 3, and at discharge. Moderate to severe pain was defined as NRS ≥ 5, whereas frailty was defined as G8 ≤ 14. The primary objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of moderate to severe pain (NRS ≥ 5) on frailty, postoperative complications, and the use of analgesics after RARP. Our secondary objectives were the effect of frailty on postoperative complications and the use of analgesics.

Results

The median age of participants was 69 years. Of 154 patients, 37 (24%) and 61 (40%) were classified to have NRS ≥ 5 and G8 ≤ 14, respectively. Patients with NRS > 5 presented significantly association with G8 < 14, whereas they did not show the association with sFI, complication, or analgesics. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that G8 ≤ 14 was significantly associated with NRS ≥ 5. Frailty was not significantly associated with postoperative complications and analgesics.

Conclusions

Frailty was significantly associated with moderate to severe pain after RARP, and might be a potential predictor of postoperative pain. Frail patients require individual care to avoid painful experiences.
Limitations of Incident Power Density as a Proxy for Induced Electromagnetic Fields
Authors: Christ Andreas , Samaras Theodoros , Neufeld Esra , Kuster Niels
Published: May 2020

The most recent safety guidelines define basic restrictions for electromagnetic field exposure at frequencies more than 6 GHz in terms of spatial‐ and time‐averaged transmitted power density inside the body. To enable easy‐to‐perform evaluations in situ, the reference levels for the incident power density were derived. In this study, we examined whether compliance with the reference levels always ensures compliance with basic restrictions. This was evaluated at several distances from different antennas (dipole, loop, slot, patch, and helix). Three power density definitions based on integration of the perpendicular real part of the Poynting vector, the real part of its three vector components, and its modulus were compared for averaging areas of λ2/16, 4 cm2 (below 30 GHz) and 1 cm2 (30 GHz). In the reactive near‐field (d < λ/(2π)), the transmitted power density can be underestimated if an antenna operates at the free space exposure limit. This underestimation may exceed 6 dB (4.0 times) and depends on the field source due to different coupling mechanisms. It is frequency‐dependent for fixed‐size averaging areas (4 and 1 cm2). At larger distances, transmission can be larger than the theoretical plane‐wave transmission coefficient due to backscattering between the body and field source. Using the modulus of the incident Poynting vector yields the smallest underestimation. © 2020 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
Mesenchymal stem cells engineered by modified polyethylenimine polymer for targeted cancer gene therapy, in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Salmasi Zahra , Hashemi Maryam , Mahdipour Elahe , Nourani Hossein , Abnous Khalil , Ramezani Mohammad
Published: May 2020

Cell‐based delivery system is a promising strategy to protect therapeutic agents from the immune system and provide targeted delivery. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have recently been introduced as an encouraging vehicle in cell‐based gene therapy due to their unique features including tumor‐tropic property and migratory ability. However, gene transfer into MSCs is limited due to low efficiency and cytotoxicity of carriers. In this study, we designed a novel delivery system based on polyethylenimine (PEI25) to improve these features of carrier and transfect plasmid encoding TRAIL to MSCs. Tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a death ligand of TNF family with selective effect on cancerous cells. Then, death induction and migration ability of TRAIL‐expressing MSCs was studied in melanoma cells. The effect of engineered‐MSCs as an antitumor vehicle was also investigated in mice bearing melanoma cells. Our findings indicated that heterocyclic amine derivative of PEI25 showed significant improvement in MSCs viability determined by MTT assay and gene expression using fluorescent microscopy, flow cytometry, and Western blot analysis. We observed that engineered‐MSCs could migrate toward and induce cell death in B16F0 cells in vitro. The single administration of TRAIL‐expressing MSCs could delay tumor appearance and efficiently reduce tumor weights. Hematoxylin and eosin staining of tumor sections revealed extensive neoplastic cells necrosis. Furthermore, engineered‐MSCs could migrate and localize to tumors sites within 5 days. Our results indicated that MSCs engineered by modified‐PEI/TRAIL complexes could be considered as a promising cellular vehicle for targeted tumor suppression.
Mining the role of angiopoietin‐like protein family in gastric cancer and seeking potential therapeutic targets by integrative bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Tang Cheng , Chen Erbao , Peng Ke , Wang Haiwei , Cheng Xi , Wang Yan , Yu Shan , Yu Yiyi , Cui Yuehong , Liu Tianshu
Published: May 2020

Background

The indistinctive effects of antiangiogenesis agents in gastric cancer (GC) can be attributed to multifaceted gene dysregulation associated with angiogenesis. Angiopoietin‐like (ANGPTL) proteins are secreted proteins regulating angiogenesis. They are also involved in inflammation and metabolism. Emerging evidences have revealed their various roles in carcinogenesis and metastasis development. However, the mRNA expression profiles, prognostic values, and biological functions of ANGPTL proteins in GC are still elucidated.

Methods

We compared the transcriptional expression levels of ANGPTL proteins between GC and normal gastric tissues using ONCOMINE and TCGA‐STAD. The prognostic values were evaluated by LinkedOmics and Kaplan–Meier Plotter, while the association of expression levels with clinicopathological features was generated through cBioPortal. We conducted the functional enrichment analysis with Metascape.

Results

The expression of ANGPTL1/3/6 was lower in GC tissues than in normal gastric tissues. High expression of ANGPTL1/2/4 was correlated with short overall survival and post‐progression survival in GC patients. Upregulated ANGPTL1/2 was correlated with higher histological grade, non‐intestinal Lauren classification, and advanced T stage, while ANGPTL4 exhibited high expression in early T stage, M1 stage, and non‐intestinal Lauren classification.

Conclusions

Integrative bioinformatics analysis suggests that ANGPTL1/2/4 may be potential therapeutic targets in GC patients. Among them, ANGPTL2 acts as a GC promoter, while ANGPTL1/4’s role in GC is still uncertain.
Plumbagin‐Serum Albumin Interaction: Spectral, Electrochemical, Structure‐Binding Analysis, Antiproliferative and Cell Signaling Aspects with Implications for Anticancer Therapy
Authors: Chrastina Adrian , Welsh John , Rondeau Gaelle , Abedinpour Parisa , Borgström Per , Baron Véronique T.
Published: May 2020

Plumbagin (5‐hydroxy‐2‐methyl‐1,4‐naphthoquinone) is a small molecule with potent anticancer activity. Like other 1,4‐naphthoquinones, it exhibits electrophilic reactivity towards biological nucleophiles. We demonstrate that plumbagin and structurally related 1,4‐naphthoquinones with at least one unsubstituted quinoid carbon (C2 or C3) bind to albumin, an ubiquitously present nucleophile, with minimum recovery of free drug. Extraction recovery of plumbagin from albumin in solution showed one‐phase exponential decline with a half‐live of 9.3 min at 10 μmol/L. In the presence of albumin, plumbagin exhibited instant changes in UV/Vis absorption bands. Electrochemical analysis using cyclic voltammetry showed a decrease in redox peak currents over time until electro‐inactivity, thus suggesting the formation of a supramolecular adduct inaccessible for electron transfer. The adduct inhibited cell growth and caused cell‐cycle arrest of prostate cancer cells, in part by decreasing levels of the cell‐cycle regulator RBBP. The conjugate displayed similar cellular effects to those described for plumbagin, such as decreased levels of androgen receptor and protein kinase C epsilon. The effect of plumbagin‐albumin on cancer cells was species‐specific, suggesting a receptor‐mediated mechanism. Furthermore, it was blocked by cathepsin inhibitor pepstatin A, indicating that lysosomal degradation is involved in the processing of plumbagin‐albumin adduct. The spontaneously formed adduct of plumbagin with serum albumin is likely to mediate the biological activities of plumbagin in vivo and to fundamentally influence its pharmacodynamics.
Lithium‐Ion‐Based Electrochemical Energy Storage in a Layered Vanadium Formate Coordination Polymer
Authors: Anjana P. K. , Babu Binson , Shaijumon M. M. , Thirumurugan A.
Published: May 2020

A vanadium formate (VF) coordination polymer and its composite with partially reduced graphene oxide (prGO), namely VF‐prGO, can be applied as anode materials for Li‐ion based electrochemical energy storage (EcES) systems in the potential range of 0–3 V (vs Li+/Li). This study shows that a reversible capacity of 329 mAh g−1 at a current density of 50 mA g−1 after 50 cycles can be realized for VF along with a high rate capability. The composite exhibits even a higher capacity of 504 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1. A good capacity retention is observed even after 140 cycles for both VF and the composite. An ex‐situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy study indicates the involvement of V3+/V4+ redox couple in the charge storage mechanism. A significant contribution of this reversible capacity is attributed to the pseudocapacitive behavior of the system.
Doxorubicin‐Conjugated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles: Surface Engineering and Biomedical Investigation
Authors: Oleksa Viktoriia , Macková Hana , Patsula Vitalii , Dydowiczová Aneta , Janoušková Olga , Horák Daniel
Published: May 2020

Development of therapeutic systems to treat glioblastoma, the most common and aggressive brain tumor, belongs to priority tasks in cancer research. We have synthesized colloidally stable magnetic nanoparticles (Dh=336 nm) coated with doxorubicin (Dox) conjugated copolymers of N,N‐dimethylacrylamide and either N‐acryloylglycine methyl ester or N‐acryloylmethyl 6‐aminohexanoate. The terminal carboxyl groups of the copolymers were reacted with alendronate by carbodiimide formation. Methyl ester groups were then transferred to hydrazides for binding Dox by a hydrolytically labile hydrazone bond. The polymers were subsequently bound on the magnetic nanoparticles through bisphosphonate terminal groups. Finally, the anticancer effect of the Dox‐conjugated particles was investigated using the U‐87 glioblastoma cell line in terms of particle internalization and cell viability, which decreased to almost zero at a concentration of 100 μg of particles per ml. These results confirmed that poly(N,N‐dimethylacrylamide)‐coated magnetic nanoparticles can serve as a solid support for Dox delivery to glioblastoma cells.
Simple and Sustainable Preparation of Nonactivated Porous Carbon from Brewing Waste for High‐Performance Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Tesio Alvaro Y. , Gómez‐Cámer Juan Luis , Morales Julián , Caballero Alvaro
Published: May 2020

The development of renewable energy sources requires the parallel development of sustainable energy storage systems because of its noncontinuous production. Even the most‐used battery on the planet, the lithium‐ion battery, is reaching its technological limit. In light of this, lithium–sulfur batteries have emerged as one of the most promising technologies to address this problem. The use of biomass to produce cathodes for these batteries addresses not only the aforementioned problem, but it also reduces the carbon footprint and gives added value to something normally considered waste. Here, the production, by simple and nonactivating pyrolysis, of a carbon material using the abundant “after‐boiling waste” derived from beer brewing is reported. After adding a high sulfur loading (70 %) to this biowaste‐derived carbon by the “melt diffusion” method, the sulfur–carbon composite is used as an effective cathode in Li–S batteries. The cathode shows excellent performance, reaching high capacity values with long‐term cyclability at high current—847 mAh g−1 at 1 C, 586 mAh g−1 at 2 C, and even 498 mAh g−1 at 5 C after 400 cycles—drastically reducing capacity loss to values approaching 0.01 % per cycle. This work demonstrates the possibility of obtaining low‐cost, highly sustainable cathodic materials for the design of advanced energy storage systems.
Facile Preparation of 3‐Acetamido‐5‐acetylfuran from N‐Acetyl‐d‐glucosamine by using Commercially Available Aluminum Salts
Authors: Padovan Daniele , Kobayashi Hirokazu , Fukuoka Atsushi
Published: May 2020

3‐Acetamido‐5‐acetylfuran (3A5AF) is a promising intermediate obtained from chitin for the production of N‐containing value‐added chemicals. However, the synthetic method is complicated so far, which has limited further investigation using 3A5AF. Herein, a facile method was developed for synthesizing 3A5AF from N‐acetyl‐d‐glucosamine (NAG), including a simple isolation procedure. A 30 % yield of 3A5AF was obtained by performing the dehydration of NAG in N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) solvent in the presence of AlCl3⋅6 H2O at a temperature as low as 120 °C by conventional heating for 30 min. This method tolerated a wide range of temperature and concentration of substrate, thus easily allowing scale‐up of the reaction. The produced 3A5AF was isolated with 98 % purity by simple column chromatography. Additionally, a highly functionalized N‐containing lactone was identified as a byproduct under these reaction conditions.
Postrelease movement and habitat selection of translocated pine martensMartes martes
Authors: McNicol Catherine M. , Bavin David , Bearhop Stuart , Bridges Josie , Croose Elizabeth , Gill Robin , Goodwin Cecily E. D. , Lewis John , MacPherson Jenny , Padfield Daniel , Schofield Henry , Silk Matthew J. , Tomlinson Alexandra J. , McDonald Robbie A.
Published: May 2020

Monitoring postrelease establishment and movement of animals is important in evaluating conservation translocations. We translocated 39 wild pine martensMartes martes(19 females, 20 males) from Scotland to Wales. We released them into forested areas with no conspecifics in 2015, followed by a second release in 2016, alongside the previously released animals. We used radio‐tracking to describe postrelease movement and habitat selection. Six martens (15%) were not re‐encountered during the tracking period, of which four undertook long‐distance dispersal. For the remaining individuals, we characterized two phases of movement, “exploration” followed by “settlement,” that differed between releases. In the first release, martens remained in exploration phase for a mean of 14.5 days (SE = 3.9 days) and settled at a mean distance of 8.7 km (SE = 1.8 km) from release sites, whereas martens released in year two, alongside resident conspecifics, traveled away from release sites at a faster rate, settling sooner, at a mean of 6.6 days (SE = 1.8 days), but further, at a mean distance of 14.0 km (SE = 1.7 km) from release sites. Animals released in year one did not exhibit habitat preferences overall but within forests they favored recently felled areas, whereas animals released in year two showed strong selection for forested habitat but did not discriminate between forest types. The presence of conspecifics appeared influential for settlement and site fidelity of translocated martens and was associated with more rapid but more distant dispersal of the later cohort. Releases of animals in close proximity appeared to promote site fidelity and rapid establishment of ranges in the recipient environment.
Circulating protein biomarkers predict incident hypertensive heart failure independently of N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide levels
Authors: Fernandez Celine , Rysä Jaana , Ström Kristoffer , Nilsson Jan , Engström Gunnar , Orho‐Melander Marju , Ruskoaho Heikki , Melander Olle
Published: May 2020

Aims

Hypertension is the leading cause for the development of heart failure (HF). Here, we aimed to identify cardiomyocyte stretch‐induced circulating biomarkers for predicting hypertension‐associated HF.

Methods and results

Circulating levels of 149 proteins were measured by proximity extension assay at baseline examination in 4742 individuals from the Malmö Diet and Cancer study. Protein levels were compared with stretch‐activated gene expression changes in cultured neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs) in response to 1–48 h of mechanical stretch. We also studied the association between protein levels and hypertension and HF incidence using respectively binary logistic and Cox regressions. Levels of 35 proteins were differentially expressed after Bonferroni correction in incident HF vs. control (P < 3.4E−4). Growth differentiation factor‐15 (GDF‐15), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), IL‐1 receptor type 1, and urokinase plasminogen activator surface receptor had corresponding mRNA levels up‐regulated by stretch in NRVMs at all time points (P < 0.05). These four proteins were individually associated with increased risk of HF after age and sex adjustment [hazard ratio (HR) per standard deviation: 1.19 ≤ HR ≤ 1.49, P ≤ 4.90E−3]. GDF‐15 and IL‐6 were associated with HF independently of each other (1.22 ≤ HR ≤ 1.33, P ≤ 0.001). In subjects with hypertension, these associations remained significant after further adjustment for N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) levels (1.23 ≤ HR ≤ 1.45, P ≤ 0.001). A higher fasting value of a GDF‐15, IL‐6 score aggregate was associated with increased risk of hypertensive HF after adjustment for all traditional risk factors for HF and NT‐proBNP (HR = 1.31, P = 2.19E−4).

Conclusions

Cardiomyocyte mRNA levels of GDF‐15 and IL‐6 are consistently up‐regulated by stretch, and their circulating protein levels predict HF in hypertensive subjects independently of NT‐proBNP during long‐term follow‐up. Our results encourage further studies on lower blood pressure goals in hypertensive subjects with high GDF‐15 and IL‐6, and interventions targeted at stretch‐induced cardiomyocyte expressed biomarkers.
On the use of the coefficient of variation to quantify and compare trait variation
Authors: Pélabon Christophe , Hilde Christoffer H. , Einum Sigurd , Gamelon Marlène
Published: May 2020

Meaningful comparison of variation in quantitative trait requires controlling for both the dimension of the varying entity and the dimension of the factor generating variation. Although the coefficient of variation (CV; standard deviation divided by the mean) is often used to measure and compare variation of quantitative traits, it only accounts for the dimension of the former, and its use for comparing variation may sometimes be inappropriate. Here, we discuss the use of the CV to compare measures of evolvability and phenotypic plasticity, two variational properties of quantitative traits. Using a dimensional analysis, we show that contrary to evolvability, phenotypic plasticity cannot be meaningfully compared across traits and environments by mean-scaling trait variation. We further emphasize the need of remaining cognizant of the dimensions of the traits and the relationship between mean and standard deviation when comparing CVs, even when the scales on which traits are expressed allow meaningful calculation of the CV.
Growth and capacity for cost‐effectiveness analysis in Africa
Authors: Panzer Ari D. , Emerson Joanna G. , D'Cruz Brittany , Patel Avnee , Dabak Saudamini , Isaranuwatchai Wanrudee , Teerawattananon Yot , Ollendorf Daniel A. , Neumann Peter J. , Kim David D.
Published: May 2020

As economic evaluation becomes increasingly essential to support universal health coverage (UHC), we aim to understand the growth, characteristics, and quality of cost‐effectiveness analyses (CEA) conducted for Africa and to assess institutional capacity and relationship patterns among authors. We searched the Tufts Medical Center CEA Registries and four databases to identify CEAs for Africa. After extracting relevant information, we examined study characteristics, cost‐effectiveness ratios, individual and institutional contribution to the literature, and network dyads at the author, institution, and country levels. The 358 identified CEAs for Africa primarily focused on sub‐Saharan Africa (96%) and interventions for communicable diseases (77%). Of 2,121 intervention‐specific ratios, 8% were deemed cost‐saving, and most evaluated immunizations strategies. As 64% of studies included at least one African author, we observed widespread collaboration among international researchers and institutions. However, only 23% of first authors were affiliated with African institutions. The top producers of CEAs among African institutions are more adherent to methodological and reporting guidelines. Although economic evidence in Africa has grown substantially, the capacity for generating such evidence remains limited. Increasing the ability of regional institutions to produce high‐quality evidence and facilitate knowledge transfer among African institutions has the potential to inform prioritization decisions for designing UHC.
Quercetin alleviated H2O2‐induced apoptosis and steroidogenic impairment in goat luteinized granulosa cells
Authors: Li Manman , Xue Yang , Yu Hao , Mao Dagan
Published: May 2020

Quercetin (Que) is a natural flavonoid in most plants. Luteinized granulosa cell (LGC) culture is necessary for the study of follicle growth/differentiation. In the present study, we analyzed the role of Que in steroid production and apoptosis in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)‐treated goat LGCs. The results showed that treatment with H2O2 induced apoptosis in goat LGCs, and treatment with Que decreased LGC apoptosis induced by H2O2 (P < .05), accompanied with the different expressions of BAX, BCL‐2, Caspase 3, and Cleaved caspase 3. Meanwhile, the messenger RNA expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2 like 2 (Nrf2) and its downstream genes were upregulated with H2O2 +Que treatment, accompanied by the increased cellular viability (P < .05). Furthermore, Que alleviated H2O2‐induced reduction in the secretion of progesterone (P4) (P < .05); however, it had no effect on the secretion of estrogen (E2). Simultaneously, the expressions of StAR and P450scc were increased when treated with Que +H2O2, compared with the group treated with only H2O2 (P < .05). In conclusion, it is observed that Que could alleviate the H2O2‐induced apoptosis and steroidogenic impairment in goat LGCs, which might be mediated by the Nrf2 pathway.
Measuring therapists' attitudes toward integration of technology in psychotherapy and predicting their use of technology
Authors: Bagarić Branka , Jokić‐Begić Nataša
Published: May 2020

Objectives

We aimed to develop a measure of psychotherapists' attitudes toward integrating technology in psychotherapy—The Therapists' Attitudes toward using Modern Technologies in Psychotherapy and Counselling Scale (MTPS), to analyze its latent structure and test its reliability and validity.

Method

Items were developed based on interviews with psychotherapists, followed by two online surveys with psychotherapists (N1 = 219; N2 = 369) in five countries in South‐eastern Europe.

Results

The MTPS has a 4‐factor structure: perceived potential of modern technologies (MTs) to augment therapeutic improvement, perceived psychoeducational value of MTs, perceived risks associated with using MTs, and perceived relevance of MTs. Specific dimensions of the MTPS predicted psychotherapists' behaviors and intentions regarding technology (Rc = 0.15–0.46). The reliability of the MTPS subscales was satisfactory.

Conclusion

MTPS appears to be a useful instrument. Exploring psychotherapists' attitudes assists in predicting obstacles to the implementation of technology in psychotherapy and planning adequate intervention to overcome it.
Mental health and sleep disparities in an urban college sample: A longitudinal examination of White and Black students
Authors: Dzierzewski Joseph M. , Ravyts Scott G. , Dautovich Natalie D. , Perez Elliottnell , Schreiber Dana , Rybarczyk Bruce D.
Published: May 2020

Objective

Racial disparities in sleep may be consequential among college students given high rates of dysfunctional sleep among this population. The present study sought to investigate whether disparities in sleep explain existing mental health disparities.

Method

Data included secondary analysis of a college risk behaviors and health study (n = 1242, mean age = 18.5). Race was dichotomized as White or Black, excluding all others, with participants completing measures of sleep at baseline and measures of depression and anxiety at follow‐up 1 to 2 years later.

Results

Compared to White students, Black students were more likely to report lower rates of depression and anxiety, but poorer sleep outcomes. Mediation analyses revealed that sleep partially mediated (suppressed) the association between race and depressive and anxiety symptoms.

Conclusions

Results indicate that disparities in sleep may play an important role in the association between race and mental health symptoms among college students. Future health disparity research would benefit from exploring the potentially bidirectional relationship between sleep and mental health symptoms among college students.
An exploration of relationship between self‐compassion and voice‐related distress in people who hear voices
Authors: Norman Debbie , Correia Helen , Paulik Georgie
Published: May 2020

Objective

The cognitive behavior model of voice hearing suggests individuals who have lower self‐esteem, perceive themselves to be of low social rank, and hold negative beliefs about their voices, are more distressed by their voices. Self‐compassion may help reduce voice‐related distress through the activation of positive self and social mentalities. The aim of the present study was to examine the role of self‐compassion in variables within the cognitive behavior model.

Method

Measures assessing self‐compassion, negative affect, self‐esteem, voice malevolence, omnipotence, and distress were administered to a sample of clinical voice hearers (N = 53).

Results

Correlation and mediation analyses were conducted. Higher self‐compassion was associated with lower negative affect, voice malevolence, omnipotence, and distress. Voice malevolence was found to mediate the relationship between self‐compassion and voice distress. Self‐compassion was a stronger predictor of these constructs than self‐esteem.

Conclusion

Improving self‐compassion may have significant clinical benefits in reducing voice‐related distress.
Prosthetic valve endocarditis presenting with back pain alone: A case report
Authors: Sato Toshihiro , Morioka Shinichiro , Nakamoto Takato , Nakamura Keiji , Irisawa Yusuke , Horai Tetsuya , Ohmagari Norio
Published: May 2020

We report a case of a 64‐year‐old woman with a past medical history (PMH) of prosthetic valve replacement 7 months prior to admission, who presented with only right back pain. Physical examination revealed one conjunctival spot hemorrhage and a mild systolic murmur. Blood cultures were positive for methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis. Trans‐esophageal echocardiography revealed aortic valve vegetations; hence, a diagnosis of prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) was made. Clinical presentation of infective endocarditis varies and sometimes mimics that of polymyalgia rheumatica. The patient was diagnosed as PVE considering the whole clinical picture including the patient's PMH, physical examination, and blood cultures.
Epidemiology of influenza in hospitalized children with respiratory tract infection in Suzhou area from 2016 to 2019
Authors: Rao Xingyu , Chen Zhengrong , Dong Heting , Zhu Canhong , Yan Yongdong
Published: May 2020

Influenza is a contagious respiratory disease and risks public health in China, and it has caused wide public concern in recent years. Immunocompromised patients, such as children and elderly people, suffer more severe influenza complication and some extreme cases are even life threatening. To identify the influenza characteristics and its correlation with various climatic and environmental pollution factors, we collected the reported influenza epidemic of hospitalized children in Children's Hospital of Soochow University from 2016 to 2019. Our results show that the main influenza virus subtypes are A/H1N1, A/H3N2, B/BV, and B/BY. We also identified the characteristics of the prevalent influenza virus subtypes in different months, seasons, years, and patients' age. Of all the influenza infected patients, the most susceptible groups are children over 3 to 5 years of age, and more cases are reported in winter than other seasons. We also found that influenza is also highly correlated with climatic and environmental pollution factors, and the autoregressive integrated moving average model is employed for the short‐term influenza prediction in Suzhou city, which can provide scientific basis for the prevention and control of influenza and public health decision‐making.
Prophylactic thoracic duct ligation is associated with poor prognosis and regional lymph node relapse in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Chen Jun‐Ying , Liu Qian‐Wen , Zhang Shui‐Shen , Li Jin‐Bo , Yang Hong , Wen Jing , Fu Jian‐Hua
Published: May 2020

Objectives

The ligation of thoracic duct interrupts the normal lymphatic circulation. Whether the ligation of thoracic duct would affect tumor recurrence and patient survival is unclear.

Methods

The correlations between prophylactic thoracic duct ligation (PLG) and prognosis were examined in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Patients who received Ivor Lewis or McKeown esophagectomy with systemic lymph node dissection and R0 resection between 2003 and 2013 in Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer Center were included in the study.

Results

A total number of 473 and 462 were included in the PLG group and non‐prophylactic thoracic duct ligation (NPLG) group, respectively. The PLG group had a lower 5‐year survival rate (48.2% vs 61.6%, P < .001). After a 1:1 propensity score matching, 874 cases (437 pairs) were included and the survival analysis showed that PLG was associated with worse 5‐year cumulative survival of 48.6% vs 61.6% in those patients without ligation (P < .001). The multivariate analysis revealed that PLG was an independent factor for poor prognosis after esophagectomy (hazard ratio, HR = 1.56; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI, 1.26‐1.93, P < .001). Additionally, PLG was associated with regional lymph node relapse (P = .015).

Conclusions

PLG should not be performed routinely if no sign of thoracic duct rupture or tumor invasion were identified.